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:This research is motivated by the importance of building and maintaining customer loyalty at the Botani Bina Rahmah Sharia Rural Financing Bank (BPRS), a financial institution that plays a strategic role in strengthening…
the sharia-based economy and promoting financial inclusion at the micro level. The phenomenon of increasing account openings without a corresponding increase in customer retention indicates challenges in managing long-term relationships with customers. Trust and commitment are believed to be important factors in creating loyalty, but the effectiveness of both is often influenced by the level of customer satisfaction. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze satisfaction as a mediating variable in the relationship between trust and commitment and customer loyalty. This study aims to analyze: (1) the effect of trust on customer loyalty, (2) the effect of commitment on customer loyalty, (3) the effect of trust on loyalty through customer satisfaction as a mediating variable, and (4) the effect of commitment on loyalty through customer satisfaction as a mediating variable. The research approach used is quantitative with a cross-sectional design. Data were collected by distributing Likert-scale questionnaires to 100 active customer respondents of BPRS Botani Bina Rahmah. Data analysis was carried out using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM–PLS) with the help of SmartPLS software to test the validity and reliability of constructs and the relationships between variables in the structural model. The results of the study indicate that trust has a positive and significant effect on customer loyalty, while commitment does not have a significant direct effect on loyalty. Customer satisfaction is proven to act as a significant mediating variable in the relationship between trust and loyalty, as well as between commitment and loyalty. These findings confirm that BPRS customer loyalty is more influenced by the level of trust and satisfaction built through service quality and conformity to Sharia values. Practically, BPRS management needs to strengthen contract transparency, improve service consistency, and optimize digital channels to strengthen trust, increase satisfaction, and ultimately encourage sustainable customer loyalty.
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 aims to analyze the interpretations, behaviors, and preferences of gold investment among civil servants (PNS) of the South Sulawesi Provincial Government in facing economic volatility and inflation. Using a descriptive…
scriptive qualitative method with a case study approach, this study collected data through in-depth interviews with 13 informants consisting of active civil servants, retirees, and financial practitioners, supported by secondary data analysis. The results show that PNS interpretations of gold are multidimensional, namely as an effective life buffer and hedge against inflation, as well as an instrument for fulfilling cultural obligations (uang panai' and siri'). This study found a transformation in investment behavior from gold jewelry to gold bars and digital savings, driven by mental accounting mechanisms through payroll deduction systems to discipline spending. In conclusion, the local culture of Bugis-Makassar interacts dynamically with modern financial literacy, creating a hybrid investment pattern supported by sharia compliance and the integration of regional banking technology.
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 improve the internal capacity of Malabar MSMEs in managing digital marketing through an internal training program designed based on the SMART Framework approach. The main problem faced by Malabar is the…
e lack of staff understanding in managing social media, especially Instagram, which impacts weak brand awareness and brand identity. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a project-based learning method, in which researchers are actively involved in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the training program. Data were collected through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation during the training process. The training objectives were formulated specifically, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-limited, in accordance with the SMART principles. The results showed a significant increase in staff understanding of content planning, creating visual materials consistent with brand identity, and using Instagram analytics features. The post-test showed an increase in the average score of participants, and the MSMEs' digital activities became more structured. These findings indicate that internal training designed with the SMART approach is effective in building staff digital competencies and supporting brand image strengthening on social media. Overall, this study shows that improving internal digital literacy is a strategic step that can strengthen the competitiveness of MSMEs in the ever-evolving digital ecosystem
Abstract:Customer loyalty is an important aspect in maintaining the sustainability of BPRS amidst the increasingly tight competition in the Islamic financial industry. The objectives of this study are to analyze: (1) the influence…
e of the marketing mix on customer loyalty, (2) the influence of relationship marketing on customer loyalty, (3) customer satisfaction mediates the influence of the marketing mix on customer loyalty, and (4) customer satisfaction mediates the influence of relationship marketing on customer loyalty. The sample of this study was 130 (one hundred and thirty) active customers of BPRS Botani Bina Rahmah Bogor, selected through a purposive sampling method with the criteria of having been a customer for at least six months. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, while analysis was conducted using the Partial Least Square (PLS) method with SmartPLS software version 4.0. The results of the study concluded that: (1) the marketing mix does not have a significant effect on customer loyalty, (2) relationship marketing has a significant positive effect on customer loyalty, (3) customer satisfaction is proven to mediate the effect of the marketing mix on customer loyalty, and (4) customer satisfaction also mediates the effect of relationship marketing on customer loyalty.
Abstract:Digital transformation at Islamic Rural Banks demands governance that is accountable, secure, and aligned with sharia principles. This study aims to map digital governance practices and formulate prerequisites for safe,…
compliant, and value-oriented implementation. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach and adopting an active participatory method, data were collected through in-depth interviews, document reviews, and observations with purposive sampling (management, DPS, IT/cybersecurity units, and customers). The analysis refers to the Miles & Huberman model (data reduction–data presentation–conclusion drawing); validity is maintained through source triangulation, member checking, and audit trails. The findings consolidate five key domains: (1) the role of DPS in digital decisions and ongoing supervision, (2) human resource capabilities and risk culture, (3) IT & cybersecurity architecture (data protection, incident response, business continuity), (4) risk management–compliance (synchronization of OJK–DSN–MUI guidelines), and (5) digital customer literacy and experience. The theoretical contribution integrates the Institutional, Accountability, and TAM/UTAUT perspectives to explain the drivers and barriers to adoption. Practically, a risk-based digital governance roadmap is developed that prioritizes cybersecurity governance, strengthening the role of the DPS through digital oversight, and data governance policies.
Abstract:This research is motivated by the importance of building customer trust inencourage customer interest and decisions to save regularly at BPR Syariah, especially through strengthening personal selling marketing communication…
ion strategies and positive service experiences. The main theory underlying this research is the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). This research aims to analyze (1) the influence of personal selling on saving decisions, (2) the influence of customer experience on saving decisions, (3) to determine whether trust mediates the relationship between personal selling and saving decisions, (4) to determine whether trust mediates the relationship between customer experience and saving decisions at BPRS Baiturridha Pusaka-Bandung. This study uses a quantitative approach through the Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM–PLS) method. The sample consisted of 120 active customer respondents of BPRS Baiturridha Pusaka-Bandung selected using a probability sampling technique through a simple random sampling approach, where each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected as a respondent. Data collection was carried out through the distribution of structured questionnaires and analyzed using Smart PLS software version 3.0. The results of the study show that (1) Personal Selling does not influence the decision to save (2) Customer Experience has a positive and significant influence on the Decision to Save (3) Trust is not proven to significantly mediate the relationship between personal selling and the decision to save (4) Trust is proven to significantly mediate the relationship between customer experience and the decision to save. These findings confirm that in the context of BPR Syariah, positive customer experience is the main factor in forming trust and driving savings behavior