Fast-paced Industry Research Articles

Agile Supply Chain Management In FashionIndustry

The fashion industry is one of the most globalized sectors, featuring a complex and widespread supply chain. Often, clothing is designed in one country, produced in another, and then distributed and sold across multiple international markets. This global scope and complexity necessitate an agile approach to supply chain management. Agile supply chains are engineered to be flexible, responsive, and adaptable, enabling companies to swiftly respond to shifts in consumer demands and market conditions. By adopting agile principles, fashion companies can more effectively navigate the intricacies of global operations, ensuring that products reach the appropriate markets at the right time, thereby sustaining competitiveness and meeting consumer expectations in a fast-paced industry

Developing and validating a scale for entrepreneurial marketing orientations: EMICO framework and its impact on business performance in startups

PurposeAlthough marketing is essential for a firm’s survival and growth, a set of entrepreneurial strategic orientations may help it gain a competitive advantage. Entrepreneurial marketing (EM) is critical for growing businesses to succeed in today's fast-paced industry. The present study aims to measure the role of EM on the business performance (BP) of Indian startups.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, a thorough literature review was conducted to develop a scale from the proposed conceptual framework – EMICO by Jones and Rowley (2009b). To assess the reliability and validity of the scale (62 items), the data are analyzed by employing partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe scale is empirically tested, and the results lead to discussions. The results show the positive impact of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), marketing orientation (MO), innovation orientation (IO) and customer orientation (CO) on the BP of the startups. The paper concludes by suggesting managerial and practical implications, also providing future research agenda.Originality/valueOur objective is to address the existing dearth of comprehensive scales for evaluating EM by undertaking a rigorous statistical approach. Notably, our research represents the pioneering effort in adopting the EMICO framework and subsequently formulating and empirically validating a robust scale specifically tailored for nascent or small-scale startups within the Indian context.

Advancements in project management methodologies: Integrating agile and waterfall approaches for optimal outcomes

Advancements in project management methodologies have revolutionized the way organizations execute complex projects, aiming for optimal outcomes amidst evolving challenges and dynamic environments. This paper explores the integration of Agile and Waterfall approaches as a strategic response to enhance project effectiveness and efficiency. Traditionally, Waterfall methodology has been predominant in industries requiring structured planning and predictable outcomes. Its sequential phases—requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and deployment—ensure a methodical progression from initiation to completion. However, its rigidity in accommodating changes during the project lifecycle has been a notable limitation in fast-paced industries where flexibility and rapid adaptation are paramount. In contrast, Agile methodology emerged as a transformative alternative, particularly suited for projects with uncertain or evolving requirements. Agile emphasizes iterative development cycles, continuous stakeholder engagement, and adaptive planning. These principles enable teams to respond swiftly to changes, deliver incremental value, and maintain high levels of transparency and collaboration throughout the project. Recognizing the strengths of both methodologies, practitioners have increasingly advocated for their integration—a hybrid approach that harnesses the structured planning of Waterfall with the adaptive flexibility of Agile. This integration allows organizations to capitalize on Waterfall's clarity in project scope and deliverables while leveraging Agile's responsiveness to customer feedback and evolving market demands. Key challenges in integrating these methodologies include reconciling differences in project planning, managing stakeholder expectations across iterative cycles, and aligning team dynamics to embrace a blended approach. Effective integration strategies often involve clear delineation of phases suitable for Waterfall and Agile, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, and utilizing project management tools that support hybrid methodologies. Successful case studies illustrate the benefits of this integrated approach, including accelerated time-to-market, improved product quality, enhanced stakeholder satisfaction, and optimized resource allocation. Moreover, organizations that adopt hybrid methodologies demonstrate resilience in navigating uncertainties and complexities, positioning themselves competitively in dynamic markets. In conclusion, the integration of Agile and Waterfall methodologies represents a paradigm shift in project management, offering a holistic framework that balances structured planning with adaptive execution. As industries continue to evolve, embracing hybrid approaches promises to drive innovation, improve project outcomes, and sustain long-term organizational success. Keywords: Advancement, Project Management, Methodologies, Integrating Agile, Waterfall Approaches.

Bridging Development and Sustainability: An Analysis of the Nigerian Real Estate Sector

Like its international counterparts, the Nigerian real estate market found itself at a crossroads, torn between the imperative of rapid expansion and the urgent need for sustainable practices. This study constituted a comprehensive exploration of the adoption of sustainability within this fast-paced industry, driven by the pressing necessity to bridge the divide between developmental enthusiasm and environmental responsibility. The foundation of this study lies in a meticulous analysis of the existing body of literature, facilitating a profound understanding of the nuances surrounding sustainable practices and the persistent gaps therein. By employing a blend of convenience and purposeful sampling methods, a wide yet focused selection of industry experts was curated. The primary research approach hinged on the utilization of Likert scale analysis to unveil the perspectives and sentiments of professionals regarding the challenges and advantages associated with sustainable practices in the Nigerian real estate sector. The findings resonated strongly, illuminating prevailing beliefs and delineating a path toward a more sustainable real estate sector. While the results underscored a profound understanding of the need for sustainable practices, they also spotlighted several obstacles, ranging from informational deficits to financial constraints. The study's conclusion reverberated with a multitude of ideas. The report meticulously charted a comprehensive roadmap for fostering sustainability in the Nigerian real estate market by identifying barriers, evaluating potential benefits, and formulating pragmatic strategies. The recommendations, encompassing advocacy for policy changes and the encouragement of further research, resounded convincingly as catalysts for tangible transformation.

Redefining Luxury Electric Cars: A Comprehensive Analysis of Faraday Future Inc.

The global automotive industry is experiencing a seismic shift towards sustainability, with electric vehicles (EVs) leading the way. Among the new entrants in this arena, Faraday Future Inc. (FF) stands out with its vision to redefine luxury electric cars. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of FF's approach, comparing it to established luxury car brands and examining the novel luxury values it introduces. FF has strategically positioned itself to cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly, technologically advanced, and luxurious EVs. The result is a holistic reimagining of the luxury EV. Key competitive advantages for FF include its team of industry experts, advanced EV technology, and savvy marketing. Furthermore, founder YT Jia's potential influence, particularly in the Chinese market, adds a powerful dimension to the company's prospects. Nonetheless, FF faces immediate financial challenges, evident in its lack of revenue juxtaposed with high operational expenses. To realize its ambitions, FF must secure substantial funding, a task complicated by YT Jia's unresolved credit issues. Despite these hurdles, FF's diverse product portfolio offers immense potential. However, the risk of delayed product launches looms in a fast-paced industry. In summary, this article explores FF's mission to redefine luxury electric cars, emphasizing its unique value propositions, competitive strengths, and financial obstacles. FF's innovative approach positions it as a promising contender in the EV market, poised to make a lasting impact on the luxury EV segment while advancing the global shift towards sustainable transportation solutions.

Heritage-Related Resources in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines as Potential Heritage Tourism Sites

The tourism industry is a fast-paced industry that necessitates the capacity to rapidly adapt to evolving tourist wants and demands. In the Philippines, the concept of heritage is well-known through its rich history. Considering all of the local heritage tourism sites evident in the country, indeed viewpoints with regards to heritage differ across regions. This study mainly identified heritage tourism-related resources in the town of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, and determined the potentials of these in making the town become a heritage tourism site. A descriptive-qualitative research method was used. As for the data collection method, researchers used the interview method, document scanning and ocular visit. The potentiality of the town was described through the use of the UNESCO Criteria. Results indicate that Solano is home to more heritage resources. The town of Solano has met UNESCO Criterion 2 due to the presence of a unique cultural heritage known as the “perfect square” and is characterized by its preserved road distances, which adhere to the urban planning. The identified town’s natural, man-made landscapes and cultural treasures also serve as contributory factors for heritage and tourism-related reasons. Further, the proposed excursion itinerary can also enhance Solano’s entire heritage tourism services and be highly helpful for future plans for recognizing it as a heritage tourism site. Overall, this contributed relevant input to stakeholders on how the town can be maximized, such that economically and cultural-wise, the municipality may be positioned as a future heritage tourism site worthy of local as well as national and international visitors’ attention.

Practical Research on Project-Based Learning (PBL) in Film and Television Production in Xiamen Vocational Education

The film and television industry plays a crucial role in the development of the global cultural sector. In recent years, vocational education in the field of film and television has experienced rapid growth in China. However, the current talent training model for this profession fails to meet the demands of the fast-paced industry development and lacks effective support for its advancement. Project-based learning is a student-centered teaching approach that employs authentic projects as the primary medium for learning. This study presents an empirical investigation conducted in a vocational college in Xiamen, where project-based learning was incorporated into the film and television production courses to assess its effectiveness. The findings of this research demonstrate that the implementation of project-based learning in the context of film and television production is viable. In comparison to traditional didactic instruction, project-based learning significantly enhances students' motivation to learn, practical skills, critical thinking abilities, and teamwork abilities. Consequently, it holds significant value in cultivating applied talents.

13 Precision Livestock Farming Tools for Climate-Smart Feedyard Operations

Abstract Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) is a technology-driven approach comprising sensors, cameras, global positioning system tracking, and data analytics to collect real-time data on animal behavior, health, welfare, and performance that enables feedyard operations to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to ensure optimized management and the well-being of their livestock and production efficiency. PLF systems leverage advanced analytical tools and techniques, such as artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning and deep learning, by integrating data provided by various sensors and software with related datasets and standard AI models to obtain unique data-driven decisions on a range of management practices. The most imminent benefits of PLF include reduced environmental impact and increased profitability. Current PLF tools for climate-smart feedyard operations include 1) feed management systems that use data from feed intake and animal behavior to optimize feed efficiency and minimize waste, which has the potential to decrease the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to livestock feeding and feed production; 2) environmental monitoring systems to collect local temperature, humidity, and air quality to optimize the pen environment, which can reduce stress on animals, reduce diseases, such as the incidence of respiratory and foot infections, and improve their overall health; 3) feeding systems to use data from individual animals to provide individualized feed and nutrient programs, thus, helping to improve and select for feed efficiency and reduce the amount of feed wasted, assisting with mitigating GHG emissions associated with livestock feeding and feed production; 4) individual animal monitoring systems to access behavior, health and well-being of individual animals that, through early disease symptoms detection, can prevent and reduce recovery time, and reduce the amount of medication applied to animals, reducing GHG gas emissions associated with pharmaceutical products; and 5) waste management systems to help reduce GHG emissions associated with manure production by optimizing manure management and reducing the amount of waste, which can also help reduce unpleasant odors and improve the overall environment conditions in and around feedyards. Waste management systems could also measure the soil and water contamination with fugitive nutrients, feed additives, implants, antibiotics, and other pharmaceuticals administrated to animals to maintain health standards. The adoption of PLF tools in feedyard operations aims to create a sustainable and efficient livestock industry by reducing waste, optimizing resources, and improving animal welfare through advanced technologies and analytical tools. Additionally, PLF tools enable feedyards to optimize feeding and breeding programs, minimize waste and environmental pollution, and improve the quality and safety of animal products. In today's fast-paced industry, PLF tools are essential for feedyard operations to monitor, analyze, and make informed decisions about the well-being and production efficiency of their livestock, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and efficient livestock industry.

Does the economic value of new product announcements depend upon preannouncement signals? An empirical test of information asymmetry theories

PurposeSignals, e.g. information released by firms about new products attract the attention and scrutiny of customers, competitors and other stakeholders. In product management, an important area of research focuses on the economic value of such signals. However, extant studies consider valuation effects of product signals independently, and largely ignore how the value of a product signal at launch depends upon prior preannouncements. This study aims to investigate how the dependence of new product development (NPD) signals on past preannouncements affects firms’ security prices.Design/methodology/approachThe study develops a conceptual model that draws upon information asymmetry theories, i.e. signaling and agency theory to hypothesize the effect of firms’ product introduction announcements on security prices given two antecedent preannouncement types (costless and costly signals). Hypotheses are tested by conducting an event study analysis on a sample of 149 matched observations (product introduction announcement preceded by a certain type of preannouncement).FindingsEmpirical results confirm the hypothesis that positive valuation effects are observed during product launch that is preceded by initial costless product signaling. In contrast, for ex ante costly product signaling, launch events are not diagnostic enough to affect value. Since organizations’ NPD communications can revise investors’ prior beliefs, they need to be understood in more detail and managed strategically.Research limitations/implicationsValuation metrics can be noisy with a potential to influence information events. In addition, product introduction signals may be deployed more frequently in certain fast-paced industries, e.g. hi-tech.Practical implicationsManagers can incorporate signal dependence in product communications. For example, in costless ex ante product signaling situations, initial economic loss may be recovered through launch announcements. Furthermore, when costly signals have been used earlier, firms may economize on promotion costs during launch.Originality/valuePast research has focused on assessing the economic value of new product signals independently, i.e. as discrete events. Absent is an examination of valuation effects due to the dependence of launch signals on prior preannouncements. This paper addresses the dependence gap, and empirical results show that even if firms do not deploy product signals ex ante, value can be created through ex post launch announcements.

A STUDY ON CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS SHOPPING MALLS IN ANDHRA PRADESH (WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO VISAKHAPATNAM CITY)

Indian retail industry has emerged as one of the most dynamic and fast-paced industries due to the entry of several new players. It accounts for over 10% of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) and around 8% of the employment. India is the worlds fifth-largest global destination in the retail space. The sizeable middle class and nearly unexplored retail market in India are the main attractive factors for international retail behemoths seeking to move into newer markets, which will help the Indian Retail Industry, grow more quickly. The urban Indian consumers purchasing power is increasing, and branded goods in categories like apparel, cosmetics, footwear, watches, beverages, food, and even jewellery are gradually evolving into business and leisure that are well-liked by the urban Indian consumer. India has the third-highest number of e-retail shoppers (only behind China, the US). The phenomenon called shopping centre or shopping mall is rocking India - metros and now even the smaller towns are buzzing with the mall mania. Modern retail format i.e. shopping malls are characterized by professionally managed large format stores, providing goods and services that appeal to consumers, in an ambience that is conducive for shopping. The recent surge in the growth of shopping malls is changing the way people shop. Mall culture in India and especially in Andhra Pradesh has been growing with an incredible pace. Just a few years back, people had to make a choice among shopping, movies or hanging out on a holiday but thanks to our malls, all these jobs can be performed at the same time, under the same roof and that too with a wonderful experience. The possibility of shopping for clothes, shoes and grocery, while simultaneously having provision for eating and entertainment in the form of movies or video game parlors, has been a convenient experience for the consumers. This paper aims to study the key factors that influence consumer behaviour towards shopping malls. The specific objective of this paper is to study consumers buying tactic, shopping priority during shopping at mall in Chennai city. The main aim of this study is to analyze different attributes of layouts, accessibility and availability of services in malls in Visakhapatnam City and to examine the attributes offered by the shopping malls which influence the customers in Visakhapatnam.

New Accelerated Corrosion Test Method Simulating Atmospheric Corrosion of Complex Phase Steel Combining Cyclic Corrosion Test and Electrochemically Accelerated Corrosion Test.

The automobile industry commonly uses cyclic corrosion tests (CCTs) to evaluate the durability of materials. However, the extended evaluation period required by CCTs can pose challenges in this fast-paced industry. To address this issue, a new approach that combines a CCT with an electrochemically accelerated corrosion test has been explored, to shorten the evaluation period. This method involves the formation of a corrosion product layer through a CCT, which leads to localized corrosion, followed by applying an electrochemically accelerated corrosion test using an agar gel electrolyte to preserve the corrosion product layer as much as possible. The results indicate that this approach can achieve comparable localized corrosion resistance, with similar localized corrosion area ratios and maximum localized corrosion depths to those obtained through a conventional CCT in half the time.

Billion-Dollar Drugs with Misallocated Rewards

Billion-Dollar Drugs with Misallocated Rewards

Optimizing Marketing Management Strategies Through IT Innovation: Big Data Integration for Better Consumer Understanding

The dynamic business environment, the fusion of Information Technology (IT) innovation with marketing management strategies has emerged as a crucial element for success amidst heightened competition. As markets evolve and consumer behaviors shift, enterprises are compelled to adapt swiftly, employing innovative tools and methodologies to gain insights and maintain relevance. Within this context, the integration of Big Data analytics emerges as a transformative catalyst, offering unprecedented opportunities to comprehend consumer preferences and optimize marketing endeavors. The convergence of IT and marketing management signifies a paradigm shift in how businesses conceive and execute their strategies. Historically, marketing decisions relied heavily on intuition, market research, and limited data samples. However, the digital revolution has ushered in an era characterized by the generation and collection of vast amounts of data at an unprecedented pace. This proliferation of data presents both challenges and opportunities for marketers. While the sheer volume and complexity of data can be overwhelming, harnessing this reservoir of data can unlock invaluable insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends. The integration of Big Data into marketing management strategies has revolutionized consumer understanding and value creation. By leveraging vast amounts of consumer data, businesses can extract valuable insights to gain a competitive advantage and enhance consumer engagement. However, this integration also presents challenges, including concerns regarding data privacy and security. At the forefront of this data-driven revolution lies Big Data analytics—a multidisciplinary field utilizing advanced computational techniques to analyze large and diverse datasets. Unlike traditional analytics approaches, Big Data analytics excels in processing massive volumes of structured and unstructured data with agility and efficiency. By harnessing distributed computing, machine learning algorithms, and cloud infrastructure, organizations can extract actionable intelligence from previously unwieldy datasets. The integration of Big Data analytics into marketing management holds immense promise for unlocking new avenues of consumer understanding. By aggregating and analyzing disparate data sources, marketers can gain comprehensive insights into consumer preferences, behaviors, and sentiments, enabling more targeted and effective marketing strategies. Moreover, Big Data analytics empowers marketers to anticipate and respond to emerging trends and market shifts with unprecedented agility, ensuring a competitive edge in fast-paced industries. However, realizing the full potential of Big Data integration in marketing management requires more than technological prowess—it demands a strategic shift in organizational mindset and culture. Embracing a data-driven approach necessitates breaking down silos between departments, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and promoting a culture of experimentation and innovation. Additionally, it requires a commitment to ethical data practices to safeguard consumer privacy and data security throughout the data lifecycle.

AWARENESS, AGREEMENT, SATISFACTION AND FUTURE EXPECTATIONS ABOUT ADOPTION OF TECHNOLOGIES IN THE SELECTED RETAIL STORES OF GUJARAT STATE: FROM CUSTOMER’S VIEWPOINT

Indian retail industry has emerged as one of the most dynamic and fast-paced industries due to the entry of several new players. It accounts for over 10% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and around 8% of the employment. India is the world’s fifth-largest global destination in the retail space. India ranked 73rd in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's Business-to-Consumer (B2C) E-commerce Index 2019. The sizeable middle class and nearly unexplored retail market in India are the main enticing factors for international retail behemoths seeking to move into newer markets, which will help the Indian retail business grow more quickly. The urban Indian consumer's purchasing power is increasing, and branded goods in categories like apparel, cosmetics, footwear, watches, beverages, food, and even jewellery are gradually evolving into business and leisure that are well-liked by the urban Indian consumer. The retail sector in India is expected to reach a whopping US$ 2 trillion in value by 2032, according to a recent analysis by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Increasing purchasing power of consumers has led to growing demand in Indian retail sector. According to the Retailers Association of India (RAI), the retail industry achieved 96% of pre-COVID-19 sales in September 2021, driven by the rising demand from consumers in Indian retail space. And due to that India’s retail trading sector attracted US$ 4.11 billion FDIs between April 2000-June 2022. Online retail market in India is projected to reach US$ 350 billion by 2030 from an estimated US$ 55 billion in 2021, due to rising online shoppers in the country. Online penetration of retail is expected to reach 10.7% by 2024 versus 4.7% in 2019. The present study tries to study Awareness, Agreement, Satisfaction and future Expectations about adoption of Technologies in the selected Retail Stores from the viewpoint of Customer’s residing in Gujarat State. After research on Customers’, the study identified that Customers were least aware about Vending machine. Customers mainly preferred technology implementation because it “saves the time” & provides them “better customer service at an affordable price”. Customers were satisfied about various retailing technologies but they were still not satisfied by Credit Card security as it creates privacy issues in the mind of them.

AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON CONSUMER BUYING/SHOPPING BEHAVIOUR (A study with reference to D Mart shopping Mall in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. India)

The objective of this paper to study the consumer Buying Behaviour in D Mart shopping Mall functioning at Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. The Indian retail industry has emerged as one of the most dynamic and fast-paced industries due to the entry of several new players. It accounts for over 10 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and around 8 percent of the employment. In this regard primary data was collected from the 120 respondents who are the shopping/customers of D Mart shopping Mall of Guntur city through a structured questionnaire to study the buying behavior of customer. Data was tabulated and analyzed to achieve the objective of the study.

Why do Consumers Shop Online? An Analytical Study on Food and Grocery Segment in West Bengal

Due to the Internet's proliferation and the globalisation of trade, retail has become a highly competitive and fast-paced industry. The expansion of the Internet has made it possible for a new kind of store to open, and it has also compelled traditional stores to think about adopting an online-only strategy. Due to the radical nature of the shift from brick-and-mortar to online retail, stores should think twice before committing to a new e-commerce strategy. The business model of online retail is not limited by traditional store hours or geographic location, and it may serve markets across an entire country for a relatively low outlay of resources. For these and other reasons, online shopping has quickly become an alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar stores. The present paper seeks to demystify the factors, influencing consumer online shopping behaviour in the food and grocery segment, in the state of West Bengal. Availability and Affordability, Convenience and Trust, Quality of Service, Motivation to Buy, Flexibility and Responsiveness, Perceived Risk, Product Attributes, have been identified as the key factors, influencing adoption of online food and grocery shopping.

A Study of Influencing Factors of Women’s Preference towards Retail Formats in Grocery Segments

In India, one of the major ways of generation of revenue, generation of employment, increased turnover and many other growth factors is retail trade. The Indian retail industry has appeared as one of the fast-paced industries due to the entry of various players. Retail industries books over 10 % of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and around 8 % of the employment. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to study the influencing factors like Time Saving, Convenience and Credit Facility of Women’s preference towards retail outlets in Grocery Segments. The research is mainly focused on primary data which were collected from respondents through well structured questionnaire. The outcomes of this study are helpful to the various women and their preference towards retail formats in both organized and unorganized outlets, researchers and academicians who are working this field.

Global livestock development: Policies and vision

Owing to the anthropogenic pressures, the global food system is undergoing significant changes. Due to increasing human population forecasted, more than 9 billion by 2050, there is an increase in the food demand and consumption by whole population. The world as a whole is undergoing several transformative changes. Growing population, changing lifestyles, expanding urbanization and accelerated climate changes are forming novel challenges for the global livestock system. Day-by-day due to continuous changes in food consumption patterns, i.e. increased demand for cattle products, resulting from urbanisation, rising affluence, and nutritional and environmental concerns are influencing what we eat, who consumes it, and how much we eat more than ever before. The dual burdens of nutrition, i.e. either overconsumption or malnutrition, along with the need to alleviate the climate change effects, are shaping research priorities, influencing policy, and changing people’s perceptions of food in different ways. The livestock industry is a fast-paced industry. It is changing in developing nations as a result of the rapidly increasing demand for animal products. Demand for cattle products is stagnant in industrialised countries, while many production techniques are improving their efficiency and environmental sustainability. Human population expansion, wealth growth, and urbanisation have all influenced demand for products of livestock in the past, and the production response in various livestock systems has been linked to science and technology and rises in animal population. Rivalry for natural resources, notably land and water, as well as competition between food and feed, will progressively effect output in the future. Recognition of United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a broad framework that directs growth of the global livestock sector.

Effect of eWOM, Ease of Use, Trust on Purchase Decision (Case Study on Blibli.com)

<div class="WordSection1"><p><em>The purpose of this study was to determine: 1) Whether eWOM has a positive effect on purchase decisions, 2) Does Ease of Use have a positive effect on purchase decisions, 3) Does trust have a positive effect on purchase decisions. Data collection in this study was carried out using a questionnaire distributed online to Blibli users. The number of respondents used in this study is 100 respondents. The sampling technique used in this study is non-probability sampling by relying on judgmental sampling. Partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis was performed using the SmartPLS 3.0 program to analyze the data. The findings of this study are that eWOM, Ease of Use and Trust have a positive effect on purchase decisions. The contribution of this research can provide input to the Blibli company to better maintain and manage ease of use, trust and electronic word of mouth so that Blibli users can use Blibli more freely and comfortably so that transactions carried out in Blibli can run more smoothly and safely, which is then will give Blibli an advantage as a player in Internet-based transaction systems because it is a fast paced industries that can change in a matter of time.</em></p></div><em><br clear="all" /></em>

Do Board Characteristics Matter for Growth Firms? Evidence from China

Previous research on the effect of board characteristics mostly examines established firms. This raises the question of whether the findings from the board characteristics literature are applicable to rapidly growing enterprises, as their corporate governance landscape can be very different from that in large, mature companies. Our paper extends the corporate governance literature by investigating the performance implications of board characteristics in startups using a unique set of firms: 121 startups operating in the information technology industry listed on the Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) in China. Using a firm performance indicator constructed through the factor analysis method, we find significant correlations between firm performance and board size, age structure, board meeting frequency, and board ownership of shares. Our findings contribute to the corporate governance literature by shedding new light on the performance implications of board characteristics for startups operating in fast-paced industries.