Abstract: The rapid growth in e-commerce calls for research on the potential of electric vehicles in improving last mile delivery. Whereas existing studies have examined aspects of last mile delivery, such as challenges, acceptance/ benefits, and feasibility, the studies are fragmented, with conflicting findings and regional differences. Thus, there is a need for a comprehensive understanding of the studies to map out current research trends and propose future research agendas. To address this research gap, a bibliometric review was conducted on 375 publications from the Scopus database. Findings reveal that pioneering countries like the USA have researched integrating electric vehicles into last mile delivery systems, focusing on technological advancements such as battery technologies and smart grids. The sustainability theme is common in most studies, focusing on controlling carbon emissions and energy efficiency. The electric micro-mobility theme has grown in recent years, while emerging technologies remain underexplored, especially in developing economies. Future research should address the underexplored areas. These include charging infrastructure, electric micro-mobility innovations, alongside the social and ethical implications of integrating emerging technologies into electric vehicles for last mile delivery.

Abstract: This systematic literature review explores the evolution of research design in the social sciences, focusing on the methodological developments, challenges, and innovations that have shaped the field over time. The review traces the historical trajectory of research methods, starting from the dominance of positivist paradigms and the gradual incorporation of qualitative methodologies. The integration of mixed-methods approaches, which combine quantitative and qualitative techniques, has emerged as a significant milestone, allowing researchers to address multifaceted research questions with greater depth and rigor. Technological advancements, including the rise of digital tools such as online surveys, social media analytics, and machine learning, have further transformed research practices, enabling large-scale data collection and analysis. However, these developments also introduce new ethical dilemmas, particularly concerning data privacy and representation, which require robust frameworks to guide researchers. Additionally, the review highlights the increasing emphasis on ethical considerations, particularly participatory and inclusive research methodologies, which prioritize marginalized voices and emphasize reflexivity. Interdisciplinary collaborations have been crucial in driving methodological innovation, as social scientists collaborate with researchers from other fields to address complex global issues such as climate change, public health, and social inequality. Finally, the review discusses the pedagogical implications of these developments, emphasizing the importance of fostering critical thinking, methodological literacy, and ethical sensitivity among students and researchers. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of research design in social sciences, offering insights into future directions for methodological advancement.

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Purpose: This systematic literature review aimed to analyze trends, key findings, and research opportunities in manufacturing sustainability from 2019 to 2023. Methodology: A systematic review of 134 publications was conducted, focusing on technological advancements, research gaps, and the impact of global events on manufacturing sustainability. Findings: The review revealed: (1) A shift towards advanced technologies like AI and blockchain, driving sustainability improvements; (2) Significant research gaps in social, policy, and regulatory dimensions; (3) The COVID-19 pandemic's role in accelerating digital transformation in manufacturing. Practical implications: Strategic recommendations are provided for industry, policymakers, and academics to address identified gaps and leverage emerging technologies for sustainable manufacturing. Originality: This review offers a comprehensive analysis of current trends and critical areas for future research in manufacturing sustainability, particularly in the context of rapid technological advancements and global disruptions.

Abstract: This research examines the impact of Social Media Marketing on preserving local wisdom on Lombok Island. By employing quantitative methods and multiple linear regression, the study evaluated five independent variables: social media marketing content (X1), user interaction on social media (X2), paid advertising on social media (X3), entertainment and trends on social media (X4), and Electronic Word-of-Mouth (e-WOM) (X5), on the preservation of local traditions and culture (Y). Data from 108 randomly selected participants revealed that user interaction on social media (X2) exerted the most significant influence on the preservation of local traditions and culture, with a coefficient of 0.532 and a t-value of 5.108, significant at p < 0.001. The other variables—content marketing, paid advertising, entertainment, and e-WOM—did not exhibit significant effects. These results indicate that marketing strategies emphasizing active user engagement on social media are more effective in promoting the preservation of local wisdom. Consequently, it is advised that programs aimed at preserving local traditions and culture should prioritize enhancing user interaction on social media, complemented by a holistic approach integrating diverse marketing and community engagement techniques.

Abstract: This article offers a clear and approachable introduction to the evolving landscape of money and the frictions developing between traditional government control and decentralized finance (DeFi). Tailored for readers with a basic awareness of cryptocurrency but limited familiarity with its broader implications, the article demystifies DeFi by explaining its core concepts including blockchain, Centralized Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and the historical role of government regulation of money through central banking. Against this backdrop, it examines the transformative potential of DeFi, emphasizing the growing tension between the centralized authority of governments and the decentralized ideals driving this new financial model. While governments seek to maintain stability and control, individuals increasingly gravitate toward the more affordable, efficient, and inclusive solutions promised by DeFi. Designed to empower readers with a better grasp of the forces shaping the future of finance, this article underscores the importance of understanding the delicate interplay between governmental oversight and decentralized innovation. As the digital economy expands, this dynamic struggle will influence not only economic policies but also person-al financial choices and access to resources.

Abstract: This paper presents a novel method for measuring the localness of a company in an innovative and reliable way, motivated by the growing consumer interest in purchasing local products and supporting local economies. The proposed Expenses Localness Indicators (ELI) model uses existing data from information systems to define Localness Indicators, and incorporates Localness Levels based on geographic and economic criteria. It can be applied to any type of financial entity and overcomes the difficulty of defining localness in e-commerce companies or digital businesses in general. Previous studies have examined the impact of localness and investigated its effectiveness as a branding strategy for managers, mainly through product traceability. The ELI model uses as data the expenses of a company paid to other financial entities. The Expenses Localness Indicators are determined based on the distribution of these payments combined with the localness of the paid financial entities. These Indicators represent the degree of localness as a percentage, ranging from 0% (non-local) to 100% (fully local), and may vary over time. The results of the presented examples indicate that a company’s localness increases as it spends more of its expenses on local financial entities and vice versa. Specific strategies have been tested using synthetic data that demonstrate the correct functioning of the model’s indicators. The ELI model could be used to provide reliable and certifiable information to consumers who want to know where their money goes when they buy products. It could also be established as a valid indicator of localness to provide information that researchers, government agencies and professionals can use to promote local entrepreneurship.

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The digital transformation of supply chain management has emerged as a strategic imperative in response to the complexities of today’s interconnected and fast-paced business environment. This paper investigates the transformative role of digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud computing, in enhancing supply chain efficiency, agility, and resilience. By enabling real-time communication, network visibility, and data-driven decision-making, these technologies empower organizations to address contemporary challenges and unlock new opportunities for innovation and optimization. Using a rigorous methodological approach, including Principal Component Analysis, correlation matrix examination, and multiple regression analysis, this research provides empirical insights into the relationship between digital transformation and supply chain management efficiency. Findings reveal that connectivity is a critical enabler of transparency, collaboration, and responsiveness across supply chain networks. A balanced approach that integrates internal process optimization with robust external partnerships is essential to maximize digital transformation benefits. The findings underscore the strategic imperative of adopting digital technologies to achieve sustained competitiveness, resilience, and innovation in the evolving global supply chain landscape.

Abstract: This study examines how uncertainty and global risk affect financial markets in emerging economies, focusing on foreign investment, CDS spreads, exchange rates, and stock return volatility. Using over 8.6 million ticker-transaction observations and structural vector autoregression (VAR) models, the research finds that increases in Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) significantly reduce foreign net buys, more than global market volatility (VIX). While global volatility drives CDS spreads, these spreads influence exchange rates, causing currency depreciation. The findings highlight the interconnectedness of uncertainty, global risk, and market instability, offering insights for managing risks in opaque markets and improving financial stability.

Abstract: In recent years, there has been an increase in awareness regarding the sustainable use of water across various industries, including the gastronomic sector. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the impact of corporate social responsibility on environmental awareness, moral commitment, corporate image, and the intention of gastronomic SMEs to make proper use of water. To achieve this, 354 surveys were conducted with restaurant entrepreneurs in Santiago, Chile, and a PLS-SEM model was applied for data analysis. Among the results, it is noteworthy that social responsibility had a greater effect on ecological awareness as well as on the intention to care for water. These findings reflect the importance of water conservation by entrepreneurs and their employees, as they are more directly involved in managing this resource.

Abstract: This study is intended to identify the sources of risk faced by farmers producing vegetables in greenhouses and to present the risk management strategies they apply against those risks. In this context, a face-to-face survey was conducted with a total of 200 farmers, 100 of whom had agricultural insurance and the rest did not. The survey was conducted in October-November and April-May in the production period of 2022–2023. For the study, 36 potential risk sources and 33 risk management strategies were identified. Farmers were asked to evaluate these variables based on a 5-point Likert scale accordingly, farmers who have agricultural insurance consider inflation, steadily increasing input prices, and no increase in market prices of farmers' products very important sources of risk. On the other hand, farmers who do not have agricultural insurance consider steadily increasing input prices, inflation, climate change very important. In the study, the important risk management strategies applied by farmers who have agricultural insurance were found to be combating diseases with pesticides, increasing solvency, and producing at lowest costs possible. The important risk management strategies applied by farmers who do not have agricultural insurance are combating diseases with pesticides, expanding the social network and following the media. A factor analysis was also conducted to reduce the number of variables and to facilitate interpretation.