The potential of conflicts of interest arising in the activities of credit rating agencies in Ukraine

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.

This study was conducted to determine the factors and their influence on accrual accounting reform in the public sector in Vietnam. Combining qualitative and quantitative research methods based on empirical surveys of 268 accountants, controllers, and auditors working in state agencies such as the Department of Finance, state treasuries and agencies receiving revenues from the state budget in 2019. This study shows that six factors influence the reform of the accounting system in the public sector in Vietnam to accrual-based: accounting staff – especially their expertise, competence, and work experience; training and support of the consulting experts; costs of the accounting reform; level of information technology application; funding and assistance from international organizations; legal environment.
At the same time, the accrual-based accounting reform will have a positive impact on improving the transparency and efficiency of public sector operations in Vietnam. Among the factors affecting accounting reform, the legal environment factor is the most influential determinant, followed by the contingent of accountants. The study’s limitation is that the new experimental investigation is only conducted with a small sample size and in a short period. However, the research results are also a useful reference for those who are interested in the context that Vietnam is preparing to have strong reforms in accounting in the public sector in the coming time.

Forensic audit of public debt is an important tool for ensuring financial transparency and effective public finance management. In the context of Ukraine, given the difficult economic situation and high level of public debt, the use of forensic audit is of particular importance. The study aims to conduct a forensic audit of Ukraine’s public debt by assessing the consistency of financial statements of key government agencies, identifying discrepancies, and evaluating their potential impact on financial stability. The methodology includes a cross-analysis of financial data from the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, the National Bank of Ukraine, the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine, and the State Treasury Service. The study also includes an assessment of compliance with international public sector auditing standards (ISSAI, IPSAS, and OECD principles). The results show discrepancies in key public debt indicators between the different reporting institutions, with variations in total debt, debt service costs, and classification methodologies. Key findings indicate inconsistencies in the timing of data publication, differences in accounting methodology, and gaps in debt transparency. These discrepancies pose risks to the effectiveness of financial policy, external creditworthiness, and overall macroeconomic stability. The study concludes that strengthening coordination between government agencies and integrating forensic audit mechanisms into the system of regular financial oversight is necessary to increase the transparency of public debt and reduce financial risks. The proposed recommendations will help to improve fiscal management and ensure the reliability of financial reporting in Ukraine's public debt management system.

Acknowledgment
Prepared as part of a research project 101127602-EUEPDM-ERASMUS-JMO-2023-HEI-TCH-RSCH – "EU experience in public debt management: conclusions for Ukraine in the war and post-war period". However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Executive Agency for Education and Culture (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.