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Over energy consumption is one of the causes of global warming and climate change. To deal with this issue, using energy-efficient appliances is strongly encouraged and cultivating consumer loyalty toward energy-efficient appliances is crucial for long-term sustainability. This study investigates the effects of multiple dimensions of perceived value on consumer satisfaction and three outcomes of consumer loyalty (i.e. willingness to pay a premium, repurchase intention and word-of-mouth intention), considering the moderating role of the product category.

Quota sampling based on age and gender and snowball sampling methods were applied to recruit 423 participants for this study. A combination of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) and necessary condition analysis (NCA) was employed to examine the proposed model.

Functional, price, emotional and environmental values positively impact consumer satisfaction, enhancing the three dimensions of consumer loyalty. The product category moderates the effects of perceived value dimensions on consumer satisfaction. Moreover, the IPMA results highlight that functional value and environmental value are the most essential but underperforming value attributes. The NCA results indicate that social value is a necessary condition for consumer satisfaction.

This study is one of the pioneers in integrating PLS-SEM, IPMA and NCA approaches to comprehensively unpack the relationships between perceived value dimensions, consumer satisfaction and consumer loyalty in the context of energy-efficient appliances. The findings offer theoretical and practical importance for academics, retailers, producers and policymakers to encourage consumer loyalty toward energy-efficient appliances.

Purpose: This study focuses on the business case of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), namely its economic benefits and long-term value creation by attracting environmental-friendly and socially responsible investors.

Methodology: The central result of the von Neumann–Morgenstern (VNM) expected utility theory is that the optimal strategy under uncertainty is given by maximising the expected utility. The study introduces a second utility function to represent externalities. Total utility can be derived by a sum of the two functions where h is a scalar value which indicates to what degree the actor is interested in maximising the utility of externalities. The payouts could be set by ESG scores for the given companies, then the whole equation can be solved for simple cases such as the normal case.

Findings: By extending the traditional risk/return MPT framework to account for the additional utility of contributing towards externalities (in this case specifically ESG goals) the utility maximisation algorithm can be applied to the ESG dimension in a holistic manner and not as a separate filter on the investment universe nor a synthetic boost to expected returns.

Implications: Portfolio and asset managers can more efficiently optimise for consumer risk, return and sustainability preferences, allowing access to the widest possible investment universe while at the same time delivering an optimal bespoke solution for the specific sustainability preferences of the investors.

Future research: How to measure investment’s sustainability impact and what is the best way to estimate that. How to determine monetary impact of damages and externalities. Estimation of Hamilton’s coefficient.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the intricate relationship between crude oil spot and futures prices, focusing on both cointegration and market efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the beginning of the Russia–Ukraine conflict. Using daily West Texas Intermediate data from January 2020 to March 2024, like Cunado and Pérez de Gracia (2003), the authors use advanced statistical methods to identify structural breaks and assess cointegration levels. Linear and nonlinear Granger causality tests are used to reveal underlying dynamics.

This paper uses the Lagrange Multiplier test by Arai and Kurozumi (2007) to check for cointegration with various shifts in crude oil spot and futures markets. The two-step procedure by Kejriwal and Perron (2010) and Kejriwal et al. (2022) is then applied to assess partial parameter stability in cointegration models. Efficiency is examined using both bivariate and trivariate models based on non-arbitrage and expectations hypotheses. Finally, causality is analyzed with the vector error correction model for linear Granger causality, and the tests by Bai et al. (2018) and Diks and Panchenko (2006) for nonlinear causality.

The analysis reveals that futures prices generally lead spot prices through both linear and nonlinear causality during certain periods, while only linear causality is present in others. This inconsistency suggests fluctuating market efficiency and potential arbitrage opportunities. Structural breaks indicate that the equilibrium between spot and futures prices adjusts in response to significant events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war. The study identifies specific periods, particularly between January 2020 and March 2024, where both linear and nonlinear forecasting between futures and spot oil prices are effective, highlighting the dynamic nature of their relationship.

Despite extensive efforts, pinpointing the exact break date for COVID-19 remains challenging due to limitations in the data set and methodology. Additionally, the analysis of the Russia–Ukraine conflict is still ongoing. These challenges highlight the complexity of addressing structural breaks linked to unprecedented events.

The findings offer valuable insights for both academia and industry practitioners. The study reveals potential arbitrage opportunities stemming from inconsistent market efficiency and fluctuating causality between futures and spot prices, allowing traders to optimize their trades and timing. It also enhances risk management by identifying when linear and nonlinear causality is most effective. Policymakers can use these insights to evaluate market stability, especially during major disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, guiding regulatory decisions. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance for investors to adjust their strategies in response to structural breaks and evolving market conditions.

This study’s social implications are diverse, extending beyond finance and academia. It influences economic stability by revealing inefficiencies and arbitrage opportunities in crude oil markets, aiding better resource allocation. Enhanced transparency benefits stakeholders, promoting fair market practices and consumer protection. Policymakers can refine regulations based on identified structural breaks, ensuring market stability. The study indirectly impacts environmental discussions by examining crude oil’s link to global energy consumption. Financially, it guides investment strategies, influencing resource distribution and the broader economy. Additionally, its educational contribution stimulates academic discourse, fostering growth in energy economics and financial market knowledge, shaping future research.

The originality and value of this paper lie in its comprehensive examination of the dynamic relationship between futures and spot oil prices, particularly through both linear and nonlinear causality across different periods. By identifying and analyzing periods of both linear and nonlinear causality, the study uncovers fluctuating market efficiency and potential arbitrage opportunities that are not typically addressed in conventional analyses. Additionally, the paper’s focus on the impact of significant global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war, on the equilibrium between spot and futures prices offers a novel perspective on how structural breaks influence market dynamics. This nuanced understanding enhances both theoretical and practical knowledge, offering valuable insights for traders, investors and policymakers to navigate and respond to evolving market conditions.

A Robo Advisor (RA) is a fully automated investment advisory service. Its development in recent years has been very relevant within the financial industry. Although most RAs comply with most investment principles (diversification, cost efficiency, personalization and contextualization of investment opportunities to the current environment), their need for standardization reduces their ability to find portfolios that fit the investors’ constraints or needs. The main objective of this paper is to analyze the possibility of eliminating this shortcoming of the RA by including new types of financial instruments or generating different investment portfolios.

This study performs a bottleneck analysis of all activities related to the management of financial instruments to detect the most affected activities when incorporating new types of instruments. This study also presents a case study on including fixed-income bonds to increase RA personalization and proposes two types of investment portfolios to promote personalization.

The bottleneck analysis has allowed us to identify that “instrument data validation” and “order management” are the most affected activities if new types of instruments are incorporated. In addition, the liquidity level of financial instruments is a critical variable that must be integrated into an RA.

The results indicate the possibility of designing a new RA with a higher level of personalization. This study helps to understand the difficulties and opportunities when customizing an RA.

The purpose of the study is to understand how internal auditors in public US universities respond to and manage crises. As part of the post-crisis outcomes evaluation and learning process, the authors examine how internal auditors in public US universities manage their work and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To motivate the study, the authors analyze internal audit-related information from universities’ audit committee meeting records during the pandemic. Subsequently, the authors conduct semi-structured interviews with chief audit executives (CAEs) and senior internal auditors to learn about their experiences during the pandemic crisis.

Through the lens of the organizational resilience framework, the authors find that when managing crises, CAEs in US universities play a leading role in providing institutional and emotional support to staff; securing organizational, financial and technical backing from management and audit committees and exercising flexibility in using available resources. Additionally, internal auditors must assess the internal and external environments during crises and adjust their operations accordingly. Increasing professional outreach also helps internal auditors mobilize additional resources in adversity. To thrive in the post-pandemic era, when remote working models become popular, internal auditors need to increase informal communication with management and audit committees and sharpen their data analytics skills.

The study provides an opportunity for internal auditors and their stakeholders to reflect on the wins and losses during the pandemic and prepare for future challenges. The authors propose extending Kimberlin et al.’s (2011) organizational resilience framework by adding a communication factor.

Controversy has long swirled over the claim that Donald Trump's base has deeply rooted authoritarian tendencies, but Trump himself seems to have few doubts. Asked whether his stated wish to be dictator “on day one” of second term in office would repel voters, Trump said “I think a lot of people like it.” It is one of his invariable talking points that 74 million voters supported him in 2020, and he remains the unrivaled leader of the Republican Party, even as his rhetoric escalates to levels that cautious observers now routinely call fascistic.

Is Trump right that many people “like” his talk of dictatorship? If so, what does that mean empirically? Part of the answer to these questions was apparent early, in the results of the 2016 American National Election Study (ANES), which included survey questions that we had proposed which we drew from the aptly-named “Right-Wing Authoritarianism” scale. Posed to voters in 2012–2013 and again in 2016, those questions elicited striking responses.

In this chapter, we revisit those responses. We begin by exploring Trump's escalating anti-democratic rhetoric in the light of themes drawn from Max Weber and Theodor W. Adorno. We follow this with the text of the 2017 conference paper in which we first reported that 75% of Trump's voters supported him enthusiastically, mainly because they shared his prejudices, not because they were hurting economically. They hoped to “get rid” of troublemakers and “crush evil.” That wish, as we show in our conclusion, remains central to Trump's appeal.

This paper aims to capture the challenges faced by large industrial firms in implementing employee green behaviour. It uses the gamification-based Octalysis framework for identifying motivational drives and entwins it to self-efficacy theory seeking to motivate and engage the employees through game techniques.

This paper uses qualitative approach where semi-structured interviews were conducted through snowball sampling technique with managers in senior positions in power sector holding significant decision-making authority. The interviews were transcribed and were analysed thematically.

This study offers compelling evidence that industrial firms are grappling to inculcate pro-environmental behaviour largely losing on incentivising motivation. Gamification can provide an enjoyable framework balancing intrinsic and extrinsic motivational drives.

This study offers a framework applicable to organisations across sectors, addressing challenges in implementing green behaviour by leveraging four phases of game mechanics. It tackles issues related to motivation and demand for incentives by striking a balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations.

This research stands out by incorporating game mechanics, specifically designed through Octalysis, to boost self-efficacy and encourage green behaviour among employees. Furthermore, it is in harmony with Sustainable Development Goals and circular principles.

This study aims to provide empirical evidence to verify the dimensional structure of artificial intelligence (AI) Chatbot quality and examine the impact of these dimensions on consumer satisfaction and brand advocacy among Gen Z in the fast food industry in Egypt.

The empirical data was obtained with an electronic self-administered survey instrument from 397 young consumers who had prior experience using AI Chatbots across multiple fast food brands in Egypt. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the formulated hypotheses.

The results showed that AI Chatbot quality dimensions, specifically information authenticity and system compliance, significantly enhance young consumers’ satisfaction. In addition, information authenticity of AI Chatbot quality was observed to wield a significant influence on young consumers’ advocacy. In contrast, an insignificant relationship was noticed between satisfaction and advocacy. Moreover, the mediating role of consumer satisfaction was not established.

Given that Gen Z is more technology savvy and computer literate, marketers and practitioners of fast food brands should invest in AI tools to respond to young consumers’ expectations and improve their perception of their services.

This study uses stimulus-organism-response theory to understand the mediating effect of young consumers’ satisfaction in the relationship between AI Chatbot quality and consumer brand advocacy within the fast food industry. Also, it introduced two novel main constructs of AI Chatbot quality, namely, information authenticity and system compliance.

Although intellectual capital (IC) and human dynamic capabilities (HDCs) play a significant role in decarbonization processes, their measurement and reporting is under-researched. Hence, this study aims to identify the link between HDCs, carbon accounting and integrated reporting (IR) in the transition processes, investigating IC and HDCs in decarbonization processes to achieve net-zero business models (n-ZBMs).

A systematic literature review with a concise bibliometric analysis is conducted on 229 articles, published from 1990 to 2023 in Scopus database and Google Scholar. Reviewing data on publications, journals, authors and citations and analysing the article content, this study identifies the main search trends, providing a new conceptual model and future research propositions.

The results reveal that the literature has rarely focussed on carbon accounting in terms of IC and HDCs. Additionally, firms face pressure from institutions and stakeholders regarding legitimacy and transparency, necessitating a response considering IR and requiring n-ZBMs to be developed through IC and HDCs to meet social and environmental requirements.

Not only does this study link IC with HDCs to address carbon emissions through decarbonization practices, which has never been addressed in the literature to date, but also provides novel recommendations and propositions through which firms can sustainably transition to being net-zero emission firms, thereby gaining competitive advantage and contributing to the nation’s sustainability goals.

This paper aims to investigate whether individual adaptability mediates the relationship between psychological capital and psychological well-being (PWB) of Ugandan small enterprise employees. Furthermore, the paper examines whether psychological capital and individual adaptability also affect PWB.

A cross-sectional survey design using a quantitative approach was used in this study. Data were collected from 726 employees of small enterprises in Uganda using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists and uploaded into AMOS version 23. The hypotheses were tested using the structural equation modelling technique.

Results confirm that individual adaptability partially mediates the relationship between psychological capital and PWB. Findings further indicate that psychological capital is positively related to individual adaptability and that individual adaptability is positively related to PWB.

First, the sample of this study consisted of employees working with small enterprises in Uganda with different demographic characteristics; thus, the generalizability of these findings to other sectors or contexts needs to be established. Secondly, the study was quantitative in nature. This study has managerial implications in a way that managers should have people management skills that support their employees to develop psychological capital and individual adaptability.

This study may be among the first to demonstrate that individual adaptability partially mediates the relationship between psychological capital and PWB in the context of small enterprise employees of Uganda, an African developing country. Consequently, this study contributes to both theory and literature via the broaden-and-build theory and the complex adaptive systems theory, hence adding to the scant existing literature on psychological capital, individual adaptability and PWB.