https://ajemb.us/index.php/gp/issue/feedAmerican Journal of Economic and Management Business (AJEMB)2026-01-27T07:31:07+00:00AJEMB Journal[email protected]Open Journal Systems<p><em><strong>American Journal of Economic and Management Business (AJEMB) </strong><strong>is an</strong> international journal published by Central Publishing, focusing on <strong>Economics, Business, and Management in Developing Countries Studies</strong>. American Journal of Economic and Management Business (AJEMB) is published monthly, and it aims to disseminate Economics, Business, and Management research conducted by researchers.</em></p> <p>American Journal of Economic and Management Business (AJEMB) indexed by Goggle Scholar.</p>https://ajemb.us/index.php/gp/article/view/399Analysis of Energy Poverty in Indonesia Based on Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (MEPI) Approach 2025-12-29T07:46:51+00:00Ferina Andini[email protected]Idris Idris[email protected]<p>Energy poverty is a complex development problem because it is not only related to income limitations, but also reflects the inability of households to access and utilize modern energy services properly. This study aims to analyze the level of household energy poverty in Indonesia using the Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (MEPI) approach and examine the influence of the Human Development Index (HDI) and economic inequality on energy poverty, with region as a control variable. This study uses secondary data from the 2023 National Socio-Economic Survey (SUSENAS) which covers 339,847 households. MEPI is calculated based on five main dimensions, namely access to cooking fuel, lighting, ownership of household appliances, educational and entertainment facilities, and communication tools. The next analysis was carried out using multiple linear regression of the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method. The results of the study show that energy poverty in Indonesia is still concentrated in the eastern region, especially in the dimensions of cooking fuel, indoor pollution, and the ownership of education and communication equipment. Empirically, HDI has a significant negative effect on energy poverty, while economic inequality has a positive effect on increasing energy poverty. These findings confirm that improving the quality of human development and reducing economic inequality are key factors in efforts to address energy poverty in a sustainable manner in Indonesia.</p>2026-01-06T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Ferina Andini, Idris Idrishttps://ajemb.us/index.php/gp/article/view/404The Effect of Digital Literacy and Data Security Systems on Student Service Satisfaction Through CSIRT at Yogyakarta State University 2026-01-12T08:24:29+00:00Arifiastuti Karimah Nurfitriana[email protected]Maimun Sholeh[email protected]<p><em>This study aims to analyze the effect of digital literacy and data security systems on student service satisfaction and to examine the role of the Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) as a mediating variable in the digital services of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta. The study used a quantitative approach with 200 active student respondents selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a Likert scale questionnaire and analyzed using PLS-SEM with SmartPLS 4.1.1.4. The results show that digital literacy does not significantly affect service satisfaction or the role of CSIRT. Conversely, data security systems significantly affect student service satisfaction and the role of CSIRT. The role of CSIRT was also found to have a significant effect on service satisfaction and to mediate the effect of data security systems on student satisfaction, but it did not mediate the effect of digital literacy. These findings have important theoretical implications for the DeLone and McLean IS Success Model by demonstrating that, in educational contexts, system quality (represented by data security) exerts a stronger influence on user satisfaction than individual capabilities (digital literacy), particularly when mediated by institutional support mechanisms (CSIRT). The practical implications emphasize that universities should prioritize strengthening data security infrastructure and optimizing CSIRT operational effectiveness as strategic approaches to enhancing student satisfaction with digital services, rather than focusing primarily on digital literacy training programs.</em></p>2026-01-28T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Arifiastuti Karimah Nurfitriana, Maimun Sholehhttps://ajemb.us/index.php/gp/article/view/407Analysis of Budget Management Efficiency at The Indonesian International School Yangon2026-01-16T08:57:48+00:00Tommy Randall Tarigan[email protected]Bobby W. Saputra[email protected]<p><em>This study analyzes the budget management efficiency at the Indonesian International School Yangon (IISY) and identifies influencing factors. IISY, as part of Indonesia’s soft power diplomacy in Myanmar, faces operational challenges following the 2021 coup, leading to reduced student enrollment and revenue. The research uses a quantitative descriptive approach, analyzing financial and operational data from the 2021-2022 to 2024-2025 academic years. The study employs techniques such as expenditure variance calculation and financial ratio analysis (e.g., Cost per Student Ratio and Personnel Expenditure Ratio). The findings show fluctuating efficiency, with IISY's budget deemed "Inefficient" in the 2022-2023 and 2024-2025 academic years due to negative expenditure variances and a rigid cost structure. Personnel expenses account for over 75% of the budget, and a decline in student numbers exacerbates inefficiency, as fixed costs remain unchanged. External factors, such as national instability, and internal factors, like limited budget flexibility and planning, contribute to this inefficiency. The study recommends improving budget planning accuracy, optimizing non-personnel spending, and increasing student enrollment to enhance operational sustainability.</em></p>2026-01-23T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Tommy Randall Tarigan, Bobby W. Saputrahttps://ajemb.us/index.php/gp/article/view/413The Impact of Knowledge Management, Competence, and Compensation on Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) and Employee Performance 2026-01-21T07:37:06+00:00Ferri Kuswantoro[email protected]Sugiyono Sugiyono[email protected]Eni Andari[email protected]<p><em>This study aimed to examine organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) as the intervening variable between knowledge management, competence, and compensation on employee performance. The research was conducted on PDAM Tirta Sembada employees in Sleman Regency with a sample of 145 respondents. Data collection used a questionnaire, and data processing was carried out with the structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis tool through the AMOS application version 24. The results showed that (1) knowledge management had a significant positive effect on organizational citizenship behaviour; (2) knowledge management had a significant positive effect on employee performance; (3) competence had a significant positive effect on organizational citizenship behaviour; (4) competence had a significant positive effect on employee performance; (5) compensation had a significant positive effect on organizational citizenship behaviour; (6) compensation had a significant positive effect on employee performance; (7) organizational citizenship behaviour had a significant positive effect on employee performance; and (8) organizational citizenship behaviour was able to intervene between knowledge management, competence, and compensation toward the performance of PDAM Tirta Sembada employees in Sleman Regency.</em></p>2026-01-26T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Ferri Kuswantoro, Sugiyono Sugiyono, Eni Andarihttps://ajemb.us/index.php/gp/article/view/395The Influence of Professional Code of Ethics, Independence, and Auditor Accountability on Audit Quality with Professional Skepticism as a Moderating Variable2025-12-24T07:54:34+00:00Alfatah Hakim[email protected]F.X. Kurniawan Tjakrawala[email protected]<p>This study aims to analyze the influence of professional code of ethics, independence, and auditor accountability on audit quality, as well as to examine the role of professional skepticism as a moderating variable. The research background is based on the importance of auditors' professional behavior in ensuring audit quality amid the increasing complexity of financial statements and the pressures of the audit environment. This study uses a quantitative approach with a survey method through questionnaires distributed to auditors working at Public Accounting Firms in South Jakarta. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling-PLS (SmartPLS). The results of the study show that professional code of ethics, independence, accountability, and professional skepticism have a significant effect on audit quality. In addition, the findings also show that professional skepticism positively moderates the relationships between accountability, independence, and professional code of ethics on audit quality. Such moderation reinforces the influence of the independent variables, which means that the application of ethics, independent attitudes, and auditors' sense of responsibility will have a more optimal impact when auditors have a high level of skepticism. This study confirms that the combination of ethical aspects, professional behavior, independence, and skepticism are important factors in forming reliable audit quality. These findings provide implications for Public Accounting Firms to strengthen ethics training, independence policies, and the development of professional skepticism as part of efforts to improve audit quality.</p>2026-01-06T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Alfatah Hakim, F.X. Kurniawan Tjakrawalahttps://ajemb.us/index.php/gp/article/view/401The Influence of Work Stress and Work Environment on Employee Performance at the UPT Balai Yasa Yogyakarta Through Work Motivation as a Mediation Variable 2026-01-12T08:23:30+00:00Annisa Al Rahman[email protected]Endang Mulyani[email protected]<p><em>This study examines the effects of job stress and the work environment on employee performance, both directly and indirectly through work motivation as a mediating variable, at UPT Balai Yasa Yogyakarta. A quantitative approach with an explanatory design was employed, and the study was conducted in June 2025. The population consisted of 260 employees from various work units, with a sample of 158 respondents selected using proportional random sampling. Data were collected through a closed-ended Likert-scale questionnaire and tested for validity and reliability using convergent validity and composite reliability with SmartPLS 3.0 software. Data analysis was carried out using the Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) technique, which included outer model testing, inner model testing, and path analysis. The findings indicate that job stress has a positive but insignificant effect on employee performance. In contrast, the work environment has a positive and significant effect on employee performance. Job stress also shows a negative and insignificant effect on work motivation, whereas the work environment has a positive and highly significant effect on work motivation. Furthermore, work motivation has a positive and significant effect on employee performance. Regarding the mediating role, work motivation does not significantly mediate the relationship between job stress and employee performance. However, work motivation significantly and positively mediates the relationship between the work environment and employee performance. Based on these results, the study recommends that organizations place greater emphasis on improving the work environment as a strategic approach to enhancing employee motivation and performance.</em></p>2025-01-28T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Annisa Al Rahman, Endang Mulyanihttps://ajemb.us/index.php/gp/article/view/405Leadership Style and Organizational Culture in Enhancing the Memorization Ability of Tahfidz Students Through the Yadain Method at the National Qur’an Tahfidz Quarantine Foundation, Kuningan, West Java2026-01-14T04:00:39+00:00Nur Ainiyah[email protected]Endang Mulyani[email protected]<p>This study examines (1) the leadership style, (2) organizational culture, and (3) implementation of the <em>Yadain</em> Method in enhancing memorization ability at the National Qur’an <em>Tahfidz</em> Quarantine Foundation, Kuningan, West Java. Employing a qualitative approach, it used observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Informants included foundation leaders, administrators, <em>muhaffidz</em>/<em>muhaffidzah</em>, and students. Data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman model, with source triangulation for validity. Results revealed that (1) leadership is transformational, participative, collaborative, and visionary, with collaborative style most dominant in boosting memorization. (2) Organizational culture features core values, traditions/symbols, and supportive social/physical environments, led by discipline. (3) The <em>Yadain</em> method applies multisensory approaches, visualization reinforcement, and routine supervision/evaluation. These elements integrally enhance memorization: 35–40% of students achieve 30 <em>juz</em>, with others progressing per <em>halaqoh</em> levels. Collaborative leadership, strong culture, and the <em>Yadain</em> method foster a structured, rapid, meaningful process.</p>2026-01-28T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Nur Ainiyah, Endang Mulyanihttps://ajemb.us/index.php/gp/article/view/409Accounting Practices and Their Impact on University Sustainability Reporting: A Systematic Review2026-01-15T03:47:52+00:00Nur Wahyu Ningsih[email protected] Einde Evana[email protected]Sudrajat Sudrajat[email protected]<p>Sustainability reporting in higher education has garnered increasing attention as universities strive to demonstrate their commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. This study systematically reviews the literature to explore how accounting practices influence sustainability reporting in universities. The analysis identifies internal factors, such as institutional size, age, and internationalization, which shape the university's capacity and strategic focus. External factors include regulatory pressures, societal expectations, and the role of the media in promoting public accountability. Legitimacy theory and stakeholder theory provide a framework to explain the adoption of sustainability reporting, emphasizing the need to maintain institutional legitimacy and meet stakeholder expectations. However, barriers such as resource constraints, inconsistent reporting standards, and contextual differences, particularly in developing countries, hinder broader adoption. The literature selection process followed the PRISMA framework, identifying 244 articles, screening 114, assessing 37 for eligibility, and selecting 32 for in-depth review. The findings underscore the importance of accounting practices, such as standards-based reporting and sustainability-focused budgeting, in fostering transparent university governance. Practical recommendations are offered to help universities integrate sustainability reporting through stakeholder engagement and regulatory alignment, contributing to global development goals.</p>2026-01-23T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Nur Wahyu Ningsih, Einde Evana, Sudrajat Sudrajathttps://ajemb.us/index.php/gp/article/view/418Governance and Management Challenges in Indonesia's Nusantara Capital City (IKN) Project: A Critical Review and Strategic Recommendations 2026-01-27T07:31:07+00:00Marselinus Ferdinand Pranoto[email protected]Lijan Poltak Sinambela[email protected]<p><em>This paper offers a critical review?of governance and management issues on Indonesia’s Nusantara Capital City (IKN), an essential national development program. Applying a qualitative case study method, recent data?and reports are scrutinized to draw attention to themes such as leadership instability, a lack of government agency coordination, budget constraints, opacity in the use of funds, social strife over land acquisition and the questionable sustainability of development across Indonesia. The study shows?the constraints of the institutional capacity of the IKN Authority and how political changes affect project continuity. The findings inform policy suggestions to improve governance, inter-agency collaboration,?transparency and inclusive stakeholder engagements. This study adds to the existing literature by highlighting the challenges faced in implementing large government mega-projects within a developing country?context, and provides practical advice for policy-makers with an aim to achieving IKN development sustainability.</em></p>2026-01-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Marselinus Ferdinand Pranoto, Lijan Poltak Sinambelahttps://ajemb.us/index.php/gp/article/view/397Strategic Decisions in Market Expansion: Navigating Business Opportunity for PT. ABC to Expand to Asean Markets2025-12-27T07:58:14+00:00Muhammad Salim Nadjieb[email protected]Santi Novani[email protected]<p>This study investigates strategic decisions for Hukumonline, Indonesia's leading legal-tech company, to expand into Southeast Asian (ASEAN) markets through its regional platform, PT ABC. The research addresses three core questions: What business opportunities exist in ASEAN for Hukumonline? Which countries offer the most favorable conditions for entry? What entry mode strategy is most appropriate? Using a qualitative approach, the study integrates PESTEL analysis for macro-environmental assessment, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for country prioritization, Porter's Five Forces for industry competitiveness, and VRIO analysis for internal resource evaluation. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with 15 industry experts, legal professionals, and executives, complemented by secondary data from industry reports and government publications. DEMATEL weighting identifies technology readiness and legal certainty as critical success factors, while sociocultural adaptation emerges as a key enabler. AHP results rank Singapore as the top priority market (composite score 0.324), followed by Malaysia (0.261) and Thailand (0.198). PESTEL analysis reveals favorable regulatory environments in Singapore and Malaysia, while Porter's Five Forces indicates moderate competitive intensity with significant barriers to entry. VRIO analysis confirms Hukumonline's competitive advantages in proprietary legal databases, technological platform capabilities, and brand equity. The findings recommend a phased hybrid entry strategy: initial cross-border SaaS deployment for market testing and customer acquisition, medium-term strategic alliances with local law firms for enhanced credibility and local expertise, and long-term establishment of a regional hub in Singapore for coordinated ASEAN operations. This research contributes a structured decision-making framework for legal-tech internationalization and offers practical guidance for leveraging intangible assets in heterogeneous markets while managing regulatory, cultural, and competitive challenges.</p>2026-01-06T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Salim Nadjieb, Santi Novanihttps://ajemb.us/index.php/gp/article/view/403The Effect of Interest Rates and Inflation on Stock Returns: A Case Study of Different Industries in the Tehran Stock Exchange2026-01-14T03:59:57+00:00Babalah Nemati[email protected]Reza Tavakoli Moghaddam[email protected]<p>The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of interest rates and inflation on stock returns of different industries in the Tehran Stock Exchange. In recent years, economic fluctuations caused by increasing inflation rates and changes in bank interest rates have caused widespread concerns among investors, financial managers, and economic policymakers. This study employs multiple regression models and vector error correction models (VECM) to examine the short-term and long-term relationships between variables. In addition, GARCH models are used to analyze the stability and volatility of stock returns against inflation and interest rate shocks. The results of the model estimations show that the inflation rate has a significant and mainly negative effect on stock returns in most industries, especially in those with high dependence on imports or foreign raw materials. On the other hand, the interest rate also has a significant negative effect on the returns of capital-intensive and financing-dependent industries. Based on the findings of the VECM model, there is a long-term relationship between inflation and stock returns in some industries, which is consistent with Fisher's theory. This research suggests that economic policymakers should pay special attention to the direct and indirect effects of interest rates and inflation on the capital market. Also, institutional and individual investors should consider the sensitivity of different industries to these variables in their investment strategies.</p>2026-01-26T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Babalah Nemati, Reza Tavakoli Moghaddamhttps://ajemb.us/index.php/gp/article/view/406The Impact of Advertising Effectiveness on Brand Awareness an Empirical Study of the Advertising Program for Ultra Teh Kotak Products2026-01-14T06:21:52+00:00Ardhi Setyo Putranto[email protected]<p>The increasingly intense competition in the packaged tea beverage industry requires firms to manage marketing communications effectively, particularly through advertising activities. This study aims to examine the effects of celebrity endorsers, advertising messages, and advertising media on advertising effectiveness, as well as their implications for brand awareness of Ultra Teh Kotak products. Data were collected through a survey of 200 respondents who had been exposed to the advertisements and had consumed Ultra Teh Kotak. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that celebrity endorsers (, CR = 4.82, ), advertising messages (, CR = 4.15, ), and advertising media (, CR = 3.67, ) have positive and significant influences on advertising effectiveness. Furthermore, advertising effectiveness has a positive and significant effect on brand awareness (, CR = 6.93, ). These findings confirm that the success of an advertising program is largely determined by the integration of credible endorsers, compelling messages, and appropriate media selection. The study contributes to advertising effectiveness theory by demonstrating the integrated role of multiple advertising elements in building brand awareness within the competitive ready-to-drink beverage market.</p>2026-01-27T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Ardhi Setyo Putrantohttps://ajemb.us/index.php/gp/article/view/411The Role of LPK OTC Bali in Instilling the Value of Green Entrepreneurship in Trainees2026-01-17T02:19:34+00:00Ngakan Putu Purwita[email protected]<p>This study aims to analyze the role of OTC Bali Training Center (Lembaga Pelatihan Kerja/LPK OTC Bali) in instilling green entrepreneurship values among training participants, how these values are perceived by the participants, and the challenges encountered in the internalization process. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation. The research informants consist of training center managers, instructors, and training participants. Data analysis was conducted thematically, following Creswell’s qualitative approach. The findings indicate that LPK OTC Bali plays an active role in integrating green entrepreneurship values through curriculum development, training practices, the habituation of environmentally friendly behaviors, and the utilization of learning technology innovations. Since 2022, LPK OTC Bali has implemented a digital learning application that contains all training materials, eliminating the use of printed module books. The use of this application enhances learning efficiency, reduces paper consumption, and strengthens the internalization of environmental sustainability values. The participants perceive green entrepreneurship as a combination of environmental responsibility, work ethics, and sustainable business opportunities, although the level of value internalization varies among participants. The main challenges include differences in participants’ backgrounds, limited training time and facilities, participants’ dominant orientation as job seekers, and the lack of optimal support from the sustainable tourism industry ecosystem. This study emphasizes the strategic importance of training institutions in developing tourism human resources oriented toward technology-based green entrepreneurship to support sustainable tourism development.</p>2026-01-22T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2026 Ngakan Putu Purwita