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The paper aims to address a gap in foresight study and practice relating to the lack of unifying theoretical systems frameworks capable of examining empirical data from across a wide range of different ecological, social, political and economic systems. It attempts to develop a new “collective forward intelligence” that can not only make sense of these disparate trends and processes as symptoms of a wider planetary system but also, on this basis, construct accurate and plausible future scenarios to underpin national and international decision-making.

This study conducts a transdisciplinary integration of C. S. Holling’s adaptive cycle with phase-transition phenomena across biology, physics and chemistry, applied on societal and civilisational scales. A systems methodology is then applied to integrate historical and empirical data across the energy, food, transport, materials and information sectors of civilisation’s production system.

The paper develops planetary phase shift theory as a new collective forward intelligence framework for foresight study and practice, formalising the notion that humanity has arrived at an unprecedented historic and geological turning point. It finds that multiple global crises across both earth and human systems are symptoms of the last stages of the life-cycle of global industrialisation civilisation, which is the potential precursor either for collapse, or for a new civilisational life-cycle that may represent a new stage in the biological and cultural evolution of the human species.

The research sets out a new empirically grounded theoretical framework for complex scenario analysis. This can develop more robust approaches to foresight study and practice, scenario development and forecasting. It suggests the need for a new research programme to understand the dynamics of the planetary phase shift and its diverse implications for societies, industry, technology and politics. The research is limited in that the current paper does not explore how it can be applied in this way. It identifies broad scenarios for a post-industrial civilisational life-cycle but does not identify the variety of complex subsets of these.

The paper provides powerful practical implications to develop new methodology based on planetary phase shift theory for strategic planning, risk assessment and management, as well as public policy and decision-making.

The paper suggests the urgency and necessity of bold and radical societal transformation and implies key areas for civil society to focus on in innovating new values, worldviews and operating systems with a focus on the next life-cycle.

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper provides the first integrated transdisciplinary theoretical and empirical framework to understand how the interplay of earth system crises, societal change and technology disruptions is driving large-scale civilisational transformation with complex local ramifications.

This study investigates if and how the board size, the board independence, the CEO duality and the board-specific skills are associated with higher-quality Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) disclosure in European State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

We measured SDGs disclosure through a content analysis of SOE's reports from 2017 to 2022. The characteristics of the boards analyzed are board size, board independence, CEO duality and board-specific skills. We performed multiple regression models to test the association between the SDGs disclosure and the characteristics of the boards.

The results show that board size, independent directors and board-specific skills are positively associated with higher-quality SDGs disclosure, while CEO duality is negatively associated with higher-quality SDGs disclosure.

This study provides several practical implications. Shareholders could equip their firms with larger boards, more independent and highly skilled directors, while avoiding a CEO duality for improving the SDGs disclosure; capital providers could examine the characteristics of a firm's board before allocating financial resources to verify which firms are accountable in reaching the SDGs. Also, standard-setters and policymakers could use the results of this research to define new standards or regulatory pathways to push firms to put more efforts in preparing a comprehensive and high-quality SDGs disclosure.

While prior studies mostly focused on sustainability reporting overall, this study adds a specific insight about SDGs disclosure employing an investigation which has not been previously analyzed.

Digital game-based learning (DGBL) has emerged as a new learning method that offers ample advantages compared to traditional learning environments. Although previous research supports the effectiveness of DGBL, there is a lack of studies explaining the relationship between the concrete elements of a digital game and the highly abstract and intangible personal values. Thus, this paper aims to employ means-end chain (MEC) theory to identify the attributes of DGBL, the benefits that learners derive from these attributes and how these benefits contribute to learners’ terminal values.

This paper used MEC theory to map the attributes, consequences and values of DGBL. The study was conducted on 20 students at a European university, and data analysis using the laddering technique included content analysis, classification into A-C-V levels, construction of an implication matrix and generation of a hierarchical value map (HVM).

This study provides insight into key design elements of digital educational games through a hierarchical value map, identifying how attributes such as interactive content, simulation of real-world situations and adaptability influence psychological and functional consequences that lead to higher student values: happiness, achievement, personal growth and autonomy. The four dominant trajectories associated with DGBL are the happiness-driven, achievement-driven, growth-driven and autonomy-driven trajectories, each of which is supported by relevant learning and motivation theories. The study also highlights the importance of elements such as reduced cognitive load, greater emotional engagement and tailored educational content in improving learning outcomes.

The research is based on subjective, self-reported data and a sample of higher education students at a single European university, which may limit the applicability of the findings to lower educational levels and other cultural contexts. Additionally, the analysis encompasses DGBL in general, without focusing on specific types of games or modes of play.

The results obtained from the means-end analysis are valuable for understanding the fundamental values of learners that motivate them to engage in DGBL, offering insight into game design attributes and consequences related to higher-order personal values. The present study shows that the three most important game design elements are interactive content, simulation of the real-world and customization.

This study extends the application of the MEC approach in a new context and validates the laddering technique, revealing the hierarchy of values that students realize through DGBL. It also provides insight into the pathways linking attributes, consequences and values and offers a solid HVM framework for future research on the impact of game design elements on learning outcomes.

This study aims to examine the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in Malaysian public-listed property companies, focusing on how these entities incorporate sustainable practices into their operations. The research evaluates the extent of ESG adoption and its implications for the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability.

The study employs an ESG matrix derived from existing literature to systematically evaluate companies’ adherence to ESG principles. Variations in implementation across the sector are highlighted, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities of ESG integration.

The results reveal that while some companies demonstrate strong ESG performance, others encounter barriers such as high costs and limited awareness. Additionally, the study identifies the impact of ESG integration on corporate governance and financial performance, influenced by regulatory pressures, investor demands and global sustainability objectives.

The findings emphasise the growing importance of ESG frameworks in driving long-term competitiveness within the Malaysian property sector. The research calls for enhanced governance structures and greater transparency in ESG reporting to address existing gaps and align with global sustainability trends.

Prosperity is a multifaceted concept that encompasses human well-being through economic and non-economic aspects, as well as material and immaterial attributes. Prosperous development refers to a community’s ability to thrive physically, socially, and psychologically while integrating environmental priorities and social objectives with economic directions. The City Prosperity Initiative (CPI) conceptualizes the broad understanding of human and societal livability and well-being regarding sustainable and inclusive urban development. Hence, this paper aims to elucidate urban prosperity and explore it in Tehran using the CPI Index.

It was possible to analyze Tehran’s prosperous development by valuing 56 indicators of the CPI Index, which served as a composite indicator based on reliable secondary data from official statistical yearbooks and reports. Instead of employing a global weighting methodology for aggregating sub-dimensions and dimensions, the analysis considered local context and priorities, incorporating insights from experts and scholars. For this purpose, the CPI’s methodology and metadata and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) logic were applied using Expert Choice software.

Tehran’s overall prosperity score is 47.6 out of 100, indicating a weak and vulnerable status. The asymmetric hexagonal shape of Tehran’s CPI Index reflects the unbalanced development of its urban system. Quality of Life and Infrastructure Development are solid, while Equity and Social Inclusion is fragile. Productivity, Environmental Sustainability and Urban Governance and Legislation are very weak. Thus, environmental unsustainability, low productivity, and inadequate governance and legislation significantly hinder Tehran’s prosperous development. Unsatisfactory conditions of social infrastructure and economic equity exacerbate this problematic situation.

As one of the largest metropolises in the Middle East and one of the globalizing cities from developing countries and emerging economies, Tehran has not yet been studied using the CPI. This study adds Tehran to the limited number of cities analyzed through the CPI. Tehran has surpassed its carrying capacity, and if current trends continue, its quality of life will also be fragile. The city’s environmental challenges are evident, and experts and scholars are well aware of these issues and concerned about the situation.

Despite the difficulty of obtaining accurate and reliable data and the need for a robust weighting system, the CPI framework remains adaptable. It allows for modifications based on the study’s objectives, scale, and context. In addition to the strategies proposed to improve Tehran’s prosperity, enhancing urban prosperity could be expected only through adopting an integrated approach that addresses all dimensions regarding environmental priorities, social objectives, and economic directions, considering the unique needs and preferences of the city at local, regional, national, and transnational planning levels.

This paper aims to investigate the impact of board characteristics on corporate social responsibility (CSR)/sustainability reporting quality in Saudi Arabia, with a particular emphasis on how CSR committees moderate this relationship.

This study analyzes data from 75 firms listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2020. The CSR/sustainability reporting quality is assessed using a scoring system ranging from 0 to 2. An interaction analysis is conducted using Panel Ordered Logit Regression to examine the moderating effect of CSR committees on the relationship between board attributes and CSR/sustainability reporting quality.

The analysis reveals significant positive impacts of board expertise and attendance on CSR/sustainability reporting quality. The presence of a CSR committee significantly enhances reporting practices. However, board size has a nonsignificant impact on its own. In the presence of a CSR committee, board size becomes positively associated with reporting quality, but this effect is moderated by a negative interaction. Furthermore, the presence of a CSR committee attenuates the positive impact of board attendance. Despite this moderating role, the effect of board attendance remains positive and significant. Conversely, the CSR committee has a nonsignificant moderating effect on board expertise.

The findings emphasize the importance for Saudi Arabian companies to strategically develop boards with strong CSR expertise and actively involve CSR committees in overseeing CSR activities. This strategic integration is crucial for enhancing the quality of CSR/sustainability reporting, fostering transparency and accountability and facilitating informed decision-making.

By implementing these governance practices, Saudi Arabian companies can strengthen stakeholder trust and contribute to sustainable economic and societal progress within the country.

This study contributes to the literature on corporate governance and CSR practices by providing empirical evidence of the direct impact of board characteristics and the moderating effect of CSR committees in the Saudi context, offering a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics between governance mechanisms and CSR/sustainability reporting quality.

The development of large language models (LLMs) has significantly enhanced capabilities in AI-powered text generation. The impact of this new technology, which is expected to significantly influence our work and private lives, on document creation is still largely unknown. This article is inspired by the article “What Kind of Science Can Information Science Be” by Buckland (2012).

Buckland’s (2012) considerations about the human’s central role in information science are applied to the question of how the human’s central role in documentation could be affected by the devolvement of LLMs. The Model of Documentation Activity (MoDA) (Donner, 2023) is used as a framework to evaluate the influence of LLM outputs as part of the documentation activity. LLM outputs are placed within the model after an analysis of their potential to be a document from conventional, functional and semiotic points of view.

An advanced and more detailed version of the MoDA, the MoDA2, is presented, which is intended to clarify the potential implications of LLMs on the documentation activity.

This article coins the term “artificially blended testimony” for LLM output as novel data provider along nature and testimony and demonstrates the value of the MoDA2 for exploring the impact of technological advances such as LLMs on the documentation process.

The 5Whys methodology is a problem-solving technique used across diverse fields to unearth the root causes of issues. Despite its widespread use, challenges persist with adequately using the tool and effectively eliminating the root cause. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of using the 5Whys technique and employees’ proficiency in problem-solving.

The research methodology uses a 91 completed 5Why case studies data set. It involves systematically retrieving 5Whys worksheets and pertinent documents, extracting data and relevant details and meticulously organizing this information within MS Excel. Subsequently, the data undergoes cleaning and transformation to achieve a structured format suitable for analysis. Finally, the data is analyzed and discussed and recommendations are provided.

Despite 96.7% of cases having a clear problem statement, only 57.1% quantified problem impact. Problems varied in complexity, with 53.8% classified as moderate difficulty and 25.3% having multiple root causes. However, 48.4% lacked a proper cause-and-effect sequence and 22.0% failed to identify root causes. Only 39.6% of cases eliminated root causes, with 34.1% featuring a clear problem statement, identifying root causes, implementing corrective and preventive actions and verifying their effectiveness. Employee skills were a concern, with 63.2% categorized as “Novice” and 63% completed only one 5Why problem-solving. Resolutions averaged 5.6 days, indicating the need for streamlined processes and highlighting areas for improvement in organizational capabilities.

The study’s reliance on 91 production cases limits its generalizability to other environments like offices or warehouses. Practically, the findings highlight the need for improved training in the 5Whys technique, standardized root cause validation and integrating preventive actions with corrective measures. Expanding the 5Whys beyond production and complementing it with tools like fishbone diagrams can further enhance problem-solving capabilities.

This study examines the effectiveness of the 5Whys methodology and employee problem-solving skills, using a data set of 91 cases to provide new insights for enhancing problem-solving processes.

Burns and Scapens (2000) (B&S hereafter) offered a well-cited framework conceptualising management accounting change. This paper aims to provide a systematic review of how B&S has been used to inform management accounting research and presents an updated framework as a point of departure for future work.

A systematic literature review method is used to ascertain various contexts and designs of B&S-based research. After an extensive examination of citations, 77 journal articles published are identified, described and analysed.

The systematic review shows that the B&S framework has been applied in many contexts, yet its main tenets remain unchallenged. Several researchers have suggested additions and amendments, and this paper synthesises these to an updated framework. Similar theoretical advancements were noted, indicating that future contributions should be grounded in comprehensive reviews of literature.

A limitation is that the analysis is limited to journal articles and the results of the review are contingent on the authors’ reading.

An updated framework is a core contribution, serving as a basis for further advances in the understanding of the complexity of management accounting change/stability. In addition, concrete and fruitful areas for future research are presented.

This study investigates the drivers and mitigators of workplace bullying in surgical environments in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, utilizing social identity theory (SIT) and contemporary models of psychological safety. It introduces the concept of personality traits as a bridging factor between drivers and mitigators.

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 31 surgeons. Thematic analysis, supported by NVivo, was used to map findings to the SIT framework and incorporate psychological safety and personality theory.

Key drivers of workplace bullying include entrenched hierarchical power structures, gender dynamics and early socialization in competitive environments. The “bad apple” phenomenon, where personality traits such as narcissism and low emotional intelligence exacerbate bullying, contrasts with individuals demonstrating empathy and interpersonal awareness, who mitigate such behaviors. Effective leadership, generational shifts and team stability through procedural inclusion are key mitigators that promote psychological safety and collaboration.

Sample diversity, self-reporting bias and temporal context may impact the generalizability of findings across broader health and surgical settings in contemporary practice.

Addressing entrenched power imbalances and fostering inclusive leadership and practices are critical to mitigating bullying. Promoting psychological safety and leveraging generational change can reshape surgical culture, leading to healthier teams and improved patient outcomes.

This study bridges SIT with theories of personality and psychological safety, offering new perspectives on how individual traits and systemic dynamics shape bullying behaviors and culture in surgical teams, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.