The aim of this study is to identify the factors affecting the credibility of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) stimulation through Social Networking Sites (SNSs) through an empirical model providing both theoretical understandings and practical implications. The proposed framework explicates the consumer’s use of SNSs as a tool for information sharing and its effect on brand image and online purchase intentions. The consumer survey was done through a structured questionnaire developed in accordance with the literature. Data was collected from 256 respondents, using both offline and online modes from 4 different cities of India. Structural Equation Modeling was employed to estimate the proposed model and determine the antecedents of consumer eWOM credibility and in turn its effect on brand image leading to consumer purchase intentions. The results show SNS activities play a significant role in creating eWOM credibility, which leads to shaping the brand image and purchase intentions. The findings would help companies to create a positive brand image to enhance their purchase intentions through eWOM aroused via SNSs.
In the data-driven world, data is created in huge volume and then analyzed by several organizations to get benefit from them. Smart city is one of the examples to use big data to offer improved services for its resident and tourist. However, some countries face certain obstacles to analyze the big data integration for sustainability in smart city development. Therefore, the purpose of this research paper is to identify and analyze the significant barriers related to sustainable smart city development. To accomplish this objective, fourteen barriers of big data analytics are selected through the combined approach of literature review and expert input. After that, these barriers are evaluated using the best worst method for obtaining deeper insights. The result of this study reveals that the most significant barrier is ‘lack of technologies for BDA’, ‘lack of BDA framework’, ‘nature of big data’, and ‘low availability of analytics platforms for big data’. These barriers need to address on priority to develop a sustainable smart city. This study is helpful to the urban planner, government, and consultancy agencies to decide on the adoption of BDA for sustainable smart city development. Further, they can also optimize their resources in the best possible manner to achieve the sustainable development of the existing smart cities.
31 October 2023 in Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the determinants of financial inclusion among women-owned informal enterprises in India.Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on a primary survey of 321 informal enterprises. The data has been collected through a structured questionnaire. A chi-square test has been used to examine the significant association between the characteristics of informal enterprises and their owners and financial inclusion. A logistic regression model has been developed to analyse the determinants of financial inclusion among women-owned informal enterprises.Findings: A significant and negative association has been found between business duration and entrepreneurs’ experiences with financial inclusion. In addition, the chi-square test shows a significant association between resource capability, use of ICT by enterprises and financial inclusion. Further, logistics regression shows that duration of business, entrepreneurial experience, resource capability in terms of machinery and equipment use, and ICT are significant determinants of financial inclusion among women-owned informal enterprises.Practical implications: There are several practical implications for national policymakers and other stakeholders, such as banks and international bodies working on financial inclusion. It is suggested that while designing the policy for financial inclusion among woman-owned informal enterprises, it should ensure that experience and older woman entrepreneurs are included in financial inclusion schemes.Originality/value: There has been very few research on financial inclusion in woman-owned businesses. However, no research has been conducted on the financial inclusion of women-owned informal businesses. This study fills a gap by investigating the factors that influence financial inclusion in women-owned informal businesses.
1 October 2025 in Green Technologies and Sustainability
This study investigates the interplay between adaptive online learning, students’ digital intelligence, sustainable learning, and digital mental well-being among female university students in Saudi Arabia. In response to the growing reliance on digital platforms in higher education, a structured questionnaire was distributed via social media to capture student perceptions of their online learning experiences. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), the analysis revealed that while adaptive online learning is a critical enabler, its influence is most effective when mediated by students’ digital intelligence. The findings highlighted that students with higher digital intelligence are more likely to engage in sustainable learning practices and maintain better mental well-being in digital environments. Furthermore, innovative teaching practices were shown to strengthen these relationships, underscoring the importance of interactive and adaptive pedagogies. This research contributes to the growing discourse on digital education by emphasizing the importance of indirect pathways and learner-centred dynamics in shaping positive educational and psychological outcomes. This study offers practical and theoretical implications for educators, institutions, and policymakers aiming to create inclusive, resilient, and psychologically supportive digital learning environments. Future research is encouraged to examine these relationships across different cultural and institutional contexts and explore the longitudinal impacts of digital learning strategies.