World Journal of Economics, Business and Management
World Journal of Economics, Business, and Management, ISSN: 3049-2181 (Online) is a premier, peer-reviewed, open-access journal that was founded in 2024 by WASR Publication. The journal aims to serve as a leading platform for researchers, academicians, and practitioners in the fields of economics, business, and management to disseminate high-quality, original research. WJEBM is committed to promoting the exchange of ideas and knowledge, fostering academic and professional excellence, and contributing to the advancement of these disciplines.
Educational Deprivation and Opportunity Structures in Urban Slums of Ananthapuramu City, Andhra Pradesh,India.
This study examines how access to education serves as a key driver of economic and social mobility and a fundamental catalyst for personal growth among underprivileged populations in metropolitan areas. Slum residents of Andhra Pradesh's Ananthapuramu City are the subject of the present study, which looks at their literacy rates, gender gaps, and what factors influence their decision to further their educational pursuits. Three hundred homes in six different Ananthapuramu Municipal Corporation ghetto zones were surveyed using a four-stage random selection method to gather primary data.With an overall literacy prevalence rate of 28.67 percent, the results show that academic achievement among slum residents remains considerably low. Many people have only completed elementary or upper-level primary school, and even fewer have had the opportunity to pursue further education. Across all levels of schooling, the survey found that female literacy rates were persistently inferior to male rates, highlighting the persistent gender gaps. Some of the most significant obstacles to educational advancement are low levels of awareness, inadequate educational infrastructure, and social and economic limitations.The report goes on to say that most educated parents do in fact send young children to school, thus there must be a substantial positive correlation between parenting education and school enrollment. There is some indication that the number of students dropping out of school has been going down, but many kids are still not in school because of social and economic issues.According to the report, slum residents still don't have enough educational opportunities, even if literacy rates have gone up nationally. This calls for more focused governmental initiatives. Promoting comprehensive growth in cities requires bolstering access to high-quality education, increasing female literacy, and bettering socioeconomic circumstances. JEL Classification: I21, I24, I25, J16, O15, O18.
DEVELOPING EXPERIENTIAL ENTREPRENEURIAL LEARNING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL READINESS AMONG BUSINESS STUDENT IMPLEMENTERS IN A BUSINESS SCHOOL-BASED ENTREPRENEURSHIP HUB
This study critically discussed the effects of developing experiential entrepreneurial learning and entrepreneurial readiness among business student implementers in a business school based entrepreneurship hub with the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Lagos, Nigeria, as the institutional context. The study had two objectives, to examine the effect of EEFL practices on entrepreneurial readiness and to analyse the role of the ecosystem of entrepreneurship hubs in improving entrepreneurial competence and implementation capacity among student entrepreneurs. A mixed methods approach with quantitative and qualitative methods was used to design the study. The number of samples in this study was 210 business implementers who were students and had been determined using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, Multiple regression analysis for quantitative analysis, and thematic qualitative analysis as the analysis technique. Results indicated that experiential entrepreneurial learning had a significant positive effect on entrepreneurial confidence, innovation capability, opportunity recognition competence, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial venture implementation preparedness of the participants. It also explained that entrepreneurship hubs were strategic experiential ecosystems that had the capability of enhancing entrepreneurship readiness through entrepreneurship experience, mentorship, co-learning, and engaging in innovation. The study concluded that experiential entrepreneurial learning was an important mechanism in addressing this conundrum of entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial employability outcomes in higher education institutions.
Copyright (c) 2026 World Journal of Economics, Business and Management
CROSS-CHANNEL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE: TOWARDS EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE IN SELECTED ISLAMIC BANKS AND CONVENTIONAL BANKS IN AFRICA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
The focus of this research was the cross-channel customer experience: towards excellent customer service in selected Islamic Banks and conventional banks in Africa. A qualitative approach was adopted for this study, and semi structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants who have been actively using various service channels (mobile banking, ATMs, and branches). Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The results showed that the convenience of digital channels was highly valued: 80 percent of respondents were satisfied with mobile banking services, and 67 percent reported that service quality differs across channels. Moreover, 60 percent of the Sample indicated a lack of integration between service channels, especially when moving from digital to physical channels. The findings also revealed that service consistency was positively related to customer satisfaction, and trust and security were key drivers of experience. The research found that while banks have improved on their digital service delivery, the integration of service channels remains lacking. Accordingly, it is suggested that banks should adopt cross-channel systems, improve internal coordination, and adopt customer centric approaches to enhance service delivery. In this regard, delivering superior customer service is a combination of convenience and human touch.
Cross channel experience, customer satisfaction, service quality, banking sector, excellent customer service
ZAKAT AND WAQF AS MEDIATING FACTORS IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
This study critically explored the poverty alleviation role of Zakat and waqf as mediators in developing countries, considering their institutional effectiveness, governance, and developmental relevance. This study was designed to analyze the operation of Islamic social finance instruments as redistributive and sustainable welfare instruments that can mitigate multidimensional poverty. The study was guided by two goals: to explore the mediating effects of Zakat and waqf in alleviating poverty, and to examine the effects of governance quality, financial inclusion, and institutional trust on the effectiveness of Zakat and waqf. The research method used in this study is a mixed-methods analytical approach, combining quantitative secondary data analysis with a qualitative critical review of the latest literature on Islamic social finance from 2020 to 2025. The quantitative results showed strong positive correlations among waqf institutional efficiency, governance quality, institutional trust, and poverty reduction outcomes. The qualitative results also showed that waqf and Zakat had high development potential. However, their effectiveness was hampered, to some extent, by inadequate governance systems and institutional fragmentation in many developing countries. The study suggested that, with good governance and inclusive financial systems, waqf and Zakat could be sustainable tools for poverty reduction, replacing traditional poverty reduction mechanisms. The study was a timely addition to the current discourse on Islamic development economics, shifting Islamic social finance from a charitable to a structural development approach.
Copyright (c) 2025 World Journal of Economics, Business and Management
THE APPLICATION OF THE CONSULTATIVE SELLING TECHNIQUE BY ISLAMIC BANKS IN EMERGING ECONOMIES
In the evolving landscape of Islamic Banking in emerging markets, banks are facing a competitive environment that is threatening the traditional marketing approach of product centric banking. The study was a critical analysis of the use of consultative selling techniques in Islamic banks and how it affects the development of customer relationships and the competitive position of the bank. A mixed method was used, utilizing quantitative survey information from 286 respondents, as well as qualitative information from semi structured interviews and secondary sources. Quantitative results showed that the dimensions of consultative selling, namely, ethical communication, personalized advisory interaction, customer responsiveness, and financial guidance, had a significant impact on customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and institutional trust. The results of regression analysis showed that the variables together accounted for 70.9 percent of the variance in competitive positioning, with ethical communication as the most significant variable. The qualitative results also revealed that the Islamic banks had a commendable level of ethics in communicating with their customers and building relationships, but there are still areas where the banks’ customer education and advisory work are lacking. The study found that consultative selling is a key strategic mechanism for improving the competitiveness of Islamic banking in emerging economies; however, there is a need for a greater level of institutional integration of consultative services and financial literacy support for full effectiveness. The study’s main results enrich the literature on Islamic marketing by placing consultative selling as a linkage between the principles of ethical banking and modern customer relationship management.
COOPERATIVE-LED MICROFINANCE BANKING: A CASE STUDY OF AL HAYAT MFB IN IJEBU-ODE, NIGERIA
The study aimed at analysing the cooperative-led microfinance banking: a case study of Al Hayat MFB in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria. The study examined the level of financial inclusion of small scale business operators and impact of cooperative oriented microfinance banking on economic participation in the community of the study area. The study was a product of the growing debates on the developmental effectiveness, sustainability, and inclusiveness of cooperative financial institutions in the changing microfinance landscape in Nigeria. The research adopted a quantitative research approach with positivism as the basis that the primary data were collected across a sectional survey from 207 respondents namely cooperative members, customers, staff members and small scale business operators who are affiliated to the institution. Descriptive statistics, simple linear regression analysis and Pearson Product Moment correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. The results showed that cooperative led microfinance banking has a positive and significant influence on financial accessibility, which was indicated by the value of the regression coefficient of 0.684 and the coefficient of determination of 0.412. The study also showed that there was a strong positive correlation between cooperative banking mechanisms and community based economic participation, with a correlation coefficient value of 0.711 at a 0.05 significance level. The study concluded that cooperative microfinance institutions were still relevant financial tools for the development of inclusive finance in the semi urban space of Nigeria, as well as enterprise development at the grassroots and localised economic participation. The study identified the need to enhance the institutional supports in Nigeria, particularly on the aspects of the cooperative financial system, technological modernisation, and regulatory coordination.
RELATIONSHIP DYNAMICS AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING OF COMMUTING COUPLES IN UYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of relationship dynamics on the emotional well-being of commuting couples in Uyo Local Government Area. Two specific objectives, two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The target population for this study comprised of married couples residing in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The sample size of 80 commuting couples was selected using a combination of snowball and purposive sampling techniques. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Relationship Dynamics and Emotional Wellbeing of Commuting Couples Questionnaire (RDEWCCQ)”. The instrument was subjected to face validation by three experts from University of Uyo. The reliability coefficient of the instrument 0.86 was achieved using inter-item reliability method computed using Cronbach Alpha statistics. The data collected for the study was analyzed using simple linear regression analysis to answer the research questions and test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of probability to determine the acceptance or rejection of the null hypothesis. Findings revealed that communication pattern and trust contributed 34.6% and 66.3% respectively on variations in emotional well-being of commuting couples thus, communication pattern and trust highly influence well-being of commuting couples in Uyo Local Government Area. It was also found that there was a positive and significant influence of communication pattern and trust on the emotional well-being of commuting couples in the study area. It was recommended among others that commuting couples should adopt flexible work arrangements, remote work options, and access to counseling services as coping measures for promoting emotional stability of partners in commuting relationships.
An Analytical Study on the Performance and Expansion of Self-Help Groups in Andhra Pradesh
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is a flagship programme of the Government of India designed to alleviate rural poverty by organizing economically disadvantaged women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The mission facilitates access to financial services, credit support, and livelihood opportunities through a decentralized and flexible implementation framework, enabling states to adopt context-specific strategies. In addition to SHGs, the programme encourages the formation of collective institutions such as farmer groups, dairy cooperatives, and producer organizations to strengthen income generation. A key focus of DAY-NRLM is the inclusion of marginalized sections, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), minorities, and persons with disabilities, identified through the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC). Since its inception in 2011, the mission has successfully mobilized a large number of rural women across the country. Among all states, Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a leading performer in terms of SHG formation, credit linkage, and repayment efficiency. Furthermore, SHGs actively contribute to the implementation of major rural development programmes such as MGNREGA, thereby strengthening grassroots governance and community participation.
THE ROLE OF PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS IN MODERN MIS: ANALYSIS OF IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT ON BUSINESS DECISION-MAKING
In the contemporary business environment, management information systems are no longer limited to the collection, storage, and presentation of historical data; rather, they increasingly constitute an intelligent foundation for anticipatory and proactive business decision-making. In this context, predictive analytics and machine learning occupy a central position in the development of modern MIS, as they enable the identification of patterns in data, the estimation of probable future outcomes, and the timely response of management. The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of predictive analytics in contemporary information systems, with particular emphasis on its integration into business processes and its impact on the quality of business decision-making. The paper examines the theoretical foundations of business intelligence, predictive analytics, and machine learning; presents the architectural framework of their integration into MIS; and analyzes typical applications in customer management, inventory management, process management, and risk management. A separate section of the paper is designed as a simulated research model that illustratively demonstrates how the effects of predictive analytics could be empirically examined in organizations. The findings indicate that the integration of analytical models into modern Management Information Systems (MIS) contributes to higher-quality decision-making, faster managerial response, and greater operational efficiency; however, the full effects depend on data quality, professional competencies, and organizational readiness for change.
Investor Returns and Performance of Renewable Energy IPOs in India
The growing emphasis on sustainable development and clean energy transition has significantly influenced the dynamics of capital markets in India, particularly in the context of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). Over the past decade, the Indian stock market has witnessed a notable increase in listings, with the renewable energy sector emerging as a key contributor to this trend. Renewable energy firms, supported by favorable government policies and global environmental commitments, have increasingly accessed public markets to mobilize capital for expansion and technological advancement. This study examines the performance of renewable energy IPOs in comparison with conventional energy offerings in the Indian stock market. It focuses on key aspects such as initial price differences, listing-day returns, subscription levels, and investor sentiment. The study also explores the phenomenon of IPO underpricing and its implications for market efficiency and investor behavior. Further, the research analyzes the role of various determinants such as pricing strategies, market conditions, underwriter reputation, and regulatory environment in influencing IPO outcomes. By integrating financial performance indicators with sustainability-oriented investment perspectives, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how renewable energy IPOs behave in emerging markets like India. The findings are expected to offer valuable insights for investors, policymakers, and researchers by highlighting the interplay between environmental objectives and financial market performance. Ultimately, the study contributes to bridging the gap between sustainable finance and capital market analysis, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy investments in shaping future economic growth.
Financial Literacy and Investment Decisions of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria
This study investigates financial literacy and investment decisions of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. Specifically, it examines the relationship between financial knowledge and sales growth, financial attitude and investment outcomes, and regulatory awareness and investment choices. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 109 SME managers through an online structured survey. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation, were employed to test the hypotheses. The findings reveal a strong positive correlation between financial knowledge and sales growth (r = 0.893, p < 0.01), indicating that enhanced financial literacy significantly improves business performance. Financial attitudes, particularly continuous learning and risk-taking, positively influence investment outcomes, though risk aversion remains prevalent due to Nigeria's volatile economic environment. Additionally, awareness of financial regulations shows a significant positive relationship with investment choices (r = 0.904, p < 0.01), guiding SMEs toward more compliant and secure investments. The study recommends targeted financial literacy programs, improved access to affordable professional financial advice, and enhanced regulatory awareness initiatives to strengthen SME performance and sustainability in Nigeria. Keywords: , , , , , ,
Integrated Marketing Communication and Sales Performance of Quoted Pharmaceutical Companies in Nigeria
The study assessed the relationship between integrated marketing communication strategies and the sales performance of quoted pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria. The study adopted an ex post facto design. The population of the study was 4566 marketers of seven quoted pharmaceutical firms in Nigeria, and a sample size of 368 was determined. A structured questionnaire was employed to gather primary data from the respondents, while secondary data was collected from annual financial records of the firms for the period covered. The Cronbach's alpha was used to validate the questionnaire and assess its reliability. The Person's Product Moment Coefficient statistic tool and regression analyses were used for inferential statistical testing of the hypotheses at the 0.05 confidence level. The results showed that there is a significant correlation between integrated marketing communication strategies and sales performance. The study found that advertising, sales promotion, public relations, personal selling, and direct selling are significant predictors of sales performance. The study concluded that the adoption of integrated marketing communication strategies increases customer patronage and sales performance. The study recommended, amongst others, that pharmaceutical companies should prioritise public relations marketing over other integrated marketing communication techniques and tactics to increase sales. For optimum selling, more focus should be placed on direct-to-customer and personal selling.
Effect of Global Economic Challenges, Interest Rate Dynamics, and Uncertainty on the Stability and Performance of the Banking System in Ireland
This paper examines how global macroeconomic challenges, interest rate dynamics, and heightened uncertainty affect the stability and performance of the Irish banking system in the current international environment. Drawing on theoretical frameworks and empirical survey evidence, the study investigates how external shocks such as geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, tariff uncertainty, and global growth slowdowns are transmitted into Ireland’s small, open economy and interact with domestic vulnerabilities to influence banking outcomes. The study uses a structured questionnaire administered to 86 respondents (from a population of 110), comprising bank customers, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) owners, and bank employees in Ireland. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and t‑tests with SPSS (version 9.0). The results show that turbulent global conditions and policy uncertainty significantly affect Irish banking stability and profitability, while interest rate variability strongly influences lending activity, household spending, and corporate investment decisions. Although the Irish banking sector currently appears resilient in terms of capital and profitability, it remains exposed to global shocks, trade tensions, and tariff developments, as highlighted in recent stability assessments. Uncertainty undermines consumer confidence and complicates earnings forecasts, yet proactive risk management, portfolio diversification, digital transformation, and close engagement with regulators enhance resilience. The paper concludes that, in an increasingly volatile and geopolitically fragmented global economy, Irish banks must maintain flexible, forward‑looking strategies to safeguard stability and sustain performance.
Tax Mobilization Performance in Iran: A Comparative Analysis with Regional Peers
The Islamic Republic of Iran faces significant fiscal challenges due to its heavy dependence on volatile oil revenues and prolonged economic pressure from international sanctions. In this context, strengthening domestic tax mobilization has become essential for achieving fiscal sustainability and reducing reliance on oil income. Despite being one of the largest economies in the Middle East, Iran has historically underutilized its tax capacity, resulting in structural weaknesses in its fiscal system. This study examines Iran’s tax mobilization performance using key indicators from the Collecting Taxes Database (CTD), including the value-added tax (VAT) efficiency ratio, personal income tax (PIT) productivity, and corporate income tax (CIT) productivity. A comparative analysis is conducted with selected regional peers—Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia—to assess relative performance and identify gaps. The findings highlight that Iran’s tax system remains below its potential due to inefficiencies in tax administration, limited tax base, and structural constraints. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for comprehensive tax reforms, including improved compliance, digitalization, and policy adjustments, to enhance domestic revenue mobilization and ensure long-term fiscal stability.
Nonlinear Dynamics of Female Employment: Evidence from Structural Transformation and Labor Market Composition
This study examines the nonlinear determinants of female employment within the context of structural transformation and labor market composition. Moving beyond conventional linear specifications, the paper develops and empirically validates a nonlinear modeling framework that captures saturation effects, asymmetric sectoral responses, and demographic constraints. Using time series data and nonlinear least squares estimation, the results reveal that female employment responds nonlinearly to industrial expansion, service sector growth, agricultural dependence, fertility behavior, and labor market vulnerability. Formal wage employment exhibits diminishing marginal effects beyond threshold levels, while agricultural dependence and fertility exert increasingly restrictive influences. Diagnostic evaluations confirm strong model fit and well behaved residuals, underscoring the robustness of the nonlinear specification. The findings highlight the limitations of linear policy prescriptions and emphasize the need for adaptive, threshold aware employment strategies. The study contributes methodologically by demonstrating the relevance of nonlinear approaches in labor market analysis and substantively by offering policy relevant insights for female employment promotion in developing economies.
Effect of Sustainable Marketing Strategy on Customer Retention in Nigerian Banking Industry
Customer retention has become a critical challenge in the Nigerian banking industry, where heightened competition, technological advancements, and evolving customer expectations demand innovative approaches. This study investigates the effect of sustainable marketing strategies on customer retention in the Nigerian banking industry. The study examines specifically the effect of sustainable product, pricing, people, physical environment, distribution, process, and promotion on customer retention. The research employed a survey design with a sample of 396 respondents drawn from 43,944 employees and customers of 14 listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Findings revealed that sustainable product, pricing, people, physical environment, process, and promotion strategies significantly and positively influence customer retention, while sustainable distribution showed no significant effect. The results underscore the importance of aligning banking services with environmental, social, and ethical values to build trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships. The study concludes that sustainable marketing practices are essential drivers of customer retention in Nigeria’s banking sector and recommends that banks strengthen environmentally friendly products, fair pricing, customer-centric processes, and promotional activities to enhance loyalty and competitiveness.
Distribution Channel Management and Sales Volume of Listed Pharmaceutical Companies in Nigeria
This study explores the effect of distribution channel management on the sales volume of listed pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria. The study specifically examines the effect of distribution channel management dimensions (channel design, channel selection, channel coordination, and channel management technologies) on sales volume. The study employed ex-post facto and cross-sectional survey research designs. Using a census survey of 707 marketing staff across six publicly listed pharmaceutical firms, data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Results revealed that distribution channel management accounts for 60.5% of the variation in sales volume. It showed that channel design, selection, coordination, and management technologies each had significant positive effects on sales volume, with technologies exerting the strongest influence. The study concludes that effective distribution channel management is a critical driver of sales growth in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry and recommends that firms should strengthen their distribution structures, adopt advanced technologies, and foster collaboration among channel partners to increase sales volume.
Human Resource Management and Organizational Effectiveness in Changing Times
Human resource management provides the creative ingredients for organizational effectiveness because people design and produce the goods and services and allocate financial resources. People in organizations set the overall strategies and objectives for organizations without which they cannot achieve their objectives. The importance of human resource management and people in organizations is a fundamental result of the Hawthorne studies in terms of motivation and respect for labour in the workplace. This can be emphasized because effectiveness is often inter-woven with job satisfaction which is a positive emotional reaction to a person’s job experiences. This also develops into organizational commitment that reflects a strong belief in an organization’s goals and values, a willingness to exert considerable effort on behalf of the organization. The era of accountability for human resource management has arisen from concerns about effectiveness and productivity in organizations. This is imperative because the human being plays a major role in ensuring that an organization will survive and prosper through measures of efficiency and effectiveness. These measures of efficiency and effectiveness revolves around equity and perceptions of justice in the tradition of humane bureaucracy to boost motivation and organizational effectiveness. The qualitative exploratory research design was adopted for this study and the result showed significant positive relationship between human resource management and organizational effectiveness. The study was never exhaustive, further study should therefore, examine the relationship between human resource management and profitability in Nigeria organizations. This study recommends that human beings in any organization should be treated with equity and respect for optimal performance and organizational effectiveness. JEL: M10, M12.
Era of accountability for human resource management
Transformational Leadership and Organizational Adaptability: Integrated Human Resource Management Model
The qualitative exploratory research design was employed to examine the relationship between transformational leadership behavior and organizational adaptability. Transformational leadership is characterized by main elements such as idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration that promote psychological empowerment and organizational citizenship behavior. These behaviors are linked to organizational strength and flexibility necessary to drive organizational change, transformation and adaptability. Organizational adaptability is almost always about creating wealth in the organization and this also rests squarely on transformational leadership as the big ladder towards the achievement of sustainable competitive advantage. For example, organizational adaptability also results to organizational congruence. This would suggest that the organization has human resource management practices where there is a higher coincidence of interest among organizational leadership, shareholders and organizational people that enhance the capacity of the organization to become adaptive to changes in its operating environment. The result of this investigation conducted in Nigeria showed a significant positive correlation between transformation leadership and organizational adaptability. The study was not however, exhaustive due to lack of research funding and current relevant literature. Further study could examine the relationship between followership and organizational performance as a step in improving performance in Nigerian organizations. The study recommends that organizations should focus on training leaders who can demonstrate the capacity for empowering others to carry out the responsibility of organizational change, innovation and adaptability. JEL: M10, M12.
Economic Consequences of the Russia–Ukraine Crisis for India
War, a word that brings humanity to its knees and condemns every humanitarian law, enacted by any great organisation with a diverse range of viewpoints in order to promote harmony among people, to the death bed by violating each law that stood in the way of the ultimate goal of victory in the war. The on- going crisis in Ukraine will have ramifications not only for the countries involved in the conflict but also for the rest of the world, with Asian countries bearing the brunt of the consequences. Every war in this modern world is accompanied by certain sanctions, and Russia has been subjected to these sanctions. However, it is unclear whether these sanctions have had a significant impact on Russia or whether they are simply a step to reduce the heat that has been generated in the political environment. On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war against the United States at a time that corresponded to Indian Standard Time (IST). This resulted in widespread tensions throughout the world, with all of the world's most important authorities taken by surprise by the news. Because of this, various stock market indices have fallen precipitously, with the Russian index plummeting by nearly 50%. As the day came to a close, major European Union countries announced their intention to impose sanctions on Russia, which would have a devastating effect on the Russian economy. Following that, the United States imposed a number of mild sanctions in the hope that Russia would refrain from invading Ukraine. With no success, the United States began to tighten the sanctions. Russia is the world's third-largest supplier of crude oil, and nearly one-third of the world's total energy supply comes from Russia, which is routed through Ukraine. Aside from that, Russia is responsible for nearly 90 per cent of the world's total neon gas supplies, which are used in the manufacturing of semiconductor chips. The international market for major metals supplies is also dominated by Russian monopolies in a variety of sectors, as well as a large share of the domestic market. As a result, tightening such sanctions will cause disruptions in the global supply.
ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF AIRLINES IN NIGERIA
The Nigerian aviation industry faces persistent challenges in achieving optimal organisational performance, highlighting the need for strategic drivers such as entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and effective leadership in a highly regulated environment. This study examined the effects of EO - measured through risk-taking, proactiveness, and innovativeness - on the organizational performance of domestic airlines in Nigeria, assessed via financial and non-financial indicators. The mediating role of leadership style and the moderating effect of the regulatory environment were also investigated. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, targeting 198 representatives across eleven domestic airline operators. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS. The results revealed that risk-taking, proactiveness, and innovativeness significantly improved financial performance, while non-financial outcomes also benefited, though with varying effect sizes across EO dimensions. Leadership style significantly mediated the EO–performance relationship, and the regulatory environment significantly moderated this link, confirming the stability of the estimates and supporting the mediation and moderation hypotheses. These findings underscore the critical roles of entrepreneurial behaviours, leadership, and regulatory frameworks in enhancing profitability, operational efficiency, service quality, and customer satisfaction in the Nigerian aviation sector. The study recommended implementing structured risk-assessment frameworks to optimize risk-taking, adopting proactive strategies through market intelligence and customer engagement, investing in innovative and eco-friendly technologies, and developing an effective leadership style to channel EO into measurable outcomes. Furthermore, regulatory reforms, including streamlined licensing procedures and tax incentives, can strengthen the moderating effect of the regulatory environment, enabling airlines to convert entrepreneurial capabilities into improved organizational performance.
TALENT MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS INNOVATIVENESS OF INDIGENOUS OIL AND GAS COMPANIES IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA
This study examined the relationship between talent management and business innovation in indigenous oil and gas companies in South-South Nigeria. The objective was to investigate how talent acquisition, talent development, and reward management influenced service innovation, process innovation, and marketing innovation, with organizational adhocracy culture serving as a moderating variable. The research adopted a positivist paradigm and utilized a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected from 117 Management Staff using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using Statistical software for data Analysis (SPSS) Version 25, while the ten hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS Version 4.1.1.1. Findings revealed that talent acquisition significantly enhanced marketing innovation but had no meaningful influence on service or process innovation. Talent development positively influenced both marketing and process innovation, with particularly strong effects on process improvement, but had no significant effect on service innovation. Reward management showed a positive effect on service innovation but negatively affected marketing and process innovation, indicating a misalignment between incentive structures and innovation goals. Furthermore, organizational adhocracy culture significantly moderated the relationship between talent management and business innovation, but in a negative direction—implying that in highly flexible and less structured environments, the impact of talent strategies on innovation was weakened. The study concluded that while talent management is critical to innovation, its impact varies across innovation types and is influenced by the organizational culture. It was recommended that firms strengthen the alignment between recruitment practices, training programs, and innovation goals. Reward systems should be redesigned to support creativity and operational improvements, and greater structural clarity should be introduced in adhocratic environments to balance flexibility with accountability. These steps are essential to unlocking the full innovation potential of talent strategies in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovative Work Behavior: The Role of Employee Entrepreneurial Passion
Innovation is a gateway to survival, growth, and success for modern organizations. Employees’ fundamental contribution to organizational innovation is well documented. Stimulating the creativity and innovativeness of employees is thus an essential objective of many leaders. However, not all leaders would be effective in this endeavor, and not under all circumstances. We investigate the relationship between perceived entrepreneurial leadership and innovative work behavior of IT employees. We draw on social cognitive theory to explain this relationship. Our model theorizes that perceived entrepreneurial leadership would enhance employees' innovative behavior directly and indirectly through their entrepreneurial passion. We empirically test our theory using structural equation modeling based on data collected from 446 employees using an online survey. The results validate our model. Our findings offer new, important theoretical insights and useful managerial implications .
THE IMPACT OF MANDATORY AGE-BASED RETIREMENT OF QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED PERSONNEL ON STRATEGIC EFFICIENCY IN FOREIGN POLICY
This study examines the effects of mandatory age-based retirement on strategic efficiency in foreign policy from an interdisciplinary perspective. The research presents an original conceptual framework positioned at the intersection of public administration, organizational behavior, international relations, and aging studies literatures. The central argument contends that automatic retirement mechanisms based on chronological age produce multidimensional adverse effects on strategic efficiency through institutional memory loss, diminished experience density, disruption of intergenerational knowledge transfer, and weakened inter-institutional coordination capacity. The research demonstrates that these effects are amplified particularly in the foreign policy domain through a "multiplier effect" mechanism, as foreign policy decisions are made under conditions of high uncertainty, multi-actor complexity, and elevated error costs. Employing comparative policy analysis and thematic content analysis methods, the study proposes a health-based flexible retirement model grounded in the scientific consensus that chronological age alone is not a reliable indicator of performance. This model envisions qualified and experienced personnel continuing in their positions without restrictions until age 75; undergoing biennial health board evaluations between ages 75-81; and annual evaluations thereafter. Research findings indicate that the proposed model could generate positive effects on decision quality, institutional continuity, intergenerational complementarity, and strategic foresight capacity. The study frames the reconsideration of mandatory retirement age not as a short-term personnel arrangement but as a long-term institutional investment that strengthens national strategic capacity.
The Role of Hedonistic Conformity, Social Pressure, and Loan Self-Control on PayLater Usage Behavior among University Students
The rapid growth of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services such as Shopee PayLater, GoPayLater, and OVO PayLater has transformed young consumers’ financial behavior in Indonesia. While these services increase access to financial products, they also pose a risk of impulsive credit use among university students. This study investigates the influence of hedonistic conformity and social pressure on PayLater usage behavior, introducing loan self-control a construct first conceptualized by <!-- [if supportFields]>ADDIN CSL_CITATION {"citationItems":[{"id":"ITEM-1","itemData":{"DOI":"10.5267/j.ac.2024.2.001","abstract":"Loan Self Control (LSC) can be defined as the ability of self-control related to behavioral control, cognitive control, and decisional control in managing loans or debts for financial welfare. The study aims to determine the factors of loan self-control in Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR) banking customers of Micro Small Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) in Indonesia so that they can obtain three-time financing from banks. This study used 87 samples collected by purposive sampling technique. Primary data was collected using an online survey. Factor analysis formed 3 loan self-control factors, namely Behavioral control, Cognitive control and decisional control from 14 indicators tested.","author":[{"dropping-particle":"","family":"Elliyana","given":"Ela","non-dropping-particle":"","parse-names":false,"suffix":""},{"dropping-particle":"","family":"Widyastuti","given":"Umi","non-dropping-particle":"","parse-names":false,"suffix":""},{"dropping-particle":"","family":"Buchdadi","given":"Agung Dharmawan","non-dropping-particle":"","parse-names":false,"suffix":""},{"dropping-particle":"","family":"Rabie","given":"Ahmed Benyahia","non-dropping-particle":"","parse-names":false,"suffix":""}],"container-title":"Accounting","id":"ITEM-1","issue":"2","issued":{"date-parts":[["2024"]]},"page":"49-54","title":"Determinants of loan self control: Customer case “Kredit Usaha Rakyat” of Indonesia","type":"article-journal","volume":"10"},"uris":["http://www.mendeley.com/documents/?uuid=8ce7b2f6-75da-4410-94f0-c45d63c7dd21"]}],"mendeley":{"formattedCitation":"(Elliyana, Widyastuti, et al., 2024)","plainTextFormattedCitation":"(Elliyana, Widyastuti, et al., 2024)","previouslyFormattedCitation":"(Elliyana, Widyastuti, et al., 2024)"},"properties":{"noteIndex":0},"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"}<![endif]-->(Elliyana, Widyastuti, et al., 2024)<!-- [if supportFields]><![endif]--> as a moderating variable that reflects individuals’ ability to regulate their borrowing behavior. Using a quantitative explanatory design, data were collected from 340 university students who are active PayLater users. Analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that both hedonistic conformity and social pressure have significant positive effects on PayLater usage behavior, while loan self-control has a significant negative effect. Moreover, loan self-control moderates the relationships between social and hedonistic influences and PayLater behavior, weakening the impact of social conformity on impulsive financial decisions. These results emphasize that financial behavior among young adults is not only shaped by financial knowledge but also by psychological self-regulation. The integration of loan self-control into the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework offers a novel behavioral lens for understanding digital credit consumption in emerging economies.
Empowerment through Entrepreneurship: A Qualitative study of women Artisan Entrepreneurial Ecosystem & their contribution towards economic and social development in the state of Sikkim & North Bengal Regions
Entrepreneurship is universally considered a major force driving the progress of modern society. Entrepreneurs bring forth new ideas and solutions that constitute the very crux of enterprise development and economic growth creation. In the context of a developing nation like ours, North Eastern India, the empowerment of women entrepreneurs has become a core approach towards achieving sustainable development. The current study explores the evolving scenario of women artisan entrepreneurship, especially the determinants of its expansion. It seeks to understand the issues facing women in the entrepreneurial setup of Sikkim & North Bengal regions and their significant contribution to the same. The emergence of women artisan entrepreneurs not only adds to the economic independence of women but also enhances and fosters their exclusive capabilities, securing their livelihood and creating societal development. In responding to the main challenges facing women entrepreneurs, the current study seeks to sensitise policymakers and instill fresh initiative in this regard. Through the study of a few carefully selected case studies, the study focuses on the experiences, achievements, issues, and societal implications pertaining to women artisan entrepreneurs.
Digital Transformation in Indian Banking: Opportunities and Challenges
The Indian banking sector is undergoing a profound digital transformation driven by innovations such as mobile banking, digital wallets, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and biometric-based authentication. This paper explores the scale, opportunities, and challenges of this transformation, using secondary data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), and international industry reports. Evidence shows that UPI transactions surpassed 1.38 billion per month by mid-2024, positioning India as the world leader in real-time digital payments. Digital banking has expanded financial inclusion, reduced transaction costs, and fostered fintech-led innovation. However, the rise in cyber frauds, the persistence of a rural-urban digital divide, and regulatory concerns around data governance present significant risks. The study highlights that while digital banking enhances efficiency and accessibility, sustainable growth requires robust cybersecurity frameworks, inclusive digital literacy initiatives, and strengthened regulatory oversight. By analysing current trends and challenges, the paper provides policy suggestions for securing India’s position as a global leader in digital finance.
Rainwater harvesting has been essential throughout history, from primitive techniques to modern ones. Rainwater harvesting began in ancient cultures like the Indus Valley, Roman Empire, and Mesopotamia using rudimentary catchment and storage technologies. It then discusses modern water scarcity solutions using improved filtration, storage, and delivery systems. The paper shows how combining ancient wisdom and modern advancements can provide sustainable water management solutions.
Accounting for Peace and Environmental Justice: Toward a Multi-Dimensional Sustainability Model
This study investigates how peace and environmental justice can be integrated into sustainability accounting to create a multi-dimensional reporting model. Using a quantitative survey of 120 professionals across corporate, governmental, and non-profit sectors in sub-Saharan Africa, data were analyzed with SPSS to examine patterns in sustainability disclosure. Results show that only 47.5% of organizations include environmental justice indicators, and just 25.8% track impacts on marginalized groups. Strong correlations were found between justice-oriented reporting and stakeholder inclusion (r = 0.61), as well as with conflict sensitivity (r = 0.58). Additionally, sustainability reporting was positively correlated with community trust (r = 0.63) and negatively with conflict frequency (r = 0.56). These findings support the need for a new sustainability accounting model that includes peacebuilding and equity metrics. The study recommends expanding reporting frameworks, training accounting professionals, and mandating justice-focused disclosures to enhance corporate accountability and social stability.
Enhancing SDG-4 Outcomes through Vocational Education in Sikkim
The situation in the Indian state of Sikkim illustrates the changes in the practices and policies of vocational and technical education due to the fourth sustainable development goal (SDG4) which focuses on education in all its forms and dimensions. Through the utilization of secondary data, government documentation, and regional reports from NITI Aayog, this research aims to explore the influence of vocational policies and the NEP 2020 on the evolving education landscape of Sikkim. This research attempts to develop a hypothesis which requires that investments into skill development at different stages in the education paradigm increases the qualitative and quantitative standards of employment, thus shifting the norm from traditional to self-employment. This research targets the transformation in Sikkim’s institutions, its youth, and its governance in pursuit of fulfilling SDG 4 through education and skill training. Preliminary data illustrates the use of NSQF modules and ‘bagless days’ that are integrated into primary education, livelihood schools, and skill-based work exposure, which are aimed at raising the certification, employment and entrepreneurship levels in NEP 2020, PMKVY, Atmanirbhar Bharat.