This study explores the scale efficiency of four star hotels in a small tourist destination in Croatia. The number of overnight stays and the increase in hotel beds are two indicators of the development of a tourist destination. Among the accommodation facilities, hotels play a significant role in the development of a tourist destination, but they are increasingly facing a labor force crisis. Data envelopment analysis is used to rank hotels by efficiency coefficient. The aim of the paper is to investigate the efficiency of the hotel by taking certain inputs and outputs, which are explained in detail in the paper. The paper uses the CCR (Charnes, Cooper, and Rhodes) and BCC (Banker, Charnes, and Cooper) models to calculate hotel scale efficiency and also presents an overview of previous research around the world.

An extensive assessment index system was developed to evaluate the integration of industry and education in higher vocational education. The system was designed using panel data collected from 31 provinces in China between 2016 and 2022. The study utilized the entropy approach and coupled coordination degree model to examine the temporal and spatial changes in the level of growth of the integration of industry and education in higher vocational education, as well as the factors that impact it. In order to examine how the integration of industry and education in higher vocational education develops over time and space, as well as the factors that affect it, we utilized spatial phasic analysis, Tobit regression model, and Dagum’s Gini coefficient. The study’s findings suggest that between 2016 and 2022, the integration of industry and education in higher vocational education showed a consistent improvement in overall development. Nevertheless, there are still significant regional differences, with certain areas showing limited levels of integration, while the bulk of regions are either in a state of low integration with high clustering or low integration with low clustering. Most locations showed either a “low-high” or “low-low” level of agglomeration, indicating a significant degree of spatial concentration, with a clear trend of higher concentration in the east and lower concentration in the west. The progress of industrial structure and the degree of regional economic development have a substantial impact on the amount of integration of industry and education in higher vocational education. There is a notable increase in the amount of integration between industry and education in higher vocational education, which has a favorable effect. Conversely, the local employment rate has a substantial negative effect on this integration. Moreover, the direct influence of industrial structure optimization is restricted. The Gini coefficient of the development level of integration of industry and education in higher vocational education exhibits a slight rising trend. Simultaneously, there is a varying increase in the Gini coefficient inside the group and a decrease in the Gini coefficient between the groups. The disparities in the level of integration between Industry and Education in the provincial area primarily stem from inter-group variations across the locations. To promote the integration of industry and education in higher vocational education, it is recommended to strengthen policy support and resource allocation, address regional disparities, improve professional configuration, and increase investment in scientific and technological innovation and talent development.

Background: Digital transformation in the sports industry has become increasingly crucial for sustainable development, yet comprehensive empirical evidence on policy effectiveness and risk management remains limited. Purpose: This study investigates the impact of policy support and risk factors on digital transformation in sports companies, examining heterogeneous effects across different firm characteristics and regional contexts. Methods: Using panel data from 168 sports companies listed on China’s A-shares markets and the New Third Board from 2019 to 2023, this study employs multiple regression analyses, including baseline models, instrumental variables estimation, and robustness tests. The digital transformation level is measured through a composite index incorporating digital infrastructure, capability, and innovation dimensions. Results: The findings reveal that policy support significantly enhances digital transformation levels (coefficient = 0.238, p < 0.01), while financial risks demonstrate the strongest negative impact (−0.162, p < 0.01). Large firms and state-owned enterprises show stronger responses to policy support (0.312 and 0.278, respectively, p < 0.01). Regional development levels significantly moderate the effectiveness of policy implementation. Conclusions: The study provides empirical evidence for the differential effects of policy support and risk factors on digital transformation across various firm characteristics. The findings suggest the need for differentiated policy approaches considering firm size, ownership structure, and regional development levels. Implications: Policy makers should develop targeted support mechanisms addressing specific challenges faced by different types of firms, while considering regional disparities in digital transformation capabilities.

This investigation extends into the intricate fabric of customer-based corporate reputation within the banking industry, applying advanced analytics to decipher the nuances of customer perceptions. By integrating structural equation modeling, particularly through SmartPLS4, we thoroughly examine the interrelations of perceived quality, competence, likeability, and trust, and how they culminate in customer satisfaction and loyalty. Our comprehensive dataset is drawn from a varied demographic of banking consumers, ensuring a holistic view of the sector’s reputation dynamics. The research reveals the profound influence of these constructs on customer decision-making, with likeability emerging as a critical driver of satisfaction and allegiance to the bank. We also rigorously test our model’s internal consistency and convergent validity, establishing its reliability and robustness. While the direct involvement of Business Intelligence (BI) tools in the research design may not be overtly articulated, the analytical techniques and data-driven approach at the core of our methodology are synonymous with BI’s capabilities. The insights garnered from our analysis have direct implications for data-driven decision-making in banking. They inform strategies that could include enhancing service personalization, refining reputation management, and improving customer retention efforts. We acknowledge the need to more explicitly detail the role of BI within the research process. BI’s latent presence is inherent in the analytical processes employed to interpret complex data and generate actionable insights, which are crucial for crafting targeted marketing strategies. In summary, our research not only contributes to academic discourse on marketing and customer perception but also implicitly demonstrates the value that BI methodologies bring to understanding and influencing consumer behavior in the banking sector. It is this blend of analytics and marketing intelligence that equips banks with the strategic leverage necessary to thrive in today’s competitive financial landscape.

An unprecedented demand for accurate information and action moved the industry toward RegTech where computing, big data, and social and mobile technologies could help achieve the demand. With the introduction and adoption of RegTech, regulatory changes were introduced in some countries. Enhanced regulatory changes to ease the barriers to market entry, data protection, and payment systems were also introduced to ensure a smooth transition into RegTech. However, regulatory changes fell short of comprehensiveness to address all the issues related to RegTech’s operation. This article is an attempt to devise a Privacy Model for RegTech so industries and regulators can protect the interests of various stakeholders. This model comprises four variables, and each variable consists of many items. The four variables are data protection, accountability, transparency, and organizational design. It is expected that the adoption of this Privacy Model will help industries and regulators embrace standards while being innovative in the development and use of RegTech.