Journal of Business, Communication & Technology

Abstract The rapid integration of fourth industrial technologies to meet the demands of the evolving financial landscape and customer needs is fundamentally transforming the financial services industry, creating both significant opportunities for innovation and substantial challenges. In light of this background, this study investigates challenges and opportunities realized by financial sector companies in the wake of the fourth industrial revolution. To achieve the objectives, a systematic literature review was conducted, with PRISMA used for document screening. The study examined 51 research articles published between 2015 and 2025 inclusive. NVivo 12 was used to identify and present key themes from the analyzed documents. A literature survey conducted revealed eight challenges brought out by digital transformation in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. Literature also revealed 12 opportunities that came as a result of the integration of fourth industrial revolution technologies into the financial sector. In light of these findings, it is prudent for the financial service industry to collaborate with training institutions and facilitate the introduction of new curricula that take note of changes in technology. In addition, firms in the financial sector need to invest in acquiring digital infrastructure as a strategy for surviving the competition brought out by the fourth industrial revolution. 

Abstract Business research often emphasizes statistical measures, publication counts, and narrowly defined outcomes, which can obscure the broader effects of organizational practices and interventions. Despite methodological rigor, existing studies frequently provide limited insight into long-term, systemic, and multi-level impacts. This study introduces a research framework inspired by Magnitude Thinking, a soft-skill-based cognitive approach designed to evaluate organizational phenomena across five interrelated dimensions: scale, impact, complexity, holism, and accuracy. The framework integrates quantitative, qualitative, and mixed- methods approaches to examine business outcomes’ breadth, depth, and systemic interconnections. Building on this perspective, data are conceptualized across multiple contexts, levels, and timeframes to capture interactions between variables, cascading effects, and stakeholder perspectives. The approach allows researchers to assess immediate outcomes, enduring transformations, and cross-organizational implications. Findings suggest that applying this framework generates a more comprehensive understanding of organizational processes, producing methodologically robust, practically actionable, and strategically relevant insights. The study highlights the potential of this framework to guide evidence-based decision-making and improve the evaluation of complex business phenomena.

Abstract This study examines the improvement of customs clearance business processes for international logistics companies within the context of global supply chains. Inefficiencies in traditional customs clearance, characterized by bureaucratic delays, fragmented procedures, and limited technological integration, continue to undermine logistics performance, raise operational costs, and pose security risks. To address these challenges, the study adopts a process-oriented and technology-driven perspective grounded in Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) and Systems Thinking theory. Using document analysis, business process modelling (BPMN), and logistic regression analysis, the study compares the traditional clearance model with the proposed improved model. Findings reveal a substantial performance improvement, with clearance efficiency increasing from 40% under the traditional system to 88% under the redesigned, technology-enabled process. The results demonstrate that systematic process re-engineering combined with integrated digital technologies can significantly reduce clearance time, minimize bottlenecks, and strengthen both trade facilitation and regulatory control. The study contributes a practical and scalable model for policymakers, customs authorities, and international logistics firms seeking to enhance cross-border logistics performance in developing and emerging economies.

Abstract In the globalised world, artificial intelligence (AI) has proved to have a significant impact on digital marketing. AI has transformed the digital marketing campaign with effective planning and companies have started to adopt AI for successful digital marketing. To enrich this literature, this study explored the role of AI in digital marketing strategies. In this study, a quantitative survey was conducted in which 115 participants were recruited through a random stratified sampling technique. Pearson product moment correlation and multiple regression analysis were used for data analysis. The results showed a strong positive relationship between AI and digital marketing strategies. AI could also account for 82.4% of the variance in digital marketing strategies. A comparison with previous literature reinforced the transformative impact of AI on digital marketing. The findings contributed to a nuanced understanding of the role of AI in shaping modern marketing strategies.

Abstract Vocabulary growth predicts communication ability and communication without vocabulary is impossible. The study was done among 50 EFL learners to examine the effect of music-based instruction on their vocabulary retention and attitudes. They were divided into experimental and control groups. First, a pre-test was conducted to fulfill the homogeneity assumption. Then, the photo dictionary part of the “English for Schools Prospect 1” book was set to music and the experimental group underwent music-based practices. While the control group received audio-visual instruction. Immediately after the instructions, a 20-item test was given to the groups. Subsequently, a 9-item attitude scale was distributed among the teacher, observer, and groups. After two weeks, a long-term memory test was conducted between the two groups. Results presented that the experimental group significantly outscored in the short- and long-term memory tests compared with the control group. Moreover, results from the attitude scale indicated that they welcomed music-based instruction allowing more profound vocabulary learning and communication ability than the audio-visual practices. 

Abstract A vast body of available literature presents controversial perspectives on the role of L1 in learning and communicating an L2. The current exploratory qualitative study attempted to investigate the reported experiences of ten Afghan EFL learners regarding their L1 (Farsi Dari) role in communicating an L2 (English). The data collected through Skype interviews with ten participants were analyzed thematically. The findings indicated that both positive and negative transfers of L1 occur at different levels in L2. The emerging themes revealed that L2 is scaffolded with L1 proficiency; further, it helps generate ideas, improve self-esteem, and reduce anxiety. The findings also indicated some L1 interferences in L2 communication particularly pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. The current study's findings suggest that the language instructors should be aware of the language transfers, both positive and negative, to provide quality teaching to EFL learners. Further research studies can be conducted through a different research design such as quantitative or mixed-method exploring the EFL perspectives.

Abstract A common challenge for most students in intercultural contexts both in their academic studies ‎and future careers is balancing speaking opportunities for talkative and less talkative students. ‎The differences in individuals’ communication styles due to their backgrounds may lead to ‎some concerns about intercultural competencies. In this respect, this study intends to explore the ‎possible relationship between students' confidence in communication levels, their self-‎perception of English proficiency levels, and cultural styles. For this purpose, three ‎questionnaires were carried out by the participation of 106 students at a state university. The ‎obtained data were analyzed by conducting ANOVA tests. The findings indicated that ‎participants have low to medium levels of English proficiency and as their language levels ‎increase, their cultural self-awareness and cross-cultural communication levels increase as well. ‎In addition, there is a significant relationship between their levels of confidence in ‎communication and having outgoing personalities.‎

Abstract The evolutionary definition of intelligence has made it a multifaceted concept. Emo-sensory ‎intelligence (ESQ), as integration of emotional intelligence (EQ) and sensory intelligence ‎‎(SQ) is the sensitivity to the emotions evoked by sensory inputs. It puts emphasis on ‎individuals’ ability to recognize, label, monitor, and manage sense-induced emotions to guide ‎one’s behavior and establish emo-sensory communication. Among the studies done on ‎different types of intelligence and effective communication, gender differences have been a ‎recurring theme. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of gender in emo-‎sensory intelligence and emo-sensory communication. To this aim, the emo-sensory ‎intelligence scale (ESIS) was distributed to 1500 participants. The results revealed significant ‎differences between the two genders in ESQ for visual, olfactory, and tactile senses, ‎demonstrating the superiority of females over males. Moreover, a significant difference was ‎found between the two genders in their ability to identify the basic emotions triggered by ‎their senses, and use them in their communications, with females being better than males. ‎