Journal of Nusantara Studies (JONUS) (Journal of UniSZA - Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin)
Not a member yet
422 research outputs found
Sort by
Instrument validation of website quality to attract donation
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: With the increasing scarcity of funds in Malaysia, effectively soliciting donations is crucial for the sustainability of non-profit organisations (NPOs). Many NPOs face challenges in raising sufficient funds to implement meaningful projects for societal benefit. The exploration of online factors influencing user decision-making on NPO websites has been slow to develop locally, partly due to limited interest in this area. To address this gap, it is imperative to develop a robust research instrument to identify key variables that drive users' interest in donating through NPO websites. This study was therefore conducted to identify and define the relevant variables and items for such an instrument.
Methodology: The study collected 269 responses from ten popular NPO website users. Their responses were recorded using the five-point Likert Scale questionnaire, ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. First, the study conducted a content validity test and a pre-test. The sample size was determined based on the SEM requirement. Finally, the responses were analysed using pooled confirmatory factor analysis to determine the instrument's reliability and validity.
Findings: Only seven variables were retained after the validity and reliability analysis, 43 out of 74 items. The result indicated that only information, system, service quality, perceived ease of use, and trust are relevant for the NPO to meet website user satisfaction and influence their decision to donate.
Contributions: The findings are essential as a guideline for developing a website that meets user preferences. The result also contributed to the website quality literature for the non-profit sector.
Keywords: Website quality, trust, satisfaction, non-profit organisation, technology acceptance model
A historical perspective of trade liberalisation dynamics in Bangladesh: Impacts of natural calamity risk, gross domestic product, foreign exchange reserve, relative price and tariff on import demand
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: After trade liberalisation, Bangladesh faced a crisis of trade imbalance. Therefore, trade liberalisation is considered the driving force behind the crisis. To investigate this historical allegation, this study aims to analyse the factors that determined Bangladesh's post-trade liberalisation aggregate import demand function.
Methodology: Based on quarterly data from the trade liberalisation period to reaching the economic stability period, 1992Q1 - 2007Q4, an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration and an error correction model (ECM) had been utilised to estimate the impacts of natural calamities, gross domestic product, foreign exchange reserve, relative price, and tariff on Bangladesh's aggregate import demand.
Findings: Empirical results revealed that the natural calamity is identified to be nonresponsive to the nation's aggregate import demand both in the short and long run. This indicates that Bangladesh can meet the natural crisis-related demand without influencing its aggregate import demand. Results also revealed that the import volume of Bangladesh is cointegrated with the relative import price, actual GDP and actual foreign exchange reserve of the country. The country's import demand can largely be described by its real GDP, which is inversely associated with the relative price ratio in the long run. The long-run association between import demand and tariff rate indicates that trade liberalisation has a significant positive impact on the country's aggregate import demand and actual foreign exchange reserve, as explained by the reduction in tariff rate.
Contribution: This study's empirical findings would have considerable implications for developing countries like Bangladesh and the relevant business stakeholders' trade policies, particularly in how they should respond to unpredictable scenarios caused by factors such as natural calamities, foreign exchange reserves, and tariffs.
Keywords: Natural calamity, import demand, foreign exchange reserve, gross domestic product, tariff, trade liberalisation, Bangladesh
Implementing monetary policy with application of Sukuk: challenges and policy directions
Get PDFEach market economy uses monetary policy to attain certain macroeconomic goals of price stability, higher growth and employment. A market economy having an interest-based conventional banking system applies mainly interest-based tools to attain the objectives of monetary policy. In contrast, a market economy with interest-based and interest-free banking needs to apply Shariah-compliant monetary instruments vis-à-vis conventional tools for attaining the goals of the monetary policy. As there is a paucity of quality research on Sukuk-based monetary policy, the current paper will explore Shariah compliant monetary instrument ‘Sukuk’ for use as a monetary tool in dual banking, examining experiences of Shariah-based monetary operations in different countries. The paper will also examine the challenges of monetary policy operating in the dual banking system of Bangladesh with policy options for addressing the challenges.
Keywords: Dual banking system, monetary policy, Shariah based monetary operations, Sukuk, Qard-al-Hasan
Climate change risk for sustainability: The implication on financial and environment, social and governance reporting
Get PDFThis study examines the impact of climate change risk on financial reporting and the disclosure of non-financial information related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. It also extends the analysis to the use of assurance standards to ensure the credibility of ESG reporting. Drawing upon professional and industry reports, as well as academic research, this study utilises data from 2019 to 2020 to assess the current state of ESG reporting and its implications. The findings reveal the significant influence of climate change risk on financial reporting, highlighting the need for auditors to incorporate these risks into financial statement audits. Moreover, the inclusion of non-financial information, such as ESG or sustainability reporting, has become integral to corporate reporting, as stakeholders increasingly rely on such information to inform investment and decision-making processes. By exploring the interplay between climate change risk and financial reporting, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of ESG frameworks, guidelines, and standards companies adopt when preparing sustainability reports for their stakeholders. The study demonstrates that adopting sustainable reporting practices enhances a company’s trustworthiness among stakeholders. It also emphasises the need for further research into current ESG practices, the application of accounting standards, and stakeholder acceptance to advance sustainability efforts. This research provides valuable insights into improving the effectiveness and reliability of ESG reporting in the context of climate change risk.
Keywords: Sustainable reporting, environment, climate change, audit, ESG framework
Evolution of fraud related theories: A theoretical review
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) in their report projected that over 4.5 trillion dollars are globally lost due to fraud, with individual organizations losing about 5 per cent of their revenues to fraud annually. Thus, organizations need to understand what contributes to fraud from an individual to organizational perspective, so that strategies to mitigate fraud are formulated. The objective of this paper is to identify various fraud-related theories used in research and their evolution. Subsequently, this study tries to identify the most commonly used fraud theory, approach and unit of analysis.
Methodology: This paper employed a systematic review process and the name of the theory was used as the keyword in the Scopus database to identify papers that discussed the theories. A total of 342 papers were initially identified and analysed after which repeated papers were eliminated. Following this, 39 most recent papers were further analysed to identify the most common theories, research approaches and units of analysis, used in fraud research.
Findings: The analysis found that fraud theories comprised of theories discussing individual factors and organizational factors, which contribute to fraud. The findings further reveal that the Fraud Triangle Theory is the most frequently applied theory in fraud research, where quantitative approach is most adopted with individuals as a unit of analysis.
Contributions: This paper contributes to the growing interest in the study related to fraud by providing a comprehensive analysis of theories related to fraud by bringing together most commonly used theories in fraud research.
Keywords: Fraud theories, theoretical review, social control theory, theory of reasoned action, theory of planned behaviour
Effects of entrepreneurial quality towards new venture creation: A multiple case study of successful new ventures in e-commerce in Malaysia
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: Over the past three decades, research on entrepreneurship has garnered significant attention, primarily focusing on new venture creation and the processes underpinning quality entrepreneurial growth. However, studies have largely overlooked e-commerce ventures as a critical aspect of the psychology of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs, as central figures in this domain, play a pivotal role in establishing new ventures, driven by specific personality traits, cognition, and motivation. This study aims to explore the impact of these factors on the creation of e-commerce ventures in Malaysia.
Methodology: This qualitative study employed a multiple case study approach, with data collected through interviews conducted with 12 e-commerce entrepreneurs between May 2013 and December 2014.
Findings: The findings revealed that seven key personality traits—creativity, risk-taking, inspiration, autonomy, tolerance for ambiguity, diligence and persistence, and optimism—significantly influence the creation of e-commerce ventures. Cognitive factors, including personal background and experiences, alongside both internal and external motivational drivers, were also instrumental in fostering entrepreneurial ventures and business development. Internal motivation stemmed from the need for achievement and personal interest, while external motivation was bolstered through interactions and networking with family members, customers, and industry players.
Contributions: This study highlights the importance of recognizing personality traits, cognitive factors, and motivational drivers in promoting entrepreneurial activities in Malaysia. It is recommended that the Malaysian government foster entrepreneurship by identifying and supporting individuals with these qualities to enhance the creation of new ventures, thereby contributing to the country's economic growth. Future research should consider quantitative methods to examine the relationships between these variables and new venture creation in e-commerce.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, new venture creation, E-commerce, psychology, sociology
The effects of Islamic education on religiosity among Muallaf students in Malaysia
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: Islam is a way of life that must be practised in all areas of Muslims’ lives. Thus, Islamic education should be developed in the community of its people beginning at the early stage of childhood. Religiosity is related to the effectiveness of education obtained by a person. Muallaf is a group of people who have just embraced Islam and need to be guided and educated so that they can truly practice the teachings of Islam. This study aims to explain the effectiveness of Islamic education on the Islamic religiosity of Muallaf.
Methodology: This qualitative study used an interview approach on 25 Muallaf from five zones: the North Zone (Kedah), East Coast (Terengganu), West Coast (Selangor), South (Johor), and Sabah (East Malaysia). In addition, interviews were conducted with four figures who are directly involved in the management of Muallaf.
Findings: The study's results highlighted several aspects emphasized in the Islamic education of Muallaf, including the basics of faith, prayer education, implementation of fasting, reciting the Qur’an, and issues concerning Islamic behavior. Muallafs need to spend a certain period improving themselves as true Muslims.
Contribution: This study's results are significant in disclosing the real situation of Muallaf in Malaysia and providing information to certain parties to conduct further research.
Keywords: Islamic education, religiosity, management, Muallaf
Managing the halal food-related issues in the halal food certification process based on the concept of sadd al-dharai'
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: Sadd al-dharai' is a secondary source in Islamic law, which means blocking the means. Sadd al-dharai' is essential for Muslim jurists to deal with the Shariah issues, particularly in the halal food industry. This is because the area of the halal food industry has expanded and industrialized to accommodate the demands of Muslim society, which keeps increasing yearly. In this regard, halal-related issues are becoming complex and need Shariah clarification since much new food processing involves critical ingredients, equipment, and multi-processes, which require meticulous Shariah observation. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the extent to which the employment of the sadd al-dharai' is a credible tool adopted by Muslim jurists in dealing with the halal-related issues triggered in the halal food supply chain stage based on the halal certification process.
Methodology: This paper is qualitative, where document analysis was employed in this study to collect the data. The Malaysian fatwas, books, and physical or online articles were gathered to answer the study's objective. The data collected mostly from the years 2010 until 2020 unless the related fatwas where the fatwas are subject to their issuance year and suitability. The researchers used several keywords alternatively like ‘sadd al-dharai' in halal industry’, ‘fatwa and halal certification’, ‘food industry and Islamic law’ to find relevant articles related to this discussion on the need to investigate the employment of sadd al-dharai' in dealing with the halal-related issues triggered in the halal food supply chain stage based on the halal certification process. This study further adopted the content analysis technique, where the data was manually analysed and divided into four major themes based on the study's objective.
Findings: The study has indicated that sadd al-dharai' has its peculiar function in many aspects of the Malaysia halal certification process in Malaysia, and it could be viewed based on the two approaches, namely the establishment of the halal regulatory framework and the fatwa issuance. The principle of preventing the negative aspects must take precedence, in accordance with the rule “dar’u al mafasid muqaddam ‘ala jalb al-mashalih” adopting several preventive actions is very significant in ensuring the halal food products reach the consumers are halalan tayyibban.
Contributions: This study suggests that Muslim jurists need to consider the sadd al-dharai‘ as one of the sources of Shariah in ensuring the management of the halal certification process is efficient and in line with maqasid al-Shariah.
Keywords: Halal certification, halal food, sadd al-dharai', food safety, food ingredients
Achievement motivation among Islamic studies students and its correlation with problem-based learning and self-efficacy
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: Achievement Motivation is defined as a concept that forecasts the behavioural inclination to strive for success and performance based on a person's urge for achievement. This study aimed to examine the link between academic self-efficacy, problem-based learning (PBL), and achievement motivation among students of Islamic studies.
Methodology: This explanatory investigation used a quantitative research design. 578 undergraduate students from three institutions in Malaysia—UM, IIUM, and USIM—were chosen randomly to take part in the study. The data set was analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Additionally, an intergroup comparison analysis and the independent sample t-test were performed.
Results: The results of an independent sample t-test showed a significant difference in the mean achievement motivation scores between students of applied Islamic studies (M = 3.31, SD =.41) and those of non-applied Islamic studies (M = 3.04, SD =.38). This difference is statistically significant at t (575) = -7.94, p =.00. When ASE was controlled, PBL's influence on AchM diminished (Sobel z= 3.83, p=0.00), indicating that ASE was the mediator of the relationship between PBL and AchM. F (7, 570) = 22.42, p .0005, adj. R2 =.206, multiple regression substantially predicted ASE. The outcome demonstrates that the method used to solve problems and the kind of programs used may be effective predictors of students' academic self-efficacy in Islamic studies.
Contribution: This study concludes that achievement significantly impacts student motivation. The findings provide valuable insights for Islamic Studies departments and the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MoHE) in addressing the current challenges related to achievement motivation, aligning with the ministry's objective of enhancing students' self-efficacy. The study offers practical implications for fostering motivation among Islamic Studies students in higher education institutions.
Keywords: Achievement Motivation, Islamic studies, Problem-Based Learning (PBL), self-efficacy
The disclosure practices on Maqasid Shariah objectives among Malaysian Islamic banks using fuzzy Topsis assessment
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: The Maqasid Shariah ratio is operationalized based on Maqasid Shariah objectives. Shariah fraternity, such as scholars, investors, and customers, still assesses how the business, specifically the financial institutions, delivers Maqasid Shariah's objectives according to their business goals. Thus, this becomes a genuine concern for society, especially for users of financial information and shariah financing or investing customers, depositors, or borrowers. Therefore, this study intends to examine Islamic banks' application level of Maqasid Shariah objectives using their financial reporting data.
Methodology: The Maqasid Shariah ratio is measured based on the two objectives of Maqasid Shariah, namely Justice (Al-Adl) and Welfare (Al-Maslahah). The determinants of the Maqasid Shariah ratio as a performance score for the Shariah scale of Islamic banks are assessed using the sophisticated Fuzzy TOPSIS technique.
Findings: Malaysian Islamic banks' achievement is based on the Shariah objectives, specifically on Justice (Al-Adl) at 84.51% and Welfare (Al-Maslahah) at 67.53%. However, the top score for Malaysian Islamic banks could achieve an above-average level of 44.1% out of 70% on the overall average score on Maqasid Shariah's objectives application in their reporting practice.
Contributions: The results help improve and understand the application levels of Maqasid Shariah’s objectives and the disclosure practice of Maqasid Shariah's financial reporting for Islamic banks in Malaysia. Islamic banks need full disclosure and specific standards or provisions for reporting the Maqasid Shariah elements. This is needed to assist the users and provide insights into making the right decision, especially in Shariah-compliant investment products, financing alternatives, or services.
Keywords: Maqasid Shariah, Islamic banks, disclosure, maslahah, fuzzy TOPSIS