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Elements of Collaborative Relationships and Supply Chain Performance Of SMEs in Bushenyi District
Get PDFThe research investigated how incentive alignment, together with information sharing and joint decision-making, impacts the supply chain performance of small and medium enterprises in Bushenyi District, Uganda. The study employed Relational Exchange Theory to analyze the supply chain performance of SMEs through a cross-sectional quantitative design, which collected data from 327 owners/managers using structured questionnaires. The results from Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis showed that information sharing and joint decision-making positively affected supply chain performance but incentive alignment failed to produce a significant impact. The research results showed information sharing produced the most significant impact (? = 0.559, p < 0.01) followed by joint decision-making (? = 0.073, p < 0.05) yet incentive alignment did not produce a significant effect (? = –0.068, p > 0.05). The model explained 29.5% of the variance in supply chain performance (Adjusted R² = 0.295). The research indicates that better communication and collaborative planning serve as essential factors for achieving supply chain efficiency among rural SMEs. The study reveals that informal SME networks face specific challenges when attempting to establish formal reward systems because incentive alignment shows minimal impact. The research demonstrates that Bushenyi requires improved information systems together with enhanced participatory planning and digital infrastructure development to enhance supply chain outcomes. The recommendations include supporting digital communication platforms and providing institutional backing for collaborative decision-making processes and educating stakeholders about incentive-based partnership models
Principal Strategies for Improving Building Information Modelling (BIM) Technology for Architectural Consultancy Practices During Design Phases
Get PDFDue to the increasing growth of the building sector in Malaysia, efficient information management systems are important in Architectural Consultancy Practices (ACP). Building Information Modelling (BIM) has emerged as a revolutionary application aiming to increase efficiency in the construction process, augment competency, and boost productivity. BIM has not achieved major adoption in ACP due to the lack of comprehensive BIM guidelines for the Schematic Design (SD) and Design Development (DD) stage, low BIM competency, and increased operational expenses linked with technology, training, and software/hardware. Specifically, this study proposes to (1) evaluate the present use of BIM in the SD and DD stages, (2) identify hindrances in these phases, and (3) build a framework of best practice standards for BIM implementation to aid architects. A qualitative investigation is done via structured interviews with eight ACP specialists, each possessing over three years of BIM competence. Results emphasised three critical criteria covering technology, people, and procedures. These concepts encourage design collaboration and installation, better detect defects, and improve simulation and cooperation. Future research needs to explore other BIM tools and additional ACP phases
Conservation and Preservation of Historical Structures in Batu Gajah, Perak
Get PDFHistoric building restoration and preservation are critical to preserving cultural heritage and encouraging sustainable development. This paper explores a case study of the efforts and problems involved in conserving and preserving historical buildings in Batu Gajah, Perak, a town known for its rich architectural legacy. The study's goal is to acknowledge the defects of the structure elements and suitable materials to used and analyse the existing restoration and preservation practices. To collect data and insights, a qualitative case study, including archival analysis, site surveys, and interviews, were employed. The findings show that Batu Gajah has a varied range of historical buildings representing distinct architectural styles and periods. These structures have considerable cultural, historical, and artistic importance, illustrating the town's evolution over time. Many of them, however, face threats because of neglect, deterioration, and urbanisation pressures. The findings of the study emphasises the difficulties that are encountered in the conservation and preservation of historical structures, such as a lack of financial resources, insufficient legislative frameworks, and a lack of public awareness and appreciation. This study suggests successful conservation practises and solutions used in other heritage sites, providing useful insights for Batu Gajah.
 
A Conceptual Framework For Sustaining Penang’s Medical Tourism Growth
Get PDFMedical tourism has become an increasingly important component of Malaysia’s healthcare and economic landscape, with Penang standing out as a leading destination in this sector. This paper explores the main drivers behind Penang’s success, including its advanced healthcare facilities, cost-effectiveness, and strategic location. The analysis reveals Penang’s strong competitive positioning, as it attracts almost half of Malaysia’s medical tourists and contributes significantly to the state's revenue. Nevertheless, the sector faces mounting challenges such as rising competition in the region, shifting patient expectations, and the impacts of the post-pandemic environment. Addressing these issues will require sustained efforts in infrastructure upgrades, innovative marketing, and regulatory enhancements. This conceptual paper introduces a framework that links state development performance, private healthcare services, and infrastructure investment to support the continued growth of Penang’s medical tourism. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between public and private stakeholders to ensure Penang remains globally competitive in this evolving industry
Vocationalizing Secondary and Higher Education Curricula in Ethiopia: Advancing Educational Relevance, Skill-Based Pedagogy and Employability
No full textThis study critically investigates Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to vocationalize secondary and higher education curricula as a strategy to enhance relevance, employability, and socio-economic transformation. Unlike prior research that treats Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in isolation, the study conceptualizes vocationalization as a system-wide integration of competency-based pedagogy. Employing a policy-to-practice analytical framework, it reviews national policy documents and comparative international experiences to evaluate implementation progress and challenges. The findings reveal persistent gaps, including inadequate work-based learning opportunities, shortages of qualified educators, fragmented governance structures, and cultural stigmas that limit student participation. Comparative insights from countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, South Korea, China, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, and South Africa demonstrate promising design options, including modular curricula, employer-led assessment, recognition of prior learning, and sustainable financing models. The analysis shows that Ethiopia’s reforms remain fragmented, with limited employer engagement and poor alignment with national industrialization priorities. The study contributes to the literature by offering a context-sensitive reform pathway, emphasizing sequenced strategies that integrate vocationalization as a transformative driver rather than a technical add-on. It argues that embedding adaptive competencies in education is vital for inclusive growth and industrial transformation in Ethiopia
Understanding Job Satisfaction in Malaysia’s Banking Sector: The Role of Work Environment, Training and Compensation
Get PDFThis study explores the key factors that shape employee job satisfaction within the Malaysian commercial banking sector, specifically examining the roles of the work environment, professional development opportunities, and compensation packages. Responding to critical gaps in the literature, such as the sector's high workload, limited autonomy, lack of recognition, and increasing staff turnover, this research aims to evaluate how these factors contribute to job satisfaction among banking employees. A quantitative survey targeting employees from various hierarchical levels in commercial banks was conducted, utilizing a structured questionnaire and a five-point Likert scale to explore the roles of work environment, professional development, and compensation in job satisfaction. Data were collected from 149 respondents using a simple random sampling method. The study employed multiple linear regression analysis through SPSS Version 28 to assess the predictive relationships between the independent variables and job satisfaction. The results reveal that all three factors, namely work environment, training and development, and salary and benefits, have positive and statistically significant effects on job satisfaction. The findings underscore the importance of organizational support systems in enhancing employee well-being and improving retention within the banking industry. This study provides practical implications for human resource policies aimed at reducing dissatisfaction and fostering a more engaged and motivated workforce
Factors Influencing Volunteer Motivation amongst Trained Satria Volunteers of the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports
Get PDFVolunteer decisions are heavily influenced by motivation, particularly when monetary rewards or recognition are not in play. While existing research has provided insights, there remains a gap in understanding specific motivational factors. This study aims to address this gap, focusing on the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports, a significant choice due to its recent initiation and substantial volunteer base. The research concentrates on 508 trained Satria volunteers nationwide, utilizing a stratified sampling technique based on shared characteristics. Diverse analyses, including demographic, reliability, descriptive, correlation, and regression, were employed to uncover crucial insights. Positive correlations establish links between motivation and factors such as values, community involvement, interpersonal contacts, career orientation, and personal growth. Aligning opportunities with individuals' core beliefs, fostering a sense of belonging, emphasizing social aspects, linking volunteering to skill development, and highlighting intrinsic rewards are pivotal for maximizing volunteerism. The findings of this study shed light on the factors that influence volunteer motivation among the trained Satria volunteers registered with the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports. These insights are particularly valuable for government agencies, as they pinpoint key motivational drivers that should be prioritized to encourage volunteers to dedicate their time and expertise to future volunteer opportunities. It also helps the ministry to design and implement future programs that align with the motivations, needs, and preferences of young people. By incorporating the identified motivational factors, the ministry hopes to create more engaging and effective volunteer opportunities, attracting and retaining young volunteers
Factors of Learning Agility and Students' Attitudes on Online Learning
Get PDFWith the widespread use of digital and information technologies in education, students' learning styles and needs are always changing. This study examines the relationships among student engagement, information literacy, perceived digital proficiency, and learning agility within a university student population. Research indicates that there exists a relationship among these factors; however, the specific pathways of influence remain inadequately comprehended. This study surveyed 323 students from a higher education institution to assist educators in improving students' learning agility and refining educational strategies. It used Structural Equation Modelling to look at the direct and indirect relationships between these variables. The results show that how engaged students are has a big effect on their information skills, which in turn affects how competent they feel with technology and how quickly they learn, with a mediator between information skills and learning agility. The study highlights the importance of enhancing student engagement and information literacy to effectively prepare students for evolving learning environments. These findings provide significant insights for formulating innovative strategies to enhance students' learning agility and overall academic performance
The Impact of Autonomy, Workload and Work Life Balance on Job Performance of Support Staff
Get PDFJob performance is crucial for a company's success, especially for support staff, who are the core of government entities. The effectiveness and efficiency of government services are often underestimated and underappreciated. The relationship between autonomy, workload, and work-life balance is complex, with excessive labor leading to stress and pressure. However, a balance between autonomy, workload, and work-life can lead to engaged and productive staff, enhancing job performance. A decrease in job performance among support personnel is a significant concern that must be addressed to ensure employee work-life balance. Employers must recognize the value of their support staff and take action to improve their performance. Organizations can ensure their support personnel are motivated, productive, and performing well by lowering their workload and providing opportunities for recognition and training. This study aims to find the effect of autonomy, workload, and work-life balance on job performance among support staff at a selected organization in Negeri Sembilan. A quantitative approach was used, collecting data through structured questionnaires. The results showed a significant, positive, and moderate relationship between autonomy and job performance, with a p-value of more than 0.01. There was no significant, negative, or very weak relationship between workload and job performance, and a significant, positive, and strong relationship between work-life balance and job performance
The Antecedents Affecting Employee Retention at Shopping Malls: An Analysis of Compensation and Benefits, Training and Development, Working Environment, Reward and Recognition
Get PDFEmployee retention is a crucial factor for organizations seeking long-term competitiveness. This paper examines how compensation and benefits, training and development, working environment, and reward and recognition influence employee retention. The objective is to explore the relationship between these independent variables and retention, offering insights into effective human resource management (HRM) practices. Reliability analysis, descriptive analysis, correlational analysis, and regression analysis are applied to measure the strength and direction of these relationships. Questionnaires were distributed to employees working in selected shopping malls in Klang Valley using a quantitative approach with a convenience sampling technique. Data were analyzed through multiple regression using SPSS version 29. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Alderfer’s ERG Theory provide the theoretical foundation for understanding retention drivers. The findings indicate that the working environment is the most influential factor, followed by compensation and benefits, and training and development. However, reward and recognition show no significant effect on retention. This study contributes to existing literature by addressing the Malaysian context and offering practical implications for HRM practitioners. It highlights the importance of strategic HRM practices in designing effective retention programs tailored to employees’ needs. By focusing on the working environment alongside fair compensation and development opportunities, organizations can foster higher satisfaction and reduce turnover. Ultimately, the study suggests actionable approaches for organizations to create sustainable HR strategies that balance employee well-being with organizational growth