Advanced Journal of Management, Humanity and Social Science

Abstract Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) represent the backbone of the global economy, yet they are disproportionately vulnerable to global economic fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and sustainability pressures. In today’s uncertain environment, resilient supply chain management (RSCM) and the integration of sustainable practices have become strategic imperatives for SMEs striving to maintain competitiveness and continuity. This paper explores how SMEs can enhance resilience by diversifying suppliers, leveraging digital technologies, and strengthening collaborative networks while simultaneously adopting sustainability measures such as circular economy models, renewable energy integration, and ethical sourcing. The study emphasizes the dual role of resilience and sustainability as mutually reinforcing concepts: resilient practices ensure operational continuity during crises, while sustainable initiatives reduce long-term vulnerabilities and improve stakeholder trust. Case studies from SMEs across diverse industries demonstrate that adopting these strategies not only mitigates risks but also provides access to global markets, enhances brand reputation, and improves resource efficiency. However, SMEs face significant barriers, including limited financial resources, technological gaps, regulatory complexities, and knowledge deficits. Overcoming these challenges requires supportive policies, financial incentives, and capacity-building programs, alongside SME-driven innovation.

Abstract Leadership remains a cornerstone of organizational success, particularly within multinational corporations (MNCs) that operate in diverse and complex environments. Effective leadership styles and strategies are crucial for enhancing employee motivation and improving organizational productivity. This paper explores various leadership theories, including transformational, transactional, servant, and situational leadership, to examine their applicability in motivating employees within MNCs. Additionally, the paper highlights the role of cross-cultural leadership, communication, emotional intelligence, and strategic human resource management in driving organizational outcomes. Through a comparative analysis of previous empirical studies, the paper underscores that no single leadership style is universally effective. Instead, adaptable, culturally sensitive, and employee-centered leadership approaches yield sustainable improvements in motivation, innovation, and productivity. The discussion also considers the challenges of globalization, digital transformation, and remote working, offering practical strategies for leaders in MNCs to build resilient, motivated, and high-performing teams.The integration of diverse markets, cultures, and technological systems has heightened the need for leaders who can adapt to rapid changes while motivating employees across geographies. Leadership, once understood merely as a positional authority or the ability to direct teams, has evolved into a multidimensional construct encompassing vision, strategy, communication, and the capacity to inspire. Leadership styles and strategies have direct implications for employee motivation, which in turn, influences organizational productivity and competitive advantage.

Abstract Traditional credit risk models, which rely primarily on static and historical financial records, are increasingly insufficient in addressing the complexities of modern economies. Their retrospective orientation often fails to capture the real-time operational health of borrowers, resulting in suboptimal lending decisions. This study proposes a novel smart framework that integrates high-frequency Internet of Things (IoT) data streams with Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) methods to enable dynamic and transparent credit risk assessment. The architecture incorporates diverse real-time operational signals—including supply chain logistics, equipment condition, production volumes, and inventory status—to construct continuously updated borrower risk profiles. At its core, the framework combines a Graph Neural Network (GNN) to capture intricate interdependencies within supply chains with a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network for temporal analysis of IoT sensor data. An additional XAI layer, implemented through SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), ensures interpretability of model outputs, thereby supporting regulatory compliance and fostering stakeholder trust. To evaluate the framework, a hybrid dataset was constructed, combining traditional financial statements with simulated IoT streams that mimic realistic business operations. Experimental results highlight a substantial performance improvement over conventional approaches, achieving an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.97. Moreover, the XAI module generated transparent, feature-based explanations for changes in risk scores, offering actionable insights for lenders. This research argues that the convergence of IoT and XAI signals a paradigm shift from static, retrospective risk models to proactive, dynamic, and interpretable credit risk management, enabling financial institutions to make better-informed and timely lending decisions.

Abstract Legal precedents play a fundamental role in shaping the reasoning and outcomes of judicial decisions across various legal systems, particularly in common law jurisdictions. By adhering to the doctrine of stare decisis, courts ensure consistency, predictability, and fairness in the application of law. This reliance on precedent provides litigants and society with a sense of stability, allowing individuals and institutions to anticipate legal consequences and organize their affairs accordingly. Beyond stability, precedents also facilitate the gradual evolution of legal doctrines, enabling courts to refine or reinterpret principles in response to shifting social norms, political contexts, and technological innovations. At the same time, the use of precedent is not without challenges. Strict adherence may entrench outdated or unjust decisions, while excessive flexibility risks undermining legal certainty and judicial legitimacy. The globalized nature of contemporary legal practice further complicates this dynamic, as courts increasingly engage with transnational jurisprudence and comparative precedent. This paper argues that the true significance of precedent lies in its dual role as both a guardian of continuity and a catalyst for change. By balancing respect for established rulings with responsiveness to new realities, courts can ensure that the law remains both stable and adaptable, preserving its legitimacy while addressing emerging challenges. The broader implications of precedent extend beyond legal reasoning, shaping democratic governance, economic stability, and social justice in profound and lasting ways.

Abstract Emerging technologies have become the cornerstone of entrepreneurial transformation and the driving force behind the development of innovative startups. As the digital economy expands, startups increasingly rely on advanced technological tools—such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and big data analytics—to create competitive advantages, scale operations, and enhance market adaptability. This paper explores the critical role of emerging technologies in entrepreneurial business development and the management of innovation in startups. Drawing on theoretical frameworks in innovation management, digital transformation, and entrepreneurial ecosystems, the study investigates how new technologies empower startups to achieve efficiency, differentiation, and resilience in rapidly changing markets. It highlights both opportunities and challenges, including regulatory barriers, cybersecurity threats, resource limitations, and the ethical dimensions of technology adoption. Through a synthesis of global case studies, the article demonstrates how startups across diverse regions leverage technological advancements to disrupt industries, attract venture capital, and foster sustainable growth. The findings underscore the necessity of integrating innovation management strategies with emerging technologies to enhance entrepreneurial success, shape dynamic ecosystems, and ensure long-term value creation. Ultimately, this study contributes to academic debates and practical insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors aiming to harness technology for sustainable entrepreneurial growth.

Abstract In the context of globalization, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) encounter unprecedented challenges and opportunities that demand both digital innovation and sustainable business strategies. Digital transformation, which involves the adoption of advanced technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data, enables SMEs to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and expand access to international markets. At the same time, sustainability has become a critical business imperative, as stakeholders increasingly expect companies to align their practices with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. This paper explores the intersection between digital transformation and sustainable practices, highlighting how globalization accelerates both trends and creates a synergistic relationship. On one side, digital technologies facilitate sustainable practices through resource optimization, supply chain transparency, and reduction of carbon footprints. On the other, sustainability initiatives enhance brand reputation and provide SMEs with a competitive edge in globalized markets. Despite these benefits, SMEs face significant barriers including limited financial resources, skills shortages, and regulatory complexity. By analyzing existing literature and real-world case examples, this study argues that SMEs must adopt an integrated strategy where digital transformation supports sustainability objectives, ensuring long-term competitiveness and resilience. Moreover, global cooperation, policy support, and innovation ecosystems are essential to enable SMEs to thrive in this transformative era.