Unpacking Trust-Building Mechanisms in Financial Literacy Initiatives for Urban Micro Enterprises

Transparency in regional financial management is an important foundation in creating accountable and trustworthy governance. This study explores how budget literacy and social media usage influence students' perceptions of transparency in regional financial management. The study used a quantitative approach with a survey method of 42 active accounting students who have taken public finance courses and have active social media accounts. Data were collected through a questionnaire compiled with a 5-point Likert Scale, then analysed using validity tests, reliability tests, classical assumption tests, and multiple linear regression analysis using the SPSS application. The results showed that budget literacy significantly influenced students' perceptions of transparency in regional financial management, social media also significantly influenced students' perceptions of transparency in regional financial management, and both variables simultaneously significantly influenced students' perceptions of transparency in financial management. These findings indicate that increasing budget literacy and utilizing social media as a means of budget education can strengthen students' positive perceptions of transparency in regional financial management, thus implicating the need for more comprehensive financial literacy programs in higher education institutions.

The empowerment of novice entrepreneurs is vital for fostering inclusive economic development and addressing structural unemployment in Indonesia. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Independent Novice Entrepreneur Program (Tenaga Kerja Mandiri Pemula/TKMP) implemented by the Ministry of Manpower in Lampung Province. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative data from surveys and progress reports with qualitative insights from interviews with mentors and participants. The program’s performance is assessed based on five Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): (1) production of goods/services, (2) implementation of marketing strategies, (3) maintenance of financial cash flow records, (4) acquisition of Business Identification Numbers (NIB), and (5) development of structured business plans. Findings reveal that the program exceeded the 60% achievement target across all KPIs, with the highest performance in product development (94.19%) and marketing strategy (91.60%). However, challenges remain in financial literacy, NIB registration, and long-term business sustainability. This study highlights the importance of continuous mentoring, digital literacy, and academic collaboration to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems at the local level. The results offer evidence-based recommendations for improving policy design and implementation of entrepreneurship support programs in developing regions. Keywords: novice entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship development, government program, business mentoring, financial literacy, digital marketing, Lampung Province, mixed-methods, policy evaluation, small business empowermen

The empowerment of novice entrepreneurs is vital for fostering inclusive economic development and addressing structural unemployment in Indonesia. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Independent Novice Entrepreneur Program (Tenaga Kerja Mandiri Pemula/TKMP) implemented by the Ministry of Manpower in Lampung Province. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative data from surveys and progress reports with qualitative insights from interviews with mentors and participants. The program’s performance is assessed based on five Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): (1) production of goods/services, (2) implementation of marketing strategies, (3) maintenance of financial cash flow records, (4) acquisition of Business Identification Numbers (NIB), and (5) development of structured business plans. Findings reveal that the program exceeded the 60% achievement target across all KPIs, with the highest performance in product development (94.19%) and marketing strategy (91.60%). However, challenges remain in financial literacy, NIB registration, and long-term business sustainability. This study highlights the importance of continuous mentoring, digital literacy, and academic collaboration to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems at the local level. The results offer evidence-based recommendations for improving policy design and implementation of entrepreneurship support programs in developing regions. Keywords: novice entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship development, government program, business mentoring, financial literacy, digital marketing, Lampung Province, mixed-methods, policy evaluation, small business empowermen

Implementationof micro energy grid: A case study of a sustainable community in China

The Affordable Care Act established policy mechanisms to increase health insurance coverage in the United States. While insurance coverage has increased, 10%-15% of the US population remains uninsured. To assess whether health insurance literacy and financial literacy predict being uninsured, covered by Medicaid, or covered by Marketplace insurance, holding demographic characteristics, attitudes toward risk, and political affiliation constant. Analysis of longitudinal data from fall 2013 and spring 2015 including financial and health insurance literacy and key covariates collected in 2013. A total of 2742 US residents ages 18-64, 525 uninsured in fall 2013, participating in the RAND American Life Panel, a nationally representative internet panel. Self-reported health insurance status and type as of spring 2015. Among the uninsured in 2013, higher financial and health insurance literacy were associated with greater probability of being insured in 2015. For a typical uninsured individual in 2013, the probability of being insured in 2015 was 8.3 percentage points higher with high compared with low financial literacy, and 9.2 percentage points higher with high compared with low health insurance literacy. For the general population, those with high financial and health insurance literacy were more likely to obtain insurance through Medicaid or the Marketplaces compared with being uninsured. The magnitude of coefficients for these predictors was similar to that of commonly used demographic covariates. A lack of understanding about health insurance concepts and financial illiteracy predict who remains uninsured. Outreach and consumer-education programs should consider these characteristics.

Background: People who are financially literate are able to make sound decisions regarding their money since they have a firm grasp of the fundamentals of money and financial products. The significance of financial literacy has been acknowledged by numerous nations, prompting the formation of task teams to assess their populations and develop educational and outreach programs. The requirement to make educated decisions about ever-increasing financial goods necessitates a higher level of financial literacy. Aim: Being able to make sense of one’s personal financial situation is becoming an increasingly valuable skill in today’s world. One of the most essential components for making sure and successful decisions is having a good grip on one’s financial status. By contrast, financial literacy refers to an individual’s level of knowledge and awareness regarding financial matters, whereas investors’ decision-making is characterised by their understanding, prediction, investigation, and assessment of the various stages and transactions involved in making an investment decision. Risk, a decision-making framework and process, and investing itself are all components of investing. Method: Researchers will conduct a cross-sectional survey of Saudi Arabian investors. We used a structured questionnaire to gather data. Using “Cronbach’s a and confirmatory factors” analysis, we checked whether the data is reliable. The links between financial literacy and investment decisions was demonstrated using structural equation modeling (SEM) in IBM-SPSS and SmartPLS. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to look at how the investment choices of Saudi Arabians are correlated with their degree of financial literacy. Consequently, research on the connection between financial literacy, knowledge, behaviour, and investment choices is lacking. Researchers on this subject have already acknowledged the problem’s importance and intended to devote substantial time and energy to solving it. Findings: The study concluded that there was a significant relationship between financial literacy and financial knowledge with respect of investment decision of investors. Similarly, there was a significant relationship between financial behaviour and financial knowledge with respect of investment decision of investors. The discovery of the outcomes will enable regulatory authorities to aid investors in preventing financial losses by furnishing them with sufficient financial information.

The future of civic engagement is characterised by both technological innovation as well as new technological user practices that are fuelled by trends towards mobile, personal devices; broadband connectivity; open data; urban interfaces; and, cloud computing. These technology trends are progressing at a rapid pace, and have led global technology vendors to package and sell the ‘Smart City’ as a centralized service delivery platform predicted to optimize and enhance cities’ key performance indicators – and generate a profitable market. The top-down deployment of these large and proprietary technology platforms have helped sectors such as energy, transport, and healthcare to increase efficiencies. However, an increasing number of scholars and commentators warn of another ‘IT bubble’ emerging. Along with some city leaders, they argue that the top-down approach does not fit the governance dynamics and values of a liberal democracy when applied across sectors. A thorough understanding is required, of the socio-cultural nuances of how people work, live, play across different environments, and how they employ social media and mobile devices to interact with, engage in, and constitute public realms. Although the term ‘slacktivism’ is sometimes used to denote a watered down version of civic engagement and activism that is reduced to clicking a ‘Like’ button and signing online petitions, we believe that we are far from witnessing another Biedermeier period that saw people focus on the domestic and the non-political. There is plenty of evidence to the contrary, such as post-election violence in Kenya in 2008, the Occupy movements in New York, Hong Kong and elsewhere, the Arab Spring, Stuttgart 21, Fukushima, the Taksim Gezi Park in Istanbul, and the Vinegar Movement in Brazil in 2013. These examples of civic action shape the dynamics of governments, and in turn, call for new processes to be incorporated into governance structures. Participatory research into these new processes across the triad of people, place and technology is a significant and timely investment to foster productive, sustainable, and livable human habitats. With this chapter, we want to reframe the current debates in academia and priorities in industry and government to allow citizens and civic actors to take their rightful centerpiece place in civic movements. This calls for new participatory approaches for co-inquiry and co-design. It is an evolving process with an explicit agenda to facilitate change, and we propose participatory action research (PAR) as an indispensable component in the journey to develop new governance infrastructures and practices for civic engagement. This chapter proposes participatory action research as a useful and fitting research paradigm to guide methodological considerations surrounding the study, design, development, and evaluation of civic technologies. We do not limit our definition of civic technologies to tools specifically designed to simply enhance government and governance, such as renewing your car registration online or casting your vote electronically on election day. Rather, we are interested in civic media and technologies that foster citizen engagement in the widest sense, and particularly the participatory design of such civic technologies that strive to involve citizens in political debate and action as well as question conventional approaches to political issues (DiSalvo, 2012; Dourish, 2010; Foth et al., 2013). Following an outline of some underlying principles and assumptions behind participatory action research, especially as it applies to cities, we will critically review case studies to illustrate the application of this approach with a view to engender robust, inclusive, and dynamic societies built on the principles of engaged liberal democracy. The rationale for this approach is an alternative to smart cities in a ‘perpetual tomorrow,’ (cf. e.g. Dourish & Bell, 2011), based on many weak and strong signals of civic actions revolving around technology seen today. It seeks to emphasize and direct attention to active citizenry over passive consumerism, human actors over human factors, culture over infrastructure, and prosperity over efficiency. First, we will have a look at some fundamental issues arising from applying simplistic smart city visions to the kind of a problem a city is (cf. Jacobs, 1961). We focus on the touch points between “the city” and its civic body, the citizens. In order to provide for meaningful civic engagement, the city must provide appropriate interfaces.

ObjectiveAcute renal replacement therapy (RRT) is an important life saving technology used in critical care. However, variation in clinical practice for initiation and maintenance of RRT can increase healthcare costs and worsen patient outcomes. In Alberta, Canada, a province-wide electronic health record provides a unique opportunity to measure and evaluate clinical practice. The present study aims to improve the quality of RRT delivery in Alberta critical care units by providing feedback on key performance indicators (KPIs) for RRT based on current evidence. ApproachKPIs for RRT included an initiation pathway based on threshold lab values, and measures of RRT quality such as the time from order to treatment initiation, the average life of dialysis filters, and the actual vs. prescribed fluid removal. Clinical KPI definitions were mapped to data available in the electronic health record to evaluate current practice and track changes in KPIs over time. ResultsMapping the clinical guidelines to the electronic health record took significant time and effort in a large team with expertise on both the data and clinical sides. Each KPI data definition went through several cycles of development, validation and refinement before being included in the dashboards and reports given to participating sites. ConclusionsProviding accurate data on RRT ordering and delivery practices is an important step in aligning acute RRT delivery with current best practice, ultimately improving the quality of care and reducing unnecessary costs. ImplicationsElectronic health records provide a powerful tool for evaluating clinical decisions and implementing best practice guidelines.

Effective project monitoring is critical for the successful execution of technology implementation projects, which often involve complex dependencies, cross-functional teams, and rapidly changing requirements. This paper explores a data-driven approach to project monitoring by leveraging real-time dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs) to enhance visibility, accountability, and decision-making across all phases of project execution. By integrating project management tools with analytics platforms, organizations can create dynamic dashboards that provide stakeholders with real-time insights into performance metrics such as schedule adherence, budget utilization, risk levels, resource allocation, and milestone progress. The study outlines the development and deployment of interactive dashboards that aggregate data from multiple sources including project management software (e.g., Jira, Microsoft Project, Asana), enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and collaboration tools to provide a unified view of project health. The dashboards enable project managers and executives to identify bottlenecks, track deliverables, forecast risks, and implement timely corrective actions. Moreover, the use of customizable KPIs ensures that the monitoring process aligns with strategic objectives and can be tailored to various project types, including software rollouts, infrastructure upgrades, cloud migrations, and digital transformation initiatives. Case examples from enterprise-scale IT implementations demonstrate that data-driven monitoring frameworks contribute to a 30–50% improvement in early risk detection and a 20–35% enhancement in overall project efficiency. The paper also discusses best practices for KPI selection, stakeholder engagement, and dashboard governance, emphasizing the importance of data quality, accessibility, and visual clarity in supporting agile and informed decision-making. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on technology project management by providing a replicable model for real-time, metrics-based performance tracking. The approach enhances transparency, accelerates feedback loops, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement, making it highly relevant for organizations seeking to maximize the return on investment in technology initiatives.

In the context of increasing demands for public accountability and the consolidation of participatory democracy, effective institutional communication emerges as a key determinant of administrative transparency. This article examines the relationship between public communication and institutional transparency within local public administration in Romania, integrating theoretical, legislative, and empirical perspectives. The study employs a mixed-methods design (qualitative–quantitative), combining document analysis with a case study conducted on a sample of N = 108 citizens. The findings reveal a significant correlation between the clarity and accessibility of communication and the perception of transparency. Statistically significant differences were identified between urban and rural respondents (t(106) = 2.34, p = 0.021), as well as across educational levels (F(2,105) = 4.98, p = 0.009). Although digitalization is perceived as a facilitating factor, the overall level of civic participation remains limited. The study confirms the hypothesis that effective communication does not merely reflect institutional transparency but actively generates it, provided that it is strategically supported and embedded within an organizational culture grounded in openness and responsiveness.

This Economic and Social Service Program aims to Revitalize Coastal Creative Skills in Langkat Regency through the Development of a Nipah Craft Industry Based on Non-Formal Education at the Mina Center Community Learning Center (PKBM Mina Center). Coastal communities in Langkat Regency have great potential in processing nipah palms into creative craft products, but face various challenges, such as limited processing skills, limited marketing access, minimal financial literacy, and low environmental awareness. In addition, the capacity of the partner (PKBM Mina Center) to provide technical and marketing support is also not optimal. This program offers solutions through intensive training and mentoring to coastal communities and partners, with a focus on improving nipah palm processing skills into high-value creative craft products, introducing digital marketing through social media and e-commerce, financial literacy and business management training, introducing simple technology to increase production efficiency, and environmental education on the importance of preserving nipah palms and coastal ecosystems. This program consists of three main stages: preparation, implementation, and evaluation. The preparation stage includes identifying needs, developing training materials, and coordinating with stakeholders. The implementation stage includes skills training, technical mentoring, digital marketing training, business management education, and environmental education. The evaluation phase is conducted to monitor and evaluate the program's success and provide feedback for improvement. This program is expected to increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the nipah handicraft industry in Langkat Regency, while simultaneously encouraging inclusive local economic growth. Furthermore, the program also contributes to the achievement of higher education's Key Performance Indicators (KPI), such as student experiences outside campus, lecturers' off-campus

The aim of the research is to study the phenomenon of gamification in the Russian stock market. The introduction covers the theoretical foundations of gamification, its evolution in global and Russian financial practices, as well as the relevance of integrating game mechanics into banking and investment services. The research methods include analyzing existing practices of gamification integration into digital ecosystems, comparative studies of user engagement models, and the development of a system of project metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of introducing game elements. Specifically, key performance indicators are proposed, such as user registration and activation, engagement levels, achievement of educational goals, monetization, and satisfaction metrics (NPS, CSAT). The research results show that properly implemented gamification contributes to increased user interaction time with the platform, the formation of sustainable investment habits, growth in real investment actions, and improved overall financial literacy. The "SberInvest: Path to a Million" project is described as an example of a potential gamification platform aimed at attracting new investors, increasing the activity of existing clients, and stimulating regular investments. The discussion section highlights the prospects for further development of gamification approaches in the Russian investment sector, evaluates the potential risks associated with integrating game mechanics into existing banking applications, and emphasizes the importance of creating a separate platform to minimize technical risks. The research findings confirm the high effectiveness of gamification as a tool for the development of the Russian investment market and the justification for its active application to engage a wide audience. However, there are risks related to potential user data vulnerabilities, challenges in integrating with existing banking services, and the possibility of overloading users with excessive information.

Investor protection is crucial for maintaining stability and trust in Indonesia’s capital market. The Financial Services Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan, OJK) plays a central role in regulating transparency, preventing fraud, and providing dispute resolution mechanisms. Despite a robust regulatory framework, challenges such as weak enforcement, low financial literacy, and regulatory inefficiencies persist. This study employs a qualitative research approach, incorporating legal analysis and a management control framework. Primary data includes expert interviews, while secondary data consists of financial reports, journal articles, and regulatory documents. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as enforcement actions, fraud detection rates, and investor restitution are analyzed to evaluate regulatory effectiveness. Fraud Prevention through POJK No. 43/POJK.04/2020, which grants OJK the authority to impose sanctions but struggles with enforcement effectiveness; and (3) Alternative Dispute Resolution via collaboration with LAPS SJK and the APPK platform, which enhances accessibility but faces challenges in public awareness and efficiency. Despite these measures, issues such as inadequate deterrents for market violations, gaps in technological supervision, and bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder optimal investor protection. To strengthen investor protection, OJK must enhance legal enforcement, expand financial literacy programs, leverage technology for market supervision, and improve inter-agency coordination. The adoption of RegTech solutions, blockchain transparency mechanisms, and stricter legal sanctions can significantly boost regulatory efficiency and investor confidence. Future research should explore international best practices to further refine Indonesia’s financial regulatory landscape.

This review examines the key factors to becoming a successful chief medical officer (CMO) in today's health care landscape. It explores the educational paths, leadership training, and real-world challenges CMOs face across academic and nonacademic settings in developed and developing countries. It provides actionable insights into leadership competencies, institutional dynamics, and key performance indicators (KPIs) that define excellence in this top medical leadership role.Drawing upon literature identified through artificial intelligence-assisted searches and verified via academic databases, the review synthesizes key themes, including educational and leadership prerequisites, mentorship dynamics, and experiential learning. It contrasts the roles and expectations of CMOs in academic centers, nonacademic hospitals, and private hospitals, as well as the unique demands faced in developed versus developing nations. The review also examines strategic leadership competencies such as communication, financial literacy, and quality management. Practical challenges are analyzed, including credentialing, prioritization of education versus clinical duties, and infrastructural limitations in low-resource settings. Finally, we highlight actionable strategies to overcome systemic constraints and outline KPIs relevant to health care contexts.This work offers a practical guide for aspiring CMOs, health care leaders, and policymakers seeking to strengthen clinical governance and institutional performance.

Indonesia's electrical power supply is insufficient to meet the population's demands. Therefore, the rise of Renewable Energy (RE) is anticipated to fulfill the needs. One of Indonesia's renewable energy industries implementing project management in its operations encountered delays in its engineering procurement construction project due to material delay, and the project's quality failed to meet requirements due to an incompetent vendor. Furthermore, the existing key performance indicators were insufficiently comprehensive, lacked criteria related to business permits, and had unclear Critical Success Factors (CSF). The primary goal was to develop narrowly focused criteria to evaluate vendor construction performance through Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM). The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is one of the techniques utilized in MCDM to determine the ranking of alternatives based on selection criteria that have hierarchical interdependence relationships. This study produced six main criteria based on literature studies, including management capability, financial capability, quality, delivery time, customer services, and safety. The most important sub-criteria from the results of this study are speed and accuracy of delivery time with a weight of 23,90%, where the factor of completing the project activity on time is a key factor for project success. For further handling, this criterion is considered as CSF for vendor selection at EPC projects, especially in the RE industry. Keywords: Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Key Performance Indicator (KPI), Project Management, Procurement Management, Vendor