Source: Untar Public Relations – VA
Untar has produced a new doctorate in the field of Management Science. Handojo Wibawanto Soetikno officially earned his Doctoral degree after successfully defending his dissertation during the Public Doctoral Promotion Session in Management Science held on Friday (20/06/2025) at Building M, Untar Campus I. He became the 17th doctoral graduate from Untar’s Doctoral Program in Management Science.
In his dissertation titled “Factors Influencing the Decision to Go Digital Among Women Micro and Small Entrepreneurs in Solo City,” Handojo examined the influence of entrepreneurial interest, digital transformation capability, hard and soft skills, as well as innovative digital ideas on the decision to go digital among women-owned MSMEs.
Using a quantitative approach, the study revealed that entrepreneurial interest, digital capability, and skills have a significant influence on the decision to adopt digitalization, mediated by the behavioral intention to use. Meanwhile, innovative digital ideas were found to have no significant impact.
The strategic model proposed by Handojo represents an important academic contribution to the empowerment of women-owned MSMEs. This model illustrates how the combination of personal motivation, technological proficiency, and skills influences the decision to adopt digital technology in business. These findings can serve as a foundation for the government, state-owned enterprises, and other stakeholders in designing more targeted training programs, incentives, and policies.
Handojo presenting his dissertation // Photo credit: Untar Public Relations – VA
“Through this model, the government and stakeholders can provide optimal support to women-owned MSMEs through technical training, financial incentives, infrastructure access, mentoring, and collaborative programs,” said Handojo.
He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between MSME actors, local governments, and state-owned enterprises as mentors in building a strong and sustainable digital ecosystem. “The goal is for women-owned MSMEs to expand their digital marketing and enhance their competitiveness in the modern era,” he added.
The session was chaired by the Rector of Untar, Prof. Dr. Amad Sudiro, S.H., M.H., M.Kn., M.M., and attended by the Chief Examiner and Director of the Postgraduate Program, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agustinus Purna Irawan, M.T., M.M., IPU., A.E.; Main Promoter Prof. Dr. Haris Maupa, S.E., M.Si.; Co-Promoter Dr. Hadi Cahyadi, S.E., M.B.A.; and Internal Examiner Dr. Cokki, S.E., M.M.
In his remarks, Prof. Amad expressed his appreciation for Handojo’s achievement. “Congratulations to Dr. Handojo and his family. This title carries a great moral responsibility. We are proud and hope he will continue to uphold the good name of his alma mater and contribute to the nation,” he stated.
Handojo graduated with cum laude honors and achieved a perfect GPA of 4.00. His success stands as a testament to Untar’s commitment to producing high-quality graduates who are capable of meeting the challenges of the times and supporting the empowerment of MSMEs through digital technology.
(VA/AJ)