The escalating migration from rural to urban locales necessitates an augmented demand for the workforce, local utility services, and mechanization to sustain a balance conducive to public health. This investigation delineates the pivotal role of human resources in executing daily operations required for the upkeep of public green and asphalted areas within Doboj, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is posited that teamwork and the requisite competencies of the workforce are integral to the utility company’s efficacy and the establishment of conditions requisite for addressing business tasks delineated on weekly and monthly schedules. A cohort of 20 personnel, tasked with the aforementioned responsibilities, was segmented into three categories, predicated upon their skills and capability to fulfil the designated tasks within specified temporal bounds. A novel hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model, integrating Improved fuzzy Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (IMF SWARA) with Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (MARCOS), was employed to appraise employees across the designated categories. Decision-makers articulated five criteria, which were quantified via the IMF SWARA methodology. Subsequently, the appraisal of worker categories through three discrete models was undertaken employing the MARCOS technique. Outcomes for each category were individually derived and subjected to verification tests, revealing that criterion significance markedly influences human resource ranking. This study underscores the crucial intersection between environmental stewardship and human resource management, advocating for a systematic approach to urban maintenance that leverages MCDM techniques to optimize workforce performance.

Directors’ and Officers’ (D&O) liability insurance is a type of professional liability insurance that provides a safety net for corporate risks. This study, using data from Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2020, examines the impact of D&O Liability Insurance on corporate strategic deviation from the perspective of corporate risk-taking, providing evidence for corporate strategic decision-making and governance. Empirical research finds that the purchase of D&O Liability Insurance directly leads to an increase in strategic deviation. Furthermore, the act of purchasing D&O Liability Insurance significantly enhances the company's capability to take risks, thereby further increasing the degree of strategic deviation. This conclusion holds even after controlling for potential endogeneity issues and changing the measurement methods of core variables. Further analysis reveals that D&O liability insurance has a more significantly positive effect on the strategic deviation of non-state-owned enterprises and larger-sized companies. Compared to before purchasing the insurance, companies have significantly improved their risk-taking ability and strategic deviation after purchasing the insurance.

In the realm of sustainable development, the integrity and transparency of data play pivotal roles. This study investigates the utility of blockchain technology in augmenting the monitoring and auditing facets of sustainable development initiatives. It is posited that blockchain's inherent attributes—namely its robustness in ensuring data integrity and fostering trust—hold substantial promise in enhancing environmental performance and informed decision-making. Specifically, applications in environmental impact reporting and supply chain management are examined. The findings suggest that blockchain technology can significantly contribute to these areas by offering unprecedented levels of transparency and reliability in data handling. However, the potential of blockchain is not without its challenges. The study underscores the imperative of addressing network security and data privacy concerns. It is argued that effective governance structures and risk management strategies are essential to fully leverage the benefits of blockchain, whilst concurrently mitigating inherent risks. The integration of blockchain into risk management processes notably impacts environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) objectives. A critical analysis of the risks associated with blockchain-based processes is conducted, culminating in the development of strategic recommendations aimed at minimizing these risks. The ultimate goal is to bolster corporate effectiveness, efficiency, and yield cost benefits through the deployment of secure and reliable blockchain solutions. The study posits that the judicious integration of blockchain technology can lead to substantial improvements in organizational performance, particularly in the context of sustainable development. Emphasis is placed on the need for continual analysis and refinement of risk management strategies in the evolving landscape of blockchain technology, to ensure that its application remains both impactful and responsible.

In the realm of contemporary logistics, the criticality of intermodal terminals as central nodes for seamless cargo transitions between various transportation modes is well-recognized. This study focuses on the strategic integration of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies to advance the operational efficiency of these terminals. A hybrid Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodology, amalgamating the Best-Worst Method (BWM) and Axial Distance based Aggregated Measurement (ADAM), is employed for a systematic evaluation. This approach facilitates the identification and prioritization of key I4.0 technologies. Findings of this study underscore the paramount importance of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial and Ambient Intelligence, and Autonomous and Automated Guided Vehicles in revolutionizing terminal efficiency. The efficacy of the proposed hybrid model is demonstrated in its capacity to generate practical, insightful recommendations for technology selection, thereby guiding stakeholders in making informed investments. These investments are projected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of intermodal terminals and, by extension, the efficiency of the overall supply chain. The contribution of this study lies in its addressal of the existing research gap concerning the applicability and selection of I4.0 technologies in intermodal transport terminals (ITTs). It offers a novel, pragmatic framework for stakeholders within the logistics sector, aimed at facilitating the modernization and optimization of terminal operations. The insights and strategic directions provided herein are anticipated to be of substantial value to those endeavoring to navigate the complexities of terminal modernization in the era of I4.0.

The advent of digital technology has fundamentally altered the traditional modes of information exchange within enterprises, thereby impacting the concentration of supply chains. This study presents an empirical examination of the effects and underlying mechanisms by which digital transformation influences supply chain concentration, utilizing data from Chinese A-share listed companies spanning 2011 to 2021. The findings reveal that digital transformation enhances information transparency and reduces transaction costs, consequently contributing to a decrease in the concentration of enterprise supply chains. It is observed that the adoption of digital transformation leads to a significant diminution in supply chain concentration, a conclusion that retains its significance even under robustness testing. Further investigation indicates a more pronounced impact of digital transformation on diminishing the concentration of state-owned enterprise supply chains compared to their non-state-owned counterparts. This research enriches the understanding of the impact of digital transformation on supply chain concentration, offering theoretical support for the acceleration of a unified large market development in China. The study underscores the transformative role of digital technology in reshaping enterprise supply chains, highlighting the necessity for strategic digital integration in modern business practices.

In the context of the global supply chain, the selection of Cold Chain Logistics Service Providers (CCLSPs) emerges as a paramount challenge, particularly for the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. This study introduces a structured decision-making framework, addressing the need for efficient and reliable logistics services in this sector. Central to the framework is a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model, which synergizes Fuzzy FActor RElationship (Fuzzy FARE) and Fuzzy Axial Distance based Aggregated Measurement (Fuzzy ADAM). This innovative approach is aimed at refining criteria weight determination and enhancing provider ranking accuracy. Special emphasis is placed on the integration of fuzzy logic to manage the inherent uncertainties present in subjective evaluations and decision data. The investigation underscores the criticality of factors such as stringent temperature control, robust infrastructure, and adherence to regulatory standards in the selection process. An application of this methodology is demonstrated through a case study involving the ranking of ten logistics providers in South-East Europe. The study's contributions are twofold: it advances the theoretical framework of supply chain management methodologies and offers a pragmatic tool for businesses operating within temperature-sensitive logistics networks. Prospective research directions include the adaptation of this framework to various regional contexts and the incorporation of emerging technologies, ensuring the framework's applicability and relevance in the dynamic domain of cold chain logistics.

Recent financial scandals and crises have underscored the criticality of robust risk management practices, particularly in the realm of information technology (IT). This study explores the implementation of an Information Technology Risk Management (ITRM) system within an African airline, utilizing the RITM 23 methodological approach. RITM 23, a comprehensive framework, integrates standards from enterprise risk management (ISO 31000 and COSO ERM) and ITRM (COBIT 5), guiding organizations through framing the project, data collection, development of the ITRM system, and its subsequent communication and monitoring. The case study demonstrates the effective implementation of the RITM 23 framework, which led to the establishment of a complete environment for ITRM, inclusive of templates, tools, procedures, and governance processes. This implementation significantly enhanced the management of IT risks, mitigating potential catastrophic outcomes associated with unmanaged IT threats in the airline sector. The study concludes with a contemplation of future advancements, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence to further streamline and automate the ITRM process. This case study not only illustrates the successful application of RITM 23 but also sets a precedent for future ITRM implementations in similar sectors.

Within the evolving landscape of modern business, a proficient logistics sector stands paramount in fostering regional and global competitive edges. A country's logistics performance, gauged aptly, can influence not just the business outcomes of individual enterprises but also shape the nation's holistic logistics efficacy. This study delves into an examination of logistics standards in European Union (EU) countries, viewed through the lens of the Logistics Performance Index (LPI), as reported by the World Bank. The primary focus is on the LPI data for 2023, with a subsequent exploration of the EU’s performance trajectory from 2007 to 2018. The findings illuminate that specific EU countries consistently uphold superior logistics proficiency, while striving for advancements. Beyond these front runners, many EU countries manifest commendable logistics outcomes, positioning themselves favorably on the global stage.