It has been set out to explore how the digital revolution and the rise of Fintech are fundamentally changing the way global trade routes are managed. The goal is to see if these new tools could fix the old headaches of international trade—think sky-high costs, shadowy processes, and constant security worries—and replace them with supply chains that actually work better, stay safe, and respect the planet. Instead of just looking at numbers, we took a deep dive into qualitative insights by combing through academic papers, latest industry trends, and real-world case studies. It is paid close attention to the heavy hitters: blockchain, smart contracts, digital payments, and AI-powered logistics. To make it practical, we looked at how these technologies are performing in the real world across vital trade links like the Black Sea, the Middle Corridor, and the New Silk Road. The result of the paper is to going digital makes everything smoother. It cuts down waiting times, handles boring paperwork automatically, and finally lets everyone see what’s happening in the supply chain in real-time. It was also found that Fintech is a game-changer for smaller businesses (SMEs) and developing areas, giving them a seat at the global trade table for the first time. That said, it’s not all smooth sailing; we still have to deal with patchy internet, messy regulations, cyber threats, and a serious lack of people who know how to run these systems. Digital tools and Fintech aren't just minor upgrades; they are revolutionary for trade management. But, to make it work, governments and private companies need to start rowing in the same direction. We need smart investments in better internet for everyone, global rules that actually match up, tighter security, and training programs that prepare people for the jobs of tomorrow. We wrap up the paper with a roadmap for leaders and businesses to help them make this transition without getting left behind.
This study investigated the relationships between human resource management (HRM) practices, workplace bullying, work engagement, perceived organizational and supervisor support, and turnover intention among academic staff in Nigeria’s top 10 public universities. Grounded in the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model and Social Exchange Theory, the research examined both the direct and indirect pathways affecting turnover intention. Data were collected using purposive sampling from full-time, part-time, contract, and visiting lecturers via structured questionnaires, with a final sample size of 126 respondents determined through G*Power analysis. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using Smart PLS (v4.1.3) revealed that workplace bullying significantly increased turnover intention and negatively influenced work engagement. HRM practices did not have a significant direct effect on engagement but had an indirect effect through engagement on turnover intention. Work engagement emerged as a significant mediator in the relationships between HRM practices, workplace bullying, and turnover intention. Furthermore, perceived supervisor support significantly moderated the relationship between work engagement and turnover intention, while perceived organizational support did not. The study concludes that while HRM practices alone may not directly boost engagement, their indirect influence through engagement is valuable for reducing turnover intention. Conversely, workplace bullying remains a strong risk factor for disengagement and staff attrition. Theoretically, the study advances the JD-R model by incorporating workplace stressors and support mechanisms. Practically, it emphasizes the need for targeted HR interventions, antibullying policies, and supportive supervisory relationships to enhance academic staff retention in the Nigerian public university system.
The convergence of neo-banking and the gig economy represents a significant shift in the future of work and finance, reshaping how individuals manage their financial lives in an increasingly digital and decentralized economy. This research article investigates the intersections between neo-banking, a digital-only banking model, and the gig economy, focusing on how neo-banks are addressing the unique financial challenges faced by gig workers. Unlike traditional employment, gig work often involves irregular income, lack of employer-provided benefits, and limited access to financial services. Neo-banks, with their technology-driven, customer-centric approach, are emerging as key players in providing tailored financial solutions such as flexible accounts, real-time payments, income-smoothing tools, and low-cost international transfers. These innovations are particularly relevant for gig workers, who require greater financial flexibility and accessibility. The research highlights the economic and social implications of neo-banking for the gig economy, including its role in promoting financial inclusion, reducing barriers to financial access, and empowering workers to better manage their finances. However, the study also identifies potential risks, such as over-reliance on digital platforms, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and regulatory challenges that could hinder the sustainable growth of neo-banking in this context. Furthermore, the article explores the broader implications of this intersection for the future of work and finance. It argues that neo-banks are not only transforming how gig workers interact with financial systems but also influencing the broader financial ecosystem by driving innovation and competition. The findings suggest that while neo-banks are well-positioned to support the evolving needs of the gig economy, collaboration among regulators, traditional banks, and fintech companies is crucial to address systemic risks and ensure equitable access to financial services. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on digital finance and labor economics, offering actionable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and gig workers. By examining the synergies and challenges at the intersection of neo-banking and the gig economy, the article provides a comprehensive understanding of how digital financial solutions can support the future of work in an increasingly fragmented and dynamic labor market.
The article examines the theoretical and practical foundations of tax management transformation in the digital economy. It analyses the impact of digitalisation, platform business models, electronic commerce, digital financial services, and virtual assets on the evolution of tax administration. Particular attention is paid to international digital taxation mechanisms, including the OECD/G20 BEPS Project, the Two-Pillar Solution, Digital Services Tax, and the DAC7 Directive, which are shaping a new architecture of global tax governance. The transformation of the digital economy is considered as a factor that requires a shift from traditional tax administration towards a more adaptive, technology-driven, and internationally coordinated model of tax management. The growing mobility of digital business activities and cross-border financial flows further increases the importance of integrated approaches to tax information, risk management, and fiscal regulation. The study substantiates the growing role of fiscal innovations and advanced digital technologies, including Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud Technologies, Predictive Analytics, and integrated digital platforms, in improving tax administration, strengthening risk-oriented control, enhancing tax transparency, and supporting data-driven decision-making within the Smart Tax Administration framework. The current stage of digital transformation of Ukraine's tax management system is analysed through the implementation of the taxation mechanism for electronic services supplied by non-residents ("Google Tax"), the development of the Diia City legal regime, and the expansion of digital services provided by the State Tax Service of Ukraine. The paper identifies the main institutional and technological challenges of digital tax management and proposes strategic priorities for its further development based on international tax transparency standards, digital integration, and modern information technologies. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to combine technological modernisation with regulatory adaptation and institutional capacity building in order to ensure the coherence of Ukraine's tax system with the evolving global digital tax environment. The implementation of these approaches will contribute to increasing the efficiency of tax administration, expanding the tax base, strengthening fiscal sustainability, and ensuring the successful integration of Ukraine into the global digital tax environment.
Innovation is the ultimate force that drives the development of society. In this dissertation, I examine the economic and organizational outcomes of technological innovations. In my first paper, I study how Artificial intelligence (AI) technology innovation replaces the intermediary role of real estate agents by reducing information asymmetry through delegation mechanisms. I found that consumers are more likely to delegate to AI algorithms as an alternative information source over real estate agents and this effect leads to the reduction of real estate agents’ employment. In my second paper, I studied technology innovation-led remote workforce settings from a cybersecurity risk perspective. Remote workforces are becoming more common due to technological advancements such as blockchain, and cybersecurity risks are documented to be higher for such remote workforces due to reduced monitoring and interactions with peers. I built and tested a model to explain cybersecurity behaviors in remote settings and found that determinants such as social influence differ from determinants in in-office settings. Both studies have implications for helping us better embrace the benefits of technology while controlling its negative effects.
The rapid growth of cryptocurrencies and increasing instability in traditional financial systems have significantly transformed global investment behaviour in recent years. In developing countries experiencing economic crises and currency depreciation, investors increasingly seek alternative financial assets that can preserve value and generate higher returns. Sri Lanka has recently experienced severe economic instability characterised by inflation, foreign-exchange shortages, sovereign debt problems, and rapid depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee. Under these conditions, interest in cryptocurrency investment has increased, particularly among younger and technologically aware investors. Therefore, this study examines whether fiat currency devaluation shifts investment from the stock market to the cryptocurrency market among university students in Sri Lanka. The study adopts a quantitative research approach and uses primary data collected through a structured questionnaire from 150 final-year undergraduate students at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Stratified random sampling was used to select respondents from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, and the Faculty of Applied Sciences. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and binary logistic regression were employed to analyse the relationship between rupee depreciation and cryptocurrency investment behaviour. The findings reveal that depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee significantly influences investment decisions among university students. Most respondents perceived cryptocurrency investment as more profitable than stock-market investment during periods of economic uncertainty. The chi-square analysis identified significant relationships between cryptocurrency investment behaviour and age, income, stock-market investment, and perceptions of rupee depreciation. Furthermore, the binary logistic regression results confirmed that rupee depreciation positively and significantly affects cryptocurrency investment, whereas stock-market investment had a negative relationship with cryptocurrency investment behaviour. The study concludes that economic instability, declining confidence in fiat currency, and increasing awareness of digital financial systems encourage university students in Sri Lanka to shift their investment preferences from the traditional stock market to cryptocurrency.