Search Results (842)

The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally disrupted assumptions about entrepreneurship, career planning, and professional development. This study explored how the pandemic influenced the entrepreneurial intentions of undergraduate business students in the United States. Using a qualitative methodology based on in-depth interviews with 31 students at a public Midwestern university, the research interpreted student narratives through the lenses of effectuation theory, resilience theory, and the theory of planned behavior. Findings revealed that many participants reframed entrepreneurship as a strategy for navigating economic uncertainty and enhancing personal agency. Students reported valuing adaptability, resourcefulness, and opportunity recognition, often experimenting with side hustles during the pandemic as a means of resilience. Their entrepreneurial thinking shifted from purely economic motivations toward aspirations for flexibility, self-fulfillment, and purposeful work. The study highlights the formative role of crisis contexts in shaping entrepreneurial identity among emerging professionals. It suggests that entrepreneurship education should move beyond traditional models, fostering skills for navigating complexity and building resilience. In doing so, the findings contribute to broader conversations about youth entrepreneurship, post-pandemic career development, and the evolving demands of the labor market in times of disruption. Full article

This study addresses a critical gap in understanding how mobile banking applications contribute to sustainable development by introducing a novel text mining framework to analyze sustainability dimensions through user-generated content. We analyzed 120,000 reviews from six major Turkish mobile banking applications using an ownership-sensitive analytical approach that integrates structural topic modeling with four sustainability dimensions (environmental, social, governance, and economic). Our analysis reveals significant institutional differences in sustainability approaches: government-owned banks demonstrate substantially stronger overall sustainability orientation (23.43% vs. 11.83% coverage) with pronounced emphasis on social sustainability (+181.7% growth) and economic development (+104.2% growth), while private banks prioritize innovation-focused sustainability. The temporal analysis (2022–2025) shows accelerating sustainability emphasis across all institutions, with distinct evolution patterns by ownership type. Institution-specific sustainability profiles emerge clearly, with each government bank demonstrating distinctive focus areas aligned with historical missions: cultural heritage preservation, agricultural sector support, and small business development. Mapping to Sustainable Development Goals reveals that government banks prioritize development-focused goals (SDGs 1, 8, and 10), while private banks emphasize innovation-focused goals (SDGs 9 and 17). This research makes three key contributions: demonstrating user-generated content as an effective lens for authentic sustainability assessment, establishing ownership-sensitive evaluation frameworks for digital banking sustainability, and providing empirical evidence for contextualized rather than universal sustainability strategies. The findings offer strategic implications for financial institutions, policymakers, and app developers seeking to enhance sustainable digital banking transformation. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most influential and rapidly developing phenomena of our time. New fields of study are being created at universities, and managers are constantly introducing new AI solutions for business management, marketing, and advertising new products. Unfortunately, AI is also used to promote dangerous political parties and ideologies. The research problem that is the focus of this work is expressed in the following question: How does the symbiotic relationship between artificial and natural intelligence manifest across three dimensions of human experience—philosophical understanding, educational practice, and pastoral care—and what hermeneutical, phenomenological, and critical realist insights can illuminate both the promises and perils of this emerging co-evolution? In order to address this issue, an interdisciplinary research team was established. This team comprised a philosopher, an educator, and a pastoral theologian. This study is grounded in a critical–hermeneutic meta-analysis of the existing literature, ecclesial documents, and empirical investigations on AI. The results of scientific research allow for a broader insight into the impact of AI on humans and on personal relationships in Christian communities. The authors are concerned not only with providing an in-depth understanding of the issue but also with taking into account the ecumenical perspective of religious, social, and cultural education of contemporary Christians. Our analysis reveals that cultivating a healthy symbiosis between artificial and natural intelligence requires specific competencies and ethical frameworks. We therefore conclude with practical recommendations for Christian formation that neither uncritically embrace nor fearfully reject AI, but rather foster wise discernment for navigating this unprecedented co-evolutionary moment in human history. Full article

The increasing complexity of the hotel industry necessitates the implementation of sophisticated cost systems capable of delivering accurate and relevant cost information to support managerial decision-making. Investigating the determinants of cost system design is crucial, given that no single accounting system is universally applicable across all business contexts. This study addresses a critical gap by examining the key drivers of cost system sophistication through the theoretical frameworks of contingency and upper echelons theories, focusing specifically on the Greek hotel sector. Employing multiple regression analysis, the findings reveal that firm size, cost structure, the importance of cost information in decision-making, and the integration of information technology significantly influence the complexity of cost systems. Conversely, factors such as competition, service diversity, business strategy, organizational life cycle, and executive characteristics showed no statistically significant impact. These findings contribute to management accounting and hospitality literature by integrating theoretical perspectives and identifying key determinants of cost system sophistication. Moreover, the study offers practical insights for designing cost systems that meet the specific needs of the hotel industry. Full article

This study examines the relationship between fear of failure, entrepreneurial passion, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy among university business students from four emerging Latin American economies: Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. This research addresses the need to understand the psychological factors that influence entrepreneurship, particularly in developing economies. Using non-probability convenience sampling, surveys were distributed between June 2021 and August 2022, and 961 valid responses were obtained. Scales from renowned researchers were used, which were translated and semantically validated in Spanish to measure the three variables. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with PLS. The overall results reveal that fear of failure negatively affects entrepreneurial passion, while entrepreneurial passion has a positive and significant relationship with entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Furthermore, entrepreneurial passion has a positive and significant relationship with fear of failure and entrepreneurial self-efficacy, with substantial differences between countries. Gender differences were also identified: in women, all relationships in the model were significant, while in men, the direct effect of fear of failure on entrepreneurial self-efficacy did not reach statistical significance. These findings contribute to the entrepreneurship literature by demonstrating that the relationship between these psychological variables varies by context (country) and gender, contradicting the notion of a universal effect. Full article

The HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafes) sector plays a pivotal role in the economy due to its strong connections with various other industries, including agriculture, food and beverage, construction, packaging, waste management, water, and textiles. Given its broad impact, understanding the perceptions of students—emerging consumers and future professionals—could provide valuable insights for businesses seeking to enhance sustainable practices in ways that resonate with younger generations and improve their competitiveness. However, there is still limited understanding of how students perceive and engage with sustainability in this sector. This study explores student perceptions of sustainability practices within the HoReCa sector, examining their awareness levels, expectations, and behavior. The objective is to assess how effectively current business approaches align with student values regarding sustainability initiatives and identify key factors influencing their engagement. A structured questionnaire was distributed among university students, and the collected data was analyzed using statistical techniques to identify meaningful trends and correlations. Findings revealed a notable disconnect between students’ professed sustainability values and their actual behavior. Primary obstacles included price sensitivity, skepticism toward environmental marketing claims, and insufficient access to clear sustainability information from businesses. Despite supporting sustainable initiatives in principle, students often struggle to translate their values into purchasing decisions. The research suggests that greater business transparency, enhanced sustainability education, and incentive programs could foster increased student engagement. Full article

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are vital drivers of economic growth in Kenya, yet they face persistent barriers, including limited capacity, financial exclusion, and weak market integration. This study assessed the potential of universities as strategic hubs for MSME capacity building through a collaborative initiative between Egerton University and the KCB Foundation. Using the International Labour Organization’s Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) methodology, 481 entrepreneurs from Egerton, Njoro, and Gilgil were trained in a business development bootcamp. This study evaluated the training effectiveness, participant demographics, confidence in skill application, networking outcomes, and satisfaction levels. The results showed high participant confidence (over 95% across all regions), strong financial management uptake (85%), and mobile banking adoption (70%). Gilgil led in inclusivity and peer engagement, while Njoro showed stronger gender representation. However, logistical challenges caused 25% absenteeism in rural areas, and only 23% accessed post-training mentorship. These findings underscore the transformative role of HEIs in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship through localized, inclusive, and industry-aligned training. Policy recommendations include hybrid delivery models, tiered curricula for diverse skill levels, and institutionalized mentorship through public–private partnerships. This case demonstrates the value of embedding entrepreneurship support within university mandates to advance national MSME development agendas. Full article

Amid growing concern about labour market resilience in an era of digital and green transitions, this study carries out an investigation on how academic innovation and industrial transformation jointly shape sustainable employment outcomes across EU-27 member states. We frame this inquiry within the emerging concept of the “employment trilemma”, which posits inherent tension between competitiveness, innovation, and social inclusiveness in modern economies. Drawing on a dynamic panel dataset (2005–2023) and employing System SMM estimations, we test the hypothesis that the alignment of academic innovation systems and industrial transformation strategies enhances long-term employment sustainability. Our results reveal a nuanced relationship: academic innovation significantly supports employment in countries with high knowledge absorption capacity, whereas industrial transformation contributes positively only when embedded in cohesive, inclusive economic frameworks. Thus, these findings provide valuable insights for international business due to their emphasis on the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, policy synchronisation, and investment in human capital for firms navigating increasingly volatile labour markets. Likewise, the study offers actionable insights for business leaders, policymakers, and universities striving to balance innovation with equitable labour market outcomes in an integrated European economy. Full article

To provide a more holistic understanding of how digital tools shape the educational environment, this paper includes a comprehensive analysis that explores several dimensions of technology use in higher education: use of artificial intelligence in education, online collaboration, use of an E-Board for learning, and excessive use of technology. With the aim of measuring students’ use of digital technology to support their studies, this research meets the goals of developing the measurement process, building a multi-criteria model, and applying it to a real-life example of determining the degree of students’ use of digital technology in relation to the demonstrated quality of academic performance. The analysis is based on a survey conducted among students at the University of Maribor’s Faculty of Economics and Business. Using factor analysis and multi-criteria evaluation, the findings reveal that students who demonstrate very-high-quality achievements also report the highest level of technology use to support their studies. They are followed by students with outstanding achievements, who excel in using an E-Board for learning and in demonstrating responsibility regarding excessive technology use. Students who achieve acceptable-quality results with certain defects stand out in online collaboration and the use of AI in the study process. The lowest level of technology use was reported by students demonstrating moderate-quality achievements. Theoretically, this research contributes to a better understanding of the multidimensional use of digital technology in higher education, while, practically, it provides useful guidelines for optimizing digital learning tools and enhancing the overall quality of the academic process. Full article

The empowerment of rural women through sustainable entrepreneurship is pivotal for fostering economic development and social transformation in developing communities. This study examines the impact of university social responsibility (USR) programs on strengthening sustainable entrepreneurship among rural women, emphasizing the mediating role of economic empowerment. Utilizing a structural equation model (SEM), we explore causal pathways between USR interventions, entrepreneurial capacities, and the sustainability of rural businesses. Key dimensions analyzed include economic resources, social networks, and psychological self-efficacy, as well as their interrelation with community development. The findings demonstrate that multidimensional USR programs integrating technical training, social support, and economic resources significantly enhance entrepreneurial resilience and value chain integration. Notably, the analysis reveals that economic empowerment mediates the relationship between USR programs and business sustainability, with improvements in community participation and ICT quality identified as critical drivers. Furthermore, the post-intervention results highlight a shift from technology access challenges to a focus on ICT content quality and psychosocial development, reflecting maturity in community adaptation and resource utilization. This research provides empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of USR programs in catalyzing sustainable transformations in rural contexts. The results offer actionable insights for designing targeted interventions that integrate technical, social, and economic dimensions, contributing to the advancement of sustainable entrepreneurship and rural development theory. Full article

This study investigates participation patterns in publicly accessible educational events organized by a college policy and research center. These programs, which addressed topics related to energy and sustainability, were conducted both online and in person and featured expert speakers from government, business, and nonprofit sectors. By analyzing registration data from over 1400 participants across multiple events, the study identifies key trends in attendance, including sector affiliation, repeat attendance, and the impact of regional relevance on program popularity. The findings indicate that most participants were private citizens or affiliated with the business sector, with lower attendance rates from academia, government, and nonprofit sectors. Furthermore, the study underscores the popularity of regionally pertinent topics and the challenges in attracting participants to more specialized topics. The research highlights the importance of providing low-barrier, accessible adult environmental education (AEE) opportunities. It suggests that colleges and universities, with organizational capabilities and access to expert speakers, are uniquely positioned to offer these programs. This study contributes to the limited quantitative research on AEE, addressing a gap in understanding participation patterns and engagement within the field. Full article

Background: The concept of evidence-based practice (EBP) is globally relevant in current healthcare climates. However, nursing students and teachers often struggle with integrating EBP effectively into a curriculum. This has implications for the way students learn to use evidence for their nursing practice. A new undergraduate EBP module was co-designed with current nursing students and university staff throughout 2023. Underpinning the module was a UDL (universal design for learning) pedagogy consisting of flexible approaches to learning for nursing students which included co-developed videos, co-developed audio podcasts, and co-developed serious games to complement traditional flipped classroom learning. The module commenced in September 2023, running in Year 1 one of a 3-year undergraduate nursing program, and was co-taught by staff and senior students. Methods: A pre/post-test design was used to collect data on student attitude, knowledge, and utilization of EBP. A total of 430 students completed two validated questionnaires, the EBP Beliefs Scale© and EBP Implementation Scale©, before and after the module. Following the post-test, six focus group interviews were also conducted with 58 students to explore how the module informed student nursing practice whilst attending clinical placement during Year 1. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed. Sample attrition occurred (~25%). Effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for primary outcomes. Results: Quantitative data was analyzed using paired t-tests and this highlighted statistically significant improvements in attitude, knowledge and utilization of evidence-based practice after learning (p < 0.001). Qualitative data was transcribed verbatim, thematically analyzed, and highlighted three main findings; EBP is my business, EBP positively influenced the care of my patients and EBP has positively impacted my professional development. Conclusions: Partnership with current nursing students in the co-design and implementation of a module about EBP was associated with improvements in student knowledge, attitude and utilization of evidence in practice. These factors are likely to also improve professional competence and ultimately patient care. Full article

Entrepreneurship development strategies are crucial for translating academic potential into economic and societal value. To achieve this, educational institutions must understand the factors influencing students’ entrepreneurial intentions. While research on academic entrepreneurship exists, comparative studies that explore these factors across different national contexts are scarce. This study addresses this gap through a comparative analysis of student entrepreneurship in Bulgaria, Malta, and Turkey, investigating key factors, such as attitudes toward entrepreneurship (ATE), the role of entrepreneurship education (EEdu), and entrepreneurial inspirations. Based on 415 survey responses collected between April and June 2024, hypothesized relationships were tested using appropriate bivariate statistical analyses. The results indicate that a positive evaluation of running one’s own business significantly increases entrepreneurial intentions, particularly when the business is perceived as safe, realistic, pleasant, and strong. The university’s role is pivotal: students largely relied on institutional support for their business initiatives; showed a strong preference for practical, hands-on educational methods; and identified a lack of entrepreneurship education as a key obstacle. A family background with entrepreneurial parents also positively influenced students’ preference for running their own businesses. Interestingly, the findings challenge a simple dichotomy between employment and entrepreneurship. A preference for full-time employment did not diminish entrepreneurial intentions, suggesting students may view these career paths as complementary or sequential. Conversely, preferences for part-time or self-employment did not have a significant positive impact on entrepreneurial initiatives. These findings underscore the need for universities to provide tailored, practical support and to recognize the complex and non-linear career trajectories envisioned by modern students. Full article

This study explored the mediating role of general self-efficacy between dispositional optimism, a construct within the domains of positive emotions and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Using a sample of 484 Greek business administration students from public universities, it was found that dispositional optimism influenced entrepreneurial self-efficacy via general self-efficacy. The findings are discussed with reference to social cognitive career theory (SCCT) conceptual framework to entrepreneurial intentions. The study contributes to and expands on the specific literature on this topic by introducing dispositional optimism as a person input variable in the first component of the conceptual framework. Implications for research and students’ career counseling, entrepreneurial education programs, and social policy are also discussed. Full article

This paper explores the link between the results of the UK’s Research Evaluation Exercises (REEs) and university decisions on which Units of Assessment (UOA) to submit to in future REEs. How the raw data from REEs can be converted into two novel measurements of research performance—an internal and an external measurement—is explained. Data on two UOAs, Business and Management Studies (BMS) and Economics and Econometrics (E&E), from five consecutive REEs undertaken in the United Kingdom (UK) between 1992 and 2014, was then used to assess whether and how the results of one REE were related to UOA submissions in the next. The findings reveal that both the internal and external assessments of performance were associated with changes in the probability of resubmission to the same UOA in the next REE, with the external comparisons being particularly important. It also appears that while one instance of poor performance might be tolerated by a university, repeated poor performance was associated with a heightened risk of withdrawal from both the BMS and E&E UOAs in the next REE. In addition, holding research performance constant, universities were significantly more likely to withdraw from the E&E UOA than the BMS UOA. New (post-1992) universities were also more likely to continue to submit to a UOA in the next REE than pre-1992 institutions. There is also some evidence that the quality of submissions to the BMS UOA is catching up with that of submissions to the E&E UOA. The somewhat worrying implications of these findings for the health of the Economics discipline in UK universities are assessed. Full article