This publication, Our Fragile World: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development presents perspectives of several important subjects that are covered in greater detail and depth in the Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS). The contributions to the two volumes provide an integrated presentation of knowledge and worldviews related to the state of: Earth's natural resources, social resources, institutional resources, and economic and financial resources. They present the vision and thinking of over 200 authors in support of efforts to solve the complex problems connected with sustainable development, and to secure perennial life support on "The Blue Planet'. These contributions are holistic, informative, forward looking, and will be of interest to a broad readership. This volume presents contributions with focus on the Economic and Institutional Dimensions of Sustainable Development in two sections: KNOWLEDGE, TECHNOLOGY, AND MANAGEMENT (Knowledge; Technology and Management ; Economics; Finance and trade). – POLICY AND INSITUTIONAL IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (Policy Issues; Institutional implications; Regional Analysis).

Environment and Development is a component of Encyclopedia of Development and Economic Sciences in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. The pressing need to combine protecting the environment with sustaining development has become increasingly recognized. This theme deals with environmental and ecological sustainable development. Environmental damage has not only created obstacles to sustainable economic development, but is also posing great threats, to human health and life, to ecological systems and the natural world, and to the socio-cultural environments in which human beings lead their daily lives. The content of the theme on Environment and Development is organized with state-of-the-art presentations covering the following aspects of the subject: Approaching Sustainable Development from Different Angles; Hazard and Risk Assessment, and Risk Management; Current Views of Global Carrying Capacity; Social and Economic Disparities; Responses to the Challenges of Disparities and Unsustainable Use of Natural Resources; Environmental Economics and Eco-business; Environmental Values and Ethics; Other Important Future Environmental Issues. These two volumes are aimed at the following five major target audiences: University and College Students Educators, Professional Practitioners, Research Personnel and Policy Analysts, Managers, and Decision Makers, NGOs and GOs.

'This book makes a significant contribution to the literature on natural resource law and governance by engaging specifically with the issues arising in the African region. It covers a wide spectrum of issues that are key to the sustainable use of natural resources in the region, thus making it an important resource for anyone interested in natural resource governance and economic development in the African region.' – Philippe Cullet, University of London, UK This well-researched book covers a wide spectrum of important issues that are central to investment in natural resources and ultimately, economic development of Africa. Francis Botchway and the expert contributors analyse the relationships between good governance and resource management, as well as the existing commercial and financial agreements. The environmental implication of resource exploitation and the international dimensions of the industry are also explored in this insightful study. Each comprehensive and concise contribution highlights the importance of transparency and equity in investment and management of natural resources. Natural Resource Investment and Africa's Development is essential material for scholars and students of development, environmental law, international economic law and dispute resolution, as well as any international investor in natural resources.

Part of the popular Networked Cities series, Urban and Regional Technology Planning focuses on the practice of relational planning and the stimulation of local city-regional scale development planning in the context of the global knowledge economy and network society. Designed to offer scholars, practitioners, and decision makers studies on the ways of cities, technologies, and multiple forms of urban movement intersect and create the contemporary urban environment, Kenneth Corey and Mark Wilson explore the dynamics of technology-induced change that is taking place within the context of the global knowledge economy and network society. Examining first the knowledge economy itself, Wilson and Corey go on to discuss its implications before proposing ways to strategize for future intelligent development, with particular emphasis on the ALERT model for regional and local planning. An important read for those practicing or studying planning in this network society.

Businesses are facing an unprecedented challenge - the urgent need to adapt and thrive in a world where intelligent factories and supply chains are the new norm. The digital transformation of supply chains is essential for staying competitive, but it is a complex journey fraught with uncertainties. How can organizations harness the power of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to increase profitability, cut supply chain costs, elevate customer service, and optimize their networks? The answers to these questions are crucial for business survival and success. AI and Machine Learning Impacts in Intelligent Supply Chain is a groundbreaking book that offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges posed by the Industry 4.0 revolution. This book is your indispensable guide to navigating the intricate world of supply chain digital transformation using innovative technologies. It provides real-world examples and insights that illustrate how AI and ML are the keys to solving complex supply chain problems, from inventory management to route optimization and beyond. Whether you are an academic scholar seeking to delve into the impact of AI and ML on supply chain management or a business leader striving to gain a competitive edge, this book is tailored to meet your needs.

Principles of Sustainable Development is the component of Encyclopedia of Development and Economic Sciences in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. Sustainable Development is a term of differing definitions. Standing alone, the term is abstract and ambiguous. The meaning most often cited is that adopted by the World Commission on Environment and Development: meeting today’s true needs and opportunities without jeopardizing the integrity of the planetary life-support base – the environment – and diminishing its ability to provide for needs, opportunities, and quality of life in the future. This definition may serve as a general principle, but for a guide to action its components sustainability and development must be given substance: what is to be sustained and what developed? Is development essentially economic or material growth, and is sustainability mostly a means to keep economic growth growing? Consequently, should development represent means toward ecologically sustainable ends? The concept of ecological sustainability has been advanced as a restriction on economic development. It follows therefore that principles of sustainable development depend upon how the term is understood and how it is put into practice. Even so the definition of the World Commission on Environment and Development, given the adequate definition of variable needs, provides the most reliable principle for testing the qualitative and ecological sustainability of development proposals. The Theme on Principles of Sustainable Development, in three volumes, deals with the diversity of points of view on this complex subject. These three volumes are aimed at the following five major target audiences: University and College students Educators, Professional practitioners, Research personnel and Policy analysts, managers, and decision makers and NGOs.

Dimensions of Sustainable Development is the component of Encyclopedia of Development and Economic Sciences in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. The Theme on Dimensions of Sustainable Development, in two volumes, deals with the diversity of points of view on this complex subject. The chapters in these volumes are organized into five groups. The first starts with chapters introducing the general concepts underlying sustainable development. The second treats current and emerging understandings of the general biophysical limits of economic growth and development. The third focuses on the human and social capital requirements for sustainability. The fourth deals with a particular aspect of the organization of human economic and technological activity. The final group discusses something of the diversity of possible approaches to the management of sustainability. These two volumes are aimed at the following five major target audiences: University and College students Educators, Professional practitioners, Research personnel and Policy analysts, managers, and decision makers and NGOs.

This book gathers the proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Management Science and Engineering Management (ICMSEM 2020). Held at the Academy of Studies of Moldova from July 30 to August 2, 2020, the conference provided a platform for researchers and practitioners in the field to share their ideas and experiences. Covering a wide range of topics, including hot management issues in engineering science, the book presents novel ideas and the latest research advances in the area of management science and engineering management. It includes both theoretical and practical studies of management science applied in computing methodology, highlighting advanced management concepts, and computing technologies for decision-making problems involving large, uncertain and unstructured data. The book also describes the changes and challenges relating to decision-making procedures at the dawn of the big data era, and discusses new technologies for analysis, capture, search, sharing, storage, transfer and visualization, as well as advances in the integration of optimization, statistics and data mining. Given its scope, it will appeal to a wide readership, particularly those looking for new ideas and research directions.