ISSN 2498-9312 (Online) Scientific publications of the Károly Róbert Campus of Szent István University Founded: 2011
Magyar Agrár- és Élettudományi Egyetem Károly Róbert Campus, Gyöngyös
Covid-19 Effects on the Environmental Practices in the Hotel Industry, Review Article and Managers' Points of View
COVID-19 had its major effects on each aspect of life, that forced the humanity to modify and upgrade. It also showed that the harmful effects of human activities on the environment could be reduced and eliminated if they take serious steps. The effects of the hotel industry forced it to adopt green practices and upgrade them to reduce the negative effects of COVID-19 on the industry and even gain some competitive advantages and profits. This paper aims to analyze the positive/negative effects of COVID-19 on green practices within the hotel industry, in order to generate some useful lessons for the future or coming crises. This study depended on a mixed method to analyze this issue, a systematic review technique to analyze the scientific productions in this area, and then conduct interviews with managerial in green hotels to combine results. A total of 50 articles were extracted from the “WoS” database and analyzed using three main analysis levels. This study revealed that: (i) COVID-19 had a positive effect on green practices including the hotel industry and also some negative effects, those effects had be summarized into six main groups; (ii) green practices were able to reduce the negative effects of COVID-19 on the hotel industry; (iii) green practices generated a competitive advantage even in the darkest time. (iiii) The upgrade and increase of green practices in the hotel industry continue even after the risk of COVID-19 declined.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mahmoud Alreahi, Bujdosó Zoltán https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Towards Sustainable Food Security in Kyrgyzstan: An Integrated Approach
This study examines the key drivers of food insecurity in Kyrgyzstan, focusing on economic, environmental, and political factors. Economic constraints limit food accessibility, while climate-induced challenges reduce agricultural productivity and livelihoods. Additionally, political instability and control of corruption further hinder effective policy implementation. The analysis reveals that economic disparities and environmental stressors significantly impact food security, with political stability playing a moderating role. Addressing these issues requires an integrated approach, including agricultural consolidation, sustainable farming, rural economic development, and governance reforms.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bopushev Stalbek, Bozsik Norbert https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Exploring Risk Management, Disruptions, and Recovery Strategies in the Chemical Manufacturing Sector in South Africa
This study explores risk management, disruptions, and recovery strategies within the chemical Manufacturing companies in South Africa. The emphasis of the investigation is on finding out how risks are identified and assessed by enterprises, and their strategies for mitigating them or recovering from interruptions. Based on semi-structured interviews with business executives, it explores the responses of internal factors and external risk factors, like regulatory changes, labour unrest, natural disasters, and global pandemics such as COVID-19, to alter risk management behaviors. The results indicated that larger firms indeed had more sophisticated risk assessment techniques, but smaller companies were indeed catching up with digital tools to enhance their risk management. In this study, the three most important means for reducing risk and allowing speedy recovery were identified: supply chain diversification, technology, and flexibility of the workforce. firms with more developed information systems could adapt more readily to disruptions, further emphasizing the role of real-time data for operational resilience. It also deduces the relevance of constant adjustments to dynamically alter the external environment, particularly the socio-politically volatile ones. The contributions of this paper are that an understanding of how risk management will be handled can be enhanced and practical insights have been offered through which business sustainability against future interruptions can be assured in South African chemical manufacturing industries.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anathi Sokhetye, Mzuchumile Makalima https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Future of Spa Cities: Integration of Traditional and Artificial Intelligence-based Tools for Sustainable Tourism on the International Level and in Hungarian in the Light of a Literature Review
Spa towns face new challenges due to the 21st century's global tourism demands and sustainability requirements. Traditional management tools are no longer sufficient to meet the rapidly changing needs of modern tourism. This research aims to evaluate the specific effectiveness of traditional and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven management tools in both international and Hungarian contexts, with particular attention to settlement characteristics and the unique challenges of tourism. The results suggest that a combination of traditional and AI-driven tools offers an effective solution to enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of spa towns. The study places special emphasis on addressing differences of the spa towns and examining the social and ethical impacts of AI-driven tools.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fejes Judit Katalin, Katits Etelka, Szabó Zoltán https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Economic Implications of the EU Mobility Package for Light Commercial Vehicles
The European Union's Mobility Package, adopted in 2020, introduces significant regulatory changes in the road freight sector, particularly targeting light commercial vehicles with a gross weight between 2.5 and 3.5 tons. From July 2026, these vehicles will be subject to EU rules on driving times, rest periods, and mandatory tachograph use. This study aims to assess the economic impact of these regulatory changes, focusing on vehicle choice and cost structures. The research combines quantitative cost modeling with qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive view of the expected responses and adjustment strategies of transport companies. The findings highlight how the increasing unit costs of van transport may substantially alter operational practices and fleet configurations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lányi Márton, Birinszki Péter https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Challenges of the Production Planning Process in Hungary
The results of the research highlight that the automation of production planning can significantly increase the efficiency and competitiveness of enterprises. However, it is worth every manufacturing company to clearly define which processes they automate, which processes are left to human resources. If human resources are used for certain activities, it is advisable to assign these tasks to appropriate job titles. Another important pillar of development is the accuracy of the information flow between production planning software and ERP systems. When designing new systems, it is essential to prioritise integration to ensure a smooth flow of data between systems. A critical aspect of production planning is assigning production orders to capacities. The condition for preparing an appropriate plan is the adaptation of products with different workloads and production equipment capacity to the norm. It is extremely important to take human capacity into account here. In a modern production planning system, such considerations must be seamlessly integrated. During the research, a fundamental need was identified for data visualization. Over the decades, many solutions have been developed to visualize production planning, offering opportunities to significantly streamline and improve planning processes. Another important element in increasing efficiency is the creation of the right ratio of flexibility and control, i.e. excessive control processes reduce the competitiveness of production. The main bottleneck in most developments and automation is the underdevelopment of IT systems in manufacturing companies. Intervention and support are needed here as soon as possible, as domestic manufacturing companies will only be effective if their IT systems are modern and competitive.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kosztolányi János, Tégla Zsolt https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Examination of the Ecological and Economic Impacts in Maize Culti
The aim of this thesis is to detemine wheather maize planted at reduced row spacing of 50 cm or at the conventional 76 cm spacing proves to the more advantageous choice in term of the economic efficienly of cultivation. A further objective of the study was to determine, from an aecological perspective, whether maize planted at reduced row spacing truly possesses better weed-suppresing capacity than maize planted at the conventionak spacing. I examined the weed-suppressing capacity from perspective of whether, in the cultivation of maize sown at narrower row spacing, it is possible to use a reduced amount of herbicides for weed control while maintaining adequate effectiveness. The research focused on weed control in maize, a crop where competition from weeds durung the early stages of development can lead to significiant yiel reductions. The experiment were carried out is 2024, at various growth stages of the crop, and analysed both the weed flora and maize yields across different experimental plots. The result demonstrated that narrow row spaicing significantly reduced weed growth, as the closer planting distance enabled maize plants to achieve faster canopy closure, thereby enhancing weed suppression. As a result, the need for weed control enterventions can be reduced, contributing to a more suistainable agricultural practice in the long term. In yield comparisons, it was found that narrow row spacing, particulary in favourable years, ensured higher average yields than wider spacing. However, the markedly drought-prone weather conditions of 2024 also underscored the importance of rainfall distribution of maize development. In conclusion, the reseach revealed that narrow row spacing in maize cultivation is a more economically viable production method, resulting in higher yields. Its also provides more effective weed control, thereby representing a more environmentally friendly approach.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kurucz Árpád https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Application Possibilities Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Physical Education
In our research, our aim was to examine the opinions of educators (elementary school teachers, preschool teachers, and physical education teachers) regarding the potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI). Our goal was to explore how the surveyed educators perceive AI in relation to physical education, and in which areas professionals believe it could be applied in their own work during physical education sessions. We used a questionnaire-based method in our research. A total of 383 individuals participated in the study. The sample (N=383) consisted of 33.15% elementary and preschool teachers and 66.84% physical education teachers. The results indicated that the participants of the research saw the greatest significance of AI use in data collection, skill development, and the implementation of individualized development programs. Artificial intelligence can support the work of teachers in many ways. However, teachers must also understand the potential of AI and how to use it. We agree with authors such as Hyun and Junga (2021) and Fatih (2025), who emphasize that future physical education teachers must possess technological and AI expertise to effectively integrate AI tools.
Copyright (c) 2025 Karap Bálint, Müller Anetta, Horváth Tamás, Laoues-Czimbalmos Nóra, Biró Melinda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Sustainable Financial Inclusion Impact on SMEs’ Performance: Systematic Literature Review
Small and Medium enterprises have been widely acknowledged as the prime agents of economic progress; however, they are most often confronted with various barriers to access to financial services. The amin objective of this systematic literature review is to examine the evolving relationship between sustainable financial inclusion and performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), emphasizing its critical involvement in economic development, innovation, and resilience, particularly in developing economies. Twenty-nine rigorous studies conducted between 2011 and 2025 and retrieved from the Scopus database in line with PRISMA guidelines were selected and reviewed systematically to present empirically synthesized findings on financial inclusion that enhances SME performance. The result shows that four major drivers of sustainable financial inclusion impact SME performance, i.e., digital financial technologies, financial literacy, enabling regulatory environments, and the adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The potential of FinTech is moderated by financial literacy, which is further enhanced by the increasing integration of ESG criteria into financial products, and these collectively influence SME growth, operational efficiency, and resilience. Notwithstanding notable advancements, ongoing challenges, in particular regulatory fragmentation, inadequate infrastructures, and low levels of financial literacy have impeded improvement. Therefore, the review calls for an integrated policy approach and intensive action involving all stakeholders to scale up access to inclusive and sustainable financial services for SME growth. Future research should further explore causal relationships and regional disparities in sustainable financial access and SMEs' performance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Gutu Tesfaye Ginbare, Hágen István Zsombor, Máté Domicián https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Mapping Consumer Behavior in E-Commerce: A Bibliometric Perspective
This study aims to provide a detailed analysis of academic literature on consumer behavior in e-commerce, specifically in business and management. Using the PRISMA framework, we conducted a systematic search in the Web of Science database covering the last 25 years. This resulted in a dataset of 629 documents. For the quantitative analysis and visualizations, we used tools like Biblioshiny and VOSviewer to chart research trends and academic networks. The findings include lists of the most productive authors and their institutions, the top contributing countries, and keywords that show how the field has changed over time. The results highlight key areas explored so far, such as online buying behavior, digital trust, and technology adoption. This study gives policymakers, academics, and practitioners a solid foundation to better understand consumer behavior in online marketplaces. This understanding can help inform strategic decisions that respond to changing digital trends and consumer needs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aiupova Nurgul, Taralik Krisztina https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Examination of the profitability and liquidity of mixed agricultural enterprisesbetween 2019 and 2023
Companies must use their available resources efficiently in order to achieve effective management and to attain and maintain competitiveness. The research sought to determine the extent to which the Covid-19 pandemic affected the profitability and liquidity of mixed agricultural enterprises. The period under review was 2019-2023. The primary research was based on the CrefoPort database. The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant and multidimensional impact on the management of mixed-profile agricultural enterprises. The biggest changes were in profitability indicators, with a decline in indicators, fluctuating costs, rising raw material prices, energy prices and labour costs, showing that businesses were sensitive to the crisis. Farmers engaged in crop production and animal husbandry adapted to the market environment and the effects of the crisis through their financing and operating strategies in order to maintain the operation and competitiveness of their businesses.
Copyright (c) 2025 Turza Brigitta Hajnalka, Bringye Bernadett, Hegedűs Szilárd https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Perception of Italy and Italians From Hungarian Perspective
The traditions, norms and behavioural habits of individual nations differ, significantly influencing the behaviour of the host and travelling communities. Understanding the importance of national self-images (autostreotypes) and perceptions of other nations (heterostereotypes) is a less studied area in tourism research, yet it plays a significant role in travel decisions, in the success of interactive communication and inclusion, and also in the formation of prejudices. This study – as part of a more in-depth exploration– examines Italian-Hungarian tourism relations from this perspective, shedding light on the role of mental concepts and stereotypes in travel behaviour.
Copyright (c) 2025 Molnár Csilla, Losonczi Viktória https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Examining Attitudes Towards Traditional, Organic and Natural Wine Among University Students
The global wine world has undergone a dynamic change over the past decades, with preferences and consumption patterns evolving around the world, and consumers becoming more aware of sustainable and organic wines. To thrive in this competitive industry, wineries need to adapt to these trends. As trends in the wine industry evolve, wine enthusiasts are increasingly looking for new options, with a preference for wines with minimal additives. People are increasingly focused on their health, their environment and the authenticity of the beverages they consume, and the wine industry is paying attention. Consumer demand for sustainability and health benefits is driving these changes. Consumer attitudes and preferences are shifting towards products that offer health benefits and are in line with their values. Consumers are becoming more informed about wine, focusing on quality, transparency and ethical production practices, and seeking products that are produced in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. The demand for organic wines is driven by the desire for more natural and authentic products, consumer awareness of organic products and growing environmental concerns. People are beginning to realise that it really matters what kind of wine they drink and how it affects their health and the environment. The research provides an insight into wine consumers' habits, their preferences when choosing wine, their willingness to innovate, and in particular their attitudes towards organic and natural wines.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lenkovics Beatrix, Soós Gabriella, Dávid Lóránt Dénes https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Comparative Study of the Impact of Economic, Social and Physical Dimensions of Border Markets on the Quality of Life of Border Residents
Border markets at border points near authorized customs can provide a space for citizens on both sides of the border to conduct transactions while adhering to regulations. The effects of such border markets can affect the quality of life of border residents. This article aims to conduct a comparative examination of the economic, social and physical dimensions of border markets and their impact on the quality of life of border residents. The predominant research approach in terms of method is descriptive-analytical. Indicators and items have been determined based on the research questions and objectives in economic, social and physical dimensions, totaling sixteen indicators are determined for assessment and investigation. The SPSS software was utilized for data analysis and the statistical population consists of household heads working in the markets of Golestan province, Iran, 5621 individuals, with a sample size of 384 determined using Cochran's formula. The research results indicate that the performance of border markets in Golestan province has not uniformly influenced the examined indicators. Enter Regression results in ranking the impact of Golestan province's border market suggest that the economic variable explains the highest impact at 47%, followed by the social variable at 35%, and the physical variable at 21%. Golestan province's border markets have successfully influenced the improvement of the quality of life, as the calculated significance level is less than 0.05. This research can serve as a reliable criterion for regional planners, especially in border areas. To this end, recommendations are also provided.
Copyright (c) 2025 Seyed Mohammad Mousavi Parsaie, Edit Ilona Pallás, Csilla Molnár https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Interactive and Immersive Advertising in the Metaverse: User Perceptions and Engagement Compared to Traditional Online Environments
Despite the growing interest in the Metaverse as a marketing platform, significant gaps remain in understanding how users perceive and engage with advertising in immersive virtual environments. While prior research has explored theoretical frameworks and business strategies for Metaverse advertising, empirical evidence from the user perspective is limited, particularly regarding comparative effectiveness against traditional digital advertising. This study addresses this gap by examining how the immersive and interactive characteristics of the Metaverse influence user engagement and brand experience compared to traditional online marketing environments. An online questionnaire was distributed in Facebook Metaverse groups between November 2024 and January 2025, collecting 252 valid responses primarily from Generation Y and Generation Z users. The survey assessed familiarity with the Metaverse, exposure to advertisements, preferred advertising formats, attitudes toward Metaverse advertising, user engagement intentions, and comparative perceptions of immersion, interactivity, personalization, social influence, and novelty. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA to identify significant differences across demographic groups. Results demonstrate that Metaverse advertising significantly outperforms traditional online advertising across key metrics. Interactive experiences emerged as the most preferred advertising format, with 76.2% of respondents having encountered Metaverse advertisements. Users perceived Metaverse ads as more engaging, more memorable, and less intrusive than traditional online ads. Statistical analysis revealed significant age-related differences: Millennials and Generation Z rated Metaverse advertising as significantly more engaging and memorable than older users. Personalization emerged as the strongest influence factor, followed by novelty and interactivity. These findings contribute empirical evidence to the emerging field of Metaverse marketing by demonstrating quantifiable advantages of immersive advertising. Businesses seeking to leverage Metaverse platforms should prioritize interactive and personalized experiences while targeting younger, digitally native audiences. Future research should examine long-term engagement patterns and cross-cultural differences in Metaverse advertising effectiveness.
Copyright (c) 2025 Akbar Soltani, Araz Najafloo, Balku Róbert, András Szeberényi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The influence of managerial attitudes on the competitiveness of organizations
Organizations have longed recognized that in order to solve successive economic problems, the only possible way to stay afloat is to increase their competitiveness. The basic task of senior managers is to make decisons in order to achieve this goal. The question arises in what competencies and abilities the leader must have? With what parameters can this ability be evaluated, how can the effectiveness of their decisions be measured? An overview is given of what factors basically influence the competitiveness of organisations, pointing out the connections between them, using the example of trade. Based on our previous research, partially updating them, I present the effect of managerial attitudes on employee satisfaction and motivations, in a mosaic-like way. I point out that managerial attitudes, their decision-making possibilities, as well as the motivation and satisfaction of employees are fundamentally determined by the culture of their organization.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kasza Lajos https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Spatial Inequalities and Recovery Patterns in Central European Tourism After the Pandemic
In the decade preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, global international tourism showed continuous growth, but the 2020 crisis highlighted the sector's extraordinary sensitivity and vulnerability, fundamentally shaking the industry. Our study examines the patterns of tourism recovery in regions of four Central European countries: Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. The research is based on regional-level data from the period between 2018 and 2022, with a particular focus on the development of overnight stays and tourism capacities. According to our hypothesis, tourist destinations and regions with more pronounced seasonal fluctuations are more sensitive to crises due to their characteristics, yet – thanks to their favourable localization conditions – they may also be capable of quicker recovery. We used quantile maps to represent spatial inequalities for the following variables: domestic and foreign overnight stays in tourist accommodations, changes compared to the two previous years and 2019, number of overnight stays, number of beds, and number of accommodations. We used clustering models (hierarchical, K-means) to determine the spatial pattern of the observations. According to the analysis results, the regions' tourism performance showed significant spatial differences in the post-COVID-19 period. Some of the analysed regions had a more dynamic recovery capacity: in more than half of the regions, the number of overnight stays in 2022 exceeded the 2020 figure, while in 40% of them, it did not even reach the pre-COVID level of 2019. It was found that the recovery was faster in the regions that had experienced a significant decline due to COVID-19. A common characteristic of the regions is that areas dependent on foreign visitor traffic experienced the greatest decline, while regions relying on domestic tourism showed a quicker recovery.
Copyright (c) 2025 Turnai Zsófia, Horváthné Kovács Bernadett, Koncz Gábor, Barna Róbert https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Motives of Sustainability in the Hungarian and Serbian Agricultural Vocational Education Systems
Sustainable education is one of the most important social and economic challenges of our time. The aim of this study is to compare the sustainable education initiatives of Hungary and Serbia, with a particular focus on agricultural vocational training. Hungary has made significant progress in the education of sustainable agricultural practices within the framework of the Vocational Education 4.0 initiative, especially through EU funding. In contrast, Serbia has been slower in integrating sustainability into its educational system, but is striving to advance in this area through greater international cooperation. In both countries' educational systems, the principles of sustainable development are becoming increasingly prominent, especially in the field of agricultural vocational training. The research highlights that the inclusion of sustainability in education is crucial for preparing future generations with environmental awareness. The reform of agricultural vocational training plays a key role in this process, facilitating the modernization of agricultural education and providing practical knowledge that is adapted to local needs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kiss Vendel, Hajnal Sándor https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Adoption of Cloud Computing in Syrian Business Organizations: A TOE Framework Approach
Cloud-based applications are receiving increasing attention among Syrian companies today. Primarily, companies operating in the technology sector, such as software development companies and system administrators, are those that use and provide cloud-based services, but other sectors, such as banks and insurance companies in the financial sector for financial transaction management, telecommunications companies for database management, and the healthcare sector for electronic records. Cost-effectiveness, scalability and flexibility are valued in the applications. Despite the increased spread, not all companies have been able to provide the necessary environmental, infrastructural, and organizational factors for the adoption and integration of cloud services. The purpose of this paper is to examine the use and acceptance from the users' viewpoint, primarily from an organizational perspective. For this, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted, and a sample of 400 employees working at companies in Syria was asked about their experiences and opinions regarding the use of cloud services. The results of the research confirm that cloud-based services are relatively widely used, and users cite faster work, efficiency and cost reduction as recognized and accepted benefits, but security concerns still arise.
Copyright (c) 2025 Miriam Bahna, Szalay Zsigmond https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Business and Management Decision-making: A Bibliometric Analysis to Map the Scientific Discourse
The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in business and management decision-making has become one of the most intensively studied areas in recent years. The present study conducts a bibliometric analysis based on 4,165 publications in the Web of Science database in order to map the main structural and thematic characteristics of the scientific discourse. It is possible to identify three dominant scientific clusters based on the co-occurrence of keywords, co-citation networks, and scientific collaborations between countries. The following three approaches have been identified: firstly, technology- and algorithm-focused approaches; secondly, organisational and human-centred interpretations; and thirdly, research based on business decision support and information management. The objective of the present study is to emphasise that AI is not merely a technological innovation, but rather an interdisciplinary phenomenon that fundamentally transforms the organisational, ethical and strategic frameworks of decision-making. The results obtained contribute to a more accurate understanding of research trends in the field and provide a basis for further analysis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shivaan Munnisunker, Szalay Zsigmond Gábor https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Climate Action and Global Health Dynamics for Thriving Global Communities: A Bibliometric Analysis
The study aimed to review the evolution of scholarship on climate action and global health dynamics over the years. We identified trends, clusters and potential gaps in research at the nexus of climate change and health. Further, the study analyses co-occurrence, trend topics, thematic analysis, citation and geographic affiliations. The analysis was carried out as per the PRISMA Guidelines, using the PRISMA Statement 2020. We retrieved 500 peer-reviewed papers based on keywords search and exclusion criteria on the Scopus and Web of Science Databases. To inform evidence-based policymaking, our study highlights evolving themes, potential study gaps, geographic distribution, research clusters, trend topics and existing author collaborations. The core purpose of conducting the bibliometric analysis is to advance the curation of empirical and theoretical-based strategies for mitigating the adverse global effects of climate change on global health. Additionally, by bringing forth the gaps, the study informs the design of climate action and health interventions towards addressing the 21st Century challenges in human health.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lavender Okore, Purity Watetu Maina, Edina Molnár https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Factors in Improving Financial Management Practices for Sustainable Growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Ethiopia
This study seeks to investigate how the practices of financial management improve the sustainable growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Ethiopia. The study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research designs to gather and analyze the data. It focuses on MSMEs in three sub-cities of the capital, selecting a sample of 337 MSMEs using simple random and stratified sampling methods. The study used interviews and questionnaires to collect the data, examining key financial management aspects such as cash flow management practices, investment decision-making practices, and financial analysis and reporting, and inventory management practices. Both primary and secondary data were analyzed through inferential statistical and descriptive methods. The results indicate a significant positive relationship between financial management practices and the sustainable growth of MSME entrepreneurs. However, several critical challenges hinder MSME success, including inadequate record-keeping, limited financial literacy among managers and owners, and inefficient inventory and cash flow management practices. Furthermore, many business owners fail to leverage modern financial tools for informed investment decision-making. To enhance MSMEs’ business understanding and skills of, the government should offer financial training programs, advisory services, mentorship and coaching opportunities, facilitate access to financing, and implement monitoring and evaluation systems. These initiatives can significantly contribute to their sustainable growth.
Copyright (c) 2025 Gebreamlak Zemo, László Vértesy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Irrigation Wheat Initiative for Wheat Policy and Sustainable Development in Ethiopia
Wheat remains an essential food crop globally, including Ethiopia, although production has to face many challenges. Where domestic production lags demand, wheat farming guarantees food security and promotes economic development in Ethiopia. Due to limited precipitation, irrigation is an essential component of wheat production in the country. The Ethiopian government started structural, economic, and sectoral changes in 2019, designating wheat as a strategic commodity to promote agro-industry, lower imports, turn toward exports, and create jobs across the value chain. Ethiopia's wheat production in 2022/23 exceeded 7.2 million metric tons, a 23%–27% (1.3–1.5 million) increase in the area cultivated over more than 2.3 million hectares, 15%–18% (0.3–0.4 million) increase in productivity, and estimated 3.0 metric tons per hectare. Even with these advances, the full potential has not yet been realized since irrigation development has not been applied to its best advantage. This study explores the current situation regarding irrigated wheat production, based on a thorough survey of the relevant literature and on secondary data evaluated by descriptive statistical methods. Results suggest, that improving smallholder farmers' output through irrigation, increased technical knowledge, changes in governmental frameworks, and investments in irrigation infrastructure can contribute to self-sufficiency of the country under current and future climate change conditions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Habtamu Mossie Andualem https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Impact of Cost Control Strategies on the Performance of Youth Owned Small and Medium Enterprises in Ethiopia: A Literature Review
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in fostering employment opportunities and driving economic growth. Acknowledged as effective generators of employment, catalysts for the emergence of larger enterprises, and fundamental agents of national economic advancement. SMEs operate within a contemporary, dynamic, and fiercely competitive business landscape. In response, firms are compelled to devise strategic frameworks aimed at delineating sought-after competitive advantages in the market. Central to this endeavour are cost control strategies, as the optimization of expenditures directly impacts profitability. This study conducts an extensive literature review on the efficacy of cost control strategies on the performance of youth-owned SMEs in Ethiopia. It seeks to elucidate key cost control strategies, challenges inherent in their implementation within SMEs, the influence of financial literacy on SME performance, and the implications of cost control measures on SMEs performance. Ultimately, it recommends prioritizing policy interventions geared towards enhancing financial literacy among youth and providing support mechanisms for the implementation of cost control strategies within SMEs in Ethiopia.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tadesse Getachew Habetie, Dóra Kolta, Emese Prihoda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Sustainability of the Food Supply System in Penitentiary Institutions in the Light of Producer Integration
The study examines the sustainability of food supply systems in correctional institutions through the lens of producer integration, with particular emphasis on economic, social, and environmental impacts. At the core of the research is a new type of demand–driven integration model that offers stable market opportunities for local agricultural producers while contributing to cost–efficiency and sustainability objectives. The study applies the BATWOVE framework to identify the roles, motivations, and obstacles of stakeholders, and to support the structural transformation of the system. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, the research explores producers’ willingness to integrate and the practical feasibility of sustainable public procurement. The study proposes policy and practice–oriented recommendations, including regulatory adjustments, procurement reform, and the development of local food logistics systems, all of which contribute to the establishment of an adaptive, synergistic, and long–term sustainable prison food supply model.
Copyright (c) 2025 Süle Katalin Elza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Foreign Language Proficiency, Personality Traits and Integrativeness of Foreign Students in the Academic Environment
The movement and integration of foreign people in a foreign country have always been important issues for shaping modern and prosperous societies, economies, and higher education. Since an increasing number of young people are moving to study in foreign higher education institutions, the examination of the factors determining the integration of foreign students such as foreign language proficiency, openness, and how better learning outcomes can be supported and achieved are important research areas. Therefore, the aim of our research was to investigate the extent to which foreign language proficiency and personality traits such as adaptiveness, integrativeness, active social life and openness to the host culture determine the integration of foreign students in higher education institutions (Hungarian University of Life Sciences and Agriculture (MATE), University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)) in two countries (England, Hungary). According to our research results, language proficiency of foreign students positively correlated with extrovert personality traits such as adaptiveness, integrativeness, active social life and openness to the host culture in the academic environment. However, personality traits of introverted personality types (passivity, introversion) restrict inclusion and integration in the academic environment, even if these traits were combined with very good English language proficiency. To sum up, our research has found that although foreign language proficiency is essential and vital for the integration and inclusion of foreign students in a higher education institution in a foreign country, personality traits such as adaptiveness, integrativeness, active social life and openness to the host culture determine the success of the integration and inclusion of foreign students in the academic environment. Consequently, extroverted foreign students who are more adaptive, integrative and open to the new culture integrate more successfully at university than introverted foreign students, regardless of their foreign language proficiency. Therefore, trainings and coaching sessions are recommended to help the inclusion of foreign students, focusing on the development of skills of coping strategies and social networking tools.
Copyright (c) 2025 Veresné Valentinyi Klára, Suhajda Csilla Judit, Vinogradov Szergej https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Good Marketing Practices in Agricultural Vocational Training
As it is generally known, unemployment and the closely interconnected counterproductive and old-fashioned vocational educational systems are able to affect greatly the quality of economy. Technical and vocational schools play a huge role in avoiding this. In the course of my work I present the enrollment program and marketing tools of a vocational school, together with all its techniques and formal requirements. My goal was to look for new information collection techniques and school marketing tools necessary for enrollment, and to improve the existing ones. In my opinion, in the future, secondary schools should not think of eighth graders as "raw materials", but as "consumers". In today's world, the 14-16 year olds are no longer the same as they were 20-30 years ago. Although they are less independent in many areas, the acceleration of information stream forces them into more and more mature decision-making situations. Therefore, it is necessary to find out what society wants, what parents want, but above all, what the child wants from the public education institution that will be the scene of his/her growing up. Based on the surveys and experiences, I concluded that it is necessary to develop more the specific assessment of the needs of eighth graders, as well as to find the communication channels that can be used in the future for the innovative enrollment of schools. Furthermore, it is necessary to continue to open the doors of the school to society, so that they can gain an insight into the daily life of vocational training and get to know it personally or through the media.
Copyright (c) 2025 Miklós Kis https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Book review on "A World of Three Zeros: The New Economics of Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, and Zero Net Carbon Emissions"
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammad Fakhrul Islam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Green Future in Hospitality: Sustainability and Innovation
Sustainability has become a key factor in modern hospitality, as consumers increasingly prefer restaurants that implement environmentally friendly solutions. Practices such as sourcing ingredients from local producers, using seasonal ingredients, minimizing food waste, and adopting alternative packaging solutions not only promote sustainability but also enhance a restaurant's economic competitiveness. The application of the nose-to-tail and stem-to-root concepts reduces ingredient waste, while food waste management initiatives like Munch or composting provide further sustainable alternatives. Sustainability strategies in hospitality significantly influence consumer decision-making. Research shows that a large proportion of guests expect restaurants to take environmentally conscious measures, making sustainability an essential part of restaurant operations and marketing. Developing seasonal menus, collaborating with local producers, and implementing energy-efficient solutions are becoming increasingly popular. Sustainable hospitality not only protects the environment but also contributes to economic and community development. The adoption of sustainable strategies ensures long-term benefits for the restaurant sector while meeting modern consumer demands.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nagy Zoltán, Kovács Tibor, Misik Tamás https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Determinants of Food Insecurity in Tunisia’s Labor Force During the Ukraine-Russia Conflict
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began in February 2022, has severely disrupted global wheat supply chains, with significant repercussions for food security in import-dependent countries like Tunisia. This study investigates the war’s Determinants on food insecurity levels among Tunisia’s labor force, aged 25–54, using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). Focusing on employment status, gender, region (urban vs. rural), and income level, the research examines food insecurity trends across three periods: pre-war (18 months before February 2022), the first 18 months of the war (February 2022 – July 2023), and the subsequent 18 months (August 2023 – January 2025). Survey data from 166 respondents reveal significant disparities: unemployed individuals experienced universal food insecurity (100%) during and after the war, while employed individuals showed partial recovery. Gender disparities emerged in the post-war period, with women facing higher food insecurity rates (49.55%) compared to men (23.81%). Regional differences were also pronounced, with rural areas exhibiting lower food insecurity than urban areas. These findings highlight the disproportionate impact of the war on vulnerable populations and underscore the need for targeted interventions, such as employment programs, gender-sensitive policies, and regional food security initiatives, to mitigate long-term food insecurity in Tunisia.
Copyright (c) 2025 Amira Saidani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0