This study examines and compares the challenges faced by organised and unorganised micro and small manufacturing enterprises (MSEs) in Ludhiana district, Punjab. Primary data were collected during 2021–22 through a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire administered through personal interviews with entrepreneurs. The sample comprised 400 manufacturing MSEs, with 200 units from the organised sector and 200 from the unorganised sector, selected using stratified random sampling. The study evaluates economic and infrastructural, socio-demographic, political and legal, and technological challenges using Garrett’s ranking method. Economic and infrastructural challenges received the highest mean score in both sectors: 53.55 among organised MSEs and 51.52 among unorganised MSEs. For organised units, political and legal challenges ranked second, followed by technological and socio-demographic challenges. For unorganised units, technological challenges ranked second, followed by political and legal and socio-demographic challenges. At the problem level, interrupted electricity supply was the leading economic and infrastructural issue for organised enterprises, whereas poor transport connectivity was the leading issue for unorganised enterprises. Lack of skilled labour emerged as the most prominent technological problem in both groups. The findings also identify sector-specific concerns relating to gender, education, regulatory compliance, scheme awareness, finance, delayed payments and digitalisation. The study indicates that policy support should address infrastructure, finance, skills, technology, regulatory procedures and access to government schemes in ways that reflect the differing constraints of organised and unorganised manufacturing MSEs.
Employee training is increasingly important in Bangladesh’s banking sector, yet contemporary employee-level evidence across public and private commercial banks remains limited. This study examined the relationship between employee training and job performance among banking employees in Bangladesh. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used, and data were collected from 100 employees of public and private commercial banks through a structured five-point Likert-scale questionnaire using convenience sampling. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson’s correlation, and simple linear regression. Respondents reported favourable perceptions of employee training (M = 4.34, SD = 0.38) and job performance (M = 4.31, SD = 0.33). Employee training was positively and significantly correlated with job performance (r = 0.636, p < .001), and the reported regression model explained 40.5% of the variance in job performance (R² = 0.405). The findings indicate that more favourable perceptions of training were associated with higher self-reported job performance. The results are consistent with the study’s Human Capital Theory and Resource-Based View framing and suggest that banks should maintain relevant, continuous, and strategically aligned employee development programmes. Interpretation should remain cautious because of the cross-sectional design, convenience sample, self-reported measures, conceptual overlap between some items, and relatively low internal consistency of the Employee Training scale. Overall, the study provides contemporary employee-level evidence on the training–performance relationship in Bangladesh’s banking sector.
This study investigated the effects of home-based learning on Basic Science students’ academic achievement, retention, and interest in Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental research design was adopted, involving a sample of 120 Junior Secondary School II students selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using the Basic Science Achievement Test (BSAT), Basic Science Retention Test (BSRT), and Basic Science Interest Scale (BSIS). The data were analysed using means, standard deviations, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The findings revealed that students exposed to home-based learning had a higher mean achievement score (68.740) than those taught using the conventional method (55.280), with a mean difference of 13.460. In terms of retention, the experimental group recorded a mean score of 65.200 compared with 49.870 for the control group, with a mean difference of 15.330. Similarly, students in the experimental group showed higher interest (mean = 3.680) than those in the control group (mean = 2.950), with a mean difference of 0.730. The ANCOVA results indicated significant differences in achievement (F = 33.007, p < .001), retention (F = 28.676, p < .001), and interest (F = 21.269, p < .001). The study concluded that home-based learning significantly enhanced students’ academic achievement, retention, and interest in Basic Science. The study recommended that teachers incorporate structured home-based learning activities into their instructional practices to improve students’ learning outcomes.
The rapid growth of cryptocurrencies and increasing instability in traditional financial systems have significantly transformed global investment behaviour in recent years. In developing countries experiencing economic crises and currency depreciation, investors increasingly seek alternative financial assets that can preserve value and generate higher returns. Sri Lanka has recently experienced severe economic instability characterised by inflation, foreign-exchange shortages, sovereign debt problems, and rapid depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee. Under these conditions, interest in cryptocurrency investment has increased, particularly among younger and technologically aware investors. Therefore, this study examines whether fiat currency devaluation shifts investment from the stock market to the cryptocurrency market among university students in Sri Lanka. The study adopts a quantitative research approach and uses primary data collected through a structured questionnaire from 150 final-year undergraduate students at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Stratified random sampling was used to select respondents from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, and the Faculty of Applied Sciences. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and binary logistic regression were employed to analyse the relationship between rupee depreciation and cryptocurrency investment behaviour. The findings reveal that depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee significantly influences investment decisions among university students. Most respondents perceived cryptocurrency investment as more profitable than stock-market investment during periods of economic uncertainty. The chi-square analysis identified significant relationships between cryptocurrency investment behaviour and age, income, stock-market investment, and perceptions of rupee depreciation. Furthermore, the binary logistic regression results confirmed that rupee depreciation positively and significantly affects cryptocurrency investment, whereas stock-market investment had a negative relationship with cryptocurrency investment behaviour. The study concludes that economic instability, declining confidence in fiat currency, and increasing awareness of digital financial systems encourage university students in Sri Lanka to shift their investment preferences from the traditional stock market to cryptocurrency.
Financial inclusion is essential for economic growth, especially for micro-enterprises that often face barriers in accessing formal financial services. The Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) has been promoted to enhance efficiency and accessibility in digital payments; however, empirical evidence on its role in promoting financial inclusion remains limited. This study examines how QRIS effectiveness and efficiency influence the financial inclusion of micro-enterprises in Mataram City, Indonesia. The research focuses on micro-enterprises in Mataram City that have adopted QRIS as a digital payment tool. A quantitative approach using Partial Least Square-Structural Equatiom Model (PLS-SEM) was applied to survey data from QRIS adopters. Hypotesis testing showed that effectiveness had positive but statistically insignificant effect on financial inclusion (β = 0.231, p = 0.075), whereas efficiency had a positive and significant effect (β = 0.324; p = 0.005). These findings indicate that efficiency in QRIS usage plays a more decisive role in enhancing financial inclusion than effectivness. This study provides insight for policymakers and financial institutions in strengthening financial inclusion in developing regions.
Fishing communities around Chilika Lake are exposed to ecological change, constraints on resource access, and limited livelihood assets; however, village-level evidence is needed to prioritise interventions. This study assessed the livelihood vulnerability of eight fishing villages distributed across the Northern, Central, Southern, and Outer Channel zones of the lake. Parameters and sub-parameters were identified using the Delphi technique. The villages were selected systematically, and household data were collected from 240 fishing households (30 per village) through stratified sampling, using structured and semi-structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus-group discussions. Twenty-two indicators grouped under exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity were scored, normalised to a 0–1 scale, weighted, and aggregated as LVI = EI + SI - ACI. Sananairi (Village 5, Zone 3) recorded the highest Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI = 0.866; EI = 0.781, SI = 0.815, ACI = 0.730), followed by Balia (0.819) and Mansingpur (0.816), whereas Bidharpur (Village 2, Zone 1) recorded the lowest LVI (0.472; EI = 0.748, SI = 0.437, ACI = 0.713). High vulnerability was associated with ecological disturbances, strong dependence on fisheries, restricted resource access, and deficits in storage, markets, credit, training, and organisational support. The findings support village-specific prioritisation that combines ecological restoration and disaster-risk reduction with improved market infrastructure, affordable credit, skills development, and stronger collective institutions.
This study examined the effects of the Local Government Financial Accounting System and Human Resource Competence on the quality of Regional Government Financial Reports and assessed whether the Internal Control System moderated these relationships. The population comprised 26 Regional Apparatus Organisations within the Surabaya City government, including one Secretariat of the Regional People’s Representative Council, one Inspectorate, 18 Departments, and six Agencies. Using purposive sampling, the study obtained 73 usable responses from officials involved in regional financial preparation and reporting. Primary data were collected through questionnaires distributed in hard-copy form and electronically via Google Forms. The data were analysed using multiple regression and moderated regression analyses in SPSS. The results showed that the Local Government Financial Accounting System had a positive effect on the quality of Regional Government Financial Reports. Human Resource Competence also had a positive effect on report quality. However, the Internal Control System did not moderate the relationship between the Local Government Financial Accounting System and report quality, nor did it moderate the relationship between Human Resource Competence and report quality. In both models, the Internal Control System functioned as a predictor rather than as a significant moderator. These findings indicate that the accounting system and personnel competence were directly associated with financial reporting quality in the surveyed organisations, while the tested interaction effects were not statistically significant.
This paper investigated the impact of energy equity on the growth of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria, with a focus on fossil fuel subsidies as a measure of energy affordability, access to electricity as a measure of energy accessibility, and renewable energy consumption as a measure of clean energy usage over the period 1986 to 2024. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design and utilised annual time series data. The Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares estimation technique was employed after confirming the presence of stationarity in all variables and a long-run cointegrating relationship among them using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Engle-Granger cointegration tests. Findings from the analysis revealed that fossil fuel subsidies positively and significantly affected manufacturing sector growth at the 5% level of significance (coefficient = 3.9695; p = 0.0459), suggesting that energy affordability through subsidisation enhanced production by reducing energy costs for manufacturers. Renewable energy consumption also demonstrated a positive and statistically significant relationship with manufacturing sector growth at the 5% level of significance (coefficient = 0.4530; p = 0.0413), highlighting the growing role of sustainable energy sources in supporting industrial activities, particularly in response to grid unreliability. In contrast, access to electricity was found to have a negative but statistically insignificant effect on manufacturing sector growth (coefficient = −0.2555; p = 0.7258), implying that while electricity access had improved over time, issues related to reliability, supply quality, and infrastructure inefficiencies limited its contribution to manufacturing output. Based on these findings, the study recommended that the Federal Ministry of Finance and related fiscal institutions restructure fossil fuel subsidies to directly support manufacturing operations, ensuring cost efficiency without distorting energy markets. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Transmission Company of Nigeria, and Rural Electrification Agency were advised to focus on improving the reliability and consistency of electricity supply to industrial zones. Furthermore, the Federal Ministry of Power and Energy Commission of Nigeria were encouraged to expand investment incentives and regulatory support for the adoption of renewable energy within the manufacturing sector. These recommendations aimed to create a more equitable and efficient energy environment that supports the sustained growth of Nigeria’s manufacturing industry and overall economic development.
Background: Sustainable Tourism in Indonesia has shifted from mass tourism toward community-based and sustainability-oriented approaches to address post-pandemic economic recovery, environmental preservation, cultural protection, and local community empowerment through tourism villages and pentahelix collaboration. Aims: This study examines the evolution of sustainable tourism development in Indonesia from 2005 to 2025, focusing on major trends, policy challenges, and future opportunities. Despite the increasing number of studies on sustainable tourism, limited research has comprehensively explored the long-term transformation of sustainable tourism policies and community-based tourism practices in Indonesia. The study particularly investigates the role of community-based tourism (CBT), tourism villages, and multi-stakeholder collaboration in supporting sustainable tourism development. Study Design: This research adopts a descriptive qualitative design using a literature review approach. Place and Duration of Study: The study focuses on tourism development in Indonesia over twenty years (2005–2025). Methodology: This study employed a qualitative literature review approach to examine the evolution of sustainable tourism development in Indonesia between 2005 and 2025. The review process was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework to ensure transparency and systematic selection of relevant literature. Results: The findings indicate that sustainable tourism development in Indonesia has largely adopted the Community-Based Tourism (CBT) model, supported by three main approaches: local wisdom-based tourism development, tourism village initiatives, and social entrepreneurship. However, several challenges persist, including uneven tourism infrastructure, limited community capacity, environmental pressures, and weak coordination between central and regional policies. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the vulnerability of mass tourism models while simultaneously accelerating the transition toward quality-oriented tourism. Emerging opportunities include increasing public awareness of conservation-based tourism, growing participation in tourism village development, digital transformation driven by younger generations, and stronger multi-stakeholder collaboration under the pentahelix framework. Conclusion: Overall, sustainable tourism in Indonesia has progressed in a positive direction, shifting from a quantity-oriented tourism model toward a more quality-driven and community-centered approach. Nevertheless, strengthening institutional coordination, improving destination governance, enhancing community capacity, and reinforcing sustainability certification remain crucial to ensuring the long-term resilience and sustainability of Indonesia’s tourism sector.
Background: Green marketing in FMCG promotes eco-friendly products, processes, and packaging, which can positively influence consumer buying decisions, though its impact depends on consumer awareness. Aims: This study seeks to assess the impact of green marketing on the purchasing decisions of FMCG products, utilizing purchase intention as a mediating variable. Study Design: Quantitative descriptive. Place and Duration of Study: The study was undertaken in the Mamminasata region during a duration of three months, from January to March 2026. Methodology: The study population comprises Generation Z individuals in the Mamminasata region. Employing purposive sampling methods yielded a sample of 120 respondents. The data collecting strategy involved distributing questionnaires, which were subsequently processed and analyzed using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique. Results: This study's findings suggest that green marketing exerts a positive though insignificant influence on the purchasing decisions of Gen Z in the Mamminasata region. In contrast, green marketing exerts a positive and substantial influence on purchase intention, which in turn positively and significantly affects purchasing decisions. Furthermore, purchase intention serves as a complete mediator, exerting a favorable and considerable impact on the relationship between green marketing and purchasing decisions. Conclusion: This research highlights the crucial function of purchase intention as a comprehensive mediator in the connection between green marketing tactics and real customer purchasing behaviour. Green marketing methods do not directly stimulate sales, rather they indirectly affect customer behaviour by enhancing purchase intentions among environmentally conscientious individuals. The study, utilising structural equation modelling, establishes full mediation, demonstrating a large indirect influence and an absence of a significant direct relationship between green marketing and purchasing behaviour. This mechanism illustrates how purchase intention influences the effectiveness of green programmes, connecting attitudinal changes on pro-environmental items with actual purchasing behaviour, especially in emerging markets such as Indonesia where sustainability awareness is increasing.
Access to safe water is a fundamental human right and a foundation of community health, yet inconsistent delivery often weakens public trust. This quantitative study investigated the connection between water service, measured by reliability, quality, and responsiveness, and consumer’s satisfaction in Barangay New Visayas, Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte. By surveying 264 households and analyzing data through the mean and Pearson’s r, the research found that service quality significantly influences consumer’s satisfaction. While overall satisfaction remains high due to reliable access, the study revealed that length of residency influences expectations, as long-term residents perceive service differently than newer residents. Crucially, the data highlighted that despite high trust levels, there is a pressing need for the water provider to improve the physical quality of the water, specifically regarding its color, odor, and taste. Ultimately, by addressing these sensory details and enhancing communication, the provider may better meet household expectations and ensure a more reliable service for every family in the neighborhood. These improvements are essential for maintaining the delicate balance between utility management and the daily needs of the residents, fostering a healthier and more trusting community for all individuals involved, regardless of how long they have lived in the area.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has emerged as a key driver of economic development in developing economies, including India, particularly in the post-liberalization period. This study examines the impact of FDI on domestic investment and export performance in India over the period 1991–2023, capturing the structural transformation following economic reforms. The primary objective is to analyse how FDI influences domestic investment patterns and contributes to export growth, while identifying the channels through which FDI interacts with broader economic development. The study employs a quantitative approach using secondary data, with empirical analysis conducted through statistical techniques. It evaluates sectoral trends, particularly in manufacturing, information technology, pharmaceuticals and the automobile industry, to assess the role of FDI in enhancing productivity, technological advancement and global competitiveness. The findings indicate that FDI has a positive and significant impact on both domestic investment and export performance. FDI inflows have facilitated capital formation, improved product quality and strengthened integration into global supply chains. India’s export performance shows substantial growth, rising from USD 17.8 billion in 1991–92 to USD 435 billion in 2022–23, reflecting the supportive role of foreign investment. The study concludes that FDI serves as an important catalyst for economic growth and trade expansion in India. It recommends policies that promote stable investment environments, sectoral diversification and innovation-driven growth to sustain long-term development.
Customer trust refers to the confidence consumers place in a company’s reliability and integrity based on consistent and credible interactions. This study determined the relationship between Online Reviews and Customer Trust in Selected Coffee Shops in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte. The respondents of this study were a sample of 252 customers, selected from a total estimated population of 729, across five (5) selected coffee shops employing stratified random sampling technique. This study utilized quantitative non-experimental research through a descriptive correlational design. This study utilized adapted instruments that were thoroughly evaluated to ensure their accuracy and relevance. The statistical tools used in this study were mean and Pearson r. The results revealed that the level of online reviews and customer trust obtained a descriptive level of very high, which is always manifested. This indicates a strong and statistically significant positive relationship between online reviews and customer trust in selected coffee shops in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte. The results implied that customers generally trust selected coffee shops in terms of employees, experience, dependability, and worthiness, indicating consistent confidence in service quality and customer engagement. This suggested that coffee shops should actively respond to both positive and negative reviews in a professional and transparent manner, demonstrating accountability and commitment to service improvement.
Unemployment and energy poverty are significant social challenges faced by many countries, including OPEC members. The ongoing global transition to renewable energy has exacerbated unemployment in OPEC countries due to reduced reliance on traditional energy sources, highlighting the need for a comprehensive study of unemployment and energy poverty in these regions. This study will cover the period from 2015 to 2023, utilizing secondary data from all 12 OPEC member countries. Both trend and econometric tests are employed. The study employs the System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) for panel data estimation, recognized for its efficiency in addressing endogeneity, unobserved heterogeneity, and dynamic relationships. The study validates the reliability of the model with the Arellano-Bond test for autocorrelation to assess the independence of error terms. The findings reveal that access to electricity significantly increases unemployment, likely due to automation and limited job absorption. Conversely, access to cooking gas shows a potential to reduce unemployment, though the effect is not statistically strong. The study recommends aligning energy strategies with employment goals, investing in vocational training, empowering women through clean cooking initiatives, and adopting inclusive, gender-responsive policies to ensure equitable benefits from energy transitions.
Background: Professional development and perceived readiness shape the inclusive instructional practices of secondary teachers amid the implementation of the MATATAG Curriculum in the Philippines. Aims: This study investigates the relationship between professional development, perceived readiness, and the instructional practices of inclusive education teachers at Muntinlupa National High School – Senior High School. This research seeks to identify the critical factors that empower teachers to effectively support students with varied learning needs. Study Design: This study employed a descriptive-correlational design, utilizing purposive sampling to gather data from inclusive education teachers during the 2025-2026 academic year. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Muntinlupa National High School - Senior High School for school year 2025-2026. Methodology: The respondents consisted of 125 inclusive education teachers, of which the actual sample of 95 was computed using the Raosoft Calculator with a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 5%. A self-made questionnaire was utilized and divided into three sections: professional development, perceived readiness, and instructional practices. This study used a four-point Likert format to prepare the scale items. Thereafter, the instrument underwent statistical validation using Cronbach’s Alpha. Results: This study found that professional development activities were perceived as highly professional (M = 3.63), with respondents also reporting a "Very High" level of overall readiness (mean: 3.54) that peaked in professional readiness (M = 3.69) and was lowest in contextual readiness (mean: 3.37). Similarly, inclusive education instructional practices were interpreted as “Always” with an overall (mean: 3.72), excelling most in reflective and adaptive practices (M = 3.77) but showing a need for improvement in inclusive design practices (M = 3.65). Statistical analysis revealed significant positive correlations (p < 0.01) among professional development, perceived readiness, and instructional practices variables, proving that professional development is strongly linked to both teacher readiness and instructional practices, and that higher teacher readiness significantly improves the implementation of inclusive, responsive, and adaptive instructional strategies. Conclusion: The study concludes that highly effective professional development directly drives teacher readiness and instructional competence, proving that strong teacher preparedness is vital for successful inclusive education.
This study assessed the effect of electronic banking on economic growth in Nigeria using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) time-series framework. Specifically, it examined how transactions through automated teller machines (ATMs), mobile banking, internet banking and point-of-sale (POS) terminals relate to real gross domestic product (RGDP). The study adopted an ex-post facto research design and used annual secondary data for 2006-2023, obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin. The ARDL bounds test indicated no long-run relationship between electronic banking channels and economic growth, as the F-statistic of 2.144076 was below both the lower and upper critical bounds at the 5% level. The short-run estimates showed that ATM and mobile banking transactions had negative but statistically insignificant relationships with RGDP, while internet banking and POS terminal transactions had positive but statistically insignificant relationships. The Granger causality results further showed no unidirectional or bidirectional causality between each electronic banking channel and RGDP over the study period. These findings suggest that, within the period examined, the expansion of electronic banking transactions did not translate into a statistically significant contribution to Nigeria's economic growth. The study therefore concludes that electronic banking, although useful for transaction convenience and service delivery, has not yet provided a measurable macroeconomic growth effect in the Nigerian context examined. It recommends improved public awareness of ATM use, fuller deployment of cashless instruments by deposit money banks, stronger monitoring of web and mobile payment channels by the Central Bank of Nigeria and commercial banks, and wider promotion of POS payment systems to support safer and more efficient transactions.
In the context of a rapid transition toward green consumption in major urban areas of Vietnam, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, green marketing has appeared as a strategically critical issue for businesses operating in the food and beverage (F&B) industry. This research aims to identify and quantify the extent to which green marketing factors affect consumers’ green purchase intention in Hanoi. Data collection was carried out through a structured survey questionnaire administered to 468 consumers, and the data were analyzed using SPSS, including reliability testing (Cronbach’s Alpha), Pearson correlation analysis (r), and multiple linear regression. The findings reveal that six green marketing factors influence green purchase intention based on 24 observed variables, among which “Green Product”, “Green Price”, and “Green Place” exert the strongest impact. The study contributes empirical evidence in the Vietnamese context, clarifying the role of green marketing in shaping purchase intention and sustainable consumption behavior in urban settings. Moreover, the paper provides managerial implications for F&B enterprises seeking to transition toward environmentally friendly business practices.
Background: Circular economy encourages environment protection and social prosperity while giving the green light to economic growth with sustainable development in a country. The apparel industry both globally and Sri Lanka faces considerable environmental challenges and it is recognized as a major consumer of water. Aim: This study seeks to identify the challenges and opportunities of adopting circular economy practices to enhance resource efficiency in the apparel manufacturing industry of Sri Lanka, under social, environmental, and economic aspects. Methods: Within the apparel industry, circular design, product life extension, textile recycling, and resource efficiency were identified as key circular economy practices. Qualitative research approach was adopted to identify the social, environmental, and economic aspects of circular economy adoption. Target population consisted of key stakeholders in Sri Lanka’s apparel manufacturing sector, including lean managers, sustainability officers, supply chain professionals, and employees involved in circular economy-related practices. Given the qualitative nature of this study, a purposive sampling strategy was adopted to select 4 respondents. A semi-structured interview used as the primary method of data collection and content analysis used to identify key factors through participants’ responses. Results: The results revealed that circular economy is understood among Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers as a strategic shift from linear “take-make-dispose” model to a closed-loop system that keeps materials in use for as long as possible. Despite facing notable challenges such as high initial costs, limited infrastructure, and low awareness, companies are making steady progress through innovation, collaboration, and commitment to sustainability goals. The social findings revealed the need for awareness and training to drive behavioral change, while environmental results confirmed significant achievements in waste reduction, water reuse, and carbon footprint minimization. Economically, although initial investments are high, long-term cost savings, market differentiation, and stronger buyer relationships make circular adoption a viable and strategic direction for the industry. Implications: Apparel manufacturers in Sri Lanka need to implement circular economy principles as port of their core business strategy rather than as isolated sustainability projects. Capacity building in employees and suppliers through continuous awareness and training program; collaborating across the supply chain actors, leveraging circularity for brand differentiation; developing the supportive policy frameworks; expanding recycling and waste management infrastructure and establishing regulatory and certification system would encourage to take part in circular transformation. Further Study: This study focused on the manufacturing perspective; future research could explore consumer behavior, buyer expectations, and government policy roles in enabling circular transformation.
Background: Donor-funded water projects are widely implemented in developing countries to improve access to safe water, reduce household water burdens, and support livelihood development. In rural communities, women often bear primary responsibility for household water collection, which can limit their participation in income-generating activities, leadership, and community decision-making. However, limited empirical evidence exists on how donor-funded water projects are perceived to contribute to women’s socio-economic empowerment in Gatundu North Sub-County, Kenya. Aim: This study assessed the perceived contribution of social inclusion benefits from donor-funded water projects to women’s socio-economic empowerment in Gatundu North Sub-County, Kenya. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The target population comprised 1,004 women beneficiaries of donor-funded water projects, from which a sample of 100 respondents was selected using systematic random sampling. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires, interviews, and observation, while secondary data were obtained from relevant records and documented sources. Women’s socio-economic empowerment was assessed descriptively using four indicators: decision-making ability, social influence, financial autonomy, and economic stability. Data were coded, cleaned, and analysed using SPSS Version 27.0. Descriptive statistics, mainly frequencies and percentages, were used to present the findings. Results: Based on the study’s descriptive classification, 78% of respondents were categorized as socio-economically empowered, while 22% were categorized as not empowered. Among the empowerment indicators, 31% of respondents were associated with decision-making ability, 22% with social influence, 24% with financial autonomy, and 23% with economic stability. The findings further showed that respondents perceived donor-funded water projects as contributing to empowerment through several social inclusion benefits. Specifically, 63% agreed or strongly agreed that access to quality water contributed to their socio-economic empowerment, mainly by reducing time spent fetching water, improving hygiene, and supporting productive activities. In addition, 62% agreed or strongly agreed that capacity-building initiatives enhanced empowerment through improved managerial, entrepreneurial, and decision-making skills. Partnership opportunities were perceived as beneficial by 61% of respondents, while 60% agreed or strongly agreed that support for community programmes contributed to improved welfare and project sustainability. Conclusion: The study concludes that women beneficiaries generally perceived donor-funded water projects as contributing to socio-economic empowerment through improved access to quality water, capacity-building initiatives, partnership opportunities, and support for community programmes. However, because the study relied on descriptive cross-sectional data, the findings should be interpreted as perceived contributions rather than causal or statistically significant effects. Strengthening gender-responsive planning, women’s participation in project governance, financial literacy, and post-donor sustainability mechanisms may enhance the long-term empowerment outcomes of donor-funded water projects.
Background: Digitalization has transformed traditional marketing paradigms, making digital marketing tools essential for Sri Lankan micro-enterprises to build strong customer relationships, enhance engagement, and sustain business growth in an increasingly competitive environment. Aim: The current level of adopting and implementing digital marketing in Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Sri Lanka is steadily increasing, driven by the rapid development of digital technologies and the benefits they offer, such as increased market reach and customer engagement. Despite this growing adoption, MSEs still encounter several challenges in effectively implementing digital marketing strategies. This study aims to identify impact of digital marketing tools on customer engagement, retention, and overall business growth in Sri Lankan micro-enterprises. Design: Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework used as a theoretical framework. The target population was micro enterprises operating in Sri Lanka, specifically those engaged in product or service-based operations. 400 micro enterprises which were randomly selected. Online survey method was employed to get data and structured questionnaire approach was used. Multiple regression analysis used to test the study's hypotheses. Findings: Of the 400 micro enterprises, 232 responded. Regression analysis result implies that 67% of variation in customer relationship development can be explained by social media, websites/blogs, display advertising and search engine optimization. Social media recorded the highest influencing factor. Implication: Results recommend that micro-enterprises owners increase their presence and activity on popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn to fully exploit their marketing potential. The results suggest that well-implemented SEO strategies can help businesses access new markets, improve brand recognition, and increase market share while minimizing marketing costs. Micro-enterprises are encouraged to create user-friendly, visually appealing, and regularly updated websites that effectively showcase their offerings.
