Vol. 4, Issue 2, 2013

Article 1: Determining critical factors of location choice of cross-border merger and acquisition: the case of Chinese firms
By: Feng Zhang and Guohua Jiang, USA

Article 2: Influence of customer satisfaction on service quality and trust relationship in Malaysian rural tourism
By: Zahir Osman and Ilham Sentosa, Malaysia

Article 3: Finance and corporate governance in sporting sector
By: Bernard Mnzava, Tanzania

Article 4: Impact of capital structure on investor behaviour and performance firms in Pakistan
By: Aamir Farooq, Abdul Jabbar Ahsan, Kush Bakhat Umer, Asma Irum and Madiha Latif, Pakistan

Article 5: Relationship between organizational culture and job satisfaction based on Denison Model
By: Sayyed Mohsen Allameh and Ahmad Reza Akhavan Sarraf, Iran

Article 6: Challenges in developing Baitul Maal Wat Tamwil (BMT) in Indonesia using analytic network process (ANP)
By: Aam S. Rusydiana and Abrista Devi, Indonesia

Vol.4 Issue 1, 2013

Article 1: Determinants and outcomes of strategic orientations: Empirical evidence from multilevel marketing (MLM) industry of Malaysia

By: Leila Radmand and Shamsuddin Mukhtaram

The purpose of this study is primarily to examine the effects of the top management behaviour on the levels of pre-purchase satisfaction and the service profit chain of MLM companies. The sampling size was 453 independent distributors of 25 MLM companies. This study has provided empirical evidence to the argument that strategic orientations are crucial towards the pre-purchase satisfaction and the service profit chain of MLM companies. In particular, market orientation was found to have significant impacts on pre-purchase satisfaction, internal customer orientation, employee motivation and customer commitment. Additionally, pre-purchase satisfaction was found to have significant relationships with customer commitment.

Keywords: Top management behaviour, pre-purchase satisfaction; service profit chain, multilevel marketing, Malaysia

Article 2: Job seekers, recruitment managers and employment agencies in Australia: A fractured triumvirate

By: PJ Davis

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature and extent of corporate recruitment managers’ dissatisfaction with the services of private employment agencies they contract for search and selection help. The research finds that the form of recruitment managers’ dissatisfaction relates to various aspects of service such as the quality of candidates recommended by agencies and communication. The relationship between the client (recruitment manager) and the provider (employment agency) is a further source of dissatisfaction. The extent of dissatisfaction varies between moderate and significant depending on the particular issue. The research also only canvasses the views of recruitment managers and not their agency counterparts and so only one perspective on the dynamics of the relationship is heard. The practical implications of the research is that there is significant opportunity for client and agency to improve their working relationship so that expectations are more clearly understood and communication is more productive.

Keywords: Job seekers, recruitment managers, employment agencies, Australia

Article 3: Leadership and risk-taking propensity among entrepreneurs in Malaysia

By: Ahmad Fadhly Arhman and Norhayati Sulaiman

The objectives of this paper are twofold. First, the author intends to explore on the form of leadership behaviours being practiced by leaders of SMEs in Malaysia. Second, this paper aims to explore on their risk-taking propensity. Based on semi-structured interviews among owners and top manager of SMEs, it was found that leaders of SMEs in Malaysia practice both transformational and transactional leadership. Leaders of SMEs in Malaysia also display more frequently the attributes of transformational leadership than transactional leadership. The interview data also revealed that leaders of SMEs in Malaysia are willing to take risks. They understand that being a risk taker supplements the entrepreneurs’ level of innovativeness and proactiveness because without the dimension of risk-taking, it is very difficult for the entrepreneurial firms to invest heavily into the R&D and becoming the pioneers in the marketplace. This study is among the first to examine the type of leadership behaviours and risk-taking propensity of entrepreneurs in Malaysia from a qualitative perspective.

Keywords: Leadership behaviours, risk-taking, SMEs, Malaysia

Article 4: Human factors challege in entrepreneurship development: An explorative study in a developing economy context

By: Jocelyn Sacke, Mohammed-Aminu Sanda and Ylva Faltholm

This study explored the barriers to entrepreneurial development in Ghana with the aim of building a knowledge base for successful entrepreneurship development initiatives in a developing economy context. This is based on the observations that different governments in Ghana have over the years initiated several entrepreneurship development programmes, whose functionalities appeared constrained towards the provision of the requisite support that could have lend to entrepreneurial growth. An exploratory approach was used with both retrospective and qualitative data collected through a survey. The results showed that the functionalities of the numerous schemes initiated to support individual entrepreneurs’ growth were constrained due to the inherent constraints in the design of the guiding frameworks for such schemes. The study also showed that the several policies and structures initiated differently by various governments since Ghana’s independence in March 1959 could not help enhance entrepreneurial development, because the entrepreneurial environment created for entrepreneurship development was not very friendly to the individual entrepreneurs, It is concluded that, in the developing economy context, such as the Ghanaian setting, entrepreneurial success does not solely depend on how entrepreneurship is institutionally structured, but also on the policy-makers’ understanding of the ingrained characteristics of the individual entrepreneurs. By implication, the study provides learning on the need to bridge the distance that exist between the designers/implementers of entrepreneurship development policies/frameworks and the individual entrepreneurs (humans)

Keywords: Entrepreneurs; entrepreneurship development; entrepreneurial policy; entrepreneurial framework; developing economy; Ghana

Article 5: Creating business ethical codes based on organizational values

By: Ahmad Reza Akhavan Sarraf, Sayeed Mohsen Allameh, and Ali Pishbin

Nowadays no one can ignore the importance of culture and morality, in as much as there is no clear-cut boundaries/limitation for them. The creation of a sound culture in an organization leads to its improvement in many other aspects, so the need to concentrate on culture and morality is increasingly becoming the matter of concern. Bearing in mind that concentration on ethical codes in an organization can cause professional moralization; this paper aims to create the ethical codes based on organizational values, and further analyze them to provide practical solutions on how to easily implement these codes

Keywords: Moral, ethics, professional ethics, value, organization value, ethical codes

Article 6: Malaysian employees' perception pertaining to telework

By: Farzana Quoquab, Lim Chui Seong and Haider Ali Malik

The present research attempts to gain deeper understanding of Malaysian employees’ perception pertaining to telework. Telephone and face-to-face interview generated 37 responses which revealed that mostly teleworking was viewed positively by the respondents. However, less team cohesiveness and socialization, lack of infrastructural support and direct supervision, and less control over the employees were mostly cited drawbacks in adopting telework. On the other hand, avoidance of traffic jam, reduced travelling time, saving cost, maintaining work and family life balance, increased productivity, trust, commitment and job satisfaction were mentioned as the benefits of telework. To avail these opportunities, it is indeed important for the Malaysian organizations to embrace this innovative work arrangement. However, the hindrance associated with telework is needed to be tackled with care. This study is among the pioneer in understanding the problems and prospects of telework adoption in Malaysia from a qualitative perspective which calls for more research to conduct in this field.

Keywords: Telework, employee perception, challenges and opportunities, Malaysia

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

Vol. 2, No.4, 2011

Article 1: Learning towards enabling work-family life balance for female professionals in Ghanian organisations
By: Majoreen Aryeetey, Frank Yaw Yeboah and Mohammed-Aminu Sanda

The purpose of this study is to identify the challenges inhibiting professional female employees from maintaining good work-life balances, and also to develop a framework that organizations can use to understand such gender-oriented challenges towards the design of alternative work arrangements to enhance the retention of professional female employees. An exploratory approach was used with data collected through a survey. The study revealed that conflicts between work and non-work obligations, such as family responsibilities, are sources of stress which could motivate professional female employees to quit their jobs. Flextime, compressed workweeks and telecommuting were also identified as the most preferred types of alternative work arrangements. It is concluded that many professional female employees in Ghana have knowledge of work flexibility initiatives, such as alternative work arrangements, but these are not practiced effectively in their organizations. It is recommended that organizations adopt appropriate alternative work arrangements as a motivational tool to help retain their professional female employees, not only to improve the quality of their work-life balance, but also to enhance their productivity in their organizations.
Keywords: Alternative work arrangements, work-family life balance, employee retention, Ghanaian female professionals.

Article 2: High performance workforce: The influence of emotional intelligence and soft skills
By: Noorlaila Yunus, and Noormala Amir Ishak

The primary cause of leadership failure in business organization today is poor interpersonal skills. Especially technicians promoted into leadership positions without much thought as to their readiness or suitability for leading people. These managers fail due to underdeveloped soft skills and lack of emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence is about knowing how to manage inter-intra personal relationships successfully. In order to get on in the work place you need to know your own strengths and weaknesses, your own true beliefs and then you need to know those of other people in order to get on with them and motivate them to produce the best work they possibly can. The ‗soft‘ leadership principles are the major factor in what makes a high-performance team or organization. A manager needs to know how to perceive their staff and they need to be able to trust you.
Keywords: Emotional intelligence, soft skills, work place, human resource management, work performance and leaders.

Article 3: Revisiting and referining the concept of retakaful and the viability on its model in Malaysian takaful industry
By: Rosmi Yuhasni Mohamed Yusuf

This paper aims to explore the concept of retakaful or Islamic reinsurance in Malaysia in the light of a dynamic development of the takaful and retakaful industry which is gaining its momentum all around the world especially in the Islamic countries. The first part of this paper would concentrate on the basic shari‟ah principles which govern the transaction of retakaful and explanation on the importance of retakaful as a fardhu kifayah in Malaysia. The second part would deal with the basic mechanism, basis and methods of retakaful available which are similar to the one in conventional reinsurance. The last part of this paper would be focusing on the issue of choosing the most viable operating models that conforms to the shariah principles and the arguments on a few issues relating to the operational models based on a different school of thoughts within the circle of Islamic scholars.
Keywords: Retakaful, reinsurance, shariah, Malaysian takaful industry

Article 4: The study of records management competencies by applying kappa coefficient in coding process for inter-coder reliability
By: Asmadi Mohammad Ghazali, Rusnah Johare and Mohamad Noorman Masrek

This study was started with the aim of exploring records management competencies for records managers in Malaysian federal ministries. The data collection methods consist of unstructured interviews, content analyses and on-line focus groups discussions. In order to identify themes and pattern of qualitative data from these methods, transcription and categorization process has been addressed by executing manifest and latent coding. The study has used NVivo8 for coding process and the input of inter-coder responses has been converted into specific tables in Microsoft Excel. 852 statements have been examined by two inter-coders by evaluating the degree of reliability and consistency of coding process by using Kappa Coefficient. Keywords: Content analysis, inter-coder, reliability, records management competencies, Kappa Coefficient.

Article 5: Non-tariff barriers in Malaysia's agricultural sector
By: Azlina Hanif and Rokiah Alavi

The present paper describes the incidence of non-tariff measures in the country’s agricultural sector from 1978 to 2007. The level of NTB protection is then measured using the frequency method. The measurements reveal that the level of protection has generally increased over the years. Significant increases in the protection level are observed in 1987 and 2004. Despite being a developing country, the trend of agricultural NTB protection appears to be similar to the trend of protection in developed market economies that provide significant protection to their agricultural sectors.
Keywords: Trade restriction, non-tariff barriers, agriculture, measurement of NTBs, developing country

Article 6: Disable facilities in shopping malls: Malaysian perspective
By: Ahmad Ezanee Hashim, Faridah Ismail, Murni Akida, Zarina Isnin, Khalil Natasha, and Mardhati Abdul Rahim

This paper identifies the level of satisfaction on present facilities provided in shopping malls in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Literature review, data collection on case study access audit, selected interviews and questionnaires combined with details from observations and photographs were used to explore on how to achieve friendly and accessible spaces for all. The audit examined predetermination designed criteria against existing building to measure the suitability and appropriateness of the building to people with sensory disabilities and mental disabilities. Findings revealed that weaknesses found are caused by poor design and planning, lack of enforcement on policies and limited guidelines. Recommendations for the future are highlighted with options and proposed guidelines in respect to the person with disabilities (PWDs) need. The finding has provided a benchmark for consultants, local authorities and those who have interest in local built environment.
Keywords: Accessibility, facilities; person with disabilities (pwds);, shopping malls, Malaysia

Article 7: Readiness towards outcome-based education in business management programs
By: Sariwati Md Shariff, Noryati Ahmad, Mashita Mohamed Isa and Shatina Saad

The main objective of this study was to determine the readiness level among academics towards outcome-based education (OBE) implementation for business management degree programs in a local public institution of higher learning. The secondary objective was to determine the new students’ perceptions towards OBE implementation in the faculty in July 2010. Two different survey questionnaires using 5-point Likert scale were distributed to these two groups at the end of the semester. Findings of the study revealed that there was an average OBE awareness and compliance level among the academic staff. Based on the students’ feedback, there was weak awareness on OBE that emphasized on student-centered learning. The results were expected as this was the first phase of the OBE curriculum implementation. Implications of the study showed that there were areas for continual improvement to further promote and enhance understanding and awareness on OBE among the staff and students; as well as to enforce and strengthen OBE implementation for the coming Part Two semester in January 2011. This is particularly important so as to achieve the planned program educational objectives, program and course outcomes in the new OBE curriculum design as enforced by the university and Malaysian Qualifications Agency.
Keywords: Outcome-based education, student-centered learning, curriculum design, learning outcomes

Article 8: Are public sector power supply organisations public-centered in developing countries? Servqual investigation
By: Warda Shahid Hamid, Mubashir Ayyaz, Adnan Raza, Muhammad Kashif, and Sitwal Langrial

The study aims to investigate perceived service quality of Pakistan's only public sector power services provider. Primary data is collected from 300 randomly selected power supply consumers who visited different local places, during a two-month data collection period. The respondents were asked to fill in a questionnaire carrying 22 items based on SERVQUAL dimensions; reliability, tangibility, assurance, responsiveness, and empathy. There are major deficiencies noted in the service provision of GEPCO however, the SERVQUAL proved to be reliable when applied to measure the service quality of public sector organization. The scope of this research is limited to a single unit of power supply services which can be justified by considering the uniqueness of idea to investigate the service quality of power supply service as it has been initiated for the first time in Pakistani context. The study contributes theoretically towards successful application of SERVQUAL to public sector organizations operating in a developing country and will also help the local authorities in improving the service quality of country‟s major power supply company.
Keywords: Service quality, public sector, customer satisfaction, Pakistan.

Article 9: Human resource model based on Islamic values in sharia banking
By: Popy Novita Pasaribu, Musa Hubies, E. Gumbira Sa'id and Aji Hermawan

The objective of this study was to determine the model of human resources (HR) based on Islamic values. This study took place in sharia banking in Indonesia which were Bank Muamalat Indonesia (BMI) and BNI Syariah. Data analysis used for this study was Stuctural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique. Islamic values had significant and positive effect on the meaning of prayer, corporate culture, job satisfaction and organization commitment. Concentration, understanding, respect, fear and admiration, indicated the meaning of prayer that were valid and reliable provided a significant contribution directly to the formation of corporate culture, job satisfaction and organization commitment. The corporate culture had significant and positive impact on job satisfaction and organization commitment. Job satiscation gave positive and significant influence towards organization commitment. Result of comparative analysis showed that at BMI Islamic values significantly influenced the other four variables, likewise the other relations. Whilst BNI Syariah, meaning of prayer did not influence significantly corparate culture and job satisfaction did not give considerable affect on organization commitment.
Keywords : Islamic values, the meaning of prayer, corporate culture, job satisfaction, organization commitment.

Article 10: Geographical information systems approach for managing the business lifetime value of retailer business: A case of halal mini market in Seberang Perai, Penang, Malaysia
By: Abdul Manaf Bohari, Ruslan Rainis and Malliga Marimuthu

The paper is purposely for demonstrate GIS platform for visualized the location of Halal business and it’s potential customer. Arcview Software will be used to establish based line of map where it will represent location of Halal business and it customers. Meanwhile, Halal Mini Market in Seberang Perai Tengah, Penang of Malaysia will be used as main reference for creating the basic map. The results shows that GIS has potential become a main platform for understanding how the Halal business will survive in the real marketplace. At the end, suggestion will be made on how to improvise the use of GIS platform for better estimates on lifetime value of Halal mini market business in the geographical marketplace where it will contribute to the Halal retailing sector in Malaysia.
Keywords: Geographical information systems, business lifetime value, halal mini market, Malaysia

Article 11: Developing salam-based financing product: A case study an Indonesian Islamic rural bank
By: M. Andhita Putri and Miranti Kartika Dewi

This study explains the practice of salam financing in BPRSDana Mulia, the only Islamic bank in Indonesia which possesses salam-based financingcontract since 2010. This study will also analyzed the contract’s compliance to Fatwa DSN-MUI No.05/DSN-MUI/IV/2000 concerning salam contract and to PSAK No. 103 concerning Accounting for Salam. The result shows that in some aspects, the salam-basedfinancing product practiced by BPRS Dana Mulia have complied to the fatwa. However, there are certain rooms for improvement which have to be made, especially those which related to modifications made by the BPRS, such as in margin and settlement of the contract which we consider not suitable to the Islamic teachings. This study also suggests some structures which can make the salam-based financing products in accordance to the fatwa. Additionally, this study cannot perform comparative analysis between the bank’s current accounting practice and PSAK 103 as it still used PAPSI 2003 and PSAK No. 59 as its reference in preparing its financial statements.
Keywords: Salam contract, financing, Islamic bank, fatwa, DSN-MUI, accounting.