Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Manoj Kumar Sharma Author-X-Name-First: Manoj Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Sharma Author-Name: Khushi Author-X-Name-First: Author-X-Name-Last: Khushi Author-Name: Shalu Choudhary Author-X-Name-First: Shalu Author-X-Name-Last: Choudhary Author-Name: Nimit Jain Author-X-Name-First: Nimit Author-X-Name-Last: Jain Author-Name: Mukesh Kumar Author-X-Name-First: Mukesh Author-X-Name-Last: Kumar Title: A green approach to inventory optimisation: strategic investments in preservation and carbon regulation compliance Abstract: As the urgency to combat global warming intensifies, reducing carbon emissions and mitigating waste from product deterioration have become critical priorities. This study presents an innovative and sustainable inventory model aimed at minimising waste through strategic investments in preservation and green technologies. By focusing on maximising total system profit, the model integrates a deterministic framework that accounts for price and advertisement-dependent demand, as well as time-variant holding costs, all within the constraints of a carbon cap-and-trade regulation policy. Especially, the model allows for shortages, which are fully backlogged, providing a realistic approach to inventory management. The study's primary objective is to identify the optimal value of the total profit function. We further validate the concavity of the objective function by applying both necessary and sufficient criteria, complemented by graphical representation. At last, we have completed numerical illustrations and sensitivity analysis to assess the model's effectiveness and practical applicability. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 21-52 Issue: 1 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: sustainable inventory management; price and advertisement dependent demand; preservation technology investment; green investment; carbon cap and trade policy. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=150252 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:1:p:21-52 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Chrishley Fernando Author-X-Name-First: Chrishley Author-X-Name-Last: Fernando Author-Name: Ravi Dissanayake Author-X-Name-First: Ravi Author-X-Name-Last: Dissanayake Title: Study on factors affecting e-procurement adoption and its impact on the procurement performance of the telecommunication industry in Sri Lanka Abstract: Many factors can influence the successful adoption of e-procurement systems in the telecommunication industry and these factors will influence procurement performance. This study aims to analyse the relationship between these two variables. Constructs and indicators for the independent variable (factors influencing adoption) were derived using the TOE framework and DOI theoretical models along with empirical evidence. Constructs and indicators for the dependent variable (procurement performance) were derived using empirical evidence. A deductive research approach has been used and conducted as a quantitative study. The study found 13 critical success factors that influence the adoption of e-procurement which impact the adoption of e-procurement platforms with varying significance. Hypothesis testing was conducted to identify the significance of the relationship among the adoption factors and procurement performance in telecommunication industry concerning cost-saving potential, efficiency improvement, and managerial effectiveness in decision-making. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 98-118 Issue: 1 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: procurement; e-procurement adoption; procurement performance; telecommunication industry; TOE framework; DOI framework; Sri Lanka. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=150255 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:1:p:98-118 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: A.K. Sahu Author-X-Name-First: A.K. Author-X-Name-Last: Sahu Author-Name: V. Ganesh Author-X-Name-First: V. Author-X-Name-Last: Ganesh Author-Name: Susanta Kumar Indrajitsingha Author-X-Name-First: Susanta Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Indrajitsingha Title: A sustainable fuzzy economic order quantity inventory model with linear demand and exponential unit profit function in circular economy Abstract: Circular economy is the one of the most targeted development in which remanufacturing, recycle and reuse the materials that creates job with minimised resource used. Application of circular economy is increasing day by day for economic growth and healthy business. Government encourages the use of circular economy instead of linear economy by providing subsidies through regulations and taxes. In this paper, a fuzzy economic order quantity model in circular economy is presented. Since some parameters are uncertain in nature, they are considered as triangular fuzzy number. Defuzzification is done by using graded mean integration representation method (GMIR). In this paper, ordering quantity and circularity index level are decision variables. The concavity of the average profit function is shown theoretically. The optimality of the parameters is determined analytically. It is further endorsed by numerical example with an intension to validate the proposed model. The CE gives a remarkable gain in profit, which is the focus of any industry that is concerned about environmental conservation. The financial advantage of the company is given due weight age in this model. For this, sensitivity analysis is independently carried out by deploying circular economy in inventory modelling. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 80-97 Issue: 1 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: circular economy; triangular fuzzy number; GMIR method. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=150256 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:1:p:80-97 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Nizar Riane Author-X-Name-First: Nizar Author-X-Name-Last: Riane Title: Keynesian beauty contest in Morocco's public procurement reform Abstract: This paper examines the recent reform of Morocco's public procurement market through the lens of Keynesian beauty contest theory. The reform introduces a mechanism akin to a guessing-the-average game, where bidders attempt to estimate a reference price, which in turn impacts bidding strategies. We utilise this setup to empirically test key hypotheses within auction theory, specifically the roles of common knowledge and bounded rationality. Our findings indicate potential manipulation risks under the current rules, suggesting that a shift to a median criterion could improve robustness and reduce the likelihood of manipulation. This work contributes to the broader understanding of strategic interactions in procurement and offers a foundation for future research on improving fairness and efficiency in public contract allocation. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 119-137 Issue: 1 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: auction; Keynesian beauty contest; guessing the average; game theory; limited rationality. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=150258 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:1:p:119-137 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Vanisri Katta Author-X-Name-First: Vanisri Author-X-Name-Last: Katta Author-Name: Prabir Chandra Padhy Author-X-Name-First: Prabir Chandra Author-X-Name-Last: Padhy Title: Gamification of HRM and green behaviour: understanding the relationship between reciprocal benefits and engagement Abstract: The study aims to identify the impact of gamification of HRM system on green behaviour and explains how gamification will engage and motivate employee's behaviour towards environmental aspects has become one of the main organisational strategic goals. This study has contributed the flow theory in the context to the impact of gamification of HR system on attaining green behaviour. This study was collected from 228 HR managers of different service industry that are IT, hospitality and healthcare that executed social engagement and motivational systems to leverage eco-friendly behaviour. Structural equation modelling using Smart PLS 3.0 was used for the analysis and the findings suggests that there is a meaningful difference between gamification HRM and green behaviour and reciprocal benefits and engagement mediates positively between both gamification HRM and green behaviour. This study revealed important drivers of gamification of HR systems (perceived enjoyment, recognition and motivation) which led to provide reciprocal benefits and higher degree of job engagement and also provides vitals insights for both theory and practices for the betterment of the organisation. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 1-20 Issue: 1 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: gamification; green behaviour; employee engagement; reciprocal benefits. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=150261 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:1:p:1-20 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Handriyono Handriyono Author-X-Name-First: Handriyono Author-X-Name-Last: Handriyono Author-Name: Anisa Rahmah Author-X-Name-First: Anisa Author-X-Name-Last: Rahmah Author-Name: Arnis Budi Susanto Author-X-Name-First: Arnis Budi Author-X-Name-Last: Susanto Author-Name: Intan Nurul Awwaliyah Author-X-Name-First: Intan Nurul Author-X-Name-Last: Awwaliyah Title: Analysing business strategies with halal supply chain management and supply chain operations reference models: a qualitative study Abstract: This research aims to analyse the business strategy implemented in the supply chain using halal supply chain management (HSCM) and supply chain operations reference (SCOR) models, driven by Indonesia's large Muslim population and the launch of the Indonesian Halal Industry Master Plan (MPIHI). Both models are used to determine the halal integrity carried out in the business supply chain to be used as a comparative lens. A qualitative descriptive analysis was conducted, involving interviews, observations, and documentation. Results showed that businesses implemented HSCM well but had suboptimal processes and four less-than-optimal SCOR key performance indicators (KPIs). These KPIs include; establish production plan cycle time, accuracy payment to suppliers, augmentation of production quantity, and capacity utilisation. This study contributes to understanding HSCM implementation in Indonesia and highlights the importance of halal compliance and operational efficiency. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 53-79 Issue: 1 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: supply chain; halal supply chain management; HSCM; supply chain operations reference; SCOR. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=150265 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:1:p:53-79 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Elias G. Saadeh Author-X-Name-First: Elias G. Author-X-Name-Last: Saadeh Author-Name: Moustapha H. El Hassan Author-X-Name-First: Moustapha H. El Author-X-Name-Last: Hassan Author-Name: Nabil Semaan Author-X-Name-First: Nabil Author-X-Name-Last: Semaan Author-Name: Jihad S. Daba Author-X-Name-First: Jihad S. Author-X-Name-Last: Daba Title: Management of military procurement Abstract: Procurement management (PM) in the military requires rigorous planning, implementation, and monitoring. The procurement of products and services for military activities is subject to severe standards, including the federal acquisition regulation (FAR) in the USA and defence acquisition laws that assure security and safety. Given the strategic and complicated nature of decision-making in this industry, developing an adaptive project management technique is critical for ensuring optimal value, quality, and supplier support. This article conducts an in-depth investigation of supplier selection methods for public procurement in several nations, with an emphasis on high-value assets in the military and marine sectors. It emphasises the significance of reconciling operational objectives with regulatory limitations and provides a new multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approach for assessing vendors. The methodology is demonstrated through a case study on vessel supplier selection, which includes engagement with several shipyards and stakeholders. The results show that this technique is effective at limiting risks, improving quality, and maintaining supplier support while providing an explicit and practical process for generating consistent and satisfying results. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 139-156 Issue: 2 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: fuzzy sets; group decisions and negotiations; procurement management; PM; supplier selection; SS; MCDM; military high-value assets. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=151107 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:2:p:139-156 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Edlira Martiri Author-X-Name-First: Edlira Author-X-Name-Last: Martiri Author-Name: Etion Kapedani Author-X-Name-First: Etion Author-X-Name-Last: Kapedani Author-Name: Teuta Xhindi Author-X-Name-First: Teuta Author-X-Name-Last: Xhindi Title: Untapped potential in Albania's e-procurement: exploring the consequences of competition on savings Abstract: This quantitative analysis focuses in Albania's e-procurement data from 2010 to 2023, which amounts to 5.33 billion Euros awarded through 35,489 different contracts. To evaluate the effect that competition in public procurement has on savings the gathered data underwent segregation based on the number of offers received per tender. The metrics utilised are the amount of funds contracted; the number of tenders and finally relative savings. This research concludes that the largest amount of funds in Albania's public procurement has been awarded via procedures that attracted only one single bid, with low incurred savings. Simple linear regression is used to measure the effect that competition has on savings of public money, yielding a robust R-square of 0.9587. This data model demonstrates an increase of 6.24% on savings when the number of bids is increased by one, concluding that Albania needs to embark on enhancing competition in public procurement. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 176-193 Issue: 2 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: public procurement; savings per offer; competition; bids; simple linear regression; Albania; transparency; integrity; sustainable growth; economic development; policy impact; procurement legislation; resource allocation. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=151108 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:2:p:176-193 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: N. Sangeetha Author-X-Name-First: N. Author-X-Name-Last: Sangeetha Author-Name: Mohd Afjal Author-X-Name-First: Mohd Author-X-Name-Last: Afjal Author-Name: E. Rebekah Author-X-Name-First: E. Author-X-Name-Last: Rebekah Title: Procurement and sustainability: investigating the influence of digital financial literacy and technological optimism on green banking adoption Abstract: This work addresses the links among digital financial literacy, technological optimism, and the readiness to adopt green banking technologies for environmental sustainability within the financial sector. It explores how digital financial literacy influences consumers' motivation towards green banking while highlighting the mediating role of technological optimism. Utilising a quantitative approach, data were collected from 230 banking customers via a structured questionnaire and analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings reveal that digital financial literacy positively influences the intention to adopt green banking technology, with technological optimism serving as a mediator in this relationship. This study advances theoretical understanding by integrating environmental sustainability into the technology acceptance model and the theory of planned behaviour. Practically, it suggests the need for targeted training programs to enhance digital financial literacy and foster a positive attitude towards technology, thereby promoting sustainable banking practices. The research underscores that digital financial literacy and technological optimism are crucial drivers of sustainable banking technologies. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 157-175 Issue: 2 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: digital financial literacy; DFL; technology optimism; green banking; sustainable banking practices; theory of planned behaviour; TPB; technology acceptance model; TAM. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=151109 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:2:p:157-175 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Rosemary da Silva Dias Author-X-Name-First: Rosemary da Silva Author-X-Name-Last: Dias Author-Name: Adilson Aderito da Silva Author-X-Name-First: Adilson Aderito da Author-X-Name-Last: Silva Author-Name: Alberto de Medeiros Junior Author-X-Name-First: Alberto de Medeiros Author-X-Name-Last: Junior Title: Improvement of internal customer service: strategies for supply management Abstract: The economic context of Industry 4.0 demands organisational strategies in the face of uncertainties and market fluctuations. In this scenario, supply management is essential to ensure companies remain competitive. This article presents the steps followed in elaborating a proposal to optimise the acquisition processes of inputs/services to improve the quality level in supply management of a Brazilian institution of education and health. To this end, we used the business problem-solving methodology with the support of the transaction cost economics theory. The solution allowed structuring of the service to the requesting areas from the beginning of the demand, reducing the asymmetry of information and feasibility of the acquisition of an e-procurement tool, whose first simulations pointed to gains in the order of four million reais (R$) compared to the process carried out manually and an approximate saving of R$875,000 in five years. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 257-277 Issue: 2 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: Industry 4.0; supply management; design science research; transformation; e-procurement; information asymmetry; transaction costs. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=151113 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:2:p:257-277 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Huong Giang Mai Author-X-Name-First: Huong Giang Author-X-Name-Last: Mai Author-Name: Thu Hien Le Author-X-Name-First: Thu Hien Author-X-Name-Last: Le Author-Name: Thi Due Nhi Phung Author-X-Name-First: Thi Due Nhi Author-X-Name-Last: Phung Title: Critical factors driving purchasing intention on TikTok live-stream platform: insights from Vietnam Abstract: TikTok Live Shopping with features that integrate live video streaming with ecommerce, has been growing rapidly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam. The purpose of the research is to examine the factors affecting purchase intention on TikTok Live Shopping including: 1) technical conditions; 2) influencer trends; 3) size preference driven by scarcity psychology; 4) perceived risk. This study proposes a research model based on a theoretical framework of online purchase intention, incorporating elements from the technology acceptance model (TAM), theory of reasoned action (TRA), and e-commerce adoption model (e-CAM). The findings reveal that scarcity-based stimuli and the 4P marketing mix positively impact purchase intention, whereas risk perception has a negative effect on purchase intention in TikTok Live Shopping. Subsequently, recommendations are made to the government and businesses to foster the growth of TikTok Live Shopping in particular and live streaming commerce in general. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 194-220 Issue: 2 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: live streaming commerce; TikTok Live Shopping; purchase intention; livestream. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=151114 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:2:p:194-220 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sachin Kumar Verma Author-X-Name-First: Sachin Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Verma Title: Optimising multi-level production model with diverse production rates under inflationary pressures and shortage Abstract: The present research report focuses on an inventory model, specifically a production model, grounded in several astute assumptions that significantly enhance its effectiveness. By skilfully combining inventory and manufacturing management strategies within an inflationary economic context, the model achieves a greater level of credibility. This model assumes a multilevel production structure with varying production and demand rates, both of which are considered to be time-dependent exponential functions. Throughout the cycle, a constant deterioration rate is assumed. The inventory also experiences stock out situations following the production process. A numerical example illustrates a mathematical technique aimed at optimising the inventory cost function. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to further validate the model. The model's reliability is confirmed through verification. Mathematica-11 is utilised to determine the optimal solution. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 221-256 Issue: 2 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: inventory management; production management; inflation; exponential demand; variable production rate; supply chain optimisation. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=151115 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:2:p:221-256 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Elias G. Saadeh Author-X-Name-First: Elias G. Author-X-Name-Last: Saadeh Author-Name: Nabil Semaan Author-X-Name-First: Nabil Author-X-Name-Last: Semaan Author-Name: Moustapha H. El Hassan Author-X-Name-First: Moustapha H. El Author-X-Name-Last: Hassan Author-Name: Jihad S. Daba Author-X-Name-First: Jihad S. Author-X-Name-Last: Daba Title: Optimising supplier selection for complex defence projects Abstract: In the context of complex procurement processes, particularly in high-value industries such as military vessel acquisition, relying on solid decision-making strategies is critical to selecting the most suitable suppliers. Addressing the problems of linguistic variables and uncertainty requires improved multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches. This paper provides a comparative analysis of the fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS) and fuzzy indifference target-based attribute ratio analysis (FITARA) for group decision-making. Applying the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) for criteria weight aggregation, the study uncovers essential insights into the appropriate method for each military maritime vessel procurement scenario. Thus, it showcases significant differences in ranking outcomes, with FITARA displaying higher adaptability and the modified FTOPSIS maintaining stability under different settings and optimising defence acquisitions. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 279-304 Issue: 3 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: fuzzy TOPSIS; FTOPSIS; fuzzy AHP; FAHP; fuzzy ITARA; FITARA; group decision making; supplier selection; linguistic variables; supply chain optimisation; comparative analysis. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=152256 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:3:p:279-304 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Aditya Gautam Author-X-Name-First: Aditya Author-X-Name-Last: Gautam Author-Name: Asif Akhtar Author-X-Name-First: Asif Author-X-Name-Last: Akhtar Author-Name: Mrinalini Shah Author-X-Name-First: Mrinalini Author-X-Name-Last: Shah Author-Name: Usha Gautam Author-X-Name-First: Usha Author-X-Name-Last: Gautam Title: Sustainable future of the automobile industry: enhancing supply chain resilience Abstract: The automobile industry is undergoing a significant shift toward sustainability, driven by environmental concerns, evolving customer preferences, and strict regulations. Automakers are focused on reducing their carbon footprint throughout their supply chains. Thus, research on supply chain resilience (SCRES) has gained attention in today's complex business environment, highlighting its importance for competitiveness and alignment with global economies. This manuscript presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of journal articles published from 2010 to June 2024, focused on resilience in automobile supply chains. The study identifies three risk stages, 12 core SCRES capabilities, and six capabilities of NextGen digital supply chain technologies (NextGen-DSCTs). Involving 25 industry practitioners, we propose a clear and comprehensive SCRES framework that offers guidelines for effectively managing supply chain risks and uncertainties, ensuring a sustainable future for the automotive sector. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 330-352 Issue: 3 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: automobile industry; sustainability; supply chain resilience; SCRES; supply chain risk; SCR; supply chain management; SCM. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=152259 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:3:p:330-352 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Karem Sayed Aboelazm Author-X-Name-First: Karem Sayed Author-X-Name-Last: Aboelazm Title: Reforming the public procurement system: the case of the United Arab Emirates Abstract: This paper examines several key concepts in public procurement: centralised public procurement, decentralised public procurement e-public procurement, and sustainable public procurement. The paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of centralised and decentralised public procurement, as well as the benefits of e-procurement in the UAE at both the central and decentralised levels, including its advantages in combating corruption. The study also presents the sustainable public procurement framework in the UAE, which encompasses three dimensions: environmental, social, and economic. The study employed a descriptive approach to analyse the concepts of centralisation, decentralisation, electronic, and sustainable public procurement. An analytical method was used to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the central and decentralised systems in the UAE, as well as the benefits of electronic and sustainable public procurement. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 305-329 Issue: 3 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: public procurement; sustainable public procurement; e-public procurement; centralisation; decentralisation; United Arab Emirates; UAE. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=152260 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:3:p:305-329 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: E. Rebekah Author-X-Name-First: E. Author-X-Name-Last: Rebekah Author-Name: Mohd Afjal Author-X-Name-First: Mohd Author-X-Name-Last: Afjal Title: Digital transformation: enhancing workforce skills, driving innovation, fostering sustainability and optimising procurement in fintech-enabled banking Abstract: The rapid growth of fintech is changing the global banking industry. This study examines the relationship among fintech adoption, upskilling of human resources, innovation in financial services, procurement practices, and sustainability. Data were collected through a survey of 290 banking professionals across India and analysed using the partial least square structural modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings highlight innovation capacity, adaptability to technological changes, effective decision- making, and proficiency in skills positively impact fintech adoption. The results further reveal that fintech adoption significantly contributes to performance with human resource competencies playing a pivotal role in facilitating this process. This study also identifies advanced service innovation enhanced business performance and sustainable practices as key outcomes of effective fintech integration. These findings emphasise that a bank's ability to adopt fintech successfully and maintain competitive edge relies on its commitment to training and upskilling its workforce while integrating sustainability into its operational strategies. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 353-368 Issue: 3 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: FinTech; banking professionals; skills; sustainability; service innovation; firm performance. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=152261 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:3:p:353-368 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Kuei-Chien Chiu Author-X-Name-First: Kuei-Chien Author-X-Name-Last: Chiu Author-Name: Yan-Bu Lin Author-X-Name-First: Yan-Bu Author-X-Name-Last: Lin Author-Name: Alok Kumar Sharma Author-X-Name-First: Alok Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Sharma Title: The consumer-adoption framework for unmanned retail: a case study of automated vending machines Abstract: This study investigates consumer behaviour in unmanned retail systems, focusing on automated vending machines. To address gaps in understanding technology adoption in these settings, the consumer-adoption framework for unmanned retail (CAFUR) is proposed, integrating dimensions like automated interaction efficiency and digital trust in retail with constructs from TAM and UTAUT. Data from 300 respondents were analysed to examine perceived value, expected effort, social influence, expected performance, and customer satisfaction. Regression analysis shows expected performance as the strongest predictor of satisfaction, followed by perceived value, social influence, and expected effort. The findings emphasise optimising system efficiency, user experience, and interface design to enhance adoption. This research bridges theoretical insights with practical applications, offering strategies for leveraging analytics, improving engagement, and addressing consumer preferences to innovate unmanned retail technologies. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 369-389 Issue: 3 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: unmanned stores; automated vending machines; purchasing demand; customer satisfaction. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=152262 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:3:p:369-389 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Kajal Sharma Author-X-Name-First: Kajal Author-X-Name-Last: Sharma Author-Name: Mamta Keswani Author-X-Name-First: Mamta Author-X-Name-Last: Keswani Author-Name: Lalji Kumar Author-X-Name-First: Lalji Author-X-Name-Last: Kumar Author-Name: Uttam Khedlekar Author-X-Name-First: Uttam Author-X-Name-Last: Khedlekar Title: Optimal inventory model for non-instantaneous deteriorating items: a strategy blend of learning effects, advance sales, freshness-driven demand, online payments, and discounts policies Abstract: In today's fast-paced e-commerce landscape, managing perishable products requires innovative strategies to enhance profitability. Retailers often use discount policies to boost sales, but their success depends on strategic implementation. This study examines the impact of learning on the optimal replenishment inventory policy for non-instantaneous deteriorating items, focusing on pre-order discounts and online payments. A novel EOQ model is proposed to maximise total profit by balancing pricing strategies, advertising frequency, and the effects of online payments on demand. Advanced inventory systems, when paired with strategic advertising and favorable banking conditions, are shown to significantly enhance profitability. The research highlights the importance of incorporating learning effects into cost parameters, amplifying profit. Numerical examples and sensitivity analyses validate the model, providing actionable insights. Figure 1 presents a graphical abstract of the study, illustrating its framework and findings. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 390-429 Issue: 3 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: inventory; learning rate; discount policy; advance sales; online payments; price-advertisement-freshness dependent demand. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=152264 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:3:p:390-429 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Anisha Mishra Author-X-Name-First: Anisha Author-X-Name-Last: Mishra Author-Name: Waleed M. Alahdal Author-X-Name-First: Waleed M. Author-X-Name-Last: Alahdal Author-Name: Najib H.S. Farhan Author-X-Name-First: Najib H.S. Author-X-Name-Last: Farhan Author-Name: Shayuti Mohamed Adnan Author-X-Name-First: Shayuti Mohamed Author-X-Name-Last: Adnan Title: Impact of environmental, social and governance performance on the financial performance of Indian firms: the moderating role of audit committee independence Abstract: This study explored the effect of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance on the financial performance of Indian firms, with audit committee independence serving as a moderating variable. Utilising quantitative methods and secondary data, the study analysed 91 Indian firms from 2018 to 2022. The research drew upon legitimacy, and agency theories, employing random and fixed effect panel data modelling for analysis. The findings indicate that ESG performance and its components have no impact on FP (measured by ROA), while ESG performance and individual performance of environmental and governance has a negative and significant impact on the financial performance (measured by Tobin's Q), whereas the social performance has no impact on TQ. Moreover, the independent audit committee does not moderate the relationship between ESGP and its components and firm performance. Overall, this study is novel within the Indian context. It enhances the understanding that ESG performance has a negative or negligible impact on financial performance. This relationship is so strong that even an independent audit committee cannot moderate it. Journal: Int. J. of Procurement Management Pages: 430-454 Issue: 3 Volume: 25 Year: 2026 Keywords: ESG Performance; financial performance; audit committee independence; legitimacy theory; agency theory. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=152271 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpman:v:25:y:2026:i:3:p:430-454