The goal of this research is to test the mediating effect of product symbolism on the relationship between conspicuous consumption and social identity formation in the branded clothing sector of young adults. Young adults between the ages of 20-35 who wear branded clothes in Sri Lanka were considered the target population. The data was collected through a survey to find answers to the identified research questions through a quantitative approach. The Snowball sampling method was used as the sampling method for this study. The Sobel Test was carried out using an online calculator to measure the statistical significance of the mediation. The results showed that the effect of conspicuous consumption on social identity formation mediated through product symbolism could be judged as statistically significant. The findings can help with market segmentation and brand positioning. Knowing these symbolic value attachments to branded clothes, marketers can create their marketing mix strategies to provide solutions for self-image enhancement and sustainable competitive advantage from both consumer and company points of view.

This quantitative study examined the relationships between privacy, trust and level of service quality, and customer satisfaction. Jordanian firm employees involved in CRM technology were the study samples. Data from 620 completed questionnaires were analyzed utilizing AMOS software version 23. The study hypotheses were tested through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The causal relationships among the study’s main variables were examined as well. Results showed a positive impact of trust, privacy, and level of service quality on customer satisfaction. Managers and practitioners could pursue this study results in their CRM systems implementation. Additionally, the relations between privacy, trust and level of service quality, and customer satisfaction could be examined further as these relations in CRM systems have not been adequately examined, especially in emergent industries of developing countries.

With the rapid advancement of blockchain technology, SMEs face an opportunity to leverage decentralized ledger systems to address longstanding challenges related to financial transparency. This study aims to assess the implications of blockchain adoption for SMEs operating in the Jordanian context, focusing on its potential to improve accountability, trust, and efficiency in financial operations. Drawing on quantitative research methods, this paper examines the current state of financial transparency using a structural equation modeling approach of 215 surveys. The findings indicated that there is a positive impact of block-chain technology on enhancing financial transparency. The findings of this research contribute to both academic understanding and practical implications for policymakers, regulators, and SMEs in Jordan seeking to enhance financial transparency through blockchain technology. By shedding light on the positive impact of blockchain on financial transparency in the Jordanian SME sector, this paper aims to inform strategic decision-making and stimulate further research in this emerging field. Ultimately, it underscores the transformative potential of block-chain technology in promoting accountability, trust, and eco-nomic development among SMEs in Jordan and beyond.

The aim of this study was to investigate the modifications of the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) by incorporating elastomers, while considering the impact on its stiffness. Specifically, the research focused on determining the optimal loading of elastomer to achieve desirable properties and exploring the influence of these processes on the morphology and mechanical behavior of the prepared blends. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) consisting of polypropylene and natural rubber (PP/NR) were prepared using a melt-mixing process, and the mechanical properties of the blends were evaluated. The stress-strain properties of the blends revealed a successful modification of PP, transforming it from a stiff and strong thermoplastic into a stiff and tough thermoplastic elastomer when 10% NR was included in the PP matrix. As the loading of NR increased, a reduction in tensile strength (TS) and modulus (E) of the blends was observed, while elongation at break (EB) increased. The flexural strength of unmodified PP was 45.9 MPa, which decreased with increasing NR loading. Similarly, the impact strength of unmodified PP was 25.8 KJ/m², whereas the values for 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% NR inclusion were 30.8, 24.3, 20.6, and 15.2 KJ/m², respectively. The melt flow index (MFI) of unmodified PP was 14.1 g/10 min, while the values for 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% NR inclusion were 19.4, 15.7, 11.6, and 10.2 g/10 min, respectively. The best combination of mechanical properties was observed at 10% NR inclusion in the PP matrix. The micrograph of the blends, as observed from SEM micrographs, supported the modification of PP, resulting in the production of TPE with observable adhesion sites, indicating good compatibility between the components. In a nutshell, a significant 47% increase in impact strength was achieved through the modification process.

Small and medium entities (SMEs) may not have an appreciable impact on the economy of a country unless they are performing well. In the UAE, the performance of SMEs still appears to be unimpressive despite the actions of the government. Cross-sectional research design and survey methods were used in research work since the managers and employees of SMEs were the primary sources of data. The result from the study revealed that organizational factors positively and significantly impacts SMEs performance. Future researchers will benefit largely from this present study because it will guide them on how and where to focus their research. The findings of the study will assist UAE agencies and institutions in understanding the mediating role of ABC adoption as the key drivers and exert a strong influence on performance for SMEs in UAE. The government and policymakers should look at the involvement of external partners in facilitating innovation activities among SMEs in UAE.

In Dubai, the government alone cannot bring about economic development and provide jobs to all and sundry. Businesses established by individuals and corporate entities aid the government in the provision of jobs to people and contribute to the economic growth and development of a country. The role of SMEs is crucial in most of the countries of the world and they contribute significantly towards provision of employment opportunities in their local communities and development of their economies. The main objective of this study is to examine the factors influencing the performance of SMEs in the UAE. The findings from the analysis found that technological factors and environmental factors have a positive and significant impact on SMEs performance. This study has a significant contribution to the body of literature as it provides a worthy theoretical framework in it. Besides theoretical contribution, this study also provides practical implications to SMEs, government and policymakers. The future direction of this study would enhance the future body of literature.

The global investment landscape has undergone a paradigm shift, focusing on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors as the major determinants of financial sustainability in investment decisions worldwide. This study uses predictive modeling to analyze the complex link between ESG variables and investment decisions. Focusing on three key sectors: IT, FMCG, and BFS, the study adopts a predictive modeling approach, recognizing the distinct characteristics and challenges within each sector. The information depends on the data obtained from different places like ESG details, and previous financial performance pointers – EBITDA, EPS, ROE, and P/E for 2018 to 2022, inclusive of general investor behavior. We can do this by working with relevant sources of data together with machine learning methods which show what happens in the Indian market in terms of ESG influencing the market thus leading to sustainable investment outcomes. This article seeks to comprehend why investors may favor sustainability as opposed to their conventional monetary units.

This study was, therefore, set to achieve the following objective: to explore the impact of social media on consumers’ buying decisions. The current research was conducted on online consumers through luxury perfume brands' websites. The phenomenon of online sales has recently spread in Saudi Arabia, where the authorized number of those stores reached 1,800 sites at the end of 2021. The target population was online purchasing consumers from luxury perfume sellers. The appropriate sample size in unlimited populations is 385 responses. The research hypotheses were tested using the SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) method, which allows for the evaluation of the degree of dependence of consumers buying decisions on social media marketing. The results of the study demonstrated that social media marketing influences the consumer purchasing decision process. The outcome can be credited to the effectiveness of marketing efforts in the chosen retail via social media.

This study aims at exploring the effect of four elements of an integrated marketing mix. The mix consists of both elements of the 4Ps and SIVA marketing models. These elements are product-solution, promotion-information, place-access, and price-value. A questionnaire was used to collect the required data from a sample of retailing market customers in Saudi Arabia. The total number of the questionnaires used in data analysis was 378. The study found that product-solution and place-access from customers’ perspective had significant effects on customer retention. On the other hand, price-value had a negative significant effect on customer retention, while promotion-information had no effect on customer retention. Hence, companies are called for considering products as solutions, promotion as a source of information for customers, place as an access point for such a solution, and price must be appropriate to the value that the customer gets.

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of logistics and distribution processes on business process reengineering by adopting green innovation for sustainable transformation. Guided by the Resource-Based View (RBV), the study examines logistics and distribution processes in relation to business process reengineering (BPR), through green innovation adoption, towards achieving sustainability goals. Drawing on a conceptual framework based in supply chain management and BPR theories, the study uses Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares to analyze data collected from respondents within the target industries. The results show that streamlined logistics and distribution processes help to ensure the success of Green Innovation as part of BPR, strengthening the trend towards sustainable transformation. The study accentuates the importance of logistics management in enabling environmental stewardship and enhanced operational efficiency, providing some key ideas for improving both theoretical developments and future directions as well on practice ground to adopt sustainable supply chain trends.