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This study aims to evaluate the factors that influence data saturation in qualitative studies. The study adopted a systematic literature review of 24 journal articles published between 2018 and 2022. The articles were obtained from a Google scholar database.  The findings point to five factors that affect data saturation namely, pre-determined codes and themes, sample size, relevancy of research subjects (respondents), number of research methods, and length of data collection sessions. It is argued in this paper, therefore, that in order to attain data saturation, researchers should consider multiple factors that may affect data saturation in order to increase the validity of qualitative studies.

This study examines the strengths and limitations of 22 published journal articles by conducting a systematic literature review. The review revealed that the qualitative approach was flexible, offered in-depth and detailed information, allowed the use of multiple data collection methods and minimised the chance of having missing data. The approach was found (i) to integrate human touch, was cost-effective and was indeed the only option in some cases of research problems; (ii) to be prone to researchers’ subjectivity, involves complex data analysis, makes anonymity difficult and has limited scope in its generalizability, and (iii) to make replication of findings challenging, and the findings may be influenced by the researcher’s bias. It is concluded, therefore, that researchers should take necessary precautions when using the approach to ensure that the weaknesses of qualitative research do not bar them from achieving research objectives.

The purpose of this essay is to discuss the phases and challenges of the explanatory sequential design (ESD hereinafter) of mixed methods research (MMR hereinafter) by reviewing relevant literature. The literature was explored during the design stage of a Ph.D. project that sought to examine the relationship among social capital, education, and employment for foreign students graduating from several Estonian universities. The review finds that the explanatory sequential design of MMR is much more complex than just sequencing how and what kind of data to collect; it also entails selecting how data will be processed and presented using a range of techniques that are often riddled with difficulties. By addressing these ideas, this paper will aid those interested in comprehending the summary of the explanatory sequential design of MMR.

Today is the era of digitalization. Nowadays, people prefer to attach their lives to social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Hence, manufacturers and producers use social media tremendously in this digital era to reach customers with their products and services. Thus, social media marketing has become famous for businesses to promote their products or services, engage with their customers, and build brand awareness. The present study focuses on reviewing the mediating role played by several social media platforms to gain the interest of consumers. This paper also aims to analyze the necessity of social media marketing compared to other marketing communication and promotion forms. This paper helps the reader decide whether to depend on social media only for marketing purposes or whether there can be a choice of another means. Without analyzing the pros and cons, relying heavily on social media platforms for marketing is not always a good idea. The author employed a qualitative and descriptive method for constructing the paper. This paper will review the literature regarding social media marketing compared to other means, try to recommend, and shed light on selecting the right marketing platform by different marketers. The study's main findings demonstrate that measures should be taken to enhance responsible use and limit some of its harmful effects. Furthermore, in providing insights into whether social media marketing is a necessity or a choice, the author suggests that productive utilization should be the main priority for all, whether social media or other platforms.

As an industry that has an important role for other industrial sectors, the plastic and packaging industry is the supply chain for consumer products. Behind the high industrial growth and the potential is still large, there are problems with plastic waste, consumption power, and changes in people's lifestyles that can affect the growth of the plastic and packaging industry. This study aims to determine how much impact the NPM (Net Profit Margin), GPM (Gross Profit Margin), TAT (Total Assets Turnover) on Profit Growth in the plastic and packaging industry sub-sector companies listed in IDX (Indonesia Stock Exchange) for the period 2014 to 2018. The method used in this study is a quantitative descriptive. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling in order to obtain a sample of 11 companies from a population of 12 companies. In the study the method of data analysis used the multiple linear regression analysis techniques by processing data using Eviews 8, because the data is not normally distributed, it uses the log transformation method. The results showed that simultaneously NPM (Net Profit Margin), GPM (Gross Profit Margin), TAT (Total Assets Turnover) had a significant effect on profit growth. And partially NPM (Net Profit Margin) has a significant effect on profit growth, while GPM (Gross Profit Margin) and TAT (Total Assets Turnover) have no significant effect on profit growth.

This review provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for novice researchers. This is a conceptual and literature-based review that focuses on best practices and PLS-SEM literature. It highlights the rationale for using PLS-SEM, sample size, software tools, and essential metrics in PLS-SEM analysis. Drawing on best practices and recent literature, the review offers a framework for conducting and reporting PLS-SEM analysis. The review presents essential such as outer loadings, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, average variance extracted (AVE), composite reliability, cross-loadings, Heterotrait-Monotrait ratio of correlations (HTMT), the Fornell-Larcker criterion, variance inflation factor (VIF), and redundancy analysis. Moreover, for more consistent results, the paper emphasizes on researchers to employ 10,000 bootstrap subsamples and Bias-corrected and accelerated (BCa) bootstrap in assessing the structural model. Insights regarding path coefficients, p-values, R-square (R2), f-square (f2), and Q-square (Q2),  are also presented. Furthermore, the review underscores the trade-off between predictive power and model fit when applying PLS-SEM. The presented practical insights alert novice researchers in avoiding common pitfalls and enhance the methodological rigor of empirical research that utilizes PLS-SEM. This step-by-step guide supports early-career researchers and contributes to the ongoing debates on improving methodological clarity and transparency.

This study aims to investigate the effect of employee motivation and employee engagement mediated by job satisfaction on job performance. This study employs explanatory research with a quantitative approach. The population in this study consisted of all employees of retail company X. The sampling technique used was saturated sampling, and the number of research samples was 150. Data was collected through surveys and documentation, and the instrument was tested using Likert scales. The data was analysed using Structural Equation Model Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) modelling. The results of this study indicate that employee motivation can increase job performance, while employee engagement cannot increase job performance. Furthermore, the findings revealed that employee motivation can increase job satisfaction while employee engagement cannot. Job satisfaction can increase job performance. Job satisfaction can mediate the effect of employee motivation on job performance, but it cannot mediate the effect of employee engagement on job performance. According to the findings of this study, Company X should be able to provide motivational stimulus to employees by increasing salaries and work incentives, as well as increasing training and developing employee skills, so that workers can work effectively and efficiently.

With the intensity of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being widely adopted to perform key tasks in economic activities. The audit profession has also embraced AI in the performance of its function in carrying out activities like audits, oversight, and advisory functions. The application of AI has been met with acceptance, given its advantages in some quarters and with resistance/scepticism in some. Proponents table benefits such as improved sampling procedures, reduced labour, and time in performing audits, increased efficiency, and effectiveness (due to increased audit coverage) including improved audit quality. Opponents raise pragmatic concerns such as the violation of ethical principles governing the audit profession, potential biases (loss of employment) as well as the challenges of coordinating machine and human activities. The study has two objectives. Firstly, to explore the role of AI in the external audit function. Secondly, to evaluate the ongoing debates on artificial intelligence and external auditing and assess the implications of using AI in the external audit function. The study adopts a qualitative research approach, employing a critical literature review. The study will accentuate the controversies and convergences among researchers on the role and implications of applying AI in external auditing to bring to light possible research gaps that can be explored by future researchers on the subject area. Highlighting the potential externalities of using AI has both theoretical and practical implications.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the roles of entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized businesses in fostering local economic development. Based on this assumption, this conceptual study attempts to investigate the function of small and medium-sized firms in LED. According to studies, the entrepreneurial spirit of the SME owner is a significant determinant of a SME's ability to surmount survival challenges and achieve sustainable growth. The article also attempts to locate and establish the purpose of the study by identifying the barriers that small and medium-sized businesses encounter in their efforts to contribute to economic growth and offering potential solutions to these barriers. Due to inadequate infrastructure development and a lack of the fundamental capabilities to control and influence local economic growth, the study concludes that exceptional measures are necessary to overcome obstacles such as finance and service. The purpose of this study is to answer the research question of whether the emphasis should be placed on creating competent entrepreneurs, particularly among previously disadvantaged individuals, if the government's goal to leverage the SMME sector is to have any significant success. It was noted that the LED is essential but has not been utilized frequently. Using a qualitative thematic analysis approach, the study accessed data on both private and public spaces primarily through secondary sources. The qualitative investigation accessed the foundational literature via a sophisticated search. According to the study, small and medium-sized enterprises play a crucial role in the promotion of LED. The study concluded, among other things, that the local level of governance in South African municipalities is incapable of providing basic services and the necessary infrastructure.

This study aimed to explore how soft skills development is done in higher education institutions (HEIs) by considering the roles of HEIs and students. The study used a mixed research approach comprising qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative data was collected from 16 students using semi-structured interviews. In comparison, quantitative data was collected using a standard questionnaire from 342 students pursuing management and administrative undergraduate programmes in one of the universities in Tanzania. Through questionnaires, participants were asked to rank soft skills according to their relevance to their careers. The top five most relevant soft skills identified were communication, leadership, decision-making, teamwork/orientation and problem-solving. In addition, participants self-evaluated their levels of soft skills. Findings demonstrate that students perceived to have more customer orientation, communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and work-ethic skills. Through qualitative interviews, participants narrated the role of HEIs in developing soft skills and their personal initiatives to acquire the skills. It was found that joining clubs and associations, taking leadership roles, reading self-development books, watching videos and attending soft skills training are initiatives that students use for soft skills acquisition.