
Background: Social entrepreneurship (SE) has emerged as an innovative mechanism to tackle persistent societal challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality, by prioritising social impact alongside sustainable business models. This is particularly relevant in resource-constrained emerging economies like South Africa, where high unemployment (approximately 33%) and weaknesses in the entrepreneurial ecosystem (ranked 49th globally) hinder traditional economic development (ED) pathways. Objectives: This systematic review aims to examine the relationship between SE and ED, exploring definitions of SE, its interconnections with ED, contextual applications (with a focus on South Africa), associated challenges, opportunities, enabling factors, and contributions to sustainable growth and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Materials and Methods: using a systematic lierature review approached, the review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Peer-reviewed articles were systematically searched across databases including Scopus, EBSCO (encompassing ABI/INFORM, Business Source Complete, Emerald Management, and GreenFILE), and Google Scholar, using keywords such as "social entrepreneurship," "economic development," "small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)," and "job creation." Inclusion criteria focused on scholarly, peer-reviewed papers with robust methodology; 180 documents were excluded due to lack of relevance, absence of peer review, or methodological deficiencies, yielding a synthesised body of literature for thematic analysis. Results: SE significantly drives ED globally, generating an estimated $2 trillion in revenue and creating 200 million jobs, while fostering innovations in healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. In South Africa, SE addresses unemployment and inequality through community-driven initiatives, despite challenges like funding limitations, regulatory barriers, mission drift, and low entrepreneurial awareness (11.9%). Opportunities include digital technologies, microfinance, youth programs, and South-South collaborations, supported by enablers such as adaptive management, stakeholder engagement, and social capital. Theoretically, SE enhances frameworks like Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach and institutional theory. Conclusion: Social entrepreneurship serves as a vital catalyst for inclusive and sustainable economic development, complementing governmental efforts in emerging markets. While challenges persist, leveraging opportunities and enablers can amplify its impact. Future research should prioritise empirical metrics, digital integration, longitudinal studies, and comparative analyses to maximise SE’s transformative potential.
Purpose: Recent years have seen a rise in popularity for the study of human resource analytics, which is a relatively young field of study. The research that has been done in this area is advancing and will open new avenues for future investigation. The paper discusses the theoretical foundations upon which the operation of HR analytics is based. Methodology: The paper gives insight into the publications, authors, keywords, nations, references, and journals of the studies by employing Bibliometric analysis. Overall, 210 publications that were published between 2012 and 2022 were considered all were research articles for the present study. For this study Web of Science (WOS) database has been used and VOSviewer has been used for bibliometrics analysis. Findings: The study results show that research interest in HR analytics has increased in recent years. The Paper concluded that there is the emergence of Machine learning particularly artificial intelligence, Framework, and Information systems are widely applied in the field of Human Resource Analytics. Originality/Value: The findings may provide valuable information for researchers, academicians, journals and other interested people to become more aware about HR – Analytics.
India’s retail sector is undergoing dramatic change, increasingly defined as an omnichannel journey in which shoppers navigate marketplaces, social media, quick-commerce apps, and physical stores. Focusing on Gen Z and Millennial consumers, this study tests whether three retailer-controlled experience levers, consumer convenience, personalized shopping experience, and sustainability and social responsibility (SSR), are associated with Purchase Intention. A cross-sectional survey was administered in Pune, Maharashtra, India. After data screening, 320 responses were retained and analyzed using multiple linear regression. All three predictors show positive, statistically significant relationships with purchase intention, and convenience has the largest standardized effect among the three factors studied. The result suggests a clear priority order: first, remove friction in the core journey (discovery, checkout, delivery, and returns), and then use personalization and SSR to increase relevance and strengthen trust. The study is limited by its single-city context and self-reported measures; future research can improve generalizability by sampling multiple regions and by combining survey measures with behavioral or transactional data.
Background: Employee retention remains a significant challenge for public institutions, with frequent absenteeism, low organizational commitment, and high resignation rates contributing to workforce instability and reduced institutional effectiveness. Objective: This study examined the effects of employee training, promotion planning, and succession planning on employee retention in public institutions in Dodoma City. Materials and Methods: This study was anchored in Resource-Based Theory, which conceptualizes human capital as a valuable and strategic asset that contributes to organizational competitiveness. A quantitative research approach was utilized, with primary data gathered through structured questionnaires administered to 200 employees from selected public institutions in Dodoma City. The hypothesized relationships were tested using the Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM) technique. Results: Succession planning demonstrated the strongest influence on employee retention (β = 0.379), followed by employee training (β = 0.201) and promotion planning (β = 0.188). These results indicate that well-structured career development systems, continuous skills development, and transparent promotion processes enhance employee commitment and reduce turnover intentions. Conclusion: The study concludes that succession planning, training, and promotion planning are critical determinants of employee retention in public institutions. The findings suggest that public institutions should prioritize structured succession planning, continuous employee training, and merit-based promotion systems to enhance retention. Policy-wise, the study recommends the establishment of clear national and institutional talent management guidelines, mandatory investment in employee development, and integration of talent management practices into organizational performance reporting frameworks.
Despite extensive research on Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, relatively little attention has been given to their impact on financial performance at the firm level. This study proposes a model to investigate the links between I4.0 implementation level (I4.0IL), supply chain management performance (SCMP), customer management performance (CMP), and company financial outcomes using bootstrap-based structural equation modeling (SEM) with data from 91 companies across various sectors. The results of the bootstrap-based SEM with 1,000 resamples show that SCMP significantly influences both CMP and company financial performance, and CMP also significantly impacts financial performance. While I4.0IL does not significantly amplify the effects of SCMP on CMP and financial performance, we find that I4.0IL primarily influences company financial performance through its moderating impact on the relationship between CMP and financial outcomes. Further analysis reveals that CMP significantly mediates the relationship between SCMP and financial outcomes. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the financial effects associated with I4.0 technologies and shed light on the pathways through which I4.0ILs impact financial outcomes
Background: Research on Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in emerging markets has largely centred on under-pricing and short-term returns, with limited attention to sustainability-oriented issuers. This study addresses that gap by examining the role of green innovation, defined as IPOs issued by firms with explicit environmental sustainability frameworks in shaping IPO outcomes in India. Subject: The analysis covers 393 IPOs listed on the National Stock Exchange between 2012 and 2023, distinguishing Green and Non-Green issuers to assess comparative market performance under varying conditions and price bands. Materials and Methods: The Normalized Raw Return Spread (NRRS) methodology and multiple regression analysis are employed to evaluate market-adjusted returns across listing day and twelve-month horizons. IPOs are categorized by issue price and market capitalization, with particular focus on small-cap offerings priced below ₹150. Results: Green IPOs demonstrated moderate listing gains and higher short-term volatility but consistently outperformed non-green IPOs in long-term returns, especially beyond the sixth month. Small-cap green IPOs generated peak twelve-month returns of up to 147.74% in bullish market phases. However, regression analysis revealed that green status alone was not a statistically significant predictor of IPO performance after accounting for other factors; sustained post-listing momentum was the primary driver of returns. Conclusion: By integrating sustainability and innovation metrics into IPO analysis, the study challenges the assumption that returns peak on listing day. The findings have both theoretical and policy implications, underscoring India’s evolving shift toward sustainability-driven capital markets and positioning Green IPOs as catalysts for long-term economic and environmental value.
This case study explores the strategic crossroads faced by AJC Edutech Private Limited (branded as anujjindal.in), a rapidly growing EdTech firm specializing in government exam preparation in India. Operating in a highly competitive and evolving digital education landscape, AJC Edutech confronts mounting pressure to sustain profitability, retain learner engagement, and differentiate its offerings amidst dominant players like BYJU’S, Unacademy, and Physics Wallah. The case investigates critical issues such as pricing innovation, product bundling, customer acquisition, and longterm brand positioning. It also examines the potential of technology integration, datadriven personalization, and community building as levers for growth. Through a detailed exploration of the company's operational model, market dynamics, and student expectations, the case poses a fundamental question: Should AJC Edutech scale aggressively to capture market share, or pause to rethink and consolidate its business model for long-term sustainability? Designed for courses in business strategy, digital entrepreneurship, and innovation management, the case encourages learners to evaluate real-world challenges of scaling, pivoting, and adapting in a volatile, tech-driven educational environment. It also includes simulation-based classroom activities and role-plays to deepen understanding of strategic decision making under resource constraints. This case offers valuable insights for educators, practitioners, and policy thinkers in the digital learning space.
Purpose - The purpose of this study is to present a bibliographic evaluation and literature review in order to identify publications, important themes, and trends in the area of banks and e-commerce. Design/Methodology - The present study employed a bibliometric analysis of scholarly articles pertaining to the selected research domain. The relevant publication data was obtained from the Scopus database by using appropriate search terms. The bibliometric methodology is employed to discern patterns, significant contributions, and prospective research avenues by utilizing bibliometric indicators, including publication count, citation count, network analysis, and thematic analysis. Finding - The analysis has identified several key areas of interest among scholars, including trust, internet banking, customer satisfaction, virtual banking, electronic banking, security financial services, consumer behaviour, service quality, e-service quality, and perceived risk. Originality/Value - This study contributes to the current body of literature by offering helpful perspectives based on past studies on the research trajectory within the domains of banking and e-commerce. Moreover, this study underscores the significant themes that emerged, as well as the potential implications and future directions for research that could be pursued by the researcher in subsequent endeavours.
Case Overview/Synopsis - This case analysed how Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd disrupted the Indian FMCG sector. Big players like HUL, P&G, ITC, Dabur, Nestle etc., made the FMCG market in India competitive and dynamic. Patanjali Ayurveda Ltd (PAL), the brainchild of Yoga Guru Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, started penetrating the herbal FMCG market and recorded Rs.9346 in 2016-17 and became the second-largest FMCG Company in India within a short period. The case sincerely attempted to understand the timely decisions and mistakes that made Patanjali's journey from a humble beginning to disrupting the market.
The rapid proliferation of digital technologies has fundamentally reshaped how businesses engage with customers, positioning customer digital engagement (CDE) as a strategic imperative across industries. Despite a surge in scholarly interest, the literature on CDE remains fragmented, with diverse definitions, measurement approaches, and conceptual frameworks. This study addresses these gaps through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on CDE published between 2010 and April 2024, using data extracted from the Scopus database. The analysis is guided by four key research questions: (1) What are the key trends and growth patterns in CDE research? (2) Who are the most influential authors, institutions, and countries in this domain? (3) What are the major thematic areas and publication outlets for CDE? and (4) What challenges and research gaps persist in the literature? Findings reveal a steep rise in publications post-2015, with India, the United States, and the United Kingdom emerging as leading contributors. Dominant subject areas include business management, computer science, and social sciences, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of the field. Influential sources and authors were identified, and a variety of document types, from journal articles to conference papers, reflect the evolving discourse on CDE. This study highlights ongoing challenges such as the lack of standardized engagement metrics, integration of emerging technologies, and contextual research. The results offer theoretical contributions by mapping the intellectual structure of the field and practical insights for marketers seeking to optimize digital engagement strategies. Recommendations for future research are also proposed.
Generation Z, born between 1996 and 2012, now makes up around 32% of the world’s population more than Millennials. They are known for being practical, hardworking, and focused on their careers. They are also the most diverse and are expected to be the most well-educated generation so far. While a lot of attention is still given to Millennials, Gen Z is quickly becoming a major part of the workforce and is expected to make up 30% of it by 2030. Gen Z is also the first truly global generation; thanks to the internet, they have access to the same news, trends, and information as others around the world, which makes geographical boundaries less important. In India, this group has the potential to make a huge impact at work. If organizations understand how Gen Z learns and thinks, they can use that knowledge to become more competitive. This paper shares ideas on what Indian Gen Z workers are like, how they prefer to learn, and how their mindset is different from previous generations. It also suggests ways companies can create better learning opportunities to keep them engaged and growing at work.
This study examines the key drivers of customer satisfaction among Volkswagen car owners in Chennai, a major metropolitan market within India’s rapidly evolving automotive sector. As competition intensifies and consumer expectations shift, understanding the multidimensional aspects of satisfaction spanning product quality, performance, after-sales service, brand perception, and pricing has become essential for enhancing customer retention and loyalty. Employing a structured questionnaire administered to 100 Volkswagen customers, the study uses both descriptive and inferential statistical tools to identify significant satisfaction determinants. Findings reveal that while customers express high satisfaction with product performance and driving experience, concerns persist regarding service accessibility, mechanical reliability, and maintenance costs. The research contributes to existing literature by contextualizing the SERVQUAL framework within an emerging-market automotive environment and offers actionable insights for automotive marketers and dealerships aiming to strengthen brand positioning and customer engagement. The study concludes with strategic implications for Volkswagen’s localization efforts in India and provides direction for future research on consumer satisfaction in price-sensitive markets.
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and shifting workforce dynamics, and industry needs, the need for quality improvement is growing rapidly. This has made a culture of continuous improvement and innovation central to transforming higher education. A systematic review, guided by the PRISMA guidelines, was conducted to explore relevant theoretical concepts, frameworks/models, policies, strategies, and future research directions in nurturing culture in this context. Articles collected from Scopus, G/scholar, Dimensions, and POP bibliometric were used to extract as well as filter eligible articles. Of the 29 articles finally considered, most focus on innovation culture rather than CI culture. Most of the articles discussed frameworks or models rather than policies and strategies. Although none of the articles integrate CI and innovation as a holistic approach, they do provide frameworks. Models, policies, and strategies are found to be vital to this culture development.
The integration of cloud computing and data security systems is vital for the operational success and competitiveness of fintech startups. Cloud computing enables these startups to scale quickly, manage resources efficiently, and reduce infrastructure costs, making it an indispensable tool for businesses in the rapidly evolving fintech sector. However, with the benefits come significant challenges, particularly in data protection and cybersecurity. As fintech services handle sensitive financial data, ensuring robust security measures such as encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring is crucial to maintaining user trust. Furthermore, regulatory compliance, both local and global, adds complexity to the data protection strategies of fintech companies. This research explores the key factors that drive cloud adoption in fintech, the security challenges associated with cloud environments, and the strategies implemented by startups to address these challenges. Interviews with IT managers from Indonesian fintech startups reveal that while cloud computing offers scalability and cost-effectiveness, issues like compliance with local regulations and the protection of sensitive data remain major concerns. The research suggests that fintech startups should invest in both cloud infrastructure and advanced cybersecurity measures to protect their operations and customer data. Additionally, creating a comprehensive roadmap for regulatory compliance and fostering partnerships with cybersecurity firms will help mitigate risks and ensure long-term success. The findings highlight the importance of integrating cloud computing with effective security strategies to navigate the complex regulatory and security landscape of the fintech industry.
This study aims to investigate how employees' cognitive diversity affects their creative process engagement, with a focus on the role of their meaningfulness of work as a mediator in this connection. A survey was used with a quantitative method to collect responses from 207 employees of small, medium, and large service and manufacturing businesses in Bangladesh that were registered with the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The collected data were then analyzed using Smart PLS 4 to evaluate the hypotheses and examine the mediating effect of the study. The findings reveal that employees’ cognitive diversity has a significant impact on their creative process engagement. Additionally, the results indicated that the employees’ meaningfulness of work influences the strength of this relationship, suggesting that employees' meaningfulness of work enhances their creative process engagement. Based on the ideas behind job characteristics theory, this study adds to what has already been written by showing how employees' cognitive diversity affects their creative process engagement and how meaningfulness of work plays a role in that. At the end of the study, we talk about what organizational managers should think about when making rules to encourage cognitive diversity in the workplace and more creative engagement among workers. We also give some ideas for future research that could be done in this area.
Purpose –This article aims to examine Territorial Defense Management (TDM) as an adaptive defense strategy in the contemporary era, with a focus on the synergy of UAV–sensor fusion–C2 technologies, whole-of-defense cyber orchestration and strengthening community resilience in facing multidimensional threats. Design/methodology/approach –This study employed a Systematic Literature Review (SRB) approach, using scientific literature sources from 2021–2025 from Scopus, IEEE, Springer, ScienceDirect, Garuda, and ResearchGate. Thirty-one primary articles were selected through rigorous screening and then analyzed using thematic coding and data triangulation to ensure the validity of the findings. Findings –The study results show that: (1) UAVs with sensor fusion increase the effectiveness of regional surveillance, although they require a counter-UAV system and good spectrum governance; (2) whole-of-defense cyber is proven crucial with the support of threat intelligence, territorial cyber operations centers, and AI for anomaly detection and automated response; (3) community resilience strengthens defense through emergency communications, early warning systems, and community participation in joint training with authorities. Practical implications –The effectiveness of MPT can be enhanced through standardization of IoMT architecture across the military services, counter-UAV and cyber exercises at the regional level, and the development of quantitative metrics to measure community resilience linked to military-level readiness. Originality/value –This article contributes by integrating technology, cyber, and community perspectives into a single adaptive MPT framework, thereby strengthening deterrence, rapid response, and socio-technological resilience. This approach is relevant for strengthening Indonesia's modern defense doctrine.
Purpose– The objective of this research is to develop an integrated operational management model for Smart & Green Villages (SGVs), combining the principles of smart villages and green villages to promote sustainable, inclusive, and adaptive rural development. This research emphasizes operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, digital technology utilization, and community participation as key pillars. Design/Methodology/Approach – A mixed-methods approach was adopted, involving surveys of villages in Indonesia that have begun adopting SGV principles, in-depth interviews with village officials and key stakeholders, and case studies of villages that have successfully implemented smart technologies and environmentally friendly practices. Data triangulation was applied to strengthen the validity of the findings. Findings – The study shows that integrating functional organizational structures, optimizing digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and village information systems, and building participatory community mechanisms significantly improve public service delivery, reduce operational costs, enhance environmental management, and strengthen socio-economic well-being. The study also identified new operational variables, including cost-effective innovation, digital local governance, inter-village shared resources, and socio-environmental audits as a multidimensional evaluation tool. Practical implications – These findings provide a practical framework for policymakers, local governments, and community leaders to implement and evaluate SGV. The multidimensional indicators proposed in this study enable continuous monitoring and adaptation of village operations to local conditions and resource constraints. Originality/Value – This study is one of the first to propose a concrete and replicable SGV operational management model by introducing new variables and multidimensional evaluation indicators. It enriches the theoretical discourse on smart and green village integration while offering actionable strategies for sustainable rural governance.
Purpose – This article aim For explore idea integrative regarding defense strategy Indonesian hybrid with combine approach conventional, asymmetric, and multidimensional in face complexity conflict in the ASEAN region. Design/ methodology / approach – Research This use systematic literature review (SLR) method on work Suhirwan and Wahyudin (2023), and literature international related defense, regional security, and warfare asymmetrical. This article analyzed 25 sources covering books, journals national reputable, and publications international in 2022–2025 period. Findings – The study shows that ASEAN's defense strategy is not can Again only depend on strength conventional, but need framework integrative that includes element diplomacy defense, defense cyber, and the role of actor Civil Defense Model Proposed hybrid in article This offer framework adaptive for Indonesia to anticipate threat conventional and non- conventional at a time.Implications practical – This article emphasize that Indonesia needs developing Cyber Forces Independent, strengthening diplomacy defense, as well as build Work The same cross ministries and institutions as part from system defense layered national. Originality / Value – Novelty article This lies in the formulation of the Integrative Model Defense Synergistic hybrid aspect military regular, defense cyber, counter-terrorism, and diplomacy defense to in One framework strategic. This model give contribution conceptual new for studies defense in ASEAN as well as relevance practical for maker Indonesian policy.
This study was conducted at Bio Live Healthy Home, located in Sei Bamban District, Serdang Bedagai Regency. The primary objective of this research is to determine how lifestyle, reference groups, and consumer attitudes influence the decision to use services offered by the institution. In a rapidly growing health and wellness industry, understanding consumer behavior is essential to improve service quality and increase customer engagement. To achieve the research objectives, the study employed a survey method with a quantitative approach. The target population consisted of service users, and a sample of 92 respondents was selected. Data collection was carried out through a combination of observation, interviews, documentation, and the distribution of structured questionnaires. The questionnaire was designed to capture variables related to lifestyle, reference groups, attitudes, and service usage decisions. Before conducting the main analysis, the data were tested for validity and reliability to ensure that the instrument accurately measured what it intended to measure. Furthermore, classical assumption tests, including normality, multicollinearity, and heteroscedasticity tests, were conducted to confirm the feasibility of using a multiple linear regression model. The analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The results of the study revealed that lifestyle, reference groups, and attitudes each had a significant and positive influence on the decision to use services at Bio Live Healthy Home. This indicates that individuals with health-conscious lifestyles, influenced by their social environment and holding positive attitudes toward wellness services, are more likely to engage with the services offered. Moreover, these three factors collectively contributed to a meaningful explanation of the variation in consumer decisions. In conclusion, the findings highlight the importance for service providers to consider psychological and social factors when designing marketing strategies.
This study aims to identify and measure the influence of customer relationships, customer satisfaction, and brand image on customer loyalty at Ryandini’s Sweet Chicken Claw business, located in Sei Sijenggi Village, Hamlet III, Perbaungan District, Serdang Bedagai Regency. A quantitative research method was employed, with data collected through observation, documentation, and questionnaires. The questionnaires used a Likert scale as a measurement tool to assess respondents’ opinions accurately. Data analysis was conducted using several stages, including validity and reliability tests, classical assumption testing, and multiple linear regression analysis, processed through SPSS version 22. These methods were used to ensure the validity of the instrument and the consistency of the findings. The research findings demonstrate that customer relationships have a significant and positive effect on customer loyalty. Customers who feel connected and valued by the business are more likely to remain loyal. Likewise, customer satisfaction—reflecting the extent to which customers' expectations are met or exceeded—has a strong and positive influence on loyalty. In addition, the brand image of the business, which encompasses customer perceptions and reputation of the product, also significantly influences loyalty in a positive direction. Furthermore, the simultaneous analysis of customer relationships, customer satisfaction, and brand image shows that all three variables jointly have a significant and positive impact on customer loyalty. This means that enhancing these three factors can strengthen customer retention and long-term commitment. These results provide valuable insights for small business owners in the food and beverage industry. Focusing on building strong relationships with customers, consistently delivering satisfaction, and maintaining a positive brand image are essential strategies to increase loyalty. For Ryandini’s Sweet Chicken Claw and similar businesses, these findings offer practical guidance for developing customer-centered marketing strategies in an increasingly competitive market.