RSF Conference Series: Business, Management and Social Sciences

From Theory to Practice: Examining the Link Between Classroom Learning on Gender and Advocacy Engagement

Mary Rose Montano — 2025-09-23

Education plays a vital role in shaping students’ values and behaviors, particularly regarding gender equality and social justice. In response to the growing call for advocacy-based learning, this study examines the impact of classroom instruction in the Gender and Society course on students’ engagement in gender advocacy. Specifically, it explores how pedagogical approaches influence students’ awareness, motivation, and real-world application of advocacy skills. Employing a descriptive quantitative research design, data were collected from 164 students through a self-constructed, validated survey using Likert-scale items. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s R correlation analysis were used to interpret the results. Findings reveal that the course significantly enhanced students' attitudes and motivation toward gender advocacy (grand mean = 4.68; SD = 0.54). Contributing factors included interactive teaching methods, relevant content, and instructor support (grand mean = 4.53). While some barriers, such as limited opportunities and lack of knowledge, were identified (grand mean = 3.10), they did not significantly impede advocacy participation. A strong correlation was found between teaching methods and motivation (r = 0.640), and a moderate correlation with real-life advocacy application (r = 0.522). The study underscores the transformative potential of gender-responsive pedagogy in promoting critical thinking, empathy, and active citizenship. It recommends integrating experiential learning, collaborative projects, and community engagement to sustain student involvement in advocacy. Despite limitations related to sample scope and reliance on self-reported data, the research contributes valuable insights into how gender education can catalyze social change.

Profiling Student Satisfaction: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Student Affairs and Services Programs

Mary Rose Montano — 2025-09-23

In the evolving landscape of higher education, Student Affairs and Services (SAS) programs play a vital role in supporting holistic student development beyond academics. As institutions strive to enhance student satisfaction, assessing the effectiveness of these programs has become essential. This study aimed to evaluate student satisfaction with SAS programs at the City College of Calamba by profiling students’ demographic characteristics, identifying satisfaction levels, and exploring the relationship between these variables. Using a descriptive-correlational mixed-methods design, data were collected from 3,032 students through a self-developed survey instrument that included both quantitative Likert-scale items and qualitative open-ended questions. Spearman’s Rho was applied to determine correlations between demographic profiles (gender, year level, and academic program) and satisfaction levels, while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Findings revealed that students were generally satisfied with SAS programs, particularly in areas related to student governance support and extracurricular activities. However, issues such as limited access to technological resources, financial constraints, and mental health challenges were prominent concerns. No significant relationships were found between demographic variables and satisfaction levels, indicating a broadly uniform perception of services across different student groups. The study contributed a data-driven enhancement plan focused on student-centered improvements, including expanded digital access, streamlined administrative processes, mental health initiatives, and mechanisms for amplifying student voices. These findings emphasize the importance of continuous assessment, inclusive practices, and responsive strategies in strengthening SAS programs and enhancing the overall student experience in higher education.

The Role of Technology and Environment in E-Commerce Adoption among MSMEs in Semarang City

Mellasanti Ayuwardani — 2025-09-23

The rapid advancement of technology has enabled individuals to conveniently perform various activities anytime and anywhere, such as exchanging data and information, communicating with others, and engaging in buying and selling transactions without geographical or temporal constraints. This study adopts an explanatory research design. The research population comprises micro-scale MSMEs located in the city of Semarang. The study employed purposive sampling, resulting in a sample size of 41 respondents. A quantitative method was adopted, with questionnaires serving as the primary instrument for gathering data, which were then processed using IBM SPSS version 25. The findings reveal that both technological and environmental factors, individually and collectively, exert a significant influence on e-commerce adoption, accounting for 43.8% of the variance.

Strategy of Heritage Tourism Development in Surakarta, Central Java – Indonesia

Karnowahadi Karnowahadi — 2025-09-23

Surakarta is a city that has different types of heritage, either in the form of buildings, handicraft products, culinary, and religious events. The heritage is a tremendous asset and must be preserved. Preservation of heritage is costly. Aside from the government budget sources, the cost of preserving heritage requires the participation of the community. So, that requires the government policy in the preservation of heritage. This study aimed to analyze the socio-economic and tourist behavior, and analyze the strategy of heritage tourism development in Surakarta. Findings from this study are: first, heritage tourism development is influenced by several factors, including WTP, gender, age, level of least visited, type of job, income, education, status, and region of origin. Secondly, Surakarta has a huge potential to develop tourism based on its heritage. The development strategy is to optimize the performance of the government, cooperating with stakeholders, to motivate people to actively participate in funding the preservation of heritage, as well as managing the budget more transparently and accountably.

Building Customer Trust through Satisfaction, Value, and Brand Image: A Study of Coffee Consumers in Indonesia

Dody Setyadi — 2025-09-23

This study is motivated by the increasing competition in the coffee industry, both locally and nationally, making it essential to understand the factors that shape customer trust. The purpose of this research is to analyze the influence of Customer Satisfaction, Customer Value, and Brand Image on Customer Trust among coffee consumers in Indonesia. A quantitative approach was used, involving respondents who are coffee consumers from various regions in Indonesia. Data analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression with the assistance of SPSS. The findings show that all three independent variables have a positive and significant effect on Customer Trust, with Brand Image having the most dominant influence, followed by Customer Value and Customer Satisfaction. This indicates that a positive perception of the brand, perceived value, and customer satisfaction collectively form strong trust in coffee products. This study provides practical implications for coffee industry players to strengthen brand image, deliver tangible added value, and maintain customer satisfaction to build trust-based loyalty. It also opens opportunities for further research by adding mediating or moderating variables within the context of coffee consumer behavior in Indonesia.

Enhancing Institutional Quality: An Assessment of Accreditation Readiness and Stakeholder Experiences

Mary Rose Montano — 2025-09-23

Accreditation serves as a critical mechanism for ensuring quality assurance, institutional credibility, and continuous improvement in higher education. This study examined accreditation readiness, stakeholder satisfaction, and the challenges experienced by a higher education institution in the Philippines using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected from 525 administrators, faculty, staff, and students through a validated questionnaire, while qualitative insights were derived from open-ended responses and analyzed thematically. Findings indicated a high level of accreditation readiness (M = 4.23) and stakeholder satisfaction (M = 4.30), with administrators reporting the most favorable perceptions. Challenges were rated moderately high (M = 3.64), particularly concerning administrative support, resource limitations, and time constraints. ANOVA results showed no significant differences in perceptions among stakeholder groups, suggesting shared institutional experiences. A strong positive correlation was found between readiness and satisfaction (r = .894), while readiness and challenges showed a negligible correlation (r = .133). Thematic analysis revealed four key themes: institutional proactivity, operational barriers, integrated support systems, and empowered teamwork. These highlight the need for early preparation, collaborative engagement, consistent documentation, and psychological readiness among stakeholders. This study addresses a research gap by offering a stakeholder-centered perspective on accreditation in the Philippine context. It underscores the need for strategic improvements in documentation, communication, digital infrastructure, and capacity-building initiatives. An action plan is proposed to guide institutions in strengthening their accreditation efforts through inclusive, coordinated, and sustainable practices.

Customer Intention to Use M-Banking in Indonesia

Desty Wana — 2025-09-23

Heightened rivalry in today’s digital banking landscape compels banks to fully grasp the elements shaping customer decisions to embrace mobile banking. The objective of this research is to examine the relationship between perceived security, ease of use, and trust, and their impact on customer intention to use m-banking in Indonesia. This research aims to expand knowledge on the elements that influence the adoption of mobile banking apps in emerging digital technology locales. A quantitative method with causal associations was employed for this study. The study’s participants comprised bank customers, from whom a sample of 100 individuals was selected using a targeted sampling strategy. Information was gathered via surveys and subsequently assessed utilizing Eviews software version 12 for regression analysis. The results of the study indicate that partially perceived security has a significant effect on customer intention in using m-banking, perceived ease of use has no significant impact on customer intention in using m-banking, and perceived trust has a significant effect on customer intention in using m-banking. Simultaneously, the three independent variables of perceived security, perceived ease of use, and perceived trust have a substantial impact on customer intention in using m-banking. Considering these discoveries, tactics intended to boost the acceptance of mobile banking should prioritize the enhancement of safety measures and customer confidence, potentially by integrating dual authentication protocols, more robust data encryption techniques, consistent educational initiatives concerning digital safety, and the establishment of efficient and prompt channels for addressing concerns.

Risk Communication and Financial Performance in Higher Education: The Mediating Role of Enterprise Risk Management

Ummu Ajirah Abdul Rauf — 2025-09-23

This study investigates the effect of risk communication on the financial performance of Malaysian public higher education institutions, with the implementation of enterprise risk management (ERM) serving as a mediating variable. Drawing on social exchange theory, a conceptual framework was developed in this study. Primary data were collected through an online cross-sectional survey of risk committee members, internal auditors, and top management (n = 212) across 20 institutions, selected using a multistage sampling approach. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) confirmed that effective risk communication significantly enhances financial outcomes, both directly and through ERM implementation. Findings underscore ERM’s pivotal mediating role in translating communication into financial resilience. The study furnishes higher-education leaders with actionable strategies for sustaining institutional financial stability through integrated risk communication and ERM frameworks.

Integrating Techno-Entrepreneurial Relationship Marketing (TERM) to Strengthen Student Entrepreneurial Competitiveness in Central Java

Dika Vivi Widyanti — 2025-09-23

The Techno-Entrepreneurial Relationship Marketing (TERM) model is a strategic framework that integrates digital innovation with relationship-based marketing to support student entrepreneurs in Central Java. This research adopts a mixed-methods design to evaluate how TERM impacts marketing outcomes by focusing on digital adoption, entrepreneurial orientation, and proactive customer interaction. Surveying 150 student-run ventures across 35 regions, the study finds that TERM significantly improves marketing performance by enabling responsive, data-informed strategies and fostering deeper customer relationships. Tools such as CRM systems, social media, and analytics platforms enhance customer retention and market relevance. The study concludes that embedding TERM into entrepreneurship education equips students with the digital and relational competencies needed to compete effectively in the evolving business landscape.

The Influence of Perceived Quality, Brand Image, and Customer Value on Satisfaction Through Purchase Decisions in the Coffee Market: The Moderating Role of Product Availability

Iwan Hermawan — 2025-09-23

The coffee industry in Indonesia is growing rapidly, necessitating a deep understanding of the factors that influence purchasing decisions and customer satisfaction. This study tests a conceptual model linking Perceived Quality, Brand Image, and Customer Value to Customer Satisfaction, using Purchase Decision as a mediator and Product Availability as a moderator. The study is grounded in Expectation Confirmation Theory, which states that satisfaction arises from the alignment between initial expectations and actual experiences. Using quantitative methods, a survey was conducted among 618 coffee consumers in Indonesia. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS software. The results showed that Perceived Quality, Brand Image, and Customer Value significantly influence Purchase Decision. Furthermore, Purchase Decision indirectly influences Customer Satisfaction through mediation, validating the theory that experiences consistent with expectations create satisfaction. An interesting finding emerged from the Product Availability variable. This variable was not significant in moderating the relationship between Purchase Decision and Customer Satisfaction. This is explained by the competitive market, where consumers have many options. However, Product Availability was significant in strengthening the relationship between Perceived Quality and Customer Satisfaction, indicating that consistent product availability directly shapes initial expectations and quality perceptions. Theoretically, this study contributes by applying a moderated mediation approach within the Expectation Confirmation Theory framework. Practically, these results have strategic implications for coffee shop managers to focus on managing quality perceptions, strengthening the brand, creating added value, and optimizing distribution to enhance consumer loyalty.

Implementation of Techno-Entrepreneurial Relationship Marketing (TERM) Model to Improve Competitiveness of Entrepreneurial Students in Central Java

Jati Nugroho — 2025-09-23

To bridge the gap between entrepreneurial mindset and marketing effectiveness, thereby gaining a competitive edge, this study aims to develop and evaluate the Techno-Entrepreneurial Relationship Marketing (TERM) paradigm. This research investigates how techno-entrepreneurial relationship marketing, responsiveness capacity, and interaction proactiveness can help student entrepreneurs in Central Java improve their marketing performance. One hundred fifty business owners and managers from Central Java universities participated in this survey-based study. The research results confirm the important role of technology-entrepreneurship linkage marketing as a key mechanism linking strategic firm capabilities based on technology and entrepreneurship with superior market outcomes.

Unlocking Digital Archive Efficiency: ERP Implementation in the Wooden Furniture Industry

Mona Inayah Pratiwi — 2025-09-23

The rapid growth of digital technology has driven businesses to transition from manual processes to automated systems to improve efficiency and reduce human error. Archive management is one of the crucial administrative functions that require transformation, particularly in manufacturing and export companies. The Wooden furniture manufacturer and exporter in Jepara, still relied on physical archives, causing inefficiencies in document retrieval, lack of systematic classification, and absence of integrated backup systems. This study aims to analyze the company’s document management process and design a digital archiving system using the "Document" module in Odoo ERP to improve efficiency, accelerate information access, and minimize the risk of data loss. The research employed a qualitative descriptive method with a case study approach, involving interviews, direct observations, and document analysis to identify problems, design solutions, and test the system. To further ensure system efficiency and relevance, a GAP analysis using the NPF method was conducted to evaluate the alignment of the Odoo ERP "Document" module with the company’s current manufacturing and administrative processes. The developed digital archiving system features structured document classification, unique coding, keyword-based search, hierarchical access rights, encryption, and automated backups. Implementation results show a significant reduction in document retrieval time, improved storage accuracy, enhanced data security, and reduced physical storage needs. The system also facilitates audits, supports compliance, and provides a practical model for medium-sized companies managing large volumes of operational documents. Future research should explore cross-module integration and assess user acceptance to optimize the system’s potential.

The Influence of Brand Positioning and Price Perception on Purchase Decisions of Instant Milk

Jumi Jumi — 2025-09-23

Intense market competition, coupled with the emergence of various instant milk brands with competitive prices, motivated this research. This study examines the influence of brand positioning and price perception on the purchase decision products . The research is driven by the growing globalmarket and increasing brand competition. A company’s success in brand positioning and how consumers perceive prices are key factors influencing purchasing behavior. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 100 consumers selected through purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression . The results indicate that both brand positioning and price perception significantly influence purchase decisions, both partially and simultaneously. Based on these findings, it is recommended that continue to innovate its products and an innovative unique value propotion strategies on prioritizingquality to strengthen its competitive advantage and increase consumer loyalty in a highly competitive market.

The Impact of Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation and Self-Efficacy on Entrepreneurial Action: A Study of The Central Java Exporters Association

Mahmuda Mahmuda — 2025-09-23

This study investigates the impact of Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation (IEO) and Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (ESE) on Entrepreneurial Action (EA) among members of the Indonesia Exporters Association (IEA/GPEI) in Central Java. Acknowledging entrepreneurs as key drivers of economic growth, the research addresses the persistent challenge of business sustainability in Indonesia, where the number of entrepreneurs fluctuates. It highlights IEO (risk-taking, innovativeness, proactiveness) and ESE (belief in one's capacity to execute specific actions) as crucial internal factors for entrepreneurial success, drawing on effectuation theory to explain adaptive decision-making in dynamic environments. The research employed a quantitative approach, surveying 115 active GPEI members, predominantly young female entrepreneurs in the food and beverage sector. Using Partial Least Squares (PLS) for data analysis, the study confirmed both hypotheses: IEO has a significant positive influence on EA, and ESE also has a significant impact on EA. IEO demonstrated a stronger practical effect (medium effect size) on entrepreneurial action compared to ESE (small effect size). The findings corroborate effectuation theory, suggesting that high self-efficacy and strong orientation encourage entrepreneurs to adopt flexible, experimental effectual logic amidst uncertainty. This study contributes to the empirical understanding of psychological traits influencing entrepreneurial outcomes among early-stage exporters in Central Java, emphasizing the need for targeted capacity-building programs to strengthen entrepreneurial competencies.

Central Bank Independence: An Inevitable Choice for Sustainable Economic Governance

Sujan Sarker — 2025-09-23

Central Bank Independence (CBI) has increasingly become a global policy norm, transcending variations in geography, political systems, and economic structures. While the theoretical literature highlights independence as a cornerstone of credible and effective monetary policy, empirical evidence from both advanced and emerging economies suggests that CBI plays a pivotal role in promoting price stability, controlling inflation, and strengthening macroeconomic resilience. This paper examines CBI through two critical dimensions, political independence and economic independence, and analyzes how these factors interact to shape institutional effectiveness. Drawing on comparative case studies and cross-country evidence, the study demonstrates that higher levels of CBI are strongly associated with sustainable economic governance and long-term fiscal discipline. The findings underscore that central bank independence is no longer a discretionary policy choice but rather an inevitable institutional requirement for safeguarding economic stability and credibility in the globalized era.

Bridging the Skills Gap: An Employer-Centric Focus Group Discussion on Industry Demands and Academic Alignment in Calamba City – A Collaboration Between City College of Calamba and IIPESO

Maryann H. Lanuza — 2025-09-23

This paper presents a collaborative research initiative between the City College of Calamba (CCC) and the Information, Investment Promotions and Employment Services Office (IIPESO). The study responds to the pressing issue of the skills gap that separates higher education outcomes from industry needs within local economic hubs. Specifically, it investigates how academic programs align—or fail to align—with employer expectations, and how collaborative approaches can enhance workforce readiness. The primary purpose of this study was to identify current hiring practices, future talent requirements, and employer perceptions of CCC graduates. Using a qualitative, exploratory research design, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted during a job fair in Calamba City. Employers from diverse sectors participated, sharing insights on technical proficiencies, soft skills, and institutional partnerships. Thematic analysis revealed a strong demand for adaptability, problem-solving, communication, and digital literacy, alongside continued emphasis on theoretical knowledge. Employers praised CCC graduates’ discipline and work ethic but highlighted the need for more practical exposure, structured internship programs, and regular curriculum updates. Findings suggest that sustained collaboration among the academe, industry, and government is essential for cultivating a future-ready workforce and ensuring sustainable local economic growth. This paper contributes actionable insights for policy and practice, offering CCC and IIPESO a roadmap to enhance their strategic role in addressing workforce challenges.

When do Consumers Decide to Buy? Moderating Role of Perceived Quality

Vika Diyah Ardiyanti — 2025-09-23