Purpose This study aims to provide a conceptual model based on future research methods on the impact of blockchain on audit outputs, to examine the effect of blockchain on audit outputs (audit quality and audit expectation gap) and, finally, to analyze the dimensions and identify components of each aspect of the effectiveness of blockchain technology in the audit profession. Design/methodology/approach This research evaluates and systematically analyzes the results using a qualitative approach and future research tools, particularly the Structural Equation Modeling method. In this research, the opinions of 20 experts regarding the dimensions of blockchain, which have affected the expectation gap and audit quality, have been queried. Findings The findings of this study articulate that blockchain impacts two critical dimensions of audit outputs, including audit quality and expectation gap. Based on the research results, it has been determined that blockchain has a positive and significant effect on audit quality. Conversely, it negatively and significantly impacts the audit expectation gap. This means that using blockchain in Iran’s audit system can lead to an increase in audit quality and a reduction in audit expectation gaps. Originality/value As research has yet to be done so far to provide a model regarding the impact of blockchain on audit outputs in Iran, this study can be considered one of the first in this regard. Also, while presenting conceptual models of the impact of blockchain on audit outputs, this research shows the various issues of the gap between expectations and blockchain, which has not been entirely evident in Iran, then, based on them, analyzes the impact of blockchain. This study deals with audit outputs (audit quality and audit expectation gap).

Purpose This study aims to assess whether BRICS+ currencies are sufficiently interconnected to reduce their sensitivity to external shocks, thereby enabling prospects for future de-dollarization. It explores how currency shocks within the BRICS+ bloc influence one another during periods of crisis, identifying which currencies consistently act as sources or absorbers of economic stress. Through this analysis, the study evaluates the inherent stability and shock-resilience of individual BRICS+ currencies. Design/methodology/approach This study examines the interconnectedness of daily returns and volatility among BRICS+ currencies, exploring their responses during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and COVID-19 crisis through a time-varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) approach by Antonakakis et al. (2020). Findings Understanding these spillover effects is critical due to the significant global economic influence and diverse structures of BRICS+ economies. Notably, the Brazilian Real (BRL) and South African Rand (ZAR) frequently emerge as net transmitters, particularly during the GFC and COVID-19 crises, signaling their role as dominant economic influencers. Conversely, currencies such as the Chinese Yuan (CNY) and UAE Dirham (AED) predominantly act as net receivers, suggesting a relative vulnerability to external shocks. This study addresses the broader implications for enhancing economic resilience, informing policy and mitigating financial contagion among economies with varied structures and significant global influence. The findings indicate that volatility primarily drives spillovers during the GFC, while returns play a more dominant role during the COVID-19 crisis. The ZAR emerges as a consistent transmitter of shocks. At the same time, the AED largely remains a shock receiver despite the UAE’s role as a global business hub. Originality/value BRICS+ can transform global currency dynamics; hence, these pattern sheds light on key economic relationships, such as those between oil-trading partners like India, Russia and Iran, and highlight how currency interactions may shape strategic economic decisions. These insights are invaluable for policymakers, regulators and investors aiming to navigate risks effectively during financial uncertainty. Regulators’ understanding of the direction and intensity of risks in BRICS+ countries enables the use of policy tools to promote regional and international policy coordination and reduce the likelihood of severe risks in the future.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of various external risk factors on companies operating in the technology sector. By understanding these impacts, companies can better prepare and adapt their strategies to mitigate potential negative impacts and take advantage of emerging opportunities. Design/methodology/approach In the research, the evaluation of non-business risk factors was made with the F-DEMATEL method. While carrying out these procedures, 10 expert opinions were taken. Experts work in companies operating in the technology sector. All of them have university education or above. A total of 4 participants are female and 6 participants are male. The oldest participant is 57 years old and the youngest is 34 years old. When looking at the time spent working in the sector, the most senior expert said that he has been in the sector for 33 years. The participant with the least seniority has been working in the sector as a manager for 4 years. Findings The analysis reveals many notable findings regarding the impact of external risk factors on technology companies. In particular, the fact that changes in demand conditions emerge as the second most effective factor underlines the importance of market dynamics in shaping company performance. Additionally, the country’s political situation and changing competitive conditions have been identified as important determinants of risk exposure, highlighting the interconnection between macro-level factors and company-level outcomes. Additionally, natural risks and sudden changes in input prices are highlighted as persistent threats, necessitating proactive risk management measures to mitigate possible disruptions. Research limitations/implications Despite its contributions, this study has some limitations that should be considered. First, the findings are based on expert opinions in the technology sector and may not fully reflect the diversity of risk perceptions across different industries or regions. Future research may therefore benefit from including a larger sample of companies or using quantitative methodologies to validate the findings. Practical implications Companies that are aware of external risk factors can proactively develop risk management strategies to minimize risk exposure and protect their operations. For example, strategies such as diversifying foreign exchange risk, closely monitoring market demand trends and investing in disaster preparedness measures can help mitigate the negative consequences of external risks. Additionally, understanding the relative importance of risk factors should be taken into account by companies in effectively prioritizing their resource allocation and decision-making efforts. Originality/value In particular, the research adds original insights to existing knowledge by empirically examining the relative importance of external risk factors within the technology sector. Synthesizing the perspectives of industry experts, the research provides a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted risks facing technology companies and offers practical implications for strategic decision-making. Hierarchical ranking of risk factors adds value by guiding companies to prioritize risk mitigation efforts and allocate resources effectively, thereby increasing corporate resilience and long-term sustainability.

PurposeThis paper aims to set out the Foresight 3.0 framework, review the Mind-Lab programmes and projects and draw some general insights.Design/methodology/approachA next generation “Foresight 3.0” aims to promote “collective forward intelligence”, both within the foresight team and with external stakeholders. The question is then how to realize this in a complex, fast-changing world: this is the aim of the Mind-Lab (a.k.a. “Laboratory for Collective Intelligence”), with a range of projects in five thematic programmes (2015–2024).FindingsThe case study review shows that (a) the Foresight 3.0 approach can make real contributions in parallel with other modes; (b) there are huge gaps between aspiration and reality; and (c) a key priority is to plan and resource time for capacity building for the “collective forward intelligence”.Research limitations/implicationsThe Mind-Lab is a “living laboratory” action research programme, responding to the needs of projects and sponsors, and so the case studies are not easily replicable.Practical implicationsEach of the case study projects aims for a level of transformation (e.g. on climate change policy, circular economies or bio-regional planning), and a key contribution of Foresight 3.0 is for structured mapping and design of the pathways towards such transformation.Social implicationsThe Foresight 3.0 approach works with a wider community of interest and deeper layers of value and so aims to use participatory engagement methods, creative media channels and open deliberation processes wherever possible.Originality/valueOverall, this paper appears to be unique and original and has great potential value in the realm of strategic planning, future studies, risk analysis, transformative research and policy.

Purpose The artificial intelligence-enabled service robot has the potential to serve in consumer market. However, there is limited knowledge of how users across the globe respond to this innovation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop an integrated research model led by three known theories, namely, diffusion of innovation, theory of planned behavior and DeLone and McLean model, and investigates consumer intention to adopt robot-enabled services. Design/methodology/approach The quantitative research design is selected in this research. Data were collected through structured questionnaires. Overall, 221 airline passengers participated in the service robot survey. These responses were further analyzed with a structural equation modeling approach. Findings Statistical findings have revealed that jointly perceived behavioral control, compatibility, innovativeness, information quality, system quality and service quality explained R2 50.3% variance in user attitude to adopt service robots. In addition to that robot appearance and user attitude have explained a large variance R2 48.9 % in user intention to adopt service robots. Nevertheless, results have revealed an insignificant moderating impact of robot appearance on user attitude and intention to adopt service robots. Practical implications Practically, this research has suggested that information quality, adequate system quality and service quality boost user confidence and encourage users to adopt services led by robots. Similarly, this research has suggested that compatibility brings ease to the use of robot technology and innovativeness attracts technology users. Therefore, policymakers should focus on compatible and innovative characteristics of robot services. Moreover factors such as subjective norms and perceived behavioral control have shown a positive impact in measuring user intention to adopt service robots and hence need managerial attention. Originality/value The current research is original, as it gives deep insight into understanding user behavior toward the adoption of service robots. Moreover, the integration of three known theories, namely, DeLone and McLean model, the diffusion of innovation model and the theory of planned behavior in service robot setting has made current research more unique. Similarly, this study is consistent with United Nations sustainable development goals and ignites SDG progress by promoting artificial-driven robotic technology in the services sector.

PurposeThe main objective of this study is to identify the variables influencing consumers' perceptions of sustainable purchasing intentions and the effects such perceptions have on actual sustainable purchasing behavior. This paper aims to develop an understanding of the postmillennial generation's consumption of sustainable products.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was used to collect data for quantitative analysis. It involved sampling a total of 251 respondents, which were postmillennials belonging to the twin cities of Pakistan. A series of tests were applied through Smart PLS4 for all the variables, including descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results revealed that there is a significant relationship of social value and electronic word of mouth with digital media usage (DMU). Whereas, link of functional and emotional value with DMU was insignificant. The results also portrayed that there exists a positive link between DMU and sustainable consumption behavior (SCB). Moreover, green purchase intention moderated the relationship between DMU and SCB.Originality/valueThere exists a research gap on the role of postmillennial behavioral regulation and digital media use, as potential influences on their purchase behavior. Despite the fact that digital media has been shown to influence millennials' purchasing decisions in the past, there is still a reluctance among postmillennials to engage in environmentally friendly practices. Consequently, research is necessary to comprehend sustainable consumer behaviors; especially from an unaddressed Pakistani perspective.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to apply and verify Fourier series analysis in combination with non-linear regression as a tool of forecasting and planning of inputs in the logistics process of a retail chain store.Design/methodology/approachFor many popular products, a significant effect of seasonality of sales is expected; therefore, the method of Fourier series was chosen as one of the main forecast calculation techniques. However, the use of this method directly for forecasting sales has a limitation in the form of a complete reconstruction of the shape of the curve from of the given monitored time. Thus, the forecast is based only on the significant harmonic components from the Fourier series analysis that will participate in forecast forming. In addition, to respect the trend of series, the results of Fourier series analysis are combined with the non-linear regression.FindingsThe results showed that the number of significant harmonic components from the Fourier series analysis is suitable to reflect the future behaviour of the sale in standard market conditions. Forecasting of the sale and accurate purchase planning of goods has a positive effect on reducing the waste of unsold products after their shelf and on increasing of a customer satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has an application in a certain period of time (relatively calm behaviour of the food market) and only for a certain region. Therefore, it is not possible to generalize these results as the behaviour of consumers, e.g. within the state. It will also be interesting to monitor and forecast sales of other food items.Practical implicationsThis provides a practical and relatively simple tool for implementing or improving the process of forecasting seasonally dependent products in the food industry.Originality/valueThis study shows the possibility of forecast that is based on adding the significant harmonic components from the Fourier series analysis to form forecast with the non-linear regression.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and describe the influence of the knowledge base (KB) of the company on driving forces of innovation processes in knowledge-intensive services (KIS) and to compare the level of innovativeness of the final services.Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigates through qualitative research 11 KIS organisations with different KB.FindingsThe research results identified and described the influence of the KB on driving forces of innovations processes and its results in companies with four newly identified KBs (analytical, synthetic, symbolic and compliance).Research limitations/implicationsFurther research, based on a larger number of companies, is needed to confirm the results of this research and to complement the effect of the KB on driving forces of innovation.Practical implicationsThis research can help organisations understand how to develop strategic plans and new ideas for innovative services depending on the KB of the organisation.Social implicationsThe description of successful innovation processes and results in several leading companies presented in the study may help other companies in identifying knowledge-integration practices to improve performance and innovation processes that support multiplicity, productivity and creativity.Originality/valueThe study systemised the sources of new ideas for innovation in companies with different KB, several driving forces of innovation were identified and how these forces are affected by each KB; lastly, innovation results were compared in companies with different KB.

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the effects of volatility transmission among Bitcoin and other leading cryptocurrencies, namely, Binance USD, BNB, Cardano, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Polkadot, Polygon, Solana, Tether, USD Coin and XRP.Design/methodology/approachThe multivariate BEKK-GARCH model is used with the daily data set from 1 January 2017 to 31 March 2023. The data set is analysed in its entirety and is also the COVID-19 epidemic period.FindingsThe study reveals that while the volatility of cryptocurrency prices is influenced by their own historical shocks and volatility, there is proof of the effects shock transmission among Bitcoin and other notable cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, the authors identify the spillover effects of volatility among all 11 pairs and provide evidence that conditional correlations with varying time constants are present, and predominantly positive for both the entire and COVID-19 outbreak periods.Practical implicationsThe findings will be helpful to market experts who want to avoid losses in traditional assets. To develop the best risk management and hedging strategies, businesses might use the information to build asset portfolios or personalise payment methods. The use of such data by investors and portfolio managers could aid in the development of investment opportunities, risk insurance plans or hedging strategies for the management of financial portfolios.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the use of the BEKK-GARCH model for examining the effects of volatility spillover among Bitcoin and the other eleven top cryptocurrencies has not been previously documented.

PurposeThis study sought to determine the role of green human resource management (GHRM) in fostering employees' environmental performance (ENVP). This study aims to advance knowledge related to the role of firms’ GHRM activities in cultivating eco-responsible behaviors among employees, considering green innovation (GI) as a mediator.Design/methodology/approachFor this study, data of 579 respondents were collected from employees working in the manufacturing industry in India. In all, 579 employees from the manufacturing sector in India participated in the study. The proposed model was tested using SMART PLS 3.3.FindingsThe findings of this study stated that GHRM was found significantly to predict ENVP in the Indian manufacturing industry, and GI exhibited partial mediation. This study emphasizes that GHRM activities carried out by firms encourage employees to engage in innovation to develop green products and find novel green operation processes to improve firms’ ENVP.Research limitations/implicationsAs this study is limited to manufacturing organizations in India, the results of this study cannot be generalized; future studies may examine the proposed model in different contexts to generalize findings.Originality/valueThis study encourages policymakers to devise laws to enable organizations to implement GHRM practices. This study contributes to the existing literature on the environmental aspects of corporate social responsibility and environmental management. This study is one of the few attempts that seek to assess the relationship between GHRM, ENVP and GI in the Indian manufacturing industry. The contribution of this paper is significant to limit GHRM literature, as it empirically investigates the association between GHRM and ENVP.