Economics and Business Journal (ECBIS)

Civil Servants' Interpretation of Gold Investment and Trading (Case Study of Civil Servants in South Sulawesi Province)

Dinah Diyanah Burhan, Alimuddin, Darwis Said — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to analyze the interpretations, behaviors, and preferences of gold investment among civil servants (PNS) of the South Sulawesi Provincial Government in facing economic volatility and inflation. Using a descriptive qualitative method with a case study approach, this study collected data through in-depth interviews with 13 informants consisting of active civil servants, retirees, and financial practitioners, supported by secondary data analysis. The results show that PNS interpretations of gold are multidimensional, namely as an effective life buffer and hedge against inflation, as well as an instrument for fulfilling cultural obligations (uang panai' and siri'). This study found a transformation in investment behavior from gold jewelry to gold bars and digital savings, driven by mental accounting mechanisms through payroll deduction systems to discipline spending. In conclusion, the local culture of Bugis-Makassar interacts dynamically with modern financial literacy, creating a hybrid investment pattern supported by sharia compliance and the integration of regional banking technology.

Understanding Accounting Practices in Culinary MSMEs In The Tanjung Bunga Metro Area, Makassar City

Andi Mulia Saleh, Alimuddin, Darwis Said — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The focus of research shifts from the dominance of positivism to a non-positivistic approach that places meaning, interpretation, and social construction at the center of analysis. One of the main approaches within this paradigm is Grounded Theory Research (GTR), a qualitative method developed by Glaser and Strauss (1967) to build empirically data-based theory through a rigorous inductive process. In the accounting context, GTR becomes increasingly relevant because reporting practices, accountability, and financial decision-making cannot be understood solely through objective measurements, but rather through social interactions, organizational values, and the interpretations of the actors involved (Ahrens & Chapman, 2006). This article aims to examine the role and relevance of GTR in modern accounting research by highlighting its philosophical foundations, methodological procedures, and contributions to the development of practice-based accounting theory. Through a systematic literature review, it is found that GTR has the ability to uncover the social dynamics that shape accounting practices such as accountability, ethics, managerial control, and institutional legitimacy that have previously been overlooked by positivistic approaches (Charmaz, 2006; Bryant & Charmaz, 2007). GTR has also proven relevant in the context of changing reporting systems, accounting digitalization, and the integration of sustainability principles such as ESG, where meaning, professional identity, and interpretive processes are dominant elements (Adams & Larrinaga, 2019). The study's findings confirm that GTR not only offers a systematic method for data collection and analysis, but also provides a more reflective, context-sensitive epistemological framework capable of generating substantive theory that is truly rooted in organizational reality. Thus, GTR is a powerful methodological alternative in enriching accounting knowledge, while providing a deeper understanding of how accounting practices are executed, negotiated, and interpreted in everyday organizational life.

The Influence of Free Shipping and Online Customer Reviews on the Shopee Platform on Purchasing Decisions of Students of the Faculty of Economics, Nias University

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the role of acquisition premiums in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and their impact on shareholder wealth, focusing on five major Indian deals in pharmaceuticals, retail, banking, steel, and renewable energy sectors. Potential synergies often justify acquisition premiums ranging from approximately 15% to 40% above target companies’ market values. However, market responses suggest that such premiums may not consistently result in value creation for acquiring firms' shareholders. Empirical findings reveal mixed outcomes: Sun Pharma’s acquisition of Ranbaxy led to a 9.8% share price increase within five days, while Tata Steel’s high-premium acquisition of Bhushan Steel saw only a 1.7% gain. In contrast, deals like Reliance–Future Retail and Tata Power–Welspun Power showed minimal or negative returns, despite sizable premiums. These patterns indicate that premium size alone is not a reliable predictor of post-deal shareholder wealth creation. The study concludes that M&A success depends more on strategic fit, market timing, and sectoral dynamics than on the premium offered. This analysis contributes to the broader M&A discourse by offering evidence-based insights into how premium valuations can either maximise or dilute shareholder value, aiding investors, corporate strategists, and policy analysts in deal assessment.

Analysis of Production Optimization Strategy to Increase The Capacity of Kamumu Kimpul Chips at UD. Sona Gunungsitoli Idanoi

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The fast food industry continues to grow as the public's need for practical products, including Kamumu Kimpul chips, increases. However, small business actors such as UD. Sona in Gunungsitoli Idanoi faces obstacles in production due to the use of traditional methods, limited equipment, and lack of optimal management. This condition has an impact on delays in meeting demand, increasing production costs, and declining competitiveness. Therefore, a production optimization strategy is needed to improve product capacity, efficiency, and quality. This study aims to analyze the production optimization strategy implemented by UD. Sona, formulate a capacity building strategy, as well as identify obstacles and solutions that can be done. The results of the research are expected to be practically useful for business actors in production management, as well as make a theoretical contribution to the development of production management science in MSMEs. The research method uses a descriptive qualitative approach. Data was obtained through interviews with owners, employees, and customers, supplemented by observation and documentation. Data analysis is carried out through reduction, presentation, and inductive conclusions, so as to be able to describe the real conditions of the business and develop the right optimization strategy. The results of the study show that UD. Sona has made efforts such as setting up production flows and scheduling planning. However, limited machinery, unstable supply of raw materials, and marketing that has not been maximized are still obstacles. Consumers rate the product as good quality, but its availability has not been consistent. Suggested strategies include the implementation of lean production, improvement of inventory management, and the use of production technology

The Influence of Brand Image on Online Purchase Decisions for Scarlett Students of The Faculty of Economics, University of Nias

Diana Novita Baene, Idarni Harefa, Meiman Hidayat Waruwu, Fatolosa Hulu — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This research aims to examine and analyze the influence of brand image on the purchasing decisions of students at the Faculty of Economics, Nias University, in the context of online shopping. The background of this study stems from the rapid growth of e-commerce in Indonesia, which has significantly changed consumer shopping behavior, particularly among students who are highly adaptive to digital technology. In online shopping situations, where consumers cannot physically assess the product, brand image becomes one of the main factors influencing consumer trust, perceived quality, and confidence in making purchasing decisions. The type of research employed is quantitative research with a survey approach. The study population consisted of 1,959 active students of the Faculty of Economics, Nias University, with a sample of 95 respondents determined using the Slovin formula. Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire covering brand image indicators (strength, favorability, and uniqueness of brand association) as well as purchasing decision indicators (problem recognition, information search, evaluation of alternatives, purchase decision, and post-purchase behavior). The data were analyzed using validity and reliability tests, simple linear regression analysis, t-test, and determination test with the aid of SPSS software. The results of the study indicate that brand image has a positive and significant effect on students' purchasing decisions in online shopping. This finding implies that the stronger the brand image, the higher the tendency of students to make online purchases. Therefore, companies or online businesses need to develop and strengthen their brand image through consistent marketing communication strategies, clear product information, and credible brand reputation to increase consumer loyalty and purchase intention.

Analysis of Employee Performance with Employee Engagement as a Mediating Variable at BPR Syariah PNM Mentari

Muhammad Haikal, Dhani Ichsanuddin Nur, Tri Kartika Pertiwi — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the effects of Mindset, Togetherness, and Result Oriented on Employee Performance, with Employee Engagement as a mediating variable, in BPR Syariah PNM Mentari. The research is conducted in a micro–Islamic banking context that emphasizes efficiency, service quality, and regulatory compliance, and aims to clarify the contribution of these behavioral and organizational constructs to employee outcomes. A quantitative survey design was used, with data gathered via a structured questionnaire that operationalized the constructs. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test direct and indirect relationships. The results reveal that (1) Result Oriented has a positive and significant effect on Employee Performance, confirming that goal clarity and disciplined execution lead to better performance; (2) Mindset does not have a direct effect on performance, but its effect through Employee Engagement is significant, indicating that Mindset influences performance only when employees are engaged; (3) Employee Engagement mediates the effect of Result Oriented on performance, improving execution; and (4) Togetherness has no direct or indirect effect on performance, suggesting that collaboration alone does not drive performance without clear goals and engagement.

Consumer Purchase Decision Making Behavior of Fashion Products on Shopee in Surabaya City

Viona Rosalinda Dwi Putri, Tri Kartika Pertiwi, Nanik Haryana — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to analyze the role of consumer trust in mediating the effects of affiliate marketing and online customer ratings on purchase decisions for fashion products among Shopee users in Surabaya. A quantitative approach was used in this research, with data collected through questionnaires from 100 Shopee users in Surabaya. The data analysis was conducted using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method to examine the direct and mediating relationships between the variables: affiliate marketing, online customer ratings, consumer trust, and purchase decisions. Validity and reliability tests of the instruments were also performed to ensure the accuracy of the variable measurements in this research model.The findings indicate that affiliate marketing does not significantly drive consumer purchase decisions. However, consumer trust plays a key role in mediating the relationship between affiliate marketing and purchase decisions. Without trust, affiliate marketing promotions have limited influence. Additionally, online customer ratings positively influence purchase decisions, and consumer trust is crucial in mediating the relationship between online customer ratings and purchase decisions. Positive ratings from other customers enhance trust in both the product and the seller.

Murabahah Financing as an Engine oof Growth: Analysis of Contribution and Integrated Risk Management at BMT Alif Mandiri Makassar

Rostini — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The development of Islamic microfinance institutions requires the implementation of financing schemes that are not only compliant with Sharia principles but also capable of maintaining financing quality and sustainability. One of the most widely applied contracts is murabahah financing, particularly in supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This study aims to analyze the implementation of murabahah financing and the risk mitigation strategies applied at BMT Alif Mandiri Makassar. This research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical method. Data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews with management and financing officers, and documentation studies. The findings indicate that murabahah financing at BMT Alif Mandiri Makassar is implemented regularly through several stages, including application submission, feasibility analysis, financing approval, contract realization, and post-disbursement monitoring. The financing analysis emphasizes repayment capacity, members' character, and the suitability of financed goods for productive business needs. Risk mitigation strategies are conducted through careful customer character assessment, direct business verification, proportional margin determination, the use of collateral as a financing safeguard, and continuous monitoring. This study concludes that productive murabahah financing supported by integrated risk management practices is an effective and sustainable financing instrument for the development of MSMEs within Islamic microfinance institutions

Business Mentoring as Experiential Learning through the BRIDGE Model

Rahmat Ramli, Sylvia Sari Rosalina — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The persistent gap between theoretical instruction and real-world practice remains a critical challenge in business education, particularly in contexts involving Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Experiential learning has been promoted as a pedagogical response to this challenge; however, many initiatives lack structured frameworks that integrate student learning with meaningful community engagement. This study examines the implementation of the BRIDGE model (Build, Reach, Discover, Grow, and Elevate) as a structured business mentoring approach grounded in experiential learning principles. Using a qualitative participatory action research design, the study involved 15 undergraduate business students and five MSMEs in Semarang City, Indonesia. Data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, reflective journals, and program documentation, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the BRIDGE model facilitates deep experiential learning by enabling students to connect theoretical concepts with contextual business realities, while simultaneously generating instrumental and symbolic benefits for MSME partners. Despite limitations related to program duration, the model demonstrates strong potential as a feasible and transferable framework for experiential business education in emerging economy contexts.

Determinants of Auditor Turnover Moderated by Job Satisfaction at Public Accounting Firms in East Java

Grana Koeswardani, Endah Sulistyo, Rida Perwita Sari — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The present study is a statistical hypothesis testing research aimed at examining the determinants of auditor turnover intention, specifically the influence of work motivation, workload, and time budget pressure as independent variables, with job satisfaction acting as a moderating variable. The research was conducted among auditors working at Public Accounting Firms in East Java. The population of the study consisted of junior and senior auditors employed at medium- and large-scale firms operating in the region. Data were collected using a survey method through primary questionnaires and analyzed using SmartPLS 3.0 to test the structural relationships between variables. The findings of this study indicate that work motivation negatively influences turnover intention, whereas workload and time budget pressure positively influence turnover intention. The results also show that job satisfaction moderates the relationship between work motivation and turnover intention, strengthening its negative effect. However, job satisfaction does not significantly moderate the influence of workload or time budget pressure on turnover intention. Overall, the study highlights the crucial role of job satisfaction in reducing the tendency of auditors to leave their organization, especially in environments with varying levels of motivation, workload, and time pressure.

The Effect Of Trust And Commitment On Customer Loyalty Of Bprs Botani Bina Rahmah With Customer Satisfaction As a Mediation Variable

Ayi Hilman Faizin, Yuniningsih, Muhadjir Anwar — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This research is motivated by the importance of building and maintaining customer loyalty at the Botani Bina Rahmah Sharia Rural Financing Bank (BPRS), a financial institution that plays a strategic role in strengthening the sharia-based economy and promoting financial inclusion at the micro level. The phenomenon of increasing account openings without a corresponding increase in customer retention indicates challenges in managing long-term relationships with customers. Trust and commitment are believed to be important factors in creating loyalty, but the effectiveness of both is often influenced by the level of customer satisfaction. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze satisfaction as a mediating variable in the relationship between trust and commitment and customer loyalty. This study aims to analyze: (1) the effect of trust on customer loyalty, (2) the effect of commitment on customer loyalty, (3) the effect of trust on loyalty through customer satisfaction as a mediating variable, and (4) the effect of commitment on loyalty through customer satisfaction as a mediating variable. The research approach used is quantitative with a cross-sectional design. Data were collected by distributing Likert-scale questionnaires to 100 active customer respondents of BPRS Botani Bina Rahmah. Data analysis was carried out using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM–PLS) with the help of SmartPLS software to test the validity and reliability of constructs and the relationships between variables in the structural model. The results of the study indicate that trust has a positive and significant effect on customer loyalty, while commitment does not have a significant direct effect on loyalty. Customer satisfaction is proven to act as a significant mediating variable in the relationship between trust and loyalty, as well as between commitment and loyalty. These findings confirm that BPRS customer loyalty is more influenced by the level of trust and satisfaction built through service quality and conformity to Sharia values. Practically, BPRS management needs to strengthen contract transparency, improve service consistency, and optimize digital channels to strengthen trust, increase satisfaction, and ultimately encourage sustainable customer loyalty.

Green Accounting as a Risk Mitigation Measure Ecology in The Biopharma Industry (Study at PT Daewoong Infion)

Herlinda Nia Audina, Sri Trisnaningsih — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to analyze the application of green accounting in hazardous waste management and its role in mitigating ecological risks in the biopharma industry, with a case study at PT Daewoong Infion. The background of the study is driven by the increasing risk of environmental and health pollution due to hazardous waste generated by the biopharmaceutical production process, as well as the limitations of conventional accounting systems in capturing ecological costs and impacts. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study design, through primary data collection in the form of in-depth interviews with key informants and field observations, as well as secondary data from company documents and related regulations. Data analysis was conducted descriptively and interpretively to identify green accounting practices, environmental cost components, and ecological risk mitigation mechanisms. The results show that PT Daewoong Infion has implemented green accounting through the recognition and recording of hazardous waste management costs, pollution control, and environmental disclosure, which contributes to increased regulatory compliance, waste management efficiency, and ecological risk reduction. In addition, these practices strengthen the company's legitimacy and meet stakeholder expectations, in line with legitimacy theory and stakeholder theory. This study concludes that green accounting serves as an effective managerial and reporting instrument in integrating economic objectives and ecological responsibility, thereby supporting the operational sustainability of the biopharma industry. These findings recommend strengthening environmental cost measurement systems and reporting transparency to enhance sustainable ecological risk mitigation.

The Role of Financial Performance in The Relationship Between Human Resource Accounting Disclosure and Company Value

Siti Alya Noviani, Siti Sundari, Tantina Haryati — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to analyze the effect of Human Resource Accounting (HRAC) disclosure on firm value, with financial performance as a mediating variable. This quantitative study uses secondary data in the form of annual reports and sustainability reports from 14 companies during the 2020–2024 period, with a total of 70 observations. HRAC disclosure is measured using the Human Resource Disclosure Index through a content analysis approach. Firm value is proxied by Net Asset Value (NAV) transformed into the natural logarithm, while financial performance is measured using ROA. Data analysis was performed using path analysis with SPSS software, and the Sobel test to examine the role of financial performance as a mediating variable. The results show that HRAC disclosure affects firm financial performance, but does not directly affect firm value. Financial performance is proven to affect firm value in a negative direction. The results of the Sobel test indicate that financial performance plays a significant role as a mediating variable in the relationship between HRAC disclosure and firm value. These findings indicate that HRAC disclosure affects firm value indirectly through financial performance. ASDM disclosure functions as supporting information and additional signals for investors, but is not yet able to become the main determinant in the direct formation of company value.

The Effect of Work Motivation and Soft Skill Training on Employee Performance through Competence

E. Anisa Safa’at Derajat Syah, Fauji Sanusi, Ali Imron — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the effect of work motivation and soft skill training on employee performance with competence as a mediating variable. The research was conducted at the Office of Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning (DP3AKB) of Banten Province. A quantitative approach with a census method was applied, involving all 134 employees as respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results indicate that work motivation and soft skill training have positive and significant effects on employee performance. Furthermore, both variables significantly influence employee competence. Competence also has a positive and significant effect on employee performance and partially mediates the relationship between work motivation and performance as well as between soft skill training and performance. These findings suggest that improving employee performance in public sector organizations requires integrated human resource development strategies focusing on motivation enhancement, effective soft skill training, and systematic competency development.

Geopolitical Risk and Stock Performance in Healthcare Industry (Case Study in Southeast Asia)

Novia Kusherawati, Taufik Faturrohman — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The healthcare industry has historically been viewed as a non-cyclical, defensive, safe haven for investors. However, the post-pandemic period has revealed the industry's susceptibility to disruptions in global supply chains and geopolitical tensions. The present research examines the effects of Geopolitical risk (GPR) on the stock performance of 76 publicly listed healthcare companies in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore) during 2015-2024. According to the Caldara and Iacoviello GPR Index, this study utilizes Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) the results show that though general Geopolitical Risk and Inflation are strongly negatively impacting the stock performance, specific Geopolitical Acts (GPRA) and Threats (GPRT) are having a positive response indicating a necessity premium in which investors expect a boom in demand of medical supplies once a conflict is realized. It concludes that the healthcare industry is not a safe haven but a highly fragmented environment in which inflation poses a greater threat to companies than political instability. The study advises that investors should consider a bottom-up approach, specifically micro-resilience screening, and that corporate managers should focus on supply chain decoupling and inflation hedging to address the Resilience Gap identified in the region.

Implementation of Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing In an Education Service Company

Muharam Isnaeni, Taufik Faturohman — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This paper uses Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) in identifying cost per student, program profitability, and breakeven point across programs and branches at PT Kreasi Edulab Indonesia as it seek to solve the cost allocation issues that arise due to the differences in instructional hours, staffing activity, and resource usage in providing educational services. The study will employ a quantitative methodology in which they will formulate TDABC-based cost modelling and simulating models to assign operational costs to the real instructional time and teaching capacity. Primary data were gathered by direct observation and internal cost structure mapping, whereas the secondary data were in the form of financial records, class schedules, and student enrollment reports. The analysis combines descriptive statistics, TDABC simulations, program profitability analysis, breakeven analysis, and sensitivity analysis to measure the cost per student, program level operating performance, minimum viable class sizes, and how the major financial drivers influence the operating profit. The findings indicate significant differences in cost per student and profitability of programs and size of a branch with some branches having lower levels of profitability below sustainable levels of breakeven despite the similar levels of revenues. The sensitivity analysis shows that average revenue per student is the most sensitive variable of operating profit, over and above the fluctuations in the enrolment volume and cost structure. Altogether, the results indicate that TDABC contributes to the increase of cost transparency and offers a solid foundation to the pricing, class consolidation, and operational decision-making.

Service Quality as The Critical Dimension of Learning Management System Quality in Education Service Provider: Evidence From Indonesia

Dwi Putri Ayuningtyas Ayuningtyas, Nur Budi Mulyono Mulyono — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The issue of digitalization of education has led to the increased dependency on Information Systems (IS), especially Learning Management Systems (LMS), to provide continuity of learning after the COVID-19 pandemic situation. At Edulab, as a large learning service provider in Indonesia, LMS works as a central of learning provision, evaluation, communication, and academic tracking. Despite the strategic role, there are still frequent problems like unreliable access, incomplete evaluation, flawed data, and deteriorated performance when the system is at its peak usage, and it interferes with the learning processes and lowers the level of user confidence. This paper discusses the effect of LMS quality on service delivery, satisfaction among users and effectiveness of the entire platform at the institution. It is being analyzed in terms of the DeLone and McLean Information System Success Model, which is being supplemented by the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. The mixed method was used, which integrated a survey of 1,081 users of the LMS who were estimated through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and a semi-structured interview with key stakeholders of the management. The results suggest that system, information, and service quality are very powerful predictors of user satisfaction with service quality coming out as the most significant factor in LMS effectiveness in service-oriented institutions of learning.

Beauty Culture and Self-Commodification: Analysis of Visual Communication In Digital Content on Tiktok Social Media

Dinda Sela Aditia, Catur Nugroho — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to describe the following variables: (1) digital technology adoption, (2) business resilience, (3) women’s empowerment, and (4) financial literacy, and to analyze the effect of digital technology adoption on business resilience mediated by women’s empowerment and moderated by financial literacy. The research employed a quantitative explanatory design with structural model analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Data were collected through an online questionnaire (Google Form). The population consisted of 1,556 women entrepreneurs who own Micro and Small Industry (MSI) units in the food subsector, with 359 respondents selected using proportionate allocation sampling and located in Tasikmalaya, Sukabumi, Bogor, and Bandung. The findings indicate that the level of digital technology adoption among women entrepreneurs is in the very high category, while business resilience, women’s empowerment, and financial literacy are in the high category with potential for further improvement. Digital technology adoption has a positive effect on business resilience and women’s empowerment, implying that higher levels of technology adoption are associated with stronger business resilience and greater women’s empowerment. Women’s empowerment also positively affects business resilience and mediates the relationship between digital technology adoption and business resilience. In addition, higher financial literacy strengthens the effect of digital technology adoption on business resilience, thus functioning as an enhancing moderator in this relationship. The results imply that strengthening business resilience among women entrepreneurs can be achieved by enhancing digital technology–based resources and strategies, integrated with women’s empowerment as a mediating mechanism and financial literacy as a moderating capability for the strategic use of digital technology. Practically, the findings underscore the importance of advanced training programs and an integrated digital ecosystem to reinforce digital technology adoption, women’s empowerment, and financial literacy, while simultaneously building a collaborative ecosystem and continuous interventions focused on sustainable business resilience.