9143 research outputs found
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Teachers’ understanding of the CEFR-aligned English language curriculum implementation through the cascade training
Full text linkIn 2016, the CEFR-aligned English language curriculum for secondary schools in Malaysia was introduced, and it will complete its first cycle in 2025. The implementation of the curriculum has revealed significant disparities in teacher understanding, cascade training effectiveness, and curriculum implementation. Being qualitative in nature, this study employs narrative inquiry to explore the understanding and implementation of the curriculum among eight English language teachers who are also the heads of the English language panels in their respective schools. The study explores the extent of English teachers’ understanding of the English language curriculum, the effectiveness of the cascade training and the implementation of the lessons post-cascade training. The study further provides recommendations for the improvement of training and classroom practices. The data on teachers’ understanding, interpretation and the delivery of the curriculum was obtained through the articulation of their experiences via open-ended interviews, guided reflections, and document analysis which were then analysed thematically. The findings of the study revealed a varied spectrum of understanding among teachers. While some teachers were able to integrate the principles of CEFR-aligned English language curriculum in their lesson planning, activity design, and English lesson implementation. The findings also indicate that there are teachers who have yet to understand the implementation of this curriculum. The mixed results of this study, which reflect both successes and challenges, may be closely linked to the effectiveness of the cascade training attended by the teachers. This study also found that teacher-centred teaching practices and exam-oriented instruction are still present in the implementation of the curriculum, although their application remains limited. This study has provided several recommendations for conducting teacher training and implementing curriculum guidelines more effectively, in line with the English language curriculum based on constructive theory and the action-oriented approach
Industry 4.0 technologies on supply chain resilience : insights from logistics and supply chain perspectives in Penang
Full text linkThe adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies is transforming supply chain operations by enhancing efficiency, automation, and resilience. However, logistics and supply chain firms in Penang, Malaysia, face challenges in implementing key technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data Analytics, Robotics, and Blockchain. Limited adoption, high costs, and cybersecurity risks hinder digital transformation, affecting supply chain resilience. This study examines the role of Industry 4.0 technologies in strengthening supply chain resilience, focusing on key enablers and challenges. Using a quantitative approach, data was collected from 254 firms in the logistics and supply chain sector. Findings show that IoT and AI improve visibility and predictive analytics, robotics enhances operational efficiency, Big Data supports strategic planning, and Blockchain strengthens security and transparency. However, adoption barriers remain a concern. The researcher highlights the need for strategic collaboration among businesses, policymakers, and technology providers to facilitate Industry 4.0 adoption. These insights provide a foundation for companies to enhance digital transformation strategies, ensuring a more resilient and competitive supply chai
ICT awareness as a moderator in enhancing performance through information quality, innovation, attitude, and trust in Malaysian SMEs
Full text linkSmall and Medium Enterprise (SME) is crucial to economic and social development in both developed and emerging economies like Malaysia. However, research on SME’s performance in Malaysia, particularly regarding the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), remains limited. This study seeks to address this gap by examining the factors influencing SME’s performance in Malaysia, with a focus on the role of ICT. The primary objective of this study is to examine on ICT awareness in moderating the relationship between SME’s performance and its key determinants, including information quality, innovation, attitude, and trust. To achieve this goal, a structured survey methodology was used to collect data from a diverse group of SME’s owners and IT managers across various regions of Peninsular Malaysia, including the Northern, Central (Klang Valley), Southern, and East Coast regions. Respondents were selected using a non-proportional stratified random sampling method, ensuring representative data collection. This study tested five hypotheses on SME’s performance and used a survey to measure the impact of six variables; information quality, innovation, attitude, trust, ICT awareness, and SME’s performance. A total of 538 questionnaires were distributed using a self-administered method, yielding 384 complete responses and a 71% response rate. The findings reveal significant relationships between the variables (information quality, innovation, attitude, trust, ICT awareness) and SME’s performance in Malaysia. Additionally, the research highlights the crucial role of ICT awareness as a moderator in the relationship between these variables and SME’s performance. In summary, this study enhances our understanding of the factors influencing SME’s performance in Malaysia, emphasising the crucial role of ICT awareness as a moderator. Its implications benefit both theory and practice, providing valuable insights for policymakers, SME’s owners, and IT managers
The impact of organizational culture on employee performance of logistics sector at Selangor, Malaysia
Full text linkIn today’s competitive business landscape, both private and public organizations strive to optimize resources to enhance performance and remain sustainable. Organizational culture plays a vital role in shaping employee behaviour, motivation, and productivity. A wellestablished organizational culture fosters clarity, direction, and engagement among employees, which is critical in the logistics industry where precision, speed, and efficiency are essential. This study investigates the impact of organizational culture, measured through four dimensions: power distance, individualism, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity, on employee performance within the logistics sector in Selangor, Malaysia. A quantitative method was applied using a structured questionnaire distributed online to employees in selected logistics firms. A total of 217 responses were analysed using SPSS software. The findings revealed that individualism, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity have a significant positive relationship with employee performance. However, power distance did not show a statistically significant influence. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how organizational culture shapes employee outcomes and provides practical implications for logistics companies aiming to enhance performance through cultural alignmen
The impact of the theory of planned behavior model on employees' acceptance towards workforce diversity in Malaysia Islamic Financial Institution
Full text linkThis study investigates the factors influencing employee acceptance of workforce diversity in Islamic Financial Institution in Malaysia. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the research focuses on three independent variables attitude toward diversity, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and one additional predictor of perceived organizational support to enhance the model’s explanatory power, and examines their relationship with the dependent variable, employee acceptance. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from employees in Islamic banking institutions. The findings reveal significant relationships between these psychological and organizational constructs and employee acceptance, providing empirical insights to support inclusive workplace practices rooted in both behavioral theory and Islamic ethical values. This research contributes to the literature on diversity management within Islamic banking and informs strategies to foster inclusive work environments in Malaysia’s Islamic finance secto
Pengaruh beban kerja dan persekitaran kerja terhadap tekanan kerja dalam kalangan paramedik di daerah Machang Kelantan
No full textThis study aimed to examine the influence of workload and work environment on job stress among paramedics in Machang district, Kelantan. Paramedics play a vital role in the healthcare system by providing critical pre-hospital emergency care, yet they often face unique challenges, particularly in rural areas. This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design involving paramedic respondents working at Machang Hospital and five health clinics in Machang district. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire measuring three main variables: workload (quantitative, qualitative, and contextual dimensions), work environment (physical, psychosocial, and organizational dimensions), and job stress (psychological, physical, and behavioral manifestations). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS. Findings revealed that the overall level of job stress among paramedics was moderate with psychological manifestations recording the highest level. Contextual workload recorded the highest level, while physical work environment recorded the lowest level. Surprisingly, inferential analysis showed no significant relationship between workload and job stress, nor between work environment and job stress. The multiple regression model was also non-significant, and no significant differences were found based on demographic factors. These findings challenge conventional job stress theories and indicate the need to develop models specific to the context of paramedics in rural Malaysia. This study suggests further research using mixed methods and longitudinal designs, as well as developing instruments more suitable for local contexts. Practical implications include the need for mental health support programs, improvement of physical work environments, and development of specific policies for paramedics in rural areas
The relationship between work-family conflict, transformational leadership and job performance in an internet company in Beijing, China
Full text linkThis study explores the relationship between work-family conflict (WFC), transformational leadership (TL), and job performance (JP) among employees in an internet company in Beijing, China. In the unique high-pressure environment of China’s internet industry, the “big-small week” schedule—where employees work five days one week and six days the next, with the cycle repeating and no overtime pay—significantly contributes to work-family conflict (WFC), which may influence employee performance. Leadership style, particularly transformational leadership, is also recognized as a key factor in shaping employee outcomes. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using stratified random sampling, yielding 171 valid responses from 300 employees. Established measurement scales were adopted to assess WFC, TL, and JP (including task performance and contextual performance). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, including reliability testing, correlation, and multiple regression analyses. The findings revealed that both WFC and TL show significant positive relationships with job performance. Interestingly, in this high-pressure internet work context, a higher level of WFC was associated with stronger job performance, indicating a unique dynamic in such environments. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the unexpected positive link between WFC and JP, while reaffirming the importance of transformational leadership. Practical implications suggest thatorganizations should balance workload demands with leadership practices that inspire and motivate employees to perform effectivel
A security mechanism for routing protocol of low-power and lossy networks against rank in IOT environment
No full textThe Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of interconnected smart devices that facilitate real-time communication. These devices, including sensors and smart systems, rely on Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), which are inherently constrained in resources, posing significant security challenges. The Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL) is the primary routing protocol in such networks; however, its structural characteristics make it susceptible to security threats, necessitating robust protection measures. RPLs core operations are governed by the objective function (OF), which influences routing decisions. Conventional OFs, rely on single-metric evaluation, fixed rank computation, and lack security provisions. These limitations degrade network performance and resilience against adversarial threats. This research addresses the security vulnerabilities inherent in RPL due to the deficiencies of conventional OF. This research proposes a security-enhanced mechanism, integrating mitigation and detection schemes, to counteract Rank Attacks (RA) in smart environments. Thus, enhance network integrity, ensuring reliable and secure data transmission in IoT networks. The proposed security mechanism uses a multi-metric OF to enhance rank integrity and detect malicious activities. Implemented in the Cooja simulator, it undergoes extensive evaluation. A comparative analysis with conventional OF, including OF0 and MRHOF, as well as existing scheme, highlights its effectiveness in improving network security. Experimental evaluations demonstrate significant improvements in network performance. Results indicate a 62% enhancement in packet delivery ratio, a 91% increase in throughput, a 77% reduction in hop count, and a 92% decrease in latency. This confirms the efficacy of the proposed approach in strengthening RPL security and optimizing IoT communication networks. The study contributes to IoT security by introducing a more resilient RPL mechanism capable of mitigating RA. By improving power efficiency, reducing security vulnerabilities, and enhancing key network performance indicators, this research ensures a more robust and scalable IoT performance, supporting widespread deployment in smart application
The moderating role of supervisor support on the relationship between workload and work-life balance
Full text linkThis study examines the moderating role of supervisor support in the relationship between workload and work-life balance (WLB) within the Malaysian manufacturing sector, where employees often face heavy workloads, long hours, and limited flexibility, threatening their ability to maintain a healthy personal–professional balance. Grounded in the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) and Social Exchange Theory (SET) frameworks, supervisor support emotional, instrumental, and practical—was explored as a potential buffer against workload’s negative effects. A quantitative approach was adopted, using a structured questionnaire distributed across various departments, yielding 237 valid responses. Data were analysed with SPSS Version 26, employing descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, reliability testing, normality assessment, correlation, multiple regression, and moderation analysis. Results revealed a significant negative relationship between workload and WLB, supporting JD-R theory’s proposition that excessive job demands erode well-being. Supervisor support showed a significant positive direct effect on WLB; however, its moderating role produced an unexpected negative interaction, suggesting the protective influence diminishes under intense workload and may be more effective as a direct resource. This finding challenges SET’s assumption of reciprocal support under pressure, indicating that in high-demand contexts, support may be perceived as micromanagement or constrained by organizational culture. Theoretically, the study refines JD-R and SET applications by highlighting the complexity of support mechanisms under strain. Practically, it underscores the need for workload management strategies, regular assessments, and targeted supervisor training in empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence. These insights offer both theoretical contributions and actionable guidance for fostering sustainable employee well-being in demanding manufacturing environments
Exploring the role of attitude in shaping young consumers intention to use self-service kiosks in quick service restaurants
Full text linkThe adoption of self-service kiosks in quick service restaurants is reshaping the way consumers interact with service technologies. Despite their operational benefits, young consumers may still hesitate to use these systems due to varying perceptions. This study investigates how perceived ease of use, perceived value, and perceived enjoyment influence users’ attitudes, and in turn, their intention to use SSKs. The research targets students at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), who frequently engage with such technologies. A quantitative method was employed using a structured online survey, and data from 214 students were analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results indicate that perceived ease of use and perceived enjoyment significantly shape young consumers’ attitudes, which in turn strongly drive their intention to use self-service kiosks. However, perceived value was not a significant predictor of attitude in this context. These findings suggest that enhancing usability and emotional engagement may be more effective strategies than focusing on functional value alone. This study offers practical guidance for QSR operators and designers to prioritize intuitive, enjoyable experiences that resonate with younger user