Technology Sector Research Articles

Transformation of the AECO industry through the metaverse: potentials and challenges

The integration of the metaverse into the real estate and construction industry reveals various potentials, but also challenges. The increasing digitization in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) sector requires a critical examination of aspects such as the metaverse. This paper is dedicated to examining the impact of the metaverse on the real estate and construction industry. The following specialist article is primarily aimed at the target group of the AECO sector, with the aim of gaining an initial overview of the opinions within this sector. The methodology used includes an in-depth literature review and a representative survey. Respondents from different age groups and areas of activity within the construction and real estate industry took part in this survey. The research questions of this paper are aimed at identifying the range of metaverse applications in the AECO industry, assessing their potential impact on business potential and challenges. The aim is to develop initial definitions and use cases and to create an overview of opinions in the industry. In this context, potential opportunities and risks will be examined to derive recommendations for an effective integration of the metaverse into the AECO industry. The results of this paper conducted indicate that there is still considerable uncertainty in the construction and real estate industry. It appears that the term “metaverse” and the associated potential through targeted use cases are not yet widespread in this industry. The survey participants recognize a potential for 3D visualizations in the metaverse that extends over the entire life cycle of buildings. An exemplary scenario for this is the use of 3D visualizations both during the planning phase and in marketing. The challenges identified shed light on uncertainties relating to data protection, privacy, and the influence of the internet. The results of the study reveal a high level of uncertainty and ignorance within the industry when it comes to understanding the metaverse. Based on the results, further studies are needed to establish the understanding and real potential of the metaverse in the industry. Conducting workshops specifically aimed at the AECO sector can help to deepen understanding of the potential of possible use cases.

THE EFFECT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY & CAPITAL STRUCTURE ON COMPANY VALUE MODERATED PROFITABILITY AND FIRM SIZE

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and capital structure on company value with profitability and firm size as moderation variables. This study uses secondary data in the form of annual reports on the non-primary consumer, transportation, industrial, energy, health, and technology sectors listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2021 - 2023. The sample of companies studied is 154 companies with 462 data. The results show that the combination of independent variables, profitability as moderating variables, and the interaction of independently variable with moderation can affect the company's value by 71.79%. The significance values of CSRE, DAR, SIZE, CSR with firm size (CSRE x SIZE) and Capital Structure With Firm Size (DAR x SIZE) have values of 0.3724, 0.6024, 0,3405, 0.4334, and 0.6602 > 0.05. The combination of independently variables, profitability, and capital structures with firm sizes have values 0.1827, 0.3435, 0.4335, and 0.663, respectively. The impact of CSR on firm value is moderated by profitability, while firm size moderates the influence by capital structure. Furthermore, examining the role of different types of CRS activities or varying approaches to capital structure could provide insights into why certain strategies might succeed or fail in enhancing company value.

Predicting Economic Trends and Stock Market Prices with Deep Learning and Advanced Machine Learning Techniques

The volatile and non-linear nature of stock market data, particularly in the post-pandemic era, poses significant challenges for accurate financial forecasting. To address these challenges, this research develops advanced deep learning and machine learning algorithms to predict financial trends, quantify risks, and forecast stock prices, focusing on the technology sector. Our study seeks to answer the following question: “Which deep learning and supervised machine learning algorithms are the most accurate and efficient in predicting economic trends and stock market prices, and under what conditions do they perform best?” We focus on two advanced recurrent neural network (RNN) models, long short-term memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), to evaluate their efficiency in predicting technology industry stock prices. Additionally, we integrate statistical methods such as autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and Facebook Prophet and machine learning algorithms like Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) to enhance the robustness of our predictions. Unlike classical statistical algorithms, LSTM and GRU models can identify and retain important data sequences, enabling more accurate predictions. Our experimental results show that the GRU model outperforms the LSTM model in terms of prediction accuracy and training time across multiple metrics such as RMSE and MAE. This study offers crucial insights into the predictive capabilities of deep learning models and advanced machine learning techniques for financial forecasting, highlighting the potential of GRU and XGBoost for more accurate and efficient stock price prediction in the technology sector.

Dinamika Kinerja Keuangan Perusahaan di Sektor Kesehatan, Keuangan, dan Teknologi

This study explores the financial performance comparison of three major service sectors: healthcare, finance, and technology, with a focus on liquidity, solvency, activity, and profitability. Using data from 2021 and 2022, the study aims to provide in-depth insights into the financial strengths and weaknesses of each sector during the Covid-19 pandemic period. The analysis involves comparing the financial ratios of selected companies within each sector to industry averages to identify trends, differences, and potential issues. The results show that the healthcare sector has the highest liquidity, solvency, and profitability among the three sectors. The finance sector demonstrates the highest operational efficiency compared to the other two sectors but has the lowest liquidity, solvency, and profitability. The technology sector shows adequate liquidity, solvency, and profitability but lacks efficiency in its operations. Future strategies for the healthcare sector should include diversifying investments, optimizing operations, and enhancing customer service. For the finance sector, strategies should focus on improving liquidity and solvency, innovating in products and services to boost profitability. The technology sector should invest in automation, human resource development, and maintain a strong focus on innovation.

Corporate Attributes and Financial Reporting Quality of Listed Information Communication Technology Firms in Nigeria

The demand for high quality financial information is increasing. It has become imperative in a developing economy such as Nigeria, especially in the information communication technology (ICT) sector due to globalisation and expansion of businesses beyond the national borders. Accordingly, companies are obliged to satisfy the information needs of both local and foreign investors by providing them with relevant and comparable financial reports. The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of corporate attributes on financial reporting quality of ICT firms listed on the floor of Nigeria Exchange Group from 2013-2022. The independent variable of the study being corporate attributes was proxied by firm size, firm age, firm profitability, auditor type and assets tangibility while the dependent variable being financial reporting quality was measured using the IASB Conceptual Framework qualitative characteristic model. The research design adopted in this study was ex post facto, secondary data was used and the population of study was 11 listed ICT firms in Nigeria. The hypotheses of the study was tested using pool ordinary least square technique and the statistical package employed was E-views version 10. From the outcome of the analysis, it was found out that firm size has a significant but negative effect on the financial reporting quality; firm age has an insignificant negative effect on the financial reporting quality; firm profitability has a negative and insignificant effect on the financial reporting quality; auditor type has significant positive effect on financial reporting quality; firm asset tangibility has a significant but negative effect on the financial reporting quality of ICT firms in Nigeria. Thus, it was concluded that corporate attributes enhance financial reporting quality of firms in Nigeria. Based on the foregoing, it was recommended among others that the management of ICT firms should carefully select reputable and experienced audit firms to enhance the credibility and reliability of their financial statements. More also, ICT firms should reduce the amount of tangible non-current assets in their assets base as they have negative influence on financial reporting quality.

Enhancing Space Management through Digital Twin: A Case Study of the Lazio Region Headquarters

Digital Twin is becoming an increasingly powerful resource in the field of building production, replacing traditional processes in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations sector. This study is concerned with the development of a DT, enabled by Building Information Modeling, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things to implement space management strategies. It proposes an application case for the Lazio Region headquarters, which has partly adopted smart working typology post-COVID-19. The aim is to create an accurate digital replica of the building based on BIM, integrated with real-time data. This will help to improve the use of space, the management of resources, and the quality of services provided to the community. It also improves energy efficiency, reducing consumption by 530.40 MWh per year and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 641.32 tons of CO2 per year. The research proposes a holistic framework for the implementation of innovative solutions in the context of public infrastructure space management through the use of digital technology, facilitating the promotion of efficiency and sustainability in decision-making and operational processes through the application of a digital methodology.

Acceptance and use of live streaming on metaverse in Vietnam: An analysis with the UTAUT2

Virtual environments like the Metaverse have been gaining popularity in recent years. Live streaming has gained popularity as a favorite way to entertain among social network users, thanks to its real-time authenticity. This study will utilize the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptability and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) to examine the factors influencing the adoption of live streaming in the Metaverse, a new platform with greater immersion, among citizens in Vietnam. The research used a quantitative approach, collected data from a sample of participants through a structured questionnaire including Performance Expectancy (PEE), Effort Expectancy (EEF), Social Influence (SCI), Hedonic Motivation (HEM), and Experience (EXP). Additionally, technological Self-Efficacy (TSE) as an extended alternative is thought to influence that relationship as well. Results from the PLS-SEM technique was used to examine perception, acceptance, and adoption differences among demographic groups. Remarkably, the results show experience has a remarkable impact on the relationship between behavioral intention and the adoption use Metaverse for livestreaming. This study contributes theoretical value for investors and researchers on the entertainment and technology sectors due to the abilities of the live-streaming industry and the advanced features of metaverse in this digital world.

Predicting damping in geometrically complex composite structures via increased interlaminar homogenisation

The widespread adoption of composite materials across the engineering sector requires that the vibration behaviour of these materials is more readily taken into account for new component designs. Current prediction methods are often prohibitively complex or expensive for such applications, or are restricted to very simple geometries. A simplified approach, shown previously by the authors to generate accurate and inexpensive predictions, is extended to geometrically more complex test cases in this work. The novel technique is shown to hold up well compared to the more established ‘layered’ approach, outperforming such predictions in some cases and highlighting the general applicability of the approach for damping predictions in general composite components.

Managerial Performance and Economic Performance in the Technology Sector

The technology (tech) sector outperformed all other sector stock price averages in 2023. This paper addresses two issues regarding the tech sector. First, relative to other firms, are there any managerial areas in which the tech sector outperforms to explain their superior performance relative to all other firms? Second, within the tech sector, what managerial practices lead to higher profits? Four areas of managerial performance are considered: customer satisfaction, employee engagement and development, innovation, and social responsibility. This paper utilizes Bloomberg data and takes the novel approach of utilizing the Drucker Institute Indexes to assess performance in the tech sector. The Drucker Institute has computed a Corporate Effectiveness Index since 2017. The overall effectiveness index is based on performance regarding five dimensions: customer satisfaction, employee engagement and development, innovation, social responsibility, and financial strength. The firms they track are United States companies whose shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq Stock Market and meet certain size requirements. Among the four dimensions tested, customer satisfaction is the one dimension that is positive and significant when comparing across tech firms. Second, employee engagement is more important for tech firms than for other firms. The major contribution of this paper’s findings is that while innovation may be the hallmark feature of tech firms, innovation for its own sake does not drive firm performance. A focus on people (customers and employees) is the key to earning higher profits in the tech sector.

Explorando o potencial da gestão ágil na indústria da construção: uma revisão sistemática da literatura

To carry out more efficient and effective projects, those involved in project management in the construction industry seek alternatives to preserve projects' profit and value, manage change, improve communication with the client, and anticipate risks in the face of unforeseen events. In the face of uncertain and ever-changing scenarios, the Agile methodology has emerged to help the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector face management challenges. This paper investigates the applicability of Agile methodology in construction project management. Insights from a state-of-the-art were mapped based on a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of 26 articles selected using criteria listed in the research protocol. A quantitative analysis of the distribution by year and country of publication and a qualitative analysis of the content were conducted, using codes managed by Atlas.ti software. The characterization of Agile management and the Scrum framework, the problems in construction projects, the application in the AEC industry and the conceptualization of the hybrid approach were analyzed. The authors discussed the main points surrounding the research and validated the benefits Agile adds to construction project management based on the literature.

Mahasiswa Sains Data ITERA Berkunjung ke Industri di Jakarta

The Industrial visit of Data Science students from Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA) to various industries in Jakarta is part of an educational program that aims to bridge theory and practice in the field of data science. The activity lasted for a week, involving more than 38 students and 3 lecturers. The participants visited several leading companies in the technology, telecommunications, finance and logistics sectors. The main purpose of the visit was to provide students with practical insights into the application of data science in the industrial world, expand their professional network, and introduce them to the real challenges companies face in managing and analyzing data. During the visit, students had the opportunity to discuss with data practitioners, attend seminars and workshops organized by the company. They learned how data is used to support decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and create product innovation. In addition, this visit also opened up opportunities for internships and research cooperation between ITERA and related industries. Through this activity, students not only gained a deeper understanding of data science, but were also motivated to develop the analytical and technical skills needed in their future careers. This visit is expected to be a continuation to build closer collaboration between academia and industry in the development of data science in Indonesia

Machine Learning Approaches for Customer Churn Prediction in the Aquaculture Technology Sector

Machine Learning Approaches for Customer Churn Prediction in the Aquaculture Technology Sector

Design of a Trailer Adapted for Accommodation and Transport of Beehives

There is relevant interest concerning beehives, taking into account climate change and its influence on bees’ behavior. A part of the industrial engineering sector is focusing on beekeeping applications. More specifically, the present study aims to develop a trailer for the transport of beehives adapted to be placed or fixed to a tractor or a vehicle trailer, with the objective of transporting the beehives safely and stably during transhumance. The proposed novel design relates to a trailer that incorporates a device for housing a rectangular section of the beehives, which can be adapted for fixing or housing in a vehicle or in a vehicle trailer. The device comprises a lower support structure, adapted to support a plurality of rectangular sections of beehives stacked horizontally on the lower structure, an upper frame adapted to house the beehives inside, and two or more connecting elements between the lower structure and the upper frame. The connection of the trailer with the device facilitates the loading and unloading of the beehives by mechanical means. The different parts have been designed as individual pieces and then assembly is carried out to achieve the complete design. This method of implementation is because the simulation of individual components is simpler and easier, since if it is carried out through assembly, the type of joint, such as welding, and the length of the weld would have to be indicated at each point of contact between components, along with its thickness and all the necessary parameters. Therefore, in those welding points, fixed fastenings are indicated and so will simplify it. In accordance with the individual creation of each part, its own load simulation has been carried out. Static analyses are performed taking into account structural elements of this proposed design, with restrictions and loads being established. The analysis, including upper bars and supports, has been completed with several situations. Based on stress values, deformations have been determined and calculations evaluated. The trays have been manufactured using flat steel bars and angled bars for the legs and support of the hives.

The enhanced fitting ability of a new tangent-apt probabilistic model: Its implementations to the music engineering and reliability phenomena

It is an established and already accomplished fact that probability-based methodologies (or probability/statistical distributions) play the roles of imperative tools in illustrating and describing applied phenomena. Paying attention to these previous facts, this paper considers the evolution of a new probability distribution. Thus, the main achievement of this paper leads to a new probability distribution as a result of combining the exponentiated exponential model with a tangent-based stratagem. The new model is called the tangent exponentiated exponential (TEE) distribution. For the TEE distribution, certain distributional properties and estimators of the model parameters are derived mathematically. The appraisal of the estimators of the TEE distribution is accomplished through a simulation study. Moreover, the applicability and virtuoso of the TEE distribution are exemplified via two data sets, which are taken from the music engineering (named Data 1) and reliability sector (named Data 2). By considering the p-value and three other important statistical tests/methods as diagnostic tools, we find that the TEE distribution is the most useful and optimal model for Data 1 and Data 2 compared to certain candidate probability distributions.

The effect of technological overlap on acquisition premiums: moderating roles of target firm's technology clockspeed and industry munificence

PurposeDrawing on the literature on technological acquisition and the knowledge-based view , this study examines how technological overlap between acquiring and target firms influences acquisition premiums. We further explore how the resulting synergies are contingent on the dynamic characteristics of the target firm, specifically its technology clockspeed and industry munificence. Technology clockspeed indicates the pace of technological evolution, reflecting internal dynamic resources, while industry munificence represents the abundance of external resources. These boundary conditions illustrate the dynamics of synergies, explaining their moderation effects on acquisition premiums.Design/methodology/approachWe analyze a sample of 369 technological acquisitions by publicly traded U.S. firms between 1990 and 2011. To test our hypotheses, we used the ordinary least squares regression model with robust standard errors clustered by acquiring firms. In the robustness checks, we applied the generalized estimating equations to account for non-independent observations in our sample and verified that the results were robust to an alternative two-way clustering approach.FindingsWe suggest that a low level of technological overlap between an acquiring firm and its target firm leads the acquiring firm to offer a high acquisition premium because of the expected synergistic potential that evolves from combining two distant technological bases. We further find that this effect is contingent on the target firm's technology clockspeed and industry munificence. Specifically, the negative effect is amplified when target firms exhibit a rapid pace of technological evolution, whereas it is weakened when target firms operate in highly munificent industries characterized by robust growth and abundant resource flows.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has several limitations, but it offers opportunities for future research. First, our sample is limited to domestic acquisitions between U.S. publicly traded firms, which may restrict generalizability. Cross-border acquisitions could reveal different dynamics, as technology leakage and national security concerns might make technological overlap a more sensitive factor. Additionally, private firms were not included, and their distinct strategic considerations could provide further insights. Future research could explore post-acquisition data to validate these synergies and expand the scope to include international contexts and private firms for a comprehensive analysis.Practical implicationsOur findings highlight important implications for managers in technology sector acquisitions. This study underscores the need for a thorough evaluation of target firms to avoid misjudging synergies. Low technological overlap can heighten expectations for value creation, making it crucial for executives to accurately assess potential synergies to prevent overestimation. Managers should consider both internal resources and external industry conditions when evaluating synergies. Ultimately, these insights help managers offer informed prices that reflect true strategic synergies, adopting effective valuation practices to mitigate risks of financial overpayments and poor post-merger performance.Social implicationsThe social implications of our findings emphasize the broader impact of acquisition decisions on innovation and competition within the technology sector. By ensuring accurate valuation and avoiding overpayment, companies can allocate resources more efficiently, fostering sustainable growth and innovation. This diligent approach can reduce the risk of corporate failures.Originality/valueThis study makes two key theoretical contributions. First, it identifies technological overlap as a critical determinant of acquisition premiums in technological acquisitions, addressing gaps in the literature that focused on CEO characteristics and managerial attention. Second, it expands the theoretical framework by highlighting the dynamic nature of synergies, influenced by the target firm's technology clockspeed and industry munificence. By integrating both acquiring and target firm characteristics, this study provides a relational perspective on value creation, explaining why firms pay high premiums and offering a more comprehensive understanding of the strategic motivations in technological acquisitions.

Assessment of an English and Business Computer Science program in bridging academia and job market in the Democratic Republic of Congo

This paper evaluates the impact of an English and Business Computer Science program in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the world’s second-largest French-speaking country after France. The program addresses the gap between academic training and market needs by combining English language proficiency with essential business and computer science skills. This combination aims to equip students for success in the business and technology sectors, where English is a key language. The paper details the program’s implementation, outcomes, and evaluation, using surveys of employers and graduates, along with an analysis of student competencies and employability. The findings underscore the importance of English proficiency, along with business and technological skills, in aligning educational outcomes with job market demands, thereby improving student success.

Job-hopping behaviour in the engineering sector in Penang Malaysia

Job-hopping behaviour in the engineering sector in Penang Malaysia

Exit routes, investor type, and the Covid-19 crisis: Insights from UK equity-funded companies

Using a sample of UK equity funded companies, we examine differences in the exit strategy of companies funded by distinct investor types and operating in various technology intensive sectors during a period of crisis. Our results corroborate the hypothesis that investor involvement through oversight and imparting expertise augments the likelihood of favourable outcomes. This is particularly evident in high technology sectors. We observe increased exit activity amidst the crisis and notable disparities, contingent upon investor type, concerning chosen exit pathways.

An Assessment of the Factors Impacting Project Success in the Engineering Sector

The engineering projects sector has presented numerous challenges in achieving success. The need arises to understand the reasons for these challenges and determine the best way to address the issues and achieve success using the best approach. This study aims to gain a good understanding of the factors impacting project success in the engineering sector. The literature review revealed variables that influence project success. These variables are company culture, effective management, employee engagement, and effective planning. The study presents a statistical analysis of the data. This analysis shows that each independent variable studied has a distinct impact on the dependent variable, project success. The South African engineering projects industry has shown a relationship between identified factors and project success. This study recommends laying a solid foundation to apply and improve the identified factors that have an impact on project success in the industry.

An assessment of employee discern for internal marketing strategies in software export companies

The enormous progression of the communication and technology sector in post economic transformation, specifically in software and service exports, has had an impact on India's economic growth. Companies in the software business are constantly driven to deliver better service as customer expectations continue to rise. For success in the marketplace, businesses must integrate their offerings and differentiate themselves. The research intends to assess employees' insights into internal marketing strategies deployed by software export companies that serve customers and evaluate the effect of employees’ demographics on the company's internal marketing initiatives. The results reveal that the respondents have a significant impression of the eight identified dimensions related to internal marketing strategies, and the demographics also show a significant association with the internal marketing initiatives of software export companies. The outcomes of the research could assist management in strengthening their internal marketing processes and developing key initiatives to better serve customers.