Search Results (150)

The logistics industry faces challenges from evolving consumer expectations, technological advances, sustainability demands, and market disruptions. Logistics collaboration is in theory perceived as one of the most promising solutions to solve these issues, but here are still a lot of challenges that needs to be better understood and addressed. While vertical collaboration among supply chain actors is well advanced, horizontal collaboration among competing service providers remains under-explored. This study developed a novel methodology based on the COM-B behaviour-change framework to better understand the main challenges, opportunities, capabilities and drivers that would motivate competing companies to exploit the potential of horizontal logistics collaboration. A survey was designed and conducted among 71 logistics service providers in Slovenia, chosen for its fragmented market and low willingness to collaborate. Statistical analysis reveals cost reduction (M = 4.21/5) and improved vehicle utilization (M = 4.29/5) as the primary motivators. On the other hand, maintaining company reputation (M = 4.64/5), fair resource sharing (M = 4.20/5), and transparency of logistics processes (M = 4.17/5) all persist as key enabling conditions. These findings underscore the pivotal role of behavioural drivers and suggest strategies that combine economic incentives with targeted trust-building measures. Future research should employ experimental designs in diverse national contexts and integrate vertical–horizontal approaches to validate causal pathways and advance theory. Full article

As data becomes a core driver of modern business innovation, mobile applications increasingly collect and process users’ personal information, posing significant challenges to the effectiveness of informed consent and the legitimacy of user authorization. Existing research on privacy informed consent mechanisms has predominantly focused on privacy policy texts and normative legal discussions, often overlooking a critical touchpoint—the launch-time privacy pop-up window. Moreover, empirical investigations from the user’s perspective remain limited. To address these issues, this study employs a two-stage approach combining compliance audit and grounded theory. The preliminary audit of 21 mobile apps assesses the compliance of privacy pop-ups, and the formal study uses thematic analysis of interviews with 19 participants to construct a dual-path explanatory framework. Key findings reveal that: (1) while the reviewed apps partially safeguarded users’ right to be informed, compliance deficiencies still persist; (2) trust and privacy fatigue emerge as dual motivations driving user consent. Trust plays a critical role in amplifying the impact of positive messages within privacy pop-ups by enhancing the consistency among users’ cognition, affect, and behavior, thereby reducing resistance to privacy consent and improving the effectiveness of the current informed consent framework. Conversely, privacy fatigue increases the inconsistency among these factors, undermining consent effectiveness and exacerbating the challenges associated with informed consent. This study offers a user-centered framework to explain the dynamics of informed consent in mobile privacy pop-ups and provides actionable insights for regulators, developers, and privacy advocates seeking to enhance transparency and user autonomy. Full article

Purpose: This study aims to provide a comprehensive and objective view to investigate whether the motives of strong financial managers to adopt an accounting conservatism strategy have significant effects on improving financial growth opportunities in the context of banks listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange, while knowing how this relationship is affected by litigation risks. Design/Methodology/Approach: Using data from Saudi financial databases, this study examines how litigation risk moderates the relationship between accounting conservatism and financial growth in Saudi listed banks. Basu’s (1997) model and accrual-based metrics measure conservatism, whereas assets, liabilities, and business age are used to measure financial growth. Litigation risk factors included previous lawsuits. Validity was ensured using fixed-effects regression and robustness tests. Findings: The study found that accounting conservatism has a mixed impact on financial growth, litigation risk moderates the relationship between conservatism and financial growth, and litigation risk has a positive impact on accounting conservatism. Practical Implications: Use a balanced strategy to maintain accounting conservatism, lower litigation risk while maintaining the accuracy of financial statements, take legal risk into account when evaluating the quality of financial reporting, increase transparency without impeding growth, create guidelines tailored to a particular bank, and fortify governance to reduce lawsuits while permitting long-term financial growth. Originality/Value: In order to bridge the gap between conservatism strategies and long-term financial stability in emerging economies, this study examines how managerial decisions in accounting conservatism affect the financial growth of Saudi banks, incorporating litigation risk as a moderating factor. It also contributes to financial policies, risk management, and regulations. Full article

This research investigates the effect of board characteristics on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure among firms listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) from 2021 to 2023. Motivated by the global shift toward sustainable development and the Saudi Vision 2030 agenda, this study examines how board size, gender diversity, independence, expertise, and compensation impact ESG disclosure practices. Drawing on stakeholder and agency theories, the regression model uses a sample of 78 Saudi-listed companies. ESG disclosure is measured using a content analysis-based checklist that conforms to international and Saudi ESG reporting frameworks. The findings indicate that background and skills, female representation, and compensation positively correlate with ESG disclosure. Conversely, board size and independence do not show significant relationships. The results highlight the pivotal role of board composition in emphasizing business practices for sustainability in emerging markets, particularly within the unique institutional setting of Saudi Arabia. The study contributes to the growing body of ESG literature by offering factual proof from an under-researched context and practical ramifications for investors, legislators, and business executives, as well as seeking to enhance transparency and accountability through effective board governance. Full article

Managed competition is a key driver in healthcare systems in countries like Germany, Switzerland, and The Netherlands. Trust in health insurers is vital but currently low in The Netherlands. This may be due to perceptions regarding profit motives, negative experiences, media coverage, and a lack of understanding of insurers’ roles. This study explores how enrollees perceive health insurers and how the aforementioned factors contribute to these perceptions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 participants from the Nivel Dutch Health Care Consumer Panel in March and April 2023. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step method for inductive thematic analysis. Participants generally view health insurers positively in terms of managing finances and ensuring care accessibility. However, some perceive insurers as profit-driven and prioritising cost reduction over individual needs, leading to dissatisfaction. Negative experiences and media coverage also shape these perceptions. Participants believe that insurers should ensure care accessibility and quality, distribute costs fairly, provide guidance, and prioritise preventive measures. To foster trust, insurers should communicate their non-profit status and use of benefits, increase transparency in purchasing decisions, and maintain clear communication about payment obligations. Enhancing communication about their contributions to healthcare and raising awareness of their broader roles may also help build trust. Full article

Technological advancements in algorithmic personalization are widely believed to influence user behavior on online gambling platforms. This study explores how such developments, potentially including AI-driven mechanisms, may affect cognitive and motivational processes, especially in relation to risk perception, decision-making, and betting persistence. Using ordinary least squares (OLS) and panel regression models applied to behavioral data from a gambling platform, we examine patterns that are consistent with increased personalization between two distinct time periods, 2016 and 2021. The datasets do not contain any direct metadata regarding AI interventions. However, we interpret changes in user behavior over time as indicative of evolving personalization dynamics within a broader technological and contextual landscape. Accordingly, our conclusions about algorithmic personalization are inferential and exploratory, drawn from temporal comparisons between 2016 and 2021. Our findings show that users receiving personalized bonuses or making early cash-out decisions tend to adjust their stake sizes and betting frequency in systematic ways, which may reflect indirect effects of technological reinforcement strategies. These behavioral patterns raise important ethical and regulatory questions, particularly regarding user autonomy, algorithmic transparency, and the protection of at-risk users. This research contributes to the literature on digital behavior influencing gambling by framing the analysis as observational and quasi-experimental and suggests that further studies use experimental and log-level data to more specifically analyze the algorithmic effects. However, no causal claims can be made about AI influence as the temporal contradictions are interpreted as broad phenomena of technological developments, since they are not measured as algorithmic interventions. Further studies should also investigate the development of predictive models aimed at countering gambling addiction; evaluate the long-term ethical implications of algorithmic personalization; and discuss potential solutions codeveloped to foster a responsible gambling climate. Full article

The global school uniform industry, primarily driven by linear production models, significantly contributes to textile waste and environmental degradation. In Australia, over 2000 tons of school uniforms are discarded annually, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. This study explores the integration of Circular Economy (CE) principles into school uniform systems through a case study of a private school in Victoria. Using a thematic approach, the research involved a parent survey with 106 participants and a focus group with 6 parents. The study identified financial, logistical, and socio-cultural factors influencing uniform consumption and disposal behaviors. Affordability emerged as the primary motivator for adopting second-hand uniforms (86%). However, barriers such as limited sizing, hygiene concerns, quality, and social stigma hinder wider adoption. Parents also expressed dissatisfaction with the current uniform design, material breathability, and durability, particularly in warmer climates. Despite increased awareness of sustainability (61% cited environmental concerns), actionable engagement remains low due to a lack of transparency and infrastructure. The study proposes a replicable circular uniform framework based on stakeholder co-design, reverse logistics, and curriculum-based sustainability education. These findings offer practical implications for policymakers, educators, and manufacturers aiming to reduce textile waste and promote CE adoption within the education sector. Full article

Recruiting participants for clinical trials targeting specific populations, like patients with chronic motor complete spinal cord injuries (SCIs), is challenging. The RESTORES trial evaluated spinal cord stimulation (SCS) combined with robotic neurorehabilitation for motor recovery in this population. This feasibility study enrolled three participants to assess SCS implant safety, synergistic effects of SCS and robotic rehabilitation, and clinical outcomes. Key recruitment barriers included the small patient pool, stringent eligibility criteria, patient skepticism, and logistical and emotional challenges. Strategies to address these challenges encompassed multidisciplinary collaborations with clinical centers, SCI associations, and patient support groups, including pre-surgical counselling and transparent communication. A dedicated clinical research coordinator ensured ethical compliance, logistical support, and participant engagement. Travel reimbursements, family involvement, and peer advocacy fostered accessibility and trust. Of the 115 patients screened, only 3 met the strict eligibility criteria, due to high screening failure rates and participant apprehension. Peer testimonials and family support helped enhance motivation and adherence. Ethical safeguards, like a data safety monitoring board, ensured participant safety and transparency. The RESTORES trial underscores the complexity of recruiting for pioneering interventions while highlighting the importance of tailored, patient-centric strategies. Insights gained will inform future trials and contribute to advancing SCI rehabilitation, offering hope for enhanced neurological recovery and quality of life for individuals with chronic motor complete SCI. Full article

The fashion industry is undergoing significant transformation through blockchain technology, which enhances product traceability, authenticity, and transactional transparency. This study explores blockchain’s potential to revolutionize the fashion supply chain by enabling detailed monitoring from design and manufacturing to certification, quality control, storage, transportation, and delivery. To assess customers’ readiness to adopt these authenticated products, an innovative model for fashion product traceability and authenticity based on blockchain was proposed. Since the adoption of blockchain models relies on widespread user involvement, it is crucial to examine the factors that motivate individuals to take part. To this end, an acceptance study was conducted using the modified UTAUT2 (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) framework, with data analyzed using SMART PLS software. The results indicate that the proposed blockchain model can improve transparency, authenticity, and customer trust in fashion products. Furthermore, the findings identify expected effort, perceived efficiency, and social influence as key factors influencing blockchain adoption in the fashion industry. These insights show the importance of targeted education and customer engagement strategies for successful implementations of blockchain technology in the fashion industry. Full article

Sustainable marketing emphasizes the integration of social and environmental responsibility into business strategies, positioning employer branding as a vital tool for advancing sustainable organizational practices. Within the healthcare context of Jordan—a country facing unique socio-cultural and systemic challenges—employer branding may foster a culture that promotes safety and employee well-being. While the findings are context-specific, they offer preliminary insights that may be useful in similar healthcare environments in the Middle East or other collectivist settings. This study explores the use of employer branding as a strategic lever to enhance nurses’ safety voice behavior, a critical component of organizational safety and patient care, through the mediating role of employee engagement. Drawing on employer brand theory and self-determination theory, this research investigates how a strong employer brand image contributes to a more engaged nursing workforce, thereby encouraging proactive communication regarding safety concerns. Data were collected from 240 nurses employed at Jordanian hospitals between September and November 2024. The findings reveal that sustainable employer branding—characterized by transparent, ethical, and inclusive organizational values—significantly enhances employee engagement and, in turn, motivates safety voice behavior. By cultivating a supportive work environment that aligns with nurses’ intrinsic motivations, hospitals can improve not only internal communication around safety but also long-term organizational resilience and trust. This aligns with sustainable marketing principles, which advocate for responsible internal stakeholder engagement as part of a broader sustainability agenda. Full article

Our research investigates the relationship between eco-innovation and earnings management among 567 firms listed on the FTSE All-Share Index from 2014 to 2022. By examining how sustainability-driven innovation influences financial reporting practices, we explore the strategic motivations behind income smoothing in firms engaged in environmental initiatives. The findings reveal a positive association between eco-innovation and earnings management, suggesting that firms may leverage eco-innovation not only for environmental signalling but also to project financial stability and meet stakeholder expectations. The analysis further uncovers that the propensity for earnings management is amplified in firms facing financial constraints, proxied by low Whited-Wu (WW) scores and weak sales performance, and in those characterised by high financial opacity. We employ a robust multi-method approach to address potential endogeneity and selection bias, including entropy balancing, propensity score matching (PSM), and the Heckman Test correction. Our research contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the dual strategic role of eco-innovation—balancing sustainability signalling with earnings management—under varying financial conditions. The findings offer actionable insights for regulators, investors, and policymakers navigating the intersection of corporate transparency, financial health, and environmental responsibility. Full article

The growing number of educational technologies presents possibilities and challenges for personalized instruction. This paper presents a learner-centered decision support system for selecting adaptive instructional strategies, that embeds the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) in a real-time learning environment. The system uses multi-dimensional learner performance data, such as error rate, time-on-task, mastery level, and motivation, to dynamically analyze and recommend the best pedagogical intervention from a pool of strategies, which includes hints, code examples, reflection prompts, and targeted scaffolding. In developing the system, we chose to employ it in a one-off postgraduate Java programming course, as this represents a defined cognitive load structure and samples a spectrum of learners. A robust evaluation was conducted with 100 students and an adaptive system compared to a static/no adaptive control condition. The adaptive system with TOPSIS yielded statistically higher learning outcomes (normalized gain g = 0.49), behavioral engagement (28.3% increase in tasks attempted), and learner satisfaction. A total of 85.3% of the expert evaluators agreed with the system decisions compared to the lecturer’s preferred teaching response towards the prescribed problems and behaviors. In comparison to a rule-based approach, it was clear that the TOPSIS framework provided a more granular and effective adaptation. The findings validate the use of multi-criteria decision-making for real-time instructional support and underscore the transparency, flexibility, and educational potential of the proposed system across broader learning domains. Full article

This systematic literature review investigates the recent applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in supply chain management (SCM), particularly in the domains of resilience, process optimization, sustainability, and implementation challenges. The study is motivated by gaps identified in previous reviews, which often exclude literature published after 2020 and lack an integrated analysis of AI’s contributions across multiple supply chain phases. The review aims to provide an updated synthesis of AI technologies—such as machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI—and their practical implementation between 2021 and 2024. Following the PRISMA framework, a rigorous methodology was applied using the Scopus database, complemented by bibliometric and content analyses. A total of 66 studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria and evaluated for methodological quality and thematic relevance. The findings reveal a diverse classification of AI applications across strategic and operational SCM phases and highlight emerging techniques like explainable AI, neurosymbolic systems, and federated learning. The review also identifies persistent barriers such as data governance, ethical concerns, and scalability. Future research should focus on hybrid AI–human collaboration, transparency through explainable models, and integration with technologies such as IoT and blockchain. This review contributes to the literature by offering a structured synthesis of AI’s transformative impact on SCM and by outlining key research directions to guide future investigations and managerial practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Compared to the general population in Germany, higher risks for depression, suicidal ideation and suicide risk have been reported for German veterinary students. This study assessed various demographic and study-related risk factors for depression, suicidal ideation and suicide risk for the first time. Methods: An online survey was conducted among German veterinary students to determine demographic and study-related characteristics, study conditions, depression, suicidal ideation, suicide risk, Effort–Reward Imbalance (ERI student version) and motivation and achievement goals (Achievement Goal Inventory) during studies. Data of 913 German veterinary students (90.7% female) aged 18 to 46 years (mean age 23.6 years) were analyzed (response rate 14.3%). Hierarchical logistic regression analyses were conducted, with depression, suicidal ideation and suicide risk as dependent variables and demographic as well as study-related factors as independent variables. Results: With the factors used, the variance explanation was highest for depression, followed by suicidal ideation and suicide risk. Low reward and high overcommitment were found to be the most important predictors for depression, suicidal ideation and suicide risk. Significant associations with depression, suicidal ideation and suicide risk were also revealed for time of study choice, general university entrance qualification grade, learning in a learning group, perceived peer competition and performance expectation from lecturers, as well as transparency of study requirements and transparency of examination requirements. Conclusions: The results of this study provide indications for the development of suitable prevention and intervention measures at veterinary medical schools to strengthen the mental health of veterinary students in Germany. Full article

Increasing turnover intention among public employees in Korean public sector organizations endangers both organizational sustainability and public service quality. Although prior research highlights job stress, compensation systems, and organizational culture as key drivers of turnover, scholars in limited empirical studies directly examine the role of public service motivation. In this study, we address this gap by investigating whether public service motivation reduces turnover intention and how perceived organizational politics may moderate this relationship. Using survey data from the 2023 Korean Public Employee Viewpoints Survey—conducted by the Korea Institute of Public Administration and including responses from central and local government employees—we employ stereotype logistic regression for analysis. Results show that public service motivation significantly lowers turnover intention, but its positive effect diminishes when employees perceive high levels of organizational politics. When employees believe that power and resources are distributed based on political interests rather than merit, they experience diminished reciprocity toward their organization. As a result, their intention to leave the organization increases. These findings underscore the need to sustain and enhance public service motivation while mitigating perceived organizational politics. Enhancing fairness, transparency, and trust—while reducing political interference—can preserve public service motivation’s positive impact and reduce turnover intention within public sector organizations. Full article