Using Marketplace for MSMEs: A Look at Capability and Ecosystem Perspective

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This article discusses the requirements for MSMEs to adapt to a marketplace. MSMEs must use the marketplace to increase their performance by reaching out to more significant markets. However, with limited resources, MSMEs need to build their capability to maximize their adoption. To understand MSMEs and their relation to marketplace adoption, a survey was conducted on 100 MSMEs in Bandung, Indonesia. This study hypothesizes capability and ecosystem perspectives are the requirements for adapting to the marketplace. This study’s results indicate that marketplaces’ use is significantly and positively influenced by capability and ecosystem perspectives. The study provides practical and academic implications, including the importance for MSME owners, especially in Bandung City, to see and review the capabilities and ecosystems of both MSMEs and marketplaces that will be used.

Teaching Speaking Skills to Grade 4 Students at A Primary School in HCMC

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This study investigates the teaching strategies and challenges related to developing English speaking skills among fourth-grade students at a Primary School in HCMC. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through questionnaires with 15 English teachers to evaluate the application of five pedagogical models: the Consideration Model, the Cognitive Development Model, the Value Classification Technique, the Rational Formation Model, and the Non-directive Model. Results indicated that the Non-directive and Consideration Models were most frequently used, promoting student-centered learning and interactive language practice. However, aspects like peer feedback, creative storytelling, and visual support were underutilized. Teachers reported several persistent obstacles, including large class sizes, low student motivation, limited English proficiency, and insufficient learning resources. The study highlights the importance of communicative language teaching strategies that are developmentally appropriate and adaptable to classroom constraints. Based on these findings, the study recommends a more balanced integration of all five models, improved teacher training, resource allocation, and class size reduction. These changes aim to foster an engaging, supportive environment where students can actively participate and build confidence in using English for real-life communication.

Enhancing English Grammar as A Part of Capacity Development to Grade 4 Students at A Primary School in HCMC

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This study investigates the effectiveness of enhancing English grammar instruction as a component of capacity development for Grade 4 students at a Primary School in HCMC. Grounded in a quasi-experimental design, the research combines both pretest, post-test methods and a teacher perception survey to explore the impact of targeted grammar instruction. Drawing from theories by Hudson (2004), Alexander (2004), Myhill, Jones, & Watson (2012), Cameron (2001), Elley (1991), and Hall (2011), the study emphasizes contextual, communicative, and student-centered approaches to grammar teaching. Findings revealed that teachers value grammar as a critical tool for sentence construction, clear communication, and language capacity development (Mean = 3.8). They reported using interactive strategies such as storytelling, group writing, and grammar games (Mean = 3.76). The intervention showed significant improvement in students’ grammar proficiency, with post-test scores notably higher than pretest scores (p < 0.05). The study concludes that capacity-oriented grammar instruction significantly benefits young learners’ linguistic competence and recommends its broader application in primary education. This research contributes to English language pedagogy by offering practical methods to integrate grammar into meaningful and engaging learning contexts for Vietnamese EFL student.

Applying Baamboozle to teach English vocabulary for pre-starter level at a language center in HCMC

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This study investigates the effectiveness of Baamboozle, a digital game-based learning tool, in teaching English vocabulary to Pre-Starter level students at Phuong Nam Language Center, Ho Chi Minh City. Quantitative and qualitative methods are employed. Quantitative data was obtained from questionnaires and tests while qualitative data was collected from interviews. 88 Pre-Starter level students and 17 teachers at Phuong Nam Language Center, Ho Chi Minh City participated in the research. The findings reveal that Baamboozle significantly improves students’ vocabulary acquisition and students’ engagement compared to traditional methods. Both teachers and students expressed a positive attitude toward the Bamboozle tool, appreciating its interactive and enjoyable nature. However, the study also highlights some challenges when using the tool such as inconsistent use across classes and content repetitiveness. The study recommends regular integration of Baamboozle into English lessons supported by teacher training, and suggests further research on its long-term effects in language learning. This study adds valuable insights into the use of educational technology to enhance language instruction.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism Post-Bariatric Surgery: A Reversible Case of Iodine Deficiency Without Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

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Subclinical hypothyroidism is a common finding in clinical practice, often prompting initiation of levothyroxine therapy. However, not all cases of elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) reflect permanent thyroid dysfunction. This report discusses a 39-year-old woman with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery who presented with elevated TSH in the absence of thyroid autoantibodies or classic hypothyroid symptoms. Laboratory and clinical findings suggested iodine deficiency as the underlying cause. Her TSH normalized following potassium iodide supplementation. This case underscores the need for a nuanced approach to managing elevated TSH, particularly in post-bariatric surgery patients where iodine deficiency may be the etiology of subclinical hypothyroidism.

The Development of Ethnomathematics-Based Learning Devices of Sulur Godong Batik Using Digital Manipulatives on Geometry Transformation to Improve Students Creative Thinking Abilities

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The research conducted aims to create learning devices that can be declared valid, practical, and effective, especially on the subject of Geometric Transformation. The development of this learning device is carried out with the aim of improving students’ creative thinking skills. This research is a type of research and development with the 4-D Thiagarajan development model. The stages of 4-D Thiagarajan include define, design, develop, and disseminate. Data collection is carried out using observation, test, and questionnaire techniques. The results of the Ethnomathematics-based development research using digital manipulatives are classified into valid, practical, and effective. The level of validity can be seen from the validity value of each teaching module of 3.78, LKPD of 3.87, and test of 3.92 which are included in the valid category. The practicality value is obtained from the results of observations of the implementation of learning devices and the results of observations of student activities of 92.25% and 93.08%, respectively. The effectiveness value is seen from the learning outcome data obtained 83.0% completed classically with the category of very creative and creative thinking and the student response questionnaire has a positive value of 88.2%. Suggestions for teachers are expected to use learning devices more often because they can train students’ creative thinking skills and can be used as a guideline in a more varied and innovative learning process. Not only that, other researchers can reach wider research subjects and different materials in the development of further learning devices.

Evaluation of Complete Systematic Land Registration Policy in Gorontalo City

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This study aims to evaluate the Complete Systematic Land Registration (PTSL) policy in Gorontalo City using six main dimensions of policy evaluation: effectiveness, efficiency, adequacy, equity, responsiveness, and accuracy. The study adopts a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders, field observations, and a review of policy documents and PTSL implementation reports. The data analysis technique used was the interactive model by Miles and Huberman, which includes data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that the PTSL policy has achieved a high level of effectiveness, with 87.4% of the 67,229 land parcels already certified. The implementation cost is considered efficient, averaging IDR 250,000 per certificate, with a completion time of one to two months. The program is also considered adequate in terms of regional coverage and accessibility, although challenges remain in documenting inherited land and reaching marginalized communities. In terms of equity, the implementation of PTSL has yet to show affirmative attention toward vulnerable groups such as the poor and female-headed households, although geographic distribution has been relatively even. The responsiveness of the implementation is fairly good, with quick handling of complaints and the existence of direct reporting mechanisms at the sub-district level. The policy is also considered accurate as it aligns with both national and local regulations and can adapt to the cultural values of the community, such as respect for burial land and the involvement of traditional leaders. The participation of local stakeholders significantly supports the successful implementation of this program.

Capital Buffer and Bank Risk-Taking: Evidence of Non-Linearity from Commercial Bank in Indonesia

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Banks function as financial intermediaries and are inherently exposed to risk. Capital, particularly capital buffer, is one of the tools used to absorb such risks. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between capital buffer and bank risk-taking levels, specifically focusing on the non-linear relationship among commercial banks in Indonesia. The data consists of annual data from Indonesian commercial banks from 2013–2023, excluding foreign bank branches and digital banks, with a sample size of 81 banks representing a total market share of 94%. The method employed is quantile regression. The result of the study shows that there is a non-linear and U-Shaped relationship between capital buffer and bank risk-taking among commercial banks in Indonesia.

Selecting the Best Alternatives of Virtual Hotel Operator Using SMART Analysis: A Case of CBS Hotel

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This study investigates the strategic decision faced by CBS Hotel in 2024, following the decline in revenue in 2024, despite stable occupancy rates. The decline was not caused by reduced demand, but rather by centralized pricing policies, and internal competition from an increasing number of properties managed by the same Virtual Hotel Operator (VHO). The purpose of the research is to analyze the root causes of the performance decline and evaluate whether the CBS Hotel should renew its partnership with RedDoorz or switch to OYO or Zuzu. The research employs a two-stage methodology, the first stage is a root cause analysis, which is conducted using the Ishikawa Diagram and Porter Five Forces Analysis to explore environmental, operational, and market-based pressures. Second, a structured decision-making framework is applied using Value Focused Thinking (VFT) and SMART (Simple Multi Attributes Rating Technique) method to assess three alternative VHO options. Six criteria are generated, which consist of: pricing autonomy, commission scheme, operational support, average room rate, occupancy, and contract flexibility. Findings indicate that RedDoorz scores highest across the criteria. Making it a more strategically aligned option. However, the study also recommends that CBS Hotel leverage its high-performing status to negotiate better terms, particularly in rate control and area exclusivity. This study demonstrates the value of combining root cause identification with multi-criteria decision-making analysis to guide hotel budget segments or industries to optimize the 3rd party partnership with the VHO business model company in a highly competitive urban market.

Transparent Model of Village Financial Governance: A Review of Public Service Administration

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This article discusses a transparent model in village financial governance in Limboto Barat District, Gorontalo Regency, with a focus on the application of the principle of transparency in the management of village funds. Although Law Number 14 of 2008 concerning Public Information Disclosure has encouraged accountability and transparency, the level of information disclosure in Gorontalo Province is still low. This study uses a qualitative-exploratory approach to analyze transparency indicators, such as document accessibility and clarity of information. The results show that access to information related to budget use is still limited, and community participation in supervision is not optimal. This article recommends increasing the commitment of the village government and increasing access to information through the use of digital technology to increase transparency. In addition, it is necessary to build a supervision system that involves the community as active supervisors, in order to increase the efficiency and accountability of village financial management and public trust in the village government.