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The main aim of the current study is to explore the relationship between working capital (WC) and firm performance. We chose a sample of 326 Czech firms, including 20 certified firms from the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) Excellence Model from the Albertina database. The sample of the Czech firms was taken from three sectors: manufacturing, automobile, and construction. We employed a two-step system generalized method of moment (GMM) technique to determine the results. The study results revealed a negative impact of WC on firm performance; moreover, the firms having a quality certificate from the EFQM Excellence Model perform better. The findings of previous research, which were held globally, and the current study results will encourage the directors, managers, and leaders of the Czech firms to participate in the quality award.

In this research work, plasma and laser-based treatments have been applied on wheat seeds to improve their growth and development. Plasma treatment modified the surface morphology of seed which enhanced the germination rate and also exhibited great immunity against fungus; only 20% seeds are affected by fungus as compared to the untreated sample. In addition, an increase in protein concentration in plasma treated seeds has also been observed. In the laser treatment, laser pulses have been exercised on wheat seeds, while seeds were also exposed in argon plasma generated at different applied voltages and exposure times. This laser treatment lessens germination time, increases water absorption, and abolishes disease development from seed borne fungi that are present on or within seeds. Thus, it is observed that the use of plasma and laser radiation on the seeds made productive effects on the growth parameters and may be the alternative source for the presowing seed treatment.

Labour productivity is an ongoing topic in literature, specifically in developed economies where labour costs are higher. The main aim of this study is to examine the effects of labour productivity on firm performance. Using a sample of 311 Czech firms, including 18 certified firms from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model, the two-step system generalised method of moments (GMM) is performed to test the hypotheses. The current study results revealed that the quality certificates have a positive impact on the firm performance. The relationship between labour productivity and firm performance of certified firms is negative. However, the labour productivity of non-certified firms has a positive impact on the firm's performance. The present study's findings offer deeper insight into how labour productivity of the certified and non-certified firms relates to firm performance.