This research aimed to 1) evaluate the demographic characteristics, economic, social, and environmental conditions, and characteristics of the senior people in Ranong province, 2) discover the most relevant work characteristic factors for the older persons, and 3) propose appropriate work characteristics model for older people to improve quality of life. This mixed-methods research, for the quantitative part, utilizes the techniques of MRA & CFA with a sample size of 378 individuals, and for the qualitative part, utilizes a documentary study, in-depth interviews with 19 key informants, and a focus group of 17 individuals. The quantitative data were analyzed using a statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS), and content and categorization analysis with a triangulation verification were used for qualitative data. The results showed that: 1) Ranong province is blessed with rich resources, having minerals that can generate income for the province, life-long learning is given priority in senior school to enhance knowledge and necessary life skills, 2) from the regression analysis, the six predicted work characteristic factors; physical, emotional, autonomous, resistant, low-technology and safety were found relevant with statistically significant at 0.05, and the CFA consistency indices also withstood with the six dimensions above, 3) the appropriate work characteristics is articulated in the form of PEARLS model where physical, emotional, autonomous, resistant, low-technology and safety dimensions are the key.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between sponsorship and the performance and development of early career athletes transitioning from junior level to professional sports, because this issue has not been fully explored in the Czech Republic. The reason is the almost absolute absence of financial or material support for such early-career athletes, when their transition from junior categories and the entire junior category is almost always exclusively financed and supported by their parents and families. We also emphasise the absolute absence of legislative provisions that would give supporters of such athletes at least a tax or other advantage. The research is based on research of Cardenas (2023), Hong and Fraser (2023) and Moolman and Shuttleworth (2023) and aims to assess how financial and material support provided by sponsors can enhance an athlete’s performance and long-term career trajectory. A mixed method approach was adopted, combining quantitative analysis through surveys and performance data with qualitative interviews. Data from 173 early career athletes from various disciplines were analysed using t-tests and ANOVA statistical methods to assess financial stability, access to better training, and community participation. Results indicate that sponsorship significantly contributes to better performance metrics, with sponsored athletes showing a 20% improvement in competition results compared to nonsponsored athletes. Furthermore, sponsorship financial support improved training opportunities and access to elite facilities, which was shown to increase athletes’ performance by 15%. However, some challenges related to sponsorship obligations, such as marketing commitments, were highlighted by athletes, underscoring the pressures that sponsorship can introduce. The implications of this study suggest that effective sponsorship strategies can play a vital role in an athlete’s career development, offering not only financial stability but also opportunities for personal branding and increased community engagement. Another implication is a possible consideration for legislators in the context of preparing a legislative framework enabling tax or other benefits for companies and organisations sponsoring or supporting these young athletes. More research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of sponsorship on athlete mental health and career sustainability, as well as the differences in sponsorship effects across various sports disciplines.

Loans are a critical transmission channel for commercial banks as well as an important revenue source. Macroeconomic factors are not within the control of commercial banks, however, select factors are observed to have a direct impact on lending behaviour in studies around the world. This study examined the relationship between macroeconomic variables and the lending behaviour of banks in South Africa for the period ranging from 2001 to 2022. Quarterly time series data was employed using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL). The empirical results of the paper revealed that there is a long-run relationship between the repurchase rate (repo rate), inflation, the real effective exchange rate (REER) and lending behaviour in South Africa. The REER and inflation were both found to have a positive relationship, whilst the repo rate had a negative relationship. In addition, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the activity rate and sovereign credit rating (SCR) changes returned insignificant results. Overall, these findings show that select macroeconomic factors do influence lending behaviour in South Africa. Furthermore, the results suggest that monetary policy decisions have a direct influential effect on lending and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has implemented their policies effectively.

This study uses the UTAUT2 (Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology) model as well as adding other factors such as Platform Usability, User Autonomy to determine the behavioral intention and behavior of online shoppers using e-commerce applications (ECAs) in Vietnam. Using the analysis results from structural equation modeling, it was shown that Social Influence, Use Proficiency, Hedonic Motivation, User Skill, Effort Expectancy positively affect Behavioral Intention. At the same time, Behavioral Intention is negatively affected by Performance Expectancy. Behavioral Intention and Facilitating Conditions are two factors that positively affect Use Behavior. Besides, User Autonomy negatively affects Use Behavior. The research results are an important basis for ECAs providers, managers and stakeholders to apply in assessing the behavioral intentions and behaviors of online shopping customers using ECAs in Vietnam to promote the use of ECAs in online shopping.

This study was conducted to comprehensively explore personal assistants for people with disabilities experiences and the current status of client behavioral issues during vocational activities, aiming to seek strategies for advancing worker health protection. The study included 8 participants (Personal assistants for people with disabilities) selected through voluntary convenience sampling method. Qualitative research methods, specifically in-depth interviews, were conducted from August 31 to September 1, 2023. The study categorized client behavioral issues into ‘unreasonable demands,’ ‘verbal and physical abuse,’ and ‘sexual harassment,’ causing stress among workers. Fear of unemployment and job change hindered emotional expression, leading to significant emotional exhaustion and job stress. Furthermore, it was revealed that there are no management policies, management departments, or management systems within the institution to address client problem behavior. To address these issues, the study suggests the establishment of emotional labor management systems and support structures. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for systematic internal systems and the development of health protection manuals for client interaction.

In the realm of contemporary business, Business Intelligence (BI) offers significant potential for informed decision-making, particularly among executives. However, despite its global popularity, BI adoption in Malaysia’s service sector remains relatively low, even in the face of extensive data generation. This study explores the factors influencing BI adoption in this sector, employing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as its conceptual framework. Drawing on relevant BI literature, the study identifies key TAM factors that impact BI adoption. Using SEM modelling, it analyses quantitative data collected from 45 individuals in managerial roles within Malaysia’s service sector, particularly in the Klang Valley. The findings highlight the crucial role of Perceived Usefulness in influencing the Behavioral Intention to adopt BI, serving as a mediating factor between Computer Self-efficacy and BI adoption. In contrast, Perceived Ease of Use does not have a direct impact on BI adoption and does not mediate the relationship between Computer Self-efficacy and Behavioral Intention. These insights demonstrate the complex nature of BI adoption, emphasizing the importance of Perceived Usefulness in shaping Behavioral Intentions. The outcomes of the study aim to guide executives in Malaysia’s service sector, outlining key considerations for successful BI adoption.