International Journal of Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies, ISSN:2327-008XE-ISSN:2327-2554
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies ISSN: 2327-008X, E-ISSN: 2327-2554, The mission of the IJICS is to play a key role in disseminating high-quality scientific research in developing countries. The journal is committed to serving as a periodic publication venue for theoretical and applied research in the field of professional business, studying organizations, nations, markets, and society at large. Goals IJICS main goals are to promote scientific production and dissemination, as well as the advancement of knowledge, in developing countries. The journal seeks to publish original and unpublished articles that address relevant issues and offer valuable insights in the field of professional business. Scope The scope of IJICS encompasses a wide range of topics related to Multidisciplinary, Scientific Work, Management and Professional Business, with an emphasis on the needs and challenges faced by developing countries. The journal values: - New theoretical perspectives: IJICS seeks contributions that enable a greater understanding and variety of professional business, with the aim of improving management efficiency and offering critical approaches. Priority is given to the development of new challenging theories, the enhancement of existing theory, and the identification of new research questions. - Empirical research and practical essays: The journal values empirical investigations and essays that demonstrate practical application in the field of professional business. Unpublished and relevant contributions that utilize quantitative and/or qualitative methods are prioritized. In addition to the traditional editorial, IJICS offers the following types of content: - Editorial comments - Articles - Technical reports - Perspectives - Literature reviews Throughout the review process, all submissions satisfying the basic requirements will be subject to a blind review by at least two independent reviewers who will not have knowledge of the name of the author or of other reviewers. Likewise, the IJICS does not inform the author(s) about the reviewers in any phase of the review process. If the number of the manuscripts that were credited as publishable by the reviewers were higher than the number of the articles that prescribed by the IJICS publication policy, the editorial board of the IJICS makes the final acceptance decision. The editors reserve the right to modify typescripts to eliminate ambiguity and repetition, and to improve communication between author and reader. In following this practice, the scientific content and message will not be changed. If extensive alterations are required, the manuscript will be returned to the author for revision and/or approval. Manuscripts will be subjected to peer review process to determine their suitability for publication provided they fulfill the requirements of the journal as laid out in the instructions to authors. After the review, manuscripts will be returned for revision along with reviewer’s and/or editor’s comments. Prepare the manuscript in Times New Roman font using a font size of 12. There shall not be any decorative borders anywhere in the text including the title page. All the tables and figures should be in the text at suitable place. Kindly email your paper on Email id: editor.cgscopus@gmail.com
MODEL FOR PROMOTING THE HEALTH OF THE CHAMPION'S MENTAL CAPACITY THROUGH IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE TO THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE NATIONAL ELITE ATHLETES OF THE PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE AT THE NATIONAL PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE INDONESIA (NPCI)
Elite national Paralympic athletes are required not only to achieve optimal sporting performance but also to maintain sustainable quality of life and mental health. This study aims to analyze and develop a health promotion model of champion mental capacity in relation to the performance of elite national Paralympic athletes at the National Paralympic Committee of Indonesia (NPCI), with quality of life as a mediating variable. The study employed a mixed-methods approach with a sequential explanatory design. The qualitative phase explored the dimensions and characteristics of champion mental capacity, followed by a quantitative phase to test the proposed structural model. The research object comprised champion mental capacity health promotion, quality of life, and athletic performance, while the research subjects were elite national athletes with disabilities affiliated with NPCI. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and document analysis in the qualitative phase, and structured questionnaires in the quantitative phase, including a researcher-developed champion mental capacity instrument and the WHOQOL-BREF to assess quality of life. Quantitative data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with bootstrapping. The results indicate that champion mental capacity health promotion has a strong and significant effect on quality of life (β = 0.922, p < 0.001), and quality of life significantly influences athletic performance (β = 1.227, p < 0.001). The indirect effect through quality of life is also significant (β = 1.132, p < 0.001), demonstrating a dominant partial mediation. The model explains 15.2% of performance variance with high predictive relevance (Q² = 0.671). These findings highlight that improving Paralympic athletes’ performance is more effectively achieved through strengthening quality of life via champion mental capacity health promotion.
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Language to Sustainability: Positioning ELT as a Tool for Eco-social Innovation in Higher Education
This research examines how English Language Teaching (ELT) in higher education can be revitalised as a transformative tool for sustainable development through the integration of technology, innovation and eco-social engagement. Instead of limiting ELT to the acquisition of language, the paper probes the way it can nurture ecological awareness, ecological consciousness, social responsibility and future-ready competencies among learners. The study employs an observatory and qualitative approach. It draws on document analysis and reflections from sustainability-oriented projects done in a skill university in Odisha. Case illustrations are projects on food waste management, smart agriculture and renewable energy, where ELT served as a medium for interdisciplinary learning and real-world problem-solving. The integration of technological tools such as Artificial Intelligence , the Internet of Things and renewable energy systems within ELT frameworks enhances student engagement and learning outcomes. When infused within eco-social pedagogy, these innovations foster critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills, while grounding education in ecological ethics and social justice. In spite of its potential, the strategy has challenges like technological barriers and curriculum limitations. However, through policy backing, teacher training and cross-cultural partnership, ELT can become a positive force for sustainability education. The paper urges a paradigm shift in education, with ELT positioned not just as a language-learning tool but also as a vehicle for sustainable development.
डॉ. सुशील कुमार फुल्ल के कथा-साहित्य में पर्वतीय पर्यावरण और पारिस्थितिक चेतनारू एक पर्यावरण-समीक्षात्मक अध्ययन
प्रस्तुत शोध-पत्र डॉ. सुशील कुमार फुल्ल के कथा-साहित्य में निहित पर्वतीय पर्यावरण और पारिस्थितिक चेतना का पर्यावरण-समीक्षात्मक दृष्टि से विश्लेषण करता है। अध्ययन का उद्देश्य यह समझना है कि किस प्रकार उनके कथा-संसार में पर्वतीय प्रकृति, स्थानीय जीवन और मानवीय मूल्यों के बीच सह-अस्तित्व का संबंध स्थापित होता है। शोध में गुणात्मक एवं वर्णनात्मक-विश्लेषणात्मक पद्धति अपनाई गई है तथा चयनित कथाओं का विश्लेषण पर्यावरण-समीक्षा के सैद्धांतिक ढाँचे के अंतर्गत किया गया है। अध्ययन से यह स्पष्ट होता है कि डॉ. फुल्ल के कथा-साहित्य में पर्वतीय पर्यावरण केवल पृष्ठभूमि न होकर कथा की अर्थवत्ता को गढ़ने वाला सक्रिय तत्व है। उनकी रचनाओं में पर्यावरणीय संकट, संसाधन-दोहन, विकासजन्य दबाव और पारंपरिक जीवन-पद्धतियों के विघटन को मानवीय अनुभवों के माध्यम से अभिव्यक्त किया गया है। साथ ही, उनकी कथाएँ प्रकृति-केंद्रित जीवन-दृष्टि और पारिस्थितिक संतुलन की आवश्यकता पर बल देती हैं। निष्कर्षतः यह शोध स्थापित करता है कि डॉ. सुशील कुमार फुल्ल का कथा-साहित्य समकालीन हिंदी साहित्य में पर्यावरणीय विमर्श को सशक्त करता है तथा मानव-प्रकृति संबंधों के पुनर्संतुलन की वैचारिक दिशा प्रदान करता है।
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FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES BASED ON BEHAVIORAL FINANCE TO ENHANCE CORPORATE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN AN ERA OF GLOBAL ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY
This study explores the impact of behavioral finance on corporate financial performance, emphasizing how cognitive biases like overconfidence, loss aversion, and herding behavior influence decision-making during times of economic uncertainty. Through qualitative interviews with CFOs and financial managers, the research identifies key biases affecting investment, risk management, and capital allocation. Findings suggest that companies employing structured decision-making processes and governance mechanisms can mitigate these biases, enhancing financial resilience and adaptability. The study concludes that integrating behavioral finance principles into corporate strategies leads to more rational decisions and improved long-term performance, with recommendations for organizations to invest in behavioral finance training.
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EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND WORK–LIFE BALANCE: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF STRESS MANAGEMENT IN BANKING SECTOR
Purpose: This paper examines the relationship between emotional intelligence and work–life balance among banking sector employees, with a particular focus on the mediating role of stress management. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was adopted. Data were collected from employees working in public and private sector banks using a structured questionnaire. Statistical techniques, including correlation, regression, and mediation analysis, were used to test the proposed relationships. Findings: The results indicate that emotional intelligence has a significant positive effect on work–life balance. It also enhances stress management, which in turn improves work–life balance. The findings further reveal that stress management partially mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence and work–life balance. Practical Implications: The study highlights the importance of developing emotional intelligence and implementing stress management strategies in organizations. These findings can help banking institutions design policies and training programs that support employee well-being and work–life balance. Originality/Value: This work contributes to the literature by integrating emotional intelligence, stress management, and work–life balance within a single framework, with a specific focus on female employees in the banking sector.
A STUDY ON THE CONSUMER PERCEPTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS IN SHAPING WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR ECO-FRIENDLY FMCG PRODUCTS
The increasing threat of environmental degradation has prompted a global shift toward sustainable consumption. This study, “Bridging the Green Gap: A Study on Consumer Attitude and the Role of Green Marketing in Promoting Eco-Friendly Products,” examines the disconnect between consumers’ expressed environmental concerns and their actual purchasing actions, known as the green gap. A sample of 48 respondents was surveyed using a structured questionnaire, with findings revealing high awareness (97.9%) and positive attitudes toward green products. Marketing strategies significantly influence buying decisions, and most consumers believe eco-friendly choices contribute to environmental sustainability. Effective green marketing strategies not only promote sustainable consumption but also create powerful relationships rooted in shared ecological values.
DETERMINANTS OF FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT IN INDIA: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
This review article synthesizes global and Indian literature on the determinants of financial planning for retirement, highlighting the urgent need for individual preparedness amid India’s rapidly aging population and limited formal pension coverage. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives—economics, psychology, sociology, and behavioural finance—it explores how retirement planning is shaped by personal traits (e.g., financial literacy, future orientation), social norms (e.g., family expectations, gender roles), and institutional factors (e.g., access to pension schemes, trust in financial systems). The article adopts and adapts the Capacity–Willingness–Opportunity (CWO) framework to the Indian context, emphasizing that effective retirement planning requires not just knowledge and motivation but also enabling environments. It identifies significant gaps in Indian scholarship, including limited longitudinal data, underexplored vulnerable populations, and insufficient evaluation of policy interventions. The review concludes by advocating for culturally tailored financial education, inclusive product design, and systemic reforms to foster retirement readiness across diverse segments of Indian society. By bridging theoretical insights with empirical evidence, the article offers a roadmap for future research and policy aimed at ensuring financial dignity in old age.
Capacity–Willingness–Opportunity Framework
A Review of Welfare Measures in the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation
Employee welfare measures play a vital role in enhancing organizational performance, employee satisfaction, and overall service quality, particularly in public sector undertakings. This paper reviews the welfare measures implemented in the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, one of India’s largest public transport organizations. The study focuses on various statutory and non-statutory welfare provisions, including health and medical facilities, social security benefits, housing, safety measures, and recreational services provided to employees. By analyzing existing literature, policy frameworks, and secondary data sources, the review examines the effectiveness and scope of these welfare initiatives in improving employee well-being and productivity. The findings indicate that while APSRTC has established a range of welfare schemes, their implementation is often affected by financial constraints, administrative inefficiencies, and lack of awareness among employees. Additionally, the evolving expectations of the workforce, such as the need for work-life balance and mental health support, highlight the necessity for modernization of welfare policies. The paper concludes that strengthening welfare measures through better planning, technological integration, and employee-centric approaches can significantly enhance both workforce morale and organizational efficiency. This review contributes to a deeper understanding of welfare practices in public transport systems and provides insights for policy improvement.
IMPACT OF JOB ROTATION ON EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY: EVIDENCE FROM IT FIRMS IN INDIA’S NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
The increasing complexity of work in the information technology (IT) sector demands continuous adaptation from employees and organizations alike. Within this context, job rotation has emerged as a strategic human resource intervention designed to enhance employee capabilities and sustain productivity. This study examines the impact of job rotation on employee productivity in IT firms located in India’s National Capital Region (NCR). Drawing on Job Demands-Resources Theory and Social Exchange Theory, the research investigates how job rotation influences efficiency, adherence to deadlines, and contribution to team performance. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 400 employees and analyzed through SPSS using reliability tests, regression, and ANOVA. The findings indicate that job rotation has a statistically significant and positive effect across all three dimensions of productivity. The study contributes to the limited empirical literature in the Indian IT context and offers practical insights for designing effective job rotation programs.
ASSESSING THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE GREEN MARKETING STRATEGIES IN THE INDIAN SOFTWARE INDUSTRY
The current paper examines how Artificial intelligence (AI) may be applied to the process of making green marketing more sustainable within the Indian software market, i.e. how the realization of the environmental and economic agendas may be supported by the employment of data-driven technologies. The type of research design adopted in data collection was a quantitative, cross-sectional and explanatory research design and involved marketing managers, CSR head and data analyst of small, medium and large software firms (n=228). The tools used in this study included correlation, multiple regression and machine learning analytical tools through the application of python based analytic tools in establishing the correlation between AI integration, green marketing effectiveness and sustainability performance. The results indicated that the use of AI is positively correlated with sustainability performance (r = 0.74, p = 0.01) and the predictive analytics and automation became the most powerful predictors of eco-efficient marketing performance. The predictive validity of the results was supported by the fact that the Random Forest model had a R2 of 0.67. These findings indicate that AI improves the eco-efficiency, resource optimization, and consumer interaction with intelligent personalization and automated decision-making. The research adds to the literature on sustainability and marketing because it presents empirical research evidence of a service-intensive economy, showing that AI is a potentially transformative technology and strategic facilitator. It finds that sustainable integration of AI can make Indian software companies leaders in ethical and strategic ways of global innovation in the digital world.
EMPLOYEE PERCEPTIONS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVES: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF UNDERSTANDING, AWARENESS, PARTICIPATION, AND EFFECTIVENESS IN THE INDIAN IT SECTOR
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has developed into an approach business function that incorporates economic, social, and environmental goals into main company activities. Instead of primarily restricted to charitable endeavors, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming more deeply ingrained in stakeholder engagement strategies and corporate norms in the Indian IT industry. Employees as important internal stakeholders and their opinions of CSR efforts have received little attention despite a wealth of studies on the environmental effects of CSR.By concentrating on four important aspects—awareness, comprehension, engagement, and viewed efficacy—the current investigation seeks to scientifically investigate how employees see CSR activities. A standardized survey was used to gather primary data using a quantitative research approach from employees of particular Indian IT organizations.To investigate the suggested associations between factors, the study used statistical methods such as regression analysis, reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, and correlation.The results show that employees' awareness and comprehension of CSR programs range from modest to high. Understanding is a key predictor of employee participation in CSR activities, and awareness was found to have a considerable impact on understanding. Additionally, the perceived efficacy of CSR programs is positively impacted by employee participation. The findings also support a succession of relationship between the factors, suggesting that an integrated cognitive and behavioral process shapes CSR perceptions.The report emphasizes how important organizational backing, worker engagement, and conversations within are to boosting the success of CSR projects.The investigation adds to the body of knowledge on corporate social responsibility (CSR) by offering an employee-centric viewpoint. It also provides firms with helpful information to help them create more productive CSR strategies that meet the two organizational objectives and society aspirations.
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IMPACT OF WEBSITE DESIGN AND ONLINE INFORMATION SOURCES ON CONSUMER TRUST IN E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS: A STUDY OF CONSUMER DURABLES
The rapid growth of e-commerce has fundamentally transformed the purchasing patterns of consumers, particularly within the high-involvement sector of consumer durables. Unlike low-cost convenience goods, consumer durables—such as electronics, furniture, and household equipment—require a more complex decision-making process due to higher perceived risk and significant financial commitment. This literature review synthesizes current academic research to identify the multi-dimensional factors influencing online buying behavior for these products. Key findings from existing literature highlight that website design quality and online information sources (including user reviews and ratings) are primary determinants of consumer trust and purchase intention. Research indicates that an attractive and user-friendly interface significantly lowers perceived risk, while favorable online reviews act as critical social proof that moderates the relationship between website aesthetics and final purchase decisions Theoretical frameworks such as the Technology Acceptance Model, Information Adoption Model, and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology are frequently employed to explain these behaviors, emphasizing the roles of perceived usefulness and ease of use in the digital environment. Furthermore, demographic variables like age, gender, and geographic location (urban vs. rural) continue to moderate the adoption of online shopping for durables. Despite the advantages of convenience and wider selection, challenges such as the lack of physical product inspection and trust in delivery logistics remain significant barriers. This review concludes by identifying research gaps, particularly the need for more longitudinal studies on post-purchase satisfaction and the impact of emerging technologies like augmented reality on reducing product uncertainty in the consumer durable market (Bag et al., 2017; Islam, n.d.).
DETERMINANTS OF TEACHING EFFECTIVENESS: INSIGHTS FROM STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELLING IN INDIAN HIGHER EDUCATION
Teaching effectiveness is a cornerstone of higher education quality, yet its psychological and institutional determinants remain underexplored in Tier-2 Indian cities, where public and private institutions coexist under contrasting governance and resource structures. This study investigates how emotional intelligence (EI)—operationalized through self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills—and spiritual intelligence (SI) shape teaching effectiveness (TE) among faculty, with evidence drawn from Kanpur as a representative urban center. Using a cross-sectional survey of 545 faculty analyzed through PLS-SEM, we tested the direct effects of EI facets on TE and the mediating role of SI. Results show that EI strongly predicts TE, with self-regulation and empathy as the most influential factors. SI amplifies these effects, highlighting its mediating function. Importantly, no significant difference was found between public and private institutions, suggesting that psychological competencies matter more than governance type. The findings underscore the critical need to invest in faculty development programs that cultivate socio-emotional and reflective capacities in Tier-2 contexts. This study contributes to both theoretical refinement of intelligence-based models of teaching and the practical design of interventions for higher education systems outside India’s metropolitan centers.
INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH E-COMMERCE: A PRISMA-DRIVEN SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Women entrepreneurship has been recognized increasingly as an accelerator of social promotion, economic strengthening, empowerment, and robustness. The swift progression of technological tools and internet-based commercial work frame has created enhanced potential for women’s inclusion to surmount longstanding challenges such as scarcity of financial support, limitations on mobility, and ingrained socio-cultural rigidity. The convergence of female-led enterprises and e-commerce allows women to diversify their business undertakings via technology-enabled platforms, advancing women’s empowerment and promoting self-reliance. The present research step by step investigates how e-commerce is fostering women’s entrepreneurial activities implemented via a PRISMA-guided systematic literature review (SLR) approach. A comprehensive search of the Scopus database identified 1,035 peer-reviewed publications from 2010 to 2025, which were screened against predefined eligibility criteria. The analysis highlights five key domains through which e-commerce impacts women entrepreneurship: market expansion, financial inclusion, empowerment, challenges, and policy frameworks. Findings indicate that e-commerce enhances market access, strengthens financial independence, reduces gender disparities, and promotes inclusive participation in digital economies, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably in equality of genders, fostering economic development, and innovative practices. However, challenges such as digital literacy gaps, infrastructural limitations, inadequate institutional support, and persistent gender norms continue to impede progress. The study proposes an integrated framework outlining opportunities and constraints, while identifying research gaps related to Artificial Intelligence adoption, community-based digital enterprises, and cross-national policy comparisons. These insights provide actionable guidance for policymakers, stakeholders, and practitioners to support women entrepreneurs in leveraging digital platforms, thereby promoting inclusive growth and sustainable economic development.
A PRISMA ALIGNED SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW ON GREEN FINANCE: BRIDGING THE GAP TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Purpose: The growing need to embed environmentally responsible practices has placed green initiatives at the forefront of global development agendas. As a dynamic and evolving dimension of the monetary and economic framework, green finance makes a significant contribution to enabling this transition. This study systematically reviews global advancements in green finance between 2010 and 2025, with particular emphasis on regulatory frameworks, financial instruments, and their contributions to environmental sustainability. Design/methodology/approach: A PRISMA-driven systematic literature review (SLR) approach has been utilized, retrieving 340 peer-reviewed studies from four academic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Following screening and assessment, 100 studies met the inclusion criteria. The review highlights emerging trends, thematic developments, and critical debates in the field, emphasizing the role of green financial instruments, policy frameworks, and institutional mechanisms in mitigating climate risks, reducing carbon emissions, and safeguarding ecological systems. Findings: The study underscores emerging trends in green finance mechanisms, notably green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, carbon markets, and blended finance instruments. It identifies key drivers of adoption, including regulatory frameworks, policy support, market pressures, investor demand, technological innovations such as fintech and blockchain, and growing environmental awareness. Furthermore, it reviews methodological approaches employed in green finance research while acknowledging persistent barriers, such as limited data access, methodological shortcomings, regulatory fragmentation, and inadequate transparency. Overall, the findings underscore the transformative potential of incorporating green financial assistance into widely accepted economic and monetary frameworks, thereby reinforcing its crucial role in enhancing financial robustness and maintaining ecological balance. The study concludes by calling for further empirical investigations to strengthen the evidence base on how green finance can accelerate sustainable development and long-term ecological integrity. Originality/Value: This PRISMA-aligned systematic review is the first to develop a unified conceptual framework by integrating regulatory taxonomies (antecedents), financial instruments, and environmental outcomes of green finance. It further examines the role of institutional quality, regulatory frameworks, and policy interventions, alongside the participation of MSMEs, in advancing green financial mechanisms and facilitating ecological preservation. As these dimensions remain underexplored, the study emphasizes the need for future empirical investigations to address existing gaps.
DIGITAL FINANCIAL REPORTING AND XBRL ADOPTION: EFFECTS ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT COMPARABILITY AMONG LISTED NIGERIAN BANKS
This study investigates the effect of XBRL adoption and digital financial reporting on financial statement comparability among listed Nigerian banks. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 316 observations and analyzed through multiple linear regression. Results indicate that XBRL adoption has a significant positive effect on financial statement comparability (β = 0.742, t = 9.16, p = 0.012), while IT infrastructure also exerts a positive and significant effect (β = 0.105, t = 2.02, p = 0.045). Bank size positively influences comparability (β = 0.012, t = 4.00, p = 0.003), indicating that larger institutions are better positioned to implement digital reporting initiatives. The model demonstrates strong explanatory power, with an R² of 0.881 and an adjusted R² of 0.758. The Durbin-Watson statistic of 2.12 suggests no autocorrelation concerns. These findings highlight the strategic importance of XBRL adoption, robust IT infrastructure, and institutional capacity in enhancing the transparency, reliability, and comparability of financial statements in the Nigerian banking sector.
FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY (FINTECH) ADOPTION AND MSME PERFORMANCE: A PRISMA-BASED SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Financial Technology (FinTech) has emerged as a transformative force in the global financial ecosystem, significantly influencing the operational and financial performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs, which are critical contributors to employment generation, economic growth, and innovation, often face challenges related to limited access to formal finance, inefficient financial management, and high transaction costs. In this context, FinTech offers innovative solutions such as digital payments, peer-to-peer lending, mobile banking, and blockchain-based financial services that enhance financial inclusion and business efficiency. This study presents a PRISMA-based Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to analyse the role of FinTech adoption in improving MSME performance. The review synthesises peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2024, sourced from major academic databases including Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Springer. A structured screening and selection process resulted in a final dataset of relevant studies, which were analysed using bibliometric and thematic approaches. The findings reveal that FinTech adoption positively impacts MSME performance by improving access to credit, enhancing operational efficiency, reducing transaction costs, and supporting innovation and market expansion. However, the extent of these benefits is influenced by moderating factors, including digital literacy, regulatory environment, technological infrastructure, and institutional support. The review also highlights existing research gaps, particularly the lack of integrated frameworks linking FinTech adoption to long-term performance outcomes. This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive synthesis of FinTech–MSME research. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs aiming to promote sustainable digital transformation in MSMEs.
REORIENTATION IN TRAINING STRATEGIES IN IT INDUSTRY: RESILIENCE DURING COVID-19
Purpose: to examine how the organizational approaches to learning and development in the IT sector changed both during and after the COVID-19 epidemic, with an emphasis on comprehending the transition from traditional techniques to progressive training tactics. Methodology: Using the PRISMA methodology, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) has been carried out to gather and examine the body of research on changes made to training and development strategies in the IT industry both during and after the COVID-19 epidemic. Findings: The study concluded that the issues presented by the pandemic could not be adequately addressed by conventional training and development methods. One of the main strategies that became quite popular during the COVID-19 pandemic was e-learning. Practical Implication: The results indicate that in order to successfully manage personnel resources in a robust and dynamic IT environment, firms need to implement proactive, adaptable, and contextually appropriate training and development strategies.
ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS ON MICROENTERPRISE GROWTH AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS
Microenterprises are crucial for generating employment, creating income, and fostering inclusive economic growth, especially in developing countries. The role of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in providing financial services has been increasingly acknowledged as a key factor in supporting the expansion and sustainability of these small businesses. Although microfinance programs have grown in India, there is still limited empirical evidence on how factors like institutional awareness, service effectiveness, and operational challenges affect enterprise development. This research explores the connection between microfinance institutional support and the growth of microenterprises in selected districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. The research adopts a quantitative approach, drawing on primary data collected from 400 micro-entrepreneurs through a carefully designed structured questionnaire. The study examines how four key institutional factors, namely, awareness of microfinance institution (MFI) policies, perceived effectiveness of MFIs, accessibility of MFI services, and the challenges encountered by MFIs, influence the growth of micro-enterprises. In addition, the analysis incorporates enterprise performance as a mediating variable to better understand the underlying relationships. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the data, a range of statistical techniques was employed, including reliability testing, descriptive analysis, correlation assessment, regression modeling, analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square testing, and exploratory factor analysis. These methods collectively facilitated a robust examination of the interrelationships among the study variables. The empirical findings demonstrate a strong and statistically significant link between institutional awareness and enterprise growth, suggesting that entrepreneurs with a better understanding of microfinance policies and procedures are more likely to see their businesses expand. Likewise, the perceived effectiveness of MFIs positively influences enterprise development outcomes. The results also indicate that enterprise performance serves as a crucial mechanism through which microfinance interventions lead to tangible growth in microbusinesses. However, the impact of certain MFI services and operational challenges seems to be less significant, pointing to the need for improved service design and delivery. This research contributes to the growing scholarship on microfinance and enterprise development by presenting empirical evidence on the role of institutional determinants in shaping the performance and expansion of microenterprises. The results offer valuable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and development organizations, emphasizing the need to strengthen awareness initiatives, enhance institutional effectiveness, and develop adaptive microfinance services. Such measures are essential for improving the overall impact and sustainability of microfinance interventions.
DEATH PENALTY AS AN ANTI-CORRUPTION STRATEGY IN EXTRAORDINARY CRIMES: EVALUATING INDONESIA'S LEGAL FRAMEWORK DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
This study examines the regulation, legitimacy, and effectiveness of capital punishment as an anti-corruption strategy within Indonesia’s legal system, particularly in cases of corruption committed during national emergencies. The research is motivated by the increasing vulnerability of public finance governance during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has intensified debates regarding the proportionality and relevance of extreme criminal sanctions. Using a normative juridical method combined with a conceptual and comparative approach, the study analyzes statutory provisions, constitutional interpretations, criminal policy theory, and international human rights discourse. The findings demonstrate that capital punishment is formally regulated under Indonesia’s Anti-Corruption Law as a conditional and exceptional sanction applicable in aggravated circumstances. Its legitimacy is constitutionally recognized; however, its practical implementation remains absent, indicating a divergence between normative design (das sollen) and enforcement reality (das sein). The study argues that while capital punishment serves a strong expressive and symbolic function in classifying corruption as an extraordinary crime, its deterrent effectiveness is questionable without strengthened institutional integrity, enforcement certainty, and transparency mechanisms. Furthermore, the extension of capital punishment to non-lethal economic crimes raises proportionality concerns within evolving global human rights standards. This research concludes that capital punishment in corruption cases occupies a legally legitimate yet practically restrained position in Indonesia’s criminal policy framework, necessitating a balanced approach between penal severity and structural reform in emergency governance.
BEHAVIORAL BIASES IN INVESTMENT DECISION-MAKING: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Behavioural finance has become a significant area of study that contests the premises of conventional financial theories, which predominantly rely on rational decision-making. Contrary to the belief that investors consistently behave rationally, increasing evidence indicates that psychological factors and cognitive biases profoundly affect investment choices. The review paper employs qualitative research methods which are based on a detailed examination of academic sources. The research study uses an extensive collection of academic materials which includes scholarly articles and research papers from various international journals and databases. The selection process emphasized literature that provides insight into investor behavior in equity markets, particularly under the influence of cognitive and emotional biases. The review process uses the PRISMA framework to establish transparent routes which allow researchers to validate their results. The research study shows that behavioral factors affect investor decision-making which results in investors choosing paths which differ from the rational approaches which traditional finance theories propose. The investment decision-making process suffers from these biases which include overconfidence and loss aversion and herd behavior and mental accounting. The negative results of these actions lead to consequences which impact multiple areas including personal wealth growth and corporate financial success and capital market operational efficiency. The study results demonstrate how essential it is to combine behavioral insights with financial models and investor education programs. The paper investigates the research which studies how people make decisions about their investments. The research study conducts analysis to recognize standard patterns and theoretical frameworks and empirical findings which show how psychological factors affect investor behavior thereby disproving traditional financial theories. The review paper employs qualitative research methods which are based on a detailed examination of academic sources. The research study uses an extensive collection of academic materials which includes scholarly articles and research papers from various international journals and databases. The selection process emphasized literature that provides insight into investor behavior in equity markets, particularly under the influence of cognitive and emotional biases. The review process uses the PRISMA framework to establish transparent routes which allow researchers to validate their results. The research study shows that behavioral factors affect investor decision-making which results in investors choosing paths which differ from the rational approaches which traditional finance theories propose. The investment decision-making process suffers from these biases which include overconfidence and loss aversion and herd behavior and mental accounting. The negative results of these actions lead to consequences which impact multiple areas including personal wealth growth and corporate financial success and capital market operational efficiency. The study results demonstrate how essential it is to combine behavioral insights with financial models and investor education programs.
THE URS OF RAJGANGPUR: A LIVING TRADITION OF SUFI DEVOTION AND COMMUNITY BONDING
Rajgangpur, a town in Odisha’s Sundargarh district, has carved out a distinct spot in the region’s cultural and spiritual landscape with its annual Sufi Urs celebration. Urs, a Sufi saint’s death anniversary, is viewed as a celebration of the saint’s union with the Divine rather than a sorrowful occasion. This festival in Rajgangpur illustrates the perfect blend of devotion, local customs, and inclusive cultural expression. The Urs of Sufi saint Lal Sha Baba in Rajgangpur is spiritual observance that transcends barriers of religion and becomes a community-wide celebration, resulting in a unique, inclusive, and highly significant tradition. This work investigates how devotion to a Sufi saint evolves into a dynamic cultural event characterized by rituals, offerings, fairs, and community gatherings. It also emphasizes the festival’s inclusive nature, examines the assimilation of Hindu Muslim culture and the participation of marginalized groups, and assesses its impact on the local economy and traditions. Through field observations, interviews, and cultural research, the study exposes Urs as a cultural tradition that unites faith with festivity, promoting communal unity and preserving intangible heritage in a modern time.
IMPACT OF INTERNAL MARKETING FACTORS WORK CULTURE, ENVIRONMENT, AND ETHICS ON EMPLOYEE JOB SATISFACTION IN RETAIL BANKING
All of a company's workers are its internal clientele in the marketing department, and they're the ones who have to work to make the company succeed. Hence, if the goals of the company are based on external marketing, then people's roles in the company help achieve those goals by interacting with workers, who are all in some way connected to the end user. The internal marketing policies and programs incorporate a variety of planned and targeted employee activities, including but not limited to: development, training, reward, communication, clarity of responsibilities, and employee-employee interactions. According to Islamic banks in Jordan's internal marketing strategy, every single employee is an internal customer who has an obligation to help the bank succeed. Many aspects of an organization's operations are within the purview of internal marketing, including staff dedication, internal communication, incentive programs, management, instruction, and criticism. All of these things are very important because they determine how workers feel about their workplace and how satisfied they are with their jobs overall. Internal marketing strategies that work in retail banking may alleviate stress, boost motivation, and cultivate a feeling of belonging among staff despite the high workloads, performance expectations, and continual client contact. Employees are more likely to have a favorable attitude about work and provide excellent service when they feel encouraged, informed, and appropriately compensated. Productivity, service quality, customer happiness, and staff retention are all organizational outcomes that are positively correlated with employee job satisfaction. People are more likely to go above and above the call of duty when they are happy in their jobs. Satisfaction among bank employees has a direct impact on client experiences and the bank's reputation, which is especially important in the service-based banking industry. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for bank management and lawmakers to comprehend what elements lead to contentment in the workplace. Few empirical studies have looked at how internal marketing affects retail bank employees' happiness on the job, even though this is especially true in developing nations where the practice is gaining traction. According to the research, good internal communication and efficient compensation systems are the main drivers of employee work satisfaction. Therefore, businesses that want happier and more productive workers should concentrate on these areas while keeping their HR policies and procedures open and welcoming to all employees.
EVALUATING THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITY INCUBATION CENTERS IN ENHANCING ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARENESS AND STARTUP INTENTIONS AMONG BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
University-based incubation centers have emerged as crucial drivers of entrepreneurship within higher education, providing students with mentorship, resources, and networks to transform innovative ideas into viable ventures. This study investigates how incubation centers influence entrepreneurial awareness and startup intentions among business school students in India. Adopting a qualitative multiple case study design, we rely exclusively on secondary data (public records, annual reports, entrepreneurship cell documentation, policy briefs, and university websites) to examine incubation programs at selected Indian universities. We analyze incubator capability configurations – the specific combinations of infrastructure, funding support, mentorship, training programs, industry linkages, and outreach activities – and evaluate their impact on students’ entrepreneurial awareness (knowledge and mindset about entrepreneurship) and intentions (willingness to start a venture). The cross-case analysis reveals that incubation centers with strong mentorship networks, active student engagement through entrepreneurship cells (E-cells), and experiential learning opportunities (e.g. startup bootcamps, hackathons, pitch competitions) tend to heighten students’ awareness of entrepreneurship and increase their intent to pursue startups. Conversely, limited outreach and lack of integration with academic programs emerge as barriers to student participation in some incubators. The findings highlight the importance of a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem within universities – one that combines physical infrastructure with cultural and educational initiatives – in nurturing student entrepreneurship. This study contributes to the literature by offering a nuanced, cases-based understanding of how different incubator models and capabilities foster entrepreneurial attitudes in an emerging economy context. Recommendations are offered for university administrators and policymakers to strengthen incubator programs (e.g. through policy support, improved outreach, and tailored support for student founders) to better cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs.
MAPPING POLICY DESIGN LOGICS OF EMPOWERMENT IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH: A BIBLIOMETRIC AND THEMATIC EVOLUTION ANALYSIS (2015–2026)
Research on empowerment in the Global South has expanded rapidly, yet its integration within policy design theory remains conceptually uneven. This study aims to systematically map how empowerment has been framed, operationalized, and prioritized within policy design–oriented scholarship. Employing a bibliometric and thematic evolution analysis, the study examines 1,849 Scopus-indexed journal articles published between 2015 and 2026. Using Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny, it combines descriptive performance analysis, co-authorship and co-word network analysis, thematic mapping, and longitudinal thematic evolution to uncover intellectual structures and dominant design logics. The findings reveal a fast-growing and globally connected research field dominated by sustainability governance, development policy, and implementation-focused domains. Across these clusters, empowerment is predominantly conceptualized as a functional outcome of policy instruments, coordination arrangements, and administrative capacity rather than as an explicit design variable linked to authority redistribution. Participation, inclusion, and engagement occupy central thematic positions, while concepts related to power, discretion, and institutional transformation remain peripheral and weakly consolidated. Although Global South contexts are extensively represented as empirical settings, conceptual framing and agenda-setting are largely shaped by transnational governance vocabularies, positioning these contexts more as sites of application than sources of theoretical innovation. The study concludes that empowerment operates primarily as an implicit and instrumental policy design logic. It highlights the need for future research agendas that integrate policy design analysis with power-sensitive theories and context-aware approaches to better capture empowerment as a political and distributive process in Global South governance.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ONLINE VS. TRADITIONAL CLASSROOMS: STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND ENGAGEMENT
This study aims to explore and compare student engagement and performance in online versus traditional classrooms through a qualitative literature review. As the educational landscape evolves, understanding the differences between these learning environments is crucial for optimizing educational strategies. A synthesis of various studies reveals that traditional classrooms consistently outperform online settings in terms of student participation, interaction, and motivation. Traditional classrooms offer a structured environment with real-time feedback, social presence, and peer interaction, which significantly enhance engagement. In contrast, online classrooms, while offering flexibility and personalized learning, face challenges such as reduced social interaction, lack of immediate feedback, and the need for higher self-regulation, leading to lower engagement and performance. The findings suggest that while online learning platforms can be effective, they require improved pedagogical strategies and digital tools to foster deeper interaction and collaboration. This study recommends further research on blended learning models that combine the best elements of both environments to maximize student engagement and performance. Future research should also explore the role of social presence in online learning and investigate the long-term impact of both learning environments on academic success and retention.
ESG FACTORS IN INVESTMENT DECISIONS: EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING, CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
This study examines the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions, focusing on sustainability reporting, corporate governance, and financial performance. The research aims to explore how these factors influence investor behavior and financial outcomes, using a library research approach with primary data from academic literature and secondary data from relevant reports and studies. The findings indicate that companies with strong ESG practices tend to attract more investment, mitigate risks, and achieve better long-term financial results. The study concludes that integrating ESG factors into investment strategies not only enhances financial performance but also contributes to a more sustainable and ethical investment landscape.
Corporate Governance and Financial Performance
PREVENTION OF BANK NON-PERFORMING ASSETS IN WORKING CAPITAL FINANCING: ROLE OF FINANCIAL LITERACY IN IMPROVING BORROWER CREDIT BEHAVIOUR
Non-performing assets (NPAs) have emerged as a major concern for the stability and efficiency of the banking sector, particularly in the context of working capital financing provided to small and medium-sized enterprises and business units. Inefficient utilisation of borrowed funds, weak financial planning, and limited financial awareness among borrowers often contribute to repayment difficulties, eventually leading to loan defaults. This study examines the roles of financial literacy and borrower education in preventing the occurrence of NPAs in working capital financing. The research explores how financial knowledge influences borrowers’ credit behaviour, working capital management practices, and repayment discipline. This study adopts a descriptive and analytical research design and utilises both primary and secondary sources of information. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires from borrowers engaged in small business activities who had availed working capital loans from banks. Secondary information was obtained from banking reports, academic literature, and publications of financial regulatory institutions. The analysis focuses on assessing the level of financial literacy among borrowers and examining its relationship with loan utilisation and repayment performance. The findings indicate that borrowers with higher levels of financial literacy demonstrate stronger financial planning abilities, improved cash flow management, and greater awareness of credit obligations. Such borrowers are more likely to utilise working capital funds productively and maintain timely repayment of loan instalments. Conversely, borrowers with limited financial knowledge often face difficulties in managing business finances, which increases the risk of delayed repayment and potential loan default. Therefore, strengthening borrowers’ financial literacy can play a significant role in preventing the accumulation of NPAs in the banking system.
INLFUNECE OF DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES ON COMPASSION FATIGUE AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN IBADAN, NIGERIA
Compassion fatigue (CF), the physical and mental exhaustion and loss of empathy that occurs when caring for sick or traumatised people, is a global phenomenon experienced by diverse categories of healthcare practitioners. In Nigeria, there is a high prevalence of CF among healthcare professionals in both public and private hospitals, due to a complex interaction of factors. This study, therefore, investigated the roles of gender, age, marital status, and job experience on compassion fatigue among healthcare professionals in Ibadan, Nigeria. Eight hundred and seventy-eight healthcare professionals (238 medical doctors, 547 nurses and 93 allied health professionals) were conveniently selected from eighteen purposively sampled hospitals (federal: 1; state: 2; private: 15) in Ibadan. A 39-item structured questionnaire comprising measures of personal distress (α=0.70), job frustration (α=0.91), work pressure (α=0.81) and compassion fatigue (α=0.75) was administered. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and hierarchical multiple regression at p≤0.05. Participants’ age was 36.0 ± 9.51 years; 70.9% were female, while 43.3% were health professionals from the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH). Age (β=-0.18) and years of experience (β=0.16) independently and jointly (R²=0.02; F=3.48) influenced CF. Gender and marital status did not significantly predict CF. This indicate that certain demographic factors (age and work experience) also have a significant, though smaller, predictive value. Healthcare organisations should create a conducive workplace environment to mitigate personal distress and compassion fatigue.
ENABLING MARKET UPGRADING OF TEMPEH MSMES: A SOFT SYSTEMS METHODOLOGY STUDY OF GMP, HACCP, AND HALAL CERTIFICATION IN JAKARTA
This study examines the role of GMP, HACCP, and Halal certification in enabling market upgrading for tempeh and tofu micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Jakarta, particularly in their transition from informal sales channels to modern retail markets. Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) was employed to analyze the complex socio-technical challenges involved. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with tempeh and tofu cart vendors and focus group discussions (FGDs). Findings indicate that certification enhances product credibility and facilitates access to modern markets but is insufficient for full integration. MSMEs continue to face operational constraints, including limited packaging capacity, logistical inefficiencies, weak bargaining power, and difficulties negotiating with retailers. The SSM analysis highlights that effective market upgrading requires changes in entrepreneurial mindsets, improvements in internal processes, and stronger collaboration among MSMEs, government agencies, and market actors. This study contributes by integrating SSM with food safety and Halal certification frameworks to explain MSME market upgrading as a socio-technical process. Practically, it offers guidance for MSMEs and policymakers and supports including certified tempeh and tofu in public nutrition programs to promote a sustainable and inclusive local food system.