Abstract:This research aims to examine and analyze the influence of brand image on the purchasing decisions of students at the Faculty of Economics, Nias University, in the context of online shopping. The background of this study…
stems from the rapid growth of e-commerce in Indonesia, which has significantly changed consumer shopping behavior, particularly among students who are highly adaptive to digital technology. In online shopping situations, where consumers cannot physically assess the product, brand image becomes one of the main factors influencing consumer trust, perceived quality, and confidence in making purchasing decisions. The type of research employed is quantitative research with a survey approach. The study population consisted of 1,959 active students of the Faculty of Economics, Nias University, with a sample of 95 respondents determined using the Slovin formula. Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire covering brand image indicators (strength, favorability, and uniqueness of brand association) as well as purchasing decision indicators (problem recognition, information search, evaluation of alternatives, purchase decision, and post-purchase behavior). The data were analyzed using validity and reliability tests, simple linear regression analysis, t-test, and determination test with the aid of SPSS software. The results of the study indicate that brand image has a positive and significant effect on students' purchasing decisions in online shopping. This finding implies that the stronger the brand image, the higher the tendency of students to make online purchases. Therefore, companies or online businesses need to develop and strengthen their brand image through consistent marketing communication strategies, clear product information, and credible brand reputation to increase consumer loyalty and purchase intention.
Abstract:This study investigates the role of acquisition premiums in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and their impact on shareholder wealth, focusing on five major Indian deals in pharmaceuticals, retail, banking, steel, and renewable…
able energy sectors. Potential synergies often justify acquisition premiums ranging from approximately 15% to 40% above target companies’ market values. However, market responses suggest that such premiums may not consistently result in value creation for acquiring firms' shareholders. Empirical findings reveal mixed outcomes: Sun Pharma’s acquisition of Ranbaxy led to a 9.8% share price increase within five days, while Tata Steel’s high-premium acquisition of Bhushan Steel saw only a 1.7% gain. In contrast, deals like Reliance–Future Retail and Tata Power–Welspun Power showed minimal or negative returns, despite sizable premiums. These patterns indicate that premium size alone is not a reliable predictor of post-deal shareholder wealth creation. The study concludes that M&A success depends more on strategic fit, market timing, and sectoral dynamics than on the premium offered. This analysis contributes to the broader M&A discourse by offering evidence-based insights into how premium valuations can either maximise or dilute shareholder value, aiding investors, corporate strategists, and policy analysts in deal assessment.
Abstract:The development of Islamic microfinance institutions requires the implementation of financing schemes that are not only compliant with Sharia principles but also capable of maintaining financing quality and sustainability.…
y. One of the most widely applied contracts is murabahah financing, particularly in supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This study aims to analyze the implementation of murabahah financing and the risk mitigation strategies applied at BMT Alif Mandiri Makassar. This research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical method. Data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews with management and financing officers, and documentation studies. The findings indicate that murabahah financing at BMT Alif Mandiri Makassar is implemented regularly through several stages, including application submission, feasibility analysis, financing approval, contract realization, and post-disbursement monitoring. The financing analysis emphasizes repayment capacity, members' character, and the suitability of financed goods for productive business needs. Risk mitigation strategies are conducted through careful customer character assessment, direct business verification, proportional margin determination, the use of collateral as a financing safeguard, and continuous monitoring. This study concludes that productive murabahah financing supported by integrated risk management practices is an effective and sustainable financing instrument for the development of MSMEs within Islamic microfinance institutions
Abstract:This study analyzes the financial condition of the Osseda Faolala Perempuan Nias Consumer Cooperative during the period January 2021–December 2024, focusing on the management of current assets, short-term liabilities, and…
and the repayment rate of member loans. Data were processed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression to assess the cooperative's financial balance and factors influencing business growth. The classical assumption test showed that the regression model met the feasibility criteria, both in terms of normality and autocorrelation, thus the analysis results were reliable. The t-test results proved that working capital had a positive and significant effect on cooperative business growth with a significance value <0.05. The coefficient of determination (R² = 0.887) confirmed that 88.7% of the variation in business growth was explained by working capital management. This means that the more optimal the management of working capital—including current assets, short-term liabilities, and member loans—the higher the cooperative's chances of growth and development. In addition to strengthening the existing literature, this study is consistent with the findings of Winata et al. (2023) on manufacturing companies and Herawati (2023) on savings and loan cooperatives, both demonstrated the importance of working capital management to financial performance. However, these results differ from the research of Rezki Erdian et al. (2022) on the retail sector, which found that receivables had no significant effect on profitability. This difference indicates that the relevance of working capital is highly dependent on the institutional context. Overall, this study confirms that optimal working capital management is not merely an administrative issue, but a strategic factor determining cooperative business growth and improving welfare. member.
Abstract:This study aims to analyze human resource policies to improve the quality of employee performance at the Population Control, Women's Empowerment, and Child Protection Service of Gunungsitoli City. The research focuses on…
three main objectives: (1) to determine the form of human resource policies implemented to improve performance quality, (2) to identify supporting and inhibiting factors in the implementation of these policies, and (3) to formulate appropriate strategies to improve employee performance. The research method used is a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. The results show that the implemented human resource policies include training and competency development, performance assessment based on work indicators, and a reward system and work discipline. Supporting factors for the implementation of these policies include leadership support, active employee participation, and the availability of a training budget. However, there are also inhibiting factors such as a lack of professional human resources, limited supporting facilities and infrastructure, and low work motivation among some employees. The strategies implemented to improve performance quality include strengthening supervision, developing a collaborative work culture, improving the quality of training, and regular evaluation of policy implementation. This study concludes that appropriate and consistent human resource policies play a crucial role in building more optimal employee performance within the service environment.
Abstract:This study aims to analyze the effects of competence, reward systems, and training on the performance of executive officers in Sharia Rural Banks (BPRS), with job satisfaction as an intervening variable. The primary focus…
s is to assess the extent to which these factors influence executive performance within the context of Islamic microfinance institutions. Employing a quantitative, explanatory design, primary data were collected via a Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using structural equation modeling–partial least squares (SEM–PLS) with SmartPLS. The study population consists of executive officers of BPRS in Indonesia. Using purposive sampling, 121 responses were obtained from multiple BPRS across several regions. The results show that (1) competence has a positive effect on performance; (2) job satisfaction positively affects performance; (3) the reward system influences performance primarily through job satisfaction (partial/competitive mediation), while its direct effect on performance tends to be negative; and (4) training does not exhibit a significant effect on performance, and its indirect path via job satisfaction is not significant. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening competence and redesigning reward systems in alignment with executive expectations to enhance job satisfaction and performance.
Abstract:In an uncertain economic climate, a large global retailer used AI-powered spend intelligence to move $220 million from indirect operational costs toward high-impact R&D. In a difficult recession, this decisive step boosted…
ed revenue by 11%, demonstrating the transformative impact of effective capital management. This achievement contrasts with "spend blindness," where industry studies show most financial leaders struggle to link expenditure patterns to strategic growth outcomes and resort to reactive cost-cutting. This study addresses this crucial gap. A thorough mixed-methods approach including a global survey of 400 CFOs, longitudinal case studies of ten multinational organizations, and advanced predictive modeling substantiated a new paradigm. Research shows that companies that understand AI-driven spend orchestration develop 7.3% faster than competitors. This premium comes from a 37% improvement in the Growth Efficiency Ratio (GER), a critical statistic for translating savings into innovation, and 5.8 times more strategic investment opportunities than standard financial approaches allow. The Spend Intelligence Quotient (SIQ), a groundbreaking statistic that assesses financial agility through integrated spend monitoring, predictive analytics, and rapid capital reallocation, is key to this advantage. This paper introduces the empirically based Spend Orchestration Framework and the requirements for the 2025 AI Finance Stack to obtain SIQ >80, the empirically proven threshold for sustainable competitive advantage. The message is clear: finance chiefs must go beyond oversight. Today's CFO may use predictive contracting and algorithmic governance to turn spend data into strategic leverage, ensure resilience, and capture disproportionate value in.
Abstract:This study aims to determine the effect of Word of Mouth (WOM) and promotion on consumer purchasing decisions for Fore Coffee products at the Alauddin Makassar branch. In the current digital era, consumer behavior is heavily…
vily influenced by peer recommendations and digital promotional strategies. Using a quantitative research approach with stratified random sampling, data were collected from 100 respondents through a Likert-scale questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the impact of the two independent variables—WOM and promotion—on purchasing decisions. The results showed that WOM has a significant partial influence on purchasing decisions, indicating that peer communication, both traditional and electronic, is a dominant factor in shaping consumer perceptions and preferences. Promotion, on the other hand, did not show a significant partial effect, suggesting that price incentives alone may not be sufficient to influence purchasing behavior unless reinforced by social influence or trust. However, the simultaneous effect of WOM and promotion was statistically significant, emphasizing their combined role in consumer decision-making. The study concludes that WOM is a more dominant and effective marketing tool than standalone promotions and should be central to marketing strategies in the lifestyle-based coffee industry. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of consumer behavior and offer practical implications for enhancing marketing effectiveness through integrated communication approaches.
Abstract:Digital technology has great potential to revolutionize family finance, especially in rural areas such as Watang Kassa Village, Batulappa District, Pinrang Regency. Digital finance provides solutions for families that previously…
eviously relied on manual financial record-keeping and traditional financial information systems. With digital technology, people can record and monitor their family finances through digital financial platforms, making family financial management more efficient. Research Objectives: (1) To analyze the level of digital financial literacy among low-income communities and identify the factors influencing it. (2) To evaluate the role of digital financial platforms in helping low-income families manage their finances effectively. (3) To identify the challenges faced by low-income communities in accessing and utilizing digital financial services. (4) To assess the impact of using digital financial technology on family financial management and the well-being of low-income communities. This study employs a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. Participatory Action Research is a research method that involves the active participation of the community or group being studied throughout the research process, from planning, implementation, and reflection to corrective actions. The research findings indicate that the community lacks sufficient education regarding financial literacy in the use of digital tools for managing family finances. This lack of education poses a significant challenge in adopting digital finance for financial management among low-income communities. However, with the financial revolution, low-income communities have begun to understand the use of digitalization in managing family finances.
Abstract:The Indonesian coffee industry continues to grow rapidly, increasing competition among businesses. Bahagia Kopi faces challenges in slowing sales growth and stagnant asset expansion, requiring a strategic approach to sustain…
tain long-term growth. This study evaluates Improvement and Scaling as the most suitable growth strategies, using a mixed-method approach that integrates semi-structured interviews and quantitative analysis through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and financial assessment. In the short term, operational efficiency and service quality improvements are the main priorities, requiring investment in training and performance-based incentives. In the long term, branch expansion in Bandung is identified as the key growth initiative, with funding as the primary challenge since Bahagia Kopi still depends on internal capital. Financial analysis of 2023 reports shows increased profitability, but a 32% funding shortfall remains for expansion. To address this, Mixed Financing is the most balanced approach, maintaining a healthy solvency ratio while minimizing financial risk. With a cautious yet strategic approach, Bahagia Kopi can achieve sustainable expansion without overleveraging debt, ensuring long-term stability and maintaining business growth