Abstract. The regional financial center is the propeller of regional economic development. Regional financial center modernization, however, has been the predominant propulsion of economic sustainability. Decisions related to regional financial center modernization development are inherent problems of multiple attribute decision-making (MADM), and strategically important to the government. The purpose of this paper is to set up a regional financial center improvement model for modernization development, as based on a hybrid MADM model, which addresses the main causal-effect factors and amended priorities in order to strengthen ongoing planning. This paper adopts a new hybrid MADM model combined with the DEMATEL technique to construct an influential network relationship map (INRM) and determined the influential weights of DANP. Then, a modified VIKOR method using influential weights is applied to measure and integrate the performance gaps from each criterion into dimensions, as well as the overall criterion for evaluating and improving the modernization development of the regional financial center, as based on INRM. Finally an empirical case study using data from the Guangzhou regional financial center is carried out as an example to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed hybrid MADM model for solving real-world problems. The results show the priorities for improvement, as based on the degree of the effect and impact of the dimensions, as follows: first is making "government policy", second is enforcing "financial infrastructure and safety", next is formulating "financial institutions and human resources", and finally "financial service".

With the rapid growth of modern technology in all facets of trade and industry, traditional auditing systems can no longer meet today’s ever-increasing technological requirements; contemporary auditing is in urgent need of straightforward and quick cloud computing services to meet the needs of auditors. In keeping with current trends, auditors must be provided with the means of using data and auditing information stored in cloud systems for more efficient and elastic auditing. However, the risks involved in cloud computing auditing are widespread and complex. Dimensions should be established, a mutually influential relationship used to delineate the influence weights of the dimensions and criteria should be determined. To this end, a Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) model can precisely solve multi-criteria problems simultaneously. Therefore, the main focus of this study is to determine how to assess and establish the best improvement strategies to achieve the aspiration level for cloud auditing risk factors, by using the opinions and practical experience of China’s accounting experts, applied with a Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique, DEMATEL-based ANP (DANP) and modified VIKOR method. The results provide cloud auditing risks with a knowledge-based understanding of the problem sources in order to establish the best improvement strategies for reducing risk-auditing performance gaps and attaining the aspiration levels. Based on the degree of impact of the dimensions/criteria on an Influence Network Relation Map (INRM), improvements should be prioritized as follows: system operations, technology risks, identity and access management and data protection.

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For sustainable growth, SMEs play a dynamic role through creation of employment, increase of aggregate production, maximization of economic resources in the economy.  Considering SMEs impact on diversified area of economy, the subject matter of SMEs productivity draw intense attention for intense research over last decade. In Bangladesh, as developing country, SMEs contribution becoming significant for employment generation, reduce income inequalities and lead to export through maximization of production. The objective of this study to assess SMEs performance for the period from 2005 to 2014. Study measures productivity using Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) having one outputs and three inputs.  We run regression analysis to identify residual by comparing expected output and an actual output having available inputs. Study result revealed that productivity index (MALM = 1) remains constant, but it is found that technical efficiency enhancement from 2010 to 2014, however overall efficiency declined by 2.6% as well. The residual analysis revealed no significant deviation between expecting output and actual output by using available inputs. This research outcome will give a glimpse about overall SME performance, which will induce researchers to go further in-depth analysis for bringing more insight for SME development. 

Greater access to finance by SMEs in developing countries is one of the most import powerful strategies to reduce poverty and unemployment issues and promote economic growth. The main objective of this study is to construct financial inclusion index for SMEs and identify the determinants of SMEs’ financial inclusion. The data are collected from the primary survey conducted in Sabaragamuwa province using the Stratified Random sampling method to achieve the abovementioned aims. A sample of 139 SMEs is used to analyze the data from a well-structured questionnaire. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Multiple Regression Analysis are applied to construct an index and identifying factors. The study’s findings reveal that the financial inclusion index for SMEs is weighted equally by access and quality of the financial services as the pillars. Further, the financial inclusion of SMEs is mainly determined by demand-side factors (ability to manage economic changes, proffer record keeping, and willingness to expand the business), supply-side factors (collateral requirements and application procedure), institutional factors (ownership type and sector of the firm), and some demographic characteristics of owner-manager of SMEs. The study recommends that the state bankers, commercial bankers, and policymakers should put in place policies that encourage financial service providers to set up their operations close and incorporate innovative approaches to ensure that they adopt technologies and financial services that are more accessible.

This paper intended to compare energy policy issues in developing countries by comparing Tanzania and China.The comparison showed that there are differences in policy implementations between the two countries due to different levels of development and their pursuance of energy policies with different goals and strategies.China is more developed in the renewable energy sector and energy efficiency but has a higher CO 2 emission while Tanzania has less CO 2 emission, energy inefficiency and renewable energy at early stages.

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Digital inclusive finance, as a vital engine for the country’s high-quality growth, provides new impetus and prospects for encouraging economic development during the looming economic downturn. SMEs play a significant role in economic growth and development, particularly in developing countries. However, value promoting financial inclusion for SMEs through digitalization is still understudied. The objectives aimed at by this investigation were: to study the impact of financial inclusion on SME performances, to observe the influence of digital financing on financial inclusion and SME performance association as a mediator and to examine how the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) supports financial inclusion and SME performance. A well-structured questionnaire using a quantitative research approach was utilized to gather data from 366 owner-managers among Sri Lankan SMEs. The study’s findings are presented: financial inclusion, digital financing and TAM play influential roles in SME performance. More precisely, digital financing and TAM mediate positively the relationship between financial inclusion and performance in SMEs. The findings of this research endeavor to shed light on developing and popularizing digital financing by providing services which are cheap, secure and low risk from a supply-side perspective, as well as adopting and adjusting digital financing by enhancing financial literacy, which would be necessary from the demand-side perspective.