Issue #1 (Volume 21 2025)

Along with the development of current economic patterns, digital platforms provide infrastructure to facilitate interaction between users. One example is a ride-hailing platform that allows interaction between users who may never have met. This study aims to determine the criteria, sub-criteria, and alternatives influencing users in choosing ride-hailing and map Gojek and Grab’s grand strategy to compete in the ASEAN market, especially in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore. This research uses a questionnaire to collect data, with 377 Gojek and Grab users as participants. The main criteria in each country were obtained using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method with the Expert Choice tool. Safety, price, and usability were the main criteria for choosing a ride-hailing platform in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. In contrast, in Singapore, privacy emerged as the main criterion when choosing these platforms, in addition to safety. To increase competition in ASEAN, Gojek and Grab should improve customer relationship criteria, as these criteria can add value to the company. This research also shows that Grab dominates the ride-hailing market in Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore because it implemented a horizontal strategy by acquiring Uber. Gojek only excels in its home country, Indonesia, by acquiring and innovating in integrating with the commuter line and launching an Initial Public Offering (IPO). This research found that there is still a need to improve vertical and horizontal strategies and outsourcing to compete effectively in the global market.

As the world grapples with the pressing challenge of sustainable development, it has become increasingly vital to understand the factors that influence consumption behavior. Generation Z, in particular, has emerged as a pivotal demographic in advancing sustainable consumption practices. This study investigates how Personal Norms, Social Norms, and Environmental Awareness influence Generation Z’s intentions regarding sustainable consumption while examining the moderating role of environmental knowledge in these dynamics.
Data were gathered through in-person interviews with 395 students from Osmaniye Korkut Ata University in Turkey. The results reveal that Social Norms (β = 0.329, p = 0.000), Personal Norms (β = 0.265, p = 0.000), and Environmental Awareness (β = 0.178, p = 0.000) have a positive impact on sustainable consumption practices, with social norms exerting the most decisive influence.
Furthermore, the findings indicate that individuals with high environmental knowledge and strong personal values are more likely to consume sustainably. In contrast, those who are significantly influenced by the behaviors of their peer groups do not show substantial differences in their consumption intentions based on their level of environmental knowledge.

The increasing competition in the culinary tourism industry highlights the need for businesses to better understand customer behavior to encourage repeated visits. This study investigates the mediating role of customer brand co-creation behavior in the effect of gastronomic experience on revisit intention among Generation Z café visitors in Bali, Indonesia. Data were collected from 250 respondents via an online survey and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. The analysis reveals that gastronomic experience has a significant positive impact on revisit intention (β = 0.479, p < 0.05) and customer brand co-creation behavior (β = 0.534, p < 0.05). Additionally, customer brand co-creation behavior positively influences revisit intention (β = 0.380, p < 0.05) and mediates the relationship between gastronomic experience and revisit intention (β = 0.203, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that providing high-quality gastronomic experiences, focusing on food, service, and environment, and encouraging active customer participation in co-creation activities can significantly enhance the likelihood of repeat visits. By fostering deeper customer participation and brand co-creation behavior, businesses can significantly enhance revisit intention, which is essential for long-term success in the competitive culinary tourism sector. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics between gastronomic experiences, customer brand co-creation behavior, and revisit intentions.

Acknowledgement
This research was funded by LPPM Universitas Udayana, Indonesia with contract number: B/255.108/UN14.4.A/PT.01.03/2024.

This study focuses on the Nepalese telecom sector, where service innovation is crucial for increasing customer satisfaction and gaining loyalty. In the rapidly evolving technological landscape, telecom service providers must continuously improve their offerings and customer experiences to draw in new customers and maintain their competitiveness. Based on a sample of 245 telecom customers, this study investigates how innovative service offerings lead to higher satisfaction levels and, in turn, greater customer loyalty. This study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) and a quantitative research approach to examine the association between customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and service innovation in Nepal’s telecom industry. The study confirmed that service innovation (β = 0.23, p ≤ 0.01) directly influences customer satisfaction and significantly (β = 0.32, p ≤ 0.01) enhances customer loyalty in the Nepalese telecom sector. However, the study finds a negligible indirect impact of service innovation (β = 0.12, UL = 0.292, LL = -0.003) on customer loyalty when customer satisfaction is considered a mediator, indicating that customer satisfaction does not fully influence this relationship in the Nepalese telecom sector, suggesting that other variables, such as price sensitivity, switching costs, and consistency in service quality may also affect the relationship between service innovation, customer satisfaction, and loyalty. The results of this study will help the Nepalese telecom sector reevaluate its service innovation attempts, guiding executives to update their programs by offering new, reliable, high-quality services at affordable prices while considering different aspects of service innovation for strategic planning to attract loyal customers.

Halal tourist destinations meet the needs of Muslim travelers while also being accessible to non-Muslim visitors. This study investigates the relationship between non-Muslim visitors’ loyalty to halal products and services and the growth of halal tourism, with a focus on the role of religion as a mediating factor. Using a quantitative approach, the data were collected from 308 non-Muslim tourists in East Java Province, Indonesia, through a questionnaire. The findings reveal that perceptions of halal products and services significantly influence tourist loyalty (t-statistic = 2.789, p-value = 0.005), although the effect size is low (0.158). In contrast, perceptions of halal tourism development have a strong impact on loyalty (t-statistic = 9.225, p-value = 0.000). The study also finds that non-Muslim religiosity has a negligible effect on the relationship between halal services and loyalty, with an interaction effect value of 0.008. Overall, while higher religiosity increases the impact of halal services and tourism development on loyalty, the effects are statistically insignificant. These findings suggest that promoting halal products and services can enhance loyalty among non-Muslim tourists, which is crucial for the growth of halal tourism. Destination marketers should focus on highlighting the benefits and inclusivity of halal offerings to attract a broader audience. Furthermore, understanding the limited influence of religiosity on loyalty can help tourism providers tailor their strategies to better engage non-Muslim visitors.

With increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues, green marketing has gained prominence in the fashion industry. However, the rise of greenwashing has raised concerns about its impact on consumer behavior. The study aims to investigate the influence of greenwashing perceptions on consumer purchase intention in the Chinese fashion industry, proposing green skepticism as a mediating factor and brand loyalty as a moderating variable. A moderated mediation model, grounded in the theory of planned behavior, was proposed. Data were collected through an online survey conducted in June 2024, using random sampling to select 350 consumers who interacted with merchants during live-streaming sessions on Douyin in the fast fashion sector. The results largely supported the proposed framework. Specifically, the findings indicate that greenwashing perceptions negatively impact consumer purchase intention (β = –0.43, p < 0.01). Furthermore, green skepticism was found to partially mediate the relationship between greenwashing perception and purchase intention (β = –0.26, p < 0.01). Finally, the moderating role of brand loyalty was confirmed, as it moderates the effect of greenwashing perceptions on green skepticism (β = –0.22, p < 0.01), thereby buffering the indirect effect of greenwashing perceptions on purchase intention through green skepticism (β = 0.06, 95% CI = [0.028, 0.091]). This study contributes to the growing body of green marketing literature by emphasizing the interplay between consumer greenwashing perceptions, green skepticism, and brand loyalty in shaping purchasing behavior in the fashion industry.

This study investigates the factors influencing the revisit intentions of female diabetes patients at private hospitals in Indonesia. The research explores the roles of complaint handling and social media promotion in building patient trust and satisfaction, and their impact on the intention to return. Utilizing a quantitative approach with a survey of 131 respondents, the study employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the relationships among the factors. The findings reveal that while service quality significantly affects patient satisfaction, it does not directly influence revisit intentions. Effective complaint handling enhances patient trust, particularly for those with more complex diabetes cases, and social media promotion positively impacts both trust and revisit intentions. The implications of these findings suggest that hospitals should focus on improving operational efficiency, handling complaints effectively, and implementing robust social media strategies to strengthen patient loyalty and retention. This research provides valuable insights for healthcare providers aiming to boost patient satisfaction and revisit rates amidst competitive and resource-limited environments.

Service robots have become a trend in hotel services, presenting new opportunities and challenges for the development of the hospitality industry. This study aims to explore how the perceptual attributes of service robots affect customer value co-creation intention in the luxury hotel industry. In China, Shanghai is the city with the most hotels from luxury brands and the city with the highest number of service robots deployed in luxury hotels. Currently, only 11 luxury hotels in Shanghai use service robots. Therefore, this study conducted an online survey of customers who have used service robots in these 11 luxury hotels in Shanghai. A total of 644 responses were collected from customers in luxury hotels in China who have used service robots through convenience sampling. Subsequently, the data underwent a validity analysis, and structural equation modeling was used to process the data. The results indicate that when service robots are perceived as possessing anthropomorphism, animacy, perceived intelligence, and perceived safety, they significantly enhance the customer hospitality experience. These attributes boost the enjoyment and trust customers feel when interacting with the robots, leading to greater engagement during the experience. Notably, likeability lacks significant impact on customer hospitality experience, suggesting that in luxury hotel settings, customers place more emphasis on whether robots possess practical attributes like intelligence and safety. Moreover, the customer hospitality experience serves as a significant mediator, implying the anthropomorphism, as the most critical attribute.

This study investigates how online brand interactivity fosters customer value co-creation, a collaborative process in which consumers actively contribute to co-creating value, by enhancing brand experiences at both individual and community levels. Specifically, the study compares the influence of online brand interactivity on customer value co-creation for two types of hedonic products: search-hedonic (Polygon) and experience-hedonic (Vespa) products in Indonesia. Employing a quantitative methodology, data were gathered from 836 active social media participants engaged in these brand communities through a structured online survey. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to examine the relationships between online brand interactivity, individual and community brand experiences, and customer value co-creation.
The findings reveal that online brand interactivity significantly enhances both individual and community brand experiences (β = 0.523 and β = 0.599, respectively), which, in turn, drive customer value co-creation (β = 0.147 and β = 0.446). Furthermore, the results indicate that the impact of online brand interactivity is stronger for search-hedonic products compared to experience-hedonic products. This suggests that product type moderates the effect of interactivity on brand experiences and, consequently, on customer value co-creation. These insights underscore the importance of customizing brand interactivity strategies according to product characteristics to optimize customer value co-creation, particularly within the hedonic product market.

This study examined the relationship between organic positioning strategies and the behavior of digital consumers in real estate companies in Peru, a topic of growing importance given the expanding role of digital marketing in the real estate sector. The primary objective was to determine the effectiveness of SEO strategies in influencing consumer behavior. A quantitative methodology was adopted, employing a non-experimental, cross-sectional, and correlational design. 100 real estate SEO experts in Peru, who were recruited from LinkedIn, were surveyed. Data were collected through surveys, and the analysis was conducted using the SPSS statistical software. The findings revealed that brand awareness, keyword analysis, and marketing strategy are pivotal components in the development of successful SEO approaches. Simultaneously, factors such as brand awareness, marketing performance, and brand interaction emerged as critical influencers of digital consumer behavior. The statistical analysis yielded a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.707, indicating a strong positive relationship between organic positioning strategies and digital consumer behavior. These results underscore the practical value of implementing effective SEO strategies in enhancing consumer engagement and behavior in the digital space. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that well-executed organic positioning strategies can significantly improve digital consumer behavior, offering valuable insights for real estate companies seeking to optimize their digital marketing efforts. This highlights the importance of incorporating targeted SEO techniques to strengthen brand presence and drive consumer engagement in an increasingly competitive market.

Indonesia’s e-commerce market, particularly B2C, continues to expand, attracting both domestic and foreign investments. Despite this growth, a notable decline in B2C sales occurred. This drop is largely attributed to rising competition in the market, which has made it increasingly difficult for platforms to retain consumer interest. This study investigates the factors that influence Millennial Muslim consumers’ purchase intentions on B2C e-commerce in Indonesia using structural equation modeling. The respondents in this study were taken from the Millennial generation of e-commerce users. This generation was chosen because they are economically more established than Generation Z and in terms of technology use, are more expert than Baby Boomers. Initially, 700 responses were collected, but after excluding incomplete or non-qualifying data, 434 valid responses were analyzed. The findings reveal that perceived risk (β: 0.206), perceived quality (β: 0.440), and enduring involvement (β: 0.240) positively affect perceived trust, whereas situational involvement (β: -0.331) has a negative impact. Additionally, enduring involvement (β: 0.659), situational involvement (β: 0.133), and perceived trust (β: 0.103) were found to positively influence purchase intention, while perceived risk (β: -0.093) negatively affects it. The study emphasizes that enduring involvement (β: 0.659) is the strongest variable that increase purchase intention in B2C e-commerce. Enduring involvement refers to a consumer’s long-term interest and engagement with a product category, driven by personal relevance, values, or consistent motivations.

Acknowledgment
The authors would like to thank the Research and Innovation Institute (LRI), Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, for the enormous financial support in writing this study through the funding scheme of the 2025 Outstanding Research of Study Program (RU-PRODI).

In the digital age, unverified news and electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) have become pervasive, raising concerns about their influence on customer behavior and decision-making. This research aims to investigate how unverified news affects customer purchase intention and satisfaction, emphasizing the mediating role of brand image within customer relationship management. Using the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) as the theoretical framework, the study collected the data from 378 undergraduate and postgraduate students in Vietnam. The hypotheses were tested through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS4. There are two significant results. Firstly, unverified news has significantly influenced brand image and trust, leading to customer satisfaction and purchase intention. Secondly, brand image plays a mediating role in the relationship between e-WOM and purchase intention. This research contributes to the marketing literature by demonstrating how unverified news shapes consumer behavior. The findings provide actionable insights for businesses to adapt their marketing strategies, addressing the growing challenges of misinformation to improve brand trust and customer satisfaction in today’s information-driven market.

This study aims to examine the factors influencing consumers’ willingness to adopt digital coupons in India. It focuses on the impact of two major events: demonetization in 2016 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, these events have caused a shift toward digital payments and digital coupons, changing consumer behavior in favor of digital solutions. This study specifically focuses on consumers in Jaipur, both urban and rural, to capture the unique dynamics of this geographical region. In this study, 110 respondents from different demographic groups were given a structured questionnaire. 12 respondents were selected for in-depth qualitative interviews to learn more about the factors that promote and hinder the use of digital coupons. Quantitative data analysis is conducted using SmartPLS 4 software, and the qualitative interview data are analyzed thematically. The regression analysis reveals that convenience and perceived value drives the use of digital coupons, with 75% of respondents reporting their adoption. The findings bring into perspective how the digital consumer landscape of India is evolving and what role incentives play in digital marketing in driving consumer preference and shaping the long-term feasibility of the strategy. The conclusion reinforces that the use of digital incentives for consumers will be influential in choices and underlines the feasibility of digital approaches in the new consumer environment in India.

Acknowledgment
The authors would like to thank the Deanship of Manipal University Jaipur for supporting this work.

E-commerce is a prospering industry, its global market size has doubled in recent years and, in addition to volume growth of more than 100%, its market share is constantly increasing. There has been a significant change in the information search phase of purchase decisions recently, which appears in a differentiated manner in generations. Social network sites have become the primary sources for the members of the young generation (Generation Y and Z) these days. The paper explores the habits of Hungarian online consumers and the factors influencing them. A quantitative data collection tool was selected as a method of the research, including an online questionnaire survey with 720 respondents. Based on the results, it can be concluded that most respondents have integrated monthly online shopping in their lives, and they browse offers online on a weekly basis. With respect to product categories, clothing products and electronic items were among the most frequently purchased, in terms of delivery, most people prefer delivery by courier service, while regarding payment methods, credit card payment is preferred. After conducting Principal Component Analysis, the research identified six factors that influence online purchase, including convenience, risk, time efficiency, social media, logistics, and availability. The hypothesis tests revealed significant differences along all variables related to demographics and shopping habits.

Acknowledgment
Supported by the University of Debrecen Program for Scientific Publication.

Sales performance is crucial in ensuring business growth, profitability, and sustainability, especially in the highly competitive and dynamic Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FCMG) sector. Improving sales performance can be a determining factor for companies to remain relevant and superior in an ever-evolving market. This study aims to analyze the effect of information technology capability on sales performance through the mediation of job crafting and organizational resilience. This study is based on the data from 385 respondents who are salespeople in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector in North Sumatra, Indonesia, focusing on how information technology can support the improvement of salespeople’s adaptability and productivity. This study applies the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis method with the Partial Least Squares (PLS) approach. The study’s results indicate that information technology capabilities affect sales performance (p = 0.000), and information technology capabilities positively affect job crafting (p = 0.000). Information technology capabilities affect organizational resilience (0.611), job crafting affects sales performance (0.533), and organizational resilience hurts sales performance (0.161). Furthermore, the indirect effect shows that information technology capabilities on sales performance through job crafting show a significant effect (0.406), and information technology capabilities affect sales performance through organizational resilience (-0.098), information technology capabilities do not affect organizational resilience through job crafting (0.083). Job crafting does not affect sales performance through organisational resilience (-0.018). This study found that information technology capabilities are essential in improving sales performance through direct and indirect channels, primarily through job crafting and organizational resilience.

Acknowledgment
This research is supported by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi Republik Indonesia, Direktorat Jenderal Pendidikan Tinggi, Riset, Dan Teknologi) through the Regular Fundamental Research Funding in 2024 with contract number 103/E5/PG.02.00.PL/2024; 16/LL1/AL.04.03/2024; 09/II.3-AU/UMSU-LP2M/C/2024. Our deepest gratitude to all parties who have contributed to the completion of this research and our gratitude to the University Leadership and Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara, who have provided support facilities for this research to be carried out, and our gratitude to the respondents who voluntarily took the time and provided their insights during the data collection process.

The digital economy has bridged gaps between nations, significantly boosting the popularity of cross-border e-commerce and online purchases. This study investigates the socio-psychological factors influencing Generation Z’s willingness to purchase foreign products in Vietnam. A questionnaire employing a seven-point Likert scale was designed to assess two-dimensional variables among Vietnamese Gen Z consumers. A structural model was developed and analyzed using the PLS-SEM technique. SmartPLS software was utilized for data analysis. Participants comprised Generation Z individuals (aged 18-27) residing and employed in Vietnam. Data were collected via Google Forms questionnaire distributed to the target population from October 2023 to April 2024, yielding 575 valid responses. The findings indicate that competitive pricing and product uniqueness significantly affect consumers’ product judgments. Additionally, various key factors influence the likelihood of purchasing foreign products. These insights can inform the development of marketing strategies aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of domestic companies against foreign products.

Acknowledgment
The authors wish to express our deep gratitude to all survey participants for taking the time to share their information, significantly contributing to the success of this study.

This study investigates how sales methods, service management, and resource allocation influence the operating profit margins of Japanese software companies, with a focus on marketing strategies and profitability improvement. While Japan’s software market continues to grow, domestic companies face challenges such as low profit margins, reliance on subcontracting, and declining international competitiveness. Using data from 124 software companies listed in the Nikkei industry-specific section between 2021 and 2023, this study employs multivariate regression analysis to identify actionable strategies for enhancing profitability.
The results reveal that the selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expense ratio negatively affects operating profit margins, emphasizing the importance of cost control. Companies that adopt indirect sales channels achieve significant cost efficiency, improving profit margins (coefficient: -0.1363). Furthermore, while the ratio of sales growth to gross profit growth positively influences profitability (coefficient: 0.0084), its effect is relatively modest. In contrast, the revenue efficiency ratio emerges as the most influential factor, where a 1% improvement corresponds to a 0.72% increase in operating profit margins (coefficient: 0.7166). These findings underscore the critical role of optimizing resource allocation and aligning sales strategies with marketing objectives to achieve sustainable profit growth.
This study contributes to the literature by integrating marketing-oriented strategies with operational efficiency, addressing the often-overlooked interplay between these factors. By offering practical insights into channel strategies, cost optimization, and resource allocation, this research provides a roadmap for Japanese software companies to strengthen their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

Although there is general consensus that social media can enhance collaboration among contributors, the debate continues regarding the optimal approach for integrating consumer resources into brand communities on these platforms. This paper investigates how customer social participation impacts customer resource integration and mutually beneficial interactions within social media brand communities. Utilizing the Partial Least Squares approach to Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and involving 295 participants, the findings reveal that customer social participation positively affects both customer resource integration (β=0.415, p=0.000) and mutually beneficial interactions (β=0.753, p=0.000). Furthermore, mutually beneficial interactions significantly influence customer resource integration within the brand community (β=0.432, p=0.000). Notably, mutually beneficial interactions act as a mediator in the relationship between customer social participation and customer resource integration (β=0.325, p=0.000). These findings contribute to the emerging research stream on customer social participation, resource integration, and mutually beneficial interactions in marketing contexts, offering valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners. The study also provides practical implications for brand community activities and suggests several avenues for future research.

Acknowledgment
This research was supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Technology Research of Indonesia under the Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant in 2022, Number 59/UN5.2.3.1/PPM/KPDRTPM/TI/2022.

Extensive research in the hospitality sector has investigated the numerous factors influencing consumers’ green consumption behavior in various countries. However, there is a limited number of studies that apply the Goal Framing Theory (GFT) to explain eco-friendly behavior. This study aims to identify the key determinants of purchase intention towards eco-friendly hotels using GFT. The analysis focuses on the specific context of Vietnam, a nation undergoing economic transition. The study’s empirical basis is built upon a substantial dataset collected from a representative sample of Vietnamese hotel customers (N=524), which underwent stringent statistical analysis using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. The study results reveal that gain motivation has the strongest impact on customers’ willingness to buy from environmentally friendly hotels (β = 0.392), followed by hedonic motivation (β = 0.358), and lastly by normative motivation (β = 0.104). Furthermore, the research sheds light on the mediating roles of normative and hedonic motivation on the relationship between gain motivation and purchase intention. Remarkably, hedonic motivation also emerges as a mediator in the relationship between normative motivation and purchase intention. The insights gleaned from the research findings are distilled into both theoretical and practical implications, proffering valuable guidance for stakeholders in the hospitality domain.

Impulse buying is a key marketing strategy to boost online sales in fast fashion, as many items in this sector are purchased impulsively, often driven by hedonic motivations. The study aims to determine the influence of hedonic shopping motivation on online impulse purchase behavior in the fashion industry among Generation Y consumers. Generation Y consumers are tech-savvy customers with high-income potential who engage in online shopping. Following a cross-sectional survey, 400 responses from Generation Y students were collected from North-West University and Vall University of Technology in South Africa and analyzed to address the research objective. The results of the study indicate that Generation Y students found social shopping, value shopping, relaxation shopping and novelty as the strongest motives that influence their fast fashion online impulse buying behavior, while idea shopping, adventure shopping and fun with praise from others do not exhibit a statistically significant influence on this cohort. In terms of importance, relaxation shopping was the most important motive for fast fashion online impulse buying behavior among Generation Y students, followed by social shopping, novelty and value shopping. The present study obtained a coefficient of determination (R-squared) of 0.492, suggesting that roughly 49.2% of the variance in Generation Y students’ online impulse buying behavior to purchase fast fashion can be predicted by relaxation shopping, social shopping, novelty and value shopping.

Drawing on an extended Innovation Resistance Theory, this study examines how various barriers – namely, usage, value, risk, tradition, image, information, and privacy – affect the behavioral intention to use mobile fintech services among bottom of the pyramid consumers. Moreover, it investigates the moderating role of gender difference on these relationships using Multi-Group Analysis. Primary data were collected through a self-administered online survey and gaining 200 responses from low-income users in urban city in Indonesia who already have smartphones but possess minimal experience or knowledge of mobile fintech services usage. Data analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares, with assistance from SmartPLS 4.0 software. The findings indicated that five barriers (usage, value, risk, tradition, and privacy) had a significant negative impact on the intention to use fintech services, while the other two (image and tradition) showed no significant effect. Additionally, it is revealed that gender did not affect the impact of usage and risk barriers, whereas differences were identified for the other barriers. These insights highlight the importance of addressing gender-specific needs in designing mobile fintech solutions for low-income consumers in emerging economies.

Acknowledgment
We would like to acknowledge and thank the Balai Pembiayaan Pendidikan Tinggi (Center of Financing Higher Education) – BPPT, The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Republic of Indonesia, and the Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education) – LPDP, Ministry of Finance Indonesia, for providing funding for this research publication.

The expansion of brands through new product lines in the fiercely competitive fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry is aimed at bolstering companies’ brands and market share while catering to customer preferences. In creating FMCG value chains and fostering company sustainability, companies need to have a strong grasp of the interplay between the company’s brand strategies and customer loyalty. This study investigated how brand trust mediates the effect of brand extension strategies on customer loyalty among people in Lagos State metropolis, Nigeria, who buy a variety of FMCG. Data were collected from 293 respondents via an online survey and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The analysis revealed that brand familiarity (β = 0.376; p < 0.05), similarity (β = 0.397; p < 0.05), and reputation (β = 0.392; p < 0.05) are the strategies adopted in brand extension. It was found that brand extension strategy positively influences brand trust (β = 0.659; p < 0.05), while customer loyalty is positively impacted by brand trust (β = 0.585; p < 0.05). Besides, the results showed that brand trust mediates the relationship between brand extension strategies and сustomer loyalty (β = 0.385; p < 0.05). These results suggest that satisfaction with and trust in a specific product brand can significantly enhance the likelihood of repeat purchases by customers.

The constant change in consumer preferences requires adjusting sales strategies according to the consumer’s current needs. The study aims to cluster the consumers of tourism products based on the factors influencing their decision-making process when choosing tourism products and to classify them according to the marketing mix. The study is based on the analysis of data from 196 respondents in the Lviv region, collected through an online survey using Google Forms in the first decade of 2023. The sample is representative, as it was calculated considering the population of the Lviv region aged 16 and above, ensuring the results’ reliability and relevance. The results revealed that representatives of each cluster are, on average, willing to spend up to 10,000 UAH per person during their vacation. In the decision-making process regarding the purchase of components of a tourist product, accommodation holds the most significant importance for representatives of the first and second clusters (4.51 and 3.27, respectively), insurance is the most important for the third cluster (4.71), and food is the priority for the fourth cluster (2.54). The decisive components of tourist services and risks for all clusters include up-to-date information about the vacation destination and pandemics/diseases, although the significance of their influence varies. Additionally, the clusters differ regarding the elements of place and promotion of tourist products. The results demonstrate that the marketing mix elements vary across clusters despite certain similarities in respondents’ assessments.

This research aims to reveal the role of consumers’ visual attention stimuli in advertising from traditional and neuromarketing research perspectives. This study examines six stimuli of consumers’ visual attention, which are divided into three groups – complexity of advertising, reflection of reality in advertising, and attributes of advertising content. A conceptual model was developed, encompassing the relationships of the identified stimuli with consumers’ visual attention (via gaze fixation duration and frequency) and with consumers’ attitudes toward advertising. The model was empirically tested using survey questionnaires and an eye-tracking system to analyze a specific food advertising case. A survey involving 403 respondents in Lithuania found that a statistically significant relationship exists between all visual attention stimuli and attitudes toward advertising, except for advertising authenticity (p-value>0.05). However, the results of the linear regression confirm only instrumental attributes in advertising content (R2=0.294) and higher design complexity (R2=0.230) positively influence on consumer attitudes toward advertising. In the neuromarketing study with 26 participants, a significant relationship was revealed between both dependent variables (the duration and frequency of participants gaze) and visual attention stimuli in food advertising. ANOVA analysis results show longer gaze fixation duration for simple, clear designs, manipulative advertising, symbolic content attributes; more frequent gaze fixation for advertising reflecting high functional and design complexity, authenticity, and instrumental content attributes. However, no relationship was found between gaze variables and consumer attitudes, except for authentic advertising, where higher greater gaze frequency was linked to a more positive attitude.

The impact of advertising and sales promotion on firm value and sales performance within the Jordanian manufacturing sector was examined, recognizing the significant role of advertising in enhancing competitive market outcomes. The study aimed to investigate the effect of advertising and sales promotion on firm value within the manufacturing Jordanian firms that holds a benefit for deciphering several challenges and opportunities that firms face within an emerging market context. Data from 64 Jordanian manufacturing firms listed on Amman Stock Exchange between 2014 and 2022 were analyzed. Regression analysis was applied across two models: one focused on the relationship between advertising expenditures and firm value, while the other assessed sales performance. Firm size and return on equity served as control variables across both models.
The results revealed that advertising and sales promotion expenses had a significant and positive effect on both firm value and sales performance. Specifically, advertising’s impact on firm value was characterized by a coefficient of 0.107 and a t-value of 3.640, while its effect on sales performance yielded a coefficient of 0.321 and a t-value of 9.372, both with p-values of 0.00, highlighting a strong statistical significance. Additionally, firm size demonstrated a robust positive effect on both outcomes, underscoring its role as a critical control factor. Return on equity, however, did not yield a significant effect. These findings underscore the importance of advertising as a driver of firm growth and market position, particularly in larger firms. Investment in advertising appears to foster sustainable value and performance enhancements, offering firms in competitive sectors a strategic path for growth.

Acknowledgment
This research was funded through the annual funding track by the Deanship of Scientific Research, from the vice presidency for graduate studies and scientific research, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia [Grant no. KFU250963].

This study holds significance due to the increasing impact of influencer marketing on consumer behavior, particularly among the youth demographic in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to examine how influencer marketing influences perceived credibility and purchase intention, emphasizing the roles of transparency and cultural factors in shaping consumer behavior.
A descriptive-analytical method was utilized, the research was conducted at University of Bisha, incorporating a structured survey to gather data from 384 university students, both male and female. The sample was meticulously chosen to embody the characteristics of young consumers, a group recognized for its significant involvement with social media channels and vulnerability to influencer marketing tactics. The findings indicate that the traits of influencers play a crucial role in boosting purchase intention (β = 0.42, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the influence of brand credibility on purchase intention is significant (β = 0.51, p < 0.001), and it serves as a partial mediator in the connection between influencer characteristics and purchase intention (indirect effect = 0.27, p < 0.001). The results underscore Snapchat’s prominence as the leading platform among participants, illustrating its significance for focused influencer marketing initiatives. Marketers are advised to prioritize transparent and authentic collaborations with influencers to strengthen brand credibility and foster consumer trust. Emphasizing partnerships with influencers whose values align with students’ interests on Snapchat will enhance engagement and drive purchasing behavior. This information provides actionable direction for marketers aiming to enhance their influencer marketing approaches, cultivating enduring consumer confidence and sustainable brand development among younger demographics.

The adoption of mobile-based payments, particularly mobile wallets, increased significantly during the pandemic, especially in cash-reliant low-income economies. In the post-pandemic era, customers have greater flexibility in choosing their preferred payment methods, making customer retention vital for businesses. Therefore, it is essential to identify the factors influencing customer loyalty to mobile wallet apps. This study, conducted in Pakistan, seeks to identify the factors influencing customer loyalty toward mobile wallet apps in the post-COVID-19 era. Using data from 298 customers, the study uses Smart PLS to examine the relationships within the proposed model. The outcomes revealed that perceived usefulness (β = 0.201, p = 0.000), perceived ease of use (β = 0.177, p = 0.000), information quality (β = –0.094, p = 0.001), user satisfaction (β = 0.367, p = 0.000), hedonic motivations (β = 0.168, p = 0.000), and customer involvement (β = 0.141, p = 0.000) are the primary factors that determine whether or not a customer becomes loyal to mobile wallets. Moreover, customer involvement moderates the association between perceived ease of use (β = –0.146, p = 0.000), information quality (β = 0.125, p = 0.000), user satisfaction (β = 0.195, p = 0.000), hedonic motivations (β = –0.151, p = 0.000) and customer loyalty. In conclusion, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, user satisfaction, hedonic motivations, customer involvement and information quality are key determinants of customer loyalty in the new normal.