Feb Usu Lecturer Secures 2026 Talent Research Grant Funded By Usu Non-pnbp Resources | Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Sumatera Utara

Medan, Wednesday, August 5, 2026 – The Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FEB USU), has once again achieved a significant milestone as several of its lecturers were awarded funding under the 2026 Talent Research Program, financed through Universitas Sumatera Utara's Non-PNBP Funding Scheme.

This achievement reflects the strong commitment of FEB USU lecturers to advancing scientific knowledge through research that not only contributes to academic excellence but also delivers practical solutions and tangible benefits to society. The funded research projects address a wide range of strategic issues, including governance, education, sustainable economic development, digital transformation, MSME empowerment, renewable energy, green finance, and organizational well-being.

The following FEB USU lecturers have been awarded funding under the 2026 Talent Research Program:

Department of Accounting

Prof. Erlina, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., Ak., CA
Research Title: The Influence of Cognitive Bias on Auditors' Decision-Making: A Behavioral Audit Approach.

Dr. Agung Wahyudhi Atmanegara, S.E., M.Si.
Research Title: Performance Audit Analysis of the Effectiveness of Planning and Expenditure in Regencies and Municipalities across North Sumatra in Achieving Quality Education.

Sambas Ade Kesuma, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., Ak., CA
Research Title: Leveraging Technology for Social Sustainability: An Analysis of Digital Cash Waqf Platform Adoption.

Department of Development Economics

Dr. Lasma Melinda Siahaan, S.E., M.Si.
Research Title: Techno-Economic Analysis and Market Potential for the Development of Palm Oil Waste-Based Renewable Energy in North Sumatra.

Dr. Arif Rahman, S.E., M.Ec.Dev.
Research Title: Industrialization Thresholds and Wealth Inequality in Indonesia.

Department of Management

Prof. Dr. Khaira Amalia F., S.E., MBA., Ak.
Research Title: Accelerating Green Investment among Generation Z: An Experimental Study on the Effects of Awareness-Based Social Media Exposure.

Ishbir Mujahid Adha, S.E., M.Si.
Research Title: The Dynamics of Global Oil Prices, Exchange Rates, Inflation, and ASEAN Economic Growth.

Dr. M. Dharma Tuah Putra Nasution, S.E., M.M.
Research Title: Perceived Brand Authenticity, Value Co-Creation Behaviors, and Sustainable Brand Advocacy in Sustainable Heritage Fashion in North Sumatra.

Alwi Ihsan Nababan, S.E., M.M.
Research Title: Green Financing and Firm Value in Indonesian Banking: The Mediating Role of Cost of Equity Following the 2022 Green Taxonomy.

Ayulita Ramadhani, S.E., M.Si.
Research Title: Sustainable Packaging Communication, Greenwashing Risk, and Employee Sustainability Credibility in Building Green Trust and Purchase Value for FMCG Products.

Arif Qaedi Hutagalung, S.E., M.Si.
Research Title: A Resilience Strategy Model for MSMEs Based on Innovation Capability and Digital Transformation in Responding to Economic Uncertainty.

Ami Dilham, S.E., M.Si.
Research Title: A Sustainable Work System Based on Human-Centered Management: The Role of Employee Well-Being and Emotional Resilience in Enhancing Organizational Sustainability.

The successful acquisition of these research grants is expected to foster innovative research outcomes that generate meaningful societal impact while strengthening FEB USU's position as a leading higher education institution in implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education—education, research, and community engagement. By integrating academic excellence, research, and community service, FEB USU continues to contribute to addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges through evidence-based and sustainable solutions.

This achievement is also aligned with FEB USU's commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the enhancement of academic capacity and the advancement of research-driven innovation, as well as SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration between universities and various stakeholders to produce sustainable and impactful research and community engagement initiatives. Furthermore, several of the funded research projects contribute to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through initiatives focused on economic empowerment, sustainable technological development, and improving the quality of life within communities.