Journal of Applied Business, Taxation and Economics Research

The Influence of Functionality, E-WOM, and Interactive Features on User Loyalty Mediated by Trust Levels in The “Tentang Anak” Application

Leticia Maria — 2026-02-28

This study analyzes the influence of functionality, electronic word of mouth (E-WOM), and interactive features on user loyalty mediated by trust in the 'Tentang Anak' application. A quantitative approach using the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method was applied to 125 respondents. The results show that functionality and E-WOM have a significant effect on loyalty, while interactive features have a positive effect on trust. Trust also acts as a partial mediator between interactive features and user loyalty. These findings emphasize the importance of trust in increasing user loyalty to digital health applications.

Strengthening People Engagement in Aerospace Component Manufacturing: A Qualitative Study of Culture, DE&I, and Employee Participation

Candra Haryanto — 2026-02-28

Implemented at a manufacturing site, culture-building initiatives such as a Culture Council, Women Forum events, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) programs were studied to determine their impact on employee engagement and organizational results. The purpose of this study is to get a better understanding of how these integrated activities affect the views, experiences, and overall work environment of employees. With the use of internal engagement indicators to bolster triangulation, a qualitative case study technique was used, which included conducting semi-structured interviews with individuals who were purposefully chosen. In order to extract meaningful patterns from the interview data, reflexive thematic analysis was used. Thirdly, a more positive organizational climate, indicated by high favorable engagement scores, was a cumulative effect of the three main findings: first, culture-building initiatives considerably increased employee voice and cross-functional participation; second, DE&I and Women Forum programs improved perceptions of inclusion and belonging; and third, these improvements individually contributed to the better climate. Employee experience, psychological safety, and organizational attitudes may all be greatly improved by cultural interventions that are participatory and inclusion-driven, according to the study's findings. These results show how valuable it is to combine inclusive practices with continuous listening methods, and they provide useful insights for firms that want to increase participation via integrated cultural initiatives. To learn more about how cultural initiatives work in different types of organizations, this study calls for further comparative and longitudinal studie.

The Influence of Knowledge, Social Media, and Investment Motivation on Investment Interest among the Millennial Generation in Palopo City

Anugrah Riskullah Ramadhan — 2026-02-28

This research aim to explore the influence of investment knowledge, social media, And investment motivation to investment interest. With identify connection between third variables This expected can be found outlook new Which useful in designing program management finance Which more effective. This research method uses quantitative data with primary data sources and a sample of 100 respondents. The data was obtained from response respondents on statement in questionnaire And analyzed use analysis multiple linear regression. The results of this study indicate that investment knowledge has an effect positive and significant on investment interest, social media has an influence positive and significant on investment interest, and investment motivation has a positive and significant effect on investment interest.

Transformation of Sound System Rental Services MSMEs Through Comprehensive Assistance: Case Study of "The Ndee Sound System"

Januar Ika Christianadi — 2026-02-28

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a vital role in the Indonesian economy; however, many continue to face challenges in business management, particularly in branding, digital marketing, pricing strategies, and operational efficiency. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of a comprehensive mentoring program implemented for a sound system rental MSME, “The Ndee Sound System,” located in Cikarang. The research adopts a qualitative approach using a case study method. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with the business owner and related parties, documentation review, and competitor analysis. The mentoring program was conducted through five main stages: development of brand identity and digital presence, systematic organization of an equipment portfolio, enhancement of event documentation and customer testimonials, implementation of transparent and structured pricing, and establishment of strategic partnerships with supporting vendors. Each stage was designed to gradually strengthen managerial capacity, improve service quality, and enhance market competitiveness. The results indicate significant improvements in business performance. Monthly revenue increased by 45%, while customer inquiries rose by up to 600%, and the conversion rate reached 25–30%. In addition, operational costs were reduced by approximately 25% through strategic partnerships, and operational readiness improved to 90%. A stronger brand identity and consistent digital presence also contributed to a substantial increase in brand awareness, expanding the business reach from a local to a regional market. This study concludes that a structured and holistic mentoring approach can significantly improve business performance, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability of service-based MSMEs, particularly in the event equipment rental sector.

The Influence of Artificial Intelligence Service Quality and Customers Trust on Customers Loyality Bank BRI Larompong Unit

Rezky Ramadhani — 2026-02-28

This study aims to analyze the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) service quality and customer trust on customer loyalty at Bank BRI Larompong Unit. I examine how AI-based service technologies, including mobile banking features, shape customer behavior in maintaining long-term relationships with the bank. The study uses a quantitative research design with multiple linear regression analysis and involves 300 respondents selected using Slovin’s formula. I collect data through questionnaires that measure customer perceptions of AI service quality, trust, and loyalty.The results show that both AI service quality and customer trust exert a positive and significant influence on customer loyalty. Improvements in system reliability, information accuracy, response speed, and data security strengthen customer trust and increase their likelihood of continuing to use AI-based banking services. The findings also indicate that customer trust has a stronger effect on loyalty than AI service quality..This study presents originality by focusing on the adoption of AI technology in a regional banking environment, an area that remains underexplored in existing literature.The practical implications suggest that Bank BRI Larompong Unit needs to continuously strengthen its AI systems by improving usability, personalizing services, increasing system transparency, and enhancing data security. Strengthening these elements is essential to reinforce customer trust and maintain loyalty in an increasingly competitive digital banking landscape.

Generation Z Talent Attraction in Engineering SMEs Case Study: Intekno

Fajar Kawolu — 2026-02-28

Small and medium-sized engineering firms are seeing difficulties in recruiting Generation Z professionals. This new cohort of employees has distinct expectations upon entering the labor market. They want transparent communication, ethical behavior from their companies, and recruitment experiences centered on technology. These preferences often contrast sharply with the informal practices commonly used by engineering SMEs, resulting in an attraction gap that affects operational continuity and long-term competitiveness. This research examines how an engineering SME might improve its ability to attract Gen Z talent by assessing generational expectations, organizational signals, and modern recruitment practices. Utilizing a qualitative case study technique, data were gathered via self-observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. The findings reveal three main barriers that reduce SME attractiveness to young candidates: limited employer visibility, inconsistent and unstructured recruitment procedures, and the absence of systematic pre-employment pathways. The study indicates that engineering SMEs provide several intrinsic advantages, including practical learning experiences, availability of mentors, collaborative work environments, and distinct correlations between effort and outcomes. These attributes assist in surmounting the challenges encountered by these firms. These attributes closely resemble those favored by Gen Z, however not always articulated well. The study presents a four-pillar model for attracting Gen Z talent, grounded on empirical evidence. The components consist of value-driven employer branding, multi-channel recruitment, digital communication synchronization, and structured pre-employment pathways. This technique offers a cost-efficient and practical solution for SMEs with limited HR resources. This study contributes to the body of literature on talent management by contextualizing the attractiveness of Generation Z within small-scale engineering environments. It provides SMEs with pragmatic guidance on cultivating enhanced and more sustainable talent streams immediately.

Contextualizing Socio-Technical Design of Accounting Information Systems: Evidence from a Digital Startup in Indonesia’s Sharing Economy

Kurnia Ekasari — 2026-02-28

This study designs a socio-technical accounting information system (AIS) for a digital startup operating within Indonesia’s sharing economy. It aims to align technological components with organizational routines, human interactions, and the performance-based payroll structure used by online media platforms. Using the ADDIE development framework—Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate—this research collects primary data through interviews and observations, supported by secondary company records. The system is developed into a contextualized AIS prototype that integrates socio-technical systems (STS) principles to ensure real-time revenue tracking, transparent payroll calculations, and improved coordination among the startup, its technology provider, and content creators. The results show that combining STS with ADDIE produces a flexible and human-centered AIS that supports performance-based compensation and collaborative digital workflows. This study offers originality by addressing the limited AIS design research for sharing economy-based digital startups in emerging economies, particularly in online media contexts. The findings provide practical implications for startups seeking adaptive, transparent, and resource-efficient financial systems aligned with decentralized business models.

Direction for Strengthening MSMEs in The IKN Support Area: Study of Issues and Expectations of Business Actors in Samboja and West Samboja, Kutai Kartanegara Regency

Indrayani Indrayani — 2026-02-28

The development of the new capital city, IKN Nusantara, has a significant impact on surrounding buffer areas, including Samboja and Samboja Barat, which are projected to become gateways for economic mobility, labor supply, and strategic supply chains that support the capital city. This study aims to explore and understand the dynamics, challenges, potentials, and capacity-building needs of MSMEs in responding to emerging economic opportunities generated by IKN development. This research applies a qualitative exploratory approach through written responses, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), observation, and documentation. The findings reveal that MSMEs possess substantial local potential, such as raw material availability, unique products, and expanding market prospects, yet continue to face limitations in access to capital, digital literacy, managerial skills, business legalization, and market competition. The study concludes that MSMEs require a comprehensive support ecosystem through capacity strengthening, strategic partnerships, and responsive policies to enable their role as economic pillars in the buffer areas of IKN. Recommendations include continuous mentoring, business digitalization, and the establishment of collaborative MSME networks across Samboja and Samboja Barat.

Influence Satisfaction Work and Development Career to Performance BFI Finance Employees , Palopo City

Abd Fadhil — 2026-02-28

This study aims to determine the influence of job satisfaction and career development on employee performance at BFI Finance in Palopo City. The approach used is a quantitative method with a questionnaire as the research instrument. The population in this study was 80 employees, with a sample selection technique based on certain criteria of 50 employees. fulfil criteria . The collected data was analyzed using statistical tests. SPSS version 27 was used to determine the relationship between variables. The results showed that job satisfaction and career development had a positive and significant effect on employee performance. This finding confirms that increased job satisfaction and the availability of good career development opportunities can be important factors in improving employee performance at BFI Finance, Palopo City.

The Role of Digital Managerial Intervention in Micro and Small Business Empowerment: An Empowerment Theory Perspective

Victorio Chipta Gregory Manus — 2026-02-28

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play an important role in supporting economic growth and employment in Indonesia, but still face various challenges, particularly in terms of managerial management and the use of digital technology. This study aims to analyze MSME development through digital managerial interventions based on Empowerment Theory, using a case study of VJ Homebake Bakery & Eatery located in Mojokerto City, East Java. This study uses a qualitative approach with a participatory case study method, in which the researcher is directly involved in the business assistance process. The interventions carried out included optimizing the digital visibility of the business, strengthening branding and product packaging strategies, and implementing a digital payment system to improve operational efficiency. The analytical framework refers to Psychological Empowerment Theory, which emphasizes the cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions in the process of strengthening the capacity of business actors. The results of the study show that managerial digital interventions can improve digital literacy, confidence, and active participation of business owners in business management. In addition, increased business visibility and transaction efficiency have a positive impact on operational performance and customer engagement. These findings confirm that empowerment-based digital managerial interventions are an effective strategy in supporting the sustainability and competitiveness of MSMEs at the local level.

DSN-MUI Fatwa as a Source of Law in the National Sharia Economic Legal System

Mualim Mualim — 2026-02-28

The development of Islamic economic law in Indonesia is inseparable from the contribution of the National Sharia Council of the Indonesian Ulema Council (DSN-MUI), as a religious authority that issues fatwas on contemporary muamalah practices. DSN-MUI fatwas not only serve as normative guidelines for the operations of Islamic financial institutions but also serve as substantive references in the formation of national Islamic economic regulations. This article aims to examine the position and legal force of DSN-MUI fatwas in the Indonesian legal system, while also analyzing the mechanisms for transforming religious norms into positive law. This research uses a normative juridical approach with a qualitative-descriptive analysis method of laws and regulations, DSN-MUI fatwas, and court decisions related to Islamic economic disputes. The results show that DSN-MUI fatwas occupy a strategic position as a source of material law that provides a normative basis for the birth of regulations, such as Law Number 21 of 2008 concerning Islamic Banking and various Financial Services Authority Regulations. However, formally, fatwas do not have direct binding force before being adopted into laws and regulations. Therefore, strengthening the synergy between religious authorities and state institutions is an important prerequisite for realizing a national Islamic economic legal system that is integrated, responsive, and equitable.

Analytical Essay on Creativity, Thinking Skills, and Innovation in Environmental Education in Schools

Sri Yunitta — 2026-02-28

Environmental education plays a strategic role in shaping a generation that has awareness, creativity, thinking skills, and the ability to innovate in facing global environmental challenges. This article aims to critically analyze the role of creativity, thinking skills, and innovation in environmental education in schools and identify challenges and opportunities in its implementation. This study uses a qualitative approach with analytical methods on various relevant literature reviews and empirical findings. Data were obtained through analysis of scientific journals, research reports, and education policy documents related to environmental education and 21st-century learning. The results of the analysis show that the integration of creativity, critical thinking skills, and innovation in environmental education can improve students' conceptual understanding, environmental awareness, and their ability to formulate solutions to environmental problems in a contextual manner. However, implementation in schools still faces obstacles in the form of limited teacher competence, a curriculum that does not fully support innovative learning, and a lack of institutional support. Therefore, systematic efforts are needed through strengthening teacher capacity, developing an adaptive curriculum, and supporting school policies so that environmental education can function optimally in shaping students who are creative, critical, and oriented towards sustainability.

Managing School Operational Assistance (BOS) Funds as a Practice of Social Change: A Phenomenological Study of Senior High Schools in Serang City through Giddens’ Structuration Theory"

M Satibi — 2026-02-28

This paper investigates the management of School Operational Assistance (BOS) funds as a manifestation of social change management within Senior High Schools (SMU) in Serang City, utilizing the theoretical framework of Anthony Giddens’ Structuration Theory. Utilizing a qualitative Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) design, the study drew upon semi-structured in-depth interviews, non-participatory observations, and document analysis of key school actors—principals, treasurers, teachers, and school committees—directly involved in fund administration. Through a rigorous analysis involving initial noting, emergent theme identification, and superordinate theme clustering based on reflective interpretation, four core themes emerged: (1) accountability as a formal obligation; (2) the structural dominance of policy in management practices; (3) agency negotiation amidst structural constraints; and (4) fund management as a vehicle for social change. The findings underscore that while BOS policy structures constrain school actors, they simultaneously shape action patterns, allowing actors to exercise reflective capacity and negotiate practices within their local contexts. By integrating Structuration Theory with interpretive phenomenology, this research contributes to educational management literature, specifically illuminating the "duality of structure" in public fund management. The study advocates for policy shifts toward more reflective and contextual BOS management, emphasizing the capacity building of school actors to ensure accountable and sustainable education governance.

The Effect of Work Motivation and Burnout on Employee Performance at Perumda Tirta Mangkaluku in Palopo City

Nur Ainun — 2026-02-28

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of work motivation and burnout on employee performance at Perumda Tirta Mangkaluku in Palopo City. This study uses a quantitative method with data collection techniques through the distribution of questionnaires. This study uses the probability sampling technique, namely simple random sampling, with a total of 76 respondents, namely employees of Perumda Tirta Mangkaluku in Palopo City. The data analysis technique used in this study was multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS version 27. The results of this study indicate that Work Motivation has a positive and significant effect on Employee Performance, while Burnout has a negative and significant effect on Employee Performance. Meanwhile, Work Motivation and Burnout have a simultaneous effect on Employee Performance. This study is expected to serve as a reference for further research and for companies to consider paying more attention to employees in order to improve employee performance at Perumda Tirta Mangkaluku in Palopo City.

The Influence of Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurial Experience on the Success of Culinary Businesses in Malang City, Mediated by Business Creativity

Naim Naim — 2026-02-28

This study aims to analyze the effect of digital marketing and entrepreneurial experience on the success of culinary businesses in Malang City, with business creativity as a mediating variable. The research method used is a quantitative approach with an explanatory research type. The research population is culinary business owners in Malang City, with a purposive sampling technique used for sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using path analysis. The results showed that digital marketing did not have a significant effect on the success of culinary businesses. Entrepreneurial experience had a positive effect on business success, but the effect was relatively small. Business creativity has a positive and significant effect on business success and is able to significantly mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial experience and culinary business success. These findings indicate that business creativity is a key factor in optimizing entrepreneurial experience to achieve sustainable culinary business success in Malang City.