A significant portion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are usually allocated to the construction sector, which plays a vital role in many economies. SMEs currently face serious concerns regarding the pursuit of sustainability. Limited financial resources (FRs) frequently prevent SMEs from implementing sustainable practices. Therefore, these enterprises should mitigate expenses to invest in environmentally friendly initiatives. Enhancing resources and developing ways to accelerate Turkish SMEs’ shift toward sustainability is vital. Moreover, adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and green innovation strategies (GISs) can boost sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) and lead them to success. This study utilized the natural resource-based view theory (NRBV), developed to compensate for the RBV’s shortcomings by incorporating the natural environment into the RBV’s framework. This study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the causal effect between the study variables based on the responses received from 228 executives within SMEs in Turkey’s construction sector. The findings of this study reveal that FRs significantly impact the SCA among SMEs, while GIS serves as a mediator in the relationship. Additionally, the moderating impact of AI adoption promotes sustainability development in this industry. This study is significant because it contributes to the body of knowledge regarding the relationship between the study’s constructs that align with Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), presented by the United Nations in 2015. This goal promotes robust infrastructure, encourages sustainable and inclusive industrialization, and stimulates innovation in the SME construction industry. Although these variables have been studied individually in previous studies, this study integrates them into a thorough framework that emphasizes the function of GIS as a mediator in the relationship between FRs and SCA, and the interaction effect of AI adoption. This study offers useful information to managers, stakeholders, politicians, and SME leaders, enabling them to make well-informed decisions about sustainable practices.

Blockchain technology has attracted considerable attention from both academicians and industry players in different industries, such as accounting and finance, because of its transformative potential of re-engineering the process of operation and enhancing the level of required transparency in these industries. However, despite the various possibilities of transforming the accounting and finance sectors, there are still numerous challenges that hinder the further development of blockchain technology in the domain. The various obstacles to the adoption of blockchain in accounting and finance are interconnected and include a diverse set of issues related to technology, organization, regulations, and knowledge. To overcome these obstacles, it is necessary to take a comprehensive approach that includes improving technical proficiency, encouraging cooperation among stakeholders, negotiating intricate regulations, and cultivating a culture of innovation and adaptation within enterprises.

The study deals with the adoption of mobile banking services by respondents in UAE and the perception of risk factors by them. A model was developed on the Customer Adoption Process of mobile banking. The model is validated based on the data collected using the questionnaire from a sample of 90 respondents in UAE. Factor analysis is used to evaluate and analyze the responses. Belief in technology and the value it creates are the major driving force for respondents to adopt mobile banking. Respondents perceive that mobile banking helps in proper financial planning due to continuous monitoring the transactions and time saving. Lack of privacy in the mobile banking transactions and not all banks offering mobile banking services in UAE are the major challenges perceived by the respondents for non-adoption of mobile banking. Respondents identify time risk, financial risk and performance risk as the most predominant risk factors compared to other risks in the adoption process.

The paper aims to evaluate the reaction of stock markets in BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study uses ARCH and GARCH models that use daily stock prices from January 1, 2020, to September 2, 2020. The financial market response was analyzed in two phases. The first phase analyses the financial markets' response within 30 to 60 days from the first day of confirmed cases of COVID-19. The second phase analyses the financial market response post 30 to 60 days of initial confirmed cases. The study results conclude that the share prices decreased, but in the second phase, the markets responded positively. Our results conclude that governmental support played an important role in mitigating the repercussions of the COVID-19 outbreak on stock markets in BRICS countries.JEL Classification: E44, G15, G10How to Cite:Chavali, K., Al Samman, H., & Jamil, S. A. (2021). How Did The Financial Markets Respond to The Covid-19 Pandemic? Empirical Evidence from BRICS Countries. Etikonomi, 20(2), xx– xx. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v20i2.20339.