This study provides empirical data on the impact of generative AI in education, with special emphasis on sustainable development goals (SDGs). By conducting a thorough analysis of the relationship between generative AI technologies and educational outcomes, this research fills a critical gap in the literature. The insights offered are valuable for policymakers seeking to leverage new educational technologies to support sustainable development. Using Smart-PLS4, five hypotheses derived from the research questions were tested based on data collected from an E-Questionnaire distributed to academic faculty members and education managers. Of the 311 valid responses, the measurement model assessment confirmed the validity and reliability of the data, while the structural model assessment validated the hypotheses. The study’s findings reveal that New Approaches to Learning Outcome Assessment (NALOA) significantly contribute to achieving SDGs, with a path coefficient of 0.477 (p < 0.001). Similarly, the Use of Generative AI Technologies (UGAIT) has a notable positive impact on SDGs, with a value of 0.221 (p < 0.001). A Paradigm Shift in Education and Educational Process Organization (PSEPQ) also demonstrates a significant, though smaller, effect on SDGs with a coefficient of 0.142 (p = 0.008). However, the Opportunities and Risks of Generative AI in Education (ORGIE) study did not find statistically significant evidence of an impact on SDGs (p = 0.390). These findings highlight the potential opportunities and challenges of using generative AI technologies in education and underscore their key role in advancing sustainable development goals. The study also offers a strategic roadmap for educational institutions, particularly in Oman to harness AI technology in support of sustainable development objectives.

The competition for financial support among non-profit organizations (NPOs) has been intense for quite some time. It is crucial for these organizations to boost their competitive edge by gaining a deep understanding of donor behavior and fostering ongoing interactions with them. In today’s world, where convenience and efficiency are highly valued, factors such as the timing and location of donations can deter potential donors from contributing. Rigid and inconvenient donation methods can also hinder the donation process. As a result, this study aims to explore the role of convenience within the donation process, specifically investigating whether the convenience of online donation platforms provided by non-profit organizations significantly influences donors’ propensity to make contributions. This research differentiates the range of services offered by non-profit organizations and employs a questionnaire survey to examine the websites of the NPOs. A total of 466 valid responses were gathered. The empirical findings indicate that donors prioritize simplicity and speed in the online donation process. Additionally, donors prefer websites where they can easily locate necessary information and various details about the donation process, with relevant links that minimize time waste and complexity in navigating the website. The study also reveals that the convenience factor significantly influences donation behavior. Based on these insights, the study offers recommendations for non-profit organizations on how to provide donor-centric services by focusing on the aspects of convenience that donors value most in the donation process.

The rise of Internet technology has transformed consumer shopping behaviors, offering convenience and a wide range of options, making online shopping increasingly popular. In Saudi Arabia, this trend has grown significantly due to higher internet penetration, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences. However, building and maintaining consumer trust remains a crucial challenge. Despite the growing interest, there is limited research on the unique aspects of Saudi consumers’ online shopping behaviors. This study aims to address this gap by identifying key factors influencing these behaviors and examining their impact on purchase intentions, with a focus on the mediating role of consumer trust. This study explores factors influencing online shopping behavior and their impact on purchase intention, with a focus on consumer trust as a mediator. Using a survey of 573 respondents from Jeddah and Medina, Saudi Arabia, key factors identified through literature review include perceived usefulness, ease of use, risk perception, website quality, and social influence. The quantitative analysis revealed that customer service and return policies, information quality, perceived convenience, ease of use, usefulness, cost-saving, product variety, and social influence significantly affect consumer trust, which in turn enhances purchase intention. These findings provide valuable insights for businesses to optimize digital strategies, enhance consumer engagement, and foster long-term customer relationships, thereby boosting satisfaction and online business success.

Generational differences shape technological preferences and fundamentally influence workplace motivation and interactions. Our research aims to examine in detail how different generations assess the importance of workplace communication and leadership styles and how these diverse preferences impact workplace motivation and commitment. In our analysis, we studied the behavioral patterns of four generations—Baby Boomers, Generations X, Y, and Z—through anonymous online questionnaires supplemented by in-depth interviews conducted with a leader and a Generation Z employee. To verify our hypotheses, we employed statistical methods, including the Chi-Square test, Spearman’s rank correlation, and cross-tabulation analysis. Our results clearly demonstrated that different generations evaluate the importance of applied leadership and communication styles differently. While Generations Y and Z highly value flexible, supportive leadership styles, older generations, such as the Baby Boomers prefer more traditional, structured approaches. The study confirmed that aligning leadership and communication styles is crucial, as it significantly impacts the workplace atmosphere and employee performance. Our research findings hold both theoretical and practical significance. This research highlights how understanding generational preferences in leadership and communication styles can enhance workplace cohesion and efficiency. The results provide specific guidance for leaders and HR professionals to create a supportive and adaptable environment that effectively meets the needs of diverse generations.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) hopes to deliver trillions of dollars in infrastructure financing to Asia, Europe, and Africa. If the initiative follows Chinese practices to date for infrastructure financing, which often entail lending to sovereign borrowers, then BRI raises the risk of debt distress in some borrower countries. This paper assesses the likelihood of debt problems in the 68 countries identified as potential BRI borrowers. We conclude that eight countries are at particular risk of debt distress based on an identified pipeline of project lending associated with BRI.

Because this indebtedness also suggests a higher concentration in debt owed to official and quasi-official Chinese creditors, we examine Chinese policies and practices related to sustainable financing and the management of debt problems in borrower countries. Based on this evidence, we offer recommendations to improve Chinese policy in these areas. The recommendations are offered to Chinese policymakers directly, as well as to BRI’s bilateral and multilateral partners, including the IMF and World Bank. 

This study aimed to explore the influence of entrepreneurial skills development on entrepreneurial confidence in university students. Using an empirical approach, a structured questionnaire was administered to 322 students at a university in Lima, Peru, to assess participants’ perceptions of self-awareness and self-assessment, problem solving, communication and presentation of ideas, as well as their entrepreneurial confidence. The data collected were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM), which allowed for the identification of significant relationships between the variables. The results revealed that self-awareness, problem solving and effective communication have a positive and determinant influence on the development of entrepreneurial skills, which in turn significantly strengthen students’ entrepreneurial confidence. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating the promotion of entrepreneurial skills in university education, as this can increase students’ readiness and willingness to successfully start and manage their own entrepreneurial projects.