Abstract Books of the Global Conference on Business, Management and Marketing
The Global Conference on Business, Management and Marketing in the Modern Era (BMMCONF) presents carefully peer-reviewed research presented at the annual Business, Management and Marketing conference organized by Proud Pen. This collection captures original work across the field of Business, Management and Marketing, spanning theoretical frameworks to applied studies. Each volume serves as a reference for ongoing research and study in the discipline.
Performance Management Improvement using AI Tools A study from Start Ups perspective
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into performance appraisal systems has revolutionized traditional evaluation methods, offering a more accurate, efficient, and unbiased approach. AI-driven tools leverage machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and data analytics to assess employee performance comprehensively. By analyzing large volumes of structured and unstructured data, such as project outcomes, communication patterns, and peer feedback, AI ensures a more holistic evaluation. Automation reduces the administrative burden on managers, enabling them to focus on strategic aspects of talent development. AI enhances objectivity by mitigating biases often associated with human judgment, promoting fairness and equity in appraisal processes. Personalized feedback generated through AI tools offers actionable insights, fostering employee growth and engagement. Moreover, predictive analytics identify high-potential talent and flag areas needing improvement, aiding in proactive workforce management. Despite its advantages, the use of AI in performance appraisals raises ethical concerns, such as data privacy and transparency. Ensuring employees understand how AI tools work and safeguarding sensitive information are critical for successful implementation. Additionally, AI should complement, not replace, human judgment to maintain a balance between automation and the nuanced understanding of human performance. The adoption of AI in performance appraisals marks a paradigm shift, enhancing organizational productivity and employee satisfaction. By addressing its limitations and fostering a human-centered approach, organizations can leverage AI to create a more effective and inclusive performance management system.
Copyright (c) 2025 Proceeding of the Global Conference on Business, Management and Marketing
Strategic Awareness in “Società Benefit”A Pilot Study from Italy
This study presents the preliminary findings of ongoing research on a specific type of hybrid organisation: the Italian Società Benefit, introduced by Law No. 208/2015. The research draws on data from the non-financial disclosures of these enterprises. This legal business model is designed to integrate profit-making objectives with the pursuit of a common benefit. this refers to creating a positive impact, or mitigating a negative one, on individuals, communities, local areas, the environment, cultural and social heritage, public and private entities, and other stakeholders. By law, profit and common benefit purposes are required to be balanced, with neither prevailing over the other. These dual aims are embedded in the company’s bylaws, making the hybrid nature of the organisation a permanent and irreversible feature. The complexity inherent in this hybrid model requires a specific level of strategic awareness to align profit goals with those of the common benefit effectively. Formalised planning helps to mitigate potential conflicts between these objectives. Società Benefit are also subject to specific legal obligations, including the annual publication of an impact report. This document must outline the common benefit objectives pursued and assess the results achieved. given this reporting requirement, a pilot study was conducted on a limited sample of Società Benefit to identify indicators capable of capturing key features of these entities, particularly their level of strategic awareness and their inclination towards planning and programming in quantitative terms. the authors intend to present the preliminary findings of this investigation.
The Fintech-Sustainability Nexus: Analyzing Robo-Advisors’ Roles in Enhancing Financial Inclusion, Natural Resource, and Sustainable Trade for ASEAN's Economic Growth
In light of the increasing global commitments to sustainable development and regional economic integration, this study examines the influence of financial inclusion, natural resource endowments, and sustainable trade on economic growth within ASEAN nations, with robo-advisors serving as a mediating factor. Utilizing the Quantile Regression (QR) approach, the analysis uncovered three key findings. Firstly, sustainable trade significantly enhances economic growth by diminishing environmental remediation costs and improving trade efficiency, thereby confirming its direct positive impact on GDP growth through statistical analysis. Conversely, other trade measures exhibit insignificant effects, underscoring the necessity for targeted policies. Secondly, the collaboration of financial inclusion with robo-advisors unlocks GDP growth potential, as evidenced by the significant role that technology-mediated resource management plays, reflected in the consistent increase in usage. However, natural resource endowments appear to be insignificantly affected. Thirdly, with the implementation of robo-advisory technologies, the significance of sustainable trade’s contribution to GDP growth is notably enhanced. The overall results indicate that countries implementing robo-advisory systems consistently achieve improvements in the efficiency of converting natural resources into economic value. These findings provide policymakers with actionable evidence that the integration of digital financial infrastructure with sustainable trade practices can accelerate green growth while minimizing environmental costs across ASEAN economies.
Understanding Green Product Perception: The role of Price Sensitivity and Brand Awareness
This study provides insights into the role of price sensitivity and brand awareness in Generation Z’s green product perception. A quantitative method was used with the sample of 496 Generation Z respondents in Vietnam in the form of online survey questionnaires. Pearson correlations were employed to provide deeper analysis on the relationship amongst green product awareness factors including price sensitivity, brand awareness, product certification, product familiarity and customers’ trustworthiness. The study suggests that two main factors, namely brand awareness and price sensitivity were perceived as main influential factors to green product awareness. On the other hand, product certification, product familiarity and customers’ trustworthiness have less significance compared to the above factors. It is surprising that green certification is not the key determinant affecting the perception of green products while other factors such as product price and brand had significant impact. Green certifications on consuming products build trust and have considerable effect on green perception, they may also act as barriers due to cost concerns or the authenticity of the product itselves. The research findings highlighted the need for deeper understanding of the role of price sensitivity and brand awareness to increase buyers’ perception. Price modification and awareness programs should be used to bridge the gap between awareness and action. These findings provide valuable insights for businesses and marketers in promoting “eco-conscious” through pricing and branding on consuming products.
The Impact of Weak Ties' Perceived Value on Wellbeing and Dining Intention
The term "Dazi social" has recently become a hot topic on social media rapidly has become a new trend in contemporary youth socializing. This study examines the influence of perceived value of weak ties on wellbeing and dining intention within the context of "meal Dazi," while introducing social media self-efficacy as a moderating variable. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who had participated in meal Dazi activities to enrich the perceived value measurement scale. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was administered to 505 participants who had engaged in meal Dazi activities using a structural equation model. The results showed that perceived value positively affected wellbeing and dining intention. In addition, social media self-efficacy plays a moderating role in perceived value, wellbeing, and dining intention. Accordingly, it provides theoretical contributions and practical significance.
From Compliance to Competitive Advantage: Embedding Health and Safety into Corporate Governance Strategy
In an era defined by increasing stakeholder scrutiny and dynamic global risks, this research repositions health and safety (H&S) as a strategic governance priority rather than a mere compliance function. The study explores how forward-thinking organizations are embedding H&S into board-level strategy to drive resilience, strengthen stakeholder confidence, and unlock competitive advantage. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining an extensive review of academic and industry literature, policy analysis, and qualitative case studies of FTSE-listed and multinational organizations with mature H&S integration practices. Semi-structured interviews with board members, HSE leaders, and governance experts provided insight into the evolving expectations of corporate leadership. Findings indicate a positive correlation between proactive H&S governance and improved organizational outcomes, including employee engagement, brand reputation, ESG performance, and operational continuity. The research identifies critical success factors such as board accountability, executive ownership of safety metrics, and alignment of H&S indicators with ESG reporting frameworks. The study recommends a governance-driven model that elevates H&S oversight to the strategic agenda, incorporating transparent reporting structures, board-level H&S committees, and performance-linked incentives. It emphasizes the need for boards to cultivate a culture of safety leadership, embed H&S into decision-making processes, and treat worker wellbeing as a material governance risk and opportunity. This research offers practical guidance to senior executives, board members, and HSE practitioners on transforming H&S from a regulatory afterthought to a cornerstone of sustainable business strategy.
Integrating IoT, AI, and Data Analytics in Food Machinery Production: A Digital Innovation Model for SMEs
The Tecnomulipast case study of a Southern Italian, small firm in the food processing machinery manufacturing industry exemplifies the company's planned digital renewal, made possible by managerial practices founded in innovation and backed by regional co-financing programs, such as those of Regione Puglia. At the heart of the change is the integration of a new Industry 4.0-compatible laser welding system into the company's infrastructure of ERP. Based on Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the system receives, transmits, and makes available both batch-level and real-time visual observations, creating a cyber-physical space for high-end manufacturing. Underpinning the change is a data analytics capability that can process both sensor measurements, KPI, as unstructured data, i.e., images, to facilitate monitoring in real-time, early anomaly, and workflow optimization. Scalable in engineering, the architecture makes possible the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the future to augment decision-making by predictive as well as prescriptive analytics. Beyond the overhaul of the technology, the change from the old to the new industry paradigm, Industry 4.0, was supported by a strategic model of managerialism that emphasizes organizational agility, data-driven governance, and continuous learning. Tecnomulipast's case provides the template for replicable emulation by SMEs, in general, and by companies in the digitally under-served regions, in the first instance, to demonstrate how targeted investment, leadership by innovation, and system-level integration can narrow the gap in the distance from technological capacity to operational performance in the move to Industry 4.0.
Harnessing The Power of Ai and HR Technology to Drive Global Talent Efficiency and Employee Engagement
As the global business landscape evolves at an unprecedented pace, HR technology—particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI)—is reshaping how organizations manage talent, optimize operations, and drive employee engagement. This paper delves into the transformative potential of AI and integrated HR technologies in enhancing global talent efficiency and enriching employee experiences. Focusing on the implementation of personalized learning platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, the paper illustrates how these technologies create tailored, dynamic HR services that adapt to individual employee needs. Moreover, advanced HR technologies leverage data analytics, empowering organizations to make more precise, data-driven decisions regarding talent acquisition, performance management, and retention. While the promise of AI-driven HR is significant, a critical question remains: Can AI and automation ever truly replace the human element in HR, or are we creating a "Frankenstein" system that risks losing the empathy and intuition central to effective people management? As we continue to develop and rely on AI, there is a growing concern that this "Frankenstein monster" could inadvertently begin to erode the very jobs it was designed to improve. This paper explores these emerging trends, offering insights into how organizations can harness HR technology for sustainable growth, while also addressing the ethical considerations of balancing automation with the human touch.
Understanding Target Selection in Acquisitions by Private Equity and Strategic Acquirers: A Review, Synthesis, And Future Research Agenda
M&A deal-making environment is shared among strategic and financial (private equity) acquirers. While strategic and private equity acquirers are often discussed together in mergers and acquisition transactions, it is crucial to identify and distinguish the unique factors influencing their target selection decision. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of how acquirer identity (strategic vs. private equity) influences acquisition choices and examines the interaction between internal and external factors in the target selection process. A comparative systematic literature review was performed following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines to analyse the interplay between internal and external factors influencing target selection. The study highlights that while strategic and private equity acquirers are driven by different factors, the influence of any factor can vary significantly between the two, yet showing some areas of overlap. The study provides a holistic understanding of the motivations driving acquisition choices by conducting a comprehensive review of the literature on the determinants of target selection. Additionally, it integrates theoretical perspectives from the reviewed literature, aligning them with the underlying motivations of strategic and private equity acquirers.
Marketing Strategies and Success Factors for Independent Artists in the Digital Music Industry
The rise of digital platforms has reshaped the music industry, providing independent artists with unprecedented opportunities while introducing new challenges in audience reach and financial sustainability. This study examines the impact of key marketing factors—artist branding, effective promotion, strategic distribution, and music quality—on independent artist success (IAS). Using structural equation modeling (SEM) and path analysis, the research validates the direct and indirect effects of these variables on IAS. Findings indicate that effective promotion and strategic distribution significantly enhance artist visibility, while artist branding plays a crucial mediating role, amplifying the influence of music quality and promotional strategies. The study underscores the necessity for independent musicians to integrate data-driven marketing strategies, optimize distribution channels, and strengthen audience engagement to sustain long-term success. These insights offer theoretical and practical implications for artists, industry professionals, and researchers seeking to understand the evolving dynamics of independent music careers in the digital era.
Exploring the Banking Business Model: A Case Study of Croatia
Banks are the most important financial intermediaries in the European Union. In the Republic of Croatia, banks still represent approximately 70 % of the financial sectors’ assets. In terms of their asset composition, loans are key part of their balance sheet and hence interest income is the most important source of profitability. For the economy, especially households and non-financial corporations, bank loans are the most significant external financing source and a vital prerequisite for sustainable economic growth and stability. Therefore, the success of banks’ intermediation, i.e. “transformation” of received deposits and other funding sources into loans, determines country’s economic prospects. The aim of this article is to calculate intermediation efficiency of the Croatian banking sector. The input variables will include main sources of banks’ financing (e.g. deposits), while loans will be used as the primary output variable. Banks’ financial statements will be used as a main data source. Our key hypothesis is that Croatian banks are efficient in intermediation role and hence contribute to the growth of the national economy and financial stability.
Decoding Generational Shifts Through Marketing Analytics and Big Data: Insights, Challenges, and Strategic Pathways
The use of marketing analytics and data driven tools to decode emerging generations’ preferences and value shifts is key to success. Increased sense of customer empowerment, consumer awareness, switch from traditional values and advanced technologies are some of the key factors that have played instrumental role in this transformation. Decoding these generational preferences is essential for companies to achieve competitive advantage and sustainability. Recent researches have paid attention on use of marketing analytics to improve business performances, product success, and agility. However, understanding the role of marketing analytics for generational shifts need further investigation. Thus, this article aims to explore role of marketing analytics and big data in identifying, interpreting and responding to these generational shifts by highlighting the challenges and providing strategic solutions. This paper also provides a conceptual framework to understand factors behind these shifts and outcomes of employing marketing analytics coupled with big data. Further, the outcomes for the marketers, researchers and policy makers have also been discussed that provide a strategic pathway to strike a balance between leveraging the power of data and ethical concerns of stakeholders.
Exploring The Disruptive Digital Technologies in The Metro Manila Hotel Industry Towards an Expanded Business Market Plan
This study integrates disruptive digital technologies into your existing marketing plan, propelling your campaigns to exploring the innovative digital technologies in the Metro Manila Hotel Industry towards an expanded business market plan. Digital technologies encompass a vast array of tools and techniques that leverage advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data analytics. The organizations reconnect and redesign digital technologies; acquire new skills to innovate, learn, and reshape to progress digital technologies, while digital technologies change the classification of knowledge for productive and innovative projects. The objective of this study is to know the marketing demographics profile such as age, geographic location, educational level, occupation and income that will utilize information that's easily accessible in innovative digital technology; to explore the innovative digital technologies of e-commerce that being used or implemented in the Metro Manila hotel industry, such as: Artificial intelligence (AI), Virtual reality (VR), Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) and Hybrid or electric vehicles to use as shuttle or service vehicles; to study the impact on the innovative technologies in the hotel operations; to create market plan can be proposed in the hotel industry using innovative digital technologie; the difference of innovative digital technologies in today's global industry; and the correlation of exploring innovative digital technologies in the Metro Manila hotel industry towards an expanded business market plan. To be specific, innovative digital technologies have the potential to transform the hotel industry.
Digital transformation and Organizational Transformation
Advancing Science Education and Technology for Economic Growth and Social Transformation: Lessons Learnt from Uganda
Over the years Uganda has had a growing concern of enhancing Science education and Technology is the engine for economic growth and social transformation. It is, therefore, important for Universities and government to invest in science and technology. A key element of such investment is to increase support to teaching science, research and community engagement practices for the development of the country. Over the last 10 years Uganda has come up with a strategy to support teaching of science and technology which the government of Uganda agenda. This drive has come out strongly to support the teaching of science and technology from research capacity new research projects registered within Universities and National Council for Science and Technology. This spending could be directed more towards supporting research programmes aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, adding value to agricultural products and understanding disease and developing new biopharmaceuticals supported by the rich indigenous knowledge base, developing new materials for construction and manufacturing, finding alternative methods of waste management and pollution control, using information and communication technologies to improve service delivery, enhancing nutrition of students, developing efficient and environmentally benign energy systems, and improving water quality and sanitation at the community and in the households. The most appropriate mode of delivering support for research and research capacity development appears to be through national competitive grants funding schemes administered transparently, focusing on the merit of proposals and strictly adhering to rules of competition. The Uganda Science Initiative funding facility and the National Agricultural Research Organization competitive grants are good starting points, and should be consolidated. Also, actors within the research system should interact more and build synergies among themselves to promote innovation. Therefore, the creation of multidisciplinary research groups and or strengthening local inter-institutional and regional and international collaborations and research partnerships is essential to Uganda's research enterprise.
Copyright (c) 2024 Proceeding of the Global Conference on Business, Management and Marketing
The Impact of the Technological Environment on Information and Communication Technology Adoption among Small and Medium Enterprises
"Purpose of the study: To investigate the impact of the technological environment on ICT adoption among SMEs. Design/methodology/approach: Data collection was facilitated through a questionnaire. A quantitative approach was administered to 200 SMEs in the Free State region using quota sampling. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to conduct descriptive and inferential analyses such as factor analysis, correlation and regression analyses. Findings: Through correlation and multiple linear regression analysis, the results showed a positive impact of technological environment factors (relative advantage and compatibility). It was found that there is a moderate positive relationship and that relative advantage and compatibility impact ICT adoption. Recommendations/value: Studying the technological and environmental factors influencing ICT adoption in SMEs can highlight disparities in access and use of ICT within these businesses. Understanding these disparities might lead to developing policies to reduce the digital divide among SMEs. This could promote more equitable access to technology, fostering growth and innovation in smaller enterprises. Implications: This study implies that the technological environment significantly impacts SMEs' adoption of ICT."
Information and Communication Technology adoption
The Impact of Covid-19 on Smes: A Case Study of The Pay Tv Installation Sector in Johannesburg
Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMES), generally abbreviated as SMEs, are enterprises that have revenues, assets or number of employees that are below a certain level. Each country applies an industry-specific criteria when determining enterprises that meet the definition of an SME (Ward, 2020). According to Faye and Goldblum (2022), SMEs are essential employers, and they are vital in job creation. In creating jobs, SMEs thus, contribute to alleviation of poverty and this leads to an improvement in the standards of living of a country’s inhabitants. Through improved employment levels from job creation contributed by SMEs, a country’s economy also grows. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted to extensive job losses in developing countries because many SMEs contracted their workforce during the pandemic (Faye & Goldblum, 2022). Many non-essential service businesses were prohibited from operating during the pandemic. Governments around the world introduced strict measures to contain the impact of the coronavirus and these included restrictions on travel, business operations and face-to-face interactions (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2020). The president of South Africa announced that people needed work permits that would allow them to go to work if they were essential workers, or provided essential services if they were self-employed (Pretorius, 2020). This is how strict the restrictions were, thereby completely blocking non-essential service SMEs from operating. Hence, the objective of the study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the Pay TV installation sector in Johannesburg and inferences were made for SMEs in general, with regards to how they were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the research primary and secondary objectives, literature review was conducted, identifying the contribution of SMEs on a country’s social status and economic growth. Other aspects that were reviewed in existing literature included but not limited to factors that contribute to the success and failure of SMEs, challenges faced by SMEs in South Africa, SMEs resilience at times of crises and impact of COVID-19 on SMEs. The study followed a qualitative research approach, and six open-ended questions were asked during the interviews with participants. The aim was to allow participants to express themselves genuinely and authentically to gain a better insight of the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs. The demographic data of the participants included the ages of the participants, the ages of the participants’ businesses and the number of employees of the participants’ businesses. It was crucial to include the demographic data for the following reasons: •The age of the founder of a business could indicate maturity of the founder and likelihood of their business success or failure. •The older the business, the higher the chances of it being resilient in times of crises. •The number of employees a business has indicates the strength of its manpower, and in most cases, manpower is proportional to productivity. The empirical results indicated that Pay TV businesses have been strongly affected by COVID-19 and it would take several years for them to fully recover to the profitability levels they used to achieve before the pandemic. The empirical results also indicated that the Pay TV industry is saturated in the Gauteng province, resulting to loss of hope for business success in this sector. One of the common themes that emerged from the data collection and analysis phases of the study was the negative impact of loadshedding on small businesses. Some participants indicated loadshedding as having far worser impact on business profitability than did COVID-19.
Social Return on Investment for a Community Tourism Information Center, Ban Thung Man Nuea, Lampang, Thailand
The tourism industry is one of the important components for Thailand’s GDP. In 2022, the tourism industry directly contributed 2.78 percent to GDP in Thailand. The Thailand government supports the tourism industry, especially community-based tourism, because of increasing community citizen income. Ban Thung Man Nuea is one of the villages in Lampang province, Thailand. The famous product is the rice crackers, which is exported to other provinces in Thailand and overseas. The community tourism information center was established to market this town to the rest of Thailand and beyond in 2021. After three years, the social return on investment (SROI) is assessed. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the SROI of a community tourism information center in order to evaluate its value. The study found that the social return on investment (SROI) was 0.60 in the first year, 0.80 in the second year, and 1.08 in the third year. The average SROI over three years is 0.83. Despite this, 0.83 indicates that the returns pay for social services less than the cost. The findings, however, show that the investment in the community tourism information center at Ban Thung Man Nuea in Lampang, Thailand, has resulted in favorable benefit trends. It can forecast the village's future economic growth. That means the investment in the community tourism information center is worthwhile.
A Systematic Literature Review of Scales to Assess SMEs Resilience toClimate Change
Amidst escalating climate change, it is crucial for organizations, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), to be able to endure adversities to stay competitive and ensure their long-term survival. This literature review examines the scales and metrics used to evaluate the resilience of SMEs to climate change. In our study, we included several papers published in top quality journals and focused on five research themes: 1) diversity of scales and metrics, 2) capacity to measure various resilience aspects (physical, financial, operational, strategic), 3) strengths and limitations of scales, 4) application of scales across industries and geographic locations, and 5) derived best practices. The results of our literature review suggest that prior studies have used a diverse range of assessment tools, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive, multidimensional measurements that encompass the entire range of resilience. Also, the study consolidates existing methodologies, highlights significant deficiencies in the literature and contributes to the current discussion on sustainable business practices by examining methods to quantify corporate resilience. It also lays the groundwork for future empirical research and the creation of resilient strategies in SMEs.
A Study of Social Stock Exchange as A Boon for Social Business
Social enterprises encompass social and environmental concerns alongside commercial objectives. In contrast to charities, social enterprises generate revenue to finance their philanthropic efforts, ensuring sustainability. Given the significant expansion of civil society in recent decades, innovative financial solutions to support these influential organisations are essential. Social enterprises tackle social, economic, and environmental challenges such as hunger, homelessness, disease, pollution, and ignorance. Amidst the growing importance of social enterprises, “ever existing demand balance for funds experienced by social enterprises and how far SSEs have been able to mitigate it in respective countries” is the problem considered in this study. So, Social stock exchanges have emerged as a promising platform to bridge the gap between social enterprises and impact-driven investors, providing a dedicated marketplace to raise capital and drive positive changes. This study aims to describe how SSEs worldwide work. The first questions how and why SSEs were created, while the second asks how they operate and how they affect global assistance. In this study, researchers look at how the Social Stock Exchange operates and what its rules are. The proposed structure was compared to different generally accepted architectures using tabular and graphical representations. So, the Indian Social Stock Exchange may benefit from recommendations that are based on the activities of other SSEs worldwide, not only in the Indian market but also globally.
The Role of Digital Influencers in Marketing Strategies and Their Impact on Consumer Behavior in Saudi Arabia
Digital influencers have emerged as pivotal agents in shaping consumer behavior, particularly in the context of marketing strategies in Saudi Arabia. This study explores the impact of these influencers on consumer purchase decisions by analyzing various research findings. The objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role digital influencers play in influencing consumer choices and to assess the implications for companies aiming to enhance their marketing efforts within the region. The findings reveal that digital influencers act as intermediaries between brands and consumers, exerting significant influence over perceptions of products and ultimately affecting purchasing decisions. This study underscores the strategic importance of integrating influencer marketing into advertising campaigns, emphasizing the necessity for brands to adapt to the evolving digital landscape to connect effectively with consumers.
Leadership in Turbulent Times: A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Crisis Management and Organizational Resilience
Leadership during crises is a critical factor in determining organizational resilience. This paper explores the role of individual leadership in crisis management, with a particular focus on building business models capable of withstanding industry-specific and structural challenges. Drawing on theoretical frameworks and cross-cultural, cross-sectoral case studies, this research investigates how leaders navigate crises, sustain operations, and foster long-term resilience. The study analyzes leadership strategies employed during significant global crises, including economic downturns, pandemics, and geopolitical disruptions, to identify best practices that transcend cultural and sectoral boundaries. The findings reveal that effective crisis management requires not only adaptability and decisiveness but also the ability to integrate diverse cultural perspectives and sector-specific knowledge. The paper also highlights the importance of fostering a culture of resilience within organizations, where leadership plays a pivotal role in promoting innovation and sustainability. By synthesizing insights from various industries and regions, this research offers practical recommendations for business leaders seeking to enhance their crisis management capabilities and build more resilient organizations. Ultimately, the study contributes to the growing body of literature on leadership in crisis by emphasizing the importance of individual leadership in shaping resilient business models that can withstand future challenges.
The Effect of Country Level Esg And Firm Performance: Evidence From Mauritian Equity Markets
The purpose of the study investigated the impact of country level ESG on firms’ performance from Mauritian equity markets. The study opted 30 publicly listed companies from the Stock Exchange of Mauritius from 2015 to 2022 with 306 panel data firm-year observations. Estimates stated that environment was negatively related to performance signifying that environment related actions might take longer to gain results for companies (Ergun et al., 2022). Meanwhile, a negative significant relationship was found between Governance score and profitability with the exception of non- financial companies. Due to conflicting stakeholder and management interests, ESG policies are threatened. Companies gained more income by investing in riskier projects thereby preventing companies from fulfilling the adoption of better ESG policies (Yen et al., 2022). This would be more relevant for the case of companies adhering to sustainability standards as they have recently introduced ESG as part of their activities and due to this, this brought into new conflicts between shareholder and management interests. Further, there was a negative relationship between ESG and profitability stipulating that the adoption of ESG standards compels institutions leads to more expenses and investment to meet social and environmental goals thereby lowering profitability. As per study, Mauritian companies have a tendency to associate the importance of ESG concept from the aspect of profitability. The study recommends that more policy measures from regulators and the Mauritian government should be implemented so as to encourage more companies to invest in ESG and sustainable activities thereby maximizing firm value and wealth.
Exploring the Impact of Psychological Traits over Consumer Intention to Buy Animal-Fur Products
This study delves into the psychological factors influencing consumer decision-making regarding the purchase of animal fur items, historically symbols of wealth, status, and luxury. It addresses the shift towards ethical consumerism and animal rights, aiming to understand consumer motivations behind buying fur items. Focusing on UK residents aged 18 and above, the study gathered 534 responses, employing survey methodology through snow ball sampling method and structural equation modelling to examine the role of materialism, everyday sadistic tendencies, and the five major personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism) in the consumers intention to purchase animal fur. The findings reveal that openness positively correlates with this intention, attributing to the individual's curiosity and openness to new experiences. Contrarily, conscientiousness lacks significant impact, suggesting organizational and responsible traits do not influence fur purchase intentions. Extraversion supports an inclination towards these purchases, while agreeableness shows no significant effect. High neuroticism levels correlate with a greater intention to buy fur, and materialism significantly enhances this intention, underscoring the value placed on material possessions. Individuals with sadistic tendencies are also more likely to intend to purchase fur products. The contributions of this research are manifold, offering valuable insights for managerial, practical, and theoretical applications. Managerially, it guides marketers in tailoring strategies to consumer personality traits and values, enhancing targeting efforts. Practically, it informs legislators and advocates on the psychological makeup of fur product consumers, aiding in the development of informed policies and campaigns. Theoretically, it enriches the understanding of consumer behavior, linking personality traits and ethical considerations to purchasing decisions. This comprehensive analysis helps stakeholders across various sectors navigate the omplexities of consumer motivations towards animal fur products, fostering a more ethically aware market landscape.
Social Media platforms and GDPR violation for minor users
This article investigates the use of social media by minors in Europe, examining relevant legislation and conducting practical research. The study delves into the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), analyzing its approach to minors' data protection and the history of its adoption. Despite GDPR's intent to set an age limit for minors' data processing consent, the lack of consensus among member states led to an inconclusive solution, allowing varying age thresholds. The study further presents practical research conducted in Greece, involving attempts to create profiles on six major social media platforms at ages 12, 14, and 16. Findings reveal a lack of compliance with GDPR and national laws, with platforms often allowing underage users to create profiles without parental consent. Conclusions emphasize that since teenagers are a major marketing target, social media will continue this practice and the need for EU institutions to establish a uniform pan-European age limit for minors' data processing consent, prompting a vital dialogue for legal improvement.
A Study on the Consumer Preference of Electric Vehicles in The Indian Market
This study investigates consumer perceptions regarding Electrical Vehicles (EVs) within the Indian market. The research aims to discern the attitudes, preferences, and behavioral intentions of consumers towards EV adoption. It focuses on understanding the factors influencing consumer decision-making processes in embracing EVs over conventional vehicles. Through a meticulous examination and analysis of data collected from diverse demographic segments across India, this study endeavors to quantify the level of consumer awareness, knowledge, and sentiments regarding EVs. It seeks to measure the correlation between these perceptions and various influential factors such as infrastructure readiness, attitudes towards EVs, government policies and incentives, environmental concerns, range anxiety, psychological and economic factors, understanding of EV technologies, and social influences. By delineating the landscape of consumer perceptions and preferences towards EVs in the Indian market, this research aims to provide valuable insights for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and marketers. The outcomes of this study aspire to contribute to the development of strategies and policies aimed at fostering greater EV adoption in India while offering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in the EV market landscape.
Reviewing Dam-Failure Flood-Risk Preparedness Education in Inclusive Communities under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR): Current Status and Limitations
The United Nations (UN) has taken a proactive stance in addressing climate change challenges by introducing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR-2015-2030), serving as a comprehensive blueprint for managing the repercussions of disasters. Significantly, the seven SFDRR targets are intricately linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-2030), contributing to the overarching objective of sustainable communities within the broader UN global framework. Consequently, the risk of floods resulting from dam failure poses a significant threat to communities. Educating inclusive communities about disaster preparedness becomes pivotal for mitigating this risk. However, existing research and practical efforts have identified gaps, particularly in understanding the correlation between inclusive community involvement and disaster risk preparedness education, specifically in the context of dam failure and subsequent floods. To address this gap, the present study strategically explores previous research on the role of the SFDRR in enhancing inclusive communities' educational efforts regarding the risks of natural disasters. The study aims to provide a significant analysis of the adoption of the SFDRR to improve preparedness education against dam-related flood risks, particularly for the inclusive community at risk.
Roadside and Street Vending Pervasiveness: Experiential Learning on Emerging Unique Selling Points in Developing Countries
This paper explored on the triumphing unique selling points along roadsides and streets in developing countries from different cases. A combined paradigm of theoretical, empirical and library reviews were used to collect pertinent information from experiential cases in different environmental settings. This method is applicable in mixed modes of frameworks and employs a wide range to generate findings and put them into context.Theoretical frameworks served as roadmaps for developing arguments and theories are developed to explain phenomena, draw connections, make conclusions and predictions. Library research involved identifying, selecting, and acquiring books and journals to provide assistance to the researcher. Empirical informationproducedunderstanding based on experience, observed and measured phenomena and derives knowledge from actual experience rather than from theory or belief that considered original, primary research. It was advocated that roadside and street vending are operated by young people as an important source of employment and income for both educated and less educated youths. However there exits potential conflicts between vendors and local authorities. Thus, roadside and street vending health management is essential in eliminating infection risk related to work by strengthening vendors' operations and stakeholder involvements.
The Impact of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems on Digital Transformations: Micro-Level Analysis
Entrepreneurial ecosystems contribute to organisational success through enabling actors to restructure businesses; stimulating exchanges of resources as well as applications and improvements to technological approaches. Hence, the objective of this research is to study the impact of entrepreneurial ecosystem micro level variables on digital transformations. Based on data spanning 5,000 Portuguese firms, we selected a random sample of 300, including businesses in the industrial, retail and service sectors. We deployed the multiple linear regression statistical method to validate our hypotheses. As a result, we may conclude the organisation and the micro-level actors of entrepreneurial ecosystems, owners and their members of staff produce influences on digital transformation processes. Our study contributes to completing the gap in the literature regarding the shortage of quantitative empirical studies approaching micro level EE variables from the perspective of their relationships with digital transformation processes.
AI-Infused Personalization: A Catalyst for Transforming the Retail Marketing Mix (4A)
In the era of digitalization, evolving customer needs influence purchasing behavior and pricing dynamics, prompting adaptations in the marketing operational model (Davenport et al., 2019; Stone et al., 2020; Lasi, 2021; Gołąb-Andrzejak, 2023), facilitated by emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies (Kumar et al., 2021). AI, defined as a suite of software tools emulating human-like cognitive abilities, extends beyond robotics, significantly influencing daily life (Kumar et al., 2019). Due to limited studies on AI’s impact on the marketing mix (Stone et al., 2020; Lasi, 2021; Nanayakkara, 2020), a research gap persists in exploring new marketing mix models considering AI-enabled tools and processes. This paper, based on the analysis real-case examples, investigates the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on marketing strategies, providing a conceptual model, and highlights the pervasive integration of AI in marketing strategies, reshaping the traditional marketing mix (Nanayakkara, 2020). Emphasizing AI’s role in strengthening customermarketer connections through personalized marketing, with a focus on segmentation, targeting, and positioning decisions (Huang & Rust, 2021), the study positions the traditional marketing mix (Product, Price, Place, and Promotion or 4Ps) as a foundation. The paper contends that AI-driven personalization transforms the marketing mix into a dynamic system termed 4A: AI-Advanced Offerings, Adaptive Pricing, AI-driven Distribution Networks, and Aligned Marketing Approaches. Acknowledging the evolving AI and marketing landscape (Stone et al., 2020), the study provides insights for scholars and practitioners.
Exploring the Practices and Measures towards Supply Chain Performance: A Case Study of ACICO Company
Supply Chain performance measures are a set of metrics used to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of a company’s supply chain operations. These measures are used to monitor key areas such as inventory management, transportation, production, and procurement. By tracking these measures, organizations can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to optimize their supply chain processes, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. Effective performance measurement also helps companies stay competitive in a rapidly evolving business environment by allowing them to continuously improve their supply chain operations. This case study investigates the supply chain performance measures of ACICO Company, a leading building materials manufacturer based in the Middle East. The research analyzed key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory turnover, lead time, order fulfillment rate, and transportation costs, among others. The findings were obtained through a combination of primary and secondary data collection methods, including surveys and analysis of company records. The results showed that ACICO has a well-structured supply chain operation, with efficient processes in place for inventory management, procurement, and transportation. The company consistently achieved high order fulfillment rates, low lead times, and competitive transportation costs. The study also identified some areas for improvement, such as reducing inventory levels to reduce holding costs and increasing collaboration with suppliers to improve delivery times. This research provides valuable insights into the supply chain performance measures of ACICO Company and highlights best practices that can be replicated by other organizations in the building materials industry.