https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/307 2026-05-07T05:49:04Z 2026-05-07T05:49:04Z Camilleri, Mark Anthony https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146103 2026-05-04T10:32:55Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Opening the black box : operational principles, tools and frameworks that advance explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) models Authors: Camilleri, Mark Anthony Abstract: As artificial intelligence (AI) models are increasingly becoming permeated across various domains, there are instances where they are generating hallucinations, misinformation and erroneous outputs. Various stakeholders, particularly the regulatory ones, are encouraging the developers of machine learning (ML) systems to clarify or justify their models' decisions, actions or predictions in a way that is understandable to their users. In this light, this article raises awareness on Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) principles that are intended to increase transparency, accountability and fairness about the modus operandi of machine learning algorithms. A systematic review of the extant literature identifies key tools, frameworks and best practices that enhance the interpretability of AI models, including open-source techniques like SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME), among others. The synthesis of the findings also shed light on XAI challenges and limitations of black-box models. This contribution advances a conceptual framework for the responsible implementation of XAI and offers practical guidelines that promote the interpretability of AI systems, whilst addressing their opacity, as well as their biased outcomes. It puts forward theoretical and managerial implications as well as future research avenues.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Chohen, R. Konietzny, Jirka Caruana, Albert https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146090 2026-04-30T14:00:53Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Drivers of managements’ behaviour intention and expectation to adopt blockchain technology Authors: Chohen, R.; Konietzny, Jirka; Caruana, Albert Abstract: Blockchain technology offers significant potential for business applications through improved information sharing and decentralized validation. However, many managers remain reluctant to adopt digital trade via blockchain. This research proposes a model to understand the drivers of managers' behavioral intentions and expectations regarding blockchain adoption. By integrating interorganizational factors (competitive pressure and trading partner readiness) and intraorganizational factors (individual technological readiness, interdepartmental conflict/connectedness, and organizational structure), the study differentiates between rational "Type 2" thinking (intention) and more intuitive "Type 1" thinking (expectation). The model suggests that while profit-driven rationales dominate management decisions, technological readiness and organizational context significantly influence the likelihood of adoption.

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z Konietzny, Jirka Caruana, Albert https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145905 2026-04-24T13:44:27Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Consumer endorsements in the business-to-business (B2B) context : adapting consumer theories and proposing a research agenda Authors: Konietzny, Jirka; Caruana, Albert Abstract: This conceptual paper addresses the gap in Business-to-Business (B2B) literature regarding how endorsements from high-status "celebrity organizations" influence organizational buying behavior. While traditional B2C theories focus on individual celebrities, this framework explores the multi-person Decision Making Unit (DMU) and identifies three distinct influence mechanisms: status-based signals for risk reduction, cognitive fit for perceived competence, and B2B parasocial relationships that bolster champion confidence. The paper also considers the moderating role of Power Distance Belief (PDB) in how these endorsements are processed.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Caruana, Albert Vella, Joseph M. Konietzny, Jirka https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145904 2026-04-24T13:33:14Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Social marketing and the pursuit of a legitimacy strategy Authors: Caruana, Albert; Vella, Joseph M.; Konietzny, Jirka Abstract: State gambling organisations like the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) face a fundamental paradox: generating public revenue from an activity associated with social harm. This study examines how BCLC uses corporate sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting as a social marketing tool to reinforce societal legitimacy. Through a content analysis of reports from 2021 and 2022 using Leximancer software, the research identifies how BCLC frames its efforts—such as Indigenous reconciliation and employee wellbeing—to align with stakeholder expectations and mitigate the stigma of gambling. The findings suggest that BCLC employs strategies of Earning, Bargaining, and Construing legitimacy to recast the organisation as a contributor to public wellbeing.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z