Purpose: This two-part literature review aims to synthesize and analyze the complex relationship between women directors and their impact on corporate boards and companies. Part 1 establishes the theoretical, definitional, and mechanistic foundations necessary to understand this relationship, focusing on the antecedents and processes of influence. Design/Method/Approach: It employs a comprehensive narrative literature review methodology, synthesizing global theoretical and empirical research. Findings: The impact of women directors is not direct but mediated through specific boardroom mechanisms, such as enhanced monitoring, reduced groupthink, and improved stakeholder orientation, and moderated by contextual factors like critical mass, national culture, and policy type. Achieving a meaningful critical mass (typically three women or ~30%) is essential to move beyond tokenism and enable substantive influence. The global policy landscape reveals a dichotomy between mandatory quotas and voluntary targets, each with distinct implications for the pace of change and legitimacy of appointments. Theoretical Implications: The review integrates multiple theoretical frameworks, including Critical Mass Theory, Agency Theory, Resource Dependence Theory, and Social Role Theory, to explain the nuanced pathways of influence. It affirms the centrality of Critical Mass Theory while highlighting that its effectiveness is contingent on institutional and cultural moderators. Practical Implications: Practitioners should promote inclusive board cultures and merit-based appointments, considering contextual moderators like industry and national institutions. Originality/Value: It provides a structured, mechanism-based framework to clarify mixed empirical findings and opens the "black box" of boardroom dynamics. Research Limitations/Future Research: Findings are context-dependent; future research should employ longitudinal designs and explore the interplay of diversity dimensions and informal board norms. Paper Type: Conceptual JEL Classification: G14, J16, M14

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of youth policy management strategies in Ukraine through the prism of international partnership and cross-sectoral interaction, as well as to outline directions for their further development. Design/Method/Approach: The study is analytical and review-based in nature. General scientific methods were applied, including analysis, synthesis, generalization, and comparison of analytical reports of international organizations and studies conducted by Ukrainian scholars. Findings: The results indicate that the current system of youth policy implementation in Ukraine is characterized by a high level of decentralization and active engagement of the civil society sector. At the same time, several challenges have been identified, including insufficient coordination between sectors and limited financial resources. The article proposes directions for improvement, such as the establishment of an effective system of cross-sectoral communication, enhancement of managerial capacity at the local level, and expansion of youth participation in decision-making processes. Theoretical Implications: The study contributes to the development of public administration theory in the context of youth policy by supplementing it with the concept of multi-sectoral interaction. The role of international partnerships as a catalyst for the development of youth infrastructure and the strengthening of institutional resilience is clarified. Practical Implications: The findings may be used by public authorities and local communities in the development of strategic documents and youth development programs, as well as in the training of managerial personnel in the field of youth policy. Originality/Value: The novelty of the research lies in the systematization of post-war trends in the development of the youth sector and the identification of mechanisms for integrating best European practices into national youth policy. Research Limitations/Future Research: The study is analytical in nature and does not include empirical quantitative measurements of effectiveness. Future research should focus on the development of indicators for assessing cross-sectoral interaction, comparative analysis of regional models, and the study of long-term effects of international programs. Paper Type: Conceptual JEL Classification: I38, J13, L31

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Big Data Analysis Capabilities (BDAC) on Organizational Energy (OE) within public service organizations, using the Directorate of Civil Affairs, Residence, and Passports in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq, as a case study. In an increasingly complex and data-driven environment, the ability to process, analyze, and utilize large datasets is becoming a critical factor in enhancing organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and adaptability. Design/Method/Approach: The research employs a descriptive-analytical methodology, combining theoretical examination with empirical analysis. A structured questionnaire was used as the primary data collection tool, targeting employees at different organizational levels. Field data were processed and analyzed using AMOS V25 for structural equation modeling and SPSS V25 for statistical testing, enabling both confirmatory factor analysis and hypothesis testing. Findings: The empirical findings reveal that BDAC, across its three dimensions – technical, human, and organizational capabilities – has a statistically significant and positive impact on all dimensions of organizational energy (cognitive, emotional, and behavioral). Among these, human capabilities demonstrated the strongest influence, underscoring the central role of employee skills, knowledge, and motivation in leveraging big data for improved organizational performance. Theoretical Implications: The study advances the theoretical understanding of the BDAC–OE relationship by introducing a conceptual model that integrates big data capabilities into the organizational energy framework. This contributes to bridging the gap between information technology capabilities and organizational behavior literature. Practical Implications: The results highlight the need for public sector organizations to invest in modern technological infrastructure, employee training, and organizational structures that support data-driven decision-making. Implementing such measures can enhance efficiency, innovation, and service delivery, ultimately strengthening the organization’s competitive advantage and long-term sustainability. Originality/Value: This research offers a novel contextual perspective by examining BDAC–OE integration in a governmental service organization in Iraq, a setting that has received limited scholarly attention. It provides a replicable framework for similar institutions in developing countries. Research Limitations/Future Research: Further studies are encouraged to validate the proposed model across various sectors and geographic contexts, with a focus on longitudinal designs to capture the evolving nature of big data technologies and organizational energy. Paper Type: Empirical JEL Classification: C38, C55, M15, M54, O32

Purpose: This paper examines whether customer experience has an influence on customer loyalty in a multichannel banking environment. Design/Method/Approach: The study used a sample of 466 bank customers in Durban, South Africa. Data from the survey of the bank customers was analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), and a theoretical model was created and empirically tested. Findings: The study findings indicate that the relationship between customer experience and customer loyalty is mediated by service quality and customer satisfaction. The theoretical model developed indicates that customer loyalty can be achieved by improving customer experiences, enhancing service quality and improving customer satisfaction. Theoretical Implications: The study enhances theoretical understanding by demonstrating that the relationship between customer experience and loyalty is mediated by service quality and customer satisfaction. It highlights the importance of viewing customer experience as a multidimensional construct in multichannel banking. Practical Implications: The findings suggest that banks can improve customer loyalty by enhancing customer experience through better service quality and satisfaction. This requires integrating digital and traditional service channels and continuously improving customer touchpoints. Originality/Value: The success of service companies depends on their ability to build a loyal customer base, which can be achieved by delivering customer experiences that blend the different channels. Research Limitations/Future Research: The implication is that banks must exploit ways of improving customer experience as well as leveraging on customer satisfaction and service quality to enhance loyalty. Paper Type: Empirical JEL Classification: D12, G21, L81, M31

Purpose: There are efforts to combat HIV/AIDS through Sustainable Development Goal and so, HIV/AIDS community health projects have been implemented to shape HIV/AIDS management and care. The present study examined influence of participatory decision-making on performance of HIV/AIDS community health projects in Kisumu County, Kenya. The study was grounded on stakeholder’s theory because the HIV/AIDS community health projects in Kenya is a results-oriented performance measurement system. Design/Method/Approach: The research design was descriptive survey design and purposively selected 59 HIV/AIDS project managers and 59 Monitoring and evaluation officers, while 379 beneficiaries were randomly selected using Krejcie and Morgan formula. Structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data, which was analyzed through descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean score and standard deviation) as well as Pearson correlation and regression analysis. Findings: The study found a significant positive effect of participatory decision-making on performance of HIV/AIDs Community Health Projects at p<0.05. Participatory decision-making increases or enhances performance of HIV/AIDS Community Health Projects in Kisumu County. Theoretical and Practical Implications: This paper contributed to the body of research on participatory management by underscoring the argument that participatory decision making enhances the performance of HIV/AIDs community health projects. Originality/Value: This research not only demonstrates how community health projects can be efficiently run through involvement of primary stakeholders (beneficiaries), it is also an example of an application of stakeholder’s theory to a practical field. Research Limitations/Future Research: This research opens opportunities for future research on participatory management in community health projects. Paper Type: Empirical JEL Classification: D83, I18, L31, O15

Purpose: Development of a model of management of tourist services, which would allow to effectively counteract the negative consequences of overtourism and ensure the sustainable development of the tourism industry. Design/Method/Approach: An analytical method was used - the use of statistical data, scientific publications, official reports of tourist organizations to analyze the current state of the tourist market and identify the main problems related to overtourism. A case study method for conducting a detailed analysis of specific examples of tourist areas that have been negatively affected by overtourism and evaluating the measures taken. Findings: It is proposed to consider overtourism as a complex problem caused by the uncontrolled growth of the number of travelers in popular territories, which leads to the deterioration of the quality of life of residents and tourist dissatisfaction, the destruction of cultural and natural heritage, environmental damage, infrastructure problems, deterioration. The definition of tourismophobia as an extreme manifestation of overtourism is substantiated; a conceptual model of their relationship is proposed; global approaches to the assessment and prevention of overtourism are generalized to improve the management of tourist services in conditions of excessive tourism. Strategies for regulating overtourism at various stages of the life cycle of tourist destinations have been formed - a strategy for stimulating the development of tourism, a strategy for preventive response, a strategy for limiting tourist activity; a mechanism for managing tourist services based on strategies to overcome overtourism in mature tourist destinations was formed and substantiated; a set of measures to prevent overtourism in tourist areas is proposed. Theoretical Implications: The theoretical significance of the research results lies in clarifying and supplementing the understanding of the essence of overtourism and tourismophobia, the accumulation of scientific knowledge in the field of studying the consequences of overtourism for the host territories. Practical Implications: The practical significance of the study lies in the modernization of the system of assessment and prevention of overtourism in mature tourist destinations. According to the results of the developed mechanism of regulation of tourist services, taking into account the strategies for overcoming overtourism, it is possible to respond preventively to the main risks of overtourism problems. The author's proposed structural models of the impact of tourism on the population and perception of the destination by visitors, a set of measures to prevent overtourism can be used as a tool for planning the development of tourism. Originality/Value: The conceptual and terminological apparatus of overtourism is specified, the aspects of its negative impact on destinations are determined, and the world experience of assessing the impact of overtourism on the host territory is summarized. Strategies for regulating overtourism at various stages of the life cycle of tourist destinations have been formed and, on this basis, proposals for the development and improvement of the mechanism for managing tourist services to prevent overtourism have been formulated. Research Limitations/Future Research: The problem of overtourism has turned from local to global in recent years. To solve it, further research and the formation of a set of measures are necessary, which takes into account the interests of all subjects of the tourism and entertainment industry, and will also allow to preserve historical, cultural and natural monuments that constitute the heritage of the entire world society. Paper Type: Conceptual JEL Classification: F20, L14, R58

Purpose: The ability to disseminate knowledge in the presence of innovation and capability in businesses creates an advantage over other businesses. Most SMEs do not implement formal tools to protect and share needed knowledge, which makes knowledge transfer difficult. Design/Method/Approach: Quantitative research was adopted. With over eleven (11) thousand registered SMEs in Lagos State and using Yamane’s formula, a total of 386 respondents formed the sample size for this study. Findings: The study established a positive significance of social networking, mentorship and research and development for innovation performance. However, training revealed no impact on innovation performance which further established that most SMEs operators in Nigeria usually improve business skills through apprenticeship instead of an organized training to transfer knowledge. Theoretical Implications: The absorptive capacity theory was adopted to explain the importance of enriching organizational learning by the acquisition of diverse knowledge from different sources to enhance capabilities. It also depicts the impact of technological innovation performance through general abilities of an individual. Practical Implications: The study emphasized that the survival and competitiveness of any business entity in an evolving global environment is dependent on its implementation of continuous innovative improvements through knowledge transfer, but of all knowledge transfer methods, training is the least used method by business owners. Originality/Value: This paper assesses the significance of knowledge transfer as a driver of innovation performance in Nigerian SMEs using such methods as training, mentorship, research and development and social networking employed by SMEs. Research Limitations/Future Research: One major limitation to the study was the inability and unwillingness of SMEs owners and managers to fill in a questionnaire. Paper Type: Empirical JEL Classification: M10, M13

Мета роботи: Дослідження та створення ефективних методів вдосконалення стратегічного менеджменту з метою розвитку міжнародних компаній на основі впровадження крос-функціонального підходу. Дизайн / Метод / Підхід дослідження: Використано процесний підхід, структурний аналіз, квантитативний аналіз, діалектичний, абстрактно-логічний метод пізнання, факторний, порівняльний підходи, методи емпіричного узагальнення, інтегральної оцінки, стратегічного аналізу, а також прийоми матричної та графічної візуалізації статистичних даних. Результати дослідження: Розроблено концептуальні положення стратегічного менеджменту щодо розвитку ринкової діяльності міжнародних компаній, які враховують специфіку реалізації функцій стратегічного планування, що базуються на результатах структурування проблем науково-технологічного розвитку з урахуванням основних положень корпоративного управління, що розкривають вимоги до процесу стратегічного менеджменту при прийнятті ефективних управлінських рішень у середовищі міжнародних компаній. Розроблено методичний підхід щодо оцінки системи стратегічного менеджменту розвитку міжнародних компаній, що базується на оцінці елементів, що входять до її складу, що відрізняється визначенням інтегрального показника стратегічного планування в залежності від величини займаної площі на оціночній матриці, що враховує сукупність ресурсів, що використовуються компанією для освоєння або утримання міжнародних ринків. Запропоновано підхід до формування проектної команди, що здійснює стратегічне планування розвитку міжнародної компанії, що базується на реалізації принципу крос-функціональності, що дозволяє врахувати мотиваційні та демотиваційні фактори, що впливають на розвиток членів проектної групи та здійснювати поточне регулювання команди врахуванням міжфункціональної взаємодії її членів при реалізації окремих компетенцій застосування в компанії системного підходу в корпоративному менеджменті. Теоретична цінність дослідження: Теоретична значущість дослідження полягає в обґрунтуванні положень, що актуалізують методичні підходи реалізації стратегій міжнародних компаній з урахуванням їх галузевої належності, про застосування специфічних методів та інструментів стратегічного менеджменту, моделювання вибору пріоритетних напрямків ринкового розвитку. Практична цінність дослідження: Практичне значення дослідження полягає в тому, що висновки та рекомендації можуть бути використані міжнародними компаніями під час удосконалення системного забезпечення системи стратегічного менеджменту, а також практичного застосування обґрунтованих положень для розвитку ринкової присутності і ведення конкурентної боротьби. Оригінальність / Цінність дослідження: Сформовано адаптивну систему стратегічного менеджменту розвитку міжнародних компаній на засадах крос-функціонального підходу, що відрізняється структурною композицією (керуюча, керована, забезпечуюча підсистеми), що враховує вплив вхідних факторів внутрішнього середовища, націлена на отримання ефективних стратегічних рішень у галузі визначення пріоритетних напрямків корпоративного розвитку. Обмеження дослідження / Майбутні дослідження: Отримані в ході дослідження висновки та результати суттєво розвивають теоретичний апарат дослідження системи стратегічного менеджменту міжнародних компаній та можуть бути використані під час проведення подальших розробок з проблем удосконалення стратегічного процесу в міжнародному корпоративному секторі. Тип статті: Концептуальний

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the role of storytelling as a qualitative approach in organizational management, focusing on the values and emotions conveyed through narratives. The research aims to explore the potential of storytelling to strengthen connections, support networks, and improve people's adaptability, while addressing the lack of coherence in this area. Design/Method/Approach: This study used a secondary research strategy. Findings: Throughout this study, the author makes the case that narrative is critical to effective organizational management and leadership. However, meaningful and creative in developing qualitative research in management is, the growth of story methods has resulted in a lack of consistency in the field. Theoretical Implications: The theoretical findings of this study emphasize the importance of competent organizational management and leadership in storytelling. This study emphasizes that storytelling is an important tool for communicating values and emotions, as well as for creating connections and support networks, exploring the function of narrative in management. The growing popularity of storytelling methods, however, also highlights the lack of consistency in this area. The study calls for further research into the relationship between storytelling and human adaptation, as well as the validity of storytelling as a methodology for qualitative management research. The results help to clarify the theoretical foundations of storytelling and its use in corporate situations. Practical Implications: Although literature acknowledges significantly emotional and psychological advantages associated with using storytelling in studies, there has been no evidence of the link between improving human adaptability and using storytelling in research. Throughout this study, the author makes the case that narrative is critical to effective organizational management and leadership. Although essential and creative in developing qualitative management research is, the growth of story methods has resulted in a lack of consistency in the field. Originality/Value: This paper addresses the application of storytelling to organization management and how storytelling is used as a tool for qualitative research. Research Limitations/Future Research: The research was primarily focused on secondary research and, therefore, could be limited to previous research findings. Paper Type: Conceptual JEL Classification: C25, C35

Purpose: To generalize a taxonomy of responsible investment strategies based on assessing the main trends in the development of SRI at the global level and by major geographical regions. Analyse the types of existing SRI strategies and rank them according to their leading positions and active use in different geographical regions. Design/Method/Approach: System-structural in order to generalize approaches to the typology of socially responsible investment strategies in accordance with the current assets structure managed by investment managers, including by geographical regions; systematic analysis to identify current trends and patterns in the investment processes in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); statistical and graphical methods for quantitative and visual presentation of analysis results. Findings: The current mechanism of socially responsible investments distribution in comparison with traditional assets is characterized; global trends in the field of SRI are assessed; the taxonomy of SRI strategies in accordance with general scientific approaches and classifications of international investment organizations aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals at the global level has been formed and generalized. Theoretical Implications: A comprehensive assessment of global investment processes is carried out in the context of responsible investment and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals; the most optimal approaches to the RI strategies typology have been determined based on its current trends, the level of attraction of them in different regions in order to apply them in the impact investments programs, developing the country's profile as an investment donor. Research Limitations/Future Research: The the obtained results will be used in the further study of the transformation of the stock market in Ukraine based on the responsible trajectory and fractal analysis. Also, identified responsible investment strategies can serve as a basis for developing the investment profile of the impact investment donor country, as well as for highlighting priority areas for attracting investments to restore the country's economy after crises, military conflicts and other macroeconomic destabilization factors. The study was performed within the state budget research “Fractal model of the stock market transformation in Ukraine: socially responsible investment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals” № 0121U100473 Paper type: Empirical