Journal Markcount Finance

THE PARADOX OF AI PERSONALIZATION: DECIPHERING THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN ALGORITHMIC CUSTOMIZATION AND CONSUMER PRIVACY ANXIETY IN E-COMMERCE

2026-05-28T22:50:43+07:00

Artificial intelligence has transformed e-commerce through algorithmic personalization systems that provide customized recommendations, predictive advertising, and individualized shopping experiences. By analyzing behavioral and transactional data in real time, these systems enhance consumer convenience, purchasing efficiency, and platform engagement. However, increased reliance on data collection and predictive analytics has intensified concerns regarding privacy intrusion, surveillance, and loss of control over personal information. This study aimed to examine the relationship between AI-driven personalization and consumer privacy anxiety in e-commerce environments. Particular attention was given to the effects of algorithmic customization on consumer trust, purchase intention, perceived convenience, emotional discomfort, and privacy-related concerns. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was employed involving 450 active e-commerce consumers from five major online shopping platforms. Quantitative data were collected through standardized questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through behavioral simulations, reflective response forms, and semi-structured interviews. Structural equation modeling, regression analysis, and correlation testing were used to examine relationships among variables. Results revealed that AI personalization significantly increased consumer engagement, perceived shopping convenience, and purchasing intention. Nevertheless, privacy anxiety and surveillance concerns remained evident despite positive attitudes toward personalization benefits. Perceived algorithmic transparency and greater consumer control over personal data reduced emotional discomfort and strengthened trust in digital platforms. These findings indicate that sustainable AI personalization requires the integration of technological efficiency, ethical transparency, consumer empowerment, and responsible data governance.

A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF FIXED ASSET ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEM AT PT HASJRAT ABADI MANADO

2026-06-19T22:22:19+07:00

This study analyzes the implementation of a fixed asset accounting information system, PSAK 16 conformity, and COSO-based internal control at PT Hasjrat Abadi Manado Branch. The study aims to examine how the system supports asset recording, coding, depreciation, reporting, monitoring, and decision-making in the management of equipment assets. A descriptive qualitative approach was used because the research focuses on field-based procedures, control practices, and operational constraints rather than statistical hypothesis testing. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation, then analyzed through data reduction, data display, conclusion drawing, and triangulation. The findings show that SBO or SAP Business One has been used since 2014 and has improved six main process areas: asset acquisition recording, asset coding, acquisition cost recording, depreciation calculation, asset location tracking, and report preparation. Based on qualitative benchmarks from field evidence, recording, coding, reporting, and data retrieval were relatively strong, while depreciation accuracy, disposal timeliness, and monitoring remained moderate because they depend on correct asset classification, document completeness, and physical verification. The main weaknesses include input errors, delayed supporting documents, non-real-time updates, annual-only physical inspections, and the absence of automatic reminders. These weaknesses may delay maintenance, replacement, and disposal decisions and may reduce the reliability of asset information. The novelty of this study lies in its integrated analysis of fixed asset accounting information systems, PSAK 16, and COSO-based internal control at the branch level. The findings imply that stronger validation, more frequent physical inspection, real-time updates, and better branch–head office integration are needed.

THE PREMIUM OF TRANSPARENCY: ASSESSING THE NON-LINEAR IMPACT OF ESG RATING DISCREPANCIES ON CORPORATE COST OF DEBT DURING MACROECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY

2026-06-04T10:54:50+07:00

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings have become increasingly influential in shaping corporate financing decisions and stakeholder assessments within global capital markets. Growing reliance on ESG information has enhanced the importance of transparency and sustainability disclosures; however, substantial discrepancies among ESG rating providers continue to raise concerns regarding information reliability, comparability, and credibility. Such inconsistencies may create uncertainty for creditors, particularly during periods of macroeconomic instability when risk assessment becomes more challenging. This study aims to examine the non-linear impact of ESG rating discrepancies on corporate cost of debt and to evaluate the moderating role of macroeconomic uncertainty in shaping this relationship. A quantitative research design employing panel data analysis was utilized. The study analyzed publicly listed non-financial firms observed between 2014 and 2023, using ESG ratings obtained from multiple providers alongside financial and macroeconomic indicators. Non-linear regression models and interaction analyses were applied to assess the effects of ESG rating divergence on borrowing costs. Findings indicate that ESG rating discrepancies are positively associated with corporate cost of debt and that this relationship follows a non-linear pattern. Borrowing costs increase modestly at lower levels of divergence but rise substantially once discrepancies exceed critical thresholds. Macroeconomic uncertainty significantly amplifies these effects, increasing creditor sensitivity to sustainability-related information ambiguity. The study concludes that transparency represents a valuable financial asset, as firms demonstrating greater ESG rating consistency benefit from lower financing costs and stronger creditor confidence during uncertain economic conditions.

EXTREME VULNERABILITY EVALUATION IN INTEGRATED POTATO SUPPLY CHAINS: SCOR APPROACH AND LIKELIHOOD-IMPACT MAPPING

2026-06-17T06:27:43+07:00

This study quantifies the extreme vulnerability of the integrated potato supply chain at PT Fujitake Shouten, Nagasaki, Japan, amidst intersecting macroeconomic, demographic, and climate crises. By integrating the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model with a Likelihood-Impact matrix, this research systematically prioritized 40 operational risk events validated through stakeholder consensus to assess the systemic fragility of fresh produce logistics. Empirical results reveal a dominant concentration of threats within the “High” and “Very High” risk categories, confirming an operational environment with a near-zero margin of error. The analysis identified a critical domino effect where rural labor shortages necessitate rough mechanical harvesting, causing physical tuber damage that accelerates metabolic respiration and spoilage during cold storage, ultimately disrupting financial liquidity and downstream retail performance. To mitigate these cascading failures, the study provides a data-driven framework where specific interventions notably precision cold-chain temperature management and visual quality controls are directly linked to risk reduction. These findings offer an actionable strategy for agribusiness entities to transition from reactive measures to proactive resilience, effectively stabilizing cash-to-cash cycles in vertically integrated supply chains.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY FINANCING: DEVELOPING MODELS FOR SUSTAINABLE SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMES)

2026-06-11T23:09:51+07:00

Transitioning from linear economic systems toward circular economy models has become a strategic priority for achieving sustainable development. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in this transition due to their significant contribution to economic growth, employment creation, and innovation. This study aims to develop an integrated financing model that supports circular economy implementation while enhancing environmental performance, organizational resilience, and long-term business sustainability. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining qualitative exploration with quantitative analysis. Data were collected from SME owners, managers, financial professionals, and sustainability practitioners. Structural Equation Modeling was utilized to examine relationships among financing accessibility, financial innovation, circular economy implementation, environmental performance, and sustainable business outcomes. Findings reveal that financing accessibility and financial innovation significantly influence circular economy adoption and organizational resilience. Environmental performance was found to mediate the relationship between circular business practices and sustainable business outcomes. The study concludes that an integrated circular economy financing model can serve as an effective mechanism for accelerating sustainable SME transformation. Financial ecosystems that combine accessible capital, innovative financial products, and sustainability objectives are essential for supporting circular economic development.

CORPORATE TAX FAIRNESS IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY: AN EVALUATION OF OECD PILLAR TWO IMPLEMENTATION

2026-06-11T23:12:53+07:00

Rapid digitalization has transformed global business operations and intensified challenges associated with corporate taxation. Multinational enterprises increasingly generate substantial profits across jurisdictions without maintaining significant physical presence, creating opportunities for profit shifting, tax avoidance, and disparities in effective tax rates. OECD Pillar Two was introduced as part of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework to establish a global minimum corporate tax and reduce harmful tax competition. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of OECD Pillar Two implementation in promoting corporate tax fairness within the digital economy. A qualitative policy evaluation approach was employed through systematic analysis of international tax policy documents, OECD reports, governmental publications, and peer-reviewed academic literature published between 2021 and 2025. Findings indicate that Pillar Two has significant potential to reduce incentives for profit shifting, strengthen alignment between economic activity and tax liabilities, and enhance international tax cooperation. Evidence further suggests that successful implementation depends heavily on administrative capacity, regulatory coordination, and institutional readiness across jurisdictions. The study concludes that OECD Pillar Two represents a substantial advancement in global tax governance and corporate tax fairness; however, long-term effectiveness requires consistent implementation, strong enforcement mechanisms, and sustained international collaboration.

INNOVATIONS IN SMART ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS TO ACHIEVE EFFICIENCY AND ACCURACY IN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

2026-06-26T23:04:52+07:00

The massive growth of digital technology has had a significant impact on financial management systems and accounting practices across various types of organizations. Conventional accounting models that still rely on manual processes often face various challenges, including a high potential for errors in transaction recording, slow preparation of financial statements, low operational effectiveness, and limitations in generating timely and relevant information to support decision-making. This study aims to evaluate the role of intelligent accounting systems in improving the quality of financial management, particularly regarding the efficiency of work processes and the accuracy of the financial information generated. The approach used in this study is a literature review employing qualitative methods, drawing from various academic sources such as scientific articles, reference books, research reports, and other relevant documents discussing the development of contemporary accounting technology. The results of the study indicate that the implementation of such systems is capable of optimizing financial administration processes through the automation of various accounting activities, accelerating data processing and presentation, reducing the risk of errors caused by human factors, and enhancing transparency and accountability in financial management. Thus, the implementation of a smart accounting system can serve as an innovative solution that plays a crucial role in achieving financial management that is more efficient, reliable, and responsive.

REAL-TIME FINANCIAL REPORTING: THE CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS OF CLOUD-BASED ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS

2026-07-13T13:23:50+07:00

Rapid digital transformation has fundamentally reshaped financial reporting by increasing organizational demand for timely, accurate, and transparent financial information. Conventional accounting systems frequently struggle to satisfy these expectations because periodic reporting, fragmented data management, and limited accessibility reduce organizational responsiveness and decision quality. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits and challenges of cloud-based accounting systems in supporting real-time financial reporting and organizational performance. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was employed using data collected from 310 organizations and 1,240 accounting professionals representing multiple industrial sectors. Quantitative analyses incorporated descriptive statistics, structural equation modeling, hierarchical regression, mediation and moderation analyses, while qualitative evidence from expert interviews, organizational observations, and policy document reviews was analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings demonstrated that cloud-based accounting significantly improved reporting timeliness, financial reporting accuracy, audit efficiency, managerial decision-making, organizational agility, and regulatory compliance. Reporting timeliness partially mediated the relationship between cloud capability and organizational performance, whereas cybersecurity readiness and employee digital competence strengthened implementation effectiveness.