Learning and Teaching in Higher Education Gulf Perspectives

Subramaniam, Yogeeswari; Loganathan, Nanthakumar

doi: 10.1108/jabes-02-2023-0052pmid: N/A

Given the importance of green finance in a discussion of energy efficiency and clean energy, it is critical to evaluate its implications for the growth of renewable energy. This study examines the impact of green finance on renewable energy development in Singapore.Design/methodology/approachThe dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) regression was used in this work to test such a connection.FindingsUsing the DOLS for the period 2000–2020, it was discovered that green finance aids renewable energy development in Singapore. Additionally, the findings revealed that economic growth, oil prices, energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and institutional factors are all positively associated with renewable energy growth, resulting in a boost in renewable energy development.Research limitations/implicationsHence, as a result, the monetary authorities of Singapore, such as financial institutions, non-governmental organisations and corporations, should prioritise renewable energy projects under green finance initiatives to boost renewable energy growth. This may assist in raising investment flows to green projects; hence, accelerating the adoption of renewable energy.Originality/valueIncreased Singapore's initiatives to accelerate green finance have prompted this study to examine the research question of whether green finance has a significant impact on renewable energy growth. Thus, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this will be the first empirical study to explore the impact of green finance on renewable energy growth in the case of Singapore.

Manchanda, Rimple

doi: 10.1108/jabes-04-2023-0104pmid: N/A

The objective of this study is to explore the level of understanding and actions taken by the people of Gurugram (erstwhile Gurgaon) to mitigate the impact of climate change, given its critical importance as a global issue.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative approach, primary data were collected through in-depth interviews by means of semi-structured interview methods.FindingsThe findings indicate that while people are aware of climate change, the information is deficient for them to translate their knowledge into effective action. Some of the major challenges identified are lack of appropriate understanding, resources, education, motivation and government initiatives, as well as the old habits, peer influence, feeling of incapability and limited media exposure. To bridge the intention-action gap, it is recommended that people should be empowered to act desirably. There is a change need for awareness and education on ways to mitigate the effects of climate change. The study has implications for researchers, environmentalists, policymakers, non-government organizations and local residents of Gurugram.Originality/valueThis study provides unique insights into the understanding of climate change by the general public and challenges faced in taking pro-environment actions. It emphasizes the urgent need to create awareness and educate individuals about ways to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Soysa, R.N.K.; Pallegedara, Asankha; Kumara, A.S.; Jayasena, D.M.; Samaranayake, M.K.S.M.

doi: 10.1108/jabes-05-2023-0149pmid: N/A

Although publicly listed firms in Sri Lanka have been increasingly adapting sustainability reporting into their annual reporting practices, a limited number of firms prepare sustainability reports by integrating sustainable development goals (SDGs) into reporting mechanisms. This study attempts to develop an index to monitor firms' sustainability reporting practices based on Global Reporting Institute (GRI) guidelines integrating SDGs.Design/methodology/approachThis paper develops a sustainability score index using the 17 SDGs utilising the results of content analysis of corporate annual reports of a selected sample of 100 firms listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). Principal component analysis was employed to examine the reliability of data in the developed index.FindingsFindings show that the developed scoring index is efficient for evaluating the contents of the sustainability reports of Sri Lankan firms. Sustainability reporting practises with regard to the SDGs were observed to have a turbulent period from 2015 to 2019 and the SDGs 12 and 15 were identified to be mostly reported in Sri Lankan corporate sustainability reports.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of the study add to knowledge on the monitoring of sustainability reporting practises with reference to SDGs. The study outcomes are useful for the investors, stakeholders, and statutory bodies to measure the sustainable performance of business firms and assess the firm’s commitment towards the global sustainability agenda.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that constructs a sustainability reporting score index integrating SDGs.

Nguyen, Hang Thu; Vu, Tra Thi Dan; Nguyen, Hiep Manh; Nguyen, Dung Bui Phuong

doi: 10.1108/jabes-08-2023-0300pmid: N/A

There is a need for research examining how governments and firms responded to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This study investigates the interdependence between governments and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the pandemic in relation to the dynamic capabilities and resource dependence theories.Design/methodology/approachWe use World Bank survey data collected immediately before and after the COVID-19 outbreak and a generalized structural equation model to examine the mediating role of government support in the relationship between firm innovation, resilience and survival.FindingsInnovative SMEs exhibited higher resilience and a better chance of survival during the pandemic, partly due to attracting more government support.Originality/valueThis study offers a novel understanding of the government’s role in supporting innovative SMEs during the pandemic. The findings have implications for how government support policies can limit the deadweight effect and the substitution effect.

Amornkitvikai, Yot; O'Brien, Martin; Bhula-or, Ruttiya

doi: 10.1108/jabes-05-2023-0151pmid: N/A

The development of green manufacturing has become essential to achieve sustainable development and modernize the nation’s manufacturing and production capacity without increasing nonrenewable resource consumption and pollution. This study investigates the effect of green industrial practices on technical efficiency for Thai manufacturers.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to estimate the stochastic frontier production function (SFPF) and inefficiency effects model, as pioneered by Battese and Coelli (1995).FindingsThis study shows that, on average, Thai manufacturing firms have experienced declining returns-to-scale production and relatively low technical efficiency. However, it is estimated that Thai manufacturing firms with a green commitment obtained the highest technical efficiency, followed by those with green activity, green systems and green culture levels, compared to those without any commitment to green manufacturing practices. Finally, internationalization and skill development can significantly improve technical efficiency.Practical implicationsGreen industry policy mixes will be vital for driving structural reforms toward a more environmentally friendly and sustainable economic system. Furthermore, circular economy processes can promote firms' production efficiency and resource use.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the effect of green industry practices on the technical efficiency of Thai manufacturing enterprises. This study also encompasses analyses of the roles of internationalization, innovation and skill development.

Lestari, Rohmini Indah; Indarto, Indarto; Budiati, Yuli

doi: 10.1108/jabes-02-2023-0049pmid: N/A

Examining the role of women on board (WoB) toward corporate sustainable growth (CSG) through leverage policy (LP). This research also investigates the interaction effect of WoB and LP on improving CSG.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a moderated mediation model to examine the impact of WoB on CSG, mediated by LP. Data from 48 KEHATI IDX ESG Sector Leaders Index companies observed from 2015 to 2021 were analyzed using the structural equation model partial least square (SEM-PLS) Warp.PLS 8.0. The research applies instrumental variables (IV) to test and control endogeneity due to nonrandom sample selection.FindingsWe found evidence that LP acts as a full mediator between the presence of WoB and CSG. The presence of WoB plays a moderate role by slightly weakening the influence of LP on CSG. Furthermore, we obtained evidence showing that the relationship between WoB and CSG is J-curve-shaped, a nonlinear relationship related to critical mass. Where the WoB ratio is at least 8.35% or higher, it will increase CSG in companies that have implemented the concept of environment social governance (ESG) in Indonesia.Originality/valueThis model uses a moderated mediation model and J-curve analysis; there is an interaction between WoB and LP on different paths of the mediator to CSG. This model examines the role of WoB as a moderator of the effect of LP on CSG. A nonlinear J-curve test was conducted to determine the minimum level of WoB that can influence the increase of CSG.