Fair East Publishers: E-Journals
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Beyond classroom: How technology is building the next generation workforce
Get PDFThis paper discusses the emerging changes in the structure of workforce development in relation to the use of technology, the rise of the corporation as an educator, the shifting nature of work, and the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on job creation and elimination. Technology is argued to be the fundamental driver of this change. First, technology is democratizing the learning process through the use of digital learning platforms and micro-credentials. Workforce skills can now be acquired on an agile, on-demand basis. Second, the technology-empowered corporation is able to adopt data-informed approaches to economic growth through talent development, internal mobility, and positioning the corporation as an educator. Third, the integration of technology into the work environment is transforming the nature of work, causing the disruption of traditional jobs and the creation of new ones. Work casualization, automation, and skill-based hiring is emerging, with the necessity for constant change and adoption of new skills. By merging information technology, engineering, corporate practices, and innovative education, this paper asserts that the future of work is centered on an ecosystem that harmoniously blends learning with earning, and through the continued integration of technology, creates a workforce that is adaptable, and possesses a greater skill diversity which is equitably distributed.
Keywords: Workforce Development, Corporate Talent Strategy, Technology-Enabled Learning, Micro-credentials, AI and Automation, Lifelong Learning, Skills-Based Hiring, Digital Transformation
Enhancing auditor self-efficacy through targeted fraud detection training
Get PDFAuditor self-efficacy (ASE), defined as auditors’ confidence in their capabilities to execute essential auditing tasks, is critical for audit effectiveness, particularly amid the profession's growing complexity and technological advancements. Despite extensive research on ASE in isolated competencies, limited empirical attention has been given to structured professional development interventions explicitly designed to simultaneously enhance multiple auditor competencies. This study empirically evaluated the immediate effects of a structured, interactive professional development workshop on ASE across three key domains: technical auditing skills, technological adaptation, and interpersonal communication. Grounded in Bandura’s social cognitive theory, the workshop comprised three weekly sessions (3 hours each), employing interactive exercises, mastery experiences, and structured feedback. A total of 63 practicing auditors participated, completing pre- and post-workshop evaluations using the validated Auditor Self-Efficacy (ASE) scale. Paired-sample t-tests revealed statistically significant improvements in all three domains (p < .001), with moderate-to-large effect sizes (Technical Skills: d = 0.77; Technological Adaptation: d = 0.66; Interpersonal Communication: d = 0.59). Qualitative analysis of participant reflections confirmed and enriched these findings, highlighting substantial gains in analytical proficiency, fraud detection capabilities, and communication effectiveness. The study provides clear empirical evidence supporting targeted, interactive training as a valuable tool for enhancing auditors' professional competencies and confidence. Practical implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Keywords: Auditor Self-Efficacy, Professional Development, Auditing Training, Technical Skills, Technological Adaptation, Interpersonal Communication, Social Cognitive Theory
Adapting under pressure: Consumer decision-making in times of economic uncertainty and digital transformation
Get PDFThe aim of?this paper is to explore the adaptation process in consumer decision making under economic uncertainty, which relates to inflation, income variability, and digital transformation. Traditional economic theory has a view of consumers as rational actors, striving to maximize utility, but this paper confronts?this understanding and incorporates some insights from behavioral economics and prospect theory. The researchers looked at how demographic and environmental factors, including financial?insecurity, affect consumer behavior in natural settings. The study utilized a?quantitative descriptive research design to collect primary data using an online survey of 400 respondents. Descriptive statistics, Likert scales and cross-tabulations using STATA were used to examine?the relationships between key demographic variables (age, income, employment status, geographic location) and consumer behavioral responses. The research provides evidence that demographic forces affect consumer responses to economic?stress. Specifically, brand switching behaviour of older consumers was more pronounced in the inflationary seasons and middle-income consumers tended to use credit for necessity compared to lower or higher income?classes. Urban consumers also tended to have stronger mobile shopping adaptation compared to?rural customers and students and the unemployed were more likely to rely on the government for assistance in times of economic depression. The current research not only extends the literature on how the economic uncertainty influences consumer behavior, but also offers several important implications for marketers, policy makers, and?financial institutions. The results underline?the importance of personalized actions in favour of the uptake of consumers in tough economic times and technological change.
Keywords: Consumer Decision-Making, Economic Uncertainty, Behavioral Economics, Brand Switching, Digital Transformation
Employee dissatisfaction and its role in labor-management conflicts: A data-driven approach
Get PDFAlthough few studies examine how these problems manifest in collectivist societies, employee discontent and labor-management conflict remain major concerns in both local and global public-sector environments. With an eye toward interpersonal conflict, lack of recognition, and unmet psychological needs, this research investigates employee discontent and voluntary exit in Queensland, Australia. This paper employs logistic and Firth penalized regression on a dataset of 823 employee separation records and 822 survey responses, combining the Job Demands- Resources (JDR) model, Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. According to the study, lack of recognition and poor work–life balance show positive associations with voluntary departure. At the same time, interpersonal conflict appears more common among workers dealing with employment uncertainty or inadequate supervisor assistance. While the Firth logistic regression models did not yield statistically significant results, the standard logistic regression identified several significant predictors, including gender, lack of recognition, work–life balance, and employment status. The report adds to the body of research on public sector employee retention and workplace conflict a culturally aware, statistically based viewpoint. It offers practical guidance for HR managers and policy-makers, useful advice, including conflict-resolution techniques and recognition schemes aimed at sensitive employee groups.
Keywords: Employee Dissatisfaction, Interpersonal Conflict, Voluntary Exit, JDR Model, Herzberg’s Theory. 
Equitable automation at scale: Integrating explainable AI and CRM platforms to modernize service delivery in U.S. healthcare and public systems
Get PDFFragmented service delivery, operational delays, and inequitable access continue to challenge healthcare systems and public-sector institutions across the United States. As digital transformation accelerates, the integration of explainable artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent customer relationship management (CRM) platforms offers a compelling path forward. This manuscript explores the potential of combining explainable AI and Salesforce-based CRM infrastructure to modernize service workflows, reduce systemic disparities, and improve service responsiveness in healthcare and public administration. Drawing from national digital modernization priorities—including Executive Order 14058 and the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights—we propose a framework for equitable automation that enhances both operational efficiency and transparency. Explainable AI models, when embedded into CRM platforms such as Salesforce Service Cloud, can guide decision-making in high-stakes environments—triaging patients, managing benefit eligibility, and responding to citizen inquiries—while ensuring accountability, fairness, and audibility. We illustrate sector-specific applications in healthcare (e.g., AI-informed case resolution and patient engagement) and public systems (e.g., benefit adjudication and workflow automation), showing how these technologies reduce service delays and improve outcomes for underserved populations. We also discuss the implications for the 2.7 million-strong U.S. customer service workforce, emphasizing how intelligent automation can alleviate labor strain while enabling more meaningful human engagement. Our findings highlight the transformative potential of aligning AI fairness with CRM modernization to build scalable, human-centered service infrastructure. We conclude by calling for cross-sector investment in integrated platforms that promote inclusion, trust, and public impact—hallmarks of a digitally resilient and equitable service economy.
Keywords: Explainable AI (XAI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Customer Relation Management (CRM)
Achieving resilience in distributed optimization against adversarial attacks
Get PDFThis paper provides an in-depth investigation into developing distributed optimization algorithms that are resilient against adversarial cyber-attacks that compromise nodes and disrupt the optimization process. A resilient distributed optimization algorithm with trusted agents (RDO-T) is proposed that utilizes a subset of trusted nodes to constrain and overcome the impacts of attacks on the network. Theoretical analysis on the convergence properties and performance optimality of RDO-T is provided.
Keywords: Optimization Algorithm, Resilient Distribution, Cyber Attacks. 
Bridging the gap between primary care and specialist obstetrics: A collaborative model for managing high-risk pregnancies in rural Nigeria
Get PDFHigh-risk pregnancies contribute significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality in rural Nigeria due to fragmented care and weak referral systems. Primary health centers often lack the resources, training, and specialist linkages needed to manage obstetric emergencies effectively. This manuscript proposes a collaborative care model that strengthens the interface between primary care providers and specialist obstetric services to improve outcomes for high-risk pregnancies in rural settings. We describe a theoretical pilot model involving structured task-sharing, digital triage platforms, and referral coordination through designated family physicians. Key components include WhatsApp-based consultation groups, standardized referral protocols, and quarterly case review meetings between primary and tertiary providers. The model outlines measurable outcomes such as improved referral accuracy, reduced time to definitive care, and enhanced provider confidence. It also identifies implementation challenges including transport delays, network connectivity issues, and role ambiguity among providers. Sustainability requires ongoing training, alignment with national maternal health policies, investment in rural infrastructure, and workforce retention strategies. Embedding such models into existing health systems could bridge critical gaps and reduce preventable maternal deaths. A scalable, collaborative model integrating primary and specialist obstetric care holds promise for addressing systemic delays and improving maternal outcomes in rural Nigeria. Institutional commitment and policy alignment are essential for successful implementation.
Keywords: High Risk Pregnancy, Maternal Mortality, Family Physicians, Maternal Health, Primary Care
The role of the Project Management Office (PMO) in knowledge management and transfer: A systematic literature review and future research agenda
Get PDFThe Project Management Office (PMO) has evolved to become central in addressing challenges related to communication, control, competence, and culture within project-based organisations (PBOs). This paper presents a systematic literature review aimed at synthesising current research on the specific role of the PMO in knowledge management and transfer (KM/KT). Fueled by three major academic databases, 55 peer-reviewed articles from the past decade are analysed. The review identifies key themes, including PMO implementation and maturity, governance and stakeholder management, and the mechanisms of knowledge management. Findings reveal the fragmented nature of existing literature and highlight the strategic importance of the PMO in facilitating knowledge flow and managing project uncertainty. The paper identifies gaps in current research, particularly regarding PMO maturity measurement, governance in Agile contexts, and adoptive culture, and proposes directions for future studies to enhance the PMO's role in diverse organisational settings.
Keywords: Governance, Literature Review, Organisational Design, Pmo, Project Management Office, Transformation
The ethics of digital marketing: Tackling fake reviews and deceptive practices
Get PDFIn the modern era, as digital technologies and platforms continue to proliferate, so do ethical challenges. Thus, the significance of ethics in digital marketing is becoming increasingly vital, thereby capturing the interests of researchers and industry professionals. This systematic literature review aims to synthesise research on the ethics of digital marketing, with a central focus on addressing the issues of fake reviews and deceptive practices. A comprehensive search across multiple academic databases was conducted, which generated relevant studies from 2014 to 2024. After a rigorous inclusion criterion, 43 studies were selected for in-depth analysis. Key findings suggest that unethical digital marketing practices negatively impact consumer trust and decision-making. Moreover, findings reveal that ethical frameworks and regulatory frameworks exist to address the issues of deceptive practices. However, they are accompanied by gaps and limitations. It was also discovered that consumers, businesses, and regulatory bodies are key stakeholders in addressing unethical digital marketing practices. The study proposes recommendations alongside their practical implications, which extend to stakeholders in the marketing industry. For businesses, it necessitates using advanced technological tools, transparency, and incentivising genuine customer reviews. For policymakers and regulators, findings highlight the necessity for tiered enforcement mechanisms and fortified frameworks to overcome cross-border issues. For customers, it encourages education and to critically navigate the digital marketplace. The review concludes by highlighting the limitations of the findings and suggesting areas for future research.
Keywords: Ethical Digital Marketing, Fake Reviews, Deceptive Marketing Practices, Misleading Advertising, Unethical Digital Marketing
Sustainability audits for financial institutions: A guide for compliance
No full textAs global regulatory frameworks evolve to address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns, financial institutions must conduct sustainability audits to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. This paper provides a comprehensive guide on sustainability audits, outlining their significance, methodologies, and compliance requirements for financial institutions. Sustainability audits assess an institution’s adherence to ESG principles, regulatory obligations, and sustainable finance practices. They help identify potential risks, improve transparency, and align financial activities with sustainability goals. This guide explores key components of sustainability audits, including data collection, materiality assessment, risk analysis, and reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). It highlights regulatory expectations, particularly those outlined in the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) climate risk disclosure rules, and the Basel Committee’s principles on climate-related financial risk. Challenges, including data inconsistencies, evolving regulations, and integration of ESG factors into financial decision-making, are also addressed. By implementing sustainability audits, financial institutions can strengthen regulatory compliance, enhance investor confidence, and contribute to global sustainability efforts. This guide serves as a resource for financial professionals, auditors, and regulators seeking to navigate the complexities of ESG compliance in the financial sector.
Keywords: Sustainability Audits, Financial Institutions, ESG Compliance, Regulatory Frameworks, Risk Assessment, Sustainable Finance