RICE Journal of Creative Entrepreneurship and Management

Motivation for Pursuing Graduate Studies in Digital Technology and Learning Innovation at the Faculty of Education, Ramkhamhaeng University

Ployphailin Vasuwattakul, Thanarak Santhuenkaew — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to: (1) investigate the motivation for pursuing graduate studies in the Digital Technology and Learning Innovation program, Faculty of Education, Ramkhamhaeng University; and (2) compare the factors influencing motivation to enroll in the program.

The population consisted of 35 graduate students in the Digital Technology and Learning Innovation program, Faculty of Education, Ramkhamhaeng University. The sample included 32 graduate students, determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s sample size table and selected through purposive sampling. The research instrument was a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

The findings revealed that the most influential motivational factor was faculty members (𝑥̅ = 4.55, S.D. = 0.71). The highest-rated item under this factor was that faculty members possess knowledge, competence, and expertise in their respective fields (𝑥̅ = 4.69, S.D. = 0.53). The second most influential factor was personal reasons (𝑥̅ = 4.43, S.D. = 0.82), with the highest-rated item being the desire to enhance one’s knowledge, skills, and abilities (𝑥̅ = 4.63, S.D. = 0.65). The third factor was curriculum-related factors (𝑥̅ = 4.39, S.D. = 0.80), particularly the continuous development and improvement of the curriculum and the appropriateness of the program duration (𝑥̅ = 4.44, S.D. = 0.83). The fourth factor was institutional image (𝑥̅ = 4.34, S.D. = 0.84), especially the university’s educational standards and students’ satisfaction with continuing their studies at Ramkhamhaeng University (𝑥̅ = 4.47, S.D. = 0.83). Finally, the fifth factor was educational expenses (𝑥̅ = 4.33, S.D. = 0.91), with the highest-rated item indicating that the cost of education is lower compared to other institutions (𝑥̅ = 4.63, S.D. = 0.82).

Potential applications of AI-generated doll imagery for unique agricultural products

Shiu-Hua Wu, Kuo-Shan Yao — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Faced with the rapid advancement of AI-generated image technology (AIGIT) and its ability to lower learning barriers, traditional design-education still has numerous challenges, such as limited time, varying artistic abilities, and creative bottlenecks. The authors tried to explore the application of AIGIT (specifically using the Stable Diffusion (SD) platform) in doll design education and the promotion of Taiwanese agricultural products (guava). A three-hour AI image generation training (prompt design to optimization) was assessed for its impact on boosting student creativity and efficiency. The final doll designs further were evaluated by industry experts across five dimensions: visual appeal, character characteristics, emotional expression, consistency, and functionality. Questionnaire results, visualized via R-programmed radar charts, revealed AI-assisted design fostered culturally resonant, visually appealing mascots, with iterative prompt refinement boosting success rates. AI emerged as both a creative and pedagogical tool, enhancing innovation and cultural branding. Besides, practical implications include strengthening local agricultural products through character design, while educational implications highlight AI’s role in lowering barriers to creative expression. The originality of this study lies in its integration of AI-generated doll imagery with agricultural product promotion, offering a novel model for design education and regional agricultural cultural development.

Sustainable Lean Management Practices: Net Zero Win-Win Green Value Stream: A Case Study of Metal Product Manufacturing Supply Chain Performance

Lin Yu Hua, Tsai Chih Cheng — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the application of Sustainable Lean Management in Taiwanese small and medium-sized metal product manufacturing enterprises to support the net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050.Using production value stream mapping, pain point analysis ,and seven green waste management principles, combined with professional coaching, on-site improvement tools, and Quality Control Circle (QCC) strategies, the study evaluates changes in delivery performance, operational efficiency, product quality, inventory management, and green value creation before and after implementation. In parallel, a cradle-to-gate carbon footprint assessment of a representative metal hand tool product was conducted following ISO 14067 and ISO 14044 standards. The life cycle assessment covers raw material acquisition, manufacturing, transportation, and packaging, with data quality ensured through Data Quality Rating and defined truncation criteria. Results indicate that manufacturing processes-particularly outsourced forging, heat treatment, and electroplating-account for over 90% of total emissions. The findings demonstrate that integrating Lean and Green practices can simultaneously reduce environmental impact, improve operational performance, and support ESG-oriented industrial transformation.

Mindfulness Practice with Piano Finger Exercise

Sarankorn Jombunud — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Mindfulness practice can be done on being mindful with daily activities like walking, sitting, eating, or exercising, etc. Some people with their special interests and abilities may practice mindfulness differently, such as those who do exercises may have mindful running or mindful cycling. For those who play music, especially the piano, they can have more finger dexterity and strength than others who do not usually use each finger separately. These benefits allow pianists - whether professional, amateur, or students - to be able to control the use of each finger separately with ease as they play a lot of music pieces or practice the exercises.

This paper aims to discuss the practice of piano finger exercises as another activity to practice mindfulness. There are many piano finger exercises varying from the initial to the advanced stage. One of them is a series called Hanon exercises, which are among the all-time famous series of piano finger exercises. Usually, when pianists are familiar with the pattern of each exercise, they will play faster in order to gain finger strength and flexibility. However, if we add up the goal of practicing the Hanon exercises from getting finger dexterity into cultivating mindfulness with slower playing, we can practice to be more focused and more mindful in a new, different, and optional activity apart from our daily routines. Thus, the Hanon exercises are used in this paper as an example tool to facilitate the basic practice of mindfulness.

The Impact of Green Packaging on Consumer Brand Attitudes and Purchasing Behavior: A Case Study of Coca-Cola's "No Label Bottle" Marketing

qiaoyu zhai, Xiaoyu Yi — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study uses Coca-Cola’s “labelless bottle,” in 2023, as a case study, exploring how green packaging influences consumer brand attitudes and purchasing behavior. By the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model and theory of planned behavior (TPB), a multivariate mediation-moderation model was constructed, incorporating green packaging, brand attitudes, brand identity perceptions, environmental awareness, and purchase intention. A questionnaire survey collected 360 valid responses. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed for hypothesis testing. The results show that (1) green packaging significantly improves consumers’ brand attitudes (β = 0.428, p < 0.001) and brand identity perceptions (β = 0.386, p < 0.001), (2) brand attitudes and brand identity perceptions significantly and positively affect purchase intention (β = 0.483 and 0.312, respectively, p < 0.001), partially mediating the relationship between green packaging and purchase intention, and (3) environmental awareness significantly moderates the effects of green packaging on brand attitudes and purchase intention, with stronger effects among consumers with higher environmental awareness. This study extends S-O-R and TPB to green consumption by incorporating brand identity perception and environmental awareness. It recommends strengthening brand identity design, differentiated environmental communication, and avoiding greenwashing. Limitations include sample representativeness and cross-sectional data. Future research should adopt cross-cultural, cross-industry, and longitudinal designs.