Abstract This study examines the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in e-commerce literature by locating and collecting data from academic publications. By doing a search using specific terms such as “e-commerce,” “electronic commerce,” and “corporate social responsibility” in a prominent online publisher’s database from 2001 to 2023, our analysis reveals the increasing importance of CSR matters in the field of e-commerce. Multiple levels of observation have identified this growing trend (conceptual, geographical, and technological). This article primarily focuses on providing a conceptual framework that provides the economic reason for the increasing interest in corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues in the field of electronic commerce. While there are several ethical and social aspects that can account for this interest, this research specifically explores the complementary justification.

Abstract In the twenty-first century, the idea of social enterprises influencing global socio-economic growth has gained much attention and has momentous implications for the modern economy. Both emerging and developed countries frequently observe its considerable impact on their economy as social enterprise transformation has such a wide-ranging effect on socioeconomic growth. The purpose of this study is to present evidence of the impacts of global social enterprise transformation on global socio-economic development. However, there are no official statistics available on the effects of the transformation of global social companies on global socio-economic development. The debate in this research demonstrates how social enterprise transform like a collaboration between the private, public, and civil sectors, continually honing their approach to their goals, based on the review of several case studies of social enterprises from around the world. Revamp, acquisitions, and improved performance are all efforts to achieve sustainable societal progress in the fields of economics, culture, and politics. The results indicate that social enterprises transformation causes the socio-economic development of the world. Our results also suggest that social enterprise transformation impact and outcome are more significant in developed countries than in developing countries.

Abstract  Max Weber feared a social future dominated by rational specialists “without spirit”. He considered this development a possible outcome of the interplay between all-embracing commercialization (marketization, monetization) with the rationalization (bureaucratization) of structures and processes in industrialized societies. Another observation of Weber concerned the ongoing replacement of medieval religious values with secularized-rationalist and profit-oriented ones. The predominance of such values usually fosters work productivity but also raises profound questions about the changing specifics of money. They have become central to the value systems at local, regional, and global levels. Weber was pessimistic concerning the fate of commercialization. Edward A. Ross substantially contributed to the study of commercialization as part and parcel of his efforts to put a sociological diagnosis on American society after WWI. He selected and analysed a dozen constructive and destructive cases of commercialization. Talcott Parsons studied the phenomenon in detail and called it “instrumental activism”. George Ritzer’s study on McDonaldization as a rationalization process is an effort to put a sociological diagnosis on global society. There are open questions concerning the capacity of contemporary societies and individuals to manage innovations for coping with commercialization. The empirical reference for the discussion is SpaceX, led by Elon Musk.

Abstract The consequences of urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa are poverty, insecurity, and the growth of informal settlements. These settlements are characterized by overcrowding, tenure insecurity, a lack of basic services and amenities, and many other deprivations. The current study looks at the social and environmental problems faced by residents and the factors responsible for their choice to reside in an informal settlement in Enugu using the survey research method. Primary and secondary data were utilized in the study. Whereas the former source includes a structured questionnaire and observations, the latter source comprises relevant literature. A total of 111 questionnaires were distributed to household heads in five selected informal settlements in Enugu. The data set was collated and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Principal component analysis was used to classify and determine the factors influencing the choice to reside in an informal settlement. The study revealed that six factors influence the choice of residence in informal settlements: government/political influence, social integration/services, housing/employment, infrastructure accessibility, livelihood costs and security/economy. The factors accounted for 72.11 percent of the factors influencing the choice to reside in an informal settlement. The major social challenges faced by residents are gambling, drug abuse, and overcrowding. The study recommends that low-cost housing that is affordable should be provided for the low-income group that characterizes informal settlements in Enugu metropolis.

Abstract This study aims to understand the European countries and China’s regional development strategies in enhancing cohesion and reducing regional disparity to serve as lessons learned for Vietnam. The study provides an overview of the approaches, priorities, and challenges faced in regional development policies pursued by the European countries and China, showcasing their respective efforts in addressing regional disparities and fostering sustainable development within their territories. From the EU’s macro-regional strategies (MRS), Vietnam can adopt principles of enhanced connectivity, sustainable development, inclusive growth, and institutional coordination to create a framework promoting balanced and sustainable growth. Additionally, the EU’s smart specialization strategy offers a model for fostering innovation-driven growth and regional competitiveness by encouraging regions to identify and capitalize on their unique strengths. From China’s regional development initiatives, Vietnam can learn the importance of targeted interventions to address regional disparities and promote balanced development. Also, China’s success in developing interconnected urban clusters or metropolitan areas-driven regional development strategies offers valuable insights for Vietnam’s urban agglomeration efforts. By adopting these strategies, Vietnam can enhance its sustainable urban development, improve livability, and maximize the economic potential of its cities and towns.

Abstract Society faces grand challenges on a number of dimensions, for example: climate change, pandemics, security and geopolitics, and social exclusion. The future development of towns and cities is key to meeting these. The availability of analytic capabilities provides foundations for developing and evaluating alternative policies and plans. An extensive range of models is available, but they have not been well-focused on these kinds of grand challenges. A significant research task, therefore, is to review the modelling developments needed to provide the necessary analytics base. We consider in turn: the building bricks; the challenge of interdependencies and high dimensionality, using Lowry’s model as a framework; the integration of the elements into a comprehensive model as a basis for grand challenge analytics; and the challenges of implementation.

Abstract Climate change impacts and its associated injustice have been identified as one of the major challenges to the actualization of gender livelihood and resilience, particularly among vulnerable groups in rural areas. This study assessed genders’ benefits and challenges distribution measures in REDD + (Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation + ) pilot sites in Cross River State, Nigeria. The assessment adopted the sustainable livelihood approach of the REDD + pilot sites (Afi Mbe, Ekuri, and Mangrove). Data were proportionately collected from selected 204 respondents at gender disaggregated levels using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS Window (version 25). The Z-proportion test showed the existence of unequal benefit sharing that skewed in favour of men (livestock production (67%), livelihood enhancement (70%), distribution of seedlings to plants (100%), and distribution of REDD + shirts (100%), among others. The challenges encountered, particularly for women, ranged from a lower percentage of accessibility (22%), participation (13%), benefits sharing (6%), no idea about the REDD + (92%), no benefits from the REDD + (90%), and no knowledge about the REDD + (95%), among others, were statistically significant at p = 0.005. The benefit sharing of REDD + projects, which formed the basis of fair distribution with few challenges, was statistically significant at the 95% level. Independent z -test ( p < 0.005) showed that men benefited (livestock production, livelihood enhancement, distribution of seedlings to plant, and distribution of REDD + shirts) more from the REDD + project than women. This indicates that the project has been mundaned and considered as men’s affairs, while gender mainstreaming during the designing and implementation of the programs has been neglected. Infrastructure, employment, and alternative livelihoods, among others, were promising institutional frameworks that indicated gender resilience in the study area. The study recommends adoption of strategies that would circumvent both existing and future challenges for successive initiatives programs such as REDD + , particularly for women.

Abstract The management and disposal of battery waste, particularly lead-acid batteries, present numerous challenges that must be addressed to ensure environmental protection, public health, and sustainable resource management. This thesis examines the multifaceted nature of these challenges and explores potential solutions for sustainable battery management. Drawing on insights from prior research, field observations, stakeholder interviews, and literature reviews, the study synthesizes existing knowledge to inform strategies for mitigating the environmental, safety, and economic impacts associated with battery waste. The current scenario on battery waste management highlights significant challenges, including environmental pollution, health risks, safety hazards, recycling challenges, regulatory compliance issues, technological limitations, infrastructure constraints, and the need for public awareness and education. Countermeasures to address these challenges encompass regulatory interventions, technological innovations, infrastructure development, capacity building, and public engagement initiatives. By integrating findings from diverse sources, this thesis aims to contribute to the existing knowledge base on battery waste management and propel strategies for sustainable resource management.

Abstract Understanding the spatial distribution of population is crucial in regional research, as it informs the development of effective population policies, long-term regional planning, and the balanced growth of the economy, resources, and environment. This study employs a quantitative approach to construct a research framework using demographic data to elucidate the historical population dynamics within the Wuhan “1+8” City Circle (WCC). The study examines whether the central city and its peripheral cities have experienced coordinated growth or if a town has dominated. The findings reveal several key findings and insights: Wuhan, as the core city of the WCC and the capital of Hubei Province, shows population growth driven not only by natural increases but also by a significant population siphoning effect, with Hongshan of Wuhan experiencing the most pronounced impact; from 2010 to 2020, the WCC’s overall population distribution displayed a dispersal trend, while population density continued to concentrate, particularly around Wuhan and its vicinity, thereby establishing Wuhan as a central population hub. Gender distribution within the WCC generally reflects a higher proportion of males than females, with exceptions in Jiang’an of Wuhan and Huangshigang of Huangshi, where females outnumber males. This pattern may result from attracting male labor to industrial parks and female labor to service sectors. In summary, the WCC needs to refine its regional development strategies, especially for crucial siphoning areas such as Hongshan of Wuhan and Wuchang of Wuhan, to foster balanced regional growth. Additionally, policies to encourage childbirth, enhance elderly care services, and implement a comprehensive population data monitoring and forecasting system are crucial for addressing demographic shifts and achieving sustainable development.

Abstract As the global temperature rises, Urban Heat Island (UHI) impacts are slated to enhance in the cities due to temperature increase. The informal settlement dwellings, constructed of heat-absorbing materials, having poor ventilation, and located in neighborhoods with a lack of green and open spaces, are more vulnerable to heat than the formal housing settlements. Rising temperatures are expected to adversely impact the health of the population in general and of the dwellers of the informal settlements in particular. While replacing the entire informal housing stock with formal housing requires stupendous costs, modifying this housing through introducing cool roofs is an interim physical adaptation solution to mitigate the heat impacts. The objective of this exploratory study is to assess whether built environment characteristics, with emphasis on cool roofs introduced in dwelling units in the informal settlements in Ahmedabad City in India, have improved thermal comfort within these dwelling units and, if so, whether this intervention has translated into mitigating health impacts of heat. The study reveals that the cool roofs have reduced temperatures within the dwelling unit by 1 ℃ to 1.5 ℃ during peak summer days. But other built environment characteristics such as cross ventilation, ceiling height, trees adjoining the dwelling unit, and open space in the neighborhood too have contributed toward reducing indoor temperatures. Adaptation to high temperatures in the informal settlements requires localized, doable solutions in the immediate term.