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.

In the burgeoning nexus between Industry 4.0 and entrepreneurial ecosystems, a transformative and disruptive dynamic has been observed. Defined by the integration of digital technologies into traditional sectors, Industry 4.0 has been found to alter the way in which entrepreneurs conceptualize, function, and collaborate. This review elucidates salient outcomes and implications of such intersections. Paramount among the findings are the proliferation of companies operating within the Industry 4.0 paradigm, the emergence of hubs centred on collaborative innovation, and the rising prominence of industry-specific ecosystems. Startups have been identified as pivotal in effecting supply chain transformations, embedding sustainability, and fostering digital talent. For practitioners navigating this terrain, it is imperative to champion digital metamorphosis, forge strategic partnerships, underscore the primacy of sustainable practices, and nurture digital expertise. Corporate alliances, ecosystem synergies, and opportunities in the global marketplace have been underscored as potent avenues for expansion and ingenuity. Furthermore, a marked influence of Industry 4.0 on the resilience and adaptability of entrepreneurial ecosystems has been discerned. The confluence of such technologies and ecosystems has been posited as offering an unprecedented juncture for both nascent and established businesses to spur economic progress, tackle pressing global challenges, and cultivate a robust culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

In the logistics domain, the selection of personnel, particularly transport managers and drivers, is pivotal to operational efficacy, demanding a selection process that transcends traditional subjectivity and expertise scarcity. Addressing this, the Best Worst Method (BWM) integrated with the Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) presents a novel decision-support model, employed here for the first time to refine the recruitment process within the transportation sector. Through the application of BWM, criteria weights were ascertained, a method that has shown superior performance and reliability in deriving consistent results. Concurrently, the CoCoSo method facilitated the ranking of candidates, demonstrating greater reliability and stability compared to existing methodologies. The fusion of these methods offers a distinctive approach, enhancing reliability in diverse problems and across various hierarchical strata. A meticulous compilation of evaluation criteria has been delineated, for drivers and transport managers alike, incorporating a gamut of competencies including but not limited to communication and negotiation skills, leadership skills, swift and autonomous decision-making capabilities, resilience under pressure, educational qualifications, proficiency in computer skills, and past work experience. For transport managers, additional competencies such as spatial coordination and orientation, levels of responsibility and precision, adeptness in working under pressure, operational task efficiency, comprehensive understanding of regulations, rules, and documentation, and a history of relevant work experience have been emphasized. This research marks a theoretical and practical contribution to the literature by providing a model crafted for the nuanced requisites of logistics roles. Empirical validation confirms the model's applicability and efficiency in real-world contexts, heralding its potential to refine the Human Resource Management (HRM) landscape in logistics. Consequently, this work signifies a paradigm shift in the strategic and systematic management of human resources in the logistics sector, furnishing industry decision-makers with a robust tool for personnel selection.

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.