International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Studies

Strategies of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities in Sustaining and Growing Their Business: Contributions to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Yashinta Putri Dwi Astuti, Deva Nita Mulya, Aldian Umbu Tamu Ama — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Entrepreneurship represents a viable option for persons with disabilities as it offers opportunities to accommodate their needs, build independence, determine their work patterns, avoid discrimination, foster personal development, and contribute positively to the lives of others. Thus, Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (EWDs) play a significant role in realizing the commitments of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment opportunities, and decent work for all. This study aims to explore the sustainable strategies adopted by “Kopi Hening” to maintain business continuity. The research is exploratory in nature and adopts a qualitative approach to obtain an in-depth understanding of the “Kopi Hening” phenomenon. Data were collected through data triangulation, which involved interviews, observations, and documentation. The data were analyzed inductively to derive emerging themes, and their validity was ensured through triangulation and member checks to enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of the findings. The findings reveal that the strategies include external support, self-development, a sense of ownership, uniqueness, product evaluation, partnership, and effective financial management. Facilitators play a crucial role in supporting the sustainability of EWDs, as it has been noted that EWDs greatly depend on external support. However, this study has limitations, as it is based on a case study and needs more diverse EWD respondents. Future research should expand the number of respondents by involving the government. Additionally, future studies could focus on the role of applied technology in supporting EWDs, particularly deaf individuals, to address communication barriers through technological solutions.

Corporate Image and Innovation as Strategic Drivers of Consumer Decisions in Islamic Banking

Ahyar Junaedi — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the simultaneous effects of corporate image and product innovation on customer decision-making in the context of Islamic banking. Focusing on PT Bank Syariah Indonesia, Branch Palangkaraya, the study draws data from 100 respondents using a structured questionnaire and applies Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the relationships among key variables. The results indicate that both corporate image and product innovation have a significant and positive impact on customer decisions, with product innovation exhibiting a slightly stronger effect. Together, these two variables explain 76.8% of the variance in customer decision-making, indicating a robust model. These findings emphasize the strategic role of corporate reputation and continuous product innovation in influencing consumer behavior in the Islamic financial sector. The research provides empirical evidence that integrating reputational elements, such as professionalism, trust, and Shariah compliance, with innovative offerings enhances customer engagement and decision-making. This is particularly relevant in today’s competitive banking landscape, where customers are increasingly influenced by the availability of modern financial services and strong brand credibility. The study makes important contributions to both theory and practice. Theoretically, it enriches the strategic management literature by presenting a dual-variable approach that addresses a gap in Islamic banking research, where corporate image and innovation have often been studied in isolation. Practically, the study offers actionable insights for banking practitioners and policymakers aiming to boost customer acquisition and loyalty through integrated branding and innovation strategies. The context of Palangkaraya also adds value by highlighting consumer behavior in a growing yet under-researched regional market.

Regional Segmentation Based on the Level of Digitalization of MSMEs in Indonesia

Antradiva Oktaviola Puspita, Dynda Aisyah Dyah Pitaloka, Deky Aji Suseno — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Digitalization of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) plays a vital role in enhancing national and international competitiveness. This study aims to conduct regional segmentation in 34 provinces in Indonesia based on several indicators of the level of digitalization of MSMEs. This research is a quantitative study and an analytical descriptive approach that uses analysis techniques (K-means cluster) to map the distribution of MSMEs in Indonesia. Data pre-processing by standardizing data (z-score) to overcome differences in units of measurement. The type of data used is secondary data from the Central Bureau of Statistics and the Indonesian Payment System Association. The study identifies three clusters with different characteristics. The first cluster, comprising West Java, Central Java, and East Java, shows advanced MSMEs digitalization. The second cluster consists of 30 provinces with a developing level of MSMEs digitization. The third cluster is occupied by Papua, which shows lagging MSMEs' digitalization. This research focuses on the uneven digitization of MSMEs by limiting the scope of research to 34 provinces in Indonesia, then does not include analysis of development in time series, financial aspects, or the impact of government policies on the development of MSMEs. The originality of this research lies in the use of 34 research objects in Indonesia in 2023 by applying non-hierarchical K-Means clustering analysis. The analysis in this study uses indicators including the distribution of MSMEs, the number of workers in the e-commerce sector, the number of e-commerce businesses, the level of QRIS adoption, and the use of social media.

Reducing Liquidation Delays through Documentation and Communication in a Construction Company in the Philippines

Jessa Mae L Cornel, Jesus P Briones , Flormando P Baldovino , Lalaine V Manalo — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Efficient documentation and communication are crucial for minimizing liquidation delays in the construction industry. This descriptive-quantitative study explored the documentation practices and communication strategies on liquidation delays within a Philippine construction company. Using a researcher-structured questionnaire, data were collected from 30 administrative professionals across departments where activities are directly related to the liquidation process of the company. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, standard deviation, weighted mean, and ANOVA. The findings revealed that the company's systems, relative to their documentation and communication approaches, are generally effective, though there are still some challenges that sometimes occur to cause delays in liquidation, such as incomplete documentation, poor communication, and delayed approvals, which contribute to inefficiencies. Moreover, the study found that there were significant differences in the perceptions of employees on liquidation delays across departments, and in the communication strategies across work bases. On the other hand, it was verified that demographic factors such as age and length of service do not influence the employees’ perceptions of the liquidation process in terms of documentation practices, liquidation delays, and communication strategies of the construction company. In reference to the findings of the study, strategies for optimizing liquidation processes through documentation and communication were proposed. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for construction firms looking to optimize their operations, enhance documentation practices, and improve interdepartmental coordination. By implementing recommendations from this study, similar companies can better manage liquidation processes, reduce delays, and ensure timely project execution in the Philippine construction sector.

Beyond Income: Modeling the Dual Role of Livelihood Training in Organic Agriculture Production in Mitigating Socio-Economic Vulnerability and Household Conflict

Josephine Diana Campos, Jofrey Campos — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study models the dual role of livelihood training in addressing socio-economic vulnerability and household conflict among marginalized urban populations in the Philippines. Focusing on Bagong Silang, Caloocan City—the nation’s most populous and poverty-stricken barangay—the research investigates how demographic factors such as age, marital status, and number of children shape socio-economic status, influence training preferences, and intensify domestic stressors. Utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and data from 100 purposively selected respondents, the study reveals a robust structural pathway: socio-economic status mediates the relationship between demographic profiles and both livelihood choices and family-related challenges. Results show high explanatory power (R² = 0.85 for Family Challenges, 0.79 for Training Preferences, 0.76 for Socio-Economic Status), validating the interdependence of economic conditions and household dynamics. Significantly, the findings position livelihood training not merely as a tool for income generation but as a social stabilizer—especially when aligned with the lived realities of vulnerable groups such as solo parents, informal workers, and unemployed youth. Preferred training in organic agriculture, financial literacy, and responsible parenting directly alleviate family conflict and financial stress. This study advances poverty discourse by offering an evidence-based framework that integrates demographic sensitivity into community interventions. It urges policymakers and development actors to move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions and instead implement targeted, demographically informed livelihood programs that foster both economic resilience and familial well-being.

Overcoming Barriers for Indonesia’s Women-Led Food SMEs in Export

Wahyudi Wibowo, Visi Saujaningati Kristyanto, Purnomohadi Sutedjo — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study examines the export potential of women-led Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia's processed food sector by identifying key challenges and proposing targeted strategies for growth. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research surveyed 191 SMEs and collected qualitative insights through Focus Group Discussions and in-depth interviews with women entrepreneurs. An analytical framework was employed to classify their export readiness. The findings confirm that while these SMEs possess significant export potential, they are constrained by interconnected barriers, including limited access to finance, insufficient knowledge of international markets, low digital literacy, and socio-cultural obstacles. A key contribution of the study is the classification of SMEs into three tiers of export readiness: "having export potential," "on the right track," and "not ready to export." This framework reveals the need for tailored support mechanisms rather than generic, one-size-fits-all solutions. The paper addresses a notable gap in research on the internationalization of women-led SMEs within a major developing economy. By applying a unique analytical framework to empirical data, it moves beyond a general discussion of barriers by offering specific and actionable policy recommendations tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs in a sector critical for their economic empowerment.