3127 research outputs found
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Exploring Students' Acceptance in Using Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) and Metaverse Integrated Learning Environment
Get PDFThe combination of immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and the Metaverse is changing the educational patterns by offering interactive, personalized, engaging learning experiences. This research studied the student acceptance in immersive VR and Metaverse-based learning environments through the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) model. This research examined the influence of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and attitude on behavioral intention among university students in University Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam. By using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 103 undergraduate students via a structured questionnaire. Through regression analysis, it was revealed only perceived ease of use and attitude significantly influenced students’ behavioral intentions to adopt virtual reality in their learning activities but not perceived usefulness. These findings highlighted the importance of friendly user interface and positive emotional engagement in adapting the adoption of virtual reality. The results also contributed to the ongoing discussion on education technology acceptance and provided some insights towards software designers, educators, and policymakers for designing and implementing the virtual environment online effectively. Some suggestions for future research were also suggested to explore more variables such as trust, self-efficacy, and institutional support in order to further enhance the understanding of adoption behavior across diverse educational methods
Domestic Debt and Growth of Credit To the Private Sector in Uganda
Get PDFThis study examines the effect of domestic debt on credit to the private sector, causality, and structural breaks in credit available for the private sector. Using the Auto Regressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) approach and two-step Granger causality test, evidence shows that domestic debt is negatively related to credit to the private sector in the short run as well as the long run. The study also finds a one-way Granger causality from private sector growth in credit to domestic debt, and it further reveals that the structural break variable significantly impacts credit to the private sector. The results indicate that, in the short run, private sector credit growth is positively influenced by its performance during the previous two quarters in that greater expansion of private lending during the previous quarters leads to greater private sector credit growth during the current period. Specifically, a one percent increase in Corporate credit in the most rerise in commercial cent past quarter increases current growth by 0.42 percentage points and by 0.2 percentage points for the second most recent quarter, while other variables are held constant. The study advises the government to monitor the amount of bank capital tied up in long-term government securities and avoid rapid policy reversals. Commercial banks should be cautious against over-investing in long-term government securities because rising domestic debt and declining growth in credit to the private sector can impose pressure on liquidity, and hence internal discipline on lending to government securities makes sense
Resilience amid Stigma: Analyzing the Agency and Well-Being of Teenage Mothers in Rural Uganda
Get PDFTeenage motherhood remains a significant public health and socio-economic challenge in Uganda, especially in rural areas where access to education and health care services and economic opportunities is limited and social stigma and rejection are prevalent. The study explores the agency applied by teenage mothers to improve their well-being in rural Uganda particularly in Kanungu District. The study employed a phenomenological research design, and data were collected through in-depth interviews that involved Community Development Officers (CDO’s) and parents, focus group discussions (FGDs) which involved the teenage mothers, and key informant interviews (KIIs) that involved the District officials, Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s), Religious and community leaders. Findings reveal that family structures, parenting styles, cultural norms and institutional gaps significantly shape teenage mothers’ ability to act independently, access services, and plan for their prospects positively. Supportive family relationships were found to be essential in strengthening resilience, self-confidence, and decision-making capability, whereas neglectful and harsh environments compounded vulnerability and isolation. Teenage mothers employed different forms of agency for them to survive such as engaging in vocational training, informal labor and seeking support from (NGO’s). Community actors, particularly CDO’s emphasized the urgent need for family sensitization, better adolescent-friendly services, increased family awareness and targeted empowerment programs. The study recommends community sensitization, strengthening family and institutional support systems, increasing access to youth-friendly health and education services, and integrating tailored vocational and financial programs for young mothers and pregnant teenagers to advance their agency and holistic well-being in rural Uganda
Understanding the Impact of Customer Perceived Value on Hotel Customers’ Satisfaction: A Systematic Literature Review
Get PDFIn the rapidly growing and competitive hotel industry, customer satisfaction is vital for ensuring success, and one of the key factors influencing satisfaction is perceived value. This study investigates how customer perceived value (CPV) impacts customer satisfaction within the hotel industry. Recognizing the importance of CPV in crafting memorable interactions, this study adapts the PRISMA method (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) to collect and analyze relevant articles through established online databases from 2014 to 2024. Approximately 20 qualifying studies from various academic databases were chosen, offering valuable insight into research on CPV within the hotel industry. The findings highlight the impacts of CPV, such as functional, emotional, and social, that significantly influence customer satisfaction in the hotel industry. Despite limited studies, the findings indicate that CPV can dramatically improve customer experiences and loyalty. Industry practitioners should also design value-driven strategies that enhance functional, emotional, and social value while ensuring competitive advantages. For academic researchers, it proposes further exploration into under-explored areas of CPV within hotel services. By incorporating these insights, scholars and industry professionals may improve overall customer satisfaction in the increasingly competitive hotel industry
Tipping Practices, Employee Motivation and Service Delivery Performance among 4 and 5-star Hotel Employees in Penang
No full textTipping is a prevalent phenomenon that is best understood as a result of various cultural norms and payment practices. The anticipation of receiving the tips is considered as work motivation; act as a catalyst for employees to elevate their service delivery. While it may a common for others; tipping is not customary among Malaysians. This paper examined the interconnection between tipping, employee motivation, and service delivery performance within the 4 and 5-star hotels in Penang, Malaysia. Using quantitative research approach, a total of 348 usable responses (collected among F&B employees) were retrieved for analysis. It was found that there is a strong positive relationship between all tested variables; and employee motivation fully mediates the relationship between tipping practices and service delivery performance. Outcome from this study is hoped to provide valuable insights for academicians into consumer behavior and cultural practices, while offering the hotel industry with strategies to improve the service delivery performance
Motivation and Perceived Learning Benefits in the Use of AI-Assisted Learning Tools: Evidence from Higher Education in Malaysia
No full textThis study investigates the reciprocal relationship between student motivation and perceived learning benefits (PLB) of AI-assisted learning tools in higher education. Building on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and motivational theories (ARCS and Self-Determination Theory), the research develops a novel reciprocal model that distinguishes PLB from broader constructs such as engagement. A structured survey of 325 Malaysian undergraduates was analysed using correlation and regression analyses. Motivation was measured through critical thinking and understanding complex topics, while PLB captured helpfulness, assignment quality, subject understanding, and academic performance. Reliability results indicated acceptable consistency for motivation (? = .660) and moderate consistency for PLB (? = .604). Findings revealed a moderate, positive correlation between motivation and PLB (r = .428, p < .001). Regression analyses confirmed significant reciprocal effects (? = .428, p < .001), with both models explaining 18.3% of the variance (R² = .183). While the explained variance is modest, it reflects typical effect sizes in behavioural research and highlights the reinforcing cycle between motivation and PLB. The study contributes theoretically by refining PLB as a distinct construct and empirically demonstrating its reciprocal link with motivation in the context of Malaysian higher education. Practically, the findings suggest that integrating AI tools strategically can enhance both motivation and learning benefits, while also underscoring the need for responsible and ethical adoption. Future studies should expand item sets and adopt longitudinal and cross-cultural designs to strengthen construct validity and explanatory power
Integrating Technology Acceptance Model and Task-Technology Fit Theory: Investigating Students’ Intention to Use AI Chatbots in Public Universities
No full textTechnology has significantly enhanced access to education, enabling students to benefit from lower costs and higher productivity. This advancement has been further expedited by the incorporation of AI, especially through applications like AI chatbots. Despite these advancements, students in higher education- especially those enrolled in public universities in developing countries- often exhibit scepticism toward adopting AI chatbots for academic assistance. Thus, the main goal of this study is to find out how students in public universities in developing nations plan to use AI chatbots as teaching aids. The study will use a purposive sampling strategy to gather data from students at different public universities, with a focus on Malaysia. To construct a robust conceptual model that explains students' behavioural intentions toward AI chatbot usage, this research adopts an integrated framework combining the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Task–Technology Fit (TTF) theory. For data analysis, the study will use the PLS-SEM approach, a well-regarded regression technique suitable for examining complex relationships in structural models. The research's conclusions are anticipated to provide theoretical and practical insights. This study may theoretically add to the body of knowledge on AI chatbot adoption by illuminating the complex human behaviours linked to the adoption of new technologies. Practically, the findings may give governments, university administrators, and AI chatbot developers important information on how to work together to create AI chatbots that are more dependable, user-friendly, and attractive to students, especially in developing countries
Who are Xenocentric Consumers? A Review of the Demographics and Socio-Psychological Attributes
No full textIn sociology, xenocentrism represents the preference for out-group cultures, norms, and values over the in-group. In marketing, consumer xenocentrism refers to consumers' favoritism for foreign-made products. The findings of previous studies have shown that various factors influence consumer xenocentrism, including the perceived quality of foreign products, the desire for social status, and cultural stereotypes. This paper focuses on the profiles of xenocentric consumers that distinguish them from in-group consumers. Besides demographic differences, socio-psychologically, xenocentric consumers are more open to other cultures and belong to marginalized groups. Understanding the profiles of xenocentric consumers may help marketers of both local and foreign brands segment and approach their target markets innovatively
Assessing the Impact of Proposed Tourism Apps on The Development and Economic of SME Asnaf Businesses in Perlis: A Qualitative Analysis Based on Tourist Perceptions
No full textThe integration of tourism apps and the empowerment of asnaf entrepreneurs represent pivotal strategies in fostering sustainable economic development in Malaysia. Perlis has become one of the most visited states because of their natural beauty and unique attractions. By the year Visit Perlis 2024-2025, the state of Perlis has started the application of digital business, which is “Perlis Go Digital”. This initiative has been done in order to encourage the asnaf entrepreneurs to change towards digitalization. One qualitative study has been conducted to explore the intersection of the proposed tourism apps and tourist perspectives to understand their collective impact on the sustainable economy of SME and asnaf development. The researchers collected data through interviews and analyzed it using thematic analysis. Thematic analysis is a widely used qualitative research method for identifying, analyzing, and reporting themes within interview data. This method is used to investigate how tourism apps shape tourist experiences. Findings indicate that tourism apps enhance the visibility and accessibility of SME asnaf businesses, and facilitate market expansion. However, the study reveals that while tourism apps provide convenience and personalized recommendations, issues like data accuracy can affect user satisfaction. By integrating the perspectives of tourists, this study contributes to the development of inclusive digital ecosystems that promote equitable economic growth of SME asnaf businesses and enhance the overall tourism experience
Exploring the Impact of Women’s Knowledge and Attitude Towards Food Waste Management Practices in Melaka Tengah, Melaka
Get PDFFood waste is a significant global issue, and Malaysia is no exception. It has far-reaching negative effects, including higher food production costs, adverse impacts on human health, and environmental degradation. Therefore, this study assesses women's knowledge and attitude towards food waste management in Melaka Tengah, Melaka. An online self-administered questionnaire with a Likert scale was distributed among 384 respondents as part of the study's quantitative methods. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26 was used for data analysis. The data analysis methods included reliability, descriptive, and Pearson correlation analyses. The results indicated a positive correlation between knowledge and attitudes toward food waste management practices among women in Melaka Tengah, Melaka. Effective food waste management is essential for building sustainable systems and addressing the interconnected social, economic, and environmental challenges posed by waste