This study aimed to analyze the effect of training programs on entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and the Optimism of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The research was conducted at Babakan Madang MSMEs, Bogor Regency, assisted by Human Resources Education and Training Center (P2SDM) under the Community Service Institution (LPPM) at IPB University (IPB). The sample size was set at 100 SMEs with a purposive sampling method. Data was obtained by distributing questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results of the study were as follows: 1) Reactions in the training program did not affect the ESE of MSME actors, 2) Learning in the training program affected the ESE of MSME actors, 3) Behavior in the training program did not affect the ESE of MSME actors, 4) Results in the training program does not affect the ESE of MSME actors, and 5) ESE affects the Optimism of MSME actors. The effect of ESE on the Optimism of MSME actors is greater than the effect of learning in training programs on the Optimism of MSME owners.

Presently, any development initiatives without considering sustainability can barely be imagined. There has been a paradigm shift in the focus of the development partners from the mere development to sustainable development. However, the role of development partners in bringing sustainability in livelihood assets of the rural community has long been questioned. Hence, this study aims to explore the sustainability in the form of changes in livelihood assets of a local community in Bangladesh. This study considers the changes in livelihood assets of the community over the three-time frames - before, during, and after a project implemented by a national NGO called ‘UST’ and subsequently identifies the community’s capacity to sustain the project outcomes after the completion of the project. ‘Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF)’ developed by Department for International Development (DFID) was utilized in this study to analyse the vulnerability and livelihood issues of the community members. Data has been collected through focus group discussions, household survey and key informants’ interviews from three distinct villages of ‘Khutamara’ union in the ‘Nilphamari’ district of Bangladesh. The finding of the study states that all the livelihood assets such as the social capital, human capital, natural capital, financial capital, physical capital have positively changed due to the interference of the development partners. This study further finds that even after the completion of project tenure, such positive trends continue to exist among the community members indicating sustainable development. Moreover, political capital- a new type of livelihood has also emerged because of the project implementation which was not quite evident before the inception of the project. In addition, this study explored the unique phenomenon of the Shabolombee Gram, where the transformation altering farmers’, livelihoods does not come from the government or the private sector but originates from a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). Therefore, the government and its development partners may adopt and incorporate the Modified Sustainable Livelihood Framework (MSLF) to ensure the sustainable development.

This research aims to determine the strategy of the Jakarta Provincial Government in increasing the resilience and growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within a collaborative governance framework post-COVID-19. This study explores the effectiveness of SMEs and facilities in accessing financing and fostering collaborative partnerships between SMEs, government agencies, and financial institutions by utilizing USAID’s Theory of Change (TOC). This research uses a qualitative approach supported by in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions to enrich the insights of SME stakeholders, large companies, and SME actors and assess the impact of their roles. The results of this research highlight the critical role of SME Cooperative Banks (SCB) in improving SMEs’ access to credit and financial services, including collaborative governance frameworks and partnerships between SMEs, government agencies, and banks, which were identified as necessary to improve policy coherence and encourage conducive SME business environment conditions. The main findings of this research underscore the importance of the SCB model, demonstrating its potential to improve SME resilience and economic sustainability. This SCB model enriches the TOC indicators introduced by USAID. The study identifies gaps in digital infrastructure and market access that hinder SME growth and recommends targeted interventions to address these challenges. This study shows that SCB offers a promising pathway to increase the resilience and growth of SMEs in Indonesia, especially if accompanied by effective collaborative governance strategies. These initiatives can encourage inclusive economic development and strengthen the role of SMEs as drivers of the local economy. Recommendations include expanding the SCB model to other regions, encouraging digitalization, facilitating market access, advocating for a supportive policy framework, and integrating these strategies to advance the principles of USAID’s Theory of Change, fostering sustainable SME development and economic resilience.

The most crucial factor in producing papaya seedlings successfully is seed germination. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of seed priming with growing media on seed germination and seedling growth of papaya from October to December 2022. The experimental treatments included three seed priming treatments: T₀ = control (no seed priming treatments), T₁ = GA₃ (100 ppm), and T₂ = KNO₃ (1%), and four growing media, viz., M₁ = soil + vermicompost (1:1), M₂ = soil + cowdung (1:1), M₃ = soil + cocopeat + vermicompost (1:1:1), and M₄ = soil + cocopeat + cowdung (1:1:1). The treatments showed a significant effect on different parameters such as germination percentage, days to germination, survival percentage, chlorophyll content, seed vigor index, shoot, and root length. GA₃ treated seedlings performed better than non-GA₃-treated seedlings. Among the growing media, M₃ showed the best for seed germination and other growth attributes compared to other growing media. In terms of interaction effects, T₁M₃ showed the highest performance for germination percentage (84.33%), survival percentage (91.0%), and chlorophyll content (44.26%). T₁M₃ also showed the highest seed vigor index, shoot and root growth, and plant biomass. As a result, the combination of GA₃ and growing media containing soil + cocopeat + vermicompost was shown to be the most favorable for papaya seed germination and seedling growth.

This study explores the impact of digital economy engagement and digital adoption on the entrepreneurship performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia, with a specific focus on the PG Mall platform. Through an analysis of SMEs' involvement in digital activities such as e-commerce, digital marketing, and data analytics, the research identifies key factors that enhance business performance. The main objective of this paper is to examines the mediating role of government policies in supporting digital adoption and fostering a conducive environment for digital entrepreneurship. This paper employed a quantitative method to examine the impact of digital economy engagement and digital adoption on the entrepreneurship performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia, with a focus on the PG Mall platform. Through data analysis, this research assessed several hypotheses related to the relationship between digital engagement, adoption, and business performance. The findings revealed that the majority of the hypotheses were supported, confirming the positive influence of digital economy engagement and digital adoption on various aspects of entrepreneurship performance. Based on these findings, this paper also proposes a conceptual framework that highlights the elements of digital economy engagement and digital adoption that contribute to SME performance. This framework serves as a valuable guideline for government policymakers, practitioners, and scholars in shaping strategies to foster digital entrepreneurship. It underscores the importance of supportive government policies, such as financial incentives and training, in facilitating the digital transformation of SMEs. By providing a structured approach to understanding the role of digital tools in enhancing business outcomes, the framework offers a foundation for future research and policy development aimed at promoting digital entrepreneurship in an evolving economic landscape.

The porous carbon/Ni nanoparticle composite was prepared by a freeze-drying method using NaCl as the template. It was applied in the effect of the concentration, adsorption time, and temperature of adsorption on the adsorption behavior. The kinetic model and the adsorption isothermic fitting results show that the adsorption behavior fits with the pseudo-secondary dynamics and the Langmuir isothermal model, indicating that the adsorption process is monolayer adsorption. Thermodynamic results indicate that the adsorption process is spontaneous physicochemical adsorption. The fitting showed that the porous carbon/Ni nanoparticle composites reach 217.17 mg·g^-1, at 313 K indicates good adsorption for Congo red.