Financial Readiness Research Articles

Diverse perspectives on entrepreneurship: Analyzing gender and age-related differences in perceptions

Entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and social development, yet perceptions of entrepreneurship can vary significantly across different demographic groups. Understanding these variations is crucial for developing effective education and support systems. This study investigates the differences in perceptions of entrepreneurship among various gender and age groups, focusing on aspects such as career opportunities, financial readiness, the attractiveness of entrepreneurial ventures, skill requirements, economic impact, educational effectiveness, and gender-specific views on entrepreneurship. Using a quantitative research design, the study analyzed data collected from 300 entrepreneurs in Greater Noida through a structured questionnaire. Independent samples t-tests and ANOVA were employed to identify significant differences in perceptions across genders and age groups. The findings reveal notable differences in perceptions related to the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education and the role of women in entrepreneurship. Specifically, females demonstrated greater confidence in the ability of the education system to prepare individuals for entrepreneurial careers than males did. Additionally, significant differences in perceptions of entrepreneurial opportunities and support were observed between different age groups. These results highlight the need for tailored education programs and support systems that address the unique needs of diverse demographic segments. The study underscores the importance of promoting gender diversity and inclusivity in entrepreneurship to foster a more dynamic and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem. By addressing the specific challenges and opportunities identified, policymakers and educators can develop more effective and inclusive strategies to support aspiring entrepreneurs. Future research should further explore the sociocultural and institutional factors influencing entrepreneurial perceptions to enhance the overall effectiveness of entrepreneurship initiatives.

Financial Readiness, Combat Readiness: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach On Saving Habits Among Malaysian Military Personnel

Saving money benefits individuals and the economy. This research examines the factors affecting Malaysian military personnel's saving habits. The study focuses on the impact of financial literacy, financial inclusions, financial stress, peer influence, military culture, and self-discipline on saving habits. The positivist study design was based on a survey questionnaire of 1000 Malaysian Armed Forces military personnel. Data from the pilot and main survey were analysed using SPSS 29.0 and SmartPLS4, respectively. The study randomly selected respondents from a population of approximately 120,000 actively serving military personnel. The respondents include officers and other ranks deployed at various military bases and camps in Malaysia. Except for self-control, financial stress, and financial inclusions, the remaining three variables have strong connections with the savings habit. The findings support life cycle and planned behaviour theories. This study sheds light on military personnel and the necessity of savings strategies for financial readiness.

Penyuluhan Hukum Etika Pergaulan Remaja Perspektif Islam

The challenges that are most felt by teenagers are not only about mental maturity and quality supplies that are ready to use but also other things such as financial readiness, maturity in thinking, wisdom in making decisions and many more. Of course, preparation and preparedness is needed in learning everything that may be needed for life in the future. Neglecting social ethics by teenagers does not rule out the possibility that most of them will not be able to face the negative influences of friends and the environment, so there will be big problems that violate morals not only for themselves but also their parents, family and the surrounding community. Providing legal counseling held by the Legal Aid Post (POSBAKUM). Aisyiyah Central Kalimantan and Lecturer at Muhamamdiyah University Palangkaraya is a form of concern for young people, especially teenagers, which aims to provide students with an understanding of the dangers of promiscuity and provide students with an understanding of ethics in social relations and the impact of promiscuity according to Islamic law. The methods used in this community service are lecture, discussion and question and answer methods.

Analysis of the Use of Blockchain Technology in Student Data Management in Schools

The objective of this study is to examine the implementation of blockchain technology in the administration of student data in educational institutions and evaluate its efficacy and security in comparison to conventional systems. This study utilizes a qualitative methodology and adopts a case study approach to examine the implementation of blockchain technology in multiple schools. Data were acquired through in-depth interviews with school IT professionals, administrators, and blockchain technology specialists, as well as research of documentation relating to student data management policies and procedures. The results of the study reveal that the application of blockchain technology in student data management has several significant advantages, including greater data security, transparency, and operational efficiency. Blockchain ensures that student data is protected and may only be accessed by authorized individuals, eliminating the danger of data leakage and manipulation. In addition, the openness given by blockchain allows for real-time tracking of data changes, permitting more accurate audits and monitoring. This study, however, revealed significant problems in the application of blockchain technology in schools, such as the need for suitable infrastructure, high implementation costs, and a lack of awareness and technical skills among school staff. In conclusion, although blockchain technology offers numerous benefits in student data management, the success of its deployment rests greatly on the technical and financial readiness of educational institutions, as well as the necessity for sufficient training and socializing for users.

Examining the Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Academic Staff Saving Behaviors and Financial Readiness in North Wollo Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia

<i>Introduction</i>: Saving behaviour is a critical aspect of financial planning, where individuals defer present consumption to enhance their quality of life and meet future needs. The study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of their financial behaviours, identify the factors that influence their financial decision-making, and compare the financial behaviours among different groups of academic employees. <i>Methods</i>: Employing a quantitative research approach, this study utilizes a structured questionnaire to gather data from academic employees. The questionnaire evaluates variables such as income level, education, job security, and financial goals to examine their impact on saving behaviours and financial readiness. Binary logistic regression analysis is employed to assess the influence of each factor on the dependent variable. <i>Results</i>: The findings indicate that a majority (83.3%) of academic employees have not previously saved, while a minority (16.7%) have managed to accumulate some savings. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, demonstrate significant associations between saving habits and variables such as gender, age, marital status, monthly expenses, and housing. The binary logistic regression analysis further highlights the significance of factors such as gender, age, education level, expenses, housing, additional income, and participation in savings groups in shaping employees' saving behaviours. <i>Conclusion</i>: This study contributes to the understanding of Ethiopian savings practices and personal finance by examining and comparing saving behaviours and financial preparedness across different academic institutions. It provides insights into the factors influencing financial decision-making and proposes strategies for enhancing financial literacy.

Pengaruh Saving Behavior dan Literacy Finance Terhadap Retirement Preparedness pada Karyawan Swasta di PT. FCC Indonesia

The aim of this research is to find out how saving habits and financial literacy at PT. FCC Indonesia private workers influence their preparation for retirement. This research methodology combines purposive sampling and survey methodology with a quantitative descriptive approach. Because retirement readiness must be prepared from an early age, the object of research is PT FCC Indonesia, with a sample size of 100 respondents aged 20 to 40 years. The findings of this study indicate that saving and financial literacy significantly improve a person's preparation for retirement. Although financial literacy is necessary to increase awareness of money and can help people make the right financial decisions, including the decision to invest in retirement, saving behavior is very important to grow savings that can be used to meet living expenses in retirement. The fact that this research is limited to PT. FCC Indonesia and its small sample size is one of its weaknesses. In order for the research findings to be applied more widely, larger sample sizes and more geographic locations should be used in future research. Based on research findings, private employees at PT. FCC Indonesia's preparation for retirement is greatly influenced by their savings and financial literacy. This is consistent with other research which finds a positive correlation between saving behavior, financial literacy, and retirement preparation. Knowledge about the variables that influence private employees' retirement preparations is further advanced through this research. This study implies that to ensure private sector employees' financial readiness for retirement, it is important to increase their level of financial literacy and saving behavior.

Adopting Artificial Intelligence Technology for Network Operations in Digital Transformation

This study aims to define factors that affect Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology introduction to network operations and analyze the relative importance of such factors. Based on this analysis of critical factors, a rational decision-making framework is suggested to promote network operations with AI technology. As affecting factors were derived based on related previous studies, the study model was designed to consist of 22 attribute factors under 6 key factors: relative advantage, compatibility, top management support, organizational readiness, competitive pressure, and cooperative relation. The questionnaire was designed and analyzed using the Delphi method and Analytics Hierarchy Process (AHP) method based on the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework. To collect data, a survey was conducted among 30 experts in network operations and AI. The importance of attribute factors was in the order of ‘goals and strategies’, ‘commitment of resources’, ‘leadership competency’, ‘financial readiness’, and ‘technology readiness’. As the importance of factors was analyzed comparatively between the demander group and provider group, organizational factors were important in the demander group. In contrast, technological factors were important in the provider group. In conclusion, there was a difference in perspectives between demanders and providers regarding adopting AI technology to network operations.

Parenthood desire, perceived parenthood stigma, and barriers to achieving parenthood in childless sexual minority men.

To examine the parenthood desire, perceived parenthood stigma, and barriers to achieving parenthood among sexual minority men (SMM) in Canada, and to investigate factors influencing their fertility and assisted reproductive knowledge. Data were collected from March to mid-June 2023 using a 78-item anonymous online survey. Childless cisgender SMM (age 18+) living in Canada were recruited from the LGBTQIA+ community outside the fertility care networks. Chi-square, t-tests, ANOVA, reliability tests, Spearman's correlation, and hierarchical regression model were used for analysis. Over 160 people clicked the survey hyperlink during the study period and 112 completed surveys were analyzed. The mean age of participants was 33.2±8.5 (range: 19.7-60.0). Having a child by any means was "quite"/"very" important to 35.7% (n=40), yet 56.0% (n=61) thought it was "unlikely" to achieve parenthood. Financial readiness (n=90, 85.7%) and relationship stability (n=86, 81.9%) were the two most "important" parenthood considerations. Participants who were non-white (p=0.017), under age 30 (p=0.008), and had no siblings (p=0.024) had significantly higher means of parenthood desire compared to others. The final hierarchical regression model explained 43% of the variance in the knowledge scores (R2adj =0.353), predicted by the levels of (i) education (β=0.37, p<0.001), (ii) family acceptance of sexual orientation (β=0.39, p=0.004), and (iii) parenthood desire (β=0.27, p=0.002). With an increasing number of SMM desiring children, it is pivotal to advance family-building equality through improving their fertility and assisted reproductive knowledge, removing disparities in accessing adoption and assisted reproductive services, and decreasing social stigma against SMM having children.

Assessing the Quality and Coverage of Maternal Postnatal Care in Bangladesh: A Comparative Analysis of Quality Postnatal Care among Home and Facility Births.

Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in reducing maternal mortality, yet postpartum deaths remain a significant issue. Emphasis on quality postnatal care (qPNC) is crucial, as increased coverage alone has not sufficiently reduced maternal morbidity and mortality. This study included data from the Bangladesh Maternal Mortality Survey of 32,106 mothers who delivered within three years prior to the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to report coverage and components of postnatal care stratified by covariates. Log-linear regression models were used to assess the determinants of quality postnatal care among facility and home births. From 2010 to 2016, postnatal care coverage within 48 h of delivery by a qualified provider rose from 23% to 47%. Of the births, 94% were facility births that received timely PNC, contrasted with only 6% for home births. Despite the increased coverage, quality of care remained as low as 1% for home births and 13% for facility births. Key factors affecting qPNC utilization included socio-demographic factors, pregnancy complications, type of birth attendant, delivery method, and financial readiness. Importantly, deliveries assisted by skilled birth attendants correlated with higher quality postnatal care. This study reveals a significant gap between the coverage and quality of postnatal care in rural Bangladesh, especially for home births. It underscores the need for targeted interventions to enhance qPNC.

Precursors of circular economy practices

The study examined the precursors of circular practices among waste management firms in Ghana. Its objectives were to assess the internal financial environment and the external financial environment of the firms as the precursor of its circular economy practices The study used a cross-sectional design and a quantitative research method. Data was collected from the owners/managers of integrated waste management firms in the Environmental Service Providers Association of Ghana database. On that note, 524 firms participated in the survey. The data was collected using a closed-ended questionnaire consisting of a seven-point Likert-like scale. The findings show that the factors influencing the adoption of circular economy techniques by waste management companies in Ghana include the internal environment that is firm-level financial environment, financial readiness, and investment readiness. External factors such as country level financial environment and international level financial environment were not significant precursors. It is advised that companies in the circular economy, such as waste management companies, establish the enabling conditions for moving ahead with sustainable business practices.

Consumer Finance Scales: Comparing English and Spanish Versions of a National Survey in the United States

Financial scales were developed to understand and explain the financial behavior of adults in the United States using data from the 2018 National Financial Capability Study (NFCS) and the Spanish-Language Supplement. The main difference between them is that the Spanish-Language Supplement was composed only of Hispanics who prefer Spanish as their first language. Researchers combined various related questions using factor analysis (principal component analysis) to create the scales for financial anxiety, financial capability, financial readiness, financial self-efficacy, and financial technology. These scales and their corresponding scores allowed researchers to better measure specific concepts related to consumer financial management. Cronbach’s alpha showed scales were reliable and the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin index confirmed the appropriateness of factor analyses. Except for financial capability, all financial scales using the 2018 NFCS State-by-State Survey were validated using the 2018 NFCS Spanish Supplement.

Teachers’ Readiness in Conducting PdPR Teaching in Malaysia: An Assessment of Primary Schools Teachers

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted education systems around the world and forced an unplanned “home-based teaching and learning” (PdPR) method. This study aims to identify the teachers’ readiness to engage in PdPR and to examine the factors influence it. This study also investigates whether self-directed learning mediates the relationship between computer self-efficacy and teachers’ readiness. This study utilised an online survey research design with further categorisation and analysis of teachers’ perceptions on their readiness that was gathered via a questionnaire comprising 35 questions based on six assessment criteria. The respondents consisted of 267 teachers from four primary schools in the states of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor in Malaysia who have been conducting PdPR teaching consistently since the Covid-19 outbreak. The finding disclosed that the majority of teachers are ready to embrace PdPR teaching albeit there are still a number of teachers who are still uncertain about their capabilities in conducting PdPR. Results revealed that the computer self-efficacy, technology adaptability, and financial readiness have a significant positive influence on the teachers’ readiness, but not organizational support. In addition, there is an indirect mediating role of self-directed learning on the relationship between the computer self-efficacy and teachers' readiness. Overall, the findings are consistent with Social Cognitive Theory where teachers’ readiness is influenced by individual cognition, individual behavior, and the performance environment. The policymakers could treat the outcomes of this study as a benchmark in synthesising an improvised version of the current PdPR teaching guidelines to better facilitate the teachers if the world is faced with a similar pandemic in the future.

Funding and financing the zero emissions journey: urban visions from the 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission

Cities play a critical role in delivering emission-free futures, yet the financial capacities, together with the unprecedented estimated capital requirements represent substantial barriers to climate action. In this study, we use data collected through the European Mission on 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities to investigate how 362 ambitious, yet differently prepared cities are fostering climate investment, under three aspects of (i) financial readiness, (ii) financial proactiveness, and (iii) financial innovation. On one hand, according to their self-assessment, over 70% of the cities have not yet estimated—not even roughly—the total investment needed to become climate neutral and the majority (i) have experience in financing only a few specific climate projects, (ii) are ill-equipped to tap capital markets, (iii) have developed only marginally co-financing with the private sector, and (iv) have taken no steps to establish an investor-ready pipeline of projects contributing to climate neutrality. On the other hand, cities are at the forefront of financial innovation, creating blueprints and business models that are being tested under a learning-by-doing approach, creating deep and long-lasting transformative change, and establishing coordinating mechanisms with new critical players. In this context, current financial management, regulation, and institutional arrangements are key barriers to unlocking access to financing and creating an enabling environment for investment at the city level. The different levels of maturity in terms of financial readiness and institutional arrangements are discussed as the catalysers of climate financing at the city level.

End-users’ perspectives on factors affecting implementation and utilization of the Iranian electronic health record system: a qualitative study in a developing country

BackgroundAs one of the most important information technologies for storing, managing, and exchanging health information, the electronic health record (EHR) plays a major role in the health system. However, these systems in developing countries have been associated with multidimensional issues. The purpose of the present study was the assessment of nonclinical end-users’ points of view on the implementation and utilization of the Iranian electronic health record system.MethodsThis was a large qualitative study conducted in 2021 for 7 months from February to August. In this study, data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 70 non-clinical end-users in 22 public and six private hospitals of West Azerbaijan province in Iran. To analyze the data, the thematic analysis method was used.ResultsThe study results indicated that technical, human, cultural, managerial, and financial readiness are the most important factors affecting the implementation of EHRs in Iran. Among the mentioned factors, technical and human readiness were emphasized more by the users. Also, technical, organizational, human, and managerial factors were identified as factors influencing EHRs utilization, and technical and organizational factors had a stronger role in the system utilization.ConclusionsAccording to the results, several factors influence EHR implementation and adequate utilization in Iran. To achieve the predetermined goals of this system, implementation issues and problems of using the system should be considered and solved.

Effect of Individual Attributes toward Financial Management Behavior through Locus of Control

Only a few studies have examined the use of comprehensive variables in determining financial management behavior, though the model involves many other variables. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the locus of control as a mediator variable in the effect of financial attitude and knowledge, income, and spiritual intelligence on financial management behavior. It used a quantitative descriptive method and involved 391 respondents determined through convenience sampling. The results showed that financial attitude and spiritual intelligence significantly impact financial management behavior through locus of control. Whereas in the other two variables, namely financial knowledge, and income, the role of the mediator does not function effectively, so it does not have an indirect effect. These findings have implications for individuals to practice financial readiness in daily financial life. The information obtained also strengthens the role of self-control in financial management.JEL Classification: G40, G41

Parents Perceptions on School Readiness: Descriptive Study

The purpose of this study is to explore the parents’ perceptions on Children’s School Readiness. The open-ended question was administered to 116 parents in Padang, Padang Panjang, Bukittinggi, and Sawahlunto, West Sumatera. Content analyses were used to categorize all the response from participants. Overall this study found that 84% participants’ think that school readiness are very important for children to enter elementary school, 15% said that it’s important, and 1% quite important. Most of the reasons are because school readiness helps children to be success in elementary school. Looking more closely about their perception on school readiness, participants think that school readiness is related to cognitive ability (27%), social skill (17%), emotional competence (14%), sufficient age (11%), physical development (11%). Another response is related to financial readiness and motivation. This finding indicated that many parents considered that cognitive ability such reading skill as one of significant factor for children to enter elementary school.

Financial Privilege: Educational Funding Source Impacts Students’ Perceptions of Financial Readiness and Cost as a Barrier to Dietetic Internships

Financial Privilege: Educational Funding Source Impacts Students’ Perceptions of Financial Readiness and Cost as a Barrier to Dietetic Internships

Antecedents of big data analytics (BDA) adoption in private firms: a sequential explanatory approach

PurposeThis study aims to examine the key antecedents influencing the private firm’s intention to adopt big data analytics (BDA) in developing economies. To do so, the study follows the sequential explanatory approach.Design/methodology/approachTo test the hypothesized model that draws on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework paired with the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, a purposive sampling technique was applied to gather data from 156 IT and management domain experts from the private firms that intend to adopt BDA and operate in Pakistan’s service industry, including telecommunication, information technology, agriculture, and e-commerce. The data were analysed using the partial least squares structural equations modelling (PLS-SEM) technique and complemented with qualitative analysis of 10 semi-structured interviews in NVIVO 12 based on grounded theory.FindingsThe empirical findings revealed that the two constructs – perceived benefits and top management support – are the powerful drivers of a firm’s intention to adopt BDA in the private sector, whereas IT infrastructure, data quality, technological complexity and financial readiness, along with the moderators, BDA adoption of competitors and government policy and regulation, do not significantly influence the intention. In addition, the qualitative analysis validates and further complements the SEM findings.Originality/valueUnlike the previous studies on technology adoption, this study proposed a unique research model with contextualized indicators to measure the constructs relevant to private firms, based on the TOE framework and DOI theory, to investigate the causal relationship between drivers and intention. Furthermore, the findings of PLS-SEM were complemented by qualitative analysis to validate the causation. The findings of this study have both theoretical and practical implications.

Utilization of virtual reality and augmented reality in the oral and maxillofacial surgery

Virtual reality (VR) dan augmented reality (AR) are artificial intelligence used for presenting a virtual environment according to reality in real-time. The ability of this technology to adapt human movement, allow it to be used in the medical world as an aid in planning, training and guidance. Although it is known that there is a lot utilization of this technology, its implementation in the field of dentistry, especially oral and maxillofacial surgery is still unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide knowledge about current VR-AR technology, as well as provide information on its utilization in the field of dentistry, particu-larly in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The use of VR-AR in the medical field is felt in the fields of oral and maxil-lofacial surgery. It is concluded that the presence of VR-AR technology requires financial readiness in procuring its compo-ponents. But it is commensurate with the benefits that can be received from this technology, namely can be used for training, as well as navigation during surgery so that time efficiency and minimal invasion during surgery can be achieved.

Insights on Resilience and Flexibility During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study on Wheat Supply Chains in Pakistan

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted global supply chains, including those in the food industry, posing significant challenges to food security and sustainable production. This study focuses on investigating the resilience of Pakistan's wheat supply chain during the pandemic, with a particular emphasis on the concept of supply chain flexibility. Through structured interviews with 50 individuals involved in the wheat supply the study examines the impact of proactive capability, supply chain design, and reactive capability on the resilience of the wheat supply chain. The findings reveal that proactive capability in the wheat supply chain demonstrated flexibility in various aspects, except for sourcing. Integration among departments showed collaboration, but issues were encountered in information sharing and efficiency. The readiness of the supply chain showed detection ability but lacked training and strong security measures. Supply chain design complexities were observed in direct dealings and a lack of flexibility in flow. Reactive capability indicated challenges in quick response, crisis mitigation, and recovery, emphasizing the importance of response teams and financial readiness. The study provides valuable insights for supply chain managers, highlighting areas for improvement such as sourcing strategies, information management, quality control, and financial support. Future research could explore other sectors and agricultural products, investigating different geographical areas, and increasing the sample size. By further understanding the dynamics of supply chain resilience and flexibility, organizations can better prepare for and respond to disruptions, ensuring the continuity of critical food supply chains during crises.