Publication Search

This study analyzes the opportunities and challenges in implementing digital payment systems to enhance the productivity of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). In the era of growing digital transformation, the adoption of cashless transactions has become a crucial innovation to improve efficiency and competitiveness among MSME players. The findings indicate that the use of digital payment platforms such as QRIS, bank transfers, e-wallets, and card-based e-money offers several advantages, including faster payment processing, reduced risk of calculation errors, and the minimization of counterfeit money usage, which remains an issue in some regions. However, the implementation of digital payments still faces various obstacles on the ground. Certain sectors of MSMEs continue to rely heavily on cash transactions, especially in remote areas where internet connectivity is limited. Furthermore, many business owners still prefer conventional payment methods due to concerns over trust, security, and deeply rooted habits. Demographic factors also influence the level of digital payment adoption. Younger generations tend to be more adaptive to digital technologies, whereas older business owners are generally less familiar and comfortable with using digital devices. These findings suggest that in order to fully leverage the benefits of payment digitalization among MSMEs, strategic efforts are needed. These should include the improvement of digital infrastructure, widespread education and awareness programs, and the development of applications tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of each business sector. Collaboration between the government, financial institutions, and digital service providers is essential in creating an inclusive and user-friendly digital payment ecosystem. By addressing technical barriers and bridging digital literacy gaps, the implementation of digital payments holds significant potential to drive operational efficiency and sustainably boost the productivity of MSMEs.

This study aims to examine the challenges and strategies of Management Study Program students at the State Islamic University of North Sumatra (UINSU) in understanding online lecture materials. The method used is descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques in the form of closed questionnaires distributed to 25 respondents of fourth semester students. The results showed that although there were still technical problems such as unstable internet connections, the majority of students were able to adapt to the online learning system. The most dominant learning strategies used are active and independent strategies, such as reading, taking notes, repeating material, watching learning videos, and managing study time. In addition, group discussions through media such as WhatsApp and Telegram also help clarify understanding of the material. Students also rely on learning materials provided by lecturers through digital platforms (PDF, video, and LMS) as the main source of independent learning. This study concludes that students' success in understanding online lecture materials is strongly influenced by a combination of active learning strategies, group collaboration, and material support provided by lecturers. Therefore, continuous collaboration between students, lecturers, and institutions is needed to create a more effective and inclusive online learning system.

This research concludes that the Income Level (TPP) received by workers at retirement is only 10% of the last salary obtained from the mandatory pension program, a decrease in income of 90% of the last salary. The monthly living cost needs of retirees in retirement (food, monthly shopping, water costs - electricity, internet, lifestyle, health insurance, etc.) obtained data of IDR 5,600,000, - or equivalent to 56% of the last salary per month. So in actual terms, the level of retirement income (TPP) of retirees in Indonesia there is a gap of IDR 4,600,000, - or 46% less than the last salary per month. This condition causes retirees to fail to maintain their standard of living in old age, in addition to experiencing financial problems in retirement. Factors that affect the amount of a person's TPP consist of: 1) type of work, 2) pension program participated in, 3) length of service and salary amount, 4) investment return rate from the pension program, 5) government regulations, 6) macroeconomic factors and inflation, 7) health conditions of retirees, 8) family responsibilities, and 9) pension fund education determine the size of the level of retirement income. Optimizing private pension funds plays an important role in increasing TPP as a guarantee of income in retirement and creating financial independence in old age, in addition to improving quality of life. For this reason, private pension funds must be managed more optimally to achieve significant investment performance, improve pension fund literacy, target formal and informal workers, and diversify adequate products and services through digitalization of pension fund access and services to encourage significant growth in private pension fund participation.

In the era of Industry 5.0, when technology and innovation are advancing at a very rapid pace, digital marketing strategies are becoming increasingly important for business success. This study aims to analyze various digital marketing strategies that are effective in the Industry 5.0 age and to identify the key factors that affect their implementation. This study suggests that in order for businesses to remain competitive in the Industrial 5.0 era, they must quickly adapt to the rapid advancements in technology and adopt more innovative and collaborative work practices in their digital marketing strategies.