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This study aims to analyze the role of brand equity in enhancing the competitiveness of batik sandal products at “Dinara Wooden Heel.” The research adopts a qualitative approach using a case study method to gain an in-depth understanding of how the elements of brand equity namely brand awareness, perceived quality, brand association, and brand loyalty are developed and utilized by the business actors. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with the business owner and consumers, direct observation, and documentation. The data analysis technique was conducted descriptively through the stages of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that brand equity plays a significant role in improving the competitiveness of Dinara Wooden Heel. The dimensions of perceived quality and brand association serve as the primary strengths in creating competitive advantage through consistent product quality and culture-based differentiation. Meanwhile, brand awareness declined due to distribution limitations during the pandemic, but has gradually recovered through the utilization of social media. On the other hand, brand loyalty has been established through repeat purchases, although its management remains relatively informal. Overall, the four dimensions of brand equity are integrated in enhancing competitiveness through brand visibility, product differentiation, consumer trust, and customer loyalty.

This research investigates how celebrity endorsements, customer reviews, and pricing affect consumers’ intention to purchase Scarlett Whitening products. Amid intense competition in the skincare industry, firms are required to focus not only on product features but also on psychological and perceptual aspects that influence consumer behavior. Celebrity endorsers contribute to strengthening brand trust, customer reviews offer insight based on user experiences, while price reflects consumers’ perceived value of the product. This study adopts a quantitative explanatory design, with data obtained from 204 respondents through structured questionnaires using a five-point Likert scale. The collected data were analyzed using multiple linear regression with SPSS version 26. The findings indicate that celebrity endorsers, customer reviews, and price have both simultaneous and individual positive and significant impacts on purchase intention. An adjusted R-square value of 0.274 suggests that these variables account for 27.4% of the variation in consumers’ purchase intention. Overall, the results highlight that appropriate endorsements, trustworthy reviews, and competitive pricing collectively enhance consumers’ intention to purchase Scarlett Whitening products

The development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the traditional culinary sector in Dumai City has shown significant growth, particularly in bolu kembojo products. Increasing competition requires business actors not only to focus on product quality but also to implement business ethics in their operations. This study aims to analyze the role of business ethics in enhancing customer loyalty toward bolu kembojo MSME products in Dumai City. This research employs a qualitative approach using a case study method, with informants consisting of MSME owners and consumers selected purposively. Data collection techniques include interviews, observations, and documentation, while data analysis is conducted using an interactive model involving data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the implementation of business ethics, such as honesty, responsibility, and good service, can enhance customer trust and satisfaction. These factors subsequently encourage repeat purchases and positive word-of-mouth recommendations. The implication of this study suggests that the application of business ethics is a crucial strategy for MSMEs in strengthening customer loyalty and sustaining business continuity.

The development of digital technology has encouraged Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to utilize social media as the main instrument in building brand awareness. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach with a field research type (field research). Data collection was carried out through observation, in-depth interviews with six sources (owner, financial manager, social media team, admin, crew, and customers), and documentation of the content of the TikTok account @mtm43surabaya. The results of the study show that: (1) MTMSBY43 implements a digital branding strategy with three main components, namely brand positioning as a social-based one-stop solution, a brand identity that focuses on a human-centered service approach, and a brand personality that reflects the character of local youth who are solution-oriented and socially concerned; (2) MTMSBY43 TikTok content is classified into three pillars, namely humanistic and realistic content (daily vlogs & live documentation), educational and transparent content (service portfolio), and humorous content (entertainment & engagement content) that builds high organic appeal; (3) TikTok acts as a primary growth driver for MTMSBY43's brand awareness through three mechanisms: creating brand recognition through the FYP algorithm, which reaches new audiences; driving brand recall through consistent uploads and a distinctive communication style; and building customer trust and brand loyalty through responsive two-way interactions

The rapid development of information technology requires adaptation across various business sectors, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs). BUMDes Poto Bo’o, located in Wolotopo Village, Ndona Timur District, still manages sales data manually using ledger books. This practice leads to several issues, such as data inaccuracies, lack of automatic inventory updates, and delays in report generation.This study aims to design and implement a basic necessities (sembako) sales information system for the BUMDes. The system development method used is the waterfall model, which consists of requirement analysis, system design, implementation, testing, and maintenance stages. The system is developed using PHP programming language and MySQL database.The main features of the system include product management, customer management, transaction processing, tracking of incoming and outgoing goods, and real-time sales reporting. The results show that the developed information system improves transaction recording accuracy, enhances inventory data accuracy, and accelerates the sales reporting process.Therefore, the system is expected to improve the operational efficiency of BUMDes Poto Bo’o, support financial management transparency, and increase public trust in the performance of the village-owned enterprise.

This study aims to describe the concept of Immersive Commerce based on Augmented Reality (AR) in increasing consumer confidence in E-Commerce transactions and to design a conceptual prototype design framework for an AR E-Commerce system with a clear technical flow. The research method uses a literature study through a comprehensive review of AR-based E-Commerce implementations and needs analysis from the perspective of consumer problems and business opportunities. The main problem identified is consumer hesitation in purchasing products online due to limited visualization that relies solely on product photos, causing fears about differences in shape, size, and quality of goods. The research results produced a conceptual framework that includes an integrated system architecture with a frontend layer (AR visualization engine), backend layer (product database and 3D asset management), and integration layer, as well as a systematic user flow design from the discovery to the decision phase. Based on simulations using literature data, the designed framework has the potential to increase customer engagement by up to 169%, conversion rates by up to 11 times, and reduce product return rates by up to 50%. The benefits of this research include digital dimensions through E-Commerce technology innovation, social dimensions by increasing consumer trust and reducing product fraud, and environmental dimensions through the potential reduction of product returns. This conceptual prototype provides a foundation for digital innovation, social trust building, and environmental sustainability through reduced product returns.

The rapid acceleration of the digital economy has positioned Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at a strategic crossroads. This study investigates the impact of digital marketing and social media marketing on the performance of SMEs in Binjai, North Sumatra, while exploring the mediating role of Electronic Word of Mouth (e-WOM). Utilizing a quantitative approach with a sample of 182 SME owners, data were analyzed using multiple linear regression and path analysis via SPSS 26. The findings demonstrate that digital marketing and social media marketing initiatives significantly and positively influence business performance, accounting for 54.2% of the variance. Notably, social media marketing emerged as the most dominant predictor, fostering high levels of customer engagement. Furthermore, path analysis reveals that e-WOM serves as a critical mediator; effective social media strategies stimulate authentic digital testimonials, which subsequently enhance consumer trust and sales volume. This research concludes that for SMEs in emerging local markets like Binjai, the orchestration of digital reputation through e-WOM is fundamental to achieving sustainable competitive advantage in an increasingly volatile digital landscape.

Culinary MSMEs play a crucial role in supporting the regional economy, including in Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. However, sole proprietorships in this sector still face significant challenges, particularly related to limited access to capital. This study aims to explore the relationship between limited capital and the sustainability of sole proprietorships in the culinary sector in Kolaka Regency, considering influencing factors such as family support, local government policies, and local market dynamics. This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation. Informants were purposively selected from sole proprietorships in the culinary sector who had been operating their businesses for at least two years. The results show that limited capital is not only a simple financial barrier but also directly impacts the business's ability to innovate, maintain product quality, expand market reach, and survive competition. Most entrepreneurs rely on personal capital and informal loans from family, while access to formal financial institutions remains very limited due to complicated administrative procedures and low financial literacy. Business sustainability is heavily influenced by personal adaptation strategies, community support, and the gradual building of customer trust. This study recommends strengthening financial literacy, simplifying credit access procedures, and enhancing local government involvement in building a more environmentally friendly business ecosystem for local culinary MSMEs.

Liquidity management is an important aspect in maintaining the operational stability of Islamic banking. Inadequate liquidity management can affect a bank’s ability to fulfill its short-term obligations and reduce public trust in banking institutions. This study aims to examine the basic concepts of liquidity management, liquidity management practices, and the various challenges faced by Islamic banks in maintaining financial stability. The study employed a qualitative method using a literature review approach through the examination of various sources, including books, scientific journals, and research articles relevant to the topic. The collected data were analyzed descriptively to obtain a systematic understanding of liquidity management in Islamic banking. The findings indicate that liquidity management in Islamic banks is carried out through asset and liability management, fund collection, financing distribution, and the implementation of GAP management. In addition, Islamic banking faces several challenges, including the limited availability of Islamic money market instruments, imbalance between assets and liabilities, risks of massive customer withdrawals, and changes in economic conditions and regulations. Therefore, adaptive liquidity management strategies based on prudential principles are required to maintain operational stability and ensure the sustainability of Islamic banking institutions.

Purpose: This study examines the effect of service communication on usage intention of Holistic Homecare for Elderly services, with customer trust serving as a mediating variable. Design/Methodology/Approach: Employing a quantitative explanatory approach with cross-sectional survey design, this research involved 120 family respondents with elderly members (≥60 years) in urban areas of Jakarta and Bandung, selected through stratified purposive sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires with 5-point Likert scales that had been tested for validity (Pearson correlation > 0.30) and reliability (Cronbach's Alpha > 0.70). Data analysis utilized Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4.0 to examine measurement and structural models, along with bootstrapping mediation tests. Findings: Service communication demonstrated significant positive effects on customer trust (β = 0.712; t = 12.456; p < 0.001) and usage intention (β = 0.324; t = 4.213; p < 0.001). Customer trust significantly influenced usage intention (β = 0.498; t = 6.847; p < 0.001) and functioned as a partial mediator (indirect effect = 0.354; BootCI [0.248; 0.471]). Originality/Value: This research integrates Commitment-Trust Theory and Social Support Theory within the context of home-based elderly care services in a developing country, revealing the critical role of empathetic, responsive, and transparent communication as the foundation for trust-building that subsequently drives service adoption. Practical Implications: The findings emphasize the necessity of therapeutic communication training for caregivers and information transparency to establish a trustworthy homecare service ecosystem in Indonesia.

Business activities are essential for helping the economy of society function properly. When starting a business, people usually want to make money, but they are also supposed to follow good values, like being honest in their dealings. In real life, some businesses still do unfair things, like giving false information about products, changing prices unfairly, lowering the quality of goods, and using incorrect measurements when selling items. This research focuses on explaining what honesty means and how it should be used in business according to the principles of Islamic economics. The study uses a qualitative method called literature review, which involves looking at books, journal articles, and other sources that talk about Islamic business ethics. The results show that honesty is a key value in Islamic business because it helps build trust with customers, ensures fair deals, and creates positive relationships between sellers and buyers. The value of honesty in the business world can be demonstrated through transparancy of information about products, honesty in pricing, accuracy in measurement, and not hiding defects in the goods being sold. From an Islamic economics perpective, business activities should not only focus on material income, but also on the value of blessings, ethical responsibility, and mutual prosperity. Thus, the application of honesty in an important foundation for building fair, transparent bisuness practices that are in line with Islamic economic prinsiples.

Service quality is a critical issue faced by service providers, as it plays a significant role in shaping customer satisfaction and maintaining customer trust for future services. A decline in service quality over time may negatively affect customers’ perceptions and loyalty. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of service quality dimensions on customer satisfaction. This research employed a quantitative approach using primary data collected through a survey method. The sampling technique used was probability sampling with a random sampling method, involving 98 customers as research respondents. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. The service quality dimensions analyzed in this study were Tangible, Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance, and Empathy. The results of the analysis revealed that Tangible and Responsiveness did not have a significant effect on customer satisfaction. In contrast, Reliability, Assurance, and Empathy were found to have a significant positive influence on customer satisfaction. These findings indicate that customers place greater importance on service accuracy, employee competence, trustworthiness, and personal attention. Therefore, service providers are encouraged to prioritize improvements in Reliability, Assurance, and Empathy to enhance customer satisfaction and sustain long-term customer relationships.

This study aims to improve digital money literacy among the community of Kineppen Village, Munte District, Karo Regency, through education and the implementation of the QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) payment system. The research utilized a descriptive qualitative approach, incorporating field observations, interviews, and direct mentoring with four local businesses: Ayam Penyet Pak Lek, Warkop Aim Tigander, Oke Laundry Kineppen, and Pangkas Singarimbun. The findings show that two businesses, Ayam Penyet Pak Lek and Pangkas Singarimbun, successfully adopted QRIS, leading to smoother transactions and increased customer trust. However, the other two businesses, Warkop Aim Tigander and Oke Laundry Kineppen, still face challenges in adopting the system due to limited internet access and deep-rooted traditional cash payment habits. Despite these barriers, the program significantly enhanced the digital literacy of local entrepreneurs, raising their awareness and readiness to participate in the village’s digital economy. This study emphasizes the importance of continuous support and access to technology in fostering the broader adoption of digital payment systems, particularly in rural areas where technological access may still be limited

The purpose of this scientific study is to examine the influence of review content and customer ratings on the trust of Uniwara Economics Education students in skincare products. The background of this study includes the increasing popularity of local skincare products and the shift in the behavior of young consumers who now rely more on reviews and ratings on various social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok when deciding to buy. Students, as a critical and digitally native generation, use online information as their main source for building trust in products. This study applies a quantitative method with an associative research design. The sample consists of 51 students from a total population of 105 students, determined through Proportional Stratified Random Sampling. Data for the study were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using multiple linear regression techniques. The results of this study indicate that review content and customer ratings together have a positive and significant effect on student trust. In part, these two variables also significantly affect trust. The contribution of review content and customer ratings is 247% (as indicated by an Adjusted R Square value of 0.247), while the rest is influenced by other variables or factors outside the scope of this study. This research indicates that review content and customer ratings have both a partial and simultaneous effect on the trust of Uniwara Economics students in skincare products.

This study aims to analyze the influence of e-marketing and customer engagement on marketing performance. Analyze the influence of e-marketing and customer engagement, customer trust on marketing performance. The sample size was 78 respondents using SEM PLS for data processing. The findings of this study are that there is a significant positive influence between e-marketing on marketing performance; there is a significant positive influence between customer engagement on marketing performance; there is a significant positive influence between e-marketing on customer trust; there is a significant positive influence between customer engagement on customer trust; there is a significant positive influence between customer trust; on marketing performance

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) face increasing pressure to adapt to digital transformation and e-commerce in order to enhance marketing performance; however, their implementation is often constrained by limited technological utilization and low levels of consumer trust. This study aims to analyze the role of consumer trust as a mediating variable in the relationship between digital transformation, e-commerce adoption, and the marketing performance of MSMEs. A quantitative approach was employed using a survey of MSME actors in Semarang City to collect data on technology usage, consumer trust levels, and marketing performance outcomes. The results indicate that digital transformation and e-commerce adoption have a positive effect on marketing performance, while consumer trust significantly strengthens this relationship as an intervening variable. The study concludes that the success of MSME digitalization is highly dependent on the ability to build consumer trust; therefore, digital marketing strategies should prioritize enhancing credibility and improving customer experience.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a strategic role in economic development; however, their competitiveness is often constrained by weak branding and limited digital marketing capabilities. This community engagement program aimed to strengthen brand identity and digital capacity of the “Pukle” catfish cracker MSME in Karangsuwung Village, Cirebon Regency, through an integrated branding and sharia-based digital marketing approach. A participatory–collaborative method was employed, consisting of needs assessment, Workshops, technical mentoring, and monitoring and evaluation. The interventions included the development of brand identity elements (logo, tagline, and visual guidelines), improvement of informative packaging, activation and optimization of WhatsApp Business, and utilization of TikTok Shop as a social commerce channel. In addition, a standard operating procedure for sharia-compliant digital content based on the principles of shiddiq (truthfulness), amanah (trustworthiness), fathanah (competence), and tabligh (communicativeness) was formulated to enhance consumer trust. The results indicate improvements in product professionalism, digital channel management, content consistency, and customer interaction. The integration of branding and sharia digital marketing proved relevant in building differentiation, expanding market access, and strengthening long-term business reputation. The program highlights that MSME digital transformation requires capacity building, continuous mentoring, and ethical value integration to ensure sustainable competitiveness.

Cashier service plays a crucial role in cooperative operations as it is directly related to members’ financial transactions. Service quality contributes to member satisfaction and loyalty, which in turn affects cooperative performance. This study aims to evaluate the role of cashier services in cooperative performance and member satisfaction at the Koperasi Simpan Pinjam Credit Union Bahtera Sejahtera. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed using observation, interviews, and documentation as data collection techniques. The findings indicate that the cashier service system has generally been implemented well and is positively perceived by members. However, several constraints remain, particularly during peak service hours, including long waiting times caused by the limited number of cashier staff and overlapping responsibilities with customer service functions. These conditions reduce service responsiveness. Nevertheless, cashier services significantly contribute to enhancing member satisfaction and supporting cooperative performance through efficient financial transactions and increased member trust. Improvements in service efficiency and task allocation are therefore recommended to optimize cashier service quality.

This study explores the influence of Electronic Word of Mouth (E-WOM) on Umrah ticket purchasing decisions through the Instagram account @umrohbarengyuk.id. In today’s digital era, social media serves as a primary channel in shaping consumer perceptions of services, particularly in religious travel industries like Umrah. E-WOM, consisting of interaction intensity, opinion valence, and content quality, plays a vital role in providing trustworthy information and building consumer confidence. Using a quantitative method involving surveys and simple linear regression analysis, the study finds that digital reviews and testimonials strongly influence prospective pilgrims’ decisions. The @umrohbarengyuk.id account is perceived as providing transparent, responsive, and relevant communication, making it a key reference in users’ information-seeking and service evaluation processes. These findings reinforce E-WOM as a powerful digital marketing communication strategy that not only increases service appeal but also enhances customer trust and purchasing confidence. The study offers practical insights for Umrah service providers in developing personalized, credible digital content and strategies to reach broader audiences effectively.

The development of the service sector in Indonesia requires micro-enterprises to adopt marketing strategies that enhance service quality and strengthen business competitiveness. In the context of service-based businesses, the service marketing approach is considered relevant as it emphasizes the management of service delivery and overall customer experience. This study aims to analyze the implementation of service marketing in Erafftel, a shoe cleaning service business located in Padang City, West Sumatra. The study employs a qualitative approach, with data collected through direct observation of operational activities and in-depth interviews with the business owner to obtain comprehensive information regarding service processes, service marketing strategies, and operational practices. The findings indicate that the services provided by Erafftel reflect the main characteristics of services, namely intangibility, inseparability, variability, and perishability. Furthermore, the service marketing mix consisting of seven elements—product, price, place, promotion, people, process, and physical evidence—has been implemented, although in a relatively simple and not yet fully structured manner. The people and process elements emerge as the most dominant factors influencing perceived service quality, as they are directly related to interactions between service providers and customers, while physical evidence serves as a supporting factor in building customer trust. The implications of this study suggest that strengthening the application of service marketing can contribute to improved service quality, increased customer satisfaction, and the long-term sustainability of micro service enterprises.