Vol.3, Issue. 4, 2012

Article 1: Designing Framework for Service Satisfaction in Conventional Electricity Industry in India

By: Satapathy S, Patel S.K, Mohapatra S.S., and Mishra P.D.

Competition in the electric service industry is highlighting the importance of a number of issues affecting the nature and quality of customer service. The quality of service(s) provided to electricity customers may be enhanced by competition, if doing so offers service suppliers a competitive advantage. On the other hand, service quality offered to some consumers could decline if utilities focus their attention on those customers most likely to exercise choice, while reducing effort and investment to serve customers less likely to choose alternatives. Service quality is defined as the way in which the utility interacts with and responds to the needs of its customers. To achieve maximum consumer satisfaction in Electricity service, This Paper has designed a frame work by QFD and also find interrelationship between these design requirements by ISM.

Keywords: Service Quality, ANN, QFD, ISM, Electricity Utility, Consumer satisfaction

Article 2: Examining business potential and growth in textile and apparel industry: A case study in Malaysia

By: Norzaidi Mohd Daud, Noorazrin Izni Md. Nor, Norhayati Abu Bakar and Zunita Zubir

This article examines business potential and growth in textile and apparel industry in Malaysia. Based on strategic management tools ABC Sdn Bhd is potential to be expanding and contribute to Malaysian economic growth. This is probably the first that investigate textile and apparel industry in Malaysia using extensive strategic management. The results provide insights on how the textile and apparel industry could improve upon their business strategy.

Keywords: business potential, growth, textile and apparel industry, Malaysia

Article 3: Factors that influence the effectiveness of transit advertising

By: Nor Aini Hassanuddin and Sakinah Mat Zin

This study involved a survey commissioned to obtain LRT main-user’s response towards transit advertising. This paper investigates the factors influencing the effectiveness of transit advertising. With the awareness and perception as independent variables, this paper examines how these factors influence the receptivity as well as the effectiveness of transit advertising. The sampling method used in this study is Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling. Personally-administered questionnaire were distributed randomly among respondents at nine selected LRT’s stations. Descriptive analysis was used to gauge the insidious factors that influence users’ preference by using the Pearson Chi- Sq test. Evidence shows that attentiveness towards advertisements placed at 6 chosen vicinities is directly correlated with the status of the respondents and their socio-demographic characteristics. Almost 40.0% of all respondents admitted that the advertisements failed to induce them in buying, whereas 33.9% opt to purchase and use the advertised products or services in the near future. Only a small number of the respondents will immediately buy the advertised products. From the analysis, it has found that awareness towards the advertisement is the only factor that influences respondents’ desire towards the advertised products. Nonetheless, awareness is only triggering a low impact on them in determining whether they will or will not purchase the advertised products. Findings of this study will provide an insight to the management in evaluating the effectiveness of transit advertising.

Keywords : Advertising, effectiveness, business, management, awareness

Article 4: Potentials and bumiputra opportunities of LED industry in Malaysia

By: Zaidi Shahrim and Muhammad Mazlan Farid Mastar

The technology in LED has rapidly grown in the world, and Malaysia is one of the countries that are striving to cope with the LEDs advancement. LED (Light Emitting Diodes) has becoming popular in the use of lighting sources for instant in the applications of lightings such as signboards, car lamps and also including general lightings such as indoor lighting applications. The LED that has been used for general lighting sources can provide approximately equivalent light output of conventional lamp with only requiring half of the input power demand. Therefore, this is a great potential to replace the conventional lighting with LED lighting sources for indoor and outdoor applications. In summary, the usage of LED has widened from commercial up to household usage. The continuous improvement of LED technology gives a lot of advantages for lighting system especially in terms of less energy consumption and reduces maintenances cost. This paper will focus on LED growth in Malaysia, opportunities and benefits for Malaysian companies especially for Bumiputeras’ companies to compete and cater demanding market.

Keywords: Bumiputra, LED industry, Malaysia

Article 5: Survival of bumiputra business in creative multimedia industry in Malaysia

By: Aida Rozita Sulaiman and Zurin Suhana Abd Aziz

The objective of the study is to determine factors that influence of surviving the Bumiputera business in creative industry in Malaysia. A few tools have been used in the research and they are SWOT analysis, SPACE matrix, and QSPM matrix. The findings revealed the strategies and recommendations of Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) to support the Bumiputera animation company in creative multimedia industry.

Keywords: Survival, creative multimedia industry, MDEC, Malaysia

Vol. 3, Issue. 3, 2012

Article 1: Stockbroking in Islam: A Rveiew of Literatures and Its Future Development in Malaysia

By: Mohammad Mahbubi Ali

The study aims at discussing the concept and practice of Islamic Stockbroking, and examining the opportunities of Islamic Stockbroking in Malaysia. The study adopts library research to discuss the concept of Islamic stockbroking. It also employs a semi-structured interview with industry players to prognosticate the future development of Islamic stockbroking in Malaysia. The study reveals that stockbroking is not a new concept in Islam. Classical jurists have discussed thoroughly the concept of samsarah (brokerage) from an Islamic perspective. The current practice of Islamic stockbroking in Malaysia employs two tiers of wakalah contract. Furthermore, the study concludes that the future of Islamic stockbroking in Malaysia is very promising, triggered by drivers on both the supply side and the demand side. The large Muslim population, wealth and economic growth are among the key factors for the development of Islamic stockbroking from the demand side. On the other hand, the Shari’ah compliance of 89% of Malaysian stocks, Malaysia’s position as an Islamic finance hub, and the natural progression of Islamic finance are all factors underpinning the future of Islamic stockbroking from the supply side. This study will add new literature in contemporary Islamic finance as not many study has been conducted on the subject matter.

Keywords: Islamic stockbroking, samsarah, Malaysia, shari’ah

Article 2: WAQF Reporting Framework: Reporting Guidelines for Islamic (WAQF) Councils

By: Dalila Daud

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new reporting framework that may overcome the lack of transparency to the stakeholders in waqf organisations. A conceptual model base from several theoretical frameworks is combined in order to get better framework. In order to come out with new definition of reporting, this paper explores prior literature and theories regarding financial disclosure and explored. The study explores and reviews prior literatures and come out with a new way of waqf reporting. This framework will be the first innovative waqf framework that emphasis on property management, which provides an apparatus to the councils by achieving the outmost benefits of the assets. It is supposed to be a useful tool to enhance internal management planning and decision making of properties as well as to demonstrate high level of transparency in disclosure amongst the councils.

Keywords: Framework, waqf, accountability, waqf reporting, councils.

Article 3: Readiness and Development of Green University Framework in Malaysia

By: Keoy Kay Hooi, Kweek Choon Ling, Fadzil @ Padzil Hassan, Ren Shumin, and Unangoni Motshidisi

This study seeks to explore emerging themes following the green campus initiative and to validate critical factors for successful green implementation through the means of empirical evidence through both quantitative and qualitative research approach. The study also hopes to develop a “customised” Green University Framework based on localisation approach and to explore the readiness of Malaysia Higher Institution to engage and gauge the important of implementing Green University (GU) initiatives at their respective organisation.

Keywords: Green Campus, sustainability, green university index, readiness, Malaysia

Article 4: The Impact of Information System on the University Administrative Process

By: Othman Ibrahim Alsalloum, Abdullah Ayedh Al-Ruwaili, and Khalid Mohammed Hogbani

The research aims to study the impact of the applications of Management Information Systems (MIS) on administrative work in general and at King Saud University in particular. It focuses on the advantages of the MIS applications on the administrative process, as well as their requirements and constraints. The research also discusses the availability of the required infrastructure such as hardware, software, Internet access, electronic specialized systems, and electronic archiving. However, the application of efficient managementinformation systems at work needs attracting specialized human recourses to this domain, training them, developing their skills and providing financial and moralsupport by the senior executives. The most important obstacles countering MIS use and applications were the staff's unawareness of their importance, lack of training, reluctance of some leaders to change due to fear from the impact on their authorities, and the large number of failures of university networks and computers at work.

Keywords: Management information, administrative, systems, field study, King Saud University staff, government administrations.

Article 5: The Impact of Using Modern E-Learning Technologies on the Academic Achievement

By: Othman Ibrahim Alsalloum, Tareq Ben Salem Al-Zahrani, and Saleh Abdel-Aziz Al-Kureadess

This study aims to investigate the effect of usinge-learning on the academic achievement of grade eight students in science. This study is conducted on grade eight students at Prince Salman Educational Complex School in Riyadh in the second semester of 1430 H. The researcher randomly selected the sample of the study from the overall average ofgrade eightstudents at school. The sample, in its final form, consisted of (60) students distributed as follows: (31) students representing the experimental group and (29) students representing the control group. The findings suggested that there were no statistically significant differences at level (0.05) between the mean scores ofthe experimental group and the control group in the pre-measurement of the academic achievement level for grade eight students in science. The study also concluded thatthere were no statistically significant differences at level (0.05) between the mean scores ofthe experimental group and the control group in the post-measurement of the academic achievement level for grade eight students in science in favor of the experimental group. The study concluded that there were no statistically significant differences at level (0.05) between the mean scores ofthe experimental group in the pre- and post-measurements of the academic achievement level for grade eight students in science in favor of the post-measurement attributed to the use of e-learning technologies.

Keywords: E-learning, academic achievement, scientific material, science course, impact, students, educational issues.

Vol.3. Issue 2, 2012

Article 1: Measuring Service Satisfaction in E-Electricity Service in South Odisha a State of India by Structural Equation Modeling

By: SSataphy, S.K. Patel, A.Biswas, S.S.Mohapatra and P.D.Mishra

The main objective of this study is to measure service satisfactiob in E-Electricity service in South Odisha, India. Statistical analyses were used to develop constructs suitable for E-Electricity utility service satisfaction for all type of customer. So that policy formation and implementation must be easier.In this paper the service quality of E_Electricity utility service in Odisha is measured by using Structural Equation Modeling, and the e_ service measuring instrument is modified for validating the E-Electricity service model.

Keywords:Service satisfaction, e-electricity service, structural equation modeling, and India

Article 2: Interpreting the Significance of Financial, Economic and Market Risks on FDI Decisions

By: Catherine SF Ho and Ahmad Husni Mohd Rashid

This research investigates the significant financial, economic and market risks taken into consideration by multinational corporations (MNCs) when making investment decisions across countries. These risk factors are analyzed to reveal their importance in the decision making process of MNCs in foreign expansion and investment. A set of methodologies were applied with reliability and validity tests, as well as cross tabulations in analyzing the results. Over nine hundred companies were selected to participate in the survey with a response rate of 23.2 percent. Novel data from the survey respondents assent that market risk factors where availability of technology, ability to hire skilled workers and access to transportation are vital. MNCs are also concern with economic risk factors including ease of doing business and access to market. Respondents felt that exchange rate stability is essential for efficient financial operation followed by easy access to capital that facilitates start-up and expansion. Findings from the study would greatly assist regulators in enhancing policies to further strengthen and attract value-added foreign investments into the country.

Keywords: International Investment, Investment decisions, International financial market

Article 3: Constructing Regional Input-Output Table: A case study of Selangor, Malaysia

By: Diana Mazan and Zakariah Abdul Rahid

The purpose of this study is to construct an input-output table for Selangor. Selangor as a developed state should have an input-output table to provide information about the interrelationship or interdependence among the sectors in economy. The input-output table is useable to the government in order to make an effective policy for Selangor and Malaysia. The secondary data is applied in this study. Most of the data is provided by the department of Statistic (DOS) and UPENS (Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri Selangor). The RAS procedure used to complete this study. In this approach, data is collected without incriminating the census of state level. The complete input-output table gives information about the Selangor GDP (Gross Domestic Product) for year 2000. The structure of economy for the Selangor state showed that government has a tendency to go for the industrial and services sector. The reason is to be an industrial state in Malaysia.

Keywords: Economic development, input-output analysis, construction, Selangor

Article 4: Investigating the Concept of Rabbani Leadership Practices at Secondary Schools in Malaysia

By: Hailan Salamun and Saeeda Shah

This paper attempted to look at the focus of leadership practices of National Islamic Secondary School principals in Malaysia. It introduces the concept of Rabbani leadership that leadership practices are influenced by the leader’s moral judgement, in the pursuit of Allah swt, the Creator’s devine acceptance. Rabbani leadership places great importance to shared responsibilities and accountability and practices driven by internal drives alligned to concerns for godly/devine rightousness (ketuhanan), human development (keinsanan), and professional development. Leadership focus refers to dominance of practices exhibiting the specific concerns, be it developing spiritual self, the human self, or the professional self. The results show that the general focus of principals’ leadeship practices were all three aspects of moral judgement, that is concern for devine rightousness, concern for human development, as well as concern for professional development, or developing the professional self.

Keywords: Rabbani leadership, moral judgement, devine rightousness, human development, professional development

Article 5: Testing Hubris Hypothesis of Mergers and Acquisitions: Evidence from India

By: Malabika Deo and Aasif Shah

This paper addresses the relevance of Hubris theory of mergers and acquisitions in the Indian context. Also, this paper apply event study methodology to examine the short-term market response to merger announcements in the Indian banking and information technology industry. The overall findings report interesting although not surprising results. Hubris hypothesis which states that that the shareholders of the bidding firms would incur loss on merger announcements does not hold well in the Indian perspective. The findings demonstrate the contrary effect. The bidding firms at least do not fall in deficit from the merger deals and hence mergers and acquisitions could not be seen as a risky investment for their shareholders.

Keywords: Hubris hypothesis, mergers, acquisition, India

Vol.3. Issue 1, 2012

Article 1: How strategic is human resource management in Kazakhtan? a survey of how companies manage talented employees

By Paul James Davis and X Pavlova

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of talent management practices as they apply globally and in the Kazakhstani context, and to provide practical recommendations to Kazakhstan-based companies to improve their performance in this regard. Data was collected through twelve in-depth interviews with HR managers from different organizations including multinational subsidiaries and lo cal companies. The initial analysis is based on an academic literature review. The findings suggest that talent management (TM) practices are diverse in the participating companies. Subsidiaries of international companies in Kazakhstan demonstrated the most developed TM programs, and findings with respect to Kazakhstani companies are disparate. The least developed practices were found to be in state-funded Kazakhstani organizations, where instability, frequent change of top management, lack of understanding of such practices by executive team and/or shareholders, and limited funding prevent HR managers from implementing and exercising best TM practices. The practical implications for organizations wanting to build a successful business and competitive advantage, strong human capital programs are a necessary condition.

Keywords: Strategic; human resource management; talented employees, Kazakhtan

Article 2: The halal product acceptance model for religious society

By: Nazahah Abd Rahim and Sutina Junos

The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of consumers’ halal product acceptance within a Muslim population, a previously unexplored aspect of consumer behavior, to develop and propose a halal product acceptance model for the religious society. Since the objective function of a Muslim consumer differs from that of other consumers, it aims to establish an integrated framework to understand the influential factors involved in the product acceptance process by consumers in this society. In doing so, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) which is part of the proposed framework, with the help of additional factors, religion and habit are used to shed light on how religious consumers form their intention to accept halal products such as halal food. Attitude towards accepting halal products, the influence of significant others, the perceived control over buying halal products, rulings of the religion and consumer’s own habit predict the intention to accept halal products among Muslims. By addressing the traits that predict product acceptance, marketers can stimulate consumers to seek out new halal products and this in turn stimulates product innovation and diffusion. The paper also offers directions for future research in which the results of this paper will also be beneficial to restaurants owners for instance by offering an insight into the intentions of consumers to choose halal products.

Keywords Product, Product acceptance, Halal, Religion, Muslim, Islam

Article 3: Outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) drvivers in developing economies: a case of Malaysia

By: Rosfadzimi Mat Saad, Abd Halim Mohd Noor, and Abu Hassan Shaari Md Nor

This paper studies the determinants of OFDI by Malaysian based MNCs. It focuses on the factors that push off Malaysian firms to involve in OFDI such as market size, cost of skilled labour and the availability of natural resources. The period under study is from 1980 to 2008. Simple multiple regression analysis is used in the study. Export and productivity levels are found to have significant impact on OFDI.

Keywords: Outward FDI, Developing Countries, Determinants of OFDI, Domestic Factors, FDI.

Article 4: Quality of internal audit function: progressing towards quantitative measurement scales

By: Mohd Ariff Kasim, Siti Rosmaini Mohd Hanafi and Asmah Abdul Aziz

The primary objective of this study is to construct a valid and reliable instrument to quantitatively measure the quality of internal audit function via the level of conformance by internal auditors towards the International Professional Practice Framework (IPPF). This study involves development of an instrument to quantitatively measure quality of internal audit functions. Two separate pilot tests were performed. The instrument was also reviewed by two experts in internal auditing from the USA and Malaysia. The final data were collected from 400 internal auditors, auditors, accountant and account executives in Malaysia. The present study concludes that most of the existing instruments measuring internal audit quality suffer major weaknesses that limit its value and usability for empirical studies. The results indicated that the new instrument satisfies the criteria for a valid and reliable research instrument and conform to the existing framework suggested by the IIA. The instrument could serve as additional assessment tools for audit committee in assessing the quality of internal audit in line with the new Bursa Malaysia Listing Requirements. This present study hopes to enhance the literature by suggesting an instrument that could initiate more empirical research in internal auditing. A new approach of measurement was used as a solution to existing instruments that were limited to the use of categorical, Likert-based measurement scales. This present study suggests a modified measurement scales that allow collection or ratio data. Moreover, this instrument also enables more advance statistical analysis to be conducted.

Keywords: Quality of Internal Audit Functions, Internal Auditing, Quality Conformance and International Professional Practice Framework (IPPF).

Article 5: Cyber communication: the legal risk of the employer

By: Norazlina Abdul Aziz and Irini Ibrahim

The direction of new communication technology has shaped a trend that requires every layers of the society to participate in its network activity. An exclusion of oneself in these linkages of activities may results in isolation from the society. In responding to this new culture, employers have provided facilities within their working environment for the employees to be able to access the network. Simultaneously, an overwhelming usage of the internet has contributed to uncontrollable activities which exposed harms to many private lives. This is a conceptual paper which outlined the potential legal risk of the employer relating to the illegal internet communication made by the employee. This emerging risk requires the diversion of management impose on the employer within their working space. The Malaysian legal framework in governing the rights and liabilities of the Employer on illegal communication through internet i.e The Multimedia and Telecommunication Act 1998, Sedition Act 1948, Internal Security Act 1960, The Defamation Act 1957, and principles under the law of Tort will be highlighted. The study also requires the need to look into the advanced countries approach that could be of help to solve the inadequacy of the said laws. The objectives underlying this study is to examine the Malaysian legal standing on the rights and liabilities of the Employer in Malaysia under the illegal internet communication suits and looking into the approach taken by the advanced countries into solving the inadequacy of the said laws with the intention of recommending the most relevant amendment to the existing Malaysian legal framework on the liabilities and protection for the Employer.

Keywords: Internet, Communication, Employer, employee

Article 6: Investigating relationship between climate change, global warming and sustainable consumption

By: Wan Kalthom Yahya, and Sharifah Zannierah Syed Marzuki

Global warming phenomenon is a sign of real danger. Evidence that humans are causing global warming is mounting. The purpose of this paper is to explore patterns of current consumption and production as well as to identify a better understanding the role of consumption that can reduces environmental deteriorations. Methods on how to change these consumption and production patterns to a better sustainable lifestyle are suggested. It is shown that global warming are becoming big impacts which it not only brings danger to human but also to other creature such as plant, animal and even the earth itself. This paper is very significant as global warming is prevalent with respect to consumption behaviour and sustainability. Looking into Malaysian context, the government has also taken several steps including setting up standards for companies to produce green life products for the benefits of its people and environment.

Keywords: climate change, global warming, sustainable consumption, low carbon society, greenhouse

Article 7: Measuring dimensions of technology resistance and managers' performance using structural equation modelling and TECHPROVED system

By: Norzaidi Mohd Daud, Intan Salwani Mohamed and Rashid Alhamali

This article examines the impact of technology resistance (i.e. co-workers affluence, negative prior experience, efficacy experience, poor systems design and loss of power) on manager’s performance in Malaysia maritime industry. The structural equation modelling (SEM) results indicate that all factors are negatively influence managers’ performance. This is probably the first that investigate technology resistance and managers' performance using SEM and TECHPROVED system. The results provide insights on how the Malaysian maritime industry could improve upon their intranet adoption.

Keywords: Co-workers affluence, negative prior experience, efficacy experience, poor systems design and loss of power; TECHRPOVED system

Article 8: The relationship between employee with self-esteem, empowerment and career advancement with job satisfaction on propensity to leave in the hotel industry in Iran

By: Leila Radmand

Operational employees play a pivotal role in delivering superior service quality to customers or converting aggrieved customers into satisfied and loyal ones. However, high workforce turnover rate, especially on operational level employees has been one of the most pressing issues of the global hotel industry. Managing staff turnover to improve retention can lead to better recruitment, lower costs, improved morale and a better knowledge base. Turnover fluctuates with economic cycles and during a recession, for example, often falls. This may disguise underlying problems (such as dissatisfied staff or lack of new talent), so it is important to manage the underlying factors relating to turnover, even though turnover itself may not always be a problem. This study, the sampling frame is the listing of five, four and three star hotels in Tehran, Iran and the task at hand is to determine the precise listing and directly.

Keywords: White-collar, Propensity to leave, Job satisfaction, Self-esteem, Perceived career advancement, Empowerment