On Monday, December 9, 2024, the Master of Science and Doctoral (MD) Program at FEB UGM successfully held a public lecture titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Enhanced Strategies for Academic Writing.” The event featured Md. Mahmudul Alam, Ph.D., an Associate Professor at the School of Economics, Finance, and Banking, Universiti Utara Malaysia, as the keynote speaker. The lecture was officially opened by Prof. Mamduh M. Hanafi, M.B.A., Ph.D., the Head of the Doctoral Program in Management at FEB UGM.

The lecture took place in person from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM WIB at the BRI Auditorium on the 3rd floor of the Master of Science and Doctoral Building, FEB UGM.

Mr, Mahmudul Alam not only explained the fundamentals of how AI operates but also introduced various AI applications relevant to academic activities, such as scientific writing, data analysis, and reference management. He highlighted the importance of understanding prompt engineering—the technique of crafting effective instructions to maximize AI’s potential in academic writing, from developing research ideas to refining grammar in writing. Dr. Alam also shared insights on AI tools, including data analysis software, paraphrasing tools, and plagiarism detection platforms designed to enhance efficiency and accuracy in academic writing. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of ethics in using AI technology, ensuring that innovation aligns with academic integrity principles. He reminded participants that AI should serve as an aid rather than a replacement for human capabilities and encouraged maintaining academic integrity throughout the process.

The public lecture also included an interactive session where participants were invited to try several AI applications, including a simulation on using AI software for quickly identifying relevant literature. The event concluded with an in-depth discussion between the speaker and participants. Through this public lecture, it is hoped that FEB UGM students and academics can leverage AI technology to produce superior, innovative, and impactful academic works.

On Monday, December 2, 2024, the Internal Quality Audit (AMI) team from Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted a visitation to the Master of Science and Doctoral (MD) FEB UGM building. The visit aimed to evaluate and enhance the quality of academic programs at UGM, focusing on the Master of Science and Doctoral programs in Economics at FEB UGM. The audit team for this visit comprised two UGM lecturers: Rijadh Djatu Winardi, SE, M.Sc., Ph.D., CFE, from the Faculty of Economics and Business, and Dr. Mahmudah, S.S., M.Hum., from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences.

The team was warmly welcomed by Prof. Dr. Catur Sugiyanto, MA., Head of the Doctoral Program in Economics at FEB UGM, and Heni Wahyuni, S.E., M.Ec.Dev., Ph.D., Head of the Master of Scince Program in Economics. In his opening remarks, Prof. Catur emphasized the significance of the AMI activity as part of continuous efforts to improve the quality and accreditation of FEB UGM’s academic programs. “We deeply appreciate the presence of theaudit team, who have taken the time to provide constructive evaluations and feedback that will be invaluable for the development of education quality at UGM,” said Prof. Catur.

During the visitation, the auditors conducted discussions, interviews, and document reviews related to curriculum, teaching processes, evaluation systems, as well as available facilities and resources. The audit outcomes are expected to offer relevant recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the academic programs, ensuring that the educational processes adhere to high-quality standards. This AMI activity underscores UGM’s commitment to continually improving educational quality to produce graduates who are well-prepared to face global challenges.

The Internal Quality Audit (AMI) team from Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted a visitation for the Master of Science in Management and Doctoral in Management programs at FEB UGM on December 2, 2024. The event took place in the BSB Room, 3rd Floor, Master of Science and Doctoral Building, FEB UGM. This audit is part of UGM’s commitment to ensuring high-quality education aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the field of education.

The audit team for the AMI of the Master of Science in Management and Doctoral in Management programs comprised two UGM faculty members, Dr. Siti Mutiah Setiawati, M.A., and Dr. Fajar Winarni, S.H., M.Hum. The Head of the Doctoral in Management Program, Prof. Mamduh Mahmadah Hanafi, MBA., Ph.D., and the Head of the Master of Science in Management Program, Sahid Susilo Nugroho, M.Sc., Ph.D., warmly welcomed the auditors.

The AMI process began with an emphasis on the importance of quality assurance in supporting higher education standards and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During the audit, the team reviewed various program aspects, including curriculum design, teaching methods, student engagement, and research outcomes. Additionally, the auditors evaluated supporting facilities, such as libraries, laboratories, and learning technologies, to ensure their adequacy in providing quality education.

The program leaders positively received the feedback, highlighting the program’s strengths while addressing areas for improvement and committing to implementing suggestions for quality enhancement. This visitation marks a strategic step in strengthening UGM’s educational quality, not only to meet global standards but also to contribute to sustainable development efforts.

On December 2, 2024, the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM) conducted an Internal Quality Audit (AMI) visitation for the Master of Science in Accounting and Doctoral in Accounting programs. Held in the Program Chair Meeting Room at the Master of Science and Doctoral Building, FEB UGM, the visitation featured UGM assessors Pujiharto and Nurhadi, who brought extensive experience in academic quality audits.

The assessors were warmly welcomed by Fu’ad Rakhman, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D., CA., Head of the Master of Science in Accounting Program, and Prof. Dr. Jogiyanto Hartono Mustakini, M.B.A., Ak., CMA., CA., Head of the Doctoral in Accounting Program. During the audit, the team reviewed various critical aspects of the programs, including the participation of international students, which reflects the programs’ global appeal and academic diversity. Additionally, the alignment between teaching, academic guidance, and student needs was a primary focus to ensure the programs provide an optimal and relevant learning experience

The assessors praised the best practices implemented by the Accounting Study Programs, such as the Accounting Research Forum, which serves as a platform for academic discussions to strengthen the research ecosystem in accounting. Furthermore, the regularly held thesis coaching sessions designed to support students in crafting their academic work received special acknowledgment, highlighting the program’s commitment to fostering high-quality student research. This visitation is expected to serve not only as an evaluation process but also as an opportunity for reflection to enhance the programs’ competitiveness both nationally and internationally.

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, the Master of Science and Doctoral Program (MD) of FEB UGM successfully organized a field study and visit to Hortimart Agro Center, a leading agrotourism destination in Bawen, Semarang. This activity was attended by participants from master’s students, doctoral students, academic staff, and management of the MD FEB UGM Program, represented by Prof. Dr. Catur Sugiyanto, MA. The field study aimed to provide real-world insights into modern agribusiness management while strengthening the synergy between academic theory and practical application.

The agenda began with a presentation delivered by Ir. Budi Dharmawan, the owner of Hortimart Agro Center. During the session, he shared an inspiring journey of building and expanding his plantation business. Challenges such as climate change, supply chain management, and agricultural technology innovations were part of the insightful stories shared with the participants. The session offered in-depth knowledge on developing adaptive and sustainable strategies in the agribusiness sector.

Following the presentation, participants were invited to tour the plantation area of Hortimart. Using Buggy Cars, they explored the vast fields of horticultural crops. Participants received explanations about the origins of various plants, differences between fruit and vegetable varieties, and their planting and harvesting schedules. This activity not only enriched their academic understanding but also provided firsthand experience of the agribusiness industry.

Before concluding the visit, participants had the privilege of exploring the Hortimart Agro Center’s store, showcasing freshly harvested produce. The excitement was palpable as they selected fresh organic vegetables, perfectly ripened tropical fruits, and unique processed products from Hortimart. The visit concluded with a group photo session, capturing the memorable moments of this valuable learning experience.

Friday, November 29, 2024, the FEB UGM Publication Unit in collaboration with the Master of Science and Doctoral (MD) Program FEB UGM successfully held a workshop titled “Advanced Topics of Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM)” featuring Ramayah Thurasamy from the School of Management, University Sains Malaysia.

The event was conducted offline from 1:30 to 4:00 PM WIB at the BRI Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Master of Science and Doctoral Building, FEB UGM.

This training session provided an in-depth exploration of the statistical tool, starting with a comprehensive introduction by Ramayah, who outlined the general concepts of PLS-SEM, highlighting its flexibility in handling complex models and its applicability in various research fields. Participants gained a clearer understanding of how PLS-SEM is used to analyze relationships between latent variables, model indirect effects, assess construct reliability and validity, and more.

Mr. Ramayah combined theoretical explanations with practical demonstrations. Participants were provided with a special license key for PLS-SEM, allowing them to practice applying PLS-SEM techniques to sample data sets and illustrating how to use the SmartPLS software. Additionally, he offered further insights into analyzing measurement model tests and path analysis. This interactive approach ensured that theoretical concepts were reinforced through practical applications. The workshop concluded with tips and feedback from Mr. Ramayah regarding PLS-SEM, followed by a group photo session.

Two doctoral students from the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), Maria Yuvita Gobay and Diana Sapha, participated in the 2nd International Congress of Finance and Tax held at Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey, from November 8–10, 2024. This prestigious conference brought together academics and practitioners from various countries, including Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kosovo, Libya, Malaysia, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine, to discuss strategic issues in finance, taxation, and sustainable development.

Maria Yuvita Gobay presented her research titled “Women Empowerment Program (PKK) and Women’s Health: A Papua and Eastern Indonesia Case Study.” Her study highlighted the effectiveness of the PKK program in improving women’s health in Papua and Eastern Indonesia. Using data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey East (IFLS East) 2012 and employing a Probit Model approach, her findings revealed that the dasawisma initiative within the PKK program significantly improved women’s health by up to 7.79%. This research supports the achievement of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), focusing on enhancing healthcare access for women in underprivileged areas.

Meanwhile, Diana Sapha delivered her study titled “Health and Education Spending and Aging Population in Indonesia.” Her research explored the challenges posed by an aging population and its impact on health and education budget management at the district and city levels. Using secondary data from 514 districts and cities in Indonesia between 2018 and 2022, Diana underscored both opportunities and risks during Indonesia’s demographic bonus phase. Her findings align with the objectives of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), offering policy recommendations for adaptive fiscal strategies to address demographic shifts.

The participation of Maria and Diana in this international conference reflects the dedication of FEB UGM students in addressing strategic global issues. By presenting data-driven research with local perspectives, they not only contribute to solutions for sustainable development challenges but also demonstrate the significant role of Indonesian academics in global scientific discourse. This serves as a reminder that small steps in research can lead to meaningful global changes for a better future.

Dr. Rita Handayani, SEI, M.Si., a lecturer from Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara currently undertaking a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), participated in the 2nd International Congress of Finance and Tax held at Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey. This prestigious event took place from November 8–10, 2024, bringing together academics and researchers from Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kosovo, Libya, Malaysia, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine to discuss pressing issues in finance and taxation.

Dr. Rita presented a collaborative research study conducted with Prof. Catur Sugiyanto (Universitas Gadjah Mada) and Jumadil Putra, Ph.D. (University of Terengganu, Malaysia), titled “The Impact of Infrastructure Spending on Macroeconomic Conditions: A Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) Model Approach.” The study explores the critical role of infrastructure investment in driving economic recovery and fostering sustainable economic transformation. It focuses on infrastructure spending policies in the macroeconomic context of Indonesia, which faces significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic crisis.

The research underscores that equitable infrastructure development across all provinces in Indonesia represents social justice for all Indonesians. Employing a CGE model and utilizing infrastructure expenditure data from 2020–2023 analyzed through GAMS software, the study provides empirical evidence that infrastructure policies positively influence economic growth, increase labor absorption in economic sectors, and enhance household income.

The findings reveal that infrastructure investment not only supports short-term economic recovery but also ensures long-term stability. It helps reduce regional and income disparities while promoting equitable access to resources and opportunities across regions and socioeconomic groups. Indonesia requires resilient, inclusive infrastructure designed to enhance welfare and address future challenges through adaptability and technological integration for optimized solutions.

The conference aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), which emphasizes reducing economic disparities, improving global welfare, and driving infrastructure transformation. Sustainable infrastructure provides tremendous opportunities for positive change, especially as the world grapples with climate crises, a global economic slowdown, and the need to address inequality disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations.

Dr. Rita Handayani and her team’s participation in this conference reflects a tangible effort to bring Indonesia’s data-driven perspectives and solutions to the global stage. By focusing on inclusive and sustainable infrastructure development, their contribution demonstrates the significance of academic collaboration in addressing global challenges and fostering shared progress. Moving forward, Indonesia’s infrastructure development must evolve into being more resilient, inclusive, socially impactful, and aligned with transitioning to a resource-efficient and sustainable economy.