Journal of International Trade, Logistics and Law
Journal of International Trade, Logistics and Law (e-ISSN 2149-9748) is a refereed, bi-annual, periodical journal containing original papers in English. Published since 2015, all research articles in the Journal are being reviewed by at least two referees after an initial editorial screening. The views expressed in the papers are under the responsibility of authors. The editors do not necessarily agree with the views expressed in the papers. All the copyright privileges of the papers accepted for the publication belong to Journal of International Trade, Logistics and Law.
Journal of International Trade, Logistics and Law is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0). All manuscripts which are submitted to the Journal of International Trade, Logistics and Law should not be published, accepted and submitted for publication elsewhere. In case an article is accepted for publication it is allowed to combine the articlewith other researches, to conduct a new research on the article or to make different arrangements on condition that the same license is used including the commercial purpose. It is the author's responsibility to obtain signed permission from the copyright holder to use and reproduce text, illustrations, tables, etc., published previously in other Journals, electronic or print media. The signed permission letter must be submitted together with the signed cover letter. Authors are required to disclose any sponsorship or funding received from any institution relating to their research. The authors retain the copyright of their work for all papers published in Journal of International Trade, Logistics and Law. The authors' archiving rights are as follows: - Submitted Version: It can be archived on personal web pages and institutional repository. - Accepted Version: After publication, it can be archived on personal web pages and institutional repository. - Published Version: After publication, it can be archived on personal web pages and institutional repository.
Literature Review on the Impact of Playful Work Design on Psychological Well-Being
Individuals can use various tactics to positively influence their psychological well-being in both personal and professional life. One of the tactics is playful work design. Regarding the numerous positive outcomes of psychological well-being in the workplace, such as motivation, performance, and job engagement, identifying its antecedents is crucial. The analysis of relevant studies indicates that playful work design allows workers to enjoy their work more, have a better relationships with others, enhance their motivation, boost creativity, and cope more effectively with stress and challenges, ultimately improve their psychological well-being. Therefore, the study highlights the role of Self-Determination Theory, developed by Ryan and Deci (2011), in explaining the impact of playful work design on psychological well-being. This research contributes to the literature by providing a structured synthesis of previous studies and offering directions for future research.
Legal Protection of Creditors in Credit Agreements with Collateralized Mortgage Rights
The stability of an advanced national economy is always supported by the development of a healthy business world, and a healthy business world must have finances that are able to maintain business stability. However, when the business world will develop and maintain its business, it is often faced with capital problems or does not have sufficient finance to support the development of its business. This research is a normative legal research. Credit agreements with land rights collateral must be made by making an encumbrance agreement accompanied by a promise to provide collateral. To obtain legal force for the provision of collateral, the provision of collateral must be registered at the Land Registry Office. If the encumbrance of a mortgage is not registered at the Land Registry Office, the mortgage does not create a property right, which has the nature of droit de suite (a right that follows the object).
Setting of Advocates' Organization in Indonesia with the Single Bar Model to Realize Advocates' Professionalism
In various countries, advocate organizations or Bar Associations in practice are not uniform in form (single bar, multi bar, federation), which is influenced by a number of factors including the legal system, history, professional development and choice of professional needs. Institutionally, the form and system with many advocate organizations in a country are acceptable, but the same standards are still needed to create standardized advocate quality. Referring to the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, the Government, Advocate Professional Organizations and Educational Institutions must jointly ensure that advocates undergo an adequate education and training system, and have knowledge of the duties and functions of an ideal and ethical advocate. Although the Advocate Law has adopted a single bar to carry out the function of a single regulator, in practice it shows that many organizations when carrying out the function of an advocate organization cannot in fact guarantee the same standards in maintaining the quality of the advocate profession. The process of recruiting advocates, for example, uses different standards between one organization and another, making it difficult to ensure the competence/quality of the same advocate. Enforcement of the Advocate Code of Ethics is also still considered insufficient, because advocates who are suspected of violating ethics when being processed in an advocate organization may still be able to change their membership to another advocate organization.
Reconstruction of The Regulation of the Utilization of Abandoned Land in Accordance with the Principles of Quality Spatial Planning Law
Utilization of abandoned land that does not pay attention to social aspects can lead to marginalization for certain groups, such as indigenous peoples or the poor, who may lose access to land that they previously managed traditionally. Therefore, it is important to involve all parties in the planning process so that the utilization of abandoned land can provide fair and equitable benefits for all levels of society. This objective is reflected in the principles stipulated in the Basic Agrarian Law (UUPA) No. 5 of 1960, especially in Articles 2 and 6 which state that all land rights have a social function. Reconstruction of legal norms in the regulation of abandoned land is also very important so that there are regulations that are comprehensive and responsive to dynamics in the field. This reconstruction not only functions to provide legal clarity, but also guarantees the protection of the rights of previous owners and prevents social conflicts in the future. More than just a transfer of ownership, the reuse of abandoned land must be carried out in a planned and directed manner, referring to the principle of sustainable land use. This principle emphasizes the importance of land use that takes into account the balance between economic benefits, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability. Abandoned land that has been re-managed by the state can be directed to support better spatial planning such as the development of green open spaces, food agriculture areas, people's settlements, or public facilities, all of which have a direct impact on improving the quality of life of the community.
Financial Access and Groundnuts Productivity: Smallholder Farmers' Perspective in Tanzania
This study assessed the contribution of financial access to groundnut productivity of smallholder farming in Kongwa district of Tanzania. A cross-sectional research design was used, utilizing a mixed-method approach that combined quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A sample of 105 smallholder farmers was randomly selected from the population. Data was gathered through questionnaires and interviews, and the Cobb-Douglas production function was applied to assess the effect of finance access inclusion on groundnut productivity. Findings revealed that access to credit, improved fertilizers, increased education and training, farmers' age, and livestock ownership presented a significant positive contribution to groundnut productivity. In contrast, large household size and greater distance to the nearest market were associated with decreased groundnut productivity among smallholder farmers. The study recommends an immediate intervention from the government and private sector to educate farmers about credit utilization and encourage the adoption of best farming practices in groundnut production. Additionally, the study suggests initiatives to bring markets closer to the farmers through improved transportation infrastructures. Lastly, financial inclusion policies for smallholder farmers, such as the provision of financial literacy programs and favorable interest rates, will encourage more farmers to access loans and thus increase their livelihoods through increased production productivity. The study carries its application in the area of financial inclusion for small-scale farmers in less developed countries particularly in rural areas.
The Mediating Effect of Country Brand Image on the Relationship Between Commercial Diplomacy and Export Performance
This study aims to examine the effect of commercial diplomacy on export performance and to demonstrate the mediating role of country brand image in this relationship. In the global trade environment, countries compete not only through economic capacity but also through their effectiveness in international relations. In this context, commercial diplomacy refers to the strategic use of diplomatic channels, such as foreign missions, to generate economic benefits and enhance firms’ access to international markets. The research was conducted through a survey administered to 259 participants working in Turkey’s export sector. Correlation, regression, and structural equation modeling analyses reveal that commercial diplomacy has both direct and indirect effects on export performance, with country brand image playing a significant mediating role. Based on these findings, the study recommends the development of more effective commercial diplomacy strategies through stronger public-private cooperation.
Artificial Intelligence Usage by Advertising Industry Professionals
Technological developments have had a great impact on the changes experienced by the entire world since the 20th century. Rapid advances in technology and transformations brought about by digitalization have led to extensive changes in the advertising industry, as in many other sectors, especially in the last twenty years. The concept of Industry 4.0, which entered the world agenda as of 2011, and the digital transformation progressing with the technologies it encompasses, have also brought about new and various applications in the functioning of the advertising sector. While digital advertising is developing alongside traditional advertising methods, the technologies used in this field have also made rapid progress. The advertising sector and its processes are currently being shaped by digitalization and artificial intelligence, which is among the Industry 4.0 technologies. While artificial intelligence technologies enable faster, more efficient and creative results to be obtained in advertising production processes (Kietzmann et al., 2018), the approaches of professionals in the sector to this technology have also become an important area of research. The use of artificial intelligence in advertising production processes has been evaluated in different dimensions such as target audience research, advertising targeting strategies, media planning, advertising impact analysis, campaign design, copy writing and creative processes. (Qin and Jiang, 2019; Li et al., 2021). In this study, the use of artificial intelligence in advertising production processes by advertising sector professionals was investigated.
The Use of Omnibus Method by Formation of Local Regulations in Indonesia
The implementation of good governance, innovation in public sector is often done on an ad hoc basis, for example in response to new programs, budget disbursements, or requests to improve the quality of public services to be better delivered by the government. The alternative is to create a governance model that supports strategic management innovation, where innovation becomes an ongoing strategy to address efficiency goals and simplification of procedures across the public sector. The underlying philosophy is to develop an organization's ability to systematically improve the output of services provided to the public. Legal research in this study uses normative research. The omnibus method is appropriate, meets the requirements and is urgent to be used in the formation of Regional Regulations, which philosophically will provide benefits and legal certainty through the arrangement and consolidation of regulations. Theoretically, omnibus is an alternative method in order to improve and simplify regional regulations because it can change, revoke and form several regional regulations into one regional regulation.
The Expansion of Absolute Competence in Industrial Relations Court (PHI) by Resolving Disputes over Termination of Employment (PHK) against Deceased Workers Based on the Principle of Justice
Termination of Employment (PHK) is a central issue in industrial relations that often causes disputes between workers and employers. Based on article 61 paragraph 1 of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law Number 2 of 2022 concerning Job Creation. One of the forms of layoffs regulated is layoffs due to the death of workers, which legally causes the end of employment relations automatically (layoff by law). The death of a worker is also regulated in Government Regulation Number 35 of 2021 in article 36 letter o and is regulated in detail in Article 57 regarding the calculation of the rights obtained. This research uses normative juridical research. Based on this research, it can be concluded that the expansion of the absolute competence of the Industrial Relations Court (PHI) in handling disputes over termination of employment (PHK) due to the death of workers is a legal urgency that cannot be ignored. Although the employment relationship ends automatically (by law), facts in the field show that heirs often face administrative and juridical obstacles that cause delays in the fulfillment of workers' normative rights. This research confirms that PHI has the philosophical, juridical, and theoretical basis to be given explicit authority to resolve such disputes in order to ensure substantive justice and legal certainty for the heirs.
Investigating the Impact of Exchange Rate Volatility on Export Trade in Nigeria
The aim of this study is to examine how fluctuations in exchange rate impact export trade in Nigeria over the period 1980 to 2020. To achieve this objective, the volatility of exchange rate is generated from the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticty (GARCH, 1,1) model. The study assumes that export trade can be predicted by fundamental variables such as exchange rate volatility, oil rents, inflation, and foreign direct investment. The empirical findings based on the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model revealed that in the long run, exchange rate volatility, oil rent, and foreign direct investment have a negative relationship with export trade but the effect of inflation on export trade is positive. However, only the effect of FDI is statistically significant in the long run. Also, in the short run, exchange rate volatility, inflation, and FDI have a negative and significant relationship with export trade but the effect of oil price on export trade is positive and statistically significant. The deviation from the long-term equilibrium is adjusted with the speed of about 33.93% every year in Nigeria. Based on these findings, the study suggests the need for macroeconomic policies to target price and exchange rate stability in order to promote export trade in the country.
Legal Position of Separated Creditors in Settlement and Settlement of Bankrupt Estate
Many people and legal entities need debt as one of the unavoidable options. Based on provisions of Article 1 number 6 in Law No. 37 of 2004 concerning Bankruptcy and Suspension of Debt Payment Obligations (hereinafter abbreviated as the Bankruptcy Law), what is meant by debt is an obligation stated in an amount of money, either Indonesian or foreign currency, either directly or arising in the future, which arises due to an agreement or due to law and which must be fulfilled by the debtor and if not fulfilled gives the creditor the right to be able to fulfill it from debtor's assets. This research uses normative juridical research.
Cyber Terrorism Prevention from a Legal Philosophical Perspective
Research Purpose: This study aims to identify the challenges faced in preventing cyber terrorism examined through a philosophy of law lens and to formulate a concept for preventing this crime. Methodology: The study employs a normative legal research method. Main Findings: The response to terrorist offences must be both effective and precisely targeted, because the clear and serious threat posed by this crime can endanger state sovereignty. Eradicating terrorist offences cannot be achieved solely through repressive law enforcement or ―hard approaches; ―soft approaches are also required. When applying a soft approach especially to curb the spread of radical-terrorist ideology in cyberspace prevention must begin by using virtual media to counter that spread. This need sparked the author‘s interest in exploring how preventive measures can be undertaken to avert cyber-terrorism. Practical Application: The findings can serve as a reference for government bodies and prospective researchers interested in tackling cyber-terrorism. Novelty: The study is expected to help the government craft a prevention concept for cyber terrorism.
Criminal Liability of State Officials Who Bribe Foreign Public Officials
This study examines the criminal liability of Indonesian state officials who offer bribes to foreign public officials under Law No. 11 of 1980 on the Crime of Bribery, and assesses how a normative comparison with the Dutch Criminal Code (Wetboek van Strafrecht) can inform legal reform in Indonesia. Employing a normative-legal research design, the study utilizes statutory analysis, doctrinal review, and comparative methods. Primary data were drawn from legislation, judicial decisions, and international conventions, while secondary data comprised scholarly literature. A qualitative content analysis was conducted to evaluate the scope of the offence and its practical enforcement. The findings indicate that the term “any person” in Law No. 11/1980 can be interpreted to include foreign public officials; however, the absence of explicit language generates legal uncertainty. The Dutch model is more categorical, expressly criminalizing cross-border bribery with penalties of up to six years’ imprisonment and a category V fine. Based on these insights, the study recommends enacting a lex specialis in Indonesia that explicitly names foreign public officials as potential victims, establishes principal penalties of three to eight years’ imprisonment and proportionate fines, and introduces supplementary sanctions such as asset forfeiture. Adoption of these measures is expected to enhance legal certainty and strengthen Indonesia’s capacity to combat transnational corruption effectively.
Prohibition of LGBT Practices in the Environment of the Indonesian National Army Institution from the Perspective of Legal Certainty
The special task of protecting, maintaining and upholding the sovereignty in country from interference to other countries is carried out by the state security unit called the armed forces, which has now been changed to the Indonesian National Army (TNI). TNI sovereignty security unit has powers that include the land dimension under authority of the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD), the air dimension under Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), and the sea dimension under Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL). This research is a normative legal research. he prohibition on LGBT practices based on the TNI Commander's Telegram Letter Number ST/1648/2019 dated October 22, 2019, interpretively emphasizes the prohibition of same-sex sexual relations, and not the existence of LGBT in the TNI institutional environment. This regulation should be carried out through a law whose formation involves parliament as the people's representative, because the prohibition is related to the limitation of human rights, namely sexual relations.
The Role of Intellectual Capitals on Unconventional Organizational Capital Forms
The dynamic relationship between positive psychological capital (PsyCap) and intellectual (IC) and social capital (SC) has gained increasing attention in the field of organizational behavior and management. Physical or financial capital previously were seen as an essential capital for organizations’ success, but today with rapid change are seen insufficient to protect their sustainability, especially in competitive environment, thus, organizations have forced to adapt different alternative of resources such as intellectual, PsyCap and social capital that with the time are considered as essential capital to the sustainability of organizations. In this context, intellectual capital was regarded as an important additional source of competitive advantage in the workplace. This study aimed to examine the impact of the four dimensions of psychological capital—self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience—on intellectual capital, which represents the intangible assets within organizations. Additionally, the study explored how these dimensions of psychological capital influence social capital, and how social capital, in turn, affects intellectual capital. Data was collected through a questionnaire distributed to employees at various positions across multiple service sector companies. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the relationships between these variables. By exploring the connections and impacts between psychological, social, and intellectual capital, the study seeks to provide valuable insights for both academic researchers and business organizations, offering practical implications for enhancing organizational resources
Legislative Ratio for BPHTB Payment Arrangements in the Process of Buying and Selling Land and/or Building Rights from a Legal Certainty Perspective
As a nation governed by the rule of law, Indonesia must ensure that tax regulations, including the BPHTB (Land Acquisition and Land Acquisition) regulations, align with sound and fair legal principles. Therefore, it is necessary to reconstruct the BPHTB payment arrangements to better align with the principles of legal certainty and justice, for example by allowing BPHTB payments after the deed is signed by the Land Deed Official (PPAT). In this way, Indonesia's tax legal system can better reflect the essence of a state governed by the rule of law, as taught in classical legal philosophy and in modern state practices that prioritize public welfare. Legis Ratio of BPHTB Payment Arrangement in Land and/or Building Sale and Purchase Process Legal Certainty Perspective namely Philosophical, Theoretical, Juridical, Sociological basis. Philosophically, the regulation of BPHTB payment after the sale and purchase deed is in accordance with the values of Pancasila, especially the fifth principle on social justice, which emphasizes that taxation policies do not burden without a valid legal basis, theoretically, based on the theory of the rule of law.
Reshaping Global Supply Chain Fragmentation: The Geopolitics–Digitalization-Sustainability Nexus İn Ethiopia
This study critically explores how the interdependent forces of geopolitical uncertainty, digital fragmentation, and climate vulnerability, termed the “triple nexus, " reshape Ethiopia’s role within increasingly fragmented global supply chains. As a landlocked economy at the crossroads of major regional initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Ethiopia presents a unique case of both strategic potential and structural fragility. Utilizing a systematic literature review guided by PRISMA protocols, the research synthesizes multidisciplinary evidence to assess how escalating regional conflicts, trade policy volatility, and overdependence on the Djibouti corridor expose Ethiopia’s logistics networks to chronic disruptions. Concurrently, pervasive digital divides limit the adoption of traceability and automation technologies, while reliance on foreign infrastructure raises data sovereignty concerns. Sustainability pressures, including climate-related export shocks and weak labor governance, further challenge the country’s competitiveness under evolving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. In response, the study proposes an integrated institutional resilience framework anchored in geo-economics, digital inclusion, and sustainability law. It identifies actionable strategies such as corridor diversification, rural digitalization, and green industrial policy. The findings underscore that for Ethiopia, and similarly positioned economies, addressing the triple nexus is no longer optional but essential to achieving resilient, inclusive, and future-ready supply chain integration.
Evaluating the Impact of Negotiation Team Competency on the Performance of Construction Procurement Contracts: Insights from Dodoma City Council
Negotiation has consequently improved the quality and quantity of goods, services, or works hence person's ability and skills to negotiation is crucial for both formal and informal business transactions. This study assessed the influence of negotiation team skills and competence on the performance of procurement contract. The study employed a cross-sectional research design where data were collected form Dodoma city employees which included; engineers, Procurement unit, user departments, persons involved in procurement contracts Negotiation and heads of departments. Interview; questionnaire and document review used for collecting; qualitative and quantitative data. The analysis of qualitative data was through content analysis were themes and quotes established to respond to study objectives. Quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics whereby results were presented using mean, SD, frequencies, percepts and regression. The findings show that negotiation skills and competencies had a positive statistically significance to the performance of procurement contracts. The study reveals that for successful negotiation, the negotiation team must possess good communication skills, technical skills and contracting skills which helps effective procurement contract negotiation and result to good performance of procurement contracts. The study recommends for, procuring entities to equip selected negotiation team through training on negotiation knowledge, skills and attitude.
Influencer Marketing and Consumer’s Lifestyle Branding: The Mediating Role of Audience Perception
This study examines how influencer marketing affects consumer lifestyle branding in Tanzania, focusing on the role that audience perception plays. The research uses Source Credibility Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Perception Theory. It collects and analyses data from a group of Tanzanian urban young people, using a quantitative method with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The measurement model results showed that the constructs were reliable and valid. The structural model analysis showed that influencer marketing affects audience perception (β = 0.686, p < 0.001). Perception then affects lifestyle branding (β = 0.564, p < 0.001). The mediation analysis revealed that audience perception mediates the relationship between influencer marketing and lifestyle branding (β = 0.387, p < 0.001). The model showed average explanatory power (R² = 0.471 for perception, R² = 0.318 for branding). It also showed good predictive relevance. The findings highlight the significance of genuine influencers and credibility in shaping brand identity adoption. Companies should invest in long-term influencer partnerships, create content that fits the culture, and manage perception with a plan. This study adds to the literature about digital branding in Sub-Saharan Africa and it shows that perception acts as a link between marketing influence and lifestyle alignment.
The Impact of Social Media on the Gaming Industry
The intersection of social media and gaming has evolved into a powerful nexus within the digital entertainment ecosystem, reshaping how games are marketed, consumed, and experienced. This study explores the historical development, current dynamics, and future trajectories of the relationship between social media and the gaming industry, with a focus on the Turkish context. Grounded in a mixed-methods research design, the study draws on a combination of literature review, online surveys (N=450), expert interviews, focus groups, and social media content analysis to investigate the multi-faceted integration of these two industries. Findings highlight that platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch have become dominant channels for game discovery and community engagement, with influencers and user-generated content playing a critical role in shaping gamer behavior and preferences. The data indicates a generational shift toward short-form content and social-first gaming experiences, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. Additionally, emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and AI-generated content are influencing both gameplay and marketing strategies. The research identifies significant trends, including the rise of mobile gaming, the importance of digital communities (Discord, Reddit), and the growing impact of influencer-driven marketing.
Challenges in the Implementation of Animal Law Protection in Indonesia
In 2022, the Social Media Animal Cruelty Coalition (SMACC) identified Indonesia as the principal jurisdiction of origin for digital content depicting animal cruelty. Among 5,480 documented instances globally, 1,626 (29.7%) were traced to Indonesia. While Indonesia has established a statutory framework for animal protection—encompassing provisions within the Criminal Code (KUH Pidana) and specialized legislation including Law No. 41/2014 (amending Law No. 18/2009 on Livestock and Animal Health)—enforcement efficacy remains substantially compromised by structural, societal, and institutional deficiencies. This empirical study examines implementation challenges within Indonesia's animal protection regime, utilizing survey data from 62 respondents. Key findings indicate: Prevalence of Violations: 60.66% of respondents reported direct exposure to animal abuse cases, while 82.26% witnessed instances of animal neglect. Awareness-Deficit Disparity: Although 70.97% demonstrated awareness of existing animal protection statutes, 91.94% characterized these regulations as substantively inadequate. Systemic Implementation Failures: Near-unanimous dissatisfaction was expressed regarding:Law enforcement efficacy (98.39%). Public awareness dissemination (100%).Societal engagement (100%). The analysis applies theoretical frameworks concerning legal efficacy and implementation deficits to evaluate these systemic impediments. Proposed remedial measures encompass statutory enhancement, targeted public education initiatives, and fortified enforcement mechanisms. The study underscores the exigency of comprehensive policy reform to advance animal welfare protections within Indonesia's legal architecture.
Legal Construction of Mediator Profession Regulations to Achieve Legal Certainty
Peaceful conflict resolution has been practiced in Indonesian society for centuries. Indonesian society has experienced that peaceful dispute resolution has led them to a harmonious, fair, balanced life, and the preservation of communal values within society. Society strives to resolve their disputes quickly while upholding communal values and not infringing upon or suppressing individual freedoms. Indonesian society, like other societies around the world, feels that conflicts or disputes that arise in society should not be allowed to continue indefinitely, but rather efforts should be made to resolve them. The impact of conflicts not only worsens relations between parties but can also disrupt social harmony within society. The type of research used is normative legal research. The urgency of regulating the profession of mediator in the form of a law is aimed at achieving legal certainty, based on the philosophical reasoning that legal certainty can be based on the essence of justice achieved through deliberation, as in the Indonesian legal system, where deliberation is enshrined in the fourth principle of Pancasila. Through deliberation, justice can be achieved for the parties involved to build harmony after a conflict.
Cost–Benefıt Assessment of Electrochemıcal Battery Technologıes: The Case of Stand-Alone Storage
In this study, a comparative cost–benefit analysis was conducted for four electrochemical battery technologies: lithium iron phosphate (LFP), flow batteries, sodium-sulfur (NaS) batteries, and nickel–manganese–cobalt oxide (NMC) batteries. Furthermore, an investment projection was examined within the scope of standalone storage applications. Based on the comparative analyses of electrochemical batteries, and taking into account technological advancements, market conditions, grid-scale applicability, investment costs, efficiency in terms of application areas, impacts on the energy market, and the standalone consumer profile, lithium iron phosphate (LFP), flow batteries, sodium-sulfur (NaS) batteries, and nickel–manganese–cobalt oxide (NMC) batteries have emerged as advantageous storage technologies at the point of maximum benefit in cost–benefit analysis studies. Positioned against prior research and relevant standards, this study is expected to advance the literature. In conclusion, it offers an investment-oriented cost–benefit assessment of the most widely deployed electrochemical energy-storage technologies, conducted within the context of a standalone storage consumer profile.
Under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s Green Investments in African Countries
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been growing its economic impact on all over the world since the declaration of Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. This initiative had been considered as a highly ambitious global initiative aimed at stimulating economic growth across Europe, Asia, and Africa. As of February 2025, there are 152 countries involved in the BRI initiative and a considerable number of African countries also take part in this initiative to be able to foster their economic condition along with this giant economic movement. To investigate the effects of China's BRI investments in African countries with an environmental approach, this study examines China’s green investments in African countries between 2013 and 2023, by using data from the China Global Investment Tracker, and employing descriptive statistical analysis. Focusing on 21 African BRI countries, green BRI investments from aspects of yearly trend, country distribution and sector allocation are analyzed. In the process of separating BRI investment records into green and non-green categories, it is found that green investments have grown rapidly around world over the decade, compared to non-green ones. The findings also indicate the recent years have witnessed an annual stabilization of 30% green investment. These green investments demonstrate a strategic emphasis on “resource acquisition and infrastructure building” with investments concentrated in resource-rich countries to secure essential minerals such as lithium and uranium, while simultaneously developing clean energy projects and infrastructure. Therefore, while these investments can foster sustainable development in African countries, they also pose environmental risks through mining investments, which require robust environmental assessments and governance to avoid Pollution Heaven problems.
Linking Organizational Innovation to Export Performance and Competitive Advantage: Evidence from Technology Producing Businesses
: This study investigates the interplay between organizational innovation, competitive advantage, and export performance within technology-producing businesses in Turkiye. The study explores not only the direct effects of organizational innovation on export performance but also the mediating role of competitive advantage in this relationship. To achieve this, data were collected through a mixed-mode survey methodology, combining face-to-face and online questionnaires administered between January and April 2025. The sample comprised 548 upper-middle-level managers operating in the export departments of large, medium, and small-sized technology producing businesses in Turkiye. The findings demonstrate that organizational innovation has a significant and positive effect on export performance. Moreover, competitive advantage is shown to strongly influence export outcomes and serves as a critical mediating factor between organizational innovation and export performance. These results highlight the strategic importance of fostering innovation capabilities to strengthen international competitiveness. The study offers valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners by advancing theoretical understanding and providing actionable implications for innovation-driven export strategies in emerging economies.
Volatility Dynamics in Turkish REIT and Sectoral Indices: A Univariate GARCH Approach
This study investigates the volatility characteristics of the Turkish REIT Index (XGYO) and major sectoral indices on Borsa Istanbul, including construction, tourism, and finance, from 2014 to 2024. The analysis uses ARIMA models for the mean and univariate GARCH(1,1) models for the variance, incorporating two key macroeconomic variables: the USD/TRY exchange rate and international gold prices. These variables are selected to capture the influence of currency fluctuations and global commodity markets on sectoral volatility. The findings reveal persistent volatility across all sectors, with macroeconomic factors being a key influence. Construction and REITs are most affected by exchange rate fluctuations due to their strong connection to the real estate market, while tourism is more impacted by gold price changes, indicating greater exposure to global uncertainty. By focusing on sector-specific volatility instead of static measures, the study improves understanding of market behavior in emerging economies. It provides practical guidance for investors, portfolio managers, and policymakers, showing that while Turkish REITs can offer stability in diversified portfolios, their effectiveness depends on the macro-financial environment and sector-specific conditions.
Effective e-Marketplace Selection: Critic Methodology in Turkiye
The rapid development of digital technologies and societies' adaptation to digitalization has increased the importance of e-commerce in economic structures. With this transformation, e-marketplaces have become an effective and accessible sales channel, especially for SMEs, offering sellers the opportunity to trade without the need for a physical store. SMEs, which play an important role in terms of employment and production in Turkiye but generally operate in limited regions. Thanks to digital transformation, they now have the chance to compete in national and international markets, gaining strategic advantages such as reaching large customer bases with low operational costs, saving on physical store costs and benefiting from digital marketing, brand awareness and customer relationship management. In this context, the research aims to analyze the factors affecting the e-marketplace preferences of SMEs in Turkiye, to determine the criteria that play a role in these preferences and to provide strategic guidance to both SMEs and e-marketplace platforms. Within the scope of the research, ChatGPT was asked to score 7 multi-category e-marketplaces mentioned in the Competition Authority report according to the selection criteria using a 5-point Likert scale, and the responses received were analyzed using the CRITIC method. According to the results, the most important criterion in SMEs’ e-marketplace selection was Logistics with 26.77 percent, Design Features came in second with 24.93 percent, Costs came in third with 15.14 percent, and Financial Features, Knowledge Transfer, Commercial Process and E-Marketplace Ecosystem shared the fourth and final place with 8.29 percent.
Characteristics of Child Murder in Deep Article 460 of the 2023 Criminal Code Based on Dignity Justice
Child murder is a criminal act that has very complex legal, social, psychological, and moral dimensions, considering that children are a group that is physically and psychologically in the most vulnerable position. The 2023 Criminal Code through Article 460 presents an important breakthrough by providing special provisions related to child murder, which is different from ordinary murder. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of the crime of child murder as stipulated in Article 460 of the 2023 Criminal Code and examine its relevance to the principle of dignified justice. The research method used is normative juridical with a statutory approach and a conceptual approach. The results of the study show that Article 460 of the 2023 Criminal Code has three main characteristics, namely: (1) the existence of special protection for children as victims of criminal acts, (2) criminal aggravation as a form of stricter legal protection, and (3) an orientation to dignified justice that balances the interests of perpetrators, victims, and society and emphasizes respect for human dignity. Furthermore, this article not only functions as a repressive norm but also as a moral and educational instrument in upholding human values and protecting children's rights. In conclusion, Article 460 of the 2023 Criminal Code is a form of progressive progress in Indonesia's criminal law politics, although the success of its implementation still depends heavily on the consistency of law enforcement officials, the effectiveness of the criminal justice system, and public awareness in respecting children's rights.
Turkish Food Export to Gulf Countries, Challenges and Strategies
The main objective of this study was to examine Turkey's foreign trade with Gulf countries, focusing on the challenges and strategies for increasing foodstuff exports to the region. It also explored brand communication barriers and their development in the target markets. Data were collected from 5 domestic producers and 10 international customers, with participants rating each factor on a scale from 1 (least important) to 5 (most important). The study also aimed to investigate the role of brand communication in enhancing exports to Gulf countries. According to results of this research, developing new strategies for engaging with poor and economically weak countries can help ensure sustained and continuous trade with them. Developing region-specific product formulations that align with local taste preferences can enhance brand recognition and drive trade growth. Among external barriers, the highest-rated challenges were high tariff and non-tariff barriers, intense competition in international markets, unfavorable domestic regulations, and lack of government support or incentives. Internally, the most significant factors were the need to adjust export promotion strategies, high transportation and insurance costs, and insufficient or untrained export personnel. Successful global brands rely on clarity, consistency, and constancy the three Cs to strengthen personal and corporate branding. These traits are evident in media figures and CEOs who use personal branding to build business success. To boost exports to GCC countries and attract investment, continued information support is vital providing importers with market access details and updating Arabic platforms with investment opportunities and procedures.
Effective Use of Digital Marketing in the Mental Health Industry
The study explores the usefulness of digital marketing strategies (DMS) in promoting the awareness of mental health in Asia as it investigates relationships between DMS, ethics, feedback processes, target audiences, and marketing aims. Quantitative approach was adopted and 200 professionals working in the mental health sector in Asia were surveyed. The proposed model was tested in terms of SPSS and SmartPLS. The results indicated positive correlations between DMS and marketing goals, target audience and ethics, and target audience and marketing goals. Ethics, however, did not produce any significant influence in the feedback mechanisms. The results indicate that successful mental health marketing is based on proper targeting of audience and a need to use culturally suitable language. The research leads to the literature on marketing in digital health by providing a vision on the ethical and strategic opportunities of mental health organizations to magnify their reach in sensitive and diversified environments.
Assessing Women's Integration into Leadership in Sub-Saharan Higher Education
The integration of women in leadership positions in higher education institutions (HEIs) is a worldwide challenging phenomenon, while their remarkable contributions enhance the achievement of organizational goals. However, women's engagement in leadership positions is limited in HEI, despite various initiatives to promote it. Thus, this study examines the barriers and enablers of women's integration into leadership roles in HEIs in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The study used secondary information that was located online using keywords linked to women's integration into leadership roles in HEIs in Sub-Saharan Africa. The search was performed systematically across databases: scientific journal articles, case studies, and numerous reports based on varied methodologies and situations are among the sources chosen. (Examples of databases: Google Scholar, EBSCO host, Web of Science, IEEE, and the ACM Digital Library). The findings revealed that in Sub-Saharan Africa, institutional, social, and personal barriers act as barriers to the integration of women into leadership roles in HEIs. On the other hand, mentoring, leadership development, networking, and gender mainstreaming facilitate women’s integration into leadership roles in HEIs in SSA. The study is significant because the conclusions help policymakers and other worldwide stakeholders in their discussions about achieving gender equality in career development, noting down the obstacles and developing enabling policies.
The Role of Strategic Sourcing in Organizational Performance: A Case of Medical Store Department
In rapid changing business environment, many organizations struggle to balance between cost efficiency with long term value creation. Strategic sourcing has emerged as a critical approach to reduce supply risks, minimize procurement costs and enhance organizational performance. This study examined the role of strategic sourcing in enhancing the attainment of organization performance at Medical store department (MSD). A descriptive survey research design was adopted with the target of 214 employees across nine department, where 201 were sampled. The study adopted quantitative research approach where data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The study findings indicated that supplier selection and supplier experience have an important role in improving organization performance positively while supplier performance did not show a significant effect. The study highlights that effective supplier selection, collaboration with experienced suppliers and structured evaluation mechanisms enhance operational efficiency, flexibility and products and service quality. The study recommended that organizations should prepare a collaborative business environment with suppliers, ensure regulatory compliance during supplier selection and select experience suppliers in procurement-related functions. These findings underscore strategic sourcing as vital driver of organizational performance in public sector procurement.
The Assessment of Functionality of National Electronic Procurement System of Tanzania (NeST) in Procurement Process on Local Governments. A case of Kinondoni Municipal Council
This study assessed the functionality of the National Electronic Procurement System of Tanzania (NeST) in the procurement process at Kinondoni Municipal Council. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing questionnaires collected from 100 respondents and interviewing 15 key informants, including procurement officers, contract managers, compliance officers, and other system users. The quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Reliability of the research instruments was established through pre-testing and the computation of Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, all of which yielded values exceeding the recommended threshold of 0.7, indicating acceptable internal consistency. The findings indicated that NeST is largely functional, as most users rated its processing speed as moderate to fast and reported low error rates; however, challenges such as system downtime and limited automation persist. Overall, NeST was concluded to be a significant step forward in improving public procurement practices within local government authorities in Tanzania. Therefore, the government should implement appropriate measures to improve the system's speed and ensure that all procuring entities have reliable internet access, allowing users to utilize the system effectively. Moreover, the system should integrate with other systems that are used in procurement contract management.
Information Sharing and Performance of Fruits and Vegetables Cold Chain in Tanzania: A Case of Arumeru and Hai Districts
This study examines the critical role of information sharing in enhancing the performance of the cold chain for fruits and vegetables in Tanzania, focusing on Arumeru and Hai districts. A convergent parallel design was employed alongside a census technique, surveying 114 actors involved in the fruit and vegetable sector from both districts. Additionally, 12 firms were purposefully selected for in-depth interviews with the same target population. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted to evaluate the data. The findings reveal that both reciprocity and information technology significantly and positively influence the performance of the cold chain for fruits and vegetables. These results suggest that, given the perishable nature of fruits and vegetables, effective information sharing among supply chain actors is essential, as it enhances transparency and trust across the chain. This helps mitigate inefficiencies, reduce post-harvest losses, and ultimately increase the profitability of cold chain actors in Tanzania's evolving agricultural landscape. The study recommended that actors in the fruit and vegetable industry should utilize mobile technology and social media to share information to increase market access and ensure that products arrive at customers in the best possible condition, given their short shelf life.
The Role of Delivery Reliability on Port Supply Chain Performance at Zanzibar Port Corporation
Delivery reliability is a critical determinant of port supply chain performance, many developing ports continue to face operational inefficiencies that undermine their competitiveness. Zanzibar Port Corporation, which handles over 95% of the island’s trade, experiences persistent challenges in timely and accurate cargo delivery. These inefficiencies result in delays and reduced customer satisfaction, which negatively affect the overall efficiency and competitiveness of the port supply chain. Guided by the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model and Resource-Based View Theory, the current study examined the effects of delivery reliability on port supply chain performance. It focused on key delivery reliability dimensions including on-time delivery, order accuracy and tracking efficiency. A descriptive research design was employed, with structured questionnaires administered to 74 randomly selected port stakeholders. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Findings revealed that on-time delivery (B = 0.718, Beta = 0.783, p = 0.000) and tracking efficiency (B = 0.173, Beta = 0.183, p = 0.022) significantly improve port supply chain performance. while tracking efficiency and order accuracy require improvement. The model showed strong explanatory power (R² = 0.973), meaning delivery reliability dimensions explain most performance variation. The study concludes that while ZPC has effective practices in place, targeted improvements in tracking systems and standardization of operational procedures are necessary to enhance reliability. The findings have practical implications for port managers and policymakers, emphasizing that investments in internal processes and digital infrastructure under the Zanzibar Economy can strengthen supply chain efficiency and support sustainable regional trade growth.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Technology Transfer and Collaboration between SMEs and Universities
This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of technology transfer and cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and universities. In the study, the intellectual structure and trends of academic publications on the subject were mapped in detail by utilising bibliometric methods. In the data collection process, records obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database were used and relevant documents were selected through specific keywords. In addition, VOSviewer software was used to visualise the relationships between key terms, institutions and research collaborations. The findings show that academic interest in SME-university collaborations has increased significantly in recent years, indicating that these collaborations play an important role in promoting innovation and enhancing economic competitiveness. However, the present results reveal that although the topic has gained importance in various academic circles, further research is needed to fill the gaps in the literature and to reveal new dimensions of university-industry collaborations.
Statism and the Cooperative Movement in Early Republican Türkiye: Empowerment and Constraint
This article examines the cooperative movement in Early Republican Türkiye (1923–1938) within the intersecting institutional and discursive frameworks of statism. It argues that while the state promoted cooperatives as instruments of rural empowerment, national economic consolidation, and social solidarity, their autonomy was limited by mechanisms such as ministerial approval, state-supervised finance, and rigorous inspection. Although both the number and membership of cooperatives grew rapidly during the 1930s, this growth unfolded under strict administrative and fiscal oversight. The analysis reveals that statism operated through a dual logic: it enabled cooperative expansion via incentives, such as tax exemptions, access to credit, and organizational support, while simultaneously restricting grassroots autonomy through hierarchical control. This duality contributes to debates on state-led development by illustrating how institutional design shapes not only macroeconomic outcomes but also collective organization. It also advances the historiography of cooperatives by clarifying the relationship between the legal frameworks and long-term self-organization.
Ratio Legis of Settlement of Criminal Acts by Customary Institutions of the States in Ambon City
The existence of indigenous communities in Indonesia is regulated in Article 18B Paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution, which states: The State recognizes and respects customary law communities and their traditional rights as long as they remain alive and in accordance with societal developments and the principles of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, as regulated by law. This research uses the normative legal research type. The decisions of customary institutions are legitimate because they are supported by constitutional recognition (Article 18B paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution) and various regional regulations that govern the role of customary law communities. However, their nature is limited to cases that fall under customary authority (customary crimes or minor violations) and are not binding outside the customary community, unless formally recognized by state law. Decisions of customary institutions are socially and morally binding. Customary sanctions (fines, sasi, community service, apologies) are implemented based on cultural agreements and compliance. The legal certainty of customary decisions is strong within the customary community, because the norms and procedures are clear to members of the customary community.
A Bibliometric Analysis of the Relationship between the Green Deal and Foreign Trade Performance
Sustainability and many disciplines prefixed with green have been among the most frequently discussed topics in the first quarter of the twenty-first century. Green transformation, green logistics, green agreement, sustainable businesses, and sustainable and green economies are examples. This study examined the effects of the green agreement on foreign trade performance and conducted a bibliometric analysis on this topic. Scopus was used as the database for the research. Differences and similarities compared to the previously discussed Web of Science database were also revealed. Both the Web of Science-based and the Scopus-based bibliometric analyses share a key finding: that future development will shift its focus and necessitate policies on foreign trade performance to align with sustainability goals. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were presented for academia, the public sector, and the real sector.
Explaining the Relationship between Female Customers' Online Flow State and Loyalty Through their Smart Phone Addiction and Brand Experience
This study investigates the relationship between female customers’ online flow state and loyalty and the mediating roles of their smartphone addiction and brand experience in this mechanism. To achieve this purpose, data were collected from 507 female customers in Türkiye through a questionnaire survey and analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique. The findings indicated that brand experience mediated the relationship between online flow experience and customer loyalty. Additionally, smartphone addiction mediated the relationship between brand experience and customer loyalty. The analysis revealed that while online flow state significantly influenced brand experience, its direct effect on customer loyalty was insignificant. Moreover, the study identified that smartphone addiction plays a critical role in shaping customer loyalty, especially among young female users. These results emphasize the importance of designing ethical marketing strategies that enhance brand experience while considering the potential risks of smartphone addiction. This study contributes to the literature by being one of the first to examine these variables in an integrated model within the mobile commerce context.