https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146508 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:19:29 GMT 2026-06-05T12:19:29Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147097 Title: Toward a theory of mindful consumption under uncertainty Authors: Thalassinos, Eleftherios; Al-Sharhan, Salah; Simintiras, Antonis C. Abstract: PURPOSE: Contemporary consumption increasingly unfolds under conditions of uncertainty. Although prior consumer research has examined mindful consumption, sustainability, resilience, and anti-consumption independently, limited theoretical attention has been devoted to understanding mindful consumption as an adaptive response to uncertainty. This article develops a conceptual theory of Mindful Consumption Under Uncertainty (MCUU), defined as a reflexive and adaptive consumption orientation through which consumers intentionally regulate acquisition, usage, and meaning-making practices in response to perceived instability and vulnerability.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Drawing on uncertainty management theory, mindfulness theory, consumer culture theory, and behavioral decision research, the article develops an integrative conceptual framework explaining how uncertainty triggers reflexive reassessment, adaptive simplification, resilience-oriented consumption, and value reconfiguration. The paper further proposes a methodological agenda for future empirical investigation through mixed-method approaches, including phenomenology, digital ethnography, experimental designs, and longitudinal analysis.; FINDINGS: The proposed framework suggests that uncertainty functions as a catalyst for more intentional and reflexive consumption practices. Consumers respond to perceived instability by simplifying consumption patterns, prioritizing resilience and psychological security, and redefining consumption values beyond material acquisition. The study positions mindful consumption as a dynamic coping and adaptation mechanism rather than solely an ethical or wellness-oriented practice.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This article reconceptualizes mindful consumption as an uncertainty-responsive market logic and advances a novel theoretical perspective linking mindfulness, uncertainty, and adaptive consumer behavior.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study contributes to consumer research, sustainability studies, and marketing theory while offering implications for consumer well-being, resilience, and marketplace governance. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147097 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147092 Title: Northeast Sea passage as complementary Arctic transit route to the main intercontinental transport corridors Authors: Grzelakowski, Andrzej S. Abstract: PURPOSE: The main aim of the research is to assess current importance of the Northeast Sea Passage for international shipping and trade, as well as indicate main barriers to its further development, hampering at the same time possibilities of transforming this Arctic sea route into logistically complementary passage to the major global land and sea corridors.; METHODOLOGY: To conduct this data-driven research, the following methods were applied: 1. critical literature analysis, 2 Data mining and analysis, 3. market analysis and 4. comparative analysis.; FINDINGS: The research results indicate that the NEP has been used not only seasonally, but also primarily by coastal shipping. Its status as international sea route is rather potential, not real. There are many obstacles and barriers of various nature limiting the possibilities of its wider use. They mainly include: geopolitical, ecological, economic, operational, technical and logistics issues. Without the creation of an interntional broad cooperation platform interested in using it as transit sea route, capable of improving the quality standard of the global logistics space, it remains only a potential opportunity for global transport and trade.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: In the face of ongoing difficulties in using the Suez and Panama Canals, as was the case in 2023-2025, unblocking the northern ocean passage is becoming a major challenge of strategic importance for maintaining the dynamic development of global trade and transport and increasing the resilience of global supply chains.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study indicates the need to develop NEP as complementary transit route for shipping to not only the main world canals but also other open ocean and land transit routes recently intensively used or blocked. The global cost-benefit analysis of implementing such a project seems to indicate its rationality from an economic and logistical point of view. It provides an opportunity for creating an alternative to sometimes very risky traditional sea passages and founding at the same time coherent global logistics space. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147092 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147087 Title: On lagging versus leading regions in the European Union by competitiveness-density-vitality predictors Authors: Sandu, Dumitru Abstract: PURPOSE: This paper aims to develop a comparable and robust framework for assessing human development at the NUTS 3 regional level within the European Union, addressing both measurement and classification challenges.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study constructs a Regional Human Development Index (RHDI) based on three core dimensions—economic capital, socio-human capital, and health—drawing on EUROSTAT data. Unlike the traditional UNDP Human Development Index, the proposed index employs factor score aggregation to reduce compensatory effects among dimensions. In addition, a typology of regions is developed using cluster analysis, enabling a multidimensional classification of regions into categories such as lagging, middle-developed, and leading regions. The validity of both the index and typology is tested through multivariate analysis using predictors related to competitiveness, density, and demographic vitality.; FINDINGS: The results reveal significant spatial disparities in human development across the European Union at the NUTS 3 level. Lagging regions are predominantly located in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, while leading regions are concentrated in Northern and Western member states. The analysis confirms that higher levels of competitiveness, population density, and demographic vitality are strongly associated with higher regional human development. Furthermore, the typological approach provides additional explanatory power by capturing qualitative differences between regions that are not fully reflected in indexbased measures.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The proposed framework offers policymakers a more granular and analytically robust tool for identifying regional inequalities and targeting cohesion policies. By combining index measurement with typological classification, the study supports more nuanced, place-based policy interventions within the European Union.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This research represents one of the first comprehensive attempts to measure and classify human development at the NUTS 3 level across the EU using a data-driven aggregation method. It contributes to the literature by integrating index and typology approaches and by introducing the competitiveness–density–vitality (CDV) framework. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147087 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147082 Title: Work productivity based on knowledge and future competencies Authors: Igielski, Michał Abstract: PURPOSE: The main objective of this article is to identify the relationship between knowledge, future competencies, and labor productivity, and to determine which competencies are most important for increasing employee efficiency in the context of ongoing labor market transformation.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study is based on secondary data analysis using datasets and reports prepared by scientific institutions, international organizations, and research centers. The research methods included: (1) content analysis of reports from the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the International Labour Organization (ILO); (2) comparative analysis of statistical and qualitative data from the OECD, WEF, and ILO; (3) statistical analysis, including Pearson’s correlation to examine relationships between human capital investment and productivity, linear regression assessing the impact of education and digital skills on labor productivity, and Student’s t-test to compare average indicators between countries; and (4) data triangulation integrating qualitative and quantitative findings from multiple sources.; FINDINGS: The results indicate that future-oriented competencies - particularly digital, cognitive, and social skills - constitute an important foundation for improving labor productivity. However, the complexity of these relationships requires an interdisciplinary approach that integrates theoretical perspectives with practical applications and continuous monitoring of technological and social changes. Further research should focus on validating and measuring competencies in relation to productivity and professional development, especially within digital transformation environments.; RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The analysis is theoretical and review-based. Future studies should incorporate empirical methods, particularly quantitative research in knowledge-intensive organizations, to better measure the impact of specific competencies on productivity.; PRACTICAL AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings highlight the importance of investing in digital and social competence development, fostering innovation-oriented organizational cultures, and promoting flexible work models that support productivity and employee wellbeing. Strengthening future competencies may also enhance digital inclusion, reduce labor market inequalities, and better prepare societies for automation and artificial intelligence.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article contributes to the debate on labor productivity by integrating economic, managerial, and social perspectives and by emphasizing the combined role of technological, cognitive, and social competencies in the digital economy. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147082 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z