International Journal of Management studies and Social Science Research

1 Anthony Kiriinya Mwongera, 2 Dr. Lawrence Odollo, 3 Dr. Thomas Githui

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56293/IJMSSSR.2026.6201

ABSTRACT: The knowledge, innovation, and socio-economic development of Kenya are heavily dependent on the performance of its research institutions. This study examined the influence of customer focus on the organisational performance of research institutions in Kenya. This study employed a correlational research design. The study targeted 10756 employees in the 48 research institutions. Simple random sampling was used to select 386 employees in the research institutions who formed the sample size. Data collection was done using questionnaires. Data analysis was done with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 25. Both descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (regression and correlation) were carried out and results presented using graphs and tables. Descriptive results showed that the respondents agreed that stakeholders’ focus affected the organisational performance of research institutions in Kenya. Regression findings revealed that there was a positive and significant relationship between stakeholders’ focus on organisational performance of research institutions in Kenya. Furthermore, stakeholders' focus was strongly and positively correlated with organisational performance of research institutions in Kenya. The study concluded that stakeholders' focus has a significant positive influence on the organizational performance of research institutions in Kenya.

Keyword: Customer focus, organisational performance, research institutions, Kenya

Qi Shen, Qing Yuan, Ziyuan Xie, Pengyu Quan, Sen Zhang, Xiaobao Yu

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56293/IJMSSSR.2026.6202

ABSTRACT: Driven by the digital economy and "dual carbon" goals, value extraction from power data has become a pivotal engine for the transformation and upgrading of the energy industry. However, the realization of power data value is not an instantaneous process; instead, it undergoes a differentiated evolution spanning resource utilization, assetization, and capitalization. Based on an analysis of the inherent logic of value evolution for power data products, this paper explores value innovation around the concept of "data temperature" at different developmental stages, and proposes targeted business models and competitive strategies. By examining advanced practices in Guizhou, Jiangsu, Beijing and other regions, the study summarizes the typical characteristics and implementation paths of business models in each stage, and discusses the coordination between business model innovation and policy frameworks. The conclusions aim to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the market-oriented allocation of power data as a key production factor and the healthy development of the industry.

Keyword: Electricity data, business model, nine-grid

Dada Durotimi Amos (Ph.D), Enyioko Chilaka Onyekachi (Ph.D), Eniolorunda Ekundayo Toba, Evbota James Edomwonyi (Ph.D)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56293/IJMSSSR.2026.6203

ABSTRACT: This study examined the relationship between public sector financial incentives and the performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Kogi State, Nigeria. Anchored on the persistent financing constraints and uneven performance of SMEs, the study specifically assessed the level of access to government-provided financial incentives and evaluated their effect on enterprise performance indicators such as revenue growth, profitability, expansion capacity, and operational efficiency. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with data collected from 420 SME owners and managers selected through a multi-stage sampling technique from a population of 12,500 enterprises. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tools, including Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis at a 5% significance level. Findings revealed that access to public sector financial incentives is moderate but constrained (𝑋 = 2.95), with limited awareness (𝑋 = 3.20), low application rates (𝑋 = 3.00), and significant bureaucratic barriers affecting accessibility (𝑋 = 2.83). Institutional support (𝑋 = 2.80) and perceived benefits (𝑋 = 2.96) were also weak, indicating structural inefficiencies in programme delivery. However, the study established a statistically significant positive relationship between financial incentives and SME performance. Specifically, financial incentives strongly correlated with revenue growth (r = 0.628, p < 0.01), profitability (r = 0.615, p < 0.01), and expansion capacity (r = 0.601, p < 0.01). The findings suggest that while financial incentives enhance SME performance, their overall impact is limited by access constraints and implementation gaps. The study concludes that improving accessibility, transparency, and institutional support is critical to maximizing the developmental impact of public financial interventions on SMEs.

Keyword: Public sector financial incentives; SME performance; Access to finance; Revenue growth; Kogi State Nigeria

Rosalyn Surya Dewi, Ika Barokah Suryaningsih, Mochammad Farid Afandi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56293/IJMSSSR.2026.6204

ABSTRACT: This study was motivated by the gap between the availability of private dental practices and the level of service utilization by the community in Jember Regency. The research problem focuses on whether Healthcare Service Quality (HCSQ) affects patients' post-service behavioral intention, both directly and indirectly through patient satisfaction and patient trust as mediating variables. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of Healthcare Service Quality on patient satisfaction, patient trust, and patients' post-service behavioral intention, as well as to test the role of patient satisfaction and patient trust as mediating variables in private dental practices in Jember Regency. This study employed a quantitative approach with an explanatory research design. Data were obtained from patients of private dental practices who met the inclusion criteria through the distribution of online questionnaires. The sampling technique used was non-probability sampling with a consecutive sampling method, resulting in a total of 142 patients as respondents. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS for Windows version 26.0 and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with the assistance of SmartPLS software version 4.1.1.8. The results showed that Healthcare Service Quality has a positive and significant effect on patient satisfaction, patient trust, and patients' post-service behavioral intention. In addition, patient satisfaction and patient trust also have a positive and significant effect on patients' post-service behavioral intention. Furthermore, patient satisfaction and patient trust were proven to partially mediate the effect of Healthcare Service Quality on patients' post-service behavioral intention. The conclusion of this study is that improving healthcare service quality in private dental practices is an important factor in enhancing patient satisfaction and patient trust, which ultimately encourages the formation of patients' post-service behavioral intention, such as repeat visits and providing positive recommendations to others.

Keyword: Healthcare Service Quality, Patient Satisfaction, Patient Trust, Patients' Post-Service Behavioral Intention, Private Dental Practice.

Nguyen Thi Hoi & Dam Gia Manh

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56293/IJMSSSR.2026.6205

ABSTRACT: In the context of accelerating digital transformation, digital identity has become a critical component of cybersecurity, enabling the protection of personal data and secure access in cyberspace. The rapid expansion of digital platforms has intensified cyber threats, including identity fraud, data breaches, and unauthorized access. Effective digital identity management is therefore essential for ensuring authentication, access control, and compliance with regulatory frameworks such as the GDPR and the CCPA. This study examines the structure and vulnerabilities of digital identities and evaluates existing security mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), privileged access management, and real-time identity verification. Drawing on a behavioral and governance-oriented perspective, the research proposes integrated technical and policy-driven solutions to enhance personal information security. The findings highlight the importance of combining identity governance with user-centric security practices to mitigate risks associated with digital identity compromise. This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive framework for strengthening digital identity security in increasingly complex digital ecosystems.

Keyword: Digital identity; Personal data protection; Cyberspace security; TAM; TPB.

Mai Hai An

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56293/IJMSSSR.2026.6206

ABSTRACT: This article aims to study the factors that create customer value in general and customer perceived value in particular when shopping at Circle K convenience store chain in Vietnam. This study presents a model and scales based on theory, results from other studies, and customer interviews at the Circle K convenience store chain. The study constructed a model consisting of one dependent variable: Perceived Customer Value (PVC) with 3 observed variables and 21 observed variables to measure six factors: Product Quality (QL), Product Structure (PR), Customer Perception of Retail Prices - Selling Price (RP), Customer Service (CS), Store Location and Premises (LP), and Marketing and Retail Promotion Mix (MC). The research results indicate that all six factors influence perceived customer value.

Keyword: perceived customer value, Circle K.

Do Ngo Duy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56293/IJMSSSR.2026.6207

ABSTRACT: In the process of extensive integration, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has become a key driver of Vietnam's economic growth. However, the rapid expansion and concentration of FDI in several core sectors also raise concerns regarding long-term structural dependence risks. This study constructs a sectoral FDI Composite Risk Index (CRI) using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based on a dataset of 3,932 observations from 1986–2025. The results indicate that the first five principal components explain 87.98% of the total variance, reflecting the existence of a capital accumulation axis that dominates sectoral structures. Testing through Machine Learning models reveals that the relationship between FDI accumulation and dependence risk is non-linear, with the Gradient Boosting model achieving an accuracy of 80.05%, significantly outperforming traditional linear models. The findings imply a need for a sectoral FDI concentration monitoring mechanism to mitigate dependence risks and ensure sustainable development.

Keyword: FDI, dependence risk, sectoral structure, PCA, Machine Learning.

Bintang Alvin Syaifullah, Arnis Budi Susanto, Intan Nurul Awwaliyah

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56293/IJMSSSR.2026.6208

ABSTRACT: This study examines the effects of transformational leadership and psychological empowerment on turnover intention among maritime crew members (ABK) in Indonesia, with work engagement as a mediating variable. Using a total sampling approach (n = 80) and PLS-SEM analysis, the findings reveal that both transformational leadership and psychological empowerment significantly reduce turnover intention and enhance work engagement. However, work engagement does not significantly influence turnover intention and fails to mediate the relationships between the independent variables and turnover intention. These findings suggest that, in high-pressure maritime contexts, direct psychological and leadership factors play a more critical role than attitudinal mechanisms in shaping turnover decisions. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting contextual limitations of work engagement as a mediator in non-traditional, high-risk work environments

Keyword: Psychological Empowerment, Transformational Leadership, Turnover Intention, Work Engagement

Yuda Wisnu, Diah Yulisetiarini, Hari Sukarno

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56293/IJMSSSR.2026.6209

ABSTRACT: This study aims to analyze the influence of Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness on loyalty in using the JKN Mobile Application through satisfaction as a mediating variable. This study uses a quantitative approach with an explanatory research type. The study population is all active users of the JKN Mobile Application in Pasuruan, Probolinggo, Lumajang, Jember, Banyuwangi, Bondowoso, and Situbondo Regencies. The sampling technique uses non-probability sampling with a purposive sampling method, and obtained 402 respondents based on the Slovin formula calculation with a 5% error rate. Data collection was carried out through online and offline questionnaires. Data analysis used the Partial Least Square (PLS) method with the help of SmartPLS 4 software to test the direct and indirect effects between variables. The results of this study, involving state-owned banking institutions in Jember Regency, show that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness significantly influence satisfaction. Perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness significantly influence user loyalty. Satisfaction significantly mediates the effects of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness on user loyalty

Keyword: perceived ease of use, perceived usability, user loyalty, satisfaction

G K Gandhiadi, Sri Widowati, N K T Tastrawati, I G N Y Hartawan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56293/IJMSSSR.2026.6210

ABSTRACT: The study of natural tourism activities in WBNP aims to: 1) determine the influence of each dimension of tourist service quality (serqual) on tourist satisfaction in natural tourism activities, 2) analyze whether tourist satisfaction has a positive effect on the loyalty of tourists visiting natural tourism destinations, and 3) analyze whether tourist satisfaction through tourist loyalty indirectly has a positive and significant effect on tourist attitudes and behavior. One method to examine the causality of the relationship between the dimensions of serqual, tourist satisfaction and loyalty is SEM. The results of the study found that: 1) tourist satisfaction is measured using serqual indicators, each dimension has a relatively even role in measuring tourist satisfaction, 2) tourist satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on tourist loyalty, and 3) indirectly tourist satisfaction through mediation of tourist loyalty has a positive and significant effect on the attitudes and behavior of tourists. Recommendations regarding the research conclusions are: 1) the serqual indicator in measuring tourist satisfaction needs to be maintained by tourist service officers and needs to be improved, and 2) the are expected to form the basis for formulating sustainable nature tourism management and marketing strategies in the WBNP

Keyword: loyalty of tourists, natural tourism activities, SEM, tourist satisfaction, tourist service quality

Dr Augustine Olorunfemi Obalemo, Dr Juliet Nguseer Ingya

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56293/IJMSSSR.2026.6211

ABSTRACT: Despite numerous interventions aimed at improving performance, listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria continue to experience underwhelming financial outcomes. This study examined the effect of capital structure on the financial performance of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed the effect of leverage and debt-to-equity ratio on firms’ financial performance. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design, with data obtained from 38 listed manufacturing firms operating in Nigeria during the study period. Data were analysed using SPSS version 28. The results revealed that both leverage and debt-to-equity ratio significantly influenced financial performance. Leverage positively affected profitability, consistent with the Trade-Off Theory, which suggests that debt can enhance firm value when optimally managed. Similarly, the debt-to-equity ratio positively impacted financial performance, indicating that firms with a balanced capital structure achieve higher efficiency and returns. Based on these findings, the study recommends that firms maintain moderate leverage to optimise profitability without increasing financial risk and ensure balanced debt-to-equity ratios to promote sustainable growth and operational efficiency.

Keyword: Capital structure, Financial performance, Leverage, Debt-to-equity ratio, Manufacturing firms

Yuda Wisnu, Diah Yulisetiarini, Hari Sukarno

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56293/IJMSSSR.2026.6212

ABSTRACT: Carbon accounting has now emerged as one of the basic mechanisms by which companies can determine, monitor and control GHG emissions in the organization’s global value chain. An accurate review of the impact of carbon accounting on environmental sustainability is presented in this article. Based on the reviews of 45 peer-reviewed studies between 2010 and 2026, three primary research objectives are the following: (1) how effective carbon accounting frameworks are in their reduction in corporate carbon footprints and in what sectors - in terms of being carbon transparent, as well as the effect of improvement of carbon transparency and corporate sustainability, and (2) the impact of new technologies and governance on improving carbon accounting and business. Analysis was carried out using both regression and methods to make a clear comparison between carbon accounting practices and their sustainability outcomes. Our analysis shows large contribution from such carbon accounting and carbon transparency to company environmental performance and engagement as well as good governance as well as how more carbon accounting practices is implemented across sectors (eg, GRI standard frameworks), we found this to be very effective as well. But Scope 3 emissions accounting is still poor with regard to quality data and methodological consistency. The article ends on what can be done to strengthen and improve the practice of carbon accounting - to ensure better regulatory frameworks, technological innovations (in business), and human capacity building - which we feel is also the biggest stepping stone to meet sustainability objectives and climate change, globally.

Keyword: (CA) Carbon accounting, environmental sustainability, greenhouse gas emissions corporate emissions reporting, Scope 1-3 emissions, Carbon Footprint, ESG performance.