Strategic Necessity Research Articles

In the rapidly evolving digital payment ecosystem, optimizing merchant incentives has become a strategic necessity for increasing transaction volume, improving platform loyalty, and fostering sustainable customer engagement. Traditional incentive schemes often rely on heuristic or fixed-rate models that fail to account for the dynamic and heterogeneous nature of merchant behavior. To address these limitations, this study introduces a novel data-driven framework that employs graph-based representation learning to model and analyze complex transactional interdependencies among merchants and consumers. By capturing structural and behavioral similarities through graph neural networks (GNNs), the proposed approach enables precise prediction of each merchant’s sensitivity to diverse incentive strategies. The model integrates transaction frequency, geographical proximity, and customer overlap to generate interpretable embeddings that guide optimized budget distribution under financial constraints. Through an integrated optimization layer, incentives are allocated based on predicted responsiveness, ensuring that marketing expenditures are directed toward high-impact segments. Real-world experiments conducted on large-scale digital payment datasets validate the framework’s effectiveness, demonstrating substantial improvements in merchant participation rates, transaction growth, and cost efficiency compared to baseline regression and deep learning models. The findings highlight the potential of combining machine learning, network science, and marketing analytics to design more adaptive and data-intelligent promotional systems, thereby paving the way for scalable and targeted incentive management in next-generation digital financial platforms.

Understanding tropical forest change requires integrating satellite observations with insights from forest-dependent communities. In West Africa, where deforestation and degradation unfold within complex social-ecological systems, conventional monitoring often overlooks community insights. We combined Landsat-derived forest cover data (2000–2022) with household surveys from 2,621 respondents across nine forest patches, applying a convergence matrix to compare satellite trajectories with local knowledge of forest change. Two themes were analyzed: forest cover loss and forest regrowth. Sites were classified as full convergence, partial convergence, or dissonance based on directional agreement and the proportion of community responses. Full convergence occurred in four sites where > 65% of respondents reported forest loss consistent with satellite-detected declines (− 2.8% to − 13.9% cover). Partial convergence characterized the two sites with mixed local responses and modest net satellite-image changes (< 5%). Dissonance emerged in three sites where satellite-detected stability (< 2% net change, p ≥ 0.10) contrasted with > 65% of respondents reporting degradation. Across all sites, satellite-detected regrowth was minimal, though some communities described localized recovery. These findings show that convergence is strongest for deforestation, while divergences are concentrated around degradation, underscoring the diagnostic value of local knowledge and the limitations of medium-resolution imagery. Embedding such knowledge in monitoring frameworks is therefore both an ethical imperative and a strategic necessity for adaptive forest governance.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-23133-5.

Background Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved from a peripheral philanthropic activity into a strategic necessity, particularly in recovering economies where social trust and consumer confidence are fragile. Generation Z, shaped by economic turbulence and heightened social awareness, increasingly demands transparency and ethical integrity from corporations. Yet, despite growing CSR awareness, little is known about how communication and trust translate that awareness into ethical consumer behavior in such contexts. Objective This study aimed to examine how CSR awareness, communication, and trust influence the ethical consumerism of Generation Z in a recovering economy, focusing on the mechanisms through which awareness transforms into loyalty and advocacy. Methods A quantitative research design was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to 322 Generation Z consumers in Greece. Descriptive and inferential analyses, including exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression models, were conducted to evaluate the relationships among CSR awareness, communication, trust, and ethical purchasing behavior. The study integrated the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Social Identity Theory (SIT) to interpret how attitudes, social norms, and identity alignment shape consumer choices. Results Findings reveal that while CSR awareness among Generation Z is moderate, participation in formal CSR education is low. Despite this limited depth of knowledge, respondents strongly perceive CSR as beneficial to society and the. Regression analyses demonstrate that CSR awareness significantly predicts consumer, while communication positively influences trust and transparency reinforced through NGO partnerships enhances credibility. Simplified CSR messaging also contributes to ethical consumerism by improving comprehension.

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the legal, organizational, and financial-legal foundations for English-language training of law enforcement personnel in Ukraine, within the framework of the Law of Ukraine “On the Use of the English Language in Ukraine.” In the context of active European integration, the expansion of Ukraine’s participation in international security initiatives, the transformation of the public service, and the growing significance of English as a dominant means of global intergovernmental and professional communication, the development of personnel capable of functioning effectively in a foreign-language environment is not only a relevant task but a strategic necessity. The study reviews the regulatory framework establishing English proficiency as a formal qualification requirement for certain public service positions in the field of national security and law enforcement. Resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine defining positions with mandatory English language requirements are examined, with particular attention paid to the lack of clearly defined levels of language proficiency, which hinders the standardization and consistent enforcement of such requirements across sectors. The article emphasizes that the implementation of these language standards should be guided by principles of reasonableness, proportionality, and practical necessity. It explores organizational models of professional language training, including the integration of ESP (English for Specific Purposes) courses, blended and distance learning formats, on-duty intensive programs, and the modular inclusion of language components within broader professional education. Financial and legal mechanisms are analyzed in detail, such as funding from the state and local budgets, international technical assistance, educational grants, and opportunities for public-private partnerships. The author advocates for the institutionalization of targeted funding, the introduction of language skill-based salary incentives, and the establishment of a national digital platform for training, testing, and continuous certification of English proficiency among law enforcement personnel.

The ESG reporting has a widespread influence on management accounting. The strategic necessity for organizations is the seamless incorporation of ESG approaches into their management accounting systems to improve business performance and sustain competitive edge. This research aims to enhance the use of ESG standards within organizations to improve corporate performance, including planning, controlling, and decision-making, through the use of management accounting tools. Findings indicate a significantly positive link between ESG reporting and MAIS in producing more comprehensive analyses, thereby providing corporate profitability enhanced assessments. Furthermore, organizations can effectively use ESG-related elements to enhance the application of management accounting in above areas. A quantitative research paradigm using an online survey with Likert-scale was employed to collect data from a sample of 98 individuals and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. The measurement instrument's reliability and internal consistency were thoroughly evaluated utilizing Cronbach's Alpha, EFA, and One-Sample t-tests. This study aims to enhance the effective management of accounting by strategic use of ESG reporting, hence optimizing business performance in the evolving modern market.

Nowadays, art has a special place in global economies and the important role of artists in the economic and social development of societies is fully accepted. Accordingly, the existence of supporting structures in the field of art seems necessary. One of these supporting structures is art incubators. Dynamic marketing capabilities provide startups with a platform and market knowledge that allows them to achieve their goals and contribute to the Competition to survive. In the present study, focusing on art incubators, the effect of dynamic marketing capabilities on startup performance has been investigated. This quantitative study uses a questionnaire to request responses from respondents who use the services of commercial incubators. A total of 100 entrepreneurs from the Art Incubator at the University of Isfahan participated in the online survey. The research model was analyzed based on the structural equation modeling approach using Smart PLS software version 3. The results show that startup performance is significantly influenced by dynamic marketing capabilities (β=0.937, P&gt;0.00). Regarding uptake capacity, both dimensions showed a significant effect on startup performance: potential uptake capacity (β = 0.251, t = 7.932, P &gt;0.00) and realized uptake capacity (β = 0.177, t = 5.409, 0.00&gt;P). For knowledge management, all three dimensions (knowledge acquisition, knowledge dissemination, and knowledge responsiveness) showed a significant impact on startup performance, the role of dynamic capabilities is a strategic necessity to guide, support, and manage resources in order to create a sustainable competitive advantage and achieve superior performance, and it creates a key insight for managers to strengthen their position in the market by abandoning traditional approaches, focusing on core competencies Art incubators should pave the way for the future of the country.

In today's digital landscape, characterized by cloud infrastructures and software-defined networking (SDN), network performance management has evolved from a technical function to a strategic necessity to ensure business continuity and customer satisfaction. This paper provides a comprehensive analytical review of the critical importance of network performance management and troubleshooting techniques in modern complex environments. A paradigm shift from reactive to proactive management, based on establishing a robust “network performance baseline,” is essential for early detection of performance deviations and potential anomalies. This research paper systematically outlines the steps for establishing an effective baseline, from identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) and critical network devices to determining the optimal duration for data collection. Furthermore, multi-layered troubleshooting frameworks, such as the OSI and TCP/IP models, are examined as structured models for accurate problem diagnosis, with systematic approaches such as top-down, bottom-up, and divide-and-conquer discussed. The research culminates in a classification and evaluation of modern software and hardware tools, including Network Performance Monitoring and Diagnostics (NPMD) platforms and Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps), that enable network engineers to enhance operational efficiency and meet the stringent requirements of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in the era of converged digital solutions.

In the era of rapid digital transformation, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are required to adapt to new business models to remain competitive and sustainable. The increasing use of digital technology has transformed how businesses operate, interact with customers, and deliver value. This study aims to analyze the effect of business strategies on enhancing the competitive advantage of MSMEs in the digital era. A quantitative research approach was employed by distributing questionnaires to MSME owners and managers who have adopted digital strategies in their business operations. The data collected were analyzed using simple linear regression to examine the relationship between business strategies—namely innovation, differentiation, and market orientation—and competitive advantage. The results indicate that business strategies have a significant positive influence on MSMEs’ competitive advantage, particularly through product innovation and the utilization of digital technology. These findings highlight that adaptation to digital transformation is not merely an option but a strategic necessity for survival and growth. The study recommends that MSMEs develop adaptive and innovative strategic planning to strengthen their competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven market environment,

ABSTRACTThis perspective article addresses the grand challenge of reducing inequalities—aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG10; Reduced Inequalities)—in the context of multinational corporations (MNCs), positioning it as a critical research agenda for sustainable human resource management (S‐HRM) in international business (IB). Adopting a perspective‐based research design, it integrates a narrative integrative review, conceptual mapping, and problem‐focused and theory‐informed reasoning across a century‐long timeframe (1925–2024) to interrogate the underexplored S‐HRM–inequality nexus in IB. The analysis highlights that—despite growing global attention to inequality from governments, regulatory bodies, and business communities—this issue remains largely overlooked in the S‐HRM and IB literature, where it is often subsumed under the generic concept of “social sustainability,” thereby limiting both conceptual clarity and practical impact. If S‐HRM research is to remain at the forefront of global business scholarship, it cannot disregard the pressing challenge of inequality reduction. This article makes three contributions: (1) it identifies the conceptual boundaries of inequality within S‐HRM in IB, distinguishing it from traditional CSR and exposing overlooked theoretical and empirical blind spots; (2) it delineates major theoretical, empirical and methodological gaps; and (3) it advances a structured, forward‐looking research agenda that spans diverse institutional contexts, types of inequality, and theoretical lenses. By linking early legal and normative commitments to inequality eradication with contemporary organizational practices, the article builds a comprehensive foundation for advancing S‐HRM scholarship capable of addressing SDG 10 as both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity in global business. It calls on policymakers and international regulatory bodies to encourage MNCs to embed inequality‐reduction objectives into S‐HRM strategies, making SDG 10 a core element of corporate accountability frameworks to promote equitable socio‐economic outcomes in both host and home countries. Ultimately, this article extends the S‐HRM literature in IB, outlines practical and theoretical pathways for addressing the grand challenge of inequality, and establishes common ground between S‐HRM and inequality research by presenting a robust research agenda to advance knowledge in both domains.

In today's business world, where digitalization has become a strategic necessity, the impact of leadership styles on innovation capacity is becoming increasingly important. In particular, in the aviation industry, a sector characterized by low error tolerance and high information intensity, digital leaders must not only possess the ability to implement technology but also the competence to steer organizational innovation processes and manage employees' stress levels. In this context, the primary objective of this study is to empirically investigate how digital leadership influences open innovation capability and to examine the potential mediating role of occupational stress experienced by employees in this relationship. The study sample, which employs quantitative research methods, consists of 407 participants working in the aviation sector in Türkiye. The data obtained through the survey method were analyzed using structural equation modeling with the Smart-PLS 4.1.1 program. The findings indicate that digital leadership has a direct positive effect on open innovation capability and that occupational stress plays a partial mediating role in this relationship. These findings indicate that digital transformation processes should focus not only on technology but also on human resource strategies. The study presents a unique conceptual framework within the triangle of digital leadership, open innovation, and occupational stress, highlighting the impact of leadership on innovative and psychological outcomes in high-risk sectors such as aviation.

Purpose This study aims to explore the complex interplay between Nigeria’s rapidly aging population and family caregiving, with a specific focus on the gender dynamics inherent in caregiving roles. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from demographics, sociology, gender studies and health policy, drawing from a wide array of scholarly sources to analyze the implications and gender disparities in caregiving. Findings The findings emphasize Nigeria’s aging population’s substantial impact on family caregiving, particularly the disproportionate burden on women due to traditional gender roles and cultural norms. Despite societal and economic challenges, women predominantly shoulder caregiving responsibilities, sacrificing their well-being and economic prospects. This study explores international policies supporting family caregivers, stressing tailored interventions for gender equity and easing caregiving burdens. Practical implications The recommendations advocate for policymakers, health-care providers and communities to prioritize gender equity in caregiving through caregiver-friendly policies and support systems. Education, social support and infrastructure investments are crucial for addressing the caregiver crisis, particularly impacting women. Continued research is vital for evidence-based policy development and sustainable caregiver support initiatives. Embracing gender equity is both a fairness issue and a strategic necessity for Nigeria’s evolving social landscape and sustainable development. Originality/value This paper enriches existing literature by examining Nigeria’s caregiver crisis through a gender lens. It blends prior research and policy suggestions, offering fresh perspectives on aging demographics, gender roles and caregiving duties. The focus on gender equity in caregiving introduces a progressive strategy for tackling emerging issues, advocating for inclusive support systems and challenging conventional norms.

Purpose This paper aims to outline the crucial role of “fit” in the development and maintenance of human capital pipelines. It presents the argument that “fit” is not a static concept but rather a dynamic, co-evolutionary process, where the effectiveness of the pipeline is determined by the continuous and reciprocal alignment of the evolving aspirations of both individuals and organizations. Design/methodology/approach This perspective synthesizes concepts from three key areas: Person–Environment fit theory, the Resource-Based View of the firm and organizational aspiration theory. This paper offers a refined framework that highlights the strategic necessity of managing “fit” as a continuous, dynamic process rather than a one-time, static event. This approach provides a more nuanced understanding of how organizations and individuals can achieve sustained alignment. Findings This paper elaborates on how the pursuit of performance aspirations and competitive tiering drives organizational aspirations, which in turn shapes talent acquisition strategies. It also details how individual aspirations, such as career aspirations and a desire for value alignment, guide a job seeker’s behavior. The dynamic interplay between these two sets of aspirations is shown to be the primary driver of a sustainable fit. This paper also discusses the consequences of aspiration congruence and misalignment, including the central paradox of organizational cohesion versus the need for innovation. Originality/value To date, very little conceptual work has integrated the concepts of fit and aspirations in the context of human capital pipelines. This paper offers a multidimensional framework that provides a novel understanding of these complex relationships, serving as a valuable theoretical and practical guide for researchers and practitioners alike.

The emergence of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) concept has transformed the responsibility of firms towards Environment, Society and Governance from a peripheral exercise in corporate responsibility to a strategic necessity that has changed the way corporates compete with each other. The ESG framework when integrated into organizational process can enhance the competitiveness of companies by improving reputation, goodwill, reducing risks and encouraging innovation in various operational areas. The study attempts to propose a conceptual framework integrating stakeholder theory, Resource-Based View, Institutional Theory and Legitimacy Theory enabling the corporates to strengthen their competitiveness in ever dynamic environment. The conceptual framework emphasis the need for viewing ESG not as a legal compliance but as a strategic tool that can strengthen resilience, market access and long-term value creation of corporates.

The growing practice of physicians selling health products and services through social media has raised serious concerns regarding ethics, law, and professionalism, particularly in maintaining public trust and ensuring patient safety. This study use a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), reviewing 20 Scopus-indexed articles (Q1–Q3) published between 2020 and 2025 that are relevant to the theme of physicians selling on social media. The selection process followed four stages (identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion) resulting in a final set of articles analyzed qualitatively through narrative synthesis. Bibliometric analysis revealed that dominant issues in the literature include conflicts of interest, insufficient disclosure in sponsored content, blurred boundaries between education and advertising, and the erosion of professionalism leading to diminished public trust. Network and overlay visualizations further indicate a shift in scholarly focus from the benefits of social media toward critiques of commercialization practices, while density visualization highlights that ethical and professionalism issues remain more prominent than legal regulation. These findings affirm that prohibiting physicians from selling products on social media is not merely a normative issue, but a strategic necessity to safeguard clinical objectivity, professional integrity, and consumer protection, while underscoring the urgency of revising medical codes of ethics and strengthening digital health literacy and regulatory frameworks.

The recent avalanche of digitalization of the financial industry in the United States has increased the complexity of cyber-enabled money laundering as well as its prevalence, which is a significant level of threat to national security and regulatory stability. More than 300 million dollars of money laundered can be detected only after the fact whereas traditional Anti-Money Laundering (AML) systems, in many cases, are based on the static rule-based framework, which fails to be responsive to threats in real-time. The paper outlines an AI-based system that will promote the resilience of cybersecurity, regulatory standards, and real-time adversarial detection in the American financial system. The framework is based on machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and predictive analytics to combine anomaly detection, behavioral modeling, and automated compliance reporting to minimize false positives and enhance detect accuracy. The mixed-method design, which involves the use of expert interviews, institutional surveys, and a simulation, based on which the study is conducted, assesses the effectiveness of AI-enhanced AML systems in the context of major indicators of accuracy in detection, speed of response, and efficiency in compliance. Results indicate that AI-based AML systems enhance early-warning systems significantly, enhance inter-institutional intelligence disclosure, and create consistency with regulatory requirements such as the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and FinCEN regulations. Moreover, the AI-based approach improves national security by reducing the risks of illegal finance and online terrorism. The study highlights the strategic necessity of incorporating AI governance and transparency systems to guarantee accountability, minimize the bias of the algorithms, and maintain the trust of the population. In the end, it is a framework that can be used by policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions to strike a balance between innovation and compliance in the dynamic environment of digital finance.

Cyberspace has evolved into a new warfare domain, on par with land, sea, air, and space. The rapid development of digital technology has expanded the attack surface, making cyberspace an arena rife with vulnerabilities. The primary objective of this article is to analyze the urgency of cyber leadership as a strategic factor in building a resilient Indonesian defense in the digital era. The research methodology in this article uses a literature review approach by examining academic literature, policy documents, and official reports relevant to the issue of cyber leadership and digital defense. Cyber ​​leadership in the digital era is a strategic necessity for Indonesia in facing increasingly complex cyber threats, whether in the form of technical attacks, digital espionage, disinformation, or threats to critical infrastructure. Effective cyber leadership must emphasize adaptive and transformational leadership, capable of responding to threat dynamics while providing a long-term vision for the development of Indonesia's digital sovereignty.

This study examines the role of amanah (trustworthiness) and reputation in enhancing the organizational performance of Islamic private universities in Central Java. Drawing on resource-based theory (RBT) and the concept of Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB), the research investigates how amanah reputation ethic, amanah reputation work environment, and amanah reputation social responsibility influence OCB and, subsequently, organizational performance. This paper uses a literature review from textbooks and articles with conceptual and empirical findings sourced from Scopus, WoS, ScienceDirect, Emerald, MDPI, and Google Scholar, examining organizational performance at individual, team, and organizational levels. Findings reveal that ethical reputation actively drives organizational success by embedding ethics into corporate identity, fostering trust, and sustaining growth. A supportive work environment enhances reputation, performance, and resilience in evolving markets. Social responsibility is a strategic necessity, strengthening reputation and long-term success. Organizational Citizenship Behavior fosters innovation, excellence, and stakeholder value, driving sustainable growth.

This study explores how digital connectivity can enhance the operational effectiveness of cluster-based supply chains, using PT XYZ as a case example. In an increasingly volatile and complex market environment, real-time data integration has emerged as a strategic necessity for supply chain agility and responsiveness. The findings reveal that digital connectivity significantly contributes to improving coordination, accelerating decision-making, reducing lead times by up to 30%, and lowering operational costs by approximately 20%. Central to this transformation is the adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, which enable predictive analytics, real-time inventory tracking, and scenario-based planning—tools that support both tactical and strategic decision-making. In addition, cloud platforms and collaborative digital tools further streamline communication across supply chain partners. Despite these improvements, the system at PT XYZ remains only partially automated, especially across geographically distributed clusters, pointing to the pressing need for unified digital integration. To address this gap, the study proposes a digital integration framework that emphasizes standardization of systems, infrastructure readiness, and change management strategies. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research draws on interviews, document analysis, and observations to evaluate implementation outcomes and identify key enablers and barriers. The findings offer practical insights for organizations seeking to enhance supply chain performance through digital.

Digital transformation has become a strategic necessity for companies to maintain competitiveness amid industry disruption. However, the adoption of digital transformation does not always run smoothly because it is influenced by the gap between the structural readiness of the company and the need for long-term investment, known as corporate maturity mismatch. This study aims to analyze the impact of the level of corporate maturity mismatch on the implementation of digital transformation in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during the period 2018–2023. The method used is a quantitative approach with panel data regression analysis, and digital transformation is measured based on the intensity of digital keyword usage in company annual reports. The results indicate that corporate maturity mismatch has a positive impact on overall digital transformation, as well as on fundamental technology categories such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, and Big Data. Conversely, no significant impact was found on digital transformation in extended applications technology. These findings indicate that mismatches in financial structure drive companies to respond to such pressures through investments in strategic and long-term digital technologies. This study provides important implications for policymakers and industry players in designing funding strategies and regulations to support the acceleration of national digital transformation.

The increasing carbon footprint of civil aviation has made the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) a strategic necessity in line with the sector’s sustainability goals. This study evaluates the existing SAF types based on environmental, economic, technical and social criteria, determines the criteria weights with Fuzzy-Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (F-SWARA) and selects the most suitable alternative through Spherical Fuzzy-Multi Objective Optimization on the basis of Ratio Analysis plus full MULTIplicative form (SF-MULTIMOORA) method. The alternative evaluation process was carried out on a Python-based online platform and sensitivity analysis was performed on five different scenarios. According to the findings, the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA-SPK) alternative stands out as the most suitable option in all scenarios, followed by the Fischer-Tropsch Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (FT-SPK) alternative. In contrast, Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ-SPK) and Power-to-Liquid (PtL) options seem to be more variable and less stable. The study provides methodological contributions for the evaluation of SAF alternatives with fuzzy multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods and provides strategic implications for manufacturers and airlines in achieving the low-carbon targets of the aviation sector.