UNIMAS Journal (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak)
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The Impact of Last-Mile Delivery Logistics Service Quality Factors on Customer Loyalty: The Case of Online Shopping in the Mekong Delta Region
Full text linkIn recent years, the importance of last-mile delivery has surged, making it a key factor in the growth of online shopping. This study investigates how logistics service quality impacts customer loyalty within the online retail sector in the Mekong Delta. The quality of last-mile delivery services significantly shapes customers' perceived value, influencing their satisfaction and loyalty. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, the research collected data from 414 customers with online shopping experiences. The analysis identified key logistics service quality factors such as delivery time, reliability, delivery costs, and delivery staff—that positively impact customer perceived value. However, the return rate factor was found to negatively affect customer perceived value. These logistics service quality dimensions collectively impact customer perceived value, which in turn affects customer satisfaction and loyalty in last-mile delivery processes. This study enriches the theoretical understanding of service quality in last-mile delivery while offering practical recommendations to enhance sales and logistics systems within the supply chain. Based on the findings, the study suggests that online retailers should improve customer notifications, establish stringent quality control, implement flexible return and exchange policies, and collaborate with reliable shipping partners. By focusing on these areas, retailers can build greater trust, satisfaction, and loyalty among customers. These improvements not only enhance the logistics service quality but also strengthen the competitive position of retailers in a rapidly evolving market
THE INFLUENCE OF OIL PRICE FLUCTUATIONS AND MACROECONOMICS CONSEQUENCE ON DEFENSE EXPENDITURE IN AFRICAN OIL-RICH COUNTRIES
Full text linkThe purpose of this study is to examine the cointegration and causal directions between oil price fluctuations and macroeconomic consequences on military expenditure in countries that are rich in oil. The study incorporated heterogeneous panel estimations and data from 1980 to 2022. The empirical evidence shows that real oil prices have a significant and positive impact on military expenditure in the long run, and there is a causal relationship between real oil prices and military expenditure. The long run military expenditure in African oil-exporting countries is positively affected by real oil prices, according to empirical evidence. The SLM test revealed a U-shaped pattern for these oil-exporting countries, which suggests that their military expenditures are heavily influenced by GDP over time. Policymakers should prioritize utilizing oil revenues for healthcare, education, and infrastructure instead of excessively spending on defense industries. This study seeks to bridge the knowledge gap by studying the impact of oil prices on the military budgets of these nations
DETERMINANTS OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ADOPTION IN INSURANCE COMPANIES
Full text linkThis study aims to investigate the factors that influence the adoption of Generative artificial intelligence (GEN-AI) in insurance companies by utilizing the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework.This study employs the TOE framework to examine the factors that impact the GEN-AI adoption at organizational level and was conducted on 307 insurance company managers and analysed using partial least squares (PLS). The research offers insurance companies and policy maker insights and recommendations for GEN-AI adoption. The empirical results reveal that relative advantage (RA), perceived compatibility (PC) and top management support (TMS) significantly influence GEN-AI adoption, CP, OR have positive effect on TMS, but perceived compatibility (PC) cannot significantly influence GEN-AI adoption. TMS mediates between competitive pressure（CP） and GEN-AI in insurance firms, and it also mediates between organizational readiness (OR) and GEN-AI. This study provides countermeasure advice to AI technology developers, insurance company manager, and practitioners
THE ROLE OF INNOVATION IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FDI AND INCOME INEQUALITY: EVIDENCE FROM A TRANSITION ECONOMY
Full text linkThis study explores the impact of innovation and foreign direct investment (FDI) on income inequality, emphasizing the moderating role of innovation in the relationship between FDI and income inequality, using panel data from 63 Vietnamese provinces from 2005 to 2020. As economic expansion raises concerns about income inequality in Vietnam, understanding the distributional effects of innovation and FDI is essential. While innovation fosters technological progress and job creation, its benefits primarily accrue to skilled labor and capital-intensive sectors, potentially widening income inequality. Similarly, FDI promotes economic expansion, but its effects on inequality depend on absorptive capacity and investment composition, which may exacerbate income gaps. Using the system generalized method of moments (GMM) method on 1,008 observations, the findings reveal a U-shaped relationship between innovation and income inequality, whereas FDI exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship. Specifically, innovation exacerbates inequality beyond a threshold of 27.63, while FDI reduces inequality once it exceeds 0.76. Moreover, the negative coefficient of the interaction variable between innovation and FDI suggests that innovation weakens the impact of FDI on income inequality. These findings remain robust when substituting the Human Development Index as an inequality proxy and align with modernization and endogenous growth theories. This study contributes novel empirical insights and policy implications for promoting inclusive innovation and sustainable investment, advancing Sustainable Development Goal 10 on inequality reduction
DO POLITICAL CONNECTIONS MITIGATE THE DETRIMENTAL EFFECT OF EARNINGS MANAGEMENT? EVIDENCE FROM COST OF DEBT
Full text linkThis study investigates the conditional impact of political connections on the association between earnings management and the cost of debt. The underlying framework refers to resource dependence and agency perspectives. The sample consists of non-financial firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2020. We find a positive relationship between earnings management and cost of debt. Political connections mitigate the adverse impact of earnings management by US$0.766 million in interest paid, consistent with the resource dependence perspective. Additional tests indicate that the mitigating effect of political connections is more pronounced in firms experiencing inferior financial performance, establishing connections to higher-ranking politicians, and securing debt solely from bank loans. Lastly, we document that debtholders are less likely to detect real operations-based earnings management in their lending assessments. Our findings are robust to alternative measure of earnings management and political connections and different estimation methods to address endogeneity concerns
Growth Performance of Pentaspadon motleyi Seedlings Inoculated with Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi for Waterway Rehabilitation
Full text linkStream development causes changes to the ecosystems of an area. Planting of trees in cleared area along waterways can help in reviving and create new habitats. Planting of riverine species such as Pentaspadon motleyi is one way to rehabilitate disturbed riverine area. The ability of seedlings to survive in new and harsh open environment depends on the seedlings’ early growth as well as species adaptability. Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) have the capability to promote superior and stronger seedlings with better growth performance when planted in the fields. Thus, the objectives of this study were: (i) to measure the growth performance of P. motleyi seedlings planted along a waterway in Universiti Putra Malayisa Bintulu Sarawak Campus and (ii) to determine the effect of AMF on the growth of P. motleyi seedlings. A total of 30 seedlings were planted along a waterway stretch in UPMKB and 15 seedlings were treated with AMF while another 15 seedlings were left untreated. Parameters measured include plant height, collar diameter and leaf number were recorded for a period of 10 weeks. Leaf area and root morphology of P. motleyi seedlings were compared after the tenth week. AMF treated seedlings showed five times higher height and collar diameter growth than non-AMF treated seedlings while leaf number and leaf area were superior for all AMF treated seedlings. Roots of AMF treated seedlings were healthier with more fibrous and fine roots. AMF inoculation contributed to P. motleyi seedlings by forming mycorrhiza hyphae that helped the root system with the exploration and access to more soil nutrients from the surrounding area. Better nutrient uptake improved plant health including plant biomass. AMF treatment showed good potential in enhancing early growth performance of P. motleyi seedlings thus promoting better survival when being transplanted in the open field. Such conditions will benefit the rehabilitation activities of disturbed waterways
The DIVIDEND POLICY ON FIRM PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM THE COMPANIES LISTED ON FTSE BURSA MALAYSIA TOP 100 INDEX
No full textThis research examines the impact of dividend policy on firm performance of the companies on the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Top 100 Index. It explores the relationship between key dividend policy indicators such as dividend payout ratio (DPR), dividend yield (DY), and dividend per share (DPS) and firm performance measures, including return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE). The study employs a quantitative approach, analyzing secondary data from financial reports of the companies on FTSE Bursa Malaysia Top 100 Index from 2020 to 2024. Statistical methods, including multiple regression analysis, are used to identify trends and relationships. The findings highlight the dual role of dividend policy in influencing profitability. The study also identifies significant implications for financial managers, policymakers, and investors, offering insights into strategic decision-making for corporate growth and financial stability. With a sample of 72 companies on the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Top 100 Index that consistently pay dividends, these empirical results show that DPR is significantly negatively associated with firm performance. However, DY and DPS are significantly positively associated with firm performance. Overall, the study’s findings indicate that dividend policy significantly affects firm performance, suggesting that inconsistent or insufficient dividend payments can reduce firm value and weaken investor confidence, especially during volatile or post-crisis periods
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF MALAYSIAN PUBLIC LISTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Full text linkThis study examines how corporate governance mechanisms influence the financial performance of Malaysian public listed manufacturing firms between 2019 and 2023. Drawing on agency theory and stewardship theory, the analysis focuses on board size, leverage, liquidity, and revenue growth as determinants of return on assets (ROA). Secondary data from 20 manufacturing firms listed on Bursa Malaysia were analysed using panel regression models, including Pooled OLS, Random Effects, and Fixed Effects estimators. The results indicate that leverage exerts a statistically significant negative effect on ROA, while liquidity and revenue growth are positively associated with firm performance. Board size shows no significant relationship with ROA, suggesting that the effectiveness of the board depends more on its quality and expertise than its numerical size. The findings extend prior Malaysian and emerging‑market evidence on governance–performance linkages and provide practical insights for policymakers, managers, and researchers interested in strengthening governance frameworks in the manufacturing sector
Elucidating the effects of environmental consciousness on green purchase behavior through the value-attitude-behavior model: Moderating role of price sensitivity: Environmental consciousness and green purchase behavior
No full textThis study examines consumers' green purchasing behavior through an extended value-attitude-behavior model. By using data collected from 486 Vietnamese who have purchased green products, the study reveals the influence of customers' value (environmental consciousness) on their general attitude toward the environment (pro-environmental attitude) and their specific attitude (attitude toward green products). Both attitudes would have positive effects on their green purchasing behavior. In addition, this study also explored that price sensitivity moderates with the relationship between both general and specific attitudes and green purchase behavior. These findings provide useful insights to be used by policymakers and business leaders in designing interventions that will inspire environmental values and attitudes in consumers, contributing towards a more responsible and greener future for consumerism within developing countries
INTERPLAY OF FINANCIAL RISK TOLERANCE IN RELATION TO FINANCIAL BEHAVIOR AND FINANCIAL WELLBEING AMONG YOUTH IN SABAH, MALAYSIA
No full textThe interest in financial well-being has been growing rapidly in recent years. However, the impact of financial risk tolerance on financial well-being, particularly in terms of stress in money management and future financial security, remains less explored. This study aims to assess the relationship between these two variables within the context of youth in Sabah, Malaysia. Additionally, it examines financial behavior as a potential mediator in this relationship. The study employs a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach using SmartPLS software version 4.0 for data analysis. Data collection is expected to involve 300 respondents aged 15 to 30 years, representing Sabahan youth. The findings are anticipated to provide valuable insights for government agencies addressing financial well-being, serve as a foundation for future research to further explore this area, and act as a wake-up call for youth to enhance their financial literacy and improve their personal financial practices