Strategic Instrument Research Articles

What experts say about domestic violence: constructing Thailand’s domestic violence severity index through an expert judgement approach

Purpose While many countries have adopted traditional approaches to identify patterns and trends in domestic violence at a national level, a strategy that provides more insightful information is still lacking. In response to this need, the purpose of this study is to propose the construction of a domestic violence severity index (DVSI) as an alternative. This index serves as a strategic instrument for policymakers and law enforcement agencies, enabling them to monitor changes in the overall severity of domestic violence incidents over time, beyond relying solely on the volume of reported incidents. Design/methodology/approach Reported domestic violence incidents are collected over the past five years (2019–2023) from the entire country. Unlike sentence-based approaches such as the Cambridge Crime Harm Index and the Canadian Crime Severity Index, the DVSI applies a crime severity index based on expert judgment to assess the seriousness of domestic violence categories. Twenty-three experts with extensive experience in domestic violence issues across various governmental and nongovernmental organizations participated in providing assessments. To ensure consistency in assigning weight values to the domestic violence categories, the average scores provided by experts were calculated using arithmetic mean, median, mode and geometric mean. Findings Domestic violence maps reflecting trends between 2019 and 2023 across 77 provinces in Thailand have been generated based on the index data. The maps depict significant serial and spatial correlation levels from 2019 to 2023. Practical implications These maps carry significant implications for the country’s domestic violence prevention strategy by offering detailed insights into the geographical locations and periods requiring focused attention and resource allocation from the government. This tool can also aid the public in gaining a better understanding of the prevalence of domestic violence in society, facilitating increased coordination and collaboration among stakeholders. Originality/value Many countries quantify domestic violence using simple methods, such as calculating percentages or measuring incidents per 100,000 population. However, a specific DVSI has not yet been developed to analyze and understand domestic violence trends geographically, which could serve as an additional measure to protect victims. In addition, the study uses an expert judgment approach, a rare method in constructing a crime severity index, especially in the context of domestic violence.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF AFFORDANCES APPROACH IN GAMIFICATION RESEARCH FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The contemporary organizational work landscape is becoming more and more digital and experiencing changes in workforce and work management. Productivity, flexibility and collaboration become the essence of the workplace. This leads to the consequence that motivation plays a pivotal role in the success and efficiency of many organizations. Moreover, organizations are facing challenges in how to inspire, energize and keep employees motivated. In response to this challenge, gamification, which is well-known as the application of game elements and principles for non-game purposes in a business context, emerges as a strategic instrument, to incentivize and motivate employees toward predetermined goals, objectives and behaviours. The goal of gamification applications is not only to enrich the usual work environment with game elements but also to create affordances that would serve as stimuli to promote employee motivation by satisfying psychological needs and encouraging employees to achieve goals. Hence, successful gamification application experiences in organizations have led to the fact that now gamification is one of the most common motivation tools in contemporary modern organisations. This study aims to explore the importance and relevance of the affordances approach in gamification research for Human Resource Management (HRM) as well as its implications in organisational contexts. To achieve this aim, the databases of Web of Science, Wiley online library, Scopus, and EBSCO host were searched for relevant articles for this systematic literature review. It includes 35 articles with empirical results, relevant to the field of business and management. This research focuses on peer-reviewed studies published in the English language from 2015 to 2023. Methods used for presenting and synthesizing results included conducting a systematic literature review based on PRISMA reporting guidelines. Furthermore, the systematic literature review was conducted using the digital qualitative data analysis tool MaxQDA and Mendeley reference manager for importing bibliographic data. For the contribution of the field, themes related to affordances theory have been identified and the findings have been structured to demonstrate the interrelationships between these concepts and their relevance in the HRM context. This study reveals that affordances can vary depending on the environment and can be influenced by social dynamics, contextual factors, organizational practices, or individual perceptions. The comparison of the studies allowed the identification of research gaps and areas for future research on gamification in HRM. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the significance of the affordances approach in understanding how gamification can influence employee psychological and behavioural outcomes in HRM contexts.

Pengaruh Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan Terhadap Partisipasi Politik Mahasiswa di Indonesia

Student political participation is an important indicator of the sustainability of democracy in Indonesia. However, the low level of student involvement in political activities is a problem that requires attention. This study aims to analyze the influence of civic education on student political participation in Indonesia. Civic education is seen as one of the strategic instruments to increase political awareness of the younger generation. This study uses a quantitative survey method with a descriptive approach. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to students from various universities in Indonesia. The results of the study indicate that civic education has a significant influence in increasing student political awareness and involvement. This awareness is reflected in their active participation in political activities, both on campus and off campus, such as joining student organizations, political discussions, and elections. The conclusion of this study confirms that strengthening the civic education curriculum is very necessary to produce a young generation that is politically aware and responsible as citizens.

The need for Gender Equality Plans and Gender Budgeting in Albanian Higher Education – Insights from the University of Tirana in the context of sustainable institutional change

Promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls are pivotal objectives for sustainable development, demanding coordinated efforts from nations and institutions worldwide, including the higher education sector. The systemic disadvantage faced by women within Albania’s higher education system underscores the crucial role of gender equality plans and gender budgeting as strategic instruments for fostering sustainable institutional change. This research identifies various aspects of gender inequality in Albania’s higher education sector through secondary research using government statistics and published datasets. Additionally, through a case study approach and survey data, it conducts a comprehensive analysis of the gender context at the University of Tirana, recommending the development of gender budgeting and gender equality plans within the institution. The research aims to pinpoint gender-related issues and propose gender equality plans to address them. Drawing insights from the University of Tirana case, the authors advocate for the adoption of these gender equality plans by other higher education institutions in Albania. This initiative seeks to progressively tackle gender inequalities and integrate sustainable practices into the planning processes of these institutions. Gender budgeting and gender plans should form integral components of the decision-making process in universities. By fostering policies and regulations that support gender equality throughout the institution, they can better respond to the diverse needs of all students, professors, and academic staff.

Determination of Land Degradation in Romania at a Local Scale Using Advanced Analytical Techniques

ABSTRACTLand degradation (LD) threatens the food security and general welfare of many people globally. Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) is a pivotal goal within the global sustainability agenda, particularly under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15.3.1, which measures the proportion of land that is degraded over total land area. Romania, with its diverse landscapes and significant agricultural sector, faces notable challenges in this area. Assessing this SDG indicator serves to identify vulnerable areas and assists policymakers in defining the necessary strategic instruments and actions. Most previous studies have assessed land degradation using low‐ or moderate‐resolution data without clearly identifying the triggering factors, thereby limiting the ability to detect changes at the sub‐national level and analyze in detail the influence of these factors on the environment. This research is the first to examine the relationship between the proportion of land that is degraded and 20 potential triggering factors in cities and municipalities, aiming to identify key drivers of land degradation and provide insights for urban planning and policy‐making. The study integrates a series of high and medium‐resolution statistical, geospatial, and EO data sources to effectively assess land degradation and identify triggering factors in 103 municipalities and 216 cities. Using multiple regression analysis (MRA) and the Random Forest Method (RF), this study analyzed various predictive factors influencing LD, revealing that changes in land cover, temperature, and multi‐annual average precipitation, along with atmospheric pollutants (CO, SO2) and Land Surface Temperature, significantly contribute to land degradation in large cities. These factors accounted for approximately 83.3% (MRA) and 96.7% (RF) of the variation in the land degradation indicator, underscoring their roles in influencing land degradation trends. According to the results, 2.3% of Romania's area was degraded during the 2015–2022 period, 58% remained stable, 38% showed improvements, and the remaining 1.7% represented water bodies. By identifying vulnerable communes and counties, and the triggering factors, the study supports the implementation of appropriate measures to combat LD, a crucial step in Romania's efforts to achieve LDN by 2030.

The Right to Equitable Access to Higher Education: An Analysis Based on the Philosophy of Pancasila

This research aims to comprehensively analyze citizens’ right to equitable access to higher education in Indonesia based on Pancasila’s philosophy. Employing a normative legal research methodology, this study examines the issue through statute and conceptual approaches. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis techniques to describe and address the research problem in depth. The findings indicate that equitable access to higher education is a constitutional right of every Indonesian citizen guaranteed by Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. As an embodiment of the welfare state principle, the state is obliged to create a just, equitable, quality, and affordable higher education system for all levels of society. It requires affirmative regulations, innovative and equitable financing schemes, and a reliable quality assurance system. Higher education must be seen as a strategic instrument to break the cycle of structural poverty, enhance social mobility, and realize distributive justice by prioritizing the principle of social solidarity. Therefore, the projection towards free higher education, especially in state universities, is a strategic step that needs to be realized gradually and sustainably, supported by progressive tax system reform, increased allocation of education budgets, and optimization of alternative funding sources, as a form of progressive interpretation of Article 31 section (1) of the 1945 Constitution.

Peran Akuntansi Lingkungan Dalam Meningkatkan Tanggung Jawab Sosial Perusahaan

The role of environmental accounting has become increasingly significant with the growing focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues. Environmental accounting serves not only as a tool for recording and reporting but also as a strategic instrument that helps companies identify, measure, and manage the environmental impacts of their operational activities. This study aims to analyze the contribution of environmental accounting in supporting CSR implementation, focusing on how environmental accounting information influences managerial decision-making and stakeholder perceptions. The research employs a qualitative approach through literature reviews and case studies of companies that have implemented environmental accounting in their sustainability reports. The findings indicate that companies consistently applying environmental accounting tend to have better reputations, enhanced public trust, and a demonstrated commitment to sustainability. Moreover, environmental accounting promotes resource efficiency and innovation in business processes. Thus, environmental accounting becomes an integral component in strengthening corporate social responsibility while creating long-term value for both companies and society.

THE TRANSFORMATIVE AND POLITICAL POWER OF TOURISM FOR WORLD PEACE: FROM PAST TO PRESENT

Among the world’s largest industries, tourism has evolved from a cultural exchange mechanism to a tool with significant political implications for peacebuilding. The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) was established during the UN's International Year of Peace in 1986, and tourism was positioned as a “Global Peace Industry” with transformative potential. The IIPT’s 1988 Vancouver Conference marked a political milestone, promoting “Sustainable Tourism” and solidifying tourism’s role in international policy to foster understanding, cooperation, and reconciliation. Key documents, such as the Manila Declaration (1985) and the Amman Declaration (2000), framed tourism as a strategic instrument for soft power, diplomatic relations, and conflict resolution. This article underscores tourism’s role in advancing global peace agendas by analyzing how tourism shapes geopolitical perceptions, addresses social justice, and supports UN Sustainable Development Goals. The article concludes by advocating for increased research into tourism’s political influence on peacebuilding while acknowledging the industry’s capacity to bridge divides, promote inclusivity, and support sustainable global relations.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) And Brand Image

This study provides a thorough analysis of the relationship that exists between brand image and CSR. By combining existing knowledge, examining empirical data, and providing insights into the possible consequences and uses for organizations, this research seeks to shed light on this complex relationship. The objective is to undertake a comprehensive examination of the extant scholarly literature pertaining to CSR and its impact on brand image. In this research, a mixed-methods research approach was applied to completely study the relationship between CSR and brand image. The research design combined both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, providing for a holistic knowledge of the CSR-brand image nexus. Findings indicate that within the ever-changing and dynamic realm of business, CSR has developed as a strategic instrument for the purpose of defining brand image and cultivating consumer loyalty. Consumers are not solely in pursuit of items; rather, they are making deliberate decisions to associate themselves with brands that are in harmony with their personal beliefs. Consequently, businesses must prioritize the establishment of authentic and transparent CSR activities. The alignment between the ethical compass that guides CSR actions and the basic principles of a corporation is crucial. Overall, this research has provided evidence to support the notion that CSR--+ has transitioned from being a discretionary choice to being an essential requirement in contemporary society.

From play to power: china’s video games as instruments of soft power

This paper investigates the burgeoning role of video games as a strategic instrument of soft power, with a particular focus on China’s utilization of the gaming industry to extend its cultural and political influence on a global scale. Through a comprehensive analysis of Chinese gaming giant Tencent, the study reveals how these companies embed Chinese cultural elements and narratives within their games, effectively turning them into vehicles for cultural exchange and soft power projection. The paper categorizes video games as an emerging source of soft power by examining the strategies of Chinese video games and their impact on global gaming trends. It further explores the symbiotic relationship between these gaming strategies and China’s broader soft power objectives under the Digital Silk Road initiative, illustrating how digital entertainment mediums can contribute to the country’s international diplomacy efforts.

Enhancing Public Service Delivery through Digital Transformation: A Study on the Role of E-Government in Modern Public Administration

Digital transformation has become a crucial element in improving the quality of public service delivery, particularly through the implementation of e-government. This study aims to analyze the role of e-government in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of modern public administration. Using a qualitative research method through literature analysis and in-depth interviews with government employees across several public service agencies in Indonesia, this study explores the benefits and challenges faced in the implementation of e-government. The findings indicate that e-government significantly contributes to expediting public service processes, increasing transparency, and minimizing potential corruption and abuse of power. Furthermore, e-government enables more effective interagency collaboration through integrated information systems, positively impacting operational efficiency. However, the study also identifies obstacles to the adoption of e-government, such as limited digital infrastructure, resistance from government officials, and the digital divide in society, which can reduce its effectiveness. This study concludes that e-government can serve as a strategic instrument for public administration reform if supported by infrastructure improvements, human resource training, and increased public digital literacy. Consequently, e-government not only enhances the quality of public services but also strengthens accountability and public trust in the government. The study’s recommendations include strategies to improve information technology capacity, formulate policies that support digital transformation, and raise awareness and public participation in utilizing digital government services.

THE STRATEGIC ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTING IN PROMOTING BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY IN INDONESIA

Environmental accounting is increasingly recognized as an important strategic instrument for organizations faced with sustainability challenges. This article investigates the utilization of environmental accounting in Indonesian companies, with a particular emphasis on how this practice can improve transparency, operational efficiency, and corporate reputation. Using document analysis methodology, the research examined related reports on sustainability, environmental policies, and government regulations. The results showed that companies implementing environmental accounting successfully achieved reductions in carbon emissions and waste, in addition to improving energy efficiency. In addition, the adoption of environmental accounting resulted in substantial financial benefits, including reduced operating expenditures. Nonetheless, barriers such as initial investment requirements and regulatory intricacies continue to pose challenges for many companies. Consequently, collaboration between government entities, private companies, and non-governmental organizations is essential to promote wider adoption of environmental accounting practices. This study sheds light on the importance of environmental accounting in fostering a more sustainable future for Indonesia.

A pathway design framework for national freight transport decarbonization strategies

ABSTRACT National and international freight transport emissions represent about 40% of global transport emissions, with demand expected to triple by 2050, which will increase emissions further. However, to meet the 1.5°C climate goal, a rapid decrease in transport emissions is required, along with the achievement of zero emissions as soon as possible around mid-century. Given this context, long-term low-emission national development pathways provide a strategic instrument to align short-term action with long-term objectives and to reduce national freight transport emissions. However, current transport-energy modelling studies often exclude the structural and systemic mitigation options that influence the industrial production and supply chain structure, as well as modal and logistics choices, and instead focus mainly on the technological options related to road freight vehicles and fuels. In addition, such studies lack relevant policy and stakeholder-oriented explanations of the barriers and enablers associated with these options. In this paper, we introduce a new framework to design and compare long-term national and sectoral decarbonization pathways for freight transportation, facilitating the consideration of all decarbonization options and the organization of stakeholder-oriented policy dialogues. The development of this sectoral framework builds on the general Deep Decarbonization Pathways (DDP) framework and a first implementation in France. It is then applied and tested in three emerging countries: Brazil, India and South Africa and the results show that the linking of systemic and technological changes could reduce emissions per tonne-km by at least 60%, and up to 100% by 2050, while also reducing energy consumption and supporting national development.

Enhancing Innovation in Higher Education Institutions: Barriers, Actions and Strategic Instruments for Sustainable Innovation

Innovation and sustainability have become increasingly important in recent years in education and research, helping to address global challenges and strengthening the collaboration between universities and industry. Integrating sustainable innovation practices in higher education institutions (HEI) plays a key role in creating a support system for academic and industrial collaboration and delivering value to society. Sustainable innovation involves making intentional changes to an HEI organization's philosophy and values, as well as to its products, processes, or practices. It serves the specific purpose of creating social and environmental value in addition to economic returns. Even so, there is still a need to improve the transfer of knowledge and technology as an integrated system between university and industry. The paper explores how universities develop an environment favourable for innovation while fostering a supportive culture for it. The article presents the findings from round table interviews involving forty participants with the following profiles: research managers, research advisors, innovation advisors, project managers, project support staff, researchers in education processes, support staff for researchers in project implementation, solution development, technology transfer offices, and other similar profiles. For the discussion three exploratory questions were given regarding the problems/barrier’s universities face in sustainable innovation, actions that should be taken to increase innovation potential, and means/instruments of innovation in an academic environment. An extra question was presented looking for suggestions for possible actions and means as strategic steps for a brief period intervention of 6-12 months. This work sheds light on several critical aspects related to sustainable innovation in HEIs by investigating barriers hindering innovative thinking, exploring organizational and individual-level actions, and examining the means and instruments of innovation in an academic environment. The research data has offered valuable insights into effective strategies for overcoming barriers and creating an environment that fosters innovation. Furthermore, the study provides practical recommendations and short-term strategies for empowering universities to create a vibrant culture of innovation and maximize their impact on research, education, and knowledge transfer.

Green Supplier Selection Using Advanced Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Tools

In today’s competitive and environmentally conscious industries, the ability of organizations to adapt and respond is more important than ever. This study focuses on overcoming the obstacles faced by the Iranian automobile sector by highlighting the significance of incorporating green supply chain techniques. The research intends to integrate organizational operations with environmental sustainability goals by utilizing a MULTIMOORA strategy for supplier selection. The Iranian automobile sector, facing substantial environmental challenges, requires a strategy framework for selecting environmentally friendly suppliers in order to sustain competitiveness and fulfill ecological obligations. The study develops a supplier selection model based on extensive research and expert knowledge. The Delphi and MULTIMOORA techniques are employed to assess and prioritize suppliers according to green criteria, assuring conformity with environmental goals. Data are collected by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature and engaging in conversations with industry experts in order to acquire information for the construction of the model. The results emphasize the crucial significance of trust-based relationships with suppliers, rigorous compliance with quality standards in new product development, and substantial investment in employee training and development. Sector analysts view these characteristics as crucial for promoting sustainability and gaining a competitive advantage in the Iranian vehicle sector. This study provides firms with strategic instruments to effectively negotiate the intricacies of green supply chain management, with a particular focus on the need for adopting sustainable practices while selecting suppliers in the dynamic and competitive context of the Iranian automobile industry.

Analysis of the Relationship Between Entrepreneurship and Trade Openness within the Framework of Quantile Panel Approach: The Case of OECD Countries

This study aims to examine the impact of the trade openness of selected OECD countries on entrepreneurship. There is a general acceptance that the impact of the trade openness of economies on entrepreneurship is positive. In the analysis process, econometric modeling studies were carried out based on the data of the selected OECD countries for the 2006-2020 period. The quantile panel regression technique was used to test the impact of trade openness on entrepreneurship. The quantile panel regression analyses have been carried out with an approach that considers the asymmetric situation between the selected OECD countries. Hence, this approach has been a contribution to the literature. Policy recommendations are presented within the framework of empirical findings. According to the empirical findings, entrepreneurship activities are important in terms of increasing economic performance in the selected OECD countries and show that policies should be implemented in support of entrepreneurship activities. The necessity of considering the impact of the trade openness level on entrepreneurship in determining policies has been revealed. In particular, the fact that the economies assess this issue in the policy development process can be considered a strategic instrument.

Cultivating Influence: Analysing Australia's Government Research Training Program as a Strategic Instrument of Soft Power for National Advancement

Cultivating Influence: Analysing Australia's Government Research Training Program as a Strategic Instrument of Soft Power for National Advancement

Public Procurement in Local Government: A Tool for Good Governance, Value Creation, and Sustainable Development

Worldwide, government adopts various methods and strategies for Good Governance (GG), Value Creation (VC) and Sustainable Development (SD) in public sector. One of such methods is Public Procurement (PP), a strategic instrument for public policy initiatives and a tool to stimulate GG, VC, SD, economic growth, and competitive markets. However, in Local Government (LG), PP process is often exposed to fraudulent activities, mistrust, non-competitive, non-transparent and non-accountable or politicized, these hampered GG, VC, and SD. It is against this background, that the study examined PP fundamental principles, mechanism for effective operation, essentials steps for LG PP process, and using fundamental principles as moderating variables in PP process to achieve GG, VC and SD. The study employed exploratory research design. Consequently, the study concluded that PP is a strategic tool to achieve GG, VC and SD in LG. Besides, the moderating variables of PP process in LG is not only prerequisite for GG, VC and SD but a means to guarantee integrity, fair pricing standard, trust, widening SMEs participation, and also to solve societal and climatic problems prevailing at the LG areas. Therefore, the study recommends that LG should have financial, administrative, and political autonomy to drive procurement policy for GG, VC, SD, and societal sustainability. Additionally, professionalizing and adoption of E-procurement in LG will ensure efficient service delivery and seamless procurement process. Furthermore, procurement officials should exhibit efficiency, transparency, accountability and probity in procurement process to avoid bureaucracy and corrupt practices pertinent to award of contract and payment.

An AI-Powered Product Identity Form Design Method Based on Shape Grammar and Kansei Engineering: Integrating Midjourney and Grey-AHP-QFD

Product Identity (PI) is a strategic instrument for enterprises to forge brand strength through New Product Development (NPD). Concurrently, facing increasingly fierce market competition, the NPD for consumer emotional requirements (CRs) has become a significant objective in enterprise research and development (R&D). The design of new product forms must ensure the continuity of PI and concurrently address the emotional needs of users. It demands a high level of experience from designers and significant investment in R&D. To solve this problem, a generative and quantitative design method powered by AI, based on Shape Grammar (SG) and Kansei Engineering (KE), is proposed. The specific method is as follows: Firstly, representative products for Morphological Analysis (MA) are selected, SG is applied to establish initial shapes and transformation rules, and prompts are input into Midjourney. This process generates conceptual sketches and iteratively refines them, resulting in a set of conceptual sketches that preserve the PI. Secondly, a web crawler mines online reviews to extract Kansei words. Factor Analysis (FA) clusters them into Kansei factors, and the Grey Analytic Hierarchy Process (G-AHP) calculates their grey weights. Thirdly, after analyzing the PI conceptual sketches for feature extraction, the features are integrated with CRs into the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) matrix. Experts evaluate the relationships using interval grey numbers, calculating the optimal ranking of PI Engineering Characteristics (PIECs). Finally, professional designers refine the selected sketches into 3D models and detailed designs. Using a Chinese brand as a case study, we have designed a female electric moped (E-moped) to fit the PI and users’ emotional needs. Through a questionnaire survey on the design scheme, we argue that the proposed innovative method is efficient, applicable, and effective in balancing the product form design of PI and user emotions.

Etika Periklanan dan Perlindungan Anak dalam Iklan Mie Sedaap Papa Hidup Lagi

In Indonesia's advertising context, upholding ethics is a crucial aspect for practitioners. The Indonesian Advertising Council recognizes the importance of ethics in creating advertisements that are not only creative but also ethical. As a strategic instrument in marketing communication, advertising must prioritize ethics when conveying messages to the public. Creating ethical ads requires specific methods to conform to established standards. This article evaluates ethical violations in the 'Papa Hidup Lagi' edition of Mie Sedaap's advertisement. This study will examine scenes that allegedly violate the advertising code of ethics in detail. This study uses a qualitative approach with content analysis techniques and data validity is strengthened with supporting related reference sources. Based on the research results, it was found that the 'Papa Hidup Lagi' edition of Mie Sedaap's advertisement violated Indonesian Advertising Ethics, especially Chapter. III A, article 3.1, sub-article 3.1.2 deals with depicting children in situations that are misleading or inappropriate to be shown. In addition, this advertisement violates the Chapter. III A, point 1.27 states that the benefits of a product must be conveyed honestly, correctly, and responsibly, and not add other benefits beyond the product's capabilities.