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The goal of this study is to find out what combination and number of features people prefer when selecting a marketplace platform. This study’s target objects are marketplace platforms, which are among the top three most used by Indonesians. Conjoint analysis is used to assess consumer preferences using specified marketplace attributes. Platform view, promo, payment method, marketplace type, delivery services, and reviews are the stated attributes. Non-probability purposive sampling techniques were used to acquire data on early 2023 and 100 respondents were participated. This is accomplished by providing questionnaires using online forms to Indonesian students who utilize the marketplace platform. This last research will determine the combination and level of qualities that students desire when selecting a marketplace platform. The payment method attribute was discovered to be the most influential on student preferences. The second attribute is marketplace, followed by promotions, delivery services, reviews, and platform appearance. Several ideas and techniques were shared.

Off-grid areas pose economic and technical challenges, often overlooked in national power planning. In the Philippines, the National Power Corporation manages mainly oil-based off-grid power assets, with issues of intermittency and reliability. This study proposes an optimal energy mix using non-preemptive Goal Programming combined with a pair-wise comparison to determine the penalty weights to balance energy security, affordability, sustainability, and self-sufficiency goals. Marinduque province serves as a case study, where it is identified that including renewable energy in the grid could help balance energy goals and reduce generation costs and emissions. Increased use of renewables can also satisfy demand and self-sufficiency goals, making electricity more affordable. Once electricity becomes more affordable, subsidies can be reduced and later on be removed. The study's recommendations can be a starting point for private investors and government agencies to improve the energy sector in off-grid areas.

Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) are widely utilized around the globe from different base forms as it is one of the most dependable renewable resources that technological advancements have offered. However, different perceptions of the usage of NPPs emerged from different generations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acceptance of nuclear energy as an alternative source of energy among Generation Z in the Philippines by utilizing an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) approach. An online questionnaire which consisted of 31 items was distributed using a purposive sampling approach and 450 respondents of Generation Z voluntarily answered. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) showed that the knowledge regarding NPP had significant effects on risk perception and benefit perception which subsequently led to subjective norms. In addition, perceived behavioral control and subjective norms had significant effects on behavioral intention which led to nuclear acceptance. Interestingly, the respondents perceived the benefit of NPP as slightly higher than the perceived risk. With these, it was clear that the commissioning Nuclear Power Plant must consider as an alternative source of electric energy in the Philippines. Moreover, this study is one of the first studies that investigated the acceptance of NPP among Generation Z. Lastly, the model could be a basis to strengthen the acceptance strategy of opening NPP among Generation Z, particularly in developing countries.

The prominent form of Non-Fungible Token (NFT) is found in the gaming industry. NFT games received immense attention during the COVID-19 pandemic because of their play-to-earn model. NFT gamers can enjoy and increase their finances in their spare time. Hence, the researchers utilized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to investigate the intention and immersive behaviors of 1082 respondents. The modified framework from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Hedonic Motivation System Adoption Model (HMSAM) underwent SEM tests. These theories and methods were used to analyze relationships among hypotheses and assess factors influencing NFT game engagement. The results showed that hedonic motivation produced positive and significant influences on perceived usefulness, curiosity, joy, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Subjective norms significantly influenced perceived ease of use. In due course, perceived ease of use yielded positive and significant effects on perceived usefulness, joy, attitude, and perceived behavioral control. Moreover, perceived usefulness, curiosity, joy, attitude, and perceived behavioral control had significant positive effects on behavioral intention. In addition, perceived usefulness, curiosity, joy, and attitude significantly and positively affected immersion. Meanwhile, only four hypotheses were not supported by the study. These findings were translated into theoretical and managerial implications to contribute to the academe given the strong the change of behavior of users towards NFT games during the pandemic; gaming industry since they will be able to develop, improve and create a new ecosystem in the gaming space, and NFT stakeholders since they will benefit from the development that will influence this study.

The Philippine stock market, just like most of its neighbors in the region, was seriously impacted by the global pandemic COVID-19. Investors remain hopeful while continuing to seek great ones in the damaged market. This paper developed a methodology for portfolio selection and optimization with the use of technical analysis, machine learning techniques, and portfolio optimization model. The combined methods of technical analysis, K-means clustering algorithm, and mean-variance portfolio optimization model will result in the development of the proposed TAKMV method. The study aims to integrate these three important analyses to identify portfolio investments. This paper uses the average annual risk and annual rate of return data for the years 2018 and 2020 to form the clusters and assessed the stocks that correspond to the investor's technical strategy such as Moving Average Convergence/Divergence (MACD) and Hybrid MACD with Arnaud Legoux Moving Average (ALMA). This paper solved the risk minimization problem on selected shares of the companies, based on the mean-variance portfolio optimization model. There are 230 and 239 companies for 2018 and 2020, respectively, listed in Philippine Stock Market, and all simulations were performed in MATLAB environment platform. Results showed that MACD strategy dominates the MACD-ALMA strategy in terms of the number of assets with a positive annual rate of return. The MACD works efficiently in the pre-COVID-19 condition while MACD-ALMA works efficiently during-COVID-19 condition, regardless of the number of assets with a positive annual rate of return. The results also show that the maximum expected portfolio return (RP) can be achieved using the MACD and MACD-ALMA in the pre-and during-COVID-19 conditions, respectively. The MACD-ALMA shows an advantage during high-risk market conditions and can also provide maximum RP. The performance of the TAKMV method was validated by applying its results and comparing it to the next year's historical price. The 2018 results were compared to 2019 data and the 2020 results were compared to 2021 data. For consistency, the comparison was applied to the same company per portfolio. Simulation results show that the MACD strategy is more effective compared to MACD-ALMA.

Nuclear power plant (NPP) is currently considered as one of the most reliable power sources. However, 182 of them are considered decommissioned and inactive including the one in Bataan, Philippines. The aim of this study was to investigate the acceptance of the reopening of Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) by integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior and Protection Motivation Theory. A total of 815 Filipinos answered an online questionnaire which consisted of 37 questions. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) indicated that knowledge towards nuclear power plants was the key factor in determining people's acceptance towards NPP reopening. In addition, knowing the benefits would lead to positive perceived behavioral control (PBC) and attitude towards intention. Results showed that PBC and attitude are mediators towards the acceptance of people regarding the reopening of BNPP. If an individual's knowledge gravitates towards the perceived risk, then this can lead to the negative acceptance of the NPP reopening. On the other hand, if an individual's knowledge gravitates towards the perceived benefits, then this will lead to positive acceptance. This study is the first study that explored the acceptance of the reopening BNPP. Finally, the study's model construct would also be very beneficial for researchers, government, and even private sectors worldwide.

ABSTRACT: This present research examines the behavioral intentions of Filipinos to use online grocery applications during the novel COVID-19 pandemic. The study proposes an integration of the health belief model (HBM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) to identify the factors affecting the acceptance and usage of Filipinos of online grocery applications in terms of the impact of health risk for COVID-19. To accurately measure the factors and their relationship to behavioral intentions and usage behavior, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to 373 residents in the Philippines. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied as an analytical method for this study. The results revealed that performance expectancy, perceived benefits, perceived severity, and cues to action significantly influenced the behavioral intentions and usage of online grocery apps during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study’s findings can be utilized as a theoretical framework for future researchers of consumer behavior; e-commerce developers; and grocery industry retailers, to enhance the innovation and services of online grocery applications. The results of this study may also be used and capitalized on by investors and managers to apply in strategizing when developing and marketing online grocery applications among consumers. Moreover, the framework of this study may be adopted and utilized by other online markets, even in different counties. Further theoretical and practical aspects are discussed in this paper.

ABSTRACT: The fashion industry has been continuously growing over the years, yet it is an industry that was greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the study was to determine the factors affecting buying behavior of Filipinos towards clothing apparel during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 457 respondents who voluntarily participated and answered an online questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that marketing mix was found to have significant effects on attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control, which subsequently led to purchase intention. In addition, the COVID-19 latent variable was found to have significant effects on self-perceived severity and self-efficacy, which subsequently led to attitude and purchase intention. Interestingly, marketing mix was found to have the highest effect on actual purchase, which indicated that innovation dynamics are the keys for the buying behavior. The SEM construct can be applied to determine the clothing apparel buying behaviors of consumers in other countries, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, advertisements, promotions, sales, and health safety should be considered as innovation dynamics during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused several developing countries to fall behind on vaccination at the onset of the pandemic, thus affecting the mobility of easing restrictions and lowering virus transmission. The current study integrated the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and extended the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to evaluate factors affecting the perceived effectiveness of government response towards COVID-19 vaccination in Occidental Mindoro. A total of 400 respondents from the municipalities of Occidental Mindoro answered the online questionnaires, which contained 61 questions. This study outlined the relationship between the dependent and independent variables using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicated that knowledge of COVID-19 vaccination had significant direct effects on its perceived severity. Subjective standards had significant adverse effects on willingness to follow. In addition, perceived behavioral control was discovered to impact willingness to follow positively. It also showed that perceived government response was significantly affected by adaptive behavior and actual behavior regarding the perceived government response. Meanwhile, it was found that the perceived government response had significant effects on perceived effectiveness. The current study is one of the first to study the factors that affect the perceived effectiveness of government response toward COVID- 19 vaccination.

Icons have been widely utilized to describe and promote COVID-19 prevention measures. The purpose of this study was to analyze the preference and subjective design features of 133 existing icons associated with COVID-19 prevention measures published by the health and medical organizations of different countries. The 133 icons represent nineteen different function names, such as “Wash Hands” and “Wear Face Mask”. A total of 57 participants were recruited to perform two different tests: ranking test and subjective rating test. The ranking test was conducted to elicit the preference ranking of seven icon designs representing each function name. It was followed by a subjective rating test using 13 semantic scales on the two most preferred icons to analyze their perceived quality. Spearmen correlation was applied to derive the possible correlations between users’ rankings and the semantic scales, and Friedman’s test was also performed to determine the true difference between ranking in terms of each semantic scale to provide a fully meaningful interpretation of the data. Generally, findings from the current study showed that the image presented in the icon is the key point that affects the icons’ perceived quality. Interestingly, Spearman’s correlation analysis between preference ranking and semantic scales showed that vague–clear, weak–strong, incompatible–compatible, and ineffective–effective were the four strongest semantic scales that highly correlated with the preference ranking. Considering the significant relationships between the semantic distances and the functions, images depicted in an icon should be realistic and as close as possible to its respected function to cater to users’ preferences. In addition, the results of Spearman’s correlation and Friedman’s test also inferred that compatibility and clarity of icon elements are the main factors determining a particular icon’s preferability. This study is the first comprehensive study to evaluate the icons associated with the COVID-19 prevention measures. The findings of this study can be utilized as the basis for redesigning icons, particularly for icons related to COVID-19 prevention measures. Furthermore, the approach can also be applied and extended for evaluating other medical icons.

Milk tea is a famous drink that has been heavily consumed since 2011. This study aimed to determine the combination of milk tea attributes that were most preferred using a Conjoint Analysis Approach. Specifically, this study utilized different attributes such as the size of tapioca pearls, sugar level, price range, brands, type of milk tea, cream cheese inclusion, and the amount of ice. Conjoint analysis with the orthogonal design was utilized to evaluate the preference of milk tea among consumers. The results showed that pearl size was the attribute most considered by consumers (29.137%), followed by sugar level (17.373%), the amount of ice (17.190%), the type of drink (13.421%), price (11.207%), and the least considered were cream cheese inclusion (9.525%) and the brands (2.147%). The findings of this study will be beneficial to milk tea firms about consumer preferences regarding the various attributes of milk tea. Finally, the result of this study could be applicable to different beverage-focused studies worldwide.

eLearning has been the medium of delivery of medical educational institutions to address the scarcity of medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) was extended to determine the factors affecting the acceptance of eLearning platforms to medical education in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 360 medical students voluntary participated and answered an online questionnaire that consisted of 40 questions. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) indicated that performance expectancy was found to have the highest effect on behavioral intention, which was followed by learning value and instructor characteristics. A high behavioral intention was found to affect the actual use of eLearning platforms. Interestingly, social influence and habit were found not to be significant to behavioral intentions. This study is the first study that has explored the acceptance of eLearning platforms among medical students in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings can be a theoretical guideline of the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines for eLearning platforms. Finally, the framework would be very valuable for enhancing the open innovation in eLearning platforms in medical fields worldwide.

The drive-through fast-food industry has been one of the fastest businesses growing over the past decades in developing countries, including the Philippines. The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors influencing costumers’ repurchase intention in a drive-through fast food in the Philippines by utilizing the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. A total of 305 Filipinos answered the online questionnaire, which contained 38 questions. The results of SEM indicated that subjective appetite (SA) was found to have a significant direct effect on menu options (MO). Consequently, MO was found to have significant direct effects on imagery elaboration (IE), vividness (VV), and convenience (CO), and an indirect effect on order accuracy (OA). Finally, SA, MO, IE, VV, OA, and CO were found to have significant effects on satisfaction (S), which subsequently led to loyalty (L) and repurchase intention (RI). Interestingly, MO was found to have the highest indirect effect on RI, indicating that MO is an important consideration for RI. This is the first comprehensive study evaluating drive-through fast food in the Philippines. The causal relationships of the present study can be applied and extended to evaluate the repurchase intention of drive-through fast food in other countries.

Assessment of service quality has been widely utilized in after-sales service, especially in the automotive industry. The purpose of the study was to determine factors affecting customer satisfaction in an automotive after-sales service at Toyota Dasmarinas-Cavite Philippines by utilizing the SERVQUAL approach. Several SERVQUAL dimensions such as tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy were analyzed simultaneously to the customer satisfaction. Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that among the five SERVQUAL dimensions, reliability and empathy were found to have significant relationships to the satisfaction of customers at Toyota Dasmarinas-Cavite Philippines. Interestingly, tangibles, responsiveness, and assurance were found to have no significant relationships to satisfaction. The servicing dealer must deliver a high quality of service to meet customer expectations and achieve high customer satisfaction, which subsequently builds customer trust towards the company. With these, customer retention and loyalty can be attained by the company that can also increase the company’s profit and competitive advantage.

Online food delivery service (OFDS) has been widely utilized during the new normal of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in a developing country such as Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to determine factors influencing customer satisfaction and loyalty in OFDS during the new normal of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia by utilizing the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) approach. A total of 253 respondents voluntarily participated and answered 65 questions. Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that hedonic motivation (HM) was found to have the highest effect on customer satisfaction, followed by price (P), information quality (IQ), and promotion (PRO). Interestingly, this study found out that usability factors, such as navigational design (ND) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) were not significant to customer satisfaction and loyalty in OFDS during the new normal of COVID-19. This study can be the theoretical foundation that could be very beneficial for OFDS investors, IT engineers, and even academicians. Finally, this study can be applied and extended to determine factors influencing customer satisfaction and loyalty in OFDS during the new normal of COVID-19 in other countries.