Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Nina Habjan Villarreal Author-Name-First: Nina Author-Name-Last: Habjan Villarreal Author-Email: habjan.nina5@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: University of Tokyo Title: Shimao Toshio's Travels Into the Other Realm Abstract: This presentation will focus on the travels and experiences of the Japanese writer Shimao Toshio (1917-1986) in Eastern Europe. I will explore how Shimao, as an author known for his works that redefine the Japanese I-novel in the sometimes surrealist, dreamlike ways, approaches the genre of non-fiction, using it to further explore his dreamlike narratives in the novels published after his travels abroad. I will particularly focus on his travelogue "Yume no kage wo motomete" ("Seeking the Shadows of Dreams," 1975) and his semi-autobiographical novel "Hi no utsuroi" ("The Passing of Days," 1977), seeing how the narrative of his travel writing continues to play a role in the novel, where the boundaries between the two realities and the narrators describing and experiencing them begin to blur. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 0000-00 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 65th International Academic Conference, Venice, Nov -0001, pages 1-1 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/iises-international-academic-conference-venice-2025/table-of-content/detail?cid=149&iid=001&rid=16720 File-Function: First version, 0000 Number: 14916720 Classification-JEL: Keywords: Shimao Toshio, Japanese literature, Travel writing, I-novel, Dreams, Reality Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:14916720 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: SHIGERU MATSUMOTO Author-Name-First: SHIGERU Author-Name-Last: MATSUMOTO Author-Email: shmatsumoto@aoyamagakuin.jp Author-Workplace-Name: Aoyama Gakuin University Title: Multiple energy use and price elasticities Abstract: Households utilize various forms of energy, such as electricity, gas, and liquid fuels, for different purposes. While these energy types are not entirely interchangeable, they can be substituted to some extent. For instance, electricity is essential for watching television, but gas can also be used for cooking. Therefore, households with different energy combinations are expected to react differently to changes in energy prices. Nevertheless, previous studies have estimated the price elasticity of energy demand without paying sufficient attention to the energy combinations of households. A limited number of studies have utilized household-level microdata to analyze price and cross-price elasticities among households with varying energy combinations (Labandeira et al., Energy Policy 2017; Mubiinzi et al., Energy Reports 2024). While the substitutability between electricity and gas has been explored to some degree in research by Baker et al. (Economic Journal 1989), Baker and Blundell (Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 1991), Metcalf and Hassett (Review of Economics and Statistics, 1999), and Alberini (Energy Economics, 2011), the role of liquid fuels has not been examined. Given that liquid fuels are utilized in certain countries, particularly for heating during winter months, it is crucial to investigate both the substitutability of liquid fuels and the interplay between electricity and gas.In this study, we examined how households utilizing various energy combinations react to fluctuations in energy prices by analyzing household energy usage data sourced from the Japanese Ministry of the Environment. We categorized households into six distinct types based on their consumption of electricity, city gas, LP gas, and kerosene. Then, we estimated the price elasticity of energy demand for these six household types using a seemingly unrelated regression model. The results of the estimation are presented in the table below. It illustrates that the price elasticity of energy demand decreases as the variety of energy sources utilized increases. For instance, the price elasticity of electricity for households relying solely on electricity is -0.942, whereas for those using both electricity and city gas, it decreases to -0.772. This implies that households with access to multiple energy sources tend to use electricity primarily for indispensable energy services, making it challenging for them to reduce their electricity consumption. Length: 1 page Creation-Date: 0000-00 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 65th International Academic Conference, Venice, Nov -0001, pages 2-2 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/iises-international-academic-conference-venice-2025/table-of-content/detail?cid=149&iid=002&rid=16582 File-Function: First version, 0000 Number: 14916582 Classification-JEL: Q41, D19 Keywords: Microdata, Multiple energy use, Price elasticities, Seemingly Unrelated Regression Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:14916582 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: PICHYADA PHEUNPHA Author-Name-First: PICHYADA Author-Name-Last: PHEUNPHA Author-Email: PICHYADA.PP@GMAIL.COM Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Business Management, Faculty of Management Science, Ubon Ratchathani University Author-Name: Kiengkwan Ugsornwong Author-Name-First: Kiengkwan Author-Name-Last: Ugsornwong Author-Email: kiengkwan.u@ubu.ac.th Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Management Science, Ubon Ratchathani University Title: The Influence of Business Traits and Value Chain Management on the Business Competitiveness in the Northeastern Border Trade Area of Thailand Abstract: The research purpose was to examine the influence of business traits and value chain management on the business competitiveness in the northeastern border trade area of Thailand. A questionnaire with a reliability coefficient (0.95) at a very high level was used in this study. Area sampling collected 307 small and medium enterprises from Ubon Ratchathani and Mukdahan provinces. The statistics were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The results showed that thirteen sub-independent variables correlated with business competitiveness at a very high level (r = 0.85) and can explain or predict the variance of business competitiveness at a high level with 70.7% (Adjusted R-Squared). Six variables affected the business competitiveness with statistical significance at 0.01** and 0.05*, which were technology development (? = 0.35**), marketing and sale (? = 0.29**), procurement (? = 0.16**), province of business (? = 0.15**), human resource management (? = 0.14*), and service (? = 0.14**) respectively. Therefore, entrepreneurs in the northeastern border trade area of Thailand should (1) invest in technologies that streamline operations along the value chain, (2) develop targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with local and regional markets, (3) focus on building strong relationships with suppliers to secure better terms and reliable quality, (4) understand and capitalize on the unique characteristics of the local market, (5) implement comprehensive training programs to develop employee skills and knowledge, and (6) focus on providing exceptional customer service. Moreover, the entrepreneurs should continuously evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies through performance metrics and adjust as needed to ensure ongoing competitiveness. By focusing on these key areas, entrepreneurs can leverage the identified variables to enhance their competitiveness and drive growth in the region. Length: 14 pages Creation-Date: 0000-00 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 65th International Academic Conference, Venice, Nov -0001, pages 3-16 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/iises-international-academic-conference-venice-2025/table-of-content/detail?cid=149&iid=003&rid=16512 File-Function: First version, 0000 Number: 14916512 Classification-JEL: A10 Keywords: Business Traits, Value Chain Management, Business Competitiveness, SMEs Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:14916512 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Pichyada Pheunpha Author-Name-First: Pichyada Author-Name-Last: Pheunpha Author-Email: pichyada.pp@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Business Management, Faculty of Management Science, Ubon Ratchathani University Title: Entrepreneurial Characteristics and Business Innovative Creativity Affect the Business Performance of SMEs in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand Abstract: SMEs are widely acknowledged as essential economic growth, employment, and innovation drivers in both developed and developing economies. However, to survive and remain competitive, strong business performance is crucial for their success. The research aimed to examine the influence of entrepreneurial characteristics and innovative business creativity on the performance of SMEs in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. A questionnaire with a reliability coefficient (0.97) at a very high level was used in this study. Area sampling collected 271 small and medium enterprises in Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand. The statistics used were descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that eight sub-independent variables correlated with the business performance at a very high level (r = 0.87) and can explain or predict the variance of business performance at a high level with 74% (Adjusted R-Square). Seven variables affected the business performance of SMEs with statistical significance at 0.01** and 0.05*, which were entrepreneurial characteristics of management (? = 0.183**), taking risks (? = 0.181**), learning of business innovative creativity (? = 0.17**), creativity (? = 0.16**), innovation (? = 0.159*), operational (? = 0.15*), and autonomy (? = 0.12**), respectively. To enhance the performance of SMEs in Ubon Ratchathani Province, entrepreneurs should focus on improving their business management skills through workshops and tailored training, fostering a culture of calculated risk-taking by creating safe environments for experimentation, such as pilot projects, and investing in continuous learning and development to bolster innovative thinking, including seminars and mentorship programs. Additionally, organizing brainstorming sessions can promote creativity and lead to actionable outcomes from innovative ideas, and supporting employee autonomy will further enhance motivation and innovation. On the government side, creating support programs and facilitating networking opportunities will allow entrepreneurs to share best practices and challenges. Collaboration with research institutions can also drive innovation, while regular assessments of SME needs will ensure relevant and effective policy adjustments. Implementing these strategies will cultivate a more innovative and resilient business environment. Length: 20 pages Creation-Date: 0000-00 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 65th International Academic Conference, Venice, Nov -0001, pages 17-36 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/iises-international-academic-conference-venice-2025/table-of-content/detail?cid=149&iid=004&rid=16813 File-Function: First version, 0000 Number: 14916813 Classification-JEL: F14 Keywords: Entrepreneurial Characteristics, Business Innovative, Creativity, Business Performance, SMEs Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:14916813 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: PICHYADA PHEUNPHA Author-Name-First: PICHYADA Author-Name-Last: PHEUNPHA Author-Email: PICHYADA.PP@GMAIL.COM Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Business Management, Faculty of Management Science, Ubon Ratchathani University Author-Name: Phimonsinee Udomphan Author-Name-First: Phimonsinee Author-Name-Last: Udomphan Author-Email: Phimonsinee.u@ubu.ac.th Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Management Science, Ubon Ratchathani University Title: The Government Support and Value Chain Management affect the Business Performance in the Northeastern Border Trade Area of Thailand Abstract: The research aimed to examine the influence of government support and value chain management on business performance in Thailand's northeastern border trade area. A questionnaire with a reliability coefficient (0.96) at a very high level was used in this study. Area sampling collected 307 small and medium enterprises from Ubon Ratchathani and Mukdahan provinces. The statistics were descriptive and multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that thirteen sub-independent variables correlated with the business performance at a very high level (r = 0.88) and can explain or predict the variance of business performance at a high level with 76% (Adjusted R Square = 0.76). Four variables affect the business performance with statistical significance at 0.01** and 0.05*, which were the regression coefficient of marketing and sale of the value chain (? = 0.40**), human resource management (? = 0.24**), Inbound logistics (? = 0.16), and government support of export (? = 0.12) *, respectively. So, entrepreneurs should focus on developing robust marketing strategies, utilizing digital tools and social media to enhance visibility while conducting market research to tailor their offerings. Investing in employee training and fostering a positive workplace culture will enhance human resource management. Streamlining supply chain processes and implementing effective inventory management can optimize inbound logistics. Additionally, staying informed about government support programs and collaborating with other businesses will help maximize benefits. For the government, enhancing export support programs through increased awareness and workshops, promoting business development initiatives like grants for marketing and technology investments, improving logistics infrastructure, and conducting ongoing research to assess SME needs are crucial for fostering a competitive business environment in the northeastern border trade area of Thailand. Length: 19 pages Creation-Date: 0000-00 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 65th International Academic Conference, Venice, Nov -0001, pages 37-55 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/iises-international-academic-conference-venice-2025/table-of-content/detail?cid=149&iid=005&rid=16511 File-Function: First version, 0000 Number: 14916511 Classification-JEL: A11 Keywords: Government Support, Value Chain Management, Business Performance, SMEs Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:14916511 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Ahmad Rabee Author-Name-First: Ahmad Author-Name-Last: Rabee Author-Email: jozefaws20@gmail.com Author-Workplace-Name: Educational Sciences Faculty, Jerash University Author-Name: Yousef Aljaraideh Author-Name-First: Yousef Author-Name-Last: Aljaraideh Author-Email: yacob_yacob@yahoo.com Author-Workplace-Name: Educational Sciences Faculty, Jerash University Title: Students? Attitudes toward Using Blended Learning as New Strategy in Higher Education Institutions Abstract: This study aimed to identify the students? attitudes toward using blended learning as new strategy in higher education institutions focusing on their point of view. A descriptive approach was utilized in this study. A questionnaire with twenty items was randomly distributed to (50) female and male students from educational sciences faculty at Jerash University. The results of the study showed that the students? attitudes toward using blended learning as new strategy in higher education institutions was high. Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences in students? attitudes toward using blended learning as new strategy in higher education institutions due to variables such as gender and studying year. The study recommended that presenting blended learning in vital way boost students? attitudes toward using blended learning as new strategy at Jerash university. Length: 7 pages Creation-Date: 0000-00 Publication-Status: Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 65th International Academic Conference, Venice, Nov -0001, pages 56-62 File-URL: https://iises.net/proceedings/iises-international-academic-conference-venice-2025/table-of-content/detail?cid=149&iid=006&rid=16579 File-Function: First version, 0000 Number: 14916579 Classification-JEL: Keywords: Attitudes; Blended Learning; Higher Education Institutions Handle: RePEc:sek:iacpro:14916579