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The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which interdisciplinary (HASS, i.e. non-STEM) factors—in particular, accounting, stakeholder management and accountability—enable, influence and motivate large human exploration ventures, principally in maritime and space fields, utilizing Columbus’s and Chinese explorations of the 1400s as the primary setting.

The study analyzes archival data from narrative and interpretational history, including both academic and non-academic sources, that relate to two global historical events, the Columbus and Ming Chinese exploration eras (c. 1400–1500), as a parallel to the modern “Space Race”. Existing studies on pertinent HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) enablers, influencers and motivators are utilized in the analysis. The authors draw upon the concepts of stakeholder theory and the construct of accountability in their analysis.

Findings suggest that non-STEM considerations—politics, finance, accountability, culture, theology and others—played crucial roles in enabling Western Europe (Columbus) to reach the Americas before China or other global powers, demonstrating the pivotal importance of HASS factors in human advancements and exploration.

In seeking to answer those questions, this study identifies only those factors (HASS or STEM) that may support the success or failure in execution of the exploration and development of a region such as the New World or Space. Moreover, the study has the following limitation. Relative successes, failures, drivers and enablers of exploratory ventures are drawn almost exclusively from the documented historical records of the nations, entities and individuals (China and Europe) who conducted those ventures. A paucity of objective sources in some fields, and the need to set appropriate boundaries for the study, also necessitate such limitation.

It is observable that many of those HASS factors also appear to have been influencers in modern era Space projects. For Apollo and Soyuz, success factors such as the relative economics of USA and USSR, their political ideologies, accountabilities and organizational priorities have clear echoes. What the successful voyages of Columbus and Apollo also have in common is an appetite to take risks for an uncertain return, whether as sponsor or voyager; an understanding of financial management and benefits measurement, and a leadership (Isabella I, John F. Kennedy) possessing a vision, ideology and governmental apparatus to further the venture’s goals.

Whilst various historical studies have examined influences behind the oceangoing explorations of the 1400s and the colonization of the “New World”, this article takes an original approach of analyzing those motivations and other factors collectively, in interdisciplinary terms (HASS and STEM). This approach also has the potential to provide a novel method of examining accountability and performance in modern exploratory ventures, such as crewed space missions.

Blockchain’s potential is so significant that business activities across all industries can be drastically altered. Furthermore, the characteristics of blockchain appear to be well-suited to accounting requirements. However, accounting professionals’ attitude and intention toward blockchain adoption are not clear, particularly in India. Thus, this study aims to investigate and evaluate accountants’ intention to adopt blockchain technology in accounting activities.

This study examined and assessed accountants’ intention to use blockchain in accounting. To effectively measure usage intention, this study extended the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model by including context-specific constructs. To empirically test and validate the proposed model, data were collected from “369” professional accountants in India.

The findings revealed that facilitating conditions, performance expectancy and initial trust had a significant impact on adoption. Furthermore, the regulatory framework materially moderated the association between usage intention and its predictors.

These findings provide new empirical evidence about the impact of different predictors of usage intention by extending the UTAUT model. Relevant stakeholders can refer to this pioneering study to increase the adoption of blockchain as an efficient and trustworthy system among professional accountants, particularly in developing countries such as India.

The literature review stated that financial inclusion (FI) influences economic growth through different channels. Hence, this paper aims to investigate the underlying process of FI in Egypt theoretically, and to derive some policy implications for promoting the process and achieving more improvement in different financial and economic aspects, that is basically through discussing the opinions of FI's main stockholders in Egypt.

The analysis used secondary data from the Global Findex and FAS Database, namely, automated teller machines, outstanding deposits and loans with commercial banks, debit and credit cards ownership. The research particularly used scientific methods as method of deduction, methods of graphical and tabular representation of data, comparative analysis and synthesis of partial knowledge. The paper is also based on a descriptive approach in addition to in-depth interviews with the main stakeholders of the financial inclusion process in Egypt.

The analyzed results of interviews revealed that new FI vision should have a deep understanding of the financial lives of the poor and low-income groups, including how they acquire, manage and use their money. However, the impact is becoming more prominent for the efficiency of the banking system and hence economic growth rather a regulatory and sound institutional framework enhances it. This finding supported the fact that Egypt can design an appropriate FI strategy, but the main challenge is how to implement it with the required speed and outreach capacity, especially in underprivileged communities.

The result of this study has interesting implications for Egypt's ability to attain effective FI initiatives that promote sound financial choices and behavior which in turn help to stimulate financial and economic growth.

The study contributes to the literature by assessing the FI level in Egypt, its implications and how it should be enhanced for better performance and results in the future. It addresses the deep fact of this process through inclusive surveys and interviews that help in determining the road ahead.

The development of financial technology (fintech), especially digital payments (e-payments), aims to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of economic transactions. This study aims to see the extent to which microentrepreneurs in Indonesia and Malaysia take advantage of the existence of e-payments in developing their business and the factors that influence the adoption of e-payments.

This study uses qualitative and quantitative approach. For quantitative approach, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM 4.0) was used to analyze the data. Using the nonprobability convenient sampling technique, this study collected 400 respondents from microenterprises in Indonesia and Malaysia in various regions.

Most of the microentrepreneurs in Indonesia and Malaysia have used fintech platforms, especially e-wallet and ATM debit. However, for quick response code-based fintech for business transactions, most microentrepreneurs have not taken advantage of the platform. Then the results of the digital payment adoption factor also differ for each country.

This study is valuable for decision-makers and regulators. These results can be used to find a roadmap for regulators to build a digital economy, especially digital payments for microenterprises in both countries. In addition, these results can be used as a basis for making policies regarding digital payments.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to compare e-payment adoption by microentrepreneurs in Indonesia and Malaysia. Indonesia and Malaysia are two countries in the Southeast Asia region that have great attention in fintech development. This study provides new insights about fintech, especially digital payments as a strategic approach in the digitalization era.

The description of “blockchain banking”, the determination of “the sub-processes” of “blockchain banking” as a “business process”, and the assessment of “maturity level” in Parsian Bank.

Theoretical sources on “blockchain banking” were initially investigated. Then the “sub-processes” of “blockchain banking” as a “business process” were extracted by Parsian Bank's experts through the “Delphi method”. Next, the “sequence” of the “sub-processes” was determined by means of the “AHP”. Eventually, Parsian Bank's maturity levels for all the sub-processes as well as the overall maturity level were specified on the basis of the “CMMI” V1.3 in order for Business Process Management (BPM).

Blockchain banking’ combines traditional banking with cryptocurrencies, which can be provided by merging “hybrid e-wallet” with “bank account” and “bank card” – all together as “crypto bank account”. Plus, “hybrid e-wallet” is a form of mobile e-wallet on blockchain that supports both cryptocurrencies and traditional currencies in the same platform by which the purchase and sale of cryptocurrencies are possible. Besides, “Blockchain banking service” can also be offered within the framework of “open banking” aligned with “open innovation” through a FinTech (or a beta bank) in collaboration with a licensed bank via “open API”, which is called “blockchain banking based on FinTech”. At last, the eight sub-processes of “blockchain banking” were determined and Parsian Bank's “maturity level” was specified.

This is the very first practical guide to “blockchain banking service”.

Are franking credit balances priced? This paper aims to investigate the valuation of franking credit balances via a determinant analysis and value relevance analysis.

The determinant analysis examines the factors that contribute to the increasing cumulative level of franking credit balances. Value relevance studies explore whether franking credit balances are priced in the market.

The results provide strong evidence of a size effect that the level of franking credit balances increases with firm size and weak evidence of an international focus effect that the level of franking credit balances increases with international ownership. They also find an individual dividend clientele effect that the level of franking credit balances decreases with individual ownership. They find significant evidence that franking credit balances are priced in the market. One dollar of franking credit is worth 1.4 dollars in firm value. That franking balances are capitalized at more than their face value suggests that franking credits signal firms' future dividend policy. They also find that the market valuation of franking balances increases with firm size but decreases with international focus.

This study provides direct evidence that franking credit balances are capitalized into equity prices. In the determinant analysis, this paper improves Heaney's (2009) model by using the percentage of international ownership as the proxy of international focus, thus addressing the limitation of his measure. In the value relevance tests, the study uses a modified model that includes log-transformation to reduce the skewness of variables based on Tanza's (2014) value relevance model. Moreover, the study suggests that the market valuation of franking credit balances increases with firm size, which contradicts Heaney's (2009) findings.

This exploratory study aims to investigate and identify the factors influencing discontinuance intention among past users of local digital wallets in Brunei Darussalam.

This study uses a mixed-method approach that integrates quantitative and qualitative research method. An online survey is distributed via widely used social media platforms, using purposive sampling to target previous users of local digital wallets. Structured questionnaires capture demographic data, whereas open-ended inquiries delve into reasons for discontinuation. Descriptive analysis will extract the demographic profiles of the samples. Inductive thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke's framework, will extract and analyze qualitative responses to unveil emergent themes. Data saturation, anticipated beyond 12 responses, will signify sample adequacy.

Demographic profiles based on gender, age and payment preferences of discontinuers supplement the justification for identified themes influencing digital wallet discontinuation in Brunei Darussalam. These themes include “Acceptability Challenge,” highlighting limited vendor acceptance; “Financial Management and Security Issues,” revealing concerns over impulsive buying behavior and security robustness; “Limited Benefits,” referring to short-term interest driven by promotional benefits; “Technological Inertia,” emphasizing reluctance to change from conventional payment methods and “Technical Challenges,” encompassing internet connectivity and operational functionality issues.

This study acknowledges few limitations, including a limited number of respondents, comprising majorly of the younger age groups and females. Self-reported data usage introduces potential response bias, impacting result validity. The qualitative approach limits comprehensive understanding, suggesting validation through quantitative correlational studies. Additionally, the cross-sectional design restricts insight into the dynamic nature of digital wallet discontinuance in Brunei, suggesting the need for longitudinal studies.

The findings of this study offer valuable insights for digital wallet providers, policymakers and businesses operating within the realm of Brunei Darussalam. By tackling pertinent issues such as vendor acceptance, financial security and promotional incentives, stakeholders can effectively improve user experiences and mitigate intentions of discontinuing usage. Recommended strategies encompass the enlargement of vendor networks, the implementation of stringent security measures and the customization of promotional campaigns. Furthermore, comprehending demographic inclinations enables the tailoring of offerings, thereby fostering enduring adoption rates.

This study’s findings hold social significance for financial inclusion, technological literacy and consumer empowerment in Brunei Darussalam. Overcoming barriers to digital wallet adoption, such as limited vendor acceptance, promotes financial inclusion in the long run. Improved understanding of digital wallets enhances technological literacy and empowers users to make informed decisions. By catering to diverse demographic needs, stakeholders can promote social equity and ensure widespread access to digital payment benefits, thus positively impacting Brunei Darussalam’s socioeconomic landscape.

This study contributes to the existing knowledge gap on digital wallet discontinuance in Brunei Darussalam. By uncovering key themes and factors influencing past users’ decisions, it advances understanding in the context of postadoption dynamics. The study provides valuable insights for local and global fintech adoption strategies.

After analyzing these uncountable benefits of digital or cashless payment, many European countries like Sweden, Finland and Canada has been trying to convert their payment system into cashless. Following these developed countries, the Bangladesh Government has taken a decision to transfer society as a cashless society by using information technologies for adopting the fourth industrial revolution over the world. Digital payment system is among the various options available for transforming a cashless society. First, this empirical study presents demographic information and digital payment characteristics on the basis of income levels. This study identifies influential factors of adopting digital payment systems. Finally, this study aims to justify how digital payments transform the Bangladeshi economy into a cashless society in developing countries.

The study was administered to a sample of 1,000 Bangladeshi customers who had engaged in online banking transactions for the purpose of acquiring items and services through both social media platforms in Google Form format and face-to-face interactions in hard copy format. Among these, 647 questions were deemed usable and were used for data analysis, where the response rate was 68%. The SmartPLS is used to create and validate the structural equation modeling model presented for the research, as well as to evaluate the hypothesized correlations between the different constructs.

This cross-sectional study conducted the extended technology acceptance model (TAM) with perceived security (PS) and personal innovation (PI) variables to identify the influencing adoption factors of digital payment systems. This study finds that perceived ease of use, PI and perceived usefulness have a favorable impact on individuals’ attitudes toward adopting digital payment methods (DPMs). The study also indicated that PS did not influence negatively the adoption of digital payment system. Besides this, the adoption of digital payment will help to transform society into a cashless society in the future.

Increasingly prevalent across the nation. Several variables are required to facilitate the transition toward a cashless society. This study exclusively focuses on DPMs. Additionally, the data has been obtained exclusively from a single urban area. The adoption of DPMs has become increasingly prevalent across the nation.

This study would help policymakers, marketers and bankers understand which factors affect digital payment infrastructure expansion. So, they can produce digital payment apps that are compatible with different devices, have fast transactions, are user-friendly, easy to use and highly secure to maintain good attitudes toward digital payment systems.

Few studies have examined how DPMs affect cashless societies in developing countries like Bangladesh. According to researchers, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore how digital payments affect cashless society in Bangladesh and raise awareness about it.

The study extended the TAM model to PS and PI. This paper is also unique in the conceptual arguments and the subject theme of the research area.

Know your customer (KYC), accounting standards, issuance, clearing, and trade settlement became the major barrier to implement accounting, accountability and assurance process in supply chain finance (SCF). Blockchain technology features have the potential to solve accounting problems. This research focuses on exploring how blockchain technology provides solutions to overcome the barriers of accounting process in SCF. The benefits, opportunities, costs and risks related to blockchain adoption are also explored.

Multi-case study and qualitative methods are used with a framework based on blockchain role to overcome the accounting process barriers. Ten blockchain projects in SCF and 29 interviews of participants as a unit of analysis are considered.

The findings indicate that blockchain technology offers solutions to solve accounting, accountability and assurance problems in SCF. Validity, verification, smart contracts, automation and enduring data on trade transactions potentially solve those barriers. However, it is also necessary to consider costs such as implementation, technology, education and integration costs. Then there are possible risks such as regulatory compliance, operational, code development and scalability risk. This finding reflects the current status of blockchain technology roles in SCF.

This study unveils blockchain's SCF accounting potential, emphasizing multi-case method limitations and future research prospects. Diverse contexts challenge findings' applicability, warranting cross-industry studies for deeper insights. Addressing selection bias and integrating quantitative measures can enhance understanding of blockchain's accounting impact.

Accounting professionals can get an idea of the future direction and impact of blockchain technology on accounting, accountability and assurance processes.

This study provides initial findings on the potential, costs and risks of blockchain that is beneficial for parties involved in SCF, especially for banks and insurance underwriters. In addition, the findings also provide direction for the contribution of blockchain technology to accounting theory in the future.

This article analyzes the determinants of credit constraints and their effects on the productivity of micro-firms in Colombia.

An Endogenous Switching Regression Model (ESRM) is estimated to analyze credit constraint impact on economic performance.

The results show that owner characteristics such as age and gender decrease the likelihood of being constrained. Firms' characteristics, such as legal status, the formality of the employees, commercial property and savings, are important for reducing credit constraints.

This article discusses how formal credit restrictions harm the economic performance of Colombia's micro-firms. The results show that the productivity of the micro firms in Colombia could increase, on average, by U$ 825 USD when all types of restrictions are eliminated.