This study explores the impact of online assessments on students’ academic performance and learning outcomes at the University of Technology in South Africa. The research problem addresses the effectiveness and challenges of digital assessment platforms in higher education (HE), particularly their influence on student engagement, feedback quality, and academic integrity. A qualitative case study approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with ten undergraduate and postgraduate students from diverse academic backgrounds. The findings reveal that while online assessments provide flexibility and immediate feedback, they also pose challenges related to technical issues, feedback delays, and concerns about long-term knowledge retention. The study highlights the necessity of aligning assessment strategies with constructivist learning principles to enhance critical thinking and student-centered learning. Implications for theory include strengthening the application of constructivist learning in digital environments, while practical recommendations focus on improving assessment design, institutional support, and feedback mechanisms. Policy adjustments should consider inclusive and equitable access to online assessments. Future research should further investigate the long-term impact of digital assessments on professional readiness. This study contributes to ongoing discussions on online education by offering a nuanced understanding of digital assessment challenges and opportunities in higher education.

Nowadays, customer service in telecommunications companies is often characterized by long waiting times and impersonal responses, leading to customer dissatisfaction, increased complaints, and higher operational costs. This study aims to optimize the customer service process through the implementation of a Generative AI Voicebot, developed using the SCRUMBAN methodology, which comprises seven phases: Objectives, To-Do Tasks, Analysis, Development, Testing, Deployment, and Completion. An experimental design was used with an experimental group and a control group, selecting a representative sample of 30 customer service processes for each evaluated indicator. The results showed a 34.72% reduction in the average time to resolve issues, a 33.12% decrease in service cancellation rates, and a 97% increase in customer satisfaction. The implications of this research suggest that the use of Generative AI In Voicebots can transform support strategies in service companies. In conclusion, the implementation of the Generative AI Voicebot has proven effective in significantly reducing resolution time and markedly increasing customer satisfaction. Future research is recommended to further explore the SCRUMBAN methodology and extend the use of Generative AI Voicebots in various business contexts.

In the current digital age, financial development has seen substantial shifts, particularly in buying and selling activities that are now facilitated by digital technology or electronic transactions (e-commerce), which offer convenience at relatively low costs. However, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which play a crucial role in the economy, must adapt to these advancements to sustain and grow their businesses. Despite the widespread adoption of e-commerce, many MSMEs have yet to fully capitalize on this technology. Limited knowledge often leads to hesitation in embracing e-commerce opportunities. Consequently, this study seeks to explore how innovation, information management, and e-commerce adoption impact MSME performance and its implications for business sustainability. The research targets MSME owners and managers in the Jabodetabek area (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi) and nearby regions, with a sample of 420 individuals selected through random sampling. Data was collected through an online survey (Google Forms) administered to MSME management. The survey items were tested for validity and reliability, and the data analysis was conducted using various regression analyses with SEM-PLS and Smart-PLS3. The study’s findings highlight the following key points: 1) E-commerce adoption significantly enhances information management, which supports MSME sustainability; 2) E-commerce adoption also improves performance through better information management, further promoting MSME sustainability; 3) While technology is important, e-commerce adoption is the primary factor driving MSME sustainability, with technology serving as a secondary factor.

The impact of the coronavirus outbreak was seen all over the world in all sectors. In the case of Bangladesh, it was not free of threats. Like all other sectors, the economic, social, and educational sectors were under serious threat. This study examined the effects of COVID-19 on the lives of Bangladeshi students, with a particular focus on their idealized portrayals of plans, daily routines, social interactions, and mental well-being. This research also investigated the influence of COVID-19 on education, social life, and other sectors and how the government was dealing with this unprecedented situation and these elevation challenges. A mixed-methods approach was adopted for this research. A total of 90 students from Bangladeshi higher educational institutions were taken as a sample size using the random sampling method. SPSS software was used for data analysis. The study’s quantitative results showed that Bangladeshi students faced challenges related to teaching, learning, and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the study revealed that the pandemic adversely affected higher education in Bangladesh. Rebels and concerned citizens from all parts of the state must work together to move forward. COVID-19 has had a natural effect on education and almost every other field. The need for social distancing has pushed the education system to change because of social distancing. Many educational institutions worldwide have shuttered their campuses and relocated their teaching and learning online.

This paper presents a practical approach to empowering software entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia through a unique course offered by the Software Engineering department at Prince Sultan University. The course, SE495 Emergent Topics in Software Engineering: Software Entrepreneurship, combines software engineering and entrepreneurship to equip students with the necessary skills to develop innovative software solutions that solve real-world problems. The course covers a range of topics, including platform development, market research, and pitching to investors, and features guest speakers from the industry. By the end of the course, students will have gained a deep understanding of the software development process and its intersection with entrepreneurship and will be able to develop a working prototype of a software solution that solves a real-world problem. The course’s practical approach ensures that students are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the digital and software sectors and succeed in an ever-changing business landscape.