Abstract Books of the International Conference on Management and Business
The Abstract Books of the International Conference on Management and Business (ICMBCONF) presents carefully peer-reviewed research presented at the annual Management and Business conference organized by Proud Pen. This collection captures original work across the field of Management and Business, spanning theoretical frameworks to applied studies. Each volume serves as a reference for ongoing research and study in the discipline.
Business Model Redesign for Embodied AI Service Firms: A System Integration Framework from the Airport Context
Humanoid service robots are now commercially deployed across service-intensive industries, yet most vendors are stuck selling hardware once and walking away. We examine what changes when these firms stop treating each robot as a standalone product and instead organise the fleet as a connected service system. Drawing on business model innovation, platform economics, digital servitisation, and AI-enabled service systems research, we propose a three-layer framework made up of devices, a cloud platform, and service interfaces. The key mechanism is contextual handoff: information from one encounter informs the next, so separate interactions can accumulate into a shared service memory. In business terms, that shift moves the firm toward a B2B2C model. The API Hub supports a second business-facing channel for complementors, while contextual handoff helps passengers experience the system as one journey rather than a string of disconnected encounters. We use the airport as a theorising context (Flyvbjerg, 2006) because it combines multi-zone movement, time pressure, heterogeneous needs, and a mature digital backbone in a single setting. The paper derives six hypotheses and outlines a 2 × 2 online experiment for later testing. Instead of stopping at the level of individual encounters or isolated devices, the analysis asks under what conditions a robot fleet can function as a viable service platform.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jiaxian Cao (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Family Firm and Place: A Socio-Natural Agency Perspective of Sustainability
We envision family firms as agents of nature due to their strong sense of meaning with place. Establishing that as a priori, we draw on agency theory, the behavioral agency model and the natural resource-based view to show that the governance mechanism of family firms maximize social and environmental welfare, while pertaining to their socio-emotional wealth preservation and maximization goals. Using a socio-natural agency perspective, we show (1) how the grounding of family firms to place/nature creates an ideal platform for behaving in a pro-social and pro-environmental manner due to the minimization of socio-natural agency costs and (2) how such behavior translates into maximization of firm value through the development of valuable resources and capabilities that create sustainable competitive advantages. The model itself is self-sustainable because of its systemic nature: competitive advantages and resultant above-average profits incentivize the pro-social and pro-environmental activities that created them in the first place – thus further aligning the principal-agency relationship between family firms and nature. Such a conceptualization extends our understanding of how family firms are able to meet the triple bottom line of economic, social and environmental sustainability in a systemic way; at the same time, it has practical implications for both family and non-family firm sustainability management practices.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zulfiquer Ali Haider (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Digital Transformation in Integrated Facility Management: A Case Study of Value Creation in Finnish Office Buildings through Smart IFM
The office real estate sector is undergoing structural transformation driven by hybrid work, increasing operational costs, and tightening sustainability requirements, resulting in persistent under-utilisation and pressure on asset values. While existing research highlights the operational benefits of digital facility management (FM) and smart buildings, limited attention has been given to how these improvements translate into measurable financial value at the asset level. This study examines how digital transformation in integrated facility management (IFM) can convert operational optimisation into financial value in Finnish multi-tenant office buildings. A single-case study is conducted on a representative 10,000 m² (leased space) office building in the Helsinki metropolitan area, applying a scenario-based modelling approach linking occupancy, operating costs, energy performance, and ESG data quality to net operating income (NOI) and asset valuation. The results indicate that digitally enabled IFM can reduce annual operating costs by approximately €84,000 (≈11%) and increase rental income by approximately €207,000, resulting in an estimated NOI uplift of €291,000. At capitalisation rates of 6–7%, this corresponds to an indicative asset value increase of €4.1–4.8 million. In addition, improved ESG data transparency enhances compliance readiness and access to sustainable finance. The findings also identify enhancement opportunities for user and tenant experience but highlights procurement practices as a structural barrier limiting the adoption of smart IFM solutions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Antti Hynynen (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Leadership as Cognitive Scaffolding: Tracing Cultural Internalisation Through Bloom’s Taxonomy in a Healthcare Complex Adaptive System
This article examines the co-evolution of transformational leadership and organisational culture through a cognitive-sensemaking lens, offering a distinct departure from purely structural or dynamical accounts. While extant research has emphasised behavioural contagion, systemic coupling, and non-linear phase transitions, this study foregrounds the interpretive and meaning-making processes through which organisational actors cognitively scaffold cultural adaptation. Drawing on transformational leadership theory, Schein’s multilayered culture model, and the Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) framework, we propose that leadership behaviours function as cognitive attractors that shape collective sensemaking, thereby enabling cultural emergence through iterative cycles of interpretation, enactment, and reinforcement. A longitudinal mixed-method design is advanced, integrating Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy to structure qualitative enquiry across cognitive domains, from factual recall to metacognitive evaluation. This approach enables systematic tracking of followers' progression from surface-level awareness of cultural artefacts to deep internalisation of the underlying assumptions. This study contributes to the theory by reconceptualising leadership-driven cultural change as a staged cognitive apprenticeship. Wherein micro-behaviours scaffold collective learning. In practice, the framework informs leadership development interventions that target cognitive complexity and sensemaking capacity. By foregrounding cognition as the mediating mechanism linking leadership action to cultural transformation, this study addresses a critical gap in the organisational change literature.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lim Ee Ai, Rashad Yazdanifard (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Management Implications of Data-Driven Decision- Making: An Entropy-Weighted Approach to Firm Performance
This paper deals with the increasing role that management plays in making decisions in modern organizations under conditions of having extensive financial, operational, and sustainable data. Specifically, a majority of currently available models for assessing company performance focus on either the financial or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects but fail to capture the effects that management decision-making processes have on all these dimensions simultaneously. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop an advanced data-driven model called the Managerial Performance Index (MPI) that would enable a holistic analysis of the effectiveness of management in translating its strategic vision into concrete results. In line with the purpose of this research, the proposed performance evaluation model will be based on the integration of multidimensional indicators representing both financial and environmental factors, as well as governance indicators and market-based measures. Moreover, the weights of each indicator are obtained objectively through an entropy weighting algorithm. The empirical analysis will be performed with a cross-sectional sample of successful companies from Europe and elsewhere in the service sector (e.g., transport and tourism industry). This study contributes to the management and business literature by introducing a transparent and scalable framework for benchmarking managerial effectiveness using multidimensional data. The MPI offers practical implications for managers and policymakers by supporting more informed, data-driven decision-making and enabling systematic evaluation of strategic performance across firms and industries.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dimitrios Dimitriou, Maria Sartzetaki, Aristi Karagkouni (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Investment Origin and the Societal Returns to Inward FDI
Despite increasing recognition that multinational enterprises (MNEs) are pivotal actors in tackling grand societal challenges and advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), empirical research on the impact of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) on the social and environmental progress of host economies, and firms, is still scarce. In this study, we aim to contribute to this literature by examining whether the potential SDG-related benefits that inward FDI may bring to host countries and firms depends on where foreign investment comes from. We argue that investment origin bundles differences in, among others, business practices, social norms, values and expectations, as well as regulatory standards. In turn, these may shape the scale and direction of inward foreign investment societal spillovers. Accordingly, we formulate hypotheses on the differential SDG effects of FDI from advanced versus emerging economies. To the best of our knowledge, heterogeneity in foreign investor’s home country remains an unexplored factor in examining inward FDI-driven societal gains. To test our hypotheses, we intend to employ secondary data, ideally at the firm level, coupled with rigorous quantitative analyses. We are currently assessing the most suitable datasets for our study. Therefore, the empirical work is pending, and empirical results are not available yet.
Copyright (c) 2026 Francisco García Pérez Robert Salomon, Robert Salomon (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Emotional Demands of Healing Work: Towards A Theory of Psychological Capacity for Healing
Organizational healing may offer an important response to widespread burnout, stress, and disruption in American workplaces, particularly as employees and leaders navigate unpredictable environments and high levels of emotional labor (Chen, Gao, & Gao, 2025; Sutcliffe, & Vogus, 2023). Although organizations have long faced these pressures, research and practice have yet to fully explain how healing can be sustained in ways that restore both people and performance (World Health Organization, 2019). Prior work suggests that organizations heal after disruption through collective practices that repair social connections, restore functioning, and reinforce the broader organizational system (Powley, 2013). At the same time, practitioner-oriented research highlights a critical challenge: healing work is itself psychologically taxing, exposing those who lead and sustain it to trauma, grief, and relational strain (Vivian et al., 2017). Building on these research insights, we introduce psychological capacity for healing, defined as the capacity of employees, leaders, and teams to engage the demands of healing work in a sustained and constructive manner. We propose a four-pronged model in which compassion, forgiveness, humility, and accountability serve as central practices that support this capacity. We argue that psychological capacity for healing enables organizational members to remain sufficiently grounded in the presence of pain and disruption to support repair without becoming overwhelmed themselves. In doing so, this capacity strengthens the relational conditions necessary for collective healing and facilitates recovery, resilience, and performance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Sophia Marinova (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Employee Engagement Dimensions as mediators between Transformational Leadership and Institutional Innovation
As business environments described by being VUCA, special attention should be given to human resource as it forms a source of competitive advantage. Therefore, this research investigates the mediating role of employee engagement dimensions (vigor, dedication, absorption) on the relationship between transformational leadership and institutional innovation. Based on Social Exchange Theory and the Job Demands–Resources model, the research proposes that transformational leaders enhance innovation by stimulating employees’ psychological investment (employees’ engagement) in their work. Data were collected through a questionnaire from 322 employees from Ahli Bank in Oman. SmartPLS 4 was used to analyze the data. The results show that transformational leadership has a significant positive impact on all three dimensions of employee engagement (vigor, dedication, and absorption). Also, all three engagement dimensions reveal significant positive impacts on institutional innovation. Mediation analysis reveals that vigor, dedication, and absorption have a significant mediating role on the relationship between transformational leadership and institutional innovation, with statistically significant beta coefficients across all direct and indirect paths. These findings indicate that transformational leadership does not influence innovation solely through direct mechanisms; rather, it operates through enhancing employees’ engagement dimensions (vigor, dedication, absorption). The originality of this research involves examining the mediating role of employee engagement as multidimensional construct (vigor, dedication, absorption). It investigates both organizational (leadership) and individual (employee engagement dimensions) level factors that enhance institutional innovation. It offers a framework to foster innovation specially for service industries where human resources play the biggest role in their success.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Sultan Ali Suleiman Almazrouei, Asiya Hashil Khalfan AlSheyadi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The construction industry plays a major role in the economic growth of a nation and occupies a pivotal position in the nation’s development plans. Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts have become the dominant delivery model for large and complex infrastructure projects across the globe. The need for single-point responsibility, schedule certainty, and better risk allocation drives it. But improper risk management across engineering, procurement, and construction stages results in delays, cost overruns, and performance disputes, making it riskier. This research develops a systematic risk assessment by integrating an extensive literature review, structured risk identification, and a questionnaire-based survey aligned with EPC project life-cycle stages. Extensive literature review was conducted and identified 74 major risks associated with Indian EPC sector which were refined to 31 critical risk and classified across engineering procurement and construction stages and validated with pilot survey. A large-scale questionnaire survey was administered to more than 120 EPC experts to evaluate the frequency of occurrence and severity of impact of each risk. Relative Importance Index (RII) values were calculated by integrating frequency and severity measures, enabling quantitative prioritisation of risks and calculated scaled risk exposure to each phase. The results provide clear insights into stage-wise risk concentration, identifying project phases that require greater managerial focus and control. The findings assist owners and contractors in allocating resources and strengthening risk mitigation strategies, while also offering investors a structured basis to evaluate relative risk exposure across EPC projects and sectors.
Copyright (c) 2026 Deepak Christopher I, Dr. S.Z.S. Tabish (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effects of E-Withholding Tax Implementation on Agency–Business Partner Processes: A case study of State Enterprise in Thailand
One significant tool driving digital government is the development of the E-Tax System. E-filing, E-tax invoices, E-receipts, and E-withholding tax have been developed to increase tax efficiency. The E-withholding tax system, promoted by the Revenue Department, encourages corporate taxpayers who make transactions via banks to use the system for tax withholding and to send data through electronic channels. This system reduces paperwork, resource use, processing time, and human errors when completing forms for both taxpayers and recipients of income. The government provides incentive for taxpayers by reducing withholding tax rates from 2–5% to 1% between 2023 and 2025. In addition, expenses for investing in the E-withholding system can be deducted twice for taxable income. However, the transition from the traditional withholding tax system to the E-withholding tax system affects internal management processes. Factors to consider include document retention, submitting data to the Revenue Department, issuing withholding tax documents, and coordinating with customers. Software changes, staff training, and coordination among accounting, finance, and procurement departments cannot be ignored. This paper investigates the effects of applying the E-withholding tax system in a state enterprise on customers. Problems and obstacles are examined to improve system efficiency. In-depth interviews with 31 participants were used for data collection: 10 staff members, 15 customers, and 6 bankers and tax advisers. Preliminary results show that the key success factors for the E-withholding tax system are leadership, staff skills, and interdepartmental coordination. The main problems are customers' lack of understanding, system development costs, and human errors.
Copyright (c) 2026 Pattarawan Kitviriya, Thamrongsak Svetalekth (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Internationalization Pathways through EU Aid: Firm-Level Evidence from IPA Environmental Projects in Türkiye
European Union–financed projects implemented via public procurement can serve as important springboards for firms’ internationalization by granting access to new markets, networks, and learning opportunities. Yet, empirical research into how official development aid influences firms’ international growth remains scarce. This study investigates whether and how projects funded under the EU’s Instrument for Pre‐Accession Assistance (IPA) function as platforms that support firms’ international growth. The analysis centers on environmental projects in Türkiye —the largest beneficiary of IPA funds under the IPA II programme (2014–2020). Drawing on a unique database created from European Commission reports and the Assortis business platform, we analyse the funded projects’ features and the awarded firms’ profiles, distinguishing between individual firms and partners in business groups. We analyse the relationship between IPA participation and subsequent international growth, paying special attention to differences between EU member state firms and firms based in the beneficiary country. We also explore whether experience gained through IPA projects increases firms’ likelihood of winning contracts from other Multilateral Financial Institutions. Descriptive and comparative evidence reveals distinct patterns of participation and internationalization across firm types, suggesting that IPA projects may act as learning, network-development and reputation‐building platforms that facilitate further international expansion. By offering firm-level empirical insights into the international effects of EU pre‐accession assistance, this paper contributes to research on development aid, public procurement, and firm internationalization, while highlighting broader economic implications of EU external instruments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Francisco Javier Paredes Nachón, Cristina López-Duarte, Marta M. Vidal-Suárez (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unlocking the Multilateral Procurement Market for SMEs: An In-Depth Case Study
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face significant barriers when attempting to access international markets. Beyond traditional export and foreign direct investment pathways, multilateral funded procurement projects represent an underexplored opportunity for international business growth. This study explores the role of official development aid channeled through multilateral financial institutions as a strategic pathway for SME internationalization. Using an in-depth qualitative case study, the research combines secondary data with semi-structured interviews conducted with the main agents involved in a multilateral procurement project (companies participating in the consortium/business group awarded the project, the multilateral financial institution, business consultants specialized in international development aid funds, industry clusters, national and regional foreign trade agencies that foster the international growth of SMEs through programs specialized in the multilateral procurement market). The findings identify key strategic mechanisms that enable SMEs to overcome access barriers, including institutional support, strategic market surveillance, accumulated experience and track record, networking and business cooperation, and direct contact with final clients. The study contributes to the international business and SME management literature by providing empirical evidence on alternative internationalization pathways and offers practical insights for managers and policy makers seeking to enhance SME participation in multilateral procurement markets.
Copyright (c) 2026 Prof. Dr. Cristina Lopez-Duarte, Marta M. Vidal-Suarez (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Role Of Innovation In Public Management In Selected Countries of Central And Eastern Europe
The role of innovation in public management in selected countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The aim of the lecture will be to present the importance of innovation in public management and to compare its level of advancement in three Central and Eastern European countries, namely Poland, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania. Three types of innovation will be correlated: organizational, process, and product innovation in terms of their level of implementation and effectiveness. First and foremost, it will examine whether the public administration in a given country supports innovation, allocates specific financial resources for this purpose, and at what pace it is transforming in this area. What are the programs supporting innovation, who benefits from them, and under what conditions? Do innovations result from internal inspiration or from the transfer of knowledge and technology? The role of innovation in public management is crucial and affects the effectiveness of an organization's functioning.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Cezary Mielko (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Applying Positive Psychology in Corporate Management
Positive psychology is a relatively new field of psychology. It focuses on developing human potential, strengths, and the pursuit of satisfaction and happiness. Implementing this concept in a company aims to increase employee engagement and well-being, job satisfaction, and a sense of belonging, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and build a positive organizational culture. Both employees and employers can benefit from this approach. Companies that have successfully implemented positive psychology solutions report positive changes in many areas of their operations. This can lead to increased competitiveness. In this regard, positive psychology can become an important tool supporting market success. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the positive impact of implementing positive psychology principles in corporate management.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Anna Śleszyńska-Mielko (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Management Model for Storage Areas of Automated Material Handling Systems in Semiconductor Fab
300mm wafer fab is an extremely automation intensive factory. Furthermore, both process restrictions and the functions of the AMHS (Automated Material Handling System) storage buffer are increased significantly due to the rapid migration of wafer process development over the past years. As a result, the functions of the AMHS temporary storage area have also increased. In addition to the temporary storage of products, storage buffer is also necessary to fill the FOUP with nitrogen and be responsible for wafer merging and splitting functions. If AMHS storage buffer does not have a thorough management and control, it will affect the flow of on-site production and impact the efficiency of production badly. In this work, a comprehensive management and control mechanism for the WIP storage buffer is proposed. It includes two major functions: OHB reallocation and real-time assignment of storage location. The reallocation of OHB is divided into two parts: with or without nitrogen filling function. OHB with nitrogen filling function is allocated to the type of continuously filled with nitrogen first. Based on the distribution of WIP, turnover rate of technology, penetration mechanism and queueing theory is applied to estimate the required capacity of OHB with continuously filled nitrogen. The remaining capacity is used as a refilling station. As for the OHB without nitrogen filling function, it is allocated to each workstation according to the distribution of WIP and the characteristics of the workstation. Regarding to the real-time assignment module, rule base is used and FOUP will be assigned to the main temporary storage area according to the results of original plan. However, if the main temporary storage area is full, a suitable backup temporary storage area will be searched accordingly. Production efficiency, avoiding re-movements and fully utilized of stocker's capacity are the major targets of assignment. It is hoped that through this comprehensive control mechanism, 300mm wafer fab can operate more effectively on AMHS, thereby enhancing the overall production efficiency.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ying Mei Tu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Dynamic Causality among Economic Growth, Inflation, and Demand Management Policies in Vietnam
This research investigates the influence of demand management strategies—especially exchange rates, interest rates, and monetary policy—on Vietnam's economic development and inflation, considering both internal and external factors. By applying the aggregate demand and supply model, the study emphasizes how macroeconomic policies impact output and pricing. Data from 2005 to 2023 was reviewed, examining elements like the Consumer Price Index, money supply, interest rates, the VND/USD exchange rate, imports, exports, crude oil prices sourced from the IMF, and GDP data from VietstockFinance. Unit root tests, including ADF, PP, and KPSS, demonstrated that most variables are integrated of order one, with the exception of money supply, which is of order two. The Johansen cointegration method revealed long-term connections, subsequently analyzed using a vector error correction model. Results from Granger causality indicated that GDP growth is influenced by various factors rather than being caused by one specific variable; it is particularly impacted by fluctuations in oil prices, which also affect trade dynamics. Block exogeneity tests indicated that oil prices are independent of Vietnam's economic conditions, reflecting restricted domestic policy influence. Moreover, the growth of money supply and depreciation of the exchange rate were found to be mostly exogenous, whereas the money market rate was categorized as endogenous. The results suggest that Vietnam has systematically employed monetary policy as a strategy for managing demand during the observed period of economic variations and external pressures.
Copyright (c) 2025 Phi Tu Mai Hoang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Effect of Human Resource Quality and Employee Motivation on Service Delivery in Ghana's Local Government Service
The quality-of-service delivery within Ghana’s Local Government Service plays a crucial role in the country’s socio-economic development. This study examines how human resource quality (HRC) and employee public service motivation (EPS) influence service delivery quality (QOS) in this context. To investigate the impact of HRC and EPS on service quality within Ghana’s local government service, and to determine whether EPS moderates the relationship between HRC and QOS. Ghana’s Local Government Service has faced challenges delivering effective public services due to resource constraints and workforce-related issues. This study utilised a cross-sectional survey design, sampling 781 employees from the Local Government Service in Ghana. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and regression analyses, to assess the relationships among the variables. HRC significantly predicts QOS (β = 0.6535, p < .001), indicating the critical role of HR quality in enhancing service delivery. However, EPS did not significantly predict QOS (β = 0.0234, p > .05) and did not moderate the relationship between HRC and QOS, suggesting that motivation alone does not substantially impact service quality perceptions in this setting. Local Government Service should prioritise Human Resource (HR) development through training and structured recruitment practices to improve service quality. This study demonstrated that HR quality is a valuable asset for service delivery. It offers a practical model for enhancing service delivery through a combined focus on skill acquisition and employee support.
Copyright (c) 2025 Cyril Dzinyanu Xatse, Matsidiso Nehemia Naong (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effects of Authentic Leadership on Fostering Organizational Resilience at Al Ankabout Company, Syria
Because the continuing crisis has affected Syria negatively at the economic level, organizational resilience has emerged as a vital element for the survival and affluence of private companies. Even though these companies’ ability to rapidly and successfully handle potential challenges and adjust to new changes has become crucial, little substantial research has been published on this critical issue. This study aims to explore the effects of authentic leadership on enhancing organizational resilience at Al Ankabout Company, Syria. It employs a qualitative exploratory case study as the research strategy. To collect some reliable and valid data, semi-structured interviews and reflective journals were conducted with 20 Syrian employees. The qualitative data gathered were analyzed by means of thematic analysis. The findings showed that authentic leadership could have some positive effects on increasing employee resilience to cope with the hurdles of the crisis. When managers behave as authentic and ethical leaders, they demonstrate more fairness and integrity, trying to boost their employees’ self-motivation, work engagement and job satisfaction. The significance of this study is that it makes a genuine contribution in self-scrutinizing the complex nature of enhancing organizational resilience by means of authentic leadership in conflicting and turbulent business contexts. Its findings could have important consequences for employers, CEOs and other stakeholders. In particular, this study recommended conducting more in-depth exploration on how understanding the close link between authentic leadership and organizational resilience plays a key role in gaining more accurate insights into handling the negative impact of the Syrian crisis on employees’ performance at both private and public companies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Mohammad Kher Raad (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Volatility Spillover Between the US-China Tension and Emerging Foreign Exchange Markets
Proper understanding of the system or mechanism by which financial risk are transferred has become imperative due to the preponderance of international crises in recent years. The strife between the US and China has been going on for decades with many factors shaping the relationship. The tension between the two nations can trigger volatilities in their currencies and also affect their trading partners. For example, the imposition of retaliatory tariffs could impact investors expectations and weaken their currencies. The Chinese monetary authorities anticipate a decline in Yuan similar to 2018 Sino-US trade tensions’ experience in the wake of Donald Trump returns to the White House in 2025. Similarly, the US-China trade partners are prone to exchange rate volatilities. Nevertheless, the ripple and risk transmission effects of the US-China tension (UCT) on foreign exchange market has received limited research attention. We investigate the volatility spillover between the UCT index and emerging forex markets. As the enduring tension between the two nations is multidimensional, rather than focusing on one element of the tension, the UCT index dated back to 1990 enables us to address the multidimensional impact, thereby contributing new insight to the debate. In addition, we apply time-varying parameter vector-autoregressive model and connectedness matrix to capture the dynamic time-varying features and provide comprehensive understanding of the spillover effects of UCT. Understanding risk transmission mechanism between exchange rates and US-China index among US-China and their trading partners is crucial for the stability of international economy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Adefemi A. Obalad, Anthanasius Fomum Tita (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Strategic Omanisation in the Logistics Sector in Oman - Theoretical Perspectives
The main thrust of this seminal research is to strategically analyse strategic Omanisation in the logistics sector to meet employer human capital requirements and expectations in Oman and to localise skills. The main reasons giving rise to this research are to illuminate world best practices on recruitment, staff retention and consolidation of localisation in the logistics sector to meet employer human capital requirements and expectations in Oman logistics firms which logistics industries, government departments and academia can then use to advantage and benefit the country. This research is based on literature review and field research done at Sohar and Barka, Muscat, Oman for fair coverage of the economic hubs of Oman, and analysis and identification of substantive gaps in knowledge thus making a contribution to the stock of knowledge available. This is theory building in the human resources theory of the General Systems Theory (GST) which proffers that organizations depend on their environments for several essential resources: customers who purchase the product or service, suppliers who provide materials, employees who provide labor or management, shareholders who invest, and governments that regulates. In this research researchers would focus on strategic logistics employees who provide labour and management, with focus on Omanisation. A survey research method will be used as well as interviews for a deeper understanding of the issues. Oman had been quite successful in this area, but the logistics sector remained dominated by expatriates for many reasons outlined in the main project like the late starting of supply chain diplomas/degrees locally, dislike of the odd hours and weekends worked in this industry, especially by females and other reasons, a situation which the government was quite keen to reverse in the short, medium and long term naturally. Researchers believed these findings would help enhance and improve the logistics sector HR practices in Oman and contribute to development. Colleges and universities can disseminate this new knowledge for improvements. Firms can benchmark using these findings. Oman partly lags behind Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar in logistics performance and Omanisation (localization), depending on the industry sector, and findings in this research will illuminate possible reasons for correction. This research is still ongoing, and currently field research is being done in Barka, Muscat and Sohar. Researchers will disseminate and report findings in due course.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Faustino Taderera, Prof. Abebe Ejigu Alemu, Dr. Reason Masengu, Khalid Salim Said Al Kalbani (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
This research addresses issues related to optimal pricing for strategic customers. Instead of a sequential decision-making process where marketing decides selling prices and operations determines a production plan, the organization can benefit from coordinated and simultaneous decisions. The situation is relevant to a manufacturer with capacity constraints, producing multiple products, and selling these products through online and traditional sales channels.
Copyright (c) 2025 Prof. Dr. Naeem Bajwa (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Legitimacy Through Symbolism: Strategic Institutional Work Behind Mobile Technology Adoption in Universities
Drawing on institutional theory, this study explores how universities strategically respond to institutional pressures while implementing mobile technology (MT) in higher education. It addresses a gap in the literature concerning how organizational actors manage institutional demands through adaptation strategies that preserve legitimacy while navigating internal constraints. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted at two French engineering universities. Data collection included semi-structured interviews and field observations, allowing for an in-depth analysis of organizational practices, leadership decisions, and the adaptation behaviors of institutional actors. Mobile technology adoption in higher education is not a straightforward implementation of digital tools but rather a negotiated process shaped by institutional pressures, leadership interpretation, and strategic responses. Three dominant strategic responses were identified: ceremonial conformity, selective coupling, and disguise. These strategies help universities symbolically comply with external demands while protecting their core practices. Legitimacy concerns and institutional work play a critical role in shaping both the discourse and actions around MT initiatives. This paper contributes to the institutional theory literature by extending Oliver’s typology of strategic responses and introducing “disguise” as a distinct response to institutionalized digital expectations. It offers practical insights for university leaders managing digital transformation, highlighting the importance of aligning strategy with perceived legitimacy and stakeholder expectations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Samantha Kakavand, Aria Teimourzadeh, Benjamin Kakavand (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unlocking New Perspectives: AI-Assisted Reanalysis of Entrepreneurial Leaps in IT Firms
Firm growth has been a critical subject in entrepreneurship literature for decades (Penrose, 1959), typically seen as sequential stages. Levie and Lichtenstein (2010) identified over a hundred stage models proposed between 1962 and 2006, which have faced criticism for being empirically untenable (Brown et al., 2017) (Phelps et al., 2007). Our perspective views firm growth as a non-linear, multidimensional phenomenon that cannot be reduced to predefined steps or purely quantitative measures. This paper presents a methodological extension of a prior qualitative research project on "entrepreneurial leaps" (Sternad & Mödritscher, 2022) as transitional growth phases between dynamic states within firms (Levie & Lichtenstein, 2010). The original study employed a multiple-case design and involved in-depth interviews with leaders from 24 companies across three industries in Austria, Germany, and Italy. In the current paper, we focus exclusively on a subset of that data: the interviews conducted with IT firms. These cases are now re-analysed using artificial intelligence tools, allowing us to compare AI-driven interpretations with the original human-coded analysis. By narrowing the scope to IT firms, we aim to ensure thematic consistency and explore whether AI can detect alternative patterns, highlight overlooked connections, or offer new theoretical insights within a well-defined industry context. This comparison aims to assess the methodological implications of using AI for qualitative analysis and examine potential differences in interpretation, structure, and emphasis between human and machine-driven research. This study contributes to the emerging discourse on hybrid research methodologies in entrepreneurship studies and offers reflections on the strengths and limitations of AI in analysing complex, narrative-based data.
Copyright (c) 2025 Gernot Mödritscher (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Time-Frequency Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Inflation Targeting Framework in South Africa Using Disaggregated Data
This study evaluates the effectiveness of South Africa's Inflation Targeting (IT) framework by examining the time-frequency relationship between inflation and interest rates using disaggregated data. Employing wavelet coherence analysis and the Glosten, Jagannathan, and Runkle Dynamic Conditional Correlation Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GJR-DCCGARCH) model, the study evaluates inflation expectations across various provinces and examines the distinct variations between urban and rural areas. The findings reveal significant regional disparities in monetary policy transmission, with urban areas and economically advanced provinces such as Gauteng and the Western Cape exhibiting stronger coherence between repo rate adjustments and inflation expectations. In contrast, rural provinces display weaker monetary policy transmission, suggesting structural barriers such as financial exclusion and limited economic activity. The study further identifies an asymmetric response to repo rate changes, with inflation reacting more strongly to interest rate hikes than to rate cuts. These findings highlight the need for a more nuanced, regionally tailored approach to monetary policy in South Africa. Enhancing financial inclusion and addressing structural constraints in rural and economically marginalised regions could improve the efficacy of inflation targeting, ensuring balanced economic stability nationwide.
Copyright (c) 2025 Olivier Niyitegeka, Sheunesu Zhou (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Additional Evidence on Cosmetic Manipulation on Reported Research and Development Expenses
Prior studies document that in addition to reported earnings and revenues, U.S. firms round up the reported research and development (R&D) expenses to achieve key reference points. The findings suggest that firms view R&D expenditures as an investment rather than an expense. This study provides further evidence on this cosmetic manipulation on R&D. We find that the degree of rounding manipulation on R&D is more severe than in reported earnings and revenues in profit firms. However, loss firms tend to engage more in revenue manipulations than in R&D. We also find that similar to the firms listed in the major U.S. stock market, OTC firms tend to manipulate their reported R&D expenses, with the cosmetic manipulation being more severe in the OTC market than in the major markets. The findings suggest that enhanced regulations constrain the rounding manipulations. This study also documents that auditors from the Big Four can constrain the rounding manipulation on R&D. In addition, it provides evidence that rounding manipulation on reported R&D exists in the industries of mining, manufacturing, wholesale & retail business, information, professional service & admin and support, and art, entertainment, food & other services.
Copyright (c) 2025 Prof. Daoping He, Prof. Yao Tian (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mental Health and Post-Pandemic Well-Being of Canadian Entrepreneurs: Stressors and Mitigation Strategies
The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply disrupted the Canadian entrepreneurial landscape, triggering unprecedented psychosocial pressures. Faced with financial uncertainty, isolation, work overload, and the urgent need to adapt their business models, many entrepreneurs experienced deteriorating mental health, marked by stress, anxiety, and burnout (BDC, 2021; Gish et al., 2022; Nisa et al., 2023). Despite governmental interventions, such as wage subsidies and emergency loans, 83% of SMEs ceased operations (SMEs Canada, 2022), revealing systemic inadequacies and inequities in access to support (ul Haq et al., 2024). This study addresses a critical gap in the literature: the underexplored mental health experiences of Canadian entrepreneurs during crises (Torrès & Thurik, 2019; Wach et al., 2016). Grounded in Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress and coping, it examines the stressors encountered and coping strategies mobilized by entrepreneurs during and after the pandemic. A mixed-methods design was used: a quantitative survey of 200 entrepreneurs, using validated tools (Perceived Stress Scale, Brief COPE), and 30 in-depth interviews capturing lived experiences and perceptions of support mechanisms. Findings aim to inform evidence-based recommendations for public policy and organizational practice by highlighting effective forms of psychological, financial, and social support. This research contributes to both entrepreneurship and occupational health literatures, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions to enhance psychological resilience in the face of systemic crises.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dihya Hessas, Prof. Marie-Ève Dufour, Prof. Julie Dextras Gauthier, Sarab Driad, Prof. Marie Hélène Gilbert (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Characterizing The Project Success Function: A Study of Benchmarks for Application in the Technology Development Sector (2000-2025)
Project development is the traditional vehicle for driving transformation and managing change within organizations. However, the assessment of project results and the definition of success are often subjective and vary significantly across industries, as well as within the same sector. This heterogeneity complicates objective comparisons and the development of generalizable value metrics. This study aims to characterize and propose a general mechanism for evaluating the project success function, specifically for application in the technology sector. By analyzing studies from the last two decades, with an emphasis on the most recent decade, this research aims to formulate a function or set of functions that describe project success based on identified Critical Success Factors (CSFs), thereby reducing the subjectivity inherent in its evaluation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Daniel Antonio Castañeda Forero, Guillermo Enrique Real Florez (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Test Of Capital Account Monetary Model of Exchange Rate Determination: Empirical Evidence from Selected African Countries
This study tested a variant of the monetary model of exchange rate determination, called Frankel’s Capital Account Monetary Model (CAAM) based on Real Interest Rate Differential using the floating exchange rate experiences of three developing countries of Africa; viz: Ghana, Nigeria and the Gambia. The CAAM model hypothesised that such macroeconomic variables as money supply, income, interest rate and inflation differentials, in a situation of perfect substitution of domestic and foreign bonds, perfect capital mobility, uncovered arbitrage condition and sticky prices, are significant determinants of exchange rate behaviour in a floating exchange rate regime. The study adopted the Auto regressive Instrumental Package (AIV) and Almon Polynomial Lag Procedure of Regression Analysis based on the assumption that the coefficients follow a third-order Polynomial with zero-end constraint. The results found some support for the CAAM proposition that exchange rate responds proportionately to changes in money supply, inversely to income and positively to interest rates and expected inflation differentials. On this basis, the study points the attention of monetary authorities and researchers to the relevance and usefulness of CAAM as appropriate tool and useful benchmark for analysing the exchange rate behaviour of most developing countries.
Copyright (c) 2025 Prof. Oloyede John Adebayo (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Barriers and Catalyst of Female Social Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia: Case Study
Social entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in fostering societal well-being and economic growth. Unlike traditional businesses focused on profit, social enterprises balance social objectives with financial sustainability by reinvesting revenues into their missions. Women’s contributions to social entrepreneurship are significant but remain underrepresented in academic discourse, particularly in less-developed nations. This study explores how informal institutions—such as cultural norms, family networks, and social support systems—shape women-led social entrepreneurship ventures in Saudi Arabia. Using institutional theory, this research examines how informal institutions influence the motivations, opportunities, and challenges of Saudi women entrepreneurs. Informal institutions, including societal norms and cultural beliefs, play a crucial role in shaping entrepreneurial activities, especially in societies where women's entrepreneurship often operates within the informal economy. Given Saudi Arabia’s unique socio-cultural landscape, deeply ingrained traditions significantly impact women's entrepreneurial roles. Through qualitative methods, particularly in-depth interviews, the study explores the interplay between cultural, religious, and personal motivations in driving women toward social entrepreneurship. Findings reveal that cultural norms and social networks can both enable and constrain women’s entrepreneurial efforts. Supportive community networks provide crucial resources, mentorship, and empowerment. However, traditional gender roles and rigid societal expectations pose significant barriers, requiring strategic adaptation by women entrepreneurs. This study underscores the dual role of informal institutions as both facilitators and obstacles in entrepreneurial development. Additionally, it highlights the potential of social entrepreneurship to empower women by fostering autonomy and challenging historical gender inequalities. The study contributes both theoretically and practically by advancing institutional economics perspectives on women's entrepreneurship and offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners. Addressing cultural barriers, strengthening community support, and promoting inclusive policies are essential steps toward enhancing women’s participation in social entrepreneurship. Recognizing their contributions is key to achieving gender equality and addressing pressing societal challenges.
Copyright (c) 2025 Omamah Ameen Brqawi, Andreu Turro, David Urbano (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Juggling, Surviving, and Winning: Women in Asia’s Largest Rail Network
This study employs a qualitative approach to investigate the challenges and coping strategies of women employed in the Indian Railways, a field traditionally dominated by men. Through forty-four in-depth, semi-structured interviews, the research gathered rich qualitative data, which were analyzed using thematic analysis. These challenges stem primarily from a male-dominated organizational culture, queen-bee behaviour, and systemic gender biases embedded within organizational structures, systems, and policies, rather than solely from job demands and workload. Consequently, women employed four prominent coping strategies, including adopting masculine characteristics, acknowledging gender differences, proving their worth, and outweighing advantages over disadvantages to address the challenges of working in the railway industry. Given India’s comparatively low female labour force participation rate relative to countries with similar levels of development (World Economic Forum, Global Gender Gap Report, 2025), these findings underscore a critical need for gender-sensitive policies aimed at reducing the challenges faced by women in non-traditional occupations. Employment relations can be improved over time by enhancing women's representation and making their voices heard, thereby increasing productivity, job satisfaction, and retention. This research significantly contributes to the gender and human resource management literature, leading to successful organizational change and productivity. The study calls for future research to determine whether the observed occupational gender segregation is an inherent characteristic of the occupation itself or a self-reinforcing cycle perpetuated by systemic and institutional barriers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Leena Sachdeva (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0