bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE INFLUENCE OF ATTITUDINAL FACTORS OF SME OWNER-MANAGERS ON ADOPTION OF FINANCIAL PRODUCTS
Authors: Rasheed Rabia , Abdul Rahman Maria , Bhutta Rashid
Published: August 2020

Given the key role of owner managers in the decision making process, understanding socio-psychological factors of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) financial behavior has often been prescribed as an important research direction. In accordance with the above, present study in context of Pakistan investigated the attitudinal factors of SMEs owner-managers’ towards adoption of financial products. The attitudinal factors are depicted as perceived relative advantage, perceived compatibility and perceived complexity. The proposed model has been adapted, which is composed of decomposed theory of planned behavior (DTPB) and decomposed attitudinal factors of SMEs owner-manager to investigate their intention to adopt financial products in Pakistan. Relying on a survey research design, and following stratified sampling method, after screening process 285 owner-managers responses have been considered for further analysis. The findings revealed that perceived relative advantage and perceived compatibility possess significant positive relationships with owner-manager attitude towards adoption of financial product which further significantly predicts behavioral intention. Moreover, perceived complexity has negative but significant relationship with SMEs owner-manager attitude towards adoption of financial products. SMEs owner-managers exhibit serious concern towards formal financial products adoption, the policy makers are suggested to focus on creating specialized products which are useful, compatible and easy to understand for SMEs owner-manager in Pakistan.
THE ROLE OF HALAL CERTIFICATION IN BUSINESS PERFORMANCE IN SELANGOR: A STUDY ON KOPITIAMS
Authors: Yusuf Asnidar Hanim , Oyelakin Idris Oyewale , Abdul Shukor Syadiyah , Ahmad Bustamam Ummi Salwa
Published: August 2020

Halal certification plays a key role in food and beverages industry in Malaysia. This certification indicates that the food product is assured in terms of religious compliance, safety and hygiene. There is limited study conducted from the viewpoint of business owners and what benefit it can do in terms of their business development. This research was conducted to associate the role of Halal certification and business performance in four selected Kopitiams around Selangor from various categories; Muslim Halal certified, Muslim not Halal certified, non Muslim Halal certified and non Muslim not Halal certified. Business operators and consumers of the said Kopitiams were interviewed and all case studies were analyzed using descriptive and interpretive analysis. The findings are in line with theories used which are Resource Based View, Theory of Reasoned Action and Theory of Perceived Behavior. The outcome of the study concluded that Halal certificate does bring benefit in their business performance in terms of Islamic view, social contribution, financial capital and human capital. Halal certification is a motivation to gain religious benefit, customer satisfaction, provide more job opportunities and avoid social problems. In financial capital, it serves as an internal resource to boost sales and influence customers’ purchasing decision. For human capital, Halal certificate can increase skill and development of the companies’ human resources.
Critical Analysis on the Essence of Muḍārabah and Mushārakah and Its Relation to Ḍamān
Authors: Mohamed Naim Asmadi
Published: August 2020

The study aims to explore the permissibility of guarantee for muḍārabah and mushārakah based contracts and to discuss in detail the essence of muḍārabah and mushārakah, which both contracts contain the concepts of trust and profit sharing. The study conducted the qualitative research approaches which consist of documents analysis, interviews and observations in few phases. The study found that there are few matters that can be listed as genuine essence of muḍārabah and mushārakah. It also found that the majority of scholars were of the view of prohibiting capital guarantee by partners. It also proved that few statements such as Ibn Taymiyah’s statement were quoted out of context and definitely not appropriate to attribute the stance of those who allowed capital guarantee to him by using his statements, as those statements showed something else. However, a third party may undertake to bear the loss of capital due to misconduct or negligence on the part of the manager for both contracts. The rabb al-māl (capital provider) may also take collateral from the muḍārib, provided that the collateral can only be liquidated in the event of negligence or misconduct or violation of contractual terms by the muḍārib.
Related Party Transactions, Off Balance Sheet Items and Earnings Quality of Listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria
Authors: Mohammed Lawal , Abibakar Nafisa
Published: August 2020

This paper examines the impact of related party transactions, off balance sheet items on earnings quality of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria over the period of 4 years (2011 to 2014). Data were collected from annual reports of the sampled banks. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were employed and also Ordinary least square (OLS) robust regression technique was used as a tool of analysis using panel data. The study reveals that related party transactions are positively and significantly related to earnings quality. On the contrary, off balance sheet items were found to be negatively and insignificantly related to earnings quality. Based on the findings, the study concluded that related party transactions have significant impact on the earnings quality of the Nigeria deposit money bank. The study recommends that Management of the Nigeria money deposit banks should be more aggressive towards the number of genuine related party transactions that can add value to their firms when making financial decision because it is likely to have positive effects on the quality of their earnings.
Professionalism, Staff Competency and Financial Reporting Quality in The Public Sector
Authors: Mustapha Maaruf
Published: August 2020

The financial reporting quality (FRQ) refers to better information dissemination across different users. It is a critical phenomenon for gauging organizations’ performance and survival. In many countries, the public sector has witnessed considerable changes in the past decade. The prominent one is the international public sector accounting standards (IPSAS) for the public sector entities. Drawing on contingency and institutional theories, this study tests the effects of professionalism on the relationship between staff competency and FRQ under the new accounting standards. By using a survey research approach and self-administered questionnaire, data was gathered from 118 directors of finance that represents the local governments of four states in the north-west geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) estimate revealed a significant positive relationship between staff competence and FRQ. Conversely, no significant effect was found in the interaction of professionalism on the model. The implications from the study are discussed in the context of Nigeria.
Scope of Social Marketing in De-Marketing Smoking Habits: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Ahmed Shazeed
Published: August 2020

Social marketing is the art of marketing for the society. With the present environment confronted with numerous issues related to society and health, social marketing can be used as a humble way to address them. This study explores the scope of social marketing in de-marketing smoking habits. Consequently, it unveils the perception of consumers on the issue of smoking, and examine how people react on seeing a form of de-marketing advertisement on the cigarette packet. Finally, this paper provides suggestions for campaigns through social marketing to address the issue. This study is exploratory and descriptive in nature, involving a sample of 400 respondents. Factor analysis has been administered in analysing the data. This study reveals that people smoke due to addiction and out of the desire to socialize. Further, a section of smokers view smoking as having the capacity to relieve a person from depression. As far as seeing the de-marketing advertisement is concerned, smokers have a tendency to go for emotional forgetting as they simply ignore the statutory warning. These are vital input for social marketers to formulate policies. Social marketers involved in de-marketing campaigns can highlight that a person can achieve status in a society by virtue of exploiting one’s own innovative skills and talents. Further positive contribution to the society gives one an eternal pleasure in life. Lastly marketers can pinpoint that regular exercise, good sleep, healthy diet and positive thinking can relieve oneself from stress.
Impact of Information Technology on Human Resource Management Procurement Functions: A Case of A Nigerian University
Authors: Babaita Isiaka Sulu , Rafiu Amosa Jimoh , Aremu Suleiman Ahmed
Published: August 2020

Information Technology’s (IT) role in Human Resource Management (HRM) has attracted minimal interest and attention in the academia industry. The few empirical studies available did not examine the effect of IT on HRM on a comparative basis. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the nexus between IT and HRM procurement process in Nigerian Universities (education sector) with reference to the University of Ilorin. Other objectives are to:(i) examine the extent to which IT influences the HR procurement functions (ii) determine the nature of relationship that exist between/among IT tools and HR procurement functions. Questionnaire was served to the entire 50 members of the staff of the University HR department being census approach. Two hypotheses stated were tested using regression and correlation analysis. The findings revealed that IT has a significant effect on HR procurement functions and that IT tools and HR procurement functions are correlated. The study concludes that IT impacts strongly on HR Procurement activities. This study recommends that the management of Nigerian higher Institutions, inclusive of University of Ilorin, should consistently upgrade their HRIT software to cover a significant number of HR activities in line with the best HR practice as its long-term benefits exceed the pains of its initial cost.
THE INFLUENCE OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ CHARACTERISTICS ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL DISCLOSURE AMONG MALAYSIAN COMPANIES
Authors: Che-Adam Noriah , Lode Nor Asma , Abd-Mutalib Hafizah
Published: August 2020

The environmental activities conducted by companies have been scrutinised by the public due to the huge environmental problems faced by many people across the world. These activities are corporate social activities included in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework by Bursa Malaysia that informs the public regarding the social and environmental activities implemented by Malaysian companies. Data from 353 companies of various types in Malaysia revealed that the information about effective usage of energy and resources is the most disclosed item by Malaysian companies, followed by the waste management and disposal, and reusing and recycling information. The least disclosed item by Malaysian companies is prevention and reparation program. In addition, the regression results showed that the higher proportion of non-executive directors could increase the disclosure of environmental information. The results prove that the non-executive directors have played their role to increase the companies’ legitimacy by encouraging the management of companies to provide more environmental information. Hence, this study provides significant contribution for the supervisory bodies and policy makers in developing guidelines for Malaysian companies concerning environmental issues through environmental disclosures in their annual reports.
AN APPROPRIATE BUSINESS STRATEGY FOR SMALL MEDIUM ENTREPRISES: A CASE STUDY OF PIKSEL INDONESIA
Authors: Rahmawati Dwi , Rahadi Raden Aswin
Published: August 2020

The aim of the study is to establish the most appropriate business strategy for Piksel Indonesia which is a creative company focusing on technology and fashion designs, resulting from the batik consumption preferences while planning to use batik products. Data from 338 respondents were randomly collected from several cities in Indonesia. The first section deals with the demographic background of the respondents, and the remaining of the questions deal with the respondents’ impulse towards batik products. The survey results show differences in previous studies. The first difference is the source of information about batik products obtained by the customer. Secondly, the study by the researchers builds on the consumer’s tastes about the batik style and the results are 54.6 percent. Integrated cost leadership/differentiation is Piksel Indonesia’s best business strategy. For Batik Fractal, their batik products brand, low cost was achieved by employing their vendor to produce the product from the minimum overhead. The production flow begins with the order of the customer that the pattern, colour, material and size chart have been determined. JBatik, which is a parametric software to make a new and distinguish batik pattern established by Piksel Indonesia, has no direct competitors at present. As with Batik Fractal, integrated cost management/differentiation strategy is the best strategy.
LEADERSHIP STYLE AND EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCE IN PAKISTAN: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF ORGANISATIONAL COMMITMENT
Authors: Abbas Muhammad , Ali Asif , Khalid Muhammad Ahsan
Published: August 2020

The paper investigates the critical role of organisational commitment between leadership style and employees’ performance. Generally, the relationship between leadership style and the organisational performance has been discussed widely but ignoring the employees’ performance. It has been accepted that the organisational commitment leads to higher employee performance but the existing literature has not focused much on this view. A conceptual model has been developed which links the constructs together.The model reveals the missing link of organisational commitment between leadership style and employees’ performance. The sample of 242 was collected from the managers and employees of manufacturing and service organisations. The finding confirmed that organisational commitment acted as a mediator between the leadership style and employees’ performance.
Cognitive Decision Process: The Context of Auditors' Diagnostic Reasoning
Authors: Abas Zakaria
Published: August 2020

Based on a cognitive psychology framework, this article provides an insight into how auditors perform diagnostic reasoning tasks through an analytical review (AR) process. AR refers to the diagnostic process of identifying, investigating, and resolving unexpected fluctuations in account balances and other financial relationships in financial statements. Auditors perfuming AR typically follow four distinct components of a diagnostic, sequential and iterative (DS1) process, namely: mental representation, hypothesis generation, information search, and hypothesis evaluation. Through the DS1 process, auditors are able to recognize and detect errors and irregularities in financial statements for the purpose of presenting a true and fair view of financial reporting, with the intention of communicating quality and reliable economic information of an enterprise to users.
Money Supply, Stock Prices and the Efficient Market Hypothesis: The Case of Malaysia
Authors: Habibullah Muzafar Shah , Baharumshah Ahmad Zubaidi
Published: August 2020

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the empirical relationships between money supply and stock prices in the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) using monthly data that span from January 1978 to September 1992. More specifically, we tested market informational efficiency in the KLSE by testing the causal relationships between money supply and stock prices using the co-integration technique. In the analysis, we used alternative monetary aggregates namely, the Simple-Sum and Divisia monies. Results from- our error-correction model suggest that market informational efficiency hypothesis can be rejected for KLSE with respect to the growth of money supply (for both Simple-sum and Divisia monetary aggregates).
An Insight into Members' Satisfaction with their Union: A Comparative Case Study of Malaysian and American Unions
Authors: Johari Husna
Published: August 2020

This study examines the importance of the various facets of satisfaction with union representation in determining overall satisfaction with the union. samples of union members from Malaysia and the USA are used in this study. generally, overall union satisfaction is specified as function of union members ' expectation concerning union efforts and the perceived outcomes of union performance on (1) 'bread and butter' issues (such as wages and benefits), (2) quality of work issues (such as job interest and workers' voice in the employing organization), and (3) member-union relations (such as the quality of communication between union leaders and members). the results indicate that all the faces are important determinants of overall satisfaction with union representation. however, in the case of WMUPU (Malaysia) the results showed a greater emphasis on aspects like bread and butter, and member-union relations while the OPE1U(USA) findings relate more to issues on quality work life.
Segmenting Hotel Guests: The Case of Five Star Hotels in Langkawi
Authors: Kasim Azilah , Dzakiria Hisham , Teong Lim Kong
Published: August 2020

Segmentation is a very important element in the overall process of target marketing for tourism products as it assists in obtaining information on the segments of tourist that exist in the population served. Knowing the segments is imperative to help decide the type and amount of resources that should be allocated to target the desired segments. This study segmented five star hotel guests in Langkawi using sociodemography and psychography as segmentation bases. Applying Ward's Minimum Variance Method as the clustering technique, the findings of this research indicated that there are three categories of tourists that the participating hotels need to consider when designing their marketing strategies. The three clusters were the Fun and Excitement Holiday Seeker, the Active Weekend Holiday Seeker, and the Quiet and Meaningful Elitist Holiday Seeker: The characteristics of each cluster were described and a comparison of sociodemographic characteristics across clusters was made. Suggestions on how to best target each identified cluster were also provided.
Practitioners' Perception Toward AIS Course Content Offered by Malaysian Universities
Authors: Ismail Noor Azizi , Abdullah Akilah , Kamardin Hasnafi
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to determine the degree of importance of each topic included in the Accounting Information Systems (A IS) course from the practitioners' point of views. This study was motivated by the increasing progress in information technology which proposed to re-examine the AIS course in order to meet the expectations and requirements of the profession. Three hundred and forty (340) questionnaires were sent to three different groups of companies namely public accounting firms, industry and commerce, and banking and finance. The response rate received is 22.35%. Respondents' opinions on the importance of AIS topics were measured using a five-point Liken scale. Results from the mean analysis showed that practitioners in Malaysia perceived all AIS topics listed as important. However, results from ANOVA analysis indicated that .five ( 5) topics were perceived significantly different among the three groups of practitioners. The five topics are general concept of accounting information systems, procurement cycle, application software, entity-relationship diagram and programming languages. Further analysis using Scheffe test indicated that procurement cycle and entity-relationship diagram topics differ significantly between Industry and Commerce and Banking and Finance. Public Accounting Finns and Industry and Commerce differ significantly in the application software topics. There were significant differences between all the three groups in programming languages.
On the Predictive Power of the Malaysian T Bills Term Spread in Predicting Real Economic Activity
Authors: Ghazali Noor Azlan , Low Soo Wah
Published: August 2020

The ability of financial market interest rates to predict real economic activity has gained considerable attention of economics and financial researchers. In this regard, the term spread, i.e. the difference between long term and short term yield is argued to be an effective indicator to predict economic cycle. We investigate this proposition for the Malaysian economy using the T bills discount rates. Our results of both, single and multi-equation system of vector autoregression (VAR), support the case for Malaysia. Current T bills spread is shown to be a significant indicator for annual output growth for up to six months ahead. We also show that information conveyed by the term spread is unique and not of those implied by the monetary policy. Our results also indicate that, the power of term spread is limited for the near term prediction and over the long run money dominates spread in predicting output.
The Level of Efficiency in Handling Container Traffic at Penang Port: A Simulation Study
Authors: Saleh Abdul Razak , Mat Tahar Razman
Published: August 2020

The six-month period (January 1995 - June 1995) data was extracted from "Pelabuhan Kontena" (PELKON) system and tested using SIMAN simulation process. Among the data available from the PELKON system are: arrival time of a ship, departure time of a ship, operation time for loading and unloading, total number of equipment used, number of containers unloaded, number of containers loaded, size of a ship, country of registration, last port of call, and next port of call. The arrival pattern of large ships (having a capacity to carry 507 or more containers) and small ships (having a capacity to carry less than 507 containers) follows Weibull distribution and Log-normal distribution, respectively. As a whole, there is no significant differences between the number of ships recorded by the PELKON data and the simulation process. A number of experimental studies such as acquiring less Port Crane, improve­ment of management service and integrated Prime Mover operation have been carried out to determine the effect on the container handling operations. The findings show that when one of the four port cranes did not work, the number of export containers decreased by 14.2% and 11.5% for import containers, If the services had been upgraded by 25%, the average time for unloading export containers could be shortened by 27.1% and the average time for loading import containers could be reduced by 7.9%. If the movement of prime movers had been integrated, the handling of export containers could be upgraded by 8.0% and 4.3% for import containers.
The Perception, Incidence and Management of Sexual Harassment at Workplace: A Malaysian Case
Authors: Marican Sabitha Bagam
Published: August 2020

This paper focuses on perception and management of sexual harassment (SH) at the workplace. The study was carried out in Northern Malaysia among 586 public sector administrators. Results showed that 43% of the total male respondents and 47% of the female respondents have faced some kind of sexual harassment. Findings showed that the internal whistleblowing mechanism is also inadequate, though the respondents are quite confi­dent with the management in reporting SH cases. Finally, the article outline strategies that could ameliorate the occurrence of SH at the workplace as it is important to the organization and the priceless workers in the organization.
Importance-Performance Analysis on Tourism Destination: The Case of Kedah
Authors: Kasim Azilah
Published: August 2020

This paper is focusing on the use of Importance-Performance (IP) Analysis to measure the destination's perfor­mance in offering tourism products. IP method is often used in research due to its simplicity, ease of use and usefulness in aiding decision-making processes. IP is also promising since it examines both expectations i.e. the importance of each attribute, and the performance of the attributes in fulfilling the expectation. Thus it aids tourism providers in determining what attributes are most important to tourists so that the attractiveness of the attributes can be improved. Using the data from the researcher's study on positioning in Kedah, a further analysis was carried out to determine Kedah's attractiveness in the eyes of its international market. Results of the IP analysis showed distinct difference in perception among clusters. For practical use of information gener­ated by the analysis, it was suggested that information on the two biggest clusters i.e. Cluster 2 and Cluster 3 be used to improve Kedah's tourism. The information revealed that according to Cluster 2, Kedah has to improve on attributes such as comfort at place of accommodation, friendliness of local people, services in. restaurants at place of accommodation, clean beaches, services in restaurants outside places of accommodation, standard of catering at restaurants outside places of accommodation, tourist information centre/booth, shopping facilities, local traffic, standard of catering at places of accommodation, isolated beaches, entertainment facilities, acces­sibility/transport and night life. For Cluster 3, we need to concentrate on improving attributes including beau­tiful scenery, comfort at place of accommodation, clean beaches, value for money, climate and weather; lack of crowdedness, services in restaurants at places of accommodation, standard of catering outside places of ac­commodation, services in restaurants outside places of accommodation, shopping facilities, tourists informa­tion centre, accessibility/transport and local traffic. The research recommended the need for Kedah's tourism planners and providers to pay attention to these attributes in planning and providing tourism offerings.
The Impact of Strategic Human Resource Management Practices on Productivity: The Case of the Malaysian Oil Palm Industry
Authors: Bawa Muhammad Aminu , Jantan Muhamad , Ali Juhary
Published: August 2020

A substantial body of evidence in management theory and business practice has accumulated to show that Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) is associated with improved organizational performance. In spite of this evidence, empirical studies have shown that some organizations are slow in implementing those practices. One of the fundamental reasons behind this is the fact that as a body of practical knowledge, SHRM has seemingly lacked any theoretical research framework to underpin it. Thus, this paper is an attempt to address this problem by (1) contributing to theory building in strategic HRM, and (2) empirically testing the hypothesis that SHRM practices affect productivity. This study used a sample of 129 managers of oil palm estates from a national survey of estate managers reflecting the 1998 financial year Using linear regression techniques, the results suggest that (1) estates implement less strategic HI? practices than anticipated, and (2) some strategic HR practices were related to productivity. Managerial implications of the study were discussed.
Ageing and Job Performance: Methodological Issues and Empirical Evidence
Authors: Ali Hassan
Published: August 2020

This article reviews the methodological difficulties involved in research on age and job performance, It also examines the empirical evidence of the relationship between age and job performance. Research in this area has been conducted in both laboratory as well as occupational settings. Research in occupational settings has generally utilized either output measures or performance evaluations to measure job performance. Evidence from the literature has generally found no conclusive relationship between age and job performance. Studies have also found experience rather than age predicts job performance to a greater extent than age.
Fifty Years of Development Economics: From Planning to Liberalization Essay in Honour of Prof. P.R.Brahmanande
Authors: A. Vesudevan , D.M Nachare , A.V Karnik
Published: August 2020

Fifty Years of Development Economics, Essays in Hon­our of Professor P.R. Brahmananda, Editors A. Vasedevan, D.M. Nachane, A.V. Karnik, Foreword Lord Meghnad Desai, Himalaya Publishing House, Mumbai 400 004, First Edition - 1999.   This Volume is a collection of 30 essays, writ­ten in honour of Professor P. R. Brahmananda, a dis­tinguished economist in India. The essays in this book focus on a number of issues such as theory and meas­urement, Indian policy framework, snictural reforms, regional perspectives and provide rich insight on vari­ous subjects. The book also documents empirical stud­ies researched by well-known economists.   The first part of the book with 8 chapters deals with theory and measurement of money, inflation etc.. In this part, Nachne's paper on "Commodity Stand­ards: Resurrection of a Classical Theme" revisits the issues relating to the concept of money standard and questions, the role of the Govenment in controlling money. The author, while reviewing the role of gov­ernment in controlling the monetary policy in histori­cal retrospection, examines a umber of alternative proposals. He chooses, amongst others, commodity standard, and analyses it to find out its relevance to modetary policy. His contribution lies in explaining the Black-Fama-Hall (BFH) model-Commodity Basket Model. This model has been discounted as it does not take into account expextations and has difficulties in choosing the commodities for the basket. The BFH model has a few advantages like a stable unit of ac­count, subjects the government to financial discipline, can stipulate financial innovations and can insulate the economy from cyclical fluctuations originating domes­tically. Nachne's contribution lies in simplifying the analysis on the difficult subject.   Inflation has been a long drawn riddle in many countries like Brazil, Turkey, India. Control of infla­tion has been enforced in many countries to bring macro economic stability with high economic growth. Vasudevan, Bhoy and D hall have tried to trace equi­librium between inflation and growth rate in the In­dian context. They reached a conclusion that inflation, growth trends and their volatility, when analysed si­multaneously, reveal that a moderate rate of inflation on an average centered between 6 to 8 per cent in In­dian economy with low volatility, led to high growth rates. The authors have used regression robust error technique after taking recourse to a number alterna­tive empirical modes as suggested in the literature. The findings of the present exercise indicate that the thresh­old rate of inflation in the Indian context could be about 6 per cent; the output neutral inflation could be 4 per cent. The output effects are positive but marginally different from one another for the 5, 6 and 7 per cent inflation regimes. The negative output effects occur after 10 per cent inflation rate.
The Relationship Between Quality Management Practices and Productivity in Revenue and Cost Management : A Study of Local Authorities in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Mohd. Ali Khairul Anuar , Yusoff Rushami Zien , Abas Zakaria
Published: August 2020

The globalization and liberalization of the world economic system have brought us to an era where global competition is highly intense. The introduction of new technology and systems has greatly affected the performance of organizations. Quality is widely recognized as one of the important disciplines and strategies for competitiveness. This study examines the relationship between quality management practices and the productivity in revenue and cost management in local authorities. Three hundred twenty managers from eighty organizations participated in this study. Disproportionate stratified random sampling was used as the sampling technique from the population frame and the data were gathered through self-administered structured questionnaires. The results of the regression analysis showed that only two constructs among the seven quality management practices were found to be significantly related to productivity in revenue and cost management. The construct for employee focus has a positive association with the productivity in revenue and cost management whereas process management has a significant inverse relationship with the productivity in revenue and cost management. Thus, local authorities need to address these two constructs in order to achieve a higher level of productivity in revenue and cost management.
Attitude Towards Zakah on Employment Income : Comparing Outcomes Between Single Score and Multidimensional Scores
Authors: Md. Idris Kamil , Ayob Ahmad Mahdzan
Published: August 2020

Study on attitude towards regulated social activities have been carried out in many areas (such as tax and zakah payment). However, many of these studies applied a single score of attitude in their analyses. Such a procedure, to some researchers is considered less informative, especially in the study of a complex attitude which has several dimensions. Many researchers have suggested that attitude towards a complex object should be studied by decomposing the object or issue into smaller and less complex elements on the basis of component parts, specific functions, or particular contexts. Thus, this paper offers a comparative study of outcomes between attitude measured by a single summative score and attitude measured by multidimensional factor scores. The object of attitude in this paper is zakah on employment income by eligible Muslim. In the first approach, a total of 24 items of attitude were used to represent the single score of attitude. In the second approach, principal component analysis with varimax ratation was first applied to determine the underlying dimensions of attitude. Each dimension was then named and treated as anew variable, each measured by the factor scores. Both approach were applied separately to an analysis on compliance behavior of zakah on employment income. Results suggest that attitude measured by multidimensionality scores is more informative as compared to the single summative score. Futher, the use of multidimensional scores in multivariate logistic regression improved the goodness of fit of the model over that of the single score of attitude. Thus, this improvement affects the interpretation of the whole model with respect to the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable, which is zakah compliance.
Disclosure Practices Among Unit Trust Funds in Malaysia
Authors: Ku Ismail Ku Nor Izah , Abdullah Shamsul Nahar , Tayib Mahamad , Lode Nor Asma
Published: August 2020

This study examined the level of transparency among unit trust funds in Malaysia. Unit trust funds were the focus of this study due to its nature: unique, heavily regulated and rapidly growing. The study investigated the extent of disclosure in relation to the various mandatory and voluntary requirements and the roles of the specific characteristics of trust funds in explaining their level of disclosure in the annual reports. The findings showed that the level of disclosure increased rapidly within the period of study suggesting that trust funds were becoming more transparent. With regard to the funds' specific characteristics, the study showed that the influence was not consistent. The model best explained the disclosure level during the pre-mandatory period, i.e. 1996. During this year, the variables 'sponsor of the fund' and 'auditors' significantly influenced the disclosure level in the predicted direction. In the other years (1997 and 1998), the explanatory power of the model was very low as suggested by the significant reduction in the adjusted R2. One argument was that during this period, the revised Guidelines had been issued and thus the model could not explain much the variation in the disclosure level as a large amount of the items in the study were already mandated.
Rationality of Insurance Firms' Forecasts : Results of Unbiasedness and Efficiency Tests
Authors: Habibullah Muzafar Shah
Published: August 2020

Many applied studies have tried to test the implications of rational expectations hypothesis on survey data. This study provides evidence on the rationality of economic forecasts made by insurance firms in a developing economy-Malaysia. Our unbiasedness test results suggest that anticipated gross revenue and employment are unbiased predictors of actual gross revenue and employment respectively. Furthermore, our efficiency tests results indicate that insurance firms utilized relevant information efficiently at the time the forecasts were made.
Size of Offer, Over-subscription Ratio and Performance of Malaysian IPOs
Authors: Yong Othman , Yatim Puan , Zam Sapian Ros Zam
Published: August 2020

This paper examines the initial and the long-run performance of initial public offerings (IP0s) stocks listed on the Main Board of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange. This study finds a significant mean initial return and mean over-subscription ratio, even-though not as high as reported in earlier studies. Size of offer is not correlated with the over-subscription ratio. In general, initial returns. are significantly higher than returns for subsequent longer-term holding periods. Mean initial returns among the three types of issue compared are not significantly different from each other Only in the case of offer for sale that we find a significant positive correlation between its over-subscription ratio and its initial return. Offer for sale also shows a positive correlation between its over-subscription ratio and its raw let11111 far day-365, but turns significantly negative for day-910 and day-] 095. In the case of combination of public issue and offer for sale, over-subscription ratio is not significantly correlated with longer- term returns, for either raw or adjusted return. Finally, in the case of public issue, its over-subscription ratio is significantly correlated with its raw return only for day-180 and day-540, and for its adjusted return, the correlation is significant only for day-180 and day-365.
The Association between Sensitivity, Group Size and Satisfaction
Authors: Ahmad Kamarul Zaman
Published: August 2020

Previous research have looked at the relationship between sensitivity and satisfaction, and between group size and satisfaction. However there appears to be no reported studies that have investigated the interacting effects of group size on the relationship between sensitivity and satisfaction. Data from 257 shop floor workers in a light manufacturing plant in the U.K were collected and analysed. Group size was significantly negatively related to satisfaction with co-workers. Statistical tests of hierarchical multiple regression were used to determine the significance of the interaction terms (sensitivity x group size) on pay and co-worker satisfaction. Support for both hypotheses were obtained. Results suggested that group size significantly moderated the relationship between sensitivity and pay satisfaction, and the relationship between sensitivity and co-worker satisfaction. Linear regression plots showed that the relationship between sensitivity and satisfaction (pay and co-worker) were negative in large groups but positive in small groups.
Managing Children: An Insight into Malay Parents' Involvement in Their Children's Learning
Authors: Hanafi Zahyah , Yaakub Noran Fauziah , Hashim Rosna Awang
Published: August 2020

Socio-economic status not only influences family beliefs about values of education, but may affect how academic expectations are communicated by parents and perceived by their children- This study examined (1) the level of parental involvement (achievement values, interest in homework, and discussion on school matters) among Malay parents, and (2) parental involvement and its relationship with academic achievement. Measures of parents ' involvement were obtained from Malay boys (12=146) and girls (n=284 ), aged seventeen, living with both biological parents. Adolescents 'perceptions of maternal and paternal involvement at home were measured using Paternal and Maternal Parental Involvement Seale (Paulson, 1994b). Results indicated that Malay parents tend to emphasize more on achievement values, less on interest in homework and discussion on school matters. In terms of gender differences, there were significant differences between mothers ' and fathers 'involvement and these differences were found to differ towards sons and daughters. Discussions and implications were outlined
The Effect of Dividend Announcements on Stock Returns for Companies Listed on the Main Board of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange
Authors: Hiau Abdullah Nur-Adiana , Abdul Rashid Rosemaliza , Ibrahim Yusnidah
Published: August 2020

Stock market reactions to the announcements of final dividend increases, decreases and no changes are empirically analyzed in an emerging market environment. A standard event study methodology is adopted to examine the price reactions of 120 listed companies surrounding sixty days of the announcement dates. Although prior studies in developed countries postulate that dividend decreases are associated with negative abnormal returns, such a reaction was not found in the Malaysian capital market. The evidence nevertheless shows that dividend increases lead to positive abnormal returns, supporting the Information Content Hypothesis, Jensen :s Free Cash Flow Hypothesis and Agency Cost Theory. As for the no change dividend announcements, no clear pattern of cumulative average abnormal returns could be observed.
Managing Ethnicity and Constructing the Bangsa Malaysia (A United Malaysian Nation)*
Authors: ishak Mohamed Mustafa
Published: August 2020

The question of nation-building has always been a central issue in Malaysian politics. Whilst the coun try has been able to sustain stable politics since the 1969 racial tragedy, spawning two decades rapid socio-economic development until the 1997 Asian economic crisis, the project of nation-building remained a basic national agenda yet to be filly resolved. This short paper investigates the delicate process of nation-building in Malaysia in the post 1970s. especially in the context of the vision of constructing the Bangsa Malaysia or united Malaysian nation enshrined in Mahathir's Vision 2020 project which was introduced in 1991.   The aim of the paper is firstly to highlight the underlying socio-political parameters that shaped and influenced the politics of nation-building in the country, and secondly to explore the viability of the project of Bangsa Malaysia in the context of the daunting challenges involved in the process of nation- building The paper contends that, based on the Malaysian experience, the potent interplay between the forces of ethnicity and nationalism constitute the crux of the problem in the politics of nation-building in Malaysia. This dialectic it is argued, stems from the prevalence of the varying 'nationalisms' within and across ethnic groups. These phenomena have not only shaped the pattern of ethnic political mobilization in the country, but above all, laid the most complex set of obstacles in the path of the project of nation-building.   The paper argues that the project of constructing the Bangsa Malaysia therefore, can be seen as significant attempt by the state to reconcile the competing 'nationalism'. It can also be considered as an attempt to consolidate Malay nationalism and cultural pluralism, thus promoting the development of 'civic nationalism 'or creation of 'a supra-ethnic ' national identity. The 'nation', therefore, is depicted as a 'mosaic of cultures but with a strong fervour of Malay nationalism. However, the viability of the envisaged project is yet to be tested.   The concept itself is still vague to many people and the challenges ahead are enormous, involving political, economic, socio-cultural and religious issues. Indeed the project risks becoming the 'latest ' in the series of competing notions of 'nation-of- intent' circulating in Malaysia. The paper contends that whilst, to some extent, the socio-political landscape of Malaysian society has been rapidly changing, especially in the past two decades of Mahathir’s reign, ethnicity still pervades Malaysian political life. The paper probably differs from many previous studies on nation-building in Malaysia, thus, deepening the understanding of Malaysia politics and society.
Workplace Deviance Among Hotel Employees : An Exploratory Survey
Authors: Mohd. Shamsudin Faridahwati
Published: August 2020

This exploratory study examined workplace deviance among hotel employees in Langkawi, Malaysia. Specifically, it attempted to provide empirical answers to two main research questions: (1) what are the types of workplace deviance employees exhibit at the workplace, and (2) what work-related factors account for the exhibition of those acts. In order to address these questions, data were collected from 308 hotel employees. The findings showed that workplace deviance exists in organisations and takes on a variety of forms. The results also depicted that workplace deviance is influenced by a number of work-related factors, such as pay, supervision, co-workers, and management practices. In addition, employee deviance was also significantly related to the way they were treated by hotel guests. The implications of the study’s findings on practice and theory are discussed.
Person-Environment Fit Perceptions and Satisfaction at Work
Authors: Ahmad Kamarul Zaman , Mat Khairuddin Maisarah
Published: August 2020

This study aims to fulfil two literature gaps in the person-environment fit theory, in particular, relating to the supply-value fit or S-V fit. Firstly, previous research in S-V fit tended to look mainly at autonomy and supervision style. However, there appears to be no reported research that has simultaneously investigated in a single study, the effects of the discrepancy between the perceived and desired levels of work quantity, variety, power, responsibility and concentration required for the job. This study aims to fill that gap. This study examines the discrepancy between the supplies and values of work quantity, variety, power, responsibility and concentration, and its relationship with satisfaction at work. Secondly, the S-V fit theory has been relatively established in developed countries such as America and Britain. However it would be interesting to discover whether the theory is also applicable among civil service workers in a small isolated town, in a developing country such as Malaysia. Questionnaires were distributed and collected from one hundred respondents working in a government department in a small town of Gua Musang in Peninsular Malaysia. Support for the S-V fit theory was obtained, as results suggested that the greater the discrepancy between the supplies and values of work quantity, variety, power, responsibility and concentration required at work, the lesser was the satisfaction. The implication therefore was that if managers were desirous of improving satisfaction of their workers, they should ensure that their workers receive neither too much nor too little work variety, power, responsibility and concentration at work-for either state can result in lower satisfaction.
The Effectiveness of Work Stress Coping Strategies: An Analysis of Probit Model
Authors: Sam Thi Lip , Eam Lim Hock
Published: August 2020

This study finds that the work stress levels that are faced by ICT personnel range from mild to moderate. The estimated probit model finds that there is personality differentiation in the effectiveness of stress coping strategies. The significant and effective coping strategy is “seeking treatment”. The “escape from situation” coping strategy is found to be significant but ineffective. Thus, it is recommended that in alleviating work stress, “seeking treatment” is the best strategy. It is found that the high risk group that have higher work stress are non-Malays, married, field of specialization of accounting/business/ economics, job status of junior management, and less than 2 years of services.