Theory, Methodology, Practice – Review of Business and Management

Assessing the Correlation between Digitalization and Economic Performance

Ensem Mourou — 2026-03-03

The rapid evolution of information and communication technology (ICT) has resulted in significant transformations across a wide range of social and economic activities. As a result, the ongoing digitalization process is emerging as a critical force in determining progress and modernity. This study looks at the complex relationship between digitalization and economic growth in European Union (EU) countries from 2017 to 2022, using the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) issued by the European Commission. Our work employs a sophisticated panel data estimate approach and the fundamental Cobb-Douglas model and presents an empirical perspective on the relationship between digital technology and economic prosperity. Based on the fixed-effect panel estimate, our findings show a significant correlation: A 1% rise in digitalization (as measured by the DESI index) correlates with a 0.3838% impressive rise in GDP growth. This study emphasizes the need to comprehend and utilize digital technologies' revolutionary potential. It presents a solid argument for stakeholders and governments to embrace digital innovation and leverage it to achieve long-term, sustainable economic growth.

Impact of SMEs on Local Economic and Social Communities from the Perspective of Small Enterprises Growing Medicinal Plants

Norbert Pászk — 2026-03-30

In this study, we sought to answer how herbalists perceive the extent and quality of their contribution and impact on the life of small settlements from an economic and social perspective. As the primary part of our research, we conducted semi-structured professional interview research with 32 herbalist professionals and 4 settlement leaders from different parts of the country. The semi-structured interviews contained 32 questions for the growers and 18 questions for the settlement leaders. Based on the results, it can be said that according to small herbalist businesses, tax revenues, job creation, settlement promotion and tourism are the most important types of impact with which they participate in the life of settlements. They have a medium relationship with other enterprises operating in their settlement, they do not feel these relationships are too close. On the whole, small herbal medicine growing enterprises have a closer relationship with the residents of the settlements, but there are enterprises that have no relationship with the local population at all. We examined the impact of herbal medicine growing enterprises on their settlement in terms of 18 factors and in general it can be said that the environmental, health-conscious and ecological factors were rated highest by the interviewees.

Russia’s “Soft Power” in Georgia’s Political-Economic Sphere: Historical Dynamics and Contemporary Realities

Eka Lekashvili — 2026-07-06

This study analyzes the instruments of Russia’s “soft power” influence in Georgia’s political-economic sphere. The analysis spans the period from the dissolution of the Soviet Union to the present. Particular emphasis is placed on the tools activated by Russia following the onset of its full-scale war in Ukraine in 2022. Drawing on leading academic and research literature, the paper evaluates the outcomes of these instruments' implementation in Georgia. It also explores Joseph Nye’s concept of “soft power” and its evolution within the context of contemporary international relations. The study presents conclusions regarding the effectiveness and consequences of Russia’s soft power mechanisms in Georgia’s political-economic landscape. Historically and currently, Russia’s key soft power levers include cultural ties, the notion of unity based on language and Orthodox Christianity, economic tools, and informational influence. Finally, the paper offers perspectives on strategies for addressing the challenges posed by these influences.

The Limits of Incrementalism in the Green Transformation of the Iron and Steel Industry

Beáta Buró — 2026-07-29

Incrementalism is a dominant decision‑making paradigm, characterised by stepwise adjustments rather than structural transformation, often viewed as a pragmatic and politically feasible approach. Yet sustainability scholarship increasingly highlights its inadequacy in addressing the scale and urgency of today’s environmental challenges. Following this critique, the paper investigates the limitation of incrementalism within the context of industrial decarbonisation, focusing on the steel sector. Through a review of emerging pathways for green steel production, the analysis demonstrates that marginal improvements within the incumbent process are insufficient to achieve deep emissions reductions. The industry’s transition demonstrates that sustainability goals cannot be achieved through incremental adjustments alone; they require systemic technological, infrastructural, and institutional change. Incremental approaches adjust expectation, but fail to deliver structural transformation, revealing how the myth of incrementalism obscures the transformative shifts necessary. Consequently, more ambitious and transformative policy interventions are required for a viable green transformation in the industry.

The Relationship between Financial Structure and Accounting Performance

Belkacem Mimouni — 2026-09-16

This study aimed to examine the impact of financial structure—measured by the equity ratio, the debt-to-equity ratio, and the long-term assets ratio—on accounting performance measured by the return on assets. The study relied on (panel data) comprising 40 observations obtained from the financial statements of a sample of five (05) companies listed on the Algerian stock market over an eight (08)-year period from 2017 to 2024. To analyze the data and test the study’s hypotheses, the study relied on descriptive and inferential statistical analysis methods using Eviews 14.SV software. The results showed that the equity ratio, the debt-to-equity ratio, and the long-term assets ratio have a statistically significant inverse relationship with accounting performance, as measured by the return on assets. In light of these results, the study recommends that the companies under study adopt a specific policy to maintain a balanced financial structure.

Assessing the Effect of Competitive Insight on Organizational Agility: Evidence from Tuyil Pharmaceutical Company

Oluwayomi Omotayo Olota — 2026-09-17

In emerging economies, manufacturing firms operate in volatile environments shaped by intense competition, institutional gaps, and shifting consumer demands. This study examines the effect of competitive insight, operationalised as competitor analysis, industry comparisons, and strategic intelligence, on organizational agility, using a single-firm case study of Tuyil Pharmaceutical Company in Nigeria's pharmaceutical manufacturing sub-sector. Using a survey design and PLS-SEM, data were collected from 174 employees of Tuyil Pharmaceutical. Results show that industry comparison (β = 0.302, p < 0.001), competitor analysis (β = 0.275, p = 0.002), and strategic intelligence (β = 0.246, p = 0.005) each significantly and positively influence organizational agility. The combined predictive power of these consists of 53.8% (R² = 0.538) of the variance of organizational agility. The results are a single firm case study and so not generalisable to Nigeria's manufacturing sector until a multi-firm replication of this study has been conducted. Finally, the study identifies pharmaceutical firms' need to build a structured competitive insight dimension on which to build their business and aggregate their agility and competitive advantage.