This research stems from the urgent need to strengthen moral education in the era of globalisation, which is characterised by a value crisis and a weakening of the internalisation of religious ethics among students, particularly in the context of Islamic boarding school-based education. The purpose of this study is to analyse the implementation of Sufi-based education in shaping the moral development of students at MTs NU Sindujoyo Gresik. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study design, utilising data collection techniques such as participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted using the perspective of Islamic spiritual education and the theory of value internalisation. The results of the study indicate that the integration of Sufi values based on Islamic boarding school culture, the exemplary behaviour of teachers and kiai, and routine spiritual activities such as Dhuha prayer, Dhuhr prayer in congregation, dhikr, and istighasah play an important role in forming a conducive educational ecosystem. Values such as tazkiyat al-nafs, muraqabah, ikhlas, and Mahmudah morals are effectively internalised in the lives of students. The findings demonstrate an improvement in students' moral character, including discipline, responsibility, social empathy, and self-control, through a synergy between the formal curriculum, the hidden curriculum, and Islamic boarding school culture. Sufi-based education focuses not only on cognitive aspects but also brings about profound moral and spiritual transformation, making it a relevant model for integrative and adaptive Islamic education.

Expatriates, who play key strategic and governance roles within MNEs, are often directly exposed to local air pollution in host countries. Given the pervasive and deleterious effects of local air pollution, this study examines how it affects expatriate deployment in MNEs’ international subsidiaries. Our theoretical approach emphasizes bounded reliability as a key mechanism for understanding contractual friction between expatriates and MNEs. To gain a deeper understanding of how underlying behavioral mechanisms link expatriates’ attitudes to MNEs’ international staffing decisions, we conducted interviews with current and former expatriates. These interviews indicate that expatriates perceive local air pollution as a severe stressor, which consequently diminishes their commitment to international assignments. Building on these insights, we developed hypotheses on expatriate deployment in international subsidiaries, and tested them using archival data of Japanese MNEs’ subsidiaries in Chinese cities. Our quantitative analysis, which employs a meteorology-based instrument variable to mitigate potential endogeneity problems, reveals that local air pollution significantly reduces expatriate deployment. Furthermore, this negative relationship is contingent on the MNE’s local experience and local talent supply, and may also be influenced by industry pollution levels. This study contributes to the growing research focusing on the microfoundations of internalization theory by proposing a conceptual framework for expatriate deployment that explicitly incorporates bounded reliability in the analysis of contractual interactions between expatriates and MNEs. Our findings also contribute to the expatriate management literature by identifying the nuanced effects of local air pollution (as a part of the natural environment) on expatriates and MNE governance.

This paper addresses the issue of low-carbon equipment selection for power grids under the dual-carbon objective, calculates the carbon emission intensity of users by tracing their power sources and quantities, and the NB-IoT IoT collects data from power grids to realize the collection and monitoring of carbon footprints. Based on the life cycle cost calculation of carbon emissions, with the modeling objective of minimizing the carbon emission penalty cost and equipment construction and installation cost for a typical day of distribution network, substation power constraints, grid constraints, equipment configuration and operation power constraints are set to establish a framework for coordinated optimal configuration. Combined with the theory of internalization of externalities, the marginal integrated cost of equipment selection backup is defined, and the optimized selection of low-carbon equipment is realized with the goal of minimizing the marginal integrated cost. The application results show that the LCC assessment proposed in this paper has the smallest error compared with the LCA assessment result of 30t, and the relative errors of the NB-IoT IoT acquisition system are 1.14%, 1.26%, and 0.58%, and the model accuracy is more. The actual costs of carbon footprint, transformer, photovoltaic inverter, and energy storage equipment are 482,000, 495,000, 502,000, and 476,000 yuan, which are more in line with the actual costs.The average cost of LCC assessment of tariff changes is 6,172,700 yuan, and the average cost of discount rate is 6,285,700 yuan, which is obvious in terms of economic benefits, and it can provide systematic and quantifiable decision-making support for the selection of low-carbon equipment for power grids.

This study aims to address the "intellect over emotion" bias in preschool education and construct a culturally adaptive preschool mental health promotion system. Based on the upgraded "2+1+3+2" model, it integrates international theories including Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence theory and Bowlby’s Attachment theory with Liu Naihua’s localized educational concepts of "emotional nourishment" and "life-based education". Through theoretical interpretation and case analysis, the study explores the dual-subject collaboration of kindergarten and family in emotion education, and designs practical paths of comprehensive acceptance, understanding and expression of emotions. The results show that the model can help children transform from passive emotion recipients to active emotional managers, and it constructs a three-dimensional ecological system for preschool mental health promotion with both international vision and local characteristics. The study provides a scientific practical framework for preschool emotion education and mental health cultivation.

The normalization of dating practices among junior and senior high school students indicates a shift in adolescents' moral constructions amid the strong influence of popular culture and digital media. This phenomenon raises critical questions regarding the effectiveness of character education based on Islamic values, particularly in internalizing the value of iffah as a principle of self-control and moral integrity. Although character education has become a strategic agenda in the national education system, empirical studies that specifically link adolescents' relational practices with the process of internalizing religious moral values remain relatively limited. Grounded in value internalization theory and moral development theory, this study aims to analyze how adolescents' dating practices reflect the level of iffah value internalization and its implications for character formation. This research employs a qualitative approach with a field study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis involving students, teachers, and school stakeholders. Analysis was conducted using first-cycle coding techniques and thematic grouping to identify patterns in moral understanding, relational practices, and self-control mechanisms. The findings reveal a gap between normative understanding of iffah and the actualization of behavior in social relations. Most students understand iffah at the cognitive level, yet dating practices are viewed as part of identity formation and adolescents' affective needs. This indicates that the value internalization process has not yet reached a stable stage of moral integration. This study affirms the need for a more transformative, contextual, and collaborative character education model to sustainably strengthen adolescents' moral integrity.

Foreign market entry represents a multidimensional strategic decision requiring the alignment of internal capabilities, external market conditions, risk exposure, and organizational knowledge. Although the literature offers numerous analytical models—ranging from the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities to internationalization theories such as the Uppsala model and growth frameworks including Ansoff’s matrix—these models are often applied in isolation. Such fragmentation may weaken decision quality and strategic coherence. This study develops and empirically applies an integrated triangulation-based framework for foreign market entry decision-making. The framework combines internal environmental analysis (resources, capabilities, and knowledge management), external market analysis (market attractiveness and institutional risk), and the strategic selection of entry and market positioning models. Methodologically, the research adopts a qualitative case study design, integrating semi-structured managerial interviews, analysis of internal company databases and strategic documents, and secondary market data. The triangulation of data sources and theoretical lenses serves not only to enhance validity but to structure decision-making under uncertainty. The empirical findings demonstrate that foreign market entry is justified when internal organizational readiness, experiential knowledge, and adaptive capabilities align with moderate external risk and sustainable market potential. The study further shows that incremental entry logic, consistent with the Uppsala model, combined with market development positioning (Ansoff) and an operationalized marketing mix, provides a coherent and risk-adjusted strategic pathway. The paper contributes by demonstrating how classical strategic and international business frameworks can be integrated into a unified decision architecture. It offers both theoretical implications and a practical roadmap for managers evaluating foreign expansion under uncertainty.

Cultural routes, an important concept in heritage conservation, represent an innovative paradigm that is reshaping the contemporary trajectory of cultural heritage research. The Nanling Corridor satisfies the four core criteria for cultural routes—temporal continuity, spatial distribution, cross-cultural attributes, and specific historical functional roles—and stands as a paradigmatic indigenous cultural route in China. Focusing on the Hunan–Guangdong Ancient Road—a core segment of the Nanling Corridor—this study integrates historical document analysis, representative sample field surveys, and a historical restoration method to systematically classify and characterize the ancient road’s landscape features. The study findings indicate that the Hunan–Guangdong border region within the Nanling area is endowed with a distinctive natural geographical setting and a complex socio-cultural context. Against this background, landscape elements are categorized into two primary clusters: those directly associated with the ancient road and those indirectly linked to it. The directly associated landscapes are further subdivided into four categories: the cross-territorial route, meso-scale hubs enabling land–water transfer, widely distributed micro-scale ancillary facilities, and intangible engineering techniques. The indirectly associated landscapes encompass four dimensions—military defense, population migration, commercial trade, and religious practice—each demonstrating unique landscape attributes while sharing homologous formative mechanisms. This study aims to provide a China-focused research reference for the international theory of cultural routes through the systematic study of the landscapes along the Hunan–Guangdong Ancient Road within the Nanling Corridor.

This study addresses the quality of real-world data (RWD) in oncology and proposes a comprehensive evaluation system for assessing the quality of RWD in the review of anti-tumor drugs. The proposed system provides a solid theoretical foundation and methodological tools to support drug review decisions and offers insights for further enhancing data quality evaluation in regulatory processes. Preliminary indicators for evaluating the quality of real-world data in anti-tumor drug review were identified based on established domestic and international theories and practices. Expert consultations were conducted to collect feedback from professionals across various fields, further refining the evaluation indicators. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was then applied to develop an expert judgment matrix, assigning weights to the indicators according to their relative importance. The final weight values for each indicator were subsequently determined. This study developed a real-world data quality evaluation system for anti-tumor drug review, comprising 2 primary indicators, 8 secondary indicators, and 32 tertiary indicators. Weight analysis revealed that data accuracy, source credibility, and population representativeness were the most critical secondary indicators. Among the tertiary indicators, oncology-specific data standards, third-party ethical evaluations, and clarity in inclusion/exclusion criteria and screening processes were identified as the most significant factors. These findings suggest that regulatory agencies should emphasize these aspects more during the quality evaluation process. Based on the key indicators identified in the evaluation system, it is recommended that drug regulatory agencies focus on the following aspects when assessing the quality of real-world data in anti-tumor drug reviews: (1) clear definition of core data elements and critical variables; (2) evaluation of data quality in alignment with research objectives; and (3) ensuring data security and consistency to enhance overall data quality.

Islamic economics emerged in the post-colonial period as a novel and independent approach to political and economic discourse. It sought an ideal economic system that could encompass interest-free commercial relations, moral behavioral norms that eschewed self-interest, and the pursuit of social justice and welfare. After some time, however, Islamic economics was perceived as having failed to meet these expectations, or even to create an original methodology. This saw it become subject to harsh criticisms regarding incompatibility between its theory and practice. Such observations are not unique to Islamic economics; various heterodox schools of economics have made similar critiques of mainstream neoclassical economics. The latter, however, has hereto overcome such criticisms by offering technical analysis backed by institutional power. In their application to Islamic economics, however, such criticisms generally ignore the fact that economics is a “power system” or “issue of power” -an issue with significant implications for the application of any economic school of thought. Notably, the United States of America’s post-1945 assumption of global dominance in terms of political power and economic wealth led to the emergence of a robust mainstream international theory of economics. This saw mainstream neoclassical economics become intertwined with the experience of the post-1945 hegemonic state. The consistency and validity of this theory was thus directly related to political power and institutionalization. Islamic economics today exhibits theoretical disorganization because it needs an institutional center like that of mainstream neoclassical economics. It is in this context that this study examines the relationship between institutional power and economic theory from the perspective of Islamic economics.

Contemporary internationalisation unfolds under conditions of hyper-volatility characterised by tariff escalation, geopolitical decoupling, regulatory fragmentation, and rapid policy reversals. Classical internationalisation theories—whether stage-based, efficiency-driven, or platform-oriented—assume relative stability in the coordination of cross-border activities and thus struggle to guide strategic decision-making in such environments. This article introduces the Quantum Cube of Internationalisation (QCI) as a unifying theoretical framework that conceptualises internationalisation as a multidimensional state space rather than a linear process or a single architectural logic. Drawing on illustrative evidence from exporting firms operating under tariff and regulatory volatility, the theory explains how firms can sustain strategic optionality, anticipate collapse thresholds, and deliberately time commitments under uncertainty. By integrating insights on localisation, integration, and portfolio configuration with a volatility-aware decision logic, the Quantum Cube provides a rigorous yet operational framework for analysing internationalisation under tariffs, geopolitical risk, and regulatory shock. The article contributes a volatility-aware, state-based theory of internationalisation that complements and extends process and efficiency perspectives.

The purpose of this study is to describe the paradigm of disseminating moderate character values to students by Islamic Religious Education teachers at Sentani 1 Public Junior High School. This qualitative study is a case study. Data were obtained through interviews, observations, and documentation. This study is supported by the theory of interfaith collaboration, the theory of value internalisation, and a preventive approach in religious education. The results of the study indicate that there is an integration paradigm in the dissemination of moderate religious values by Islamic Education teachers at the school, namely through interrelated strategies in strengthening moderate values in the curriculum, using a local culture-based approach, and cultivating tolerant attitudes in daily interactions. These strategies create an inclusive and harmonious learning environment and foster tolerant attitudes among students. This study contributes to the importance of holistic strategies in the internalization of moderate religious diversity among students, emphasizing cognitive, affective, and psychomotor aspects.

Abstract This interview examines the theoretical foundations, pedagogical applications, developmental trajectory, and future directions of the xu- argument. Professor Wang Chuming offers a comprehensive account of the xu- argument, clarifying its theoretical framework, the learning mechanisms underlying xu , and its interface with international theories of second language acquisition (SLA). From the perspective of the xu- argument, he proposes novel interpretations of core issues in SLA. Drawing on the development of the xu- argument, Wang further discusses the essence, directions, and methodology of innovation in SLA theory. He emphasizes that theoretical advances must capture and illuminate underlying natural laws, arguing that innovative approaches are typically rooted in deep reflection on common sense. He also calls for theoretical innovation in SLA in the Chinese context, advocating a robust research paradigm that shifts from local observation to global theoretical generalization, thereby promoting bottom-up theoretical development. In closing, he highlights the promising prospects for SLA theory in the era of artificial intelligence.

This study identifies the key obstacles and strategic approaches to the expansion of a Ukrainian jewelry SME into the U.S. market and prioritizes market opportunities based on sustainability principles. Triangulated findings from expert interviews (n = 12) and consumer surveys (n = 50) indicate that 76% of survey respondents perceived a mismatch between the brand’s design and prevailing U.S. minimalist aesthetics, while 92% of experts identified logistics as a major challenge for market entry. Successful strategies project an image of 71% positive response to visual adaptation and 66% positive response to ethical sourcing. An analysis with weights focuses on low brand recognition and high logistics costs as weaknesses that are countered by the high opportunity of increasing ethical demand. The paper concludes with the finding that scaling necessitates a two-fold approach of operational change to fit U.S. standards, as well as strategic stance in the overlap of heritage and sustainability in developing unique value. The methodology builds on the theory of internationalization by integrating the sustainable development as one of the strategic pillars of heritage brands.

Distributional equity and economic efficiency are two critical dimensions of socio-economic development. They are interdependent and mutually influential, together forming the cornerstone of social and economic progress. This paper aims to explore the coordination between distributional equity and economic efficiency, analyzing their inherent logic, historical evolution, and contemporary challenges, while proposing corresponding policy recommendations. By reviewing relevant domestic and international theories and practices, this paper argues that under the conditions of a socialist market economy, achieving coordinated development between distributional equity and economic efficiency is an essential requirement for promoting sustainable economic and social development.

Abstract International politics abounds with rituals, but the rationale for ritual action has not been systematically expounded in international theory. This introduction to the special forum on Ritual Action in World Politics invites the scholars and students of International Relations (IR) to take ritual seriously. Flagging ritual action as an underappreciated, yet politically consequential genre of action in international relations, I make two main contributions. First, the paper conceptualizes ritual action in relation to the existing rational and constructivist theories of social action. I probe the rationality, functionality, and performativity of ritual(ized) conduct vis-à-vis the logics of consequences, appropriateness, practice/practicality, and habit in international relations. I argue that ritual action seeks to navigate uncertainty and mediate ambiguity in international relations by its promise to create enchantment effects. Second, the paper relates ritual to the already sedimented IR conceptual universe of practices, rules, norms, and performances, and provides a modular framework for the forum contributions to engage with. The forum’s collective aim is to: (1) consolidate the conceptualization of international rituals, (2) deepen the evolving conversation on the features, forms and logic of ritual action in different empirical realms of world politics, and (3) outline a novel research agenda in the well-trodden subfields of deterrence, diplomacy and knowledge production in IR.

The emphasis on roads as facilitators of transportation in the economy of any nation-state globally cannot be ignored. Roads are fundamental infrastructure that drives the economy; hence, the need to continually engage in road construction; and failure to do so may result into economic comatose. This study assessed critically road construction in Nigeria and Julius Berger, a Multi-National National Corporation (MNC) and a Public Liability Company (PLC). Internationalization theory as propounded by Dunning (1977) was employed for this study. Primary method of data collection was adopted for the study. The findings revealed that there has been lack of substantial cooperation between the party that is tied to funding road construction, on one hand and the party that builds concrete road, across the Nigeria-State. Also, the two parties have not reviewed their actions over the years concerning their obligations in the context of this subject-matter. The study therefore concluded that unless deliberate efforts are made by both parties to reach compromises on the contending issues raised, the issues might continue to rear their ugly heads. Consequently, the study recommended that there should be maximum cooperation between the two parties in considering the issues before them with the bid of meeting their separate obligations with respect to road construction in Nigeria. Secondly, government and Julius Berger PLC should review their actions to pave way for long-lasting economic framework in the country. Received: 11 November 2025 / Accepted: 28 December 2025 / Published: January 2026

Efficiency and Market Power: The Two Faces of the Multinational Enterprise

This longitudinal single-case research investigates the strategic mechanisms employed by a cultural Multinational Enterprise to mitigate the "Liability of Foreignness" and "Liability of Outsidership" in a market characterized by significant institutional distance. Focusing on HYBE Corporation’s aggressive expansion into the United States between 2021 and 2025, the study aims to challenge traditional gravity models that predict steep "cultural discounting" for creative products and to identify how "soft" assets are transferred across borders. The research utilizes a qualitative methodology, employing pattern matching and data triangulation of corporate financial filings, legal documents, industry reports, and visual documentary evidence to trace the firm's evolution from export-based operations to deep internalization. The results reveal a definitive shift in governance from a financial holding model to operational integration via "HYBE 2.0," demonstrating that HYBE successfully transfers its "upstream" production capabilities - specifically the "K-Pop methodology" - through Wholly Owned Subsidiaries. The case of the global group KATSEYE validates that these Firm-Specific Advantages are not location-bound but can be recombined with local talent. Simultaneously, "downstream" distribution legitimacy is secured through a dual-track inorganic strategy: cross-border Mergers & Acquisitions bridge structural holes to access gatekeeper networks, while a multi-layered Strategic Partnership with Universal Music Group provides logistic scale. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that the proprietary digital platform, Weverse, serves as a "private institutional environment" that compresses "psychic distance," allowing the MNE to internalize market transactions and capture high-margin "superfan" revenue independent of host-country intermediaries. The study concludes that sustainable success in cultural hegemonies extends the New Internalization Theory and "iBusiness" frameworks, suggesting that firms must enclose global consumers within a digital ecosystem while operationally embedding the means of production locally.

Research on the role of business diplomacy in enhancing organisational legitimacy among Vietnamese enterprises during the internationalisation process is limited, particularly in the context of emerging economies. This gap is essential because legitimacy determines the ability to enter fore in markets and survive in them. Based on legitimacy and institutional theories, this study uses theoretically oriented inductive thematic analysis based on in-dept semi-structured interviews with 10 CEOs and senior managers of Vietnamese SMEs. The results identify two primary mechanisms: the creation of domestic institutional linkages and international multilateral dialogue, both of which contribute to legitimacy enhancement. Regarding practical implications, the article emphasises how SMEs can establish legitimacy through business diplomacy and non-business risk management within the scope of internationalization. This can be achieved by utilising institutional channels, certifications, and engaging in multilateral dialogue to enhance trust and facilitate market entry. This paper contributes to the existing theoretical framework in business diplomacy by positioning it as a strategic capability of SMEs that helps transfer legitimacy from the host country to the receiving country, thereby expanding theories of legitimacy and internationalization. The research clarifies the role of business diplomacy in reducing nonbusiness risks and increasing the legitimacy of SMEs, while providing a new understanding of the mechanisms of business internationalization from emerging economies.

Hidden Champions—high-performing, specialized firms that dominate global niche markets while remaining publicly obscure—exhibit export behaviors that challenge established SME internationalization theories. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 58 peer-reviewed articles published between 1992 and 2024 to clarify how Hidden Champions build and sustain their international presence. The findings reveal a distinct export logic characterized by exceptionally high foreign revenue dependence, selective and deeply rooted market expansion, and strong preference for control-oriented entry modes. Customer intimacy emerges as a central mechanism enabling market penetration, continuous learning, and adaptation to local needs despite limited firm size. These patterns suggest that Hidden Champions follow a capability-driven internationalization path shaped by technological specialization, long-term orientation, and relational advantage. The review identifies major conceptual gaps—particularly in emerging markets and digital internationalization—and outlines avenues for future research to advance theoretical understanding of global niche strategies.