Abstract:This study examines the rapid expansion of the coffee shop industry in Makassar City as a phenomenon that creates not only economic opportunities but also increasing competitive saturation. As coffee shops in Makassar have…
ve developed beyond places of beverage consumption into urban social spaces linked to lifestyle, sociability, symbolic visibility, and identity formation, competition has become denser and more complex. The study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of how coffee shop owners and managers experience, interpret, and respond to this increasingly crowded market. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research employed in-depth semi-structured interviews with business actors involved in strategic and operational decision-making, supported by contextual observation and business-related documents. The findings reveal five main themes: market growth is experienced as both opportunity and pressure; similarity among coffee shops increases vulnerability and reduces perceived distinctiveness; entrepreneurs rely on continuous adaptation rather than fixed strategies; business sustainability is understood as stability, relevance, and survival rather than expansion alone; and competition is shaped not only by product and price, but also by ambience, visibility, symbolic value, and lifestyle alignment.
Abstract:Abstract also written in English containing key issues, objectives, methods and results. Abstract This study examines the role of service creativity in the performing arts ecosystem within the context of cultural tourism,…
m, highlighting how service processes contribute to value creation beyond the artistic aspect. Cultural tourism has shifted from an object-based orientation to an experiential one, understanding performing arts not merely as a creative product but as an experience constructed through interactions between service providers and consumers. In this context, service becomes an integral part of the value creation process and audience satisfaction. This research uses a qualitative approach with a single case study method at PT Mata Hati Kitapoleng, a performing arts company in Bali. Data collection was conducted through in-depth semi-structured interviews and non-participatory observation. This research focuses on how service creativity is built through organizational processes, interactions, and practices. The results show that service creativity is formed through a structured yet flexible process, which integrates empathy for consumers, team collaboration, idea exploration, and continuous evaluation. The design thinking approach enables companies to deeply understand consumer needs and translate them into personalized and meaningful experiences. Service in this context is understood as a co-creative process, where consumers play an active role in shaping the final outcome. Furthermore, consumer satisfaction is influenced by various factors, such as trust, production and financial efficiency, innovation capacity, and evaluation and feedback mechanisms. This research confirms that service creativity is a strategic element in enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of performing arts businesses within the cultural tourism ecosystem.
Abstract:This study aims to describe and explain consumer perceptions of environmentally friendly products and their impact on purchasing decisions in Makassar City. With increasing attention to environmental issues and changes in…
n urban lifestyles, it is important for businesses to understand how consumers assess sustainability oriented products. This study uses a qualitative explanatory approach with data collection techniques through in depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Twelve research informants were selected through purposive sampling, consisting of 12 active consumers of environmentally friendly products domiciled in Makassar City, conducted over a three month period from January to March 2026. The results show that consumer perceptions of environmentally friendly products are influenced by three main dimensions, namely: (1) environmental awareness (eco consciousness), (2) trust in green claims, and (3) perception of multidimensional product value. These three dimensions together form a positive attitude that ultimately drives purchasing decisions for environmentally friendly products. In line with the findings of (Hasnidar & Ridha, 2025) which confirmed that eco consciousness and perception of sustainable packaging have a significant influence on green purchasing behavior through the mediation of consumer attitudes, this study enriches this understanding with a qualitative perspective that explores consumers' subjective meanings and experiences in depth.
Abstract:This study aims to analyze the product differentiation strategy implemented by Nhanas Donuts Pinrang in facing culinary business competition in the millennial and Gen Z era. The research method used is descriptive qualitative…
ative with data collection techniques through interviews, observation, and documentation. Informants consisted of the owner, production and service employees, as well as millennial and Gen Z consumers. The results showed that the product differentiation strategy applied includes four main aspects: flavor innovation with contemporary variants (matcha cheese, red velvet crumble, cookies and cream), attractive and "instagrammable" visual display, aesthetic and modern packaging design, as well as active digital marketing through Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Supporting factors for the success of differentiation include the owner's creativity, understanding of young consumer behavior, strategic location, and digital branding. The implications of this study indicate that product differentiation integrated with digital marketing is able to increase competitiveness and customer loyalty of local culinary Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in the digital era.
Abstract:This study aims to systematically analyze the influence of ease of use and product safety on sales increase with customer satisfaction as a mediating variable through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach combined…
d with bibliometric analysis. The research method uses a qualitative-descriptive approach with SLR techniques to identify, select, and analyze relevant scientific articles from various academic databases in a given publication period. The literature selection process is carried out through the stages of identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion so that a number of articles that meet the inclusion criteria are obtained. Bibliometric analysis is used to map research trends, author collaborations, and developments on topics related to ease of use, product safety, customer satisfaction, and sales improvement. The results of the study show that the ease of use of products or services contributes significantly to the perception of value and customer comfort in using the product, which ultimately increases the level of satisfaction. In addition, product safety is also an important factor that affects customer trust so as to strengthen consumer satisfaction and loyalty. Customer satisfaction has been shown to play a role as a mediating variable that strengthens the relationship between ease of use and product safety to increased sales. The findings of this study confirm that companies need to optimize aspects of ease of use and product safety as a strategy to increase customer satisfaction and encourage sustainable sales growth. This study also makes theoretical and practical contributions in the development of marketing literature and consumer management, especially related to the integration of SLR approaches and bibliometric analysis in understanding the dynamics of factors that influence sales increases.
Abstract:The rapid development of digital financial technology has significantly transformed investment activities by providing easier access to financial markets through digital investment applications. This study aims to explore…
e the perceptions and experiences of beginner investors in making investment decisions in the digital era. Using a qualitative research approach with a phenomenological perspective, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with beginner investors who actively use digital investment applications. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes related to investors’ experiences and decision-making processes. The findings reveal that investment decision-making among beginner investors is influenced by several interconnected factors, including the accessibility and usability of digital investment platforms, the influence of social media and online communities, the development of financial literacy, and psychological experiences related to investment gains and losses. Digital investment applications play a crucial role in lowering barriers to market participation by providing user-friendly interfaces and accessible financial information. However, reliance on social media as a source of investment information may also expose investors to misinformation and speculative investment behavior. In addition, emotional responses such as confidence, fear, and uncertainty often influence investment decisions among beginner investors. Overall, the study highlights that investment decision-making in the digital era is a multidimensional process shaped by technological accessibility, social influence, financial knowledge, and psychological factors. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of investor behavior in digital financial environments and emphasize the importance of financial education and responsible investment practices.
Abstract:The rapid development of digital technology and social media platforms has significantly transformed consumer purchasing behavior, particularly in relation to digital products. Social media has evolved beyond its traditional…
onal role as a communication platform and now functions as an important environment where consumers discover, evaluate, and purchase products. This study aims to explore the psychological factors that influence consumer decision-making in purchasing digital products through social media platforms. A qualitative research approach was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of consumers' experiences and perspectives. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with social media users who had purchased digital products based on information encountered on social media platforms. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes related to consumer psychology in digital purchasing behavior. The findings reveal that consumer decision-making in purchasing digital products is influenced by several interconnected psychological and social factors. Five major themes emerged from the analysis: social media as a discovery environment, cognitive evaluation of digital products, trust formation and credibility cues, psychological motivations for purchasing digital products, and social influence from peers, influencers, and online communities. The results indicate that social media plays a significant role not only in introducing digital products but also in shaping consumer perceptions, trust, and purchase intentions. Consumers actively interpret information obtained from social media, evaluate product credibility through reviews and recommendations, and rely on social interactions to reduce uncertainty before making purchase decisions. This study contributes to the understanding of consumer psychology in digital environments by highlighting how psychological motivations and social influences interact within social media platforms to shape digital purchasing decisions. The findings also provide practical insights for digital marketers and product creators to design more effective strategies that emphasize authenticity, trust-building, and community engagement in promoting digital products.
Abstract:The focus of research shifts from the dominance of positivism to a non-positivistic approach that places meaning, interpretation, and social construction at the center of analysis. One of the main approaches within this…
paradigm is Grounded Theory Research (GTR), a qualitative method developed by Glaser and Strauss (1967) to build empirically data-based theory through a rigorous inductive process. In the accounting context, GTR becomes increasingly relevant because reporting practices, accountability, and financial decision-making cannot be understood solely through objective measurements, but rather through social interactions, organizational values, and the interpretations of the actors involved (Ahrens & Chapman, 2006). This article aims to examine the role and relevance of GTR in modern accounting research by highlighting its philosophical foundations, methodological procedures, and contributions to the development of practice-based accounting theory. Through a systematic literature review, it is found that GTR has the ability to uncover the social dynamics that shape accounting practices such as accountability, ethics, managerial control, and institutional legitimacy that have previously been overlooked by positivistic approaches (Charmaz, 2006; Bryant & Charmaz, 2007). GTR has also proven relevant in the context of changing reporting systems, accounting digitalization, and the integration of sustainability principles such as ESG, where meaning, professional identity, and interpretive processes are dominant elements (Adams & Larrinaga, 2019). The study's findings confirm that GTR not only offers a systematic method for data collection and analysis, but also provides a more reflective, context-sensitive epistemological framework capable of generating substantive theory that is truly rooted in organizational reality. Thus, GTR is a powerful methodological alternative in enriching accounting knowledge, while providing a deeper understanding of how accounting practices are executed, negotiated, and interpreted in everyday organizational life.
Abstract:This study aims to determine the Effect of Raw Material Inventory Management on Work Productivity of PT. KSS (Karunia Sejahtera Sejati) Nias Branch. The research method used is a quantitative approach. The sample in this…
study amounted to 31 respondents. Data collection techniques were carried out through the distribution of questionnaires and documentation. Data analysis techniques used simple linear regression analysis, classical assumption tests, coefficient of determination tests and t-tests with the help of the SPSS version 25 statistical application. The R2 Determination Test that has been carried out obtained the result that the R2 value is 0.620. This shows that the Raw Material Inventory Management variable (X) can explain Work Productivity (Y) by 62%, while the remaining 38% is explained by other factors not covered in this study. Based on the data analysis, it shows that simultaneously the Raw Material Inventory Management variable has a positive and significant effect on Work Productivity with a significance of 0.000 <0.05 and the T-value obtained is 6.877> 1.696 so that it can be concluded that Ha is accepted and has an effect on the dependent variable of Work Productivity (Y). The conclusion of this study is that the Raw Material Inventory Management variable partially or simultaneously has an effect on Work Productivity and it is recommended that PT. KSS (Karunia Sejahtera Sejati) provide increased competency and understanding of employees regarding inventory management that is very necessary so that they are able to carry out their tasks more efficiently and effectively, so that work productivity increases. Periodic training and socialization regarding inventory management and its relationship to work productivity must continue to be carried out.
Abstract:This study aims to analyze the application of game theory in understanding strategic behavior among firms in an oligopolistic market. Using a qualitative approach with a literature review method, this research examines the…
he concepts of Nash equilibrium, dominant strategy, and price discrimination as foundations for determining optimal strategies among market players. The findings show that game theory, particularly the Cournot, Bertrand, and Stackelberg models, effectively explains competitive interactions in markets with limited participants. Moreover, regulations such as Law No. 5 of 1999 play an important role in maintaining fair competition. Game theory proves to be an effective analytical tool for formulating corporate strategies and economic policies in oligopolistic markets