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This paper aims to enhance the understanding of the distinct origins, mechanisms, growth paths and societal impacts of misinformation and disinformation through the theoretical lens of Niklas Luhmann’s social systems theory, particularly focusing on structural coupling and penetration.

This paper is based on a conceptual study that investigates the phenomena of mis-/disinformation based on reviews of the literature on social systems theory, particularly focusing on structural coupling and penetration.

This theoretical analysis has led to the postulations that mis-/disinformation would cause social conflicts through divergent routes and that they do not necessarily have negative consequences in society. That is, conflicts or communication of contradictions serve for the reproduction and change in social systems and, furthermore, serve society as an immune mechanism. We speculate that similarities in the manifestation of mis-/disinformation could stem from the influence of amplifiers, such as moral intervention. Nevertheless, we posit that disinformation stemming from intentional penetration is more likely to cause societal dysfunction than misinformation, leading to conflict overload, polarized information ecosystems and potential system failures.

It provides a broader theoretical perspective for a better understanding of the roots and mechanisms of mis-/disinformation and their social consequences. It also engages with unresolved debates over structural couplings and penetration, showing how distinguishing these concepts enhance analytical clarity and explanatory power.

Understanding the challenges and opportunities of policy coherence when dealing with wicked problems is a particularly relevant approach to policy analysis. Coherence and complexity condition each other in the context of the different policy domains, jointly offering an enabling debate angle to account for and unbox policy success and failure. A complexity perspective invites an analysis of the interdependencies between the different elements of a system (Argyris & Schön, 1996). This is very similar to the ambition of policy coherence of promoting synergies between policy domains in order to encourage policy success (Nilsson et al., 2012). The current chapter looks at the nexus between policy coherence and complexity, analyzing lessons learned from the UK context while aiming to fulfill policy commitments related to the policy goals of the Sustainable Development Framework. Looking at the United Kingdom's policy journey includes analyzing the ambitions of the United Kingdom as a European country with global presence, aiming for policy coherence and integrating, for example, its security, defense, development, and foreign policy strategies, through the Integrated Review, therefore creating the institutional arrangements for materializing ambitions across different policy domains.

The analysis developed here uses an outward perspective to understand how a complexity reading of the United Kingdom's efforts for achieving the SDGs can unveil an understanding of how and if its nature as a global governance actor within the Sustainable Development Framework has changed in significant ways and which are the potential related challenges.

This study aims to examine the effect of Industry 4.0 technology on resilience in established cross-border supply chain(s) (SC).

A literature review provides insight into the resilience capabilities of cross-border SC. The research uses a case study of operational international SC: the producers, importers, logistics companies and UK Government (UKG) departments. Semi-structured interviews determine the resilience capabilities and approaches of participants within cross-border SC and how implementing an Industry 4.0 Internet of Things (IoT) and capitals Distributed Ledger (blockchain) based technology platform changes SC resilience capabilities and approaches.

A blockchain-based platform introduces common assured data, reducing data duplication. When combined with IoT technology, the platform improves end-to-end SC visibility and information sharing. Industry 4.0 technology builds collaboration, trust, improved agility, adaptability and integration. It enables common resilience capabilities and approaches that reduce the de-coupling between government agencies and participants of cross-border SC.

The case study presents challenges specific to UKG’s customs border operations; research needs to be repeated in different contexts to confirm findings are generalisable.

Operational SC and UKG customs and excise departments must align their resilience strategies to gain full advantage of Industry 4.0 technologies.

Case study research shows how Industry 4.0 technology reduces the de-coupling between the SC and UKG, enhancing common resilience capabilities within established cross-border operations. Improved information sharing and SC visibility provided by IoT and blockchain technologies support the development of resilience in established cross-border SC and enhance interactions with UKG at the customs border.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of logistics capabilities on the relationship between information sharing (INS) and logistics performance of Sudanese industrial companies.

This descriptive study investigates the relationship between INS and logistics performance in Sudanese industrial companies. A five-point scale questionnaire surveyed a non-probability sample of 262 logistics, supply chain and operations managers. Structural equation modeling has been used to test the relationship between the variables.

The results revealed that there is no direct positive relationship between logistics INS and logistics performance, while there is an indirect relationship through logistics capabilities. The findings confirmed that there is a positive relationship between logistics INS and logistics capabilities.

There are several limitations in this study. This study is limited to certain businesses and has a small sample size, which may impact the capacity to apply the findings to a broader context. The sample was based on the current manufacturing companies in Sudan, which are distinguished by certain characteristics in terms of number, business stability and other factors. Because of these factors, the findings may not accurately reflect the actual situation. Industrywise, this study focused on manufacturers, whereas logistics is based on a chain of partners and involved parties. Including them in any future investigation could lead to meaningful findings and discoveries. Furthermore, the data collection’s cross-sectional form may not comprehensively reflect the temporal dynamics of logistical activities. Future research may address these constraints by investigating the efficacy of diverse logistical capabilities in other businesses and circumstances. The construct of the variables is a single-dimension construct, which does not reflect all the practices associated with INS, logistics capabilities and logistics performance. Furthermore, there is an opportunity to explore further the impact of INS on important logistical performance metrics, such as order lead time, on-time delivery and inventory management. One potential area for future investigation is the study of logistics information-sharing technologies, specifically utilizing data analytics and machine learning. In such a context, deep insight and understanding of logistics capabilities and performance require more qualitative analysis; therefore, future research could fill this gap and provide deeper insight.

For practitioners in the small and medium-sized enterprise sector in Sudan, these findings suggest enhancing their operations, particularly by investing in information-sharing technologies that improve stakeholder coordination. Actively engage supply chain partners in the logistics information system to ensure timely and accurate information flows to all. However, it’s important to be aware of potential challenges, such as the high costs and complex design of these systems and potential resistance to change within businesses. Policymakers play a crucial role in this process, as they can use these findings to establish industry-wide standards or incentives that promote the use of advanced logistical capabilities; besides that, policymakers need to invest in building genuine information channels and systems that inform the industry and clear the ambiguity.

This study establishes a relationship between INS and logistics performance, which will be interpreted by logistics capabilities to enhance the logistics performance of Sudanese logistic businesses in an underdeveloped context characterized by a weak logistics industry and logistics capabilities. It suggests that companies should prioritize logistics INS and investment in INS technology to enhance their logistics capabilities.