IJEBD (International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Business Development)

Digital Capabilities, Innovation Ecosystems and SME Dynamism: A Cross-Country Decomposition between South Africa and OECD Economies

Oluwakemi Rebecca Alake — 2026-05-30

This study examines how digital capabilities and innovation ecosystems shape cross-country differences in SME dynamism between South Africa and OECD economies. Drawing on a technology and strategic management perspective, the study integrates digital capability, human capital, and institutional conditions within a decomposition framework. Using panel data and the Oaxaca–Blinder technique, differences in new business density are decomposed into components attributable to observable technological and ecosystem characteristics and structural factors. The findings show that while digital infrastructure, innovation capacity, and human capital contribute to entrepreneurial activity, they explain only a limited share of the observed gap. Instead, the largest portion is driven by structural differences in how digital and institutional capabilities are translated into entrepreneurial outcomes. The threefold decomposition further reveals that interaction effects between digital capabilities and institutional environments are the primary drivers of the gap. These results highlight the importance of technology absorption capacity and ecosystem readiness in shaping entrepreneurial performance. The study contributes to the technology and innovation literature by demonstrating that digital transformation alone is insufficient without complementary institutional and ecosystem conditions. Policy implications emphasize the need for coordinated strategies that align digital infrastructure, innovation systems, and governance frameworks to enhance SME dynamism.

KEYWORDS

Digital capabilities; Entrepreneurial ecosystems; Innovation systems; Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition; SME dynamism

Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Business-to-Business Digital Selling: A Mechanism-Based Framework for Entrepreneurial Business Development

Emad Ramezanie — 2026-05-30

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in business-to-business (B2B) selling through automated lead scoring and routing, generative tools that draft and personalize outreach, and call-analytics systems that provide coaching. Yet many adoption narratives treat these tools as productivity aids, even though business development depends on relationship processes such as trust, perceived authenticity, and frontline agency. Drawing on an integrative review of recent research across marketing, sales management, information systems, and human-automation interaction (primarily 2016-2025), this paper develops a mechanism-based framework for AI-enabled digital selling in entrepreneurial and growth-oriented firms. The framework explains outcomes through three pathways: efficiency gains, autonomy reconfiguration as tasks are delegated and monitored, and authenticity shifts that reshape buyer interpretations and recalibrate trust across the salesperson, the firm, and the AI system. We identify boundary conditions, including task codifiability, relationship criticality, frontstage versus backstage use, disclosure, control rights, and incentive intensity, that help predict when AI complements selling and when it backfires. We conclude with propositions, a research agenda, and practical suggestions for scaling business development with AI while protecting relationship quality and reducing ethical risk.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN CHIADZWA, IN ZIMBABWE: INSIGHTS FROM CORPORATE ORGANISATIONS’ CONTRIBUTIONS

Samson Ziwewe — 2026-05-30

Abstract

This study examines the insights on corporate social responsibility contributions made by corporate organisations towards the development of Chiadzwa community in Zimbabwe. Despite CSR initiatives aimed at addressing social and environmental challenges, the community remains reliant on humanitarian aid and subsistence farming. The study's key findings reveal that community leaders in Chiadzwa perceive CSR contributions as ineffective and inadequate, driven by corporate self-interest rather than genuine community development, highlighting concerns over sustainability, community engagement, environmental degradation, and marginalization. The study's findings indicate that private organisations' CSR initiatives in Chiadzwa have been inadequate and unsustainable, failing to address pressing community needs.

Scarcity And Free Shipping Effects on Impulse Buying of Skintific Skincare Consumers in Cirebon

Isma Nadiyah — 2026-05-30

Purpose: The focal point of this scholarly inquiry is to empirically investigate the specific impact of scarcity marketing tactics and free shipping incentives on the impulse purchasing patterns of consumers. The study is contextually situated within the Shopee e-commerce ecosystem, specifically targeting the demographic of Skintific skincare product consumers located in the Cirebon region.

Design/methodology/approach: From a methodological perspective, the research adopts a quantitative associative design to delineate the causal relationships between the proposed variables. Data acquisition was executed through the distribution of structured questionnaires to a purposive sample of 158 respondents who had previously engaged with Skintific products on Shopee and were exposed to the relevant promotional stimuli. The subsequent data processing and hypothesis testing were conducted utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), facilitated by the SmartPLS 4.1.1.6 computational software.

Findings: Statistical analysis reveals that scarcity functions as a robust determinant of impulse buying behavior, confirmed by a path coefficient of 0.370, a t-statistic of 4.624 (>1.96), and a significance level of 0.000 (<0.05). In a parallel manner, free shipping promotions exert a positive and statistically significant influence on impulsive purchasing decisions, evidenced by a path coefficient of 0.167, a t-statistic of 2.369 (>1.96), and a p-value of 0.018 (<0.05). Collectively, the integration of scarcity and free shipping predictors elucidates 18.9% of the total variance in impulse buying behavior, as reflected by an R-Square value of 0.189.

Research limitations/implications: The scope of this study is delimited to Skintific consumers within the Cirebon region and relies exclusively on two independent predictors. To augment the comprehensiveness and generalizability of future inquiry, it is recommended that subsequent research expand the conceptual framework to include additional variables, such as positive emotions, Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), and social media influence.

Practical implications: From a practical perspective, these findings offer critical insights for e-commerce platforms and business practitioners in the formulation of digital marketing strategies. The study particularly underscores the strategic value of optimizing scarcity techniques, advocating for their deployment in an ethical and transparent manner to effectively stimulate consumer engagement.

Paper type: Research paper

Managing Extension of Time (EOT) in B2B Construction: From Contractual Mechanisms to Relational Governance for Dispute Prevention

Augustinus Setijanto — 2026-05-30

Extension of Time (EOT) is one of the most important mechanisms in construction contracts because it serves to regulate adjustments to the project schedule when delays occur. However, in Business-to-Business (B2B) construction projects, EOT is often narrowly understood as merely the right to additional time or even directly associated with cost claims. This reductive understanding frequently triggers conflicts, as the parties fail to distinguish between the right to time, the right to compensation, and the quality of the relationship that underpins contract execution. This article aims to build a more comprehensive understanding of EOT by situating it within three main dimensions: the contractual dimension, the economic dimension, and the relational dimension. This study employs a qualitative method with conceptual, normative, and analytical approaches, through an examination of construction contract literature, institutional economics theory, relational contract theory, dispute avoidance, and a critical analysis of high-rise project practices. The findings indicate that EOT is fundamentally a mechanism for allocating time-related risks, not an automatic basis for financial compensation. Compensation arises only when there is a clear basis of liability and a provable causal relationship. Furthermore, construction disputes are more often triggered not by the delay itself, but by communication failures, weak documentation, misclassification of delays, and poor quality of relationships between parties. Therefore, this article argues that EOT needs to be reframed from merely a claim tool into an instrument of relational governance to prevent disputes, build trust, and create shared value in B2B construction projects.

O Optimization of Digital Marketing Strategy Through The Collaboration of Tokopedia and TikTok to Increase Brand Awareness and Sales of Bu Sarti’s Surabaya Specialty Shredded Beef

Ony Kurniawati — 2026-05-30

Purpose: This study aims to 1) Identify various internal factors that are the strengths and weaknesses faced by the Surabaya style Bu Sarti’s Shredded Beef MSME in an effort to increase brand awareness and product sales achievement; 2) Identify various external factors that have the potential to become opportunities or threats for the Surabaya style Bu Sarti’s Shredded Beef MSME in developing brand awareness and increasing sales volume amidst the dynamics of digital marketing; and Formulate an effective digital marketing strategy through collaboration between the Tokopedia and TikTok platforms, in order to encourage increased brand awareness and optimize sales of the Surabaya style Bu Sarti’s Shredded Beef MSME product.

Design/methodology/approach: This research uses a qualitative approach, supported by quantitative data to support the analysis. Data collection was conducted through direct observation, structured interviews with relevant parties, questionnaire distribution, and document review related to the potential and challenges of implementing digital marketing through the collaboration between the Tokopedia and TikTok platforms. The informants involved in this research were: 1) TokoPedia sellers; 2) Creator or seller on TikTok; 3) Consumers (account owners on TikTok); and 4) Consumers (account holders at TokoPedia). The data obtained was then analyzed using the IFAS, EFAS, and SWOT matrices. The results of this analysis serve as the basis for formulating alternative digital marketing strategies appropriate to the business environment, which are expected to expand market reach, strengthen brand awareness, and drive sustainable product sales.

Findings: The results of this study provide recommendations for developing marketing strategies, namely: 1) Improving the quality of digital promotional content; 2) Strengthening brand identity as a regional specialty; and 3) Utilizing collaboration with content creators or affiliates to expand promotional reach.

Digital Marketing Capability and SME Performance: The Mediating Role of Customer Engagement and the Moderating Effect of Market Turbulence

Nur Qomariah — 2026-05-30

Purpose: This study delves into the vital role of digital marketing capability in driving the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), highlighting how customer engagement serves as a key mediator and market turbulence acts as a critical moderator. By weaving together internal organizational processes with the realities of external market dynamics, the research addresses inconsistencies found in prior studies and offers a more integrated perspective.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Employing a quantitative explanatory approach, data were collected through surveys from 150 SMEs actively engaged in digital marketing. The proposed conceptual model was tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), a robust analytical method suited for examining complex mediation and moderation effects.

Findings: Results reveal that digital marketing capability significantly enhances SME performance (? = 0.32, p < 0.01) and fosters deeper customer engagement (? = 0.58, p < 0.001). In turn, customer engagement plays a meaningful role in boosting SME performance (? = 0.41, p < 0.001) and partially mediates the relationship between digital marketing capability and performance (? = 0.24, p < 0.01). Furthermore, market turbulence intensifies the positive impact of digital marketing capability on SME performance (? = 0.18, p < 0.05), highlighting the importance of aligning internal capabilities with external environmental conditions.

Originality/Value: By integrating the Resource-Based View and Dynamic Capability Theory into a unified framework, this study transcends traditional approaches by simultaneously addressing mediation and moderation mechanisms. It offers fresh insights into the “black box” of digital marketing research, illuminating how and under what circumstances digital marketing capabilities translate into enhanced SME performance.

Compensation and Organizational Culture as Predictors of Employee Performance: Examining the Mediating Role of Work Motivation in the Automotive Components Manufacturing Industry

Anindya Melinda — 2026-05-30

Purpose:
This study aims to examine the effects of compensation and organizational culture on employee performance, with work motivation acting as an intervening variable in an automotive components manufacturing company.

Design/Methodology/Approach:
This study adopts a quantitative approach using secondary data obtained from employees working in an automotive component manufacturing company during the 2023–2025 period. A purposive sampling technique was employed to target employees within the automotive components manufacturing sector. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression to examine the relationships among compensation, organizational culture, work motivation, and employee performance.

Findings:
The results indicate that both compensation and organizational culture have a significant effect on employee performance, with work motivation functioning as a mediating variable in the automotive components manufacturing sector.

PracticalImplications:
This study contributes both theoretically and practically to the development of human resource management frameworks, particularly in understanding the role of compensation and organizational culture in enhancing employee performance through work motivation in the automotive components manufacturing sector.

Strategy for Increasing Competitiveness Through Green Digital Marketing in Sandal SMEs in Wedoro Village with SWOT and QSPM Analysis

Devi Susiati — 2026-05-30

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a strategic role in supporting the national economy, particularly in job creation and strengthening regional economies. One MSME center that contributes significantly is the sandal MSME in Wedoro Village, Waru District, Sidoarjo Regency, which has developed as a cottage industry for generations. However, in recent years, this MSME has faced challenges in the form of increased product competition, shifts in consumer behavior toward digital, and market demands for environmentally friendly products. This has led some MSMEs to persist with conventional marketing and not optimally utilize digital potential.

This research aims to formulate a strategy to increase the competitiveness of the sandal MSME in Wedoro Village through an integrated, data-driven green digital marketing approach. The case study for this research was conducted on the Odiva MSME owned by Ms. Yuni, as a representative MSME that still survives with stable production capacity but faces limitations in digital marketing. Data collection was conducted through observation, interviews, questionnaires, and documentation studies. Data were analyzed using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method to compare the environmental impacts of products and packaging. This was followed by a SWOT analysis to identify internal and external factors. These factors were then objectively prioritized using the QSPM to determine the best strategy based on relative attractiveness.

The targeted outputs of this research include the development of alternative strategies to increase the competitiveness of sandal MSMEs based on green digital marketing, the creation of an official website as a medium for sustainable digital promotion and branding, and the publication of scientific articles in accredited national journals. The research findings are expected to provide practical contributions to partner MSMEs in Wedoro Village in expanding their market reach, enhancing the image of environmentally friendly products, and supporting business sustainability.

The Effect of ESG Disclosure, Firm Size, and Sales Growth on the Financial Performance of LQ45 Companies

Resta Onistriya Widya Inar — 2026-05-30

Nowadays , the company Performance Yes No Longer Only Measured Even if it's just for profit , Also Through That Application Of 3 pillars Basic principles Environmental , Social and Governance ( ESG ). Other Hand , internal points Such as company Scale versus Sales Growth Also Influence Financial Performance , but Previous Research has shown Inconsistencies : This study aims to empirically analyze the influence of ESG disclosure, Firm Size, and sales growth . Financial Performance LQ45 index of Companies For 2020-2024 period . Usage Software Using 12 quantitative measures . Methods Using panel data regression on 115 observations , the researchers Found No ESG disclosure Positive Impact on short - term profits . Conversely, the company Size versus Sales Growth was shown . To Have a positive attitude . Financial impact Performance : Together , these things Three Variables Positive A company was influenced. Financial Performance .

Leadership and Organizational Culture in Driving Employee Performance

Damarsari Ratnasahara Elisabeth — 2026-05-31

Purpose: To examine the influence of leadership and organizational culture on employee performance with motivation as a mediating variable.

Design/methodology/approach: This study employs a quantitative approach using SEM-PLS analysis based on data collected from 83 employees through questionnaires.

Findings: Leadership and organizational culture have a positive and significant influence on employee performance, both directly and indirectly through motivation as a mediating variable.

Research limitations/implications: This study is limited to a single company and a relatively small sample, suggesting future research should expand the scope and variables.

Practical implications: Organizations should strengthen leadership quality and organizational culture to enhance employee motivation and ultimately improve performance.

Originality/value: This study provides empirical evidence on the mediating role of motivation in linking leadership and organizational culture to employee performance in the maritime service sector.

Paper type: Research paper (quantitative study)

The Impact of Project Management on Controlling Delays in the Implementation of Apartment Projects in South Sumatera

Arkiyansyah Arkiyansyah — 2026-05-31

Delays in the implementation of apartment projects in South Sumatera are a crucial problem, resulting in cost overruns, quality declines, and disruptions to the achievement of national housing program targets. Effective project management, encompassing planning, organization, implementation, and project control, plays a crucial role in controlling these delays. This study aims to comprehensively examine the impact of project management on controlling delays in apartment projects through a literature review approach. The method used was a literature review, referring to relevant indexed international and national journal articles from the most recent years. The analysis process involved identifying, selecting, and synthesizing research findings related to project management factors that influence project time performance. The study results indicate that thorough planning, coordination between stakeholders, project manager competence, and an effective control and monitoring system significantly influence project delays. Furthermore, the integration of strategic communication and risk management has also been shown to improve project timeliness. In conclusion, the implementation of structured and adaptive project management is key to controlling delays in apartment projects in sustainable projects.

The Effect of Green Innovation and Entrepreneurial Marketing on Marketing Performance in Rattan SMEs in Cirebon Regency

Salis Naelal Asrifa — 2026-05-31

Purpose: The research examines the impact of green innovation and entrepreneurial marketing on the marketing performance of rattan SMEs in Cirebon Regency.

Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative method was used with 105 respondents. Data were obtained through online questionnaires and analyzed utilizing multiple linear regression with IBM SPSS version 26.

Findings: The results indicate that both green innovation and entrepreneurial marketing have a positive and significant impact on marketing performance, both partially and simultaneously. The model explains 39.7% of the variance in marketing performance.

Research limitations/implications: This research is limited to rattan SMEs in Cirebon, so the outcomes may not be generalizable to other sectors or regions.

Practical implications: SMEs are encouraged to adopt green innovation and entrepreneurial marketing strategies to enhance competitiveness and performance.

Originality/value: This study provides empirical evidence from the underexplored rattan SME sector.

Paper type: Research paper

Improving Employee Performance through Work Motivation and Work Environment at PERUMDAM Tirta Darma Ayu

Saskiya Andini — 2026-05-31

Purpose: This study aims to analyse and determine the effect of work motivation and work environment on employee performance at PERUMDAM Tirta Darma Ayu in Indramayu Regency. This study was conducted to understand the extent to which these two factors can improve employee performance in supporting the achievement of organisational goals.

Design/methodology/approach: This study used a quantitative approach with a population comprising all employees of PERUMDAM Tirta Darma Ayu. A saturated sampling technique was used in this study, whereby the entire population was sampled. However, out of 147 employees, only 85 employees completed the questionnaire, resulting in a response rate of 57.82%. The data collection method in this study used a Likert scale questionnaire, while the analysis technique used was multiple linear regression analysis with the help of IBM SPSS version 29 for Windows.

Findings: Both work motivation (with a significance value of <0.001 > 0.05) and work environment (with a significance value of 0.059 > 0.05) did not significantly affect employee performance, according to the results of the study. However, it turns out that work motivation has a significant impact on employee performance (with a significance value of <0.001 < 0.05). Overall, a significant relationship was found between work motivation, work environment and employee performance (with an F value of 22.671 and significance <.001 < 0.05).

Research limitations/implications: This study has limitations in terms of the scope of the research object, which was only conducted at one institution, namely PERUMDAM Tirta Darma Ayu, with a limited number of respondents. In addition, the variables studied only covered work motivation and work environment, so there is still the possibility that other variables affect employee performance, such as leadership, compensation, and job satisfaction.

Practical implications: The results of this study can be used as consideration for company management in improving employee performance through efforts to increase work motivation, such as giving awards, career development, and creating a comfortable, safe, and conducive work environment so that it can support employee productivity and the achievement of organisational goals optimally.

Paper type: Research paper

Keyword: Work Motivation, Work Environment, Employee Performance.

Modeling of Construction Project Delays Based on 3T Contextual Factors Using SEM-PLS

Suriano Buyung — 2026-05-31

This study aims to analyze the factors that affect the delay of construction projects in the 3T region (frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged) and test the role of contextual variables in the relationship between these factors using the Structural Equation Modeling approach based on Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The problem of project delays in the 3T region is crucial due to the characteristics of the region that has limited infrastructure, logistical access, and complex geographical conditions. This study uses an explanatory quantitative design with primary data collected through a questionnaire to 187 respondents consisting of contractors, consultants, and project owners. The research instrument uses a Likert scale of 1–6 without a neutral option and has been tested for validity and reliability.

The results showed that project management, resources, and communication had a significant negative effect on project delays, while external factors had a significant positive effect. The contextual variables of the 3T region were shown to moderate the relationship between project management and delays. The research model was able to explain 67% of the variation in project delays.

This study concludes that construction project delays in the 3T region are the result of complex interactions between internal, external, and contextual factors of the region. The main contribution of this study is the integration of contextual variables in the SEM-PLS-based delay model which provides a more comprehensive approach in construction management studies.

The Role Of Digital Competence And Work Motivation On Teacher Performance In The Era Of Digitalization Of Junior High Schools In Cirebon City

Hesti Hesti — 2026-05-31

Objective: This study aims to analyse the influence of digital competence and work motivation on teacher performance in public junior high schools in Cirebon City in the era of educational digitalisation.

Design/methodology/approach: This study used a quantitative approach with an associative research design. The sample consisted of 90 teachers selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through a Likert scale questionnaire and analysed using multiple linear regression with SPSS.

Findings: The results show that digital competence has a positive and significant effect on teacher performance (B = 0.102; t = 4.125; p < 0.05). Work motivation also has a positive and significant effect on teacher performance (B = 0.619; t = 13.432; p < 0.05). Concurrently, digital competence and work motivation significantly influence teacher performance (F = 130.055; p < 0.05). This model explains 74.9% of the variation in teacher performance (Adjusted R² = 0.749).

Research limitations/implications: This study only focused on public junior high school teachers in Cirebon City, so the findings may not fully represent teachers in other regions.

Practical implications: The results of this study provide insights for schools and education authorities in designing programmes to improve digital competence and strengthen teacher motivation in order to improve teacher performance.

Originality/value: This study provides empirical evidence on the role of digital competence and work motivation in improving teacher performance in the context of school digital transformation.

Article type: Research article

The Influence of Work Readiness and Soft Skills on Employability of Undergraduate Students in the Digital Era

Afi Dwi Sandie — 2026-05-31

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the influence of work readiness and soft skills on employability of undergraduate students in achieving success in various career paths in the digital age.

Design/methodology/approach: This study employs a quantitative approach with an associative (causal) research design. Data were collected via a questionnaire distributed to 107 fourth-year undergraduate students from the Faculty of Economics and Business, Swadaya Gunung Jati University, Indonesia, using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4.

Findings: The results indicate that work readiness and soft skills have a positive and significant influence on the employability of undergraduate students in the digital era. Soft skills were found to have the most dominant influence on students’ employability. These findings also confirm that work readiness is formed through the integration of psychological readiness and non-technical competencies, supporting the USEM Employment Model theory.

Research limitations/implications: This study is limited to undergraduate students from the Faculty of Economics and Business at a single university in Indonesia. Therefore, the findings may not be fully generalizable to students from other disciplines, institutions, or geographical contexts. Future research is encouraged to include broader and more diverse samples and to incorporate additional variables that may influence employability in the digital era.

Practical implications: These findings imply that higher education institutions need to strengthen the development of work readiness and soft skills to improve students’ employability in the digital labor market. Enhancing these competencies can support workforce competitiveness, reduce skill mismatches, and contribute to sustainable economic growth and workforce development in the digital era.

Originality/value: This study contributes to the employability literature by simultaneously examining work readiness and soft skills within a single explanatory framework among undergraduate students in the digital era. Unlike previous studies that predominantly investigate these variables separately, this research demonstrates their combined contribution to employability in the context of Indonesian higher education.

Paper type: Research Papers