This study aims to determine the level of satisfaction of business actors with halal certification services by the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH), the only Indonesian government-owned agency for halal certification. This study uses a mixed method (quantitative-qualitative), with data collected using questionnaires involving 2367 respondents. The overall quality of certification services was evaluated using key dimensions from the perspective of the Service Quality Model (SERVQUAL), such as (1) certification requirements, (2) information and procedures, (3) completion time, (4) costs/tariffs, (5) service products, (6) competencies of executors, (7) executor behavior, (8) complaint handling, and (9) suggestions and inputs. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and the analysis of the weighted average of each dimension of satisfaction with the quality of public services. This study revealed that the overall satisfaction level of business actors was 84.86 (0–100). Among the nine indicators measured, eight fall within the “good” category (above 80.19); one indicator, i.e., the processing time of halal certification, was rated unsatisfactory (76.45); and none was classified as “very good.” The service gap between business actors’ expectations and BPJPH’s service delivery indicates the need to improve halal certification services. These include improvement in completion time, the executive’s behavior, costs, infrastructure, and information and procedures to streamline the certification process. The application of the SERVQUAL model in assessing halal certification standards in this study highlights the specific dimensions of service quality and the performance gaps, suggesting the need for continuous improvement to meet customer expectations effectively. This study examines halal certification services from BPJPH based on inputs from a large sample of Indonesian companies.

Smart cities incorporate fundamental aspects such as sustainability and citizens’ well-being. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the feasibility and effectiveness of the implementation of an evaluation model of the transformation processes towards smart cities as a strategy to improve the state of the transformation processes in Lima, Peru. The research is descriptive and basic. A questionnaire was administered to 80 municipal officials in Lima, focusing on the variable “smart cities evaluation model”, covering three key dimensions: open data, smart public transport and energy efficiency, with a total of 15 questions and the variable “state of the transformation processes”, analysed through the dimensions of educational level of the population and municipal budget, with 10 questions. The results revealed that 48% expressed a gap in terms of the availability and quality of accessible information. 53% argued that stronger energy conservation and sustainability strategies need to be implemented. In addition, 53% felt that the education level needs to focus on improving local education systems. In conclusion, transformation processes drive economic, social and environmental development, improving the quality of life and promoting equality among citizens. This study contributes to a broader understanding of how to address these challenges in order to build more sustainable and liveable cities in the future.

QR code transforms the way retailers offer their shopping experiences in the current context. In response, various retailers adopted innovative approaches such as QR code-based applications to attract their consumers. A QR code-based virtual supermarket refers to a space where goods or services are traded in a virtual space using a smart app-based QR code. To fully understand the opportunities of this type of supermarket applying QR-code technology, initial research is required to assess consumers’ use intention. This study has examined the antecedents of the adoption of QR code-based virtual supermarket among Vietnam consumers using the expanded Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and explored the moderating effect of perceived risk on the relationship between attitude and consumers’ intention to use QR code-based virtual supermarket. A questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 335 consumers in Vietnam. The findings revealed that the antecedents are effective in predicting consumers’ attitudes and intentions toward QR code-based virtual supermarket adoption. The results showed the negative moderation effects of perceived risk for the effect of attitude on consumers intention. In addition, practical implications are supported for the application of new shopping technology and are likely to stimulate further research in the area of virtual supermarket shopping.

Considering increasing concerns about climate change and its implications for global agricultural competitiveness and food security, a small text has assessed the sensitivity of agriculture competitiveness employing a composite scale to the climate change impacts. The world’s food production and supply chains have been jeopardized strain as the world struggles to cope with the far-reaching consequences of climate change, which are worsened by a series of natural disasters, the Ukraine-Russia war, and the continuous fight against infectious diseases like COVID-19. Natural disasters and armed conflicts are overstretching people’s capabilities to acquire nutritive foods at economical/reasonable prices, risking local and global food security and agricultural market competitiveness. The study develops a framework for global agricultural competitiveness assessment by conducting a Delphi Expert survey. The framework has served as a global benchmark for assessing and comparing the national and international agriculture landscape. Its implementation will significantly contribute to the development of policies that promote inclusive and sustainable agricultural practices. Through this action, it guarantees to substantially enhance worldwide food security, thereby effectively tackling the urgent issues that impact communities across the globe.

Objectives: This research aimed to empirically examine the transformative impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption on financial reporting quality in Jordanian banking, with internal controls as a hypothesized mediation mechanism. Methodology: Quantitative survey data was collected from 130 bank personnel. Multi-item reflective measures assessed AI adoption, internal controls, and financial reporting quality—structural equation modelling analysis relationships between constructs. Findings: The research tested four hypotheses grounded in agency and contingency theories. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated sound measurement models. Structural equation modelling revealed that AI adoption significantly transformed financial reporting quality. The mediating effect of internal controls on the AI-quality relationship was supported. Specifically, the path from AI adoption to quality was significant, indicating a positive impact. Despite internal controls strongly predicting quality, its mediating effect significantly shaped the degree of transformation driven by AI adoption. The indirect effect of AI on quality through internal controls was also significant. Findings imply a growing diffusion of AI applications in core financial reporting systems. Practical implications: Increasing AI applications focus on holistically transforming systems, reflecting committing adoption. Jordanian banks selectively leverage controls to moderate AI-induced transformations. Originality/value: This study provides essential real-world insights into how AI is adopted and impacts the Jordanian banking sector, a key player in a fast-evolving developing economy. By examining the role of internal controls, it deepens our understanding of how AI works in practice and offers practical advice for integrating technology effectively and improving information quality. Its mixed methods, unique context, and focus on AI’s impact on organizations significantly enrich academic literature. Recommendations: Banks should invest in integrated AI architectures, strategically strengthen critical controls to steer transformations, and incrementally translate AI innovations into core processes.