Enterprise Development & Microfinance (EDM) contains over 35 years of valuable, practice-based insights into the role of markets, enterprises and financial services in reducing poverty and stimulating economic development. Enterprise Development & Microfinance (ISSN 1755‑1978 print / 1755‑1986 online). A quarterly, peer-reviewed international journal published by Practical Action Publishing (UK). EDM connects rigorous research with practical experience in microenterprise and financial inclusion. Established in 1990 (formerly Small Enterprise Development), it has over 35 years of contributions towards poverty reduction and sustainable development. Enterprise Development & Microfinance (EDM) is a distinguished, peer-reviewed journal that brings together over three decades of impactful scholarship and field-based knowledge on the dynamic interplay between markets, enterprises, and financial services in fostering poverty alleviation and inclusive economic development. Originally launched in March 1990 under the title Small Enterprise Development (SED, ISSN: 0957-1329), the journal has evolved in both scope and influence, maintaining a strong commitment to addressing the real-world challenges faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as the communities they serve. In March 2008, it was rebranded as Enterprise Development & Microfinance to reflect a broader focus that integrates financial inclusion, market systems, enterprise innovation, and livelihood strategies. What sets EDM apart is its unique blend of academic rigor and practical relevance. Contributions are authored by a diverse global community of scholars, field practitioners, development professionals, and policymakers. The journal’s editorial philosophy centers on producing content that not only contributes to theoretical advancement but also directly informs on-the-ground development practice and institutional strategy. Over the years, EDM has served as a vital resource for: Understanding how financial tools and services can be tailored to empower underserved populations Analyzing the impact of enterprise development initiatives on economic resilience Documenting innovative models in inclusive finance, rural entrepreneurship, and sustainable value chains Exploring gender equity, digital finance, and policy reforms in developing economies Published quarterly by Practical Action Publishing (UK), EDM continues to uphold its mission of bridging the gap between research, policy, and practice. It encourages critical reflection, cross-sector dialogue, and the exchange of evidence-based solutions to complex development challenges. As the global development landscape continues to evolve, Enterprise Development & Microfinance remains at the forefront—amplifying voices from the Global South, facilitating South-South learning, and shaping actionable knowledge for a more equitable and sustainable world.
Health Investment as a Catalyst for Enterprise Development and Economic Growth
The connection between the healthcare expenditure and the major health indicators, including the life expectancy and mortality rates, is complex (Van den Heuvel & Olaroiu, 2017). There are indicators of empirical evidence that suggests that higher levels of investment in healthcare are linked to better health conditions, including longer life expectancy and decreased mortality (Galvani-Townsend et al., 2022). Nevertheless, in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), funding of healthcare remains insufficient, which is a challenge to the health and economic growth of the population (WHO, 2020). This discussion examines the burden of healthcare spending on life expectancy, (maternal and child mortality) in the four World Bank income category countries namely low-income, lower-middle-income, upper-middle-income and high-income countries. Using a panel dataset of 217 countries, 1999-2020, the research adopts Fixed Effects Model (FEM) and Random Effects Model (REM) with Hausman test indicating the use of FEM as an estimation method. Results indicate that higher expenditure on healthcare, greater life expectancy, and lower death rates overlap to the growth of the economy in all categories of income. In addition, the impact of control variables is income level dependent, and thus, it highlights the subtlety of the relationship between health investment and economic performance. The question is that of the precarious role of healthcare spending in developing human capital, productivity, and long-term economic growth.
Women’s entrepreneurial intentions in transitional economies: The dual role of entrepreneurial self efficacy under social barriers
This study investigates how cognitive and contextual factors influence women's entrepreneurial intention (EI) in transition economies. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), the model examines the predictive role of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (ESE), Attitude Toward Entrepreneurial Risk (ATER), and Social Barriers to Entrepreneurship (SBTE) on entrepreneurial intention (EI) and subsequently Effective Entrepreneurial Behavior (EEB). Using a structural equation model on survey data from 658 Vietnamese women, the study shows that all three predictive factor-ATER, EEB, and SBTE-significantly influence EI. Notably, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (ESE) moderates the relationship between ATER and EI, so that the positive impact of risk attitude on intention is amplified when ESE is high. Furthermore, ESE is a direct predictor of Effective Entrepreneurial Behavior (EEB). This research contributes to entrepreneurship research by clarifying the conditional role of ESE and affirming that strengthening both expectation and confidence can help overcome risk- and social barriers to entrepreneurship for women in a transitional context.
Examining Entrepreneurial Orientation as a Moderator in E-Commerce Adoption and SME Performance
The research question that is being analysed in this research is the effect of the adoption of E-commerce on the Sustainable Business Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Metro Manila in the Philippines. The mixed methodology was followed, with both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews of the respondents in different places. The respondents were entrepreneurs of the MSMEs and 150 of them were sampled in three districts that were picked. The quantitative data approach is path analysis using Smart PLS 3.0 whereas the qualitative data analysis is carried out using thematic analysis. Results indicate that there are some statistical attributes to demographic variables and construct validity, where E-Commerce and Entrepreneurial Orientation adoption play an important role in Sustainable Business Performance. The research supports the positive moderator between the E-commerce Adoption and Entrepreneurial Orientation on Sustainable Performance. The threats and opportunities of online shopping invasion are discussed as well, with the consideration that the concept of E-commerce can bring significant gains to the modern world as the tendency to digitalize the entire life gets more and more prominent in accordance with the global excavation of the trend of the turn of the tides of the business and regulation practices under the conditions of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Micro-Enterprise Development Through Food Tourism: A Study of Local Producer and Vendor Ecosystems
Food tourism has become one of the strongest drivers of the local economic development, especially in terms of the growth of micro-enterprises run by small producers and vendors. This paper will examine how food tourism can enhance the local producer/vendor ecosystem and its role in enhancing micro-enterprise development in tourism destinations at a regional level. The research will examine the interaction of the local food systems and tourism demand and the ways in which these interactions affect the generation of incomes, creation of job opportunities, and development of the value chain of the regions. It uses a mixed-method research design, which is a combination of field observations, structured surveys of local food vendors and producers, and secondary tourism data analysis. The research creates a conceptual food tourism ecosystem framework that visualizes the relationships between the tourists, vendors, producers and the supporting institutions. In addition, an analytical framework in the form of an algorithm is suggested that will be applied to simulate the interactions between vendors and producers networks, align the demand of tourism with local foods, and calculate a score of economic impact of various micro-enterprises. These results reveal that food tourism is a critical boost to production diversification, market awareness of the traditional food items, and closer integration between the agricultural suppliers and tourism-based sellers.
Community Driven Food Tourism and Micro Enterprise Growth: An Empirical Assessment
Community-based food tourism has become one of the most important processes of ensuring inclusive economic growth and empowering local entrepreneurial systems. This research paper is an empirical investigation of how food tourism can develop micro-enterprises in the community-based tourism destinations. The study is aimed at considering local food culture, community involvement and value-chain involvement in enhancing sustainability small business-like street food vendors, farmers, home based food producers and local culinary entrepreneurs. Responses to the questions on the various stakeholders in the tourism industry, the local vendors, and community members engaged in food-related tourism activities were collected with a structured survey and field-based data collection strategy. Some of the notable variables that are considered with respect to the study are tourism demand, participation of enterprises, generation of income and the degree of the community involvement in the tourism activities. According to the data provided through the descriptive analysis of the statistics and the empirical assessment, community participation is an important mediating factor between food tourism activities and the growth of micro-enterprises. The findings show that the areas where there is a stronger cooperation and encouragement between the communities as well as the traditional food attract more tourists and further development of the local businesses. Moreover, the incorporation of local foodstuffs and cultural foods in tourist services contributes to the economic sustainability of micro-enterprises to a great extent. The results note that community-based food tourism does not only help preserve the cultures but also improves local supply chains and promotes entrepreneurship at the grassroots.
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Mapping Distribution Channel Taxonomies for Financial Inclusion: A Framework for Government-Backed Savings Programs in Remote Communities
Provision of formal financial services to geographically distant and irregular-income populations is a major challenge, especially to government-led savings programs in marginalized locations like remote fishing communities. This paper elaborates a formalized classification of delivery and distribution channels such as agent-based banking, mobile financial systems, partnership with local retailers, and community-based mechanisms and customized to meet contextual constraints and incentives. The proposed framework offers a systematic trade off analysis of these channels, by integrating a concept innovativeness perspective, according to their coverage capacity, cost efficiency, customer outreach, and contextual adaptability. The results indicate that hybrid designs involving the combination of mobile technologies and agent networks are better in terms of balancing outreach and operation costs. Also, collaborations with local organizations and civic groups increase the level of trust, which positively contributes to a higher adoption rate, in particular, in those areas where the level of digital infrastructure is low, but the level of social cohesion is high. The taxonomy provides a wide and flexible framework leading to the context-sensitive decision-making. It offers practical information to the policymakers and practitioners to manoeuvre well through the operational, socio-economic and political factors. Finally, the study provides a versatile and methodical way of maximizing channel strategy that can help re-incorporate underserved populations into formal savings channels.
Decentralised Local Governance, Political Influence and MSME Development in Indonesia
The paper explores the interaction between information technology governance, organizational commitment, accountability, transparency, and political influence in the Indonesian decentralised local government, and specifically with respect to MSME-supportive governance functions. Using a cross-sectional survey design, a sample of 302 public servants, heads, senior and junior accounting officers dealing with financial management and local development programs in the district governments was used to collect the data. The proposed relationships and the mediating effects were tested with the help of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings show that information technology governance positively contributes towards accountability (β = 0.305, p = 0.000), whereas organizational commitment has a positive effect on both accountability (β = 0.253, p = 0.000) and transparency (β= 0.436, p = 0.000). The transparency, in its turn, is positively correlated with accountability (β =0.323, p < 0.000) and mediates the correlation between organizational commitment and transparency (β =0.134, p = 0.002). Nevertheless, accountability does not have a significant impact on political interference (β = -0.093, p = 0.134). Conversely, transparency has a conclusive effect of limiting political influence with a strong negative influence (β =0.413, p < 0.000). The results are used to understand the concept of decentralised governance and local political economy in Indonesia, especially using the coercive isomorphism. Formal accountability mechanisms are also needed but not enough to curb the political interference in MSME-related policymaking and resource distribution. Transparency that is facilitated by digital governance, open data and access to information by the public turns out to be a more impactful tool that could be utilized to increase institutional legitimacy and protect the MSME development programmes against being politically captured. In its analysis of the essence of decentralisation in the local economic development, the study emphasises the significance of incorporating transparent reporting and participatory governance practices to facilitate inclusive, accountable and sustainable economic development in the local economy. The paper emphasizes the need to combine transparent reporting frameworks and participatory forms of governance with the aim of enhancing inclusive, accountable, and sustainable local economic development within the decentralised framework.
Generative AI and Workforce Resilience: Enhancing Enterprise Productivity and Sustainable Economic Development in Emerging Markets
This paper analyses the impact of generative Artificial Intelligence on improving workforce and enterprise resiliency and sustainable economy in emerging markets. The study is about the way AI-powered technologies reshape the operations of the organization in terms of automation, better decision-making, and the use of real-time data. Secondary research approach is applied, based on the information about theoretical literature, industry sources and international statistics to find out the major trends and patterns. The discoveries indicate that the generative AI is superior in its ability to enhance the productivity level through the optimization of processes and the minimization of manual labor, especially in conditions with resource constraints. Nevertheless, the research also brings up very important obstacles, such as inadequacies in skills of the workforce, a shortage of digital infrastructure, and disproportionate access to AI technologies. Workforce resilience has become one of the important aspects since employees need to become flexible, digitally literate, and able to engage in constant learning to work with AI systems. Moreover, the collaboration of human AI improves the efficiency of operations and facilitates innovations, which will contribute to economic growth in the long term. Regardless of these advantages, job displacement and technological inequality issues are still salient. The paper concludes that the effective implementation of generative AI involves effective investment in the development of the workforce, non-discriminatory policies, and ethical governance frameworks. In general, the study highlights the importance of a balance between technological development and the potential of humans in the development of sustainable productivity and economic stability in emerging market economies.
Bridging Employability Gaps for MSME Hospitality Enterprises: A Skills and Industry Alignment Study
The hospitality industry is dependent on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are most important in the creation of employment and the economic development as a result of the tourism industry in the economy. Nevertheless, there is a consistent disconnect between the competencies of the workforce and the MSME hospitality enterprise competencies. Such an incompatibility has caused decreased productivity, low quality of service, and sluggish growth of the enterprise. This research aims at investigating skill gaps in employability of MSME hospitality businesses and also investigating the competencies and skills of the workforce and their correspondence with industry demands. The research is a mixed study method, which involves survey data collection and statistical analysis. A total of 210 respondents collected the data (hotel owners, restaurant managers, and hospitality employees in the local tourism clusters). Evaluation of the relationship between training exposure and employability readiness was done using descriptive statistics, skills-gap indexing and a correlation analysis. The findings reveal that about 64% of the employees do not possess industry-related soft skills, including communication and customer services, and 58% of them do not show adequate technical skills concerning online booking and hotel management. Businesses that used formal training courses were found to have an increase of 31 percentage points in employee productivity index and 26 percentage point in customer satisfaction ratings. Moreover, the regression analysis indicates that there is a significant positive correlation (r = 0.72) between the indicators of enterprise performance and the skill alignment. The results emphasize the role of industry-led training systems, workforce-level vocation, and skill development programs to minimize the gaps in employability. The paper finds that by improving the partnership between training providers and MSME hospitality businesses, it is possible to improve the workforce preparation and sustainability of the sector considerably.
Tax Policy Regimes, High Net-Worth Individuals and Enterprise Development: A Comparative Study of Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia
HNWIs are often illustrated as a niche segment of opulent people who are highly secretive while possessing huge tax contribution potential. Countries across the globe have been competing intensely to court the rich into their respective territories, eyeing for the potential tax revenue and massive investment inflows. Asian cities, particularly Singapore and Hong Kong have received great HNWIs’ inflows over the recent years motivated by their HNWIs-dedicated capital-friendly tax policies. Despite being crowned as the global leading Islamic financial centre, an evident gap still persists for Malaysia when compared against Singapore and Hong Kong in drawing HNWIs’ investments and inflows with increasing HNWIs’ outflows reported recently. This study then synthesised and compared the rates of HNWIs-concerned taxes and relevant incentives implemented in the mentioned jurisdiction, while analysing Malaysia’s comparative attractiveness towards HNWIs against reputable wealth hubs. Apparently, tax rates and incentives in Malaysia are relatively trailed behind and less appealing compared to the studied counterparts. Moreover, the absence of targeted policies for HNWIs in Malaysia may impede the development of high-value enterprises that often accompany HNWI inflows. Preferential tax incentives for HNWIs-related such as family offices are also absent in Malaysia. Results from this study are also perceived to bridge the knowledge gap while providing new evidence regarding comparative studies on cross-regional tax regimes, given limited literature emphasizing the similar method and evidence was available when the study is conducted. Ultimately, understanding the relationship between tax policy and HNWI behaviour can serve as a crucial lever for enterprise development and economic growth in Malaysia. Findings from the study could also contribute valuable insights to policymakers and related institutions in strategizing relevant initiatives to allure more HNWIs into Malaysia.
The Longevity Sustainability Paradox in Tourism: Development Finance Perspectives on Low Carbon Travel Behaviour in Thailand’s Longevity Tourism Economy
The rapid growth of longevity tourism, characterized by older travelers seeking extended, health-oriented stays, has created a paradox within sustainable tourism. While longevity tourism contributes substantially to local economies, prolonged stays and high expectations for comfort and service intensity can conflict with low-carbon objectives. From a development finance perspective, understanding the economic incentives and investment mechanisms that encourage sustainable tourist behaviour has become critical for balancing longevity tourism growth with low-carbon development goals. This research examines the economic dimensions of low-carbon travel behaviour (LCTB) among longevity tourists in Thailand, focusing on how perceived cost, convenience, and value for money interact with environmental attitudes, environmental awareness, and perceived responsibility to shape sustainability-related travel choices. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 345 longevity tourists across major destinations in Thailand. The associations between economic perceptions and psychological factors (independent variables) and LCTB (dependent variable) were examined using IBM SPSS (Version 26.0) and descriptive statistics, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and multiple regression analysis. The results show that perceived travel cost negatively influences LCTB . Although environmental awareness is high, it often heightens concerns about increased costs, limited-service availability, and reduced comfort, thereby discouraging low-carbon choices. In contrast, pro-environmental attitude and perceived responsibility emerge as stronger predictors of sustainable behaviour than economic cognition alone, with environmental awareness strengthening the attitude behaviour relationship . Overall, the findings empirically confirm the longevity–sustainability paradox, highlighting that ethical commitment and shared responsibility are essential for promoting LCTB among longevity tourists in Thailand. Keywords: Longevity Tourism, Sustainable Tourism, Willingness to Pay, Low Carbon, Travel Behaviour, Thailand Tourism, Development Finance; Green Tourism Investment The rapid growth of longevity tourism, characterized by older travelers seeking extended, health-oriented stays, has created a paradox within sustainable tourism. While longevity tourism contributes substantially to local economies, prolonged stays and high expectations for comfort and service intensity can conflict with low-carbon objectives. From a development finance perspective, understanding the economic incentives and investment mechanisms that encourage sustainable tourist behaviour has become critical for balancing longevity tourism growth with low-carbon development goals. This research examines the economic dimensions of low-carbon travel behaviour (LCTB) among longevity tourists in Thailand, focusing on how perceived cost, convenience, and value for money interact with environmental attitudes, environmental awareness, and perceived responsibility to shape sustainability-related travel choices. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 345 longevity tourists across major destinations in Thailand. The associations between economic perceptions and psychological factors (independent variables) and LCTB (dependent variable) were examined using IBM SPSS (Version 26.0) and descriptive statistics, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and multiple regression analysis. The results show that perceived travel cost negatively influences LCTB . Although environmental awareness is high, it often heightens concerns about increased costs, limited-service availability, and reduced comfort, thereby discouraging low-carbon choices. In contrast, pro-environmental attitude and perceived responsibility emerge as stronger predictors of sustainable behaviour than economic cognition alone, with environmental awareness strengthening the attitude behaviour relationship . Overall, the findings empirically confirm the longevity–sustainability paradox, highlighting that ethical commitment and shared responsibility are essential for promoting LCTB among longevity tourists in Thailand.
AI-Driven Middle-Office Transformation in Investment Banking: Implications for Financial Efficiency and Microfinance Ecosystem Integration
The paper explores how artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the middle-office functions in investment banking by analysing more specifically the possibility of improving financial efficiency and making it possible to integrate with the microfinance ecosystem. The fundamental issue being dealt with is the inefficiency of operations, data fragmentation, and lack of scalability of the old middle-office operations, which limit the free interaction with the new financial inclusion systems. The suggested solution embodies an architecture based on AI which utilizes machine learning, natural language processing, predictive analytics to automate the process of reconciliation, risk monitoring, compliance validation, and transaction processing. The use of AI tools like supervised learning in detecting anomalies, reinforcement learning in optimization of the process, and NLP in regulatory reporting is integrated. An example of a case study on a mid-sized investment bank shows implementation in the trade validation and settlement pipelines with the integration of microfinance platforms to create links between credit. Processing time, operational cost, error rate, compliance accuracy, and transaction throughput are some of the parameters that are used to perform a comparison analysis. Findings show that the processing time is reduced by 38 percent, the cost is saved by 27 percent, the error is minimized by 42 percent and the compliance efficiency has increased by 31 percent as compared to the traditional systems. Results indicate that AI-based transformation of the middle-office can improve the agility, transparency, and integration with microfinance institutions by a significant margin, and thus, contribute to financial inclusion. The paper concludes that the application of AI is not only the most efficient approach to banking but also the linkage between institutional finance and grassroots microfinance ecosystems. The paper will go as far as scalable AI models, the cross-platform financial integration model and how intelligent banking structures will be adopted in the future.
Public Digital Learning Platforms as Catalysts for Financial Literacy and Enterprise Development
Financial literacy has been a significant point of sustainable enterprise development particularly with the micro and small enterprises, which in most instances lack formal financial education. Despite the increasing availability of digital technologies, the list of individuals with lack of awareness of knowledge and skills on how to handle financial resources, credit systems, and accept entrepreneurial opportunities is constantly increasing. Online learning systems are viewed as the scalable solutions that can address the gaps by providing low-cost and self-paced financial education opportunities at open access. The paper deals with the ways the online platforms that the government offers may serve as an incentive to promote financial literacy and help the development of businesses. The principal objective is to pay attention to the role of digital learning ecosystems in obtaining knowledge and entrepreneurial awareness as well as financial decisions among potential and existing entrepreneurs. The paper will comprise a mixed-method analytical study that will imply the usage of survey-based data collection, the application of descriptive statistics, and the comparison of the patterns of using online platforms. The data were collected in the form of the participants in the online learning systems accessible to everyone and offering financial literacy modules and entrepreneurship training courses. The findings indicate that financial and budgeting skills, credit awareness, and investment decision-making skills of the users of digital learning platforms significantly improve. The respondents that used online financial education materials actively were more willing to initiate or build small business enterprises and demonstrated improved financial planning. In the analysis, it is also observed that the accessibility, interactive learning modules, and mobile-based delivery will assist in enhancing the engagement and knowledge retention. The paper concludes that open online learning forums play crucial roles in improving financial empowerment and maintaining the expansion of the grassroots businesses. The paper provides policy suggestions, educationists, and creators of digital platforms with the ability to create an inclusive learning framework to financial empower and sustain entrepreneurial growth.
Workplace Inclusion and Academic Productivity: Implications for Human Capital Development and Economic Growth in Emerging Economies
This paper analyses the connection between workplace inclusion and academic productivity and their respective consequences to the development of human capital and economic growth in the emerging economies. This study uses secondary data as a research method and based on the academic reports, industry reports, and global datasets, the research identifies essential patterns and relationships. The results indicate that inclusion in the workplace has a great impact on the engagement of employees, their productivity, and the performance of the organization. The inclusive practices lower the turnover rates and enhance the efficiency of the decision-making, which results in greater working outcomes. In academics, inclusion enhances the involvement and collaboration towards research and the creation of knowledge, which bolsters academic productivity. The paper also shows that the development of human capital is a key relationship between inclusion and economic growth. Inclusive training and education systems enhance skills in the workforce, employability and flexibility in the evolving economic times. Also, inclusion leads to innovation as it promotes diversity of thoughts and improves creativity in organizations and institutions. This helps to build knowledge-based economies and technology. The outcomes also support the existence of a strong positive correlation between inclusion and macroeconomic performance, such as increased GDP growth and increased labor productivity. Nevertheless, the paper notes that there are persistent issues of inequality, poor implementation of policies and structural constraints in the emerging economies. The study concludes that inclusive measures in the workplace and academic systems are critical in ensuring long-term economic growth, enhancing output and increasing competitiveness.
Incorporating Knowledge Management within the Construction Industry of the Mauritian Economy : A Qualitative Approach
The construction industry plays a critical role in Mauritius’s economic development, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. Despite its importance, the sector faces persistent challenges such as project delays, cost overruns, inefficiencies, and limited collaboration among stakeholders. Knowledge Management (KM) has emerged globally as a strategic approach to address these issues by enabling systematic creation, sharing, and application of knowledge within organizations. This study investigates the current state of KM practices in the Mauritian construction industry, identifies barriers to effective implementation, and explores the potential benefits of integrating KM strategies to enhance project outcomes. A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with ten project managers equally drawn from public and private sectors. These interviews were complemented by secondary data sources, including industry reports and relevant literature. Findings indicate that while KM is recognized as strategically important, its application remains fragmented. Private sector firms demonstrate informal, innovation-driven KM practices, often relying on tacit knowledge and ad hoc processes, whereas public institutions emphasize formal, document-centered systems with limited mechanisms for reflection or reuse. Barriers to effective KM adoption include cultural resistance, knowledge hoarding, bureaucratic rigidity, technological constraints, and limited training. Based on these insights, a “Mauritian Construction KM Framework” is proposed, encompassing five interconnected pillars: leadership and governance, knowledge culture, technology and infrastructure, process and practice, and learning and continuous improvement. Short-term, medium-term, and long-term actions are outlined to enhance KM literacy, institutionalize practices, and integrate digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) to support knowledge sharing and decision-making. The adoption of this framework is expected to strengthen collaboration, improve efficiency, reduce errors, and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the Mauritian construction sector. This research provides both practical and theoretical contributions, offering actionable strategies for policymakers, industry professionals, and organizations seeking to leverage KM as a strategic enabler for sustainable development and competitive advantage.
Determinants of Generations Y and Z retention: A Bibliometric analysis of Job Satisfaction as foundational mechanism at the workplace
Purpose – This study illustrates the way research on the retention of Generations Y and Z is organized, aiming to identify gaps and guide future theoretical development. Design/Methodology/Approach – A quantitative bibliometric analysis using science mapping techniques was conducted. Data were analyzed in R. The collected data represents the intellectual core of 104 studies after filtering. Findings – Results reveal key research areas and help structuring an integrative framework that supports in filling existing gaps in the literature. Research Limitations – The analysis is limited to Scopus-indexed publications and depends on selected keywords and inclusion criteria, which may cause bias. Practical Implications – Findings encourage organizations to align leadership styles and soft HRM practices, while promoting flexibility, autonomy, recognition, and career growth enhancing retention. Originality/Value – This study offers one of the first comprehensive bibliometric syntheses focused specifically on Generations Y and Z retention and provides a foundation for future empirical studies.
Exploring Student Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence in Microfinance Marketing Systems: Impacts, Benefits, and Adoption Challenges
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is progressively transforming marketing in various ways, such as offering more sophisticated analytics, personalization, and automated decision-making, as well as changing the design and execution of marketing activities. The results of this study are based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) where students were asked to share their perceptions toward AI in marketing regarding AI knowledge, perceived benefits, perceived effects on marketing, perceived challenges, and willingness to adopt AI tools. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was applied in conducting the survey using survey data of 766 students in business-related programs and analyzed with statistical methodology (descriptive and inferential statistics). The results reveal that students have a moderate to high level of AI understanding and that they suggest AI as extremely productive in terms of efficiency, easing marketing activities, and marketing productivity. All these perceptions are closely linked to the willingness of students to use AI tools, and the main argument of TAM suggests that perceptions of usefulness and familiarity are the predictors of behavioral intention. Simultaneously, ethical and practical issues, especially in the area of data privacy, transparency, and misinformation, are apparent, indicating that the perceived risk is related to a positive intention to adopt. Significant variation was noted in demographic and experience groups, and the history of AI experience became a strong predictor of all constructs. The combination of enabling and limiting factors into a single TAM-based framework makes it possible to use this study to expand the AI adoption theory in marketing and emphasize the necessity to develop ethical aspects as part of models of technology acceptance in the context of educational and professional marketing.
FinTech-Driven Business Process Automation and Its Impact on Microenterprise Productivity in Emerging Economies
Microenterprises form the economic core of the emerging economies and they are systemically under strain due to manual workflows, financial exclusion, and institutional credit. Automation of business processes via FinTech is fast changing this picture by putting artificial intelligence, mobile money systems, algorithmic lending, cloud computing and embedded finance directly into the operations fabric of micro-level businesses. This paper discusses the scopes, motivation, workflow effects, efficiency gains, and cross-country productivity trends related related to FinTech automation among microenterprises in selected evolving economies, including picked Latin American markets. The study makes use of a qualitative secondary research methodology to generalise evidence gathered by institutional reports, peer-reviewed scholarship, and industry datasets to form a comparative analytical framework. Among the findings of key importance are that automation of FinTech provides quantifiable productivity returns by shrinking the transaction processing time, lowering operational expenses, providing automated access to credit, and the ability to keep financial records in real-time. These gains are demonstrated through findings from selected digital payment systems such as fintech implementation cases in Latin American regions. The paper also determines that the effect of productivity is conditional on the quality of digital infrastructure, regulatory design, and platform usability. In cross-country evaluation of selected emerging regions, divergent and unifying models of FinTech diffusion are recorded, including telecom operator-led, government-anchored, and venture capital-driven ecosystems. The paper concludes that future productivity transformation in informal firms is likely to be shaped by improvements in artificial intelligence, open banking, and regulatory technology. To make sure that automation benefits the microenterprise operators, who are most economically marginalised, in all the emerging economies, strategic policy alignment and inclusive design of FinTech are necessary.
Customer Satisfaction as a Mediator between Logistic Service Quality and Cross-Border Repurchase Intention: A Study on In-donesian Shoppers Buying from Chinese Platforms
The rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) in Indonesia, driven primarily by purchases from Chinese platforms, necessitates a deep understanding of how logistics service quality (LSQ) translates into sustained consumer behaviour. Grounded in the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework, this study investigates the direct and indirect relationships between key CBEC LSQ dimensions (Delivery Service Quality, Delivery Information Service, Return Logistics System, and Delivery Stability), Shipping Cost Transparency (SCT), Cross-Border Shopping Experience (CBSE), Customer Satisfaction (CS), and Cross-Border Repurchase Intention (CBRI). Using a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design with 175 Indonesian consumers, the research employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS. The model demonstrated good fit with an SRMR of 0.046 and high explanatory power, accounting for 79.1% of the variance in Customer Satisfaction and 75.0% of the variance in Repurchase Intention. The findings reveal that Delivery Service Quality (H1), Delivery Information Service (H2), Delivery Stability (H4), and Cross-Border Shopping Experience (H6) are positive and significant predictors of Customer Satisfaction. Conversely, Return Logistics System (H3) and Shipping Cost Transparency (H5) showed positive but non-significant direct effects on Customer Satisfaction. Crucially, Customer Satisfaction was confirmed as a significant mediator (H10, H11, H13, H15), successfully translating the positive effects of Delivery Service Quality, Delivery Information Service, Delivery Stability, and Cross-Border Shopping Experience into increased Repurchase Intention. Direct effects also confirmed that Cross-Border Shopping Experience (H8) and Shipping Cost Transparency (H7) significantly influence Repurchase Intention. These results provide actionable insights for CBEC platforms aiming to enhance consumer retention by focusing on reliable delivery execution and consistent information provision
Assessing Digital System Implementation Feasibility: A TELOS-Based Framework For SMES
The democratization of technology through low-code platforms, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and artificial intelligence has enabled small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop sophisticated systems with minimal resources. Yet, this accessibility introduces a strategic paradox: while building digital systems is now easier than ever, their necessity, feasibility, and long-term value remain uncertain. Addressing this challenge, this study presents a TELOS (Technical, Economic, Legal, Operational, and Schedule)-based feasibility assessment framework designed for evidence-based decision-making in SME technology adoption. Unlike conventional approaches that employ weighted scoring or subjective prioritization, the proposed model uses TELOS as a structured data integration methodology, consolidating multi-dimensional inputs into a unified feasibility evaluation process. Each TELOS dimension provides distinct data inputs—from software architecture and compliance matrices to organizational structures and project timelines—that are integrated into a comprehensive financial model. A single embedded case study involving the implementation of an integrated dashboard system demonstrates strong viability: Net Present Value (NPV) of Rp 89.6 million, Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 32.05%, and Payback Period of 3 years. Results validate that structured, multi-perspective feasibility analysis effectively bridges the gap between technological accessibility and strategic investment readiness in SME contexts. The framework offers a replicable, data-driven foundation for evaluating digital adoption initiatives under resource constraints in the evolving era of digital democratization.
Modeling the Determinants of Tourist Satisfaction and Loyalty: A Structural Equation Approach
This study aims to provide an integrated approach to understand how tourists perceive destination quality, destination image, and destination trust. Itintroduces a model for identifying factors that are affecting tourist’s satisfaction and loyalty. The proposed model has been drawn out and a questionnaire was designed based on the factors chosen. Seven hypotheses weredeveloped to find out factors that are affecting perceived destination quality and destination image, and ultimately tourists’ satisfaction and loyalty. To test the relationship between the constructs, aSEMwasapplied. The results reinforced the proposed model: (1) Destination brand image and trust are directly influenced by destination marketing and destination brand quality. (2) Tourist satisfaction is directly influenced by both destination brand image and destination brand trust. (3) Tourist satisfaction in turn has a direct and positive impact on tourist loyalty. Theoretical and practical implications were drawn, and recommendations for future researchers were also made.
Digital Asset Management and Tokenization: Expanding Access to Finance for Microenterprises and Inclusive Economic Growth
The financial services industry is shifting towards a transformative change due to the impact of digitalization and emergence of tokenized assets. Fractional ownership, real-time settlement, increased transparency, and increased access to markets are supported by tokenization, transforming traditional assets into digital tokens on blockchain networks. The paper examines the implication of tokenization to wealth and asset management, including product innovation, operational efficiency, customer experience, and revenue generation. It emphasizes the changing advisory models needed to service clients in a tokenized economy, specifying the bare minimum of infrastructure that can be in place to deliver such solutions, such as custody solutions, governance models, audit of smart contracts, and cybersecurity. The regulatory environment of major jurisdictions is also discussed in the paper, highlighting the need to coordinate the compliance frameworks to achieve sustainable growth. Early tokenization adopters seem to have a competitive edge in the early stage due to their ability to launch products more quickly, better customization of their portfolios, cost reductions, and greater liquidity. Moreover, tokenization provides advisory companies with new growth options, opening international markets, and providing hyper-personalized investment solutions. Finally, the paper concludes by stating that tokenization is not only a technological innovation, but also a strategic trend that is defining the future of financial markets. It is a scalable, transparent, and open way of creating, accessing and managing value, thereby redefining the financial ecosystem.
Organizational Culture, Workforce Alignment and Productivity Outcomes: An Empirical Study of OCTAPACE Dimensions in Manufacturing SMEs
The current study examines the role of organisational culture in employee's behavioural alignment in the Indian automobile manufacture industry by using an empirical approach focusing on the eight OCTAPACE dimensions namely, openness, confrontation, trust, authenticity, proaction, autonomy, collaboration, and experimentation. Utilising a quantitative, cross sectional approach, the data were gathered from 175 employees who work as technical and non technical posts in a big automobile enterprise situated in Tamil Nadu, India. The standardised OCTAPACE culture instrument was used as the main instrument of data collection and further analysis included descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the statistical package (SPSS). Findings show that the all-round OCTAPACE cultural perception is above the average level with proaction, collaboration and trust emerging as the most prominent perceived dimensions. No statistically significant differences were found in OCTAPACE culture perception in hierarchical strata, indicating a culture of shared understanding within the organisation. Nevertheless, meaningful differences occurred between employee behaviour and OCTAPACE dimensions, supporting the behavioural salience of organisational culture. Theoretically, the research strengthens the use of value-based culture frameworks as a way of explaining employee behavioural alignment in manufacturing scenarios in emerging economies. From a managerial perspective, the outcomes call for specific human resource interventions that strengthen autonomy, authenticity, and experimentation as a way to increase cultural efficacy and employee engagement. Practically, the research provides actionable insights for managers who are determined to leverage the organisational culture as a strategic resource for sustainable performance.