MEST Journal
type: channel
description: The MEST<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> Journal<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;"> is an open-access international academic journal, of the non-profit organization MESTE, published in cooperation with the "MB" University in Belgrade, Serbia, and SZ & Associates - Toronto, Canada.
publisher: MESTE
language: en-US
publication name: MEST Journal
issn: 2334-7171
copyright: All papers published by MEST Journal are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). Authors who publish with the MEST Journal agree to the following terms: Authors retain copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work, with a note that the article is under consideration by MEST Journal, online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
items: Front Cover
items: Title Page
items: Imprint
items: Thematic Areas
items: FROM ENGLISH TO THE MOTHER TONGUE: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND A NEW PARADIGM OF ACADEMIC PUBLISHING
items: EMPLOYING AI TO IMPROVE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH INDICATORS IN FINTECH PLATFORMS: ZEST-AI
items: DEVELOPMENT AND MODERNIZATION OF PORT INFRASTRUCTURE IN ALGERIA A CASE STUDY OF THE PORT OF SKIKDA
items: CLIMATE–TECHNOLOGY INTERACTIONS AND THEIR IMPACT ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN ALGERIA
items: GEOPOLITICAL RISK AND ASEAN-5 STOCK MARKET DYNAMICS: VOLATILITY, CORRELATION, AND PREDICTIVE TRANSMISSION
items: RESPONSE TO WOJDA ON EVICTIONISM, PRO-LIFE, AND PRO-CHOICE
items: REJOINDER TO HOPPE ON REACTIONARY LIBERTARIANISM
items: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MANAGEMENT AND SMART UNIVERSITIES: ASSESSING READINESS, PROSPECTS IN ALGERIA
items: LIQUIDITY-PROFITABILITY TRADE-OFF: EVIDENCE FROM SAUDI ARABIAN FOOD AND BEVERAGES PRODUCTION COMPANIES
items: PANEL EVIDENCE ON FINANCIAL DRIVERS OF ALGERIAN FIRM’S RETURNS (2019-2024)
items: OPERATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT AS A DRIVER OF BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY
items: THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL EDUCATION IN SME DEVELOPMENT: INSIGHTS FROM ROMANIAN FINANCE PROFESSIONALS
items: MAPPING THE INTELLECTUAL STRUCTURE OF OPEN INNOVATION IN SMEs: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS (2009–2025)
items: THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL OFFICE OF WAQF AND ZAKAT IN MOBILIZING WAQF AND ZAKAT RESOURCES IN ALGERIA
items: BLOCKCHAIN AND SMART CONTRACTS: FINANCIAL IMPACTS ON GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS
items: PROSPECTS OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY: AI, CONNECTIVITY, AND LONG-TERM EFFICIENCY
items: LSTM NETWORK FOR HIGH-VOLATILITY STOCK PRICE PREDICTION: TESLA INC
items: MONETARY POLICY TRANSMISSION IN ALGERIA: NONLINEAR EVIDENCE POST-COVID INFLATION
items: THE EXTENT OF APPLICATION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT IN ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS
items: ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL EQUILIBRIUM OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM FUNDS IN ALGERIA
items: STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE AND ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIORAL MOTIVATION: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF DIGITAL AMBIDEXTERITY
items: MACROECONOMIC DYNAMICS AND GDP TRENDS IN THE WESTERN BALKANS: 2019–2024
items: CRISIS MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN THE DISTRIBUTION SECTOR
items: DIAGNOSING THE MANAGEMENT OF DIGITAL CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION IN ALGERIA
items: DIGITAL ALGERIA 2030: AN ANALYSIS OF THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY
items: FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT, ENERGY TRANSITION, AND CARBON EMISSIONS IN ARAB ECONOMIES
items: THE ROLE OF CONCURRENT ENGINEERING IN REDUCING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COSTS: AIRBUS CASE STUDY
items: CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN MAJOR ALGERIAN FIRMS
items: ASSOCIATION BETWEEN EDUCATIONAL AND NON-EDUCATIONAL SMARTPHONE APP USE, TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS, AND GPA IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
items: EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF MULTISENSORY LEARNING AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES ON SPECIAL EDUCATION
items: THE IMPACT OF PARALLEL EXCHANGE RATE ON INFLATION IN ALGERIA (2000-2024)
items: DIGITAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION DYNAMICS IN MENA ECONOMIES
items: SHORT-TERM STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE: A TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING PERSPECTIVE
items: Acknowledgement of Reviewers
items: Instructions for Authors
items: Submission Instructions
items: Reviewer-s Report
items: Templates
items: Policies
items: Back Cover
items: Printed Version of the MEST Journal

Front Cover
type: item
creator: Zoran Čekerevac
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zoran Čekerevac https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2

Title Page
type: item
creator: Zoran Čekerevac
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zoran Čekerevac https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2

Imprint
type: item
creator: Zoran Čekerevac
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zoran Čekerevac https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2

Thematic Areas
type: item
creator: Zoran Čekerevac
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zoran Čekerevac https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2

FROM ENGLISH TO THE MOTHER TONGUE: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND A NEW PARADIGM OF ACADEMIC PUBLISHING
type: item
description: For decades, English has served as the dominant language of scholarly communication. While this dominance has facilitated global dissemination of knowledge, it has also created significant barriers for researchers whose native language is not English. This article argues that recent advances in artificial intelligence, particularly in machine translation and language understanding, make it possible to reconsider one of the fundamental assumptions of contemporary academic publishing: that scientific work must be written in English to be internationally relevant. Rather than requiring authors to adapt their ideas to a foreign language, a new model may emerge in which scholars write in their native language while readers, editors, and reviewers access AI-assisted translations in the language of their choice. The paper discusses the historical origins of English-language dominance, the advantages of native-language authorship, the implications for editorial and peer-review processes, and the broader consequences for scientific diversity, inclusion, and knowledge production. This approach could also help broaden access to publication for scholars working in underrepresented linguistic communities.
creator: Zoran Čekerevac
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zoran Čekerevac https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.ef

EMPLOYING AI TO IMPROVE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH INDICATORS IN FINTECH PLATFORMS: ZEST-AI
type: item
description: With the rapid spread of advanced digital technologies in financial services, this study examines how artificial intelligence can improve the effectiveness of sustainable‑growth indicators on FinTech platforms, treating these indicators as strategic levers for operational efficiency and service quality. The American AI platform Zest‑AI is used as a case study because of its success in developing AI‑based credit‑assessment solutions that expand customer reach and accelerate lending decisions at banks and financial institutions. The study finds that integrating generative AI, machine learning, and deep learning into digital financial platforms enables the creation of intelligent lending models that strengthen the financing capacity of banking and financial institutions. Results from the Sustainable Growth Index show that the Zest‑AI platform attains a very high level of sustainable growth, indicating economic efficiency, promotion of social equity, and an orientation toward environmentally conscious digitalization. This performance is classified as a high degree of sustainability maturity.
creator: Anis Aiech
creator: Abdelkader Salhi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Anis Aiech, Abdelkader Salhi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 1
ending page: 18
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.01

DEVELOPMENT AND MODERNIZATION OF PORT INFRASTRUCTURE IN ALGERIA A CASE STUDY OF THE PORT OF SKIKDA
type: item
description: This study examines the evolution of port systems and analyzes the modernization strategies of the Skikda Port Authority (Entreprise Portuaire de Skikda, EP Skikda) as a case study. The research aims to assess the extent to which the authority's strategy aligns with contemporary port models. Methodologically, the study employs a qualitative case study approach, based on the analysis of official port documents and technical reports. The findings reveal that the Skikda Port Authority is successfully functioning as a modern strategic logistics hub, transcending its traditional role in transit shipping operations. Its integrated administrative approach—combining advanced infrastructure with a focus on digitalization, safety, and stakeholder integration, ports as a competitive actor within global supply chains. The study concludes that EP Skikda offers a replicable model for other port authorities seeking to enhance both competitiveness and sustainability. By bridging traditional port operations with contemporary logistical demands, the case of Skikda provides valuable insights for emerging economies aiming to modernize their maritime infrastructure.
creator: Khayreddine Belaaze
creator: Amina Boukhedna
creator: Randa Saadi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Khayreddine Belaaze, Amina Boukhedna, Randa Saadi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 19
ending page: 26
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.02

CLIMATE–TECHNOLOGY INTERACTIONS AND THEIR IMPACT ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN ALGERIA
type: item
description: This study examines the impact of climatic and technological changes on agricultural productivity in Algeria during the period 1999–2023 using the ARDL model. The results confirm the existence of a long-run equilibrium relationship between agricultural value added and its climatic, technological, and structural determinants. Productive inputs, particularly fertilizers and water resources, positively affect agricultural performance, whereas rising temperatures and inefficient irrigation management exert negative effects. The findings also show that technological development contributes to strengthening the sector’s capacity to cope with climate-related challenges. In addition, persistent structural constraints, including low labor productivity and the prevalence of traditional production practices, continue to limit productive efficiency. The error correction mechanism confirms the sector’s ability to adjust toward long-run equilibrium following short-term shocks. Overall, the results highlight the importance of improving resource-use efficiency, promoting technological modernization, and strengthening climate adaptation policies to support sustainable agricultural development in Algeria.
creator: Kamel Belfodil
creator: Djilali Mezouaghi
creator: Khadidja Laref
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Kamel Belfodil, Djilali Mezouaghi, Khadidja Laref https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 27
ending page: 46
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.03

GEOPOLITICAL RISK AND ASEAN-5 STOCK MARKET DYNAMICS: VOLATILITY, CORRELATION, AND PREDICTIVE TRANSMISSION
type: item
description: This study examines how geopolitical risk affects the stock markets of the five founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore) from 2014 to 2025. Employing dynamic conditional correlation volatility models, causality tests, and structural break analyses, the research investigates market dynamics. Results indicate that negative shocks significantly amplify volatility, increasing it by up to 7.4 times in Thailand. Furthermore, the analysis shows moderate financial integration among the four emerging markets, with correlations ranging from 0.246 to 0.350. Singapore exhibits near-zero regional correlations, consistent with its role as an international financial hub, though the mechanisms underlying this pattern warrant further investigation. Evidence also suggests Malaysia displays notably heightened sensitivity to geopolitical risk predictions relative to its regional peers. Notably, no statistically significant structural breaks were detected during the eleven-year period, suggesting these markets absorbed disruptions without permanent regime shifts, subject to the inherent limitations of the structural break procedure employed. The paper recommends that portfolio managers, risk practitioners, and policymakers consider Singapore for within-region portfolio diversification, apply dedicated risk frameworks for Malaysia, and use full-sample estimates as a baseline for regulatory stress-testing across these economies.
creator: Mohamed Ayoub Bey
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Mohamed Ayoub Bey https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 47
ending page: 60
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.04

RESPONSE TO WOJDA ON EVICTIONISM, PRO-LIFE, AND PRO-CHOICE
type: item
description: Professor Wojda is not exactly a fan of my evictionist theory. He accurately explicates it but does nothing to obliterate it. Instead, he maintains that my own understanding of the pro-life and pro-choice theories that I mean evictionism to supplant is faulty. He also opines that my use of metaphors is problematic. I am exceedingly grateful to him for helping me publicize this perspective of mine. As he notes, I have been at it since 1977. I regret that I have not made virtually any headway at all in having this policy implemented, let alone widely discussed. With his important efforts, hopefully this state of affairs will soon end. I learned a great deal from Professor Wojda’s paper and am grateful to him for it. My thought, hope, is that this correspondence on this complex matter will enable both of us, together, to shed more light on it than would otherwise be the case.
creator: Walter E Block
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Walter E Block https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 61
ending page: 70
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.05

REJOINDER TO HOPPE ON REACTIONARY LIBERTARIANISM
type: item
description: Professor Hans-Hermann Hoppe gave a public speech that is filled with errors, misrepresentations, and fallacies. He takes on several main subjects: monarchism, Israel, the Frankfurt School, Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Javier Milei. This author views all three through the eyeglasses of libertarianism and misunderstands them all. Is he an anti-Semite? He makes many statements that can be construed as such. Read what he has to say and decide for yourself. It cannot be denied Hoppe is regarded by some as a world class libertarian theoretician. His work in democracy and monarchism; in defense of private property rights; his contribution to argumentation ethics; his arguments in behalf of anarcho-capitalism, are usually presented to sustain this stance. Those who support him do so on the grounds of his views on Austrian economics in general, and praxeology in particular. However, when many of this author’s premises are analyzed, they do not pass rigorous tests. The subjects treated in the present work are an example of this phenomenon.
creator: Walter E Block
creator: Allen Gindler
creator: Alan G Futerman
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Walter E Block, Allen Gindler, Alan G Futerman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 71
ending page: 92
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.06

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MANAGEMENT AND SMART UNIVERSITIES: ASSESSING READINESS, PROSPECTS IN ALGERIA
type: item
description: This study aims to examine the readiness of Algerian universities for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence Management and to explore its relationship with the prospects of transitioning toward smart universities. A quantitative descriptive-analytical approach was adopted using a questionnaire administered to a convenience sample of 100 academic and administrative staff members from various Algerian universities. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that the level of AI readiness in Algerian universities remains relatively low to moderate across its main dimensions, including human resources, digital infrastructure, and strategic and administrative frameworks. The results also reveal a statistically significant positive correlation between AI readiness and the prospects of smart universities. Based on these findings, the study emphasizes the need to strengthen digital infrastructure, develop human competencies, and establish clear strategic, financial, and governance frameworks. It also highlights the importance of fostering innovation and inter-university collaboration to support the effective implementation of Artificial Intelligence Management in Algerian higher education institutions.
creator: Rania Boudjebieur
creator: Abderrahmen Gueroui
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rania Boudjebieur, Abderrahmen Gueroui https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 93
ending page: 108
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.07

LIQUIDITY-PROFITABILITY TRADE-OFF: EVIDENCE FROM SAUDI ARABIAN FOOD AND BEVERAGES PRODUCTION COMPANIES
type: item
description: The growth and survival of firms depend on liquidity and profitability, which are often in conflict due to the competing allocation of financial resources. This study aims to investigate the liquidity-profitability trade-off in a sample of 21 companies operating in the food and beverage sector and listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange, for the year 2024. Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), the study evaluates the efficiency of the sample firms in managing both liquidity and profitability based on two inputs (total assets, operating expenses) and two outputs (operating cash flow, net profit). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is then applied; the findings indicate a heterogeneous pattern across firms, with a greater share exhibiting a liquidity-oriented profile compared to those driven by profitability. Only a limited number of firms demonstrate a balanced position between the two dimensions, while a substantial proportion performs weakly in both liquidity and profitability. This pattern reflects a lack of uniform financial behavior among firms and implies that the liquidity–profitability relationship is not systematic and cannot be adequately explained by a simple trade-off mechanism.
creator: Rym Bounouala
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rym Bounouala https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 109
ending page: 120
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.08

PANEL EVIDENCE ON FINANCIAL DRIVERS OF ALGERIAN FIRM’S RETURNS (2019-2024)
type: item
description: This study investigates the influence of key financial variables on the profitability of Algerian firms using panel data from 37 companies spanning 2019–2024. Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) serve as dependent variables, while long-term debt ratio, financial leverage, liquidity, and firm size constitute the primary explanatory factors. Panel regression analysis reveals a significant negative association between long-term debt and ROA, indicating reduced asset efficiency under high indebtedness, whereas firm size exerts a positive effect on both profitability measures. Liquidity shows no significant impact, and financial leverage displays mixed effects across models. Robustness is confirmed through comprehensive diagnostic tests including heteroskedasticity, autocorrelation, and multicollinearity assessments. These findings offer critical implications for financial decision-making and policy formulation within Algeria's dynamic business environment. The analysis employs fixed effects models to control for firm-specific heterogeneity, providing reliable evidence on debt-profitability dynamics in an emerging market context. Such insights aid managers in optimizing capital structures amid economic volatility.
creator: Hana Bousbaa
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Hana Bousbaa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 121
ending page: 134
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.09

OPERATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT AS A DRIVER OF BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY
type: item
description: In the context of increased competition, digital transformation, and uncertainty, sustainable development is a strategic objective for businesses. Employee well-being, ethical management, and customer and stakeholder trust, as the social aspect, can be undermined by unaddressed operational risks. Inefficient use of resources, environmental incidents, and failure to comply with environmental standards, as environmental aspects, pose risks that impact long-term stability and market position. An effective operational risk management system increases management transparency, strengthens accountability and the distribution of responsibilities, and improves the internal control system, thereby enhancing the governance component. The purpose of this study is to determine how operational risk management can support sustainable business development and contribute to strengthening competitiveness. The research combines theoretical analysis with quantitative approaches, including the evaluation of operational risks through key risk indicators and their relationship with sustainability metrics. The results indicate that embedding operational risk management into core business processes increases organizational resilience and lowers exposure to disruptions. The article may be useful for managers, risk specialists, researchers, and policymakers.
creator: Olga Caminschi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Olga Caminschi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 135
ending page: 144
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.10

THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL EDUCATION IN SME DEVELOPMENT: INSIGHTS FROM ROMANIAN FINANCE PROFESSIONALS
type: item
description: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are essential to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, yet uneven financial literacy continues to limit access to funding, innovation uptake, and operational resilience. This study examines how finance professionals perceive the relevance and usefulness of financial education for SMEs, situating these views within the institutional context and role-specific responsibilities. Based on a questionnaire administered to specialists from Romania’s banking and non-bank lending institutions, our study investigates how professionals assess educational initiatives that shape SMEs’ behavior and preferences for training formats (online courses, seminars, customized programs, and applied simulations). Findings indicate distinct perceptual orientations - from an innovation-driven stance that assigns a central role to financial education to a more traditional, cautious view marked by lower openness to alternatives - together with clear differences in learning preferences across professional groups. Moreover, financial education is perceived in close connection with attitudes toward financing instruments and organizational culture. Recommendations addressed to policy makers, training providers, and lending institutions emphasize differentiated, context-sensitive educational approaches tailored to institutional settings, professional roles, and the specific needs of targeted audiences, rather than uniform interventions.
creator: Monica Crespai
creator: Ioana-Carmen Bozintan
creator: Ciprian Patrauceanu
creator: Daniel Badulescu
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Monica Crespai, Ioana-Carmen Bozintan, Ciprian Patrauceanu, Daniel Badulescu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 145
ending page: 154
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.11

MAPPING THE INTELLECTUAL STRUCTURE OF OPEN INNOVATION IN SMEs: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS (2009–2025)
type: item
description: This study provides a bibliometric analysis of research on open innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) over the period 2009–2025. Using a dataset of 500 journal articles indexed in the Web of Science, the study maps the field’s intellectual structure, publication trends, influential sources, leading authors, country productivity, collaboration patterns, and thematic evolution. The results show a steady growth in scientific production, particularly after 2017, indicating the increasing consolidation of open innovation in SMEs as a distinct research domain. The literature concentrates on a limited number of influential journals, especially Technovation and Technological Forecasting and Social Change, while a small group of highly cited publications forms the conceptual foundation of the field. Thematic analysis reveals that the field is primarily structured around open innovation, SMEs, performance, research and development, absorptive capacity, and knowledge. Thematic evolution further indicates a shift from foundational concerns related to firm performance, manufacturing, and strategy towards more recent interests in business models, eco-innovation, digitalization, and empirical contextualization.
creator: Oumelkheir Elbaroud
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Oumelkheir Elbaroud https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 155
ending page: 168
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.12

THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL OFFICE OF WAQF AND ZAKAT IN MOBILIZING WAQF AND ZAKAT RESOURCES IN ALGERIA
type: item
description: This study aims to highlight the role of the National Office for Waqf and Zakat in mobilizing Waqf and Zakat resources in Algeria. The Office was established by decree No. 21-179 to establish an institutional structure responsible for managing Waqf and Zakat resources and directing them towards community development. The study reached several conclusions, the most important of which is that the Office is a tool for mobilizing, managing, exploiting, developing, and investing waqf properties. During its activities in the period 2021-2023, it included more than 4,200 waqf properties. The National Office is also a mechanism for collecting, disbursing, and developing zakat, as it collects zakat resources from three main sources, which has led to a continuous increase in its annual revenue, reaching more than 1.649 billion dinars in 2024. Among the study’s recommendations is the need to strengthen community confidence in the importance of takaful institutions and their pivotal role in supporting the charitable sector.
creator: Sabah Guerid
creator: Ouided Boufafa
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Sabah Guerid, Ouided Boufafa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 169
ending page: 182
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.13

BLOCKCHAIN AND SMART CONTRACTS: FINANCIAL IMPACTS ON GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS
type: item
description: This research paper aims to investigate the applications of blockchain technology and smart contracts in managing global supply chains, as well as their financial and economic implications. The study addressed the concept of supply chain management and the technologies of blockchain and smart contracts, with a focus on their applications in validating and tracking transactions, facilitating the flow and storage of information in international trade, supporting customs, shipping, and container management operations, and increasing transparency in commercial transactions. The most prominent digital supply chain platforms based on blockchain were also presented. The results showed that the application of these technologies contributes to reducing costs and fees, improving cash management, increasing transparency and reducing risks, and enhancing the economic and operational efficiency of exporting and importing companies. It also provides administrative bodies with the ability to track and verify transactions instantly, which supports more accurate financial and strategic decision-making
creator: Adnane Hadj Ali
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Adnane Hadj Ali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 183
ending page: 192
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.14

PROSPECTS OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY: AI, CONNECTIVITY, AND LONG-TERM EFFICIENCY
type: item
description: This study aims to explore the prospects of the digital economy amid global technological transformations by examining three main pillars: specialized artificial intelligence, the expansion of global connectivity, and the promotion of a sustainable digital economy. Drawing on international reports, academic studies, and practical experiences, the study finds that specialized artificial intelligence constitutes a strategic driver for developing solutions tailored to local needs, thereby enhancing service efficiency and strengthening the competitiveness of emerging economies. Furthermore, the expansion of high-speed connectivity is identified as a prerequisite for integrating economies into global value chains and fostering collaborative innovation. In parallel, supporting a sustainable digital economy represents a strategic framework that aligns digital transformation with the Sustainable Development Goals through the integration of renewable energy, green computing, and responsible digital governance mechanisms. Overall, the findings indicate that building a balanced digital economy requires the integration of technological innovation with sound policies, strengthened international partnerships, sustained investment in digital infrastructure and skills development, and the adoption of data transparency and disclosure policies to ensure long-term sustainability
creator: Marwa Kerdouci
creator: Salah Guerrouf
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 marwa Kerdouci https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 193
ending page: 206
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.15

LSTM NETWORK FOR HIGH-VOLATILITY STOCK PRICE PREDICTION: TESLA INC
type: item
description: This research investigates the efficacy of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks for predicting stock prices of high-volatility equities, with application to Tesla Inc. (TSLA). Addressing a gap in financial machine learning literature, we develop an advanced LSTM architecture trained on Tesla's daily closing prices from January 1, 2017, to November 20, 2024. Through meticulous preprocessing, strategic dropout regularization, and sophisticated sequence modeling, our model achieves a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of $12.17 and a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of $8.51. For comparative purposes, we implement a walk‑forward ARIMA benchmark, which achieved an RMSE of $8.30 and an MAE of $5.76, indicating superior point forecast accuracy. However, the LSTM model demonstrated better directional accuracy (50.60% against 47.62%), suggesting complementary strengths across evaluation metrics. The Diebold‑Mariano test confirmed a statistically significant difference between the two models (DM = 4.58, p < 0.01). This study contributes to the understanding of deep learning applications in financial markets and establishes new benchmarks for volatile stock prediction. The findings support adopting hybrid approaches that combine the point forecast accuracy of traditional econometric models with the directional predictive capabilities of deep learning architectures for financial forecasting in turbulent market conditions.
creator: Asma Kesri
creator: Mohamed Yazid Salhi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Asma Kesri, Mohamed Yazid Salhi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 207
ending page: 217
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.16

MONETARY POLICY TRANSMISSION IN ALGERIA: NONLINEAR EVIDENCE POST-COVID INFLATION
type: item
description: This study investigates the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission in Algeria under post-COVID inflation dynamics during the period 2000–2024. The research aims to assess whether conventional monetary instruments, particularly interest-rate adjustments, are capable of stabilizing inflation in a resource-dependent emerging economy characterized by shallow financial markets, exchange-rate vulnerability, and structural rigidities. The study applies Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) models to examine both symmetric and asymmetric monetary transmission effects. Inflation is modeled as a function of interest rates, broad money supply, exchange rates, economic growth, and the COVID-19 shock. The empirical findings indicate that the conventional interest-rate channel remains weak and statistically insignificant in a linear specification, whereas exchange-rate depreciation and monetary expansion exert significant inflationary effects. The nonlinear results reveal asymmetric transmission, showing that monetary tightening has a stronger disinflationary impact than monetary easing. The study concludes that effective inflation stabilization in Algeria requires a broader and more coordinated macroeconomic policy framework.
creator: Dib Lamia
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Dib Lamia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 218
ending page: 229
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.17

THE EXTENT OF APPLICATION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT IN ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS
type: item
description: Human resources represent a fundamental element in ensuring the continuity of industrial and service organizations alike, which necessitates the provision of a safe working environment that protects employees from various occupational hazards. This study aims to assess the extent to which occupational health and safety management is applied in the National Paint Company – Souk Ahras Unit. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach and relied on a questionnaire distributed to a sample of the company’s employees. After collecting and statistically analyzing the data, the results revealed a moderate level of implementation of occupational health and safety management requirements within the studied institution. However, several shortcomings were identified, particularly in the consistency of applying safety procedures and in the availability of protective equipment, which require systematic attention and corrective measures. In light of these findings, a set of recommendations was proposed to strengthen occupational health and safety practices, enhance compliance, and improve the overall working environment in a manner that ensures employee well-being and contributes to sustainable institutional performance.
creator: Rahem Lekhdiri
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Rahem Lekhdiri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 230
ending page: 240
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.18

ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL EQUILIBRIUM OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM FUNDS IN ALGERIA
type: item
description: This study examines the combined factors affecting the Financial Equilibrium (FE) of Algeria's Social Security System (SSS) funds. The research adopts a descriptive and analytical approach to establish the theoretical framework and to investigate the main factors influencing the FE of the system. Empirical analysis was conducted using data from reports of the National Office of Statistics (ONS) covering the period from 2007 to 2017. To evaluate the simultaneous effect of the selected variables on FE, a multiple linear regression model was employed. The findings indicate that social security adequacy, benefits growth, social security coverage, and the operating costs ratio exert a statistically significant effect on the FE of the Algerian SSS funds. In contrast, contributions growth and the average benefit per contributor did not show a statistically significant effect within the estimated model. These results suggest that the FE of the SSS is shaped more strongly by expenditure structure, coverage dynamics, and administrative cost efficiency than by contribution growth alone.
creator: Mohamed El Amine Maouche
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Mohamed El Amine Maouche https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 241
ending page: 251
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.19

STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE AND ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIORAL MOTIVATION: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF DIGITAL AMBIDEXTERITY
type: item
description: This study aimed to explore the mediating role of digital ambidexterity in the relationship between strategic intelligence and Organizational behavioral motivation. The study employed PLS-SEM and was conducted as a case study involving 15 large industrial firms in Eastern Algeria. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered to a purposive sample of 200 executives. The results showed that introducing the mediating variable did not reduce the strength of the direct effect; rather, it increased compared to the non-mediated model. This suggests that the relationship between the variables goes beyond traditional mediation logic and reflects a more complex explanatory structure involving interactions between direct and indirect effects. The findings also indicate the possible presence of inconsistent mediation, accompanied by a suppression effect, across the model's direct and indirect paths. The study contributes both theoretically and practically by enriching the debate on strategic intelligence and digital organizational capabilities. It recommends that future research examine the multiple roles of digital capabilities as either direct or contextual factors that enhance the effectiveness of strategic intelligence in achieving superior organizational performance.
creator: Imene Mekdade
creator: Nassim Hamouda
creator: Samia Aljaeed
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Imene Mekdade, Nassim Hamouda, Samia Aljaeed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 252
ending page: 270
doi: 10.12709/10.12709/mest.14.14.02.20

MACROECONOMIC DYNAMICS AND GDP TRENDS IN THE WESTERN BALKANS: 2019–2024
type: item
description: This paper examines macroeconomic dynamics and gross domestic product (GDP) trends in the Western Balkans over the period 2019–2024, with particular emphasis on the effects of the COVID-19 crisis and the subsequent phase of recovery. Using a comparative macroeconomic approach based on officially published data from international financial institutions, the study analyzes GDP growth rates, cross-country differences, and variation in the pace of recovery across the region. The results show a sharp contraction in 2020, especially in tourism-dependent economies, followed by a strong rebound in 2021 largely driven by base effects and fiscal support measures. However, during 2022–2024 growth moderated, reflecting inflationary pressures, energy price shocks, weaker external demand, and persistent structural restrictions. Despite certain signs of stabilization, significant heterogeneity remains, linked to differences in economic structure, institutional capacity, and exposure to global shocks. The findings deepen understanding of macroeconomic performance in the Western Balkans during periods of crisis and normalization, while offering policy-relevant insights for strengthening economic resilience, accelerating structural transformation, and supporting more sustainable long-term growth.
creator: Ljubomir Miljković
creator: Milan Janković
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Ljubomir Miljković, Milan Janković https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 271
ending page: 280
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.21

CRISIS MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN THE DISTRIBUTION SECTOR
type: item
description: This paper investigates the role and implementation of crisis management strategies in the distribution sector, with a particular focus on logistics operations, supply chain systems, organizational structures, and communication processes. The theoretical framework addresses the core concepts of crisis management, different categories of crises, and contemporary strategic approaches, including organizational resilience, business continuity planning, and digital transformation. The empirical part of the research is based on a survey conducted among employees in distribution companies, aiming to assess the level of organizational preparedness for crisis situations. The findings indicate that, although companies demonstrate a moderate level of readiness, significant deficiencies remain in employee training, internal communication, and strategic crisis planning. The study further highlights the vulnerability of modern supply chains and emphasizes the necessity for greater operational flexibility and adaptability in times of crisis. Drawing on the results obtained, the paper proposes recommendations for improving crisis management practices through the adoption of an integrated management approach, enhanced digitalization, and the development of stronger organizational resilience.
creator: Kiril Postolov
creator: Boris Postolov
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Kiril Postolov, Boris Postolov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 281
ending page: 290
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.22

DIAGNOSING THE MANAGEMENT OF DIGITAL CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION IN ALGERIA
type: item
description: This research paper aimed to explore the revolution the world has witnessed in integrating digital technologies into circular economy models and their positive impact on promoting sustainable innovation, particularly in light of the Algerian government's efforts to expand the use of digital solutions in institutions, protect the environment, and achieve sustainable development. The study employed descriptive and analytical methodologies, utilizing data and statistics obtained from official websites and reports. Among its key findings, the study concluded that the transition to a circular economy cannot achieve tangible economic efficiency without relying on digital tools (such as the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence). Furthermore, the studied global models demonstrated that adopting digital circular solutions provides institutions with resilience against raw material price fluctuations and opens new international markets, which is essential for Algerian institutions to diversify their non-hydrocarbon exports. Finally, the study emphasized the need for the Ministry of Startups to direct its support towards projects that innovate technological solutions (platforms, smart recycling applications) to serve national strategies.
creator: Abdelwaheb Sakhri
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Abdelwaheb Sakhri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 291
ending page: 302
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.23

DIGITAL ALGERIA 2030: AN ANALYSIS OF THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY
type: item
description: The present study analyzes the Algeria Digital 2030 strategy by situating it within the dual context of organizational digital transformation and the evolution of Algerian public policies. It first defines digital transformation as a process of reconfiguring organizational models, information systems, and competencies. Then, it traces the gradual development of the digital economy in Algeria, from the liberalization of telecommunications to the launch of the National Digital Transformation Strategy 2025–2030. The study then outlines the strategy’s objectives and pillars, emphasizing infrastructure modernization, improved public services, a competitive digital economy, and a strengthened legal and cybersecurity framework. It presents the Algeria Digital 2030 vision through five structural axes (ICT infrastructure, human capital, digital governance, digital economy, and digital society) and two cross-cutting foundations (regulatory framework and information system security), accompanied by ambitious quantitative targets. Finally, the study discusses the challenges, issues, and prospects of this transformation, emphasizing both its strategic role in national sovereignty, state modernization, and economic diversification, as well as the persistent constraints related to territorial disparities in access, skills deficits, digital governance, and citizens’ adoption of online services.
creator: Fayrouz Slaimi
creator: Asma Ouennas
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Fayrouz Slaimi, Asma Ouennas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 303
ending page: 316
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.24

FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT, ENERGY TRANSITION, AND CARBON EMISSIONS IN ARAB ECONOMIES
type: item
description: This paper investigates the role of financial development in accelerating the energy transition and reducing carbon dioxide emissions in Arab countries over the period 2000–2022. The study uses a panel autoregressive distributed lag model, estimated via the pooled mean group approach, to examine the long-run and short-run effects of financial development, foreign direct investment, economic growth, carbon dioxide emissions, and political stability on renewable energy consumption. The results show that financial development has a negative and statistically significant long-run effect on renewable energy consumption, indicating that domestic financial systems in Arab countries remain weakly oriented toward green investment. Conversely, foreign direct investment and economic growth positively support the transition toward renewable energy, while political stability has no statistically significant effect. These findings suggest that financial deepening alone is insufficient unless it is supported by green finance instruments, stronger regulatory incentives, and climate-oriented economic policies. The paper is relevant to researchers, policymakers, financial institutions, and energy regulators.
creator: Hanane Tlemcani
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Hanane Tlemcani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 317
ending page: 327
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.25

THE ROLE OF CONCURRENT ENGINEERING IN REDUCING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COSTS: AIRBUS CASE STUDY
type: item
description: This study aims to identify the concurrent engineering (CE) technique and examine its role in reducing costs during product development phases by leveraging functional and technological practices that support cost reduction. Given the nature of the study, we adopt a descriptive and analytical approach. Based on a case study of Airbus, which is considered one of the most powerful companies in the global aeronautical sector, and which has adopted concurrent engineering technique through its project ACE (Airbus Concurrent Engineering), the findings indicate that concurrent engineering reduces the product’s overall cost by lowering design costs through the elimination of design errors and by reducing the number of engineering changes required during product design. Additionally, it reduces labor inputs by utilizing cross-functional teams. By incorporating supply chain requirements early in the development process, the overall cost decreases while maintaining a strong focus on quality improvement, thereby enhancing flexibility and responsiveness to market demands.
creator: Soumeya Toumi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Soumeya Toumi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 328
ending page: 340
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.26

CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN MAJOR ALGERIAN FIRMS
type: item
description: This study examines the effect of capital structure on the financial performance of major Algerian firms over the period 2020–2024. A balanced panel of six large companies — Sonatrach, Biopharm, Saidal, El Aurassi, Alliance Assurances, and Sonelgaz — is analyzed using two accounting-based performance indicators (ROA and ROE) and two leverage proxies (Debt Ratio and Leverage). Panel data models are estimated, and appropriate specification tests are applied to select the optimal estimator. The findings reveal a statistically significant negative relationship between debt ratios and both ROA and ROE, with leverage exerting a stronger adverse effect on equity returns than on asset returns. Random Effects models are preferred over pooled OLS based on the Breusch–Pagan LM and Hausman specification tests, highlighting the importance of firm-specific heterogeneity. Firm size and sales growth are positively associated with financial performance. The results are consistent with Pecking Order, Trade-off, and Agency theories in the context of costly bank financing and underdeveloped capital markets. Financial managers are encouraged to adopt more moderate leverage levels, while regulators are advised to promote alternative market-based financing instruments to reduce firms' dependence on bank credit.
creator: Salim Trabelsi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Salim Trabelsi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 341
ending page: 359
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.27

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN EDUCATIONAL AND NON-EDUCATIONAL SMARTPHONE APP USE, TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS, AND GPA IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
type: item
description: This research paper investigates the impact of smartphone use on time management and academic performance among students in higher education institutions. With smartphones becoming an integral part of everyday life, their potential to enhance or diminish academic performance is becoming increasingly important. The study surveyed undergraduate students (N = 170) and collected data on their smartphone usage patterns, time management skills, and academic performance (GPA). In addition to survey responses, smartphone usage tracking applications were used to obtain more objective measures of time spent on educational and non-educational applications. The findings indicate a markedly negative relationship between non-educational app use (e.g., social media, entertainment) and academic performance, suggesting that the time spent on these apps is associated with lower GPA scores. On the other hand, time management skills were observed to have a positive impact on academic performance, mitigating the negative influence of smartphone distractions. Although the educational use of apps showed a weak positive correlation with GPA, this correlation was not significant. The study discusses the role of time management in mitigating digital distractions and suggests that strengthening students’ time management skills may help improve academic outcomes by enabling more effective and purposeful smartphone use.
creator: Sohaib Ullah
creator: Marwa Zaib
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Sohaib Ullah, Marwa Zaib https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 360
ending page: 370
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.28

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF MULTISENSORY LEARNING AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES ON SPECIAL EDUCATION
type: item
description: <em style="color: #000000; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">This paper explores how different educational interventions, that is, multisensory learning strategies, audiobooks, and assistive technology, can improve the academic participation and social inclusion of children with special needs. Quantitative research design was employed, and surveys were administered by educators, special education professionals, and parents of children with disabilities across diverse learning environments. In the results, multisensory learning strategies were perceived as the best intervention (mean score = 3.51), followed by assistive technologies (3.35) and audiobooks (3.28). There were also gender differences, with male respondents perceiving multisensory learning techniques more positively than their female counterparts. The findings indicate that participants perceived an integrated set of interventions as useful for supporting the diverse needs of children with disabilities and for promoting academic participation and social inclusion. The study suggests that participants viewed the combination of multisensory learning methods, audiobooks, and assistive technologies as a potentially comprehensive approach to supporting the developmental and educational needs of children with disabilities. Future studies are needed to understand the relationships among these interventions, gender disparities, and their long-term impact on inclusive education practices.
creator: Sohaib Ullah
creator: Marwa Zaib
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Sohaib Ullah, Marwa Zaib https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 371
ending page: 383
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.29

THE IMPACT OF PARALLEL EXCHANGE RATE ON INFLATION IN ALGERIA (2000-2024)
type: item
description: This study investigates the long-run and short-run impact of the parallel exchange rate on inflation in Algeria over the period 2000–2024. Using annual time-series data and the autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing approach, we estimate dynamic relationships while accommodating mixed integration orders. Results confirm cointegration between the variables, with a long-run elasticity of 0.43, indicating that a 1% depreciation in the parallel market raises inflation by 0.43 percentage points. The error-correction term of -0.32 indicates that approximately 32% of the disequilibrium is corrected annually. Diagnostic and sensitivity analyses, including Chow breakpoint tests and rolling-window estimates, validate the model's stability and robustness. The findings underscore the structural role of informal exchange rate dynamics in driving domestic price pressures, particularly following the 2014 oil price shock. Policymakers, central bankers, and researchers focused on macroeconomic stabilization in resource-dependent economies will find these results instrumental for designing exchange rate reforms, inflation-targeting frameworks, and structural diversification strategies aimed at reducing vulnerability to external shocks and informal market volatility.
creator: Abid Farid Zakaria
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Abid Farid Zakaria https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 384
ending page: 404
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.30

DIGITAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION DYNAMICS IN MENA ECONOMIES
type: item
description: This study examines the effect of digital financial inclusion on household consumption dynamics in the economies of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) using a dynamic panel quantile framework. The analysis is based on a balanced annual panel of 12 economies over the period 2014–2023. Household consumption dynamics are measured by the growth in real household final consumption expenditure per capita, while digital financial inclusion is captured by a composite index that combines digital payments usage, internet access, and mobile connectivity. The results show that the effect of digital financial inclusion is positive but uneven across the conditional distribution of household consumption. The estimated coefficient becomes positive across most quantiles and reaches statistical significance only at the upper quantile. Real gross domestic product per capita growth remains positive and significant across all specifications, while inflation exerts a negative effect in the middle and upper parts of the distribution. The findings suggest that digital financial inclusion can support household welfare, but its effect depends on structural readiness, macroeconomic stability, and the depth of digital access.
creator: Bouazza Elamine Zemri
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Bouazza Elamine Zemri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 405
ending page: 416
doi: 10.12709/mest.14.14.02.31

SHORT-TERM STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE: A TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING PERSPECTIVE
type: item
description: This study aims to explore the transformative learning experiences and internal mechanisms of Chinese postgraduate students in Short-Term Study Abroad (STSA) programs. This research adopts a qualitative research method, using purposive sampling and snowball sampling to conduct in-depth interviews with 15 Chinese master’s students who have participated in STSA programs. The study found that the transformative learning mechanism in the STSA program presents a highly integrated path: (1) Triggering events: The conflict between external environmental heterogeneity and internal subjective expectations led to students’ psychological imbalance; (2) Implementation process: Students completed cognitive reconstruction through deep critical reflection, rational discourse in social interactions, and adaptive actions; (3) Developmental effects: Students ultimately constructed a more inclusive and dialectical meaning structure and reshaped diverse values; (4) Enabling conditions: The reflective field, dialogue platform, and safety guarantees provided by the program design were the key external factors that triggered transformation. This study shows that to maximize the educational value of the STSA program, global universities and program designers should go beyond outcome orientation and focus on the design of process mechanisms.
creator: Xiantong Zhao
creator: Renying Xu
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Xiantong Zhao, Renying Xu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 417
ending page: 429

Acknowledgement of Reviewers
type: item
creator: Zoran Čekerevac
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zoran Čekerevac https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 430
ending page: 432

Instructions for Authors
type: item
creator: Zoran Čekerevac
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zoran Čekerevac https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 433
ending page: 436

Submission Instructions
type: item
creator: Zoran Čekerevac
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zoran Čekerevac https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 437

Reviewer-s Report
type: item
creator: Zoran Čekerevac
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zoran Čekerevac https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 438
ending page: 439

Templates
type: item
creator: Zoran Čekerevac
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zoran Čekerevac https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 440

Policies
type: item
creator: Zoran Čekerevac
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zoran Čekerevac https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2
starting page: 441

Back Cover
type: item
creator: Zoran Čekerevac
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zoran Čekerevac https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2

Printed Version of the MEST Journal
type: item
creator: Zoran Čekerevac
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Zoran Čekerevac https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
date: 2026-07-13
publication date: 2026-07-13
volume: 14
number: 2