3127 research outputs found
Sort by
Household Financial Strain in Malaysia: Investigating the Drivers of Elevated Cost of Living
Get PDFRising living costs in Malaysia impose significant financial burdens on households and challenge economic policymaking. This study identifies and quantifies the influence of six macroeconomic variables—Population Growth Rate, Tax Rate, Import Rate, Export Rate, Income Inequality, and Lending Interest Rate—from 1993 to 2023 on the country’s cost of living. Drawing on data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) and the World Bank, we apply descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression methods to uncover long?term relationships. Our findings indicate that population growth and income inequality are positively associated with increased living costs, while fluctuations in import/export rates and adjustments in tax and lending interest rates exert varying but significant effects. These results offer robust empirical evidence of complex interdependencies, underscoring the need for targeted policy strategies—such as equitably structured taxation, inclusive growth policies, trade balance stabilization, and prudent monetary regulation—to alleviate living cost pressures. By illuminating the macroeconomic drivers of living cost dynamics in Malaysia, this study provides actionable insights for policymakers to enhance household welfare
In An Era Where Travellers are Spoiled for Choice, What Truly Keeps Them Coming Back to the Same Airline
Get PDFThe airline industry is intensely competitive, with companies constantly striving to stand out through their service quality, hospitality, and technological advancements. In this context, especially within service-based industries like airlines, building long-term customer loyalty is critical for sustainable success. This research focuses on understanding how service quality and pricing influence customer satisfaction, which in turn drives loyalty toward AirAsia Malaysia Berhad. Using the SERVQUAL, which includes five dimensions: tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy, this study examines the extent to which these factors, along with price, contribute to repeated customer preference and commitment. This study adopted a probability sampling approach, specifically using the simple random sampling technique. A total of 250 respondents were selected at random from across Malaysia using a Google Form survey distributed online. Both of the objectives, service quality (reliability) and price, are accepted for this study. However, other independent variables (tangibility, responsiveness, empathy, and assurance) do not significantly influence satisfaction. The insights gained will help AirAsia strengthen its ability to retain customers by better aligning its services and pricing with customer expectations, ultimately fostering deeper brand quality
Redefines Traditional Techniques in Batik Industry: A SWOT Analysis Approach
Get PDFThis research investigates a contemporary strategy for revitalizing Malaysia’s batik industry by introducing the Batik Pointillism Block, a modern substitute for the traditional copper batik blocks. Utilizing a focused qualitative case study alongside SWOT analysis, the study closely examines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to this product innovation. The Batik Pointillism Block, manufactured with CNC technology and heat-resistant acrylic, directly addresses persistent challenges in the sector, including high production costs, limited skilled labor, and waning interest from younger generations. Findings indicate that this new approach can enhance productivity, reduce operational expenses, and expand design versatility, thereby making batik production more accessible, particularly for B40 communities and emerging young artisans. Nonetheless, limitations persist regarding distribution, market reach, and users’ technical proficiency, which currently hinder broader adoption. The study further underscores the potential of social innovation and community-driven training initiatives in supporting both cultural preservation and economic development. From a managerial perspective, the findings suggest a clear need for structured training programs, diversified marketing strategies, sustained investment in research and development, and the formation of strategic partnerships to facilitate commercialization and scalability. Ultimately, the Batik Pointillism Block represents a sustainable and inclusive pathway for modernizing Malaysia’s batik industry while safeguarding its cultural heritage.
 
Factors Influencing Employee Retention among Oil and Gas Sector Employees based in Kuala Lumpur
Get PDFOil and gas companies are renowned for their generous compensation packages in terms of recruiting and maintaining high-quality employees. However, despite such financial incentives, employee turnover remains an intractable issue, which implies that compensation alone may not suffice. The present study explores the most important factors in maintaining employee retention among oil and gas professionals who work in Kuala Lumpur. Specifically, it examines the inter-relationships between work-life balance, work environment, and compensation and their impact on staff retention. Largely rooted in Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, the research employs a quantitative, exploratory approach and structured questionnaire completed using Google Forms. 381 participant data will be collected and examined using SPSS Version 26 to perform correlation and regression tests. The findings aim to present pragmatic suggestions to organizations seeking to enhance employee retention strategies beyond monetary compensation, emphasizing the role of intrinsic motivators and organizational culture
Employee Engagement Among Distance Learning Students in Higher Education Institutions: A Role of Job Features, Working Conditions and Perceived Support
Get PDFEmployee engagement has become a significant organizational concern in recent years and remains a top priority for employers in the globalized era. It refers to the level of commitment and participation that an employee has towards their organization and its core values. The challenging economic landscape in Malaysia during the MCO period has led many companies across various sectors to face the repercussions of employee disengagement, highlighting the need for scholarly research to develop strategies for maintaining employee engagement. Employee engagement fosters a positive mindset among staff towards their organization. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the connection between job characteristics, working environment, and perceived support on employee engagement among distance learning students in higher education institutions. A total of 115 students pursuing a bachelor's degree through distance learning at a higher education institution completed online questionnaires. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between the working conditions and job characteristics as the two independent variables. However, the analysis indicated that organizational support does not exhibit a significant positive relationship with employee engagement in the context of distance learning students. This research underscores the benefits and inspires students, as well as leaders and managers across all industries in Malaysia, to effectively leverage their workforce's capabilities, commitment, and unrecognized talent, ultimately improving business performance in the future
Appraising the Determinants of ESG towards Maqasid Shariah in Enhancing Financial Inclusion
Get PDFThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the key determinants of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors about the principles of Maqasid Shariah and their role in advancing financial inclusion. Most Islamic banks and Shariah-compliant firms have started promoting sustainability through their financing and initiatives many years ago, which puts them ahead in terms of ESG. There are still many obstacles that need to be overcome to get best results from the integration of ESG and Islamic Finance, as well as offering insights into Islamic finance models such as ESG investment from Islamic perspective, especially with regard to concepts of Maqasid Shariah, so that ESG and Maqasid Sharia can be applied in all institutions, especially Islamic banking and also Sharia-compliant firms. The integration of ESG principles within Islamic finance offers holistic framework that aligns ethical and sustainable practices with objectives of Shariah, particularly in promoting economic justice, social welfare, and financial accessibility. By appraising the synergies between ESG dimensions and five pillars of Maqasid Shariah—protection of religion, life, intellect, progeny, and wealth. This study explores how these determinants contribute to inclusive financial systems. Using conceptual framework analysis methods approach that includes qualitative analysis and evaluation, the study provides insights into how ESG-aligned strategies can be instrumental in reducing financial disparities, fostering trust, and promoting responsible investments in accordance with Islamic values. This study contributed to literature by expected to offer policy recommendations and practical frameworks for stakeholders seeking to leverage ESG criteria to enhance financial inclusion in Shariah-compliant economies
Assessing Students' Well-being by Campus Facilities
Get PDFThis study examines the relationship between student engagement and the availability and quality of campus facilities at a Malaysian university, particularly emphasizing the varying experiences of resident and non-resident students. The issue being addressed is the uneven degree of participation from students, especially those who do not live on campus, which could be impacted by their opinions and use of the facilities. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effects of facility availability and quality on student involvement and the effect of the involvement of non-resident students. A quantitative research design was used, and student survey data were analyzed using multiple regression and cross-tab analysis involving 271 respondents. The results show that while the quality of campus facilities positively and significantly impacts student engagement, there is a negative and significant relationship between facility availability and student engagement. Additionally, cross-tab results show that resident students are more engaged and satisfied than non-resident students. These findings imply that facilities' relevance, quality, and accessibility are more important than quantity. In order to create a more welcoming and balanced campus environment, the study suggests that university planners prioritize raising facility standards and creating inclusive strategies to involve all student groups, particularly non-residents
Macro-Financial Determinants of Electricity Power Loss in Uganda
Get PDFThis study examined the macro-financial determinants of electricity power loss in Uganda, with objectives that looked at GDP per capita, inflation, lending rates, the real effective exchange rate, and energy investment in electricity power loss. This study adopted a time series quantitative methodology. The secondary data was collected from reliable sources such as the World Bank, the Bank of Uganda, and the Electricity Regulatory Authority, spanning 20 years. The research applied a VAR model to analyze the short-run dynamics of the variables under consideration. The data were first cleaned to handle heteroscedasticity issues and missing values. The study found some of Uganda's most significant determinants of electricity losses to be macro-financial factors such as inflation, GDP per capita differences, and energy investment. Inflation volatility increased power losses, as did differences in GDP per capita, while low investment in energy translated to inefficiency within the electricity sector. Lending rates inhibited the infrastructural development of energy and, hence, power distribution and transmission efficiency. Therefore, the study concludes that addressing these macro-financial factors- inflation control, efficient energy investment, and economic policies- minimizes losses of electricity power in Uganda. This study suggests focusing on inflation stabilization, attracting investment in the energy sector, controlling the lending rate, and upgrading energy infrastructure management for better efficiency in the overall Ugandan electricity system. In addition, addressing issues of exchange rates and modern energy distribution technologies is central to minimizing losses and promoting an efficient energy sector
Stakeholder Involvement, Resource Availability and Performance of Road Projects Under Kampala Capital City Authority, Uganda
Get PDFThis study examines the impact of stakeholder involvement and availability of resources on the performance of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA)-managed road works in Uganda. Road building is essential to the acceleration of economic growth and the quality of life, but delays and cost escalation threaten its success. The study aims to understand the extent to which the two variables contribute to ensuring the success of projects. Data were gathered over two months from 62 out of 76 road projects, including project managers, division councillors, and KCCA supervision team members. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used, including surveys and questionnaires, and statistical analysis was done using SPSS. The findings reveal a positive correlation between stakeholder participation, available resources, and project performance. All these variables together explain 33.3% of the difference in the quality of the projects done. It emphasizes the importance of effective stakeholder engagement and adequate resources to ensure road projects are completed within time, budget, and quality. It proposes implementing formal policies for stakeholder interaction, improving accountability, encouraging public-private partnerships, and merging stakeholder feedback with resource planning. The study further calls upon additional research to facilitate comparison with other regions of the globe to determine better ways of improving project performance
Digital Menus and Customer Revisit Intentions: Insights from Klang Valley Restaurants Using an Extended TAM Framework
Get PDFThe study investigates the effect of digital menus on customers' revisit intention to restaurants within Klang Valley, employing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Although digital menus improve convenience by enabling customers to explore options and access information, challenges such as privacy concerns and usability, especially for the elderly, remain prevalent. A quantitative study online was conducted with 122 respondents who had experience using digital menus at various restaurants in Klang Valley. This study examined consumer acceptance about perceived security, usefulness, ease of use, and enjoyment, and how these factors affect their tendency to return. The study demonstrates that perceived enjoyment significantly affects intentions to revisit, although security, usefulness, and ease of use do not. This indicates that customer satisfaction is primarily influenced by the enjoyment derived from the ordering experience rather than practical considerations. Future research should identify ways to improve the digital dining experience, particularly for individuals facing usability difficulties