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STRATEGIES FOR OPTIMISING SCHEDULE MANAGEMENT DELAYS OF RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS IN CHINA: A CASE STUDY OF YUN YUE DONG FANG PROJECT
No full textChinese residential developers face complex challenges during the construction process. In particular, schedule management often becomes uncontrolled, leading to delays that hinder timely fund returns and economic losses, and inevitably reputational damage. Grounded in the theory of project progress management, this study uses the Yun Yue Dong Fang (YYDF) project in China as a case in point to explore and rank optimization strategies for schedule management. As a qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from seven project managers from seven participating developers. Participants included key decision makers, such as contractors and supervisors from the study sample. Interview data were coded and analyzed in NVivo for classification and theme extraction. Six key optimization themes were identified, namely optimization in construction, communication, project planning, design, procurement, and funding. The findings highlight strategies applicable to clients and construction units and emphasize the need to strengthen management and control across units and links in the delivery chain. The study also provides a reference value for the management schedule of project progress in Chinese residential development companies. The six strategies identified possess conditional cross-regional adaptability. Although construction projects commonly suffer from management fragmentation and difficulties in resource coordination, the proposed strategies can inform residential development projects in other developing countries or emerging markets after appropriate localization. Overall, this in-depth case study translates theory into practice, providing an empirically derived, ranked set of strategies for mitigating schedule delays, and offers actionable guidance for stakeholders seeking to stabilize schedules, secure cash-flow cycles, and protect corporate reputation
SAFE HAVEN AND HEDGE PERFORMANCE OF USD AND GOLD IN ASEAN-6 EQUITY MARKETS
No full textInvestors in emerging ASEAN-6 equity markets face persistent challenges in identifying reliable safe-haven assets to protect portfolios during periods of heightened market volatility. Traditional safe havens, such as gold, may not consistently provide the expected protection in these markets, while the safe-haven role of the US dollar (USD) remains relatively underexplored. This study examines whether the USD and gold function as safe havens, hedges, or diversifiers for ASEAN-6 stock indices and evaluates their effectiveness within portfolio allocation strategies. Using daily data spanning 2013 to 2023, we estimate pairwise time-varying dependence between the USD, gold, and six ASEAN equity markets employing DCC-GARCH and dynamic copula models. The results indicate that the roles of the USD and gold vary across markets and over time. The USD consistently acts as a safe haven and a hedge, whereas gold’s role alternates between that of a hedge and a diversifier depending on market conditions. Portfolio allocation results further show that the USD is generally prioritized over gold, particularly in strategies focused on variance reduction and diversification maximization. Overall, the findings offer important insights for portfolio management and risk mitigation in emerging ASEAN equity markets
Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network with Gradient Penalty and Threshold-Enhanced for Imbalanced Panel Data for Financial Fraud Detection
No full textFinancial statement fraud detection is critical to maintaining trust among investors, regulators, and analysts. However, traditional audit procedures often fail to detect anomalies effectively because they occur infrequently but can result in significant economic losses. This study proposes an oversampling approach using a modified threshold in the Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network with Gradient Penalty (WGANGP) to enhance synthetic data variance in financial fraud detection. The financial data were collected from the financial reports of companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange and were labelled according to the Balanced Scorecard framework into four categories: normal, alarm, risky, and fraud. Given the severe class imbalance, this study introduces a WGANGP model with threshold optimisation in the generator and a gradient penalty to generate high-quality synthetic samples. This study conducted general and per-entity oversampling scenarios and evaluated them using Euclidean distance, Wasserstein distance, and classification metrics. In Scenario 1, the Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) outperformed the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) and vice versa in Scenario 2. However, in financial fraud detection, the WGANGP with enhanced thresholding improved the F1-score by 13% to 17% compared to SMOTE and five GAN-based models across thirteen classification models, including traditional, machine learning, and deep learning models. This finding suggests that optimising the threshold in WGANGP reduces variance and improves model performance. Furthermore, generating synthetic data that is very similar to actual data may not necessarily improve classification; therefore, it is necessary to test how oversampling affects subsequent stages
A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS’ CONTINUANCE INTENTION TOWARD CHATGPT USE IN MALAYSIAN HIGHER EDUCATION
No full textThe increasing adoption of generative artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT has transformed learning practices in higher education, raising questions about students’ intentions to continue using these technologies beyond initial adoption. This study examines undergraduate students’ continuance intention toward the use of ChatGPT in Malaysian higher education, guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2). A quantitative survey was administered to undergraduate students who had prior experience using ChatGPT for academic purposes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including mean scores and standard deviations, to examine students’ perceptions of key UTAUT2 constructs. The findings indicate generally positive perceptions of ChatGPT, particularly in relation to performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and facilitating conditions, suggesting favourable conditions for continued intention to use the tool in academic contexts. However, variations were observed across constructs, highlighting differing levels of perceived usefulness, enjoyment, and habitual use among students. As the analysis is descriptive in nature, no causal relationships or predictive effects are inferred. This study contributes to the literature by providing contextual, theory-informed insights into students’ continuance intention toward generative AI tools within Malaysian higher education. The findings offer baseline evidence that can inform educators and institutions in understanding students’ perceptions of ChatGPT use, while also laying the groundwork for future studies employing inferential or longitudinal approaches to examine continuance behaviour more comprehensively
COUNTERVAILING DUTIES ON INDONESIAN BIODIESEL: WTO DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND THE USE OF ARBITRATION UNDER DSU ARTICLE 25
No full textThis research aims to analyse the legal dispute between Indonesia and the European Union (EU) concerning countervailing duties on biodiesel imports. Employing a normative qualitative legal research method, the study relies on both primary data, such as WTO legal instruments, panel reports, and dispute settlement documents, and secondary sources, including academic journals, policy papers, and relevant news reports. A case study approach was used to critically assess the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in resolving the dispute and the potential of arbitration as an alternative mechanism. The findings indicated that arbitral considerations largely favour Indonesia, affirming that the EU’s measures are inconsistent with WTO rules. Practically, the research suggests arbitration as a future-oriented instrument for trade dispute settlement, while highlighting its limitations in implementation and relevance for policymakers and legal practitioners. Academically, this study contributes by offering a critical perspective on how WTO law interacts with state sovereignty and provides insight into the underexplored role of arbitration in international trade disputes, thereby addressing gaps in existing literature. The research argues that arbitration provides a fair mechanism for dispute resolution. However, if arbitration cannot be achieved, parties may resort to litigation before national courts, or, where jurisdiction has been previously recognised, seek recourse to an international court. Without mutual consent or an established jurisdictional basis, submission to an international court would not be possible
CHANNEL SELECTION OF MERCHANTS IN COMMISSIONED LIVE-STREAMING COMMERCE: AGENT OR CELEBRITY ANCHORS?
No full textAs an emerging e-commerce model, live-streaming commerce has attracted widespread attention from merchants. Since many merchants do not have their own anchors, they need to hire professional anchors, who are called commissioned live-streaming commerce. Merchants can choose either agent anchors or celebrity anchors, that is, a choice between two different live-streaming channels. Choosing celebrity anchors with large fan bases can crank up higher sales for merchants, but comes with higher commission expenses and potential competition from the anchors’ own brand products. Conversely, choosing agent anchors whose popularity is far less than that of celebrity anchors may still bring high profits, as these agents charge lower commissions. Inspired by this interesting phenomenon, the present study examines the challenges faced by merchants in live-streaming channel selection using commissioned live-streaming commerce. The study employs a Cournot model to investigate the issues at hand and analyze the impact of different factors on merchants\u27 channel selection based on simulation. The results show that when the effort cost of a merchant choosing anchors is high and the merchant\u27s brand image advantage is significant, the merchant is more inclined to choose agent anchors; otherwise, the inclination is to choose celebrity anchors. The findings provide support for the decision-making process of different parties involved in live-streaming commerce and thus, promote the sustainable development of the live-streaming commerce industry
Comparative performance analysis of ETFs and unit trust funds: A Malaysian case
No full textExchange-traded funds (ETFs) and unit trusts provide a convenient and cost-effective way for investors to invest in various securities. Frequently mistakenly identified as the same entity, these two investment products are different, although they share some similarities. This study analyses the performance of a Malaysian ETF alongside three unit trust funds, using data from three and five-year periods. The performance of these funds is assessed using the Sharpe and Treynor ratios, with the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI serving as the benchmark. The results indicate that unit trusts outperform the ETFs during the examined periods. Nevertheless, ETFs must not be excluded entirely just by judging based on this performance disparity. The primary justification for their inclusion is based on the lower expenses, more flexibility, and transparency they possess compared to unit trusts. Therefore, incorporating ETFs into an investment portfolio can contribute to long-term growth and stability. The results of this study are crucial for investors and fund managers, providing them with valuable insights to make better decisions and improve portfolio results. 
ACCREDITATION POLICY ON SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN MALAYSIA: THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
No full textSocial entrepreneurship, a fast-developing sector in Malaysia, has the capacity to contribute to the social development and economic growth of the nation. Whilst social enterprises in Malaysia have made considerable impacts in terms of enhancing community welfare, driving sustainable development, and fostering inclusive growth, there are still challenges and obstacles that impede their continued development. This article argues that one of the obstacles to the advancement and growth of the social enterprise sector is the government policy on the accreditation of social enterprises in Malaysia. Since its introduction in 2017, the Malaysian government’s policy on the accreditation of social enterprises has been revised four times. This article aims to conduct a critical evaluation of the accreditation policy relating to social enterprises by exploring its development and evolution, followed by highlighting its shortcomings and areas for improvement. This article employs a doctrinal legal study using the exploratory research design and interpretive qualitative content analysis to analyse policy documents related to the accreditation of social enterprises in Malaysia. After examining the effectiveness of the current accreditation policy for social enterprises in Malaysia, this study finds that it is hindered by frequent changes, subjective and ambiguous criteria, and a lack of legislative support, thus raising concerns about issues related to transparency, accountability, and unclear justifications for the introduction of various categories of social enterprises. These findings make a case for legislative intervention to provide greater clarity, certainty, transparency, and accountability on the crucial aspects of social enterprise governance
INFLUENCER EFFECT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PARASOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS
No full textInfluencer marketing has been expanding at a great pace. This development has prompted increasing academic interest, as many research scholars are now drawn to the study of the formation and impact of parasocial relationships (PSRs) with social media influencers (SMIs). There has been a surge of studies in this area in recent years, giving rise to the need for a systematic review that can consolidate current knowledge and direct future research. The aim of this study is to review and synthesize the theories and dimensions that have been most frequently applied in PSR–SMI research. By applying the PRISMA framework, the study was able to identify 37 documents indexed in Scopus and these research articles were then analyzed on various dimensions. The findings showed that there has been a steady increase in publications on PSRs with SMIs since 2018, with the United States producing the largest share, and more recent contributions have also been emerging from Asia and Europe. Furthermore, 15 theories and 35 variables were identified, based on which a conceptual model has been proposed. This study contributes to the growing literature on influencer marketing by providing a structured reference for future researchers to test PSR-related variables. Moreover, marketing professionals can use the identified variables to refine their process of influencer selection, and prioritize attributes that strengthen PSRs
EMPOWERING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN MALAYSIA: KEY SUCCESS FACTORS AND CHALLENGES
No full textThis study investigates the factors contributing to the success of women entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Its aim is also to enhance our understanding of the role of these factors in economic development. Utilizing a qualitative case study approach, the research examines the experiences of Malaysian women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using descriptive and content analysis methodologies. The findings indicate that external factors, such as limited educational background and poor time management, serve as key motivators. Critical success factors include leadership styles and entrepreneurial skills that enhance competitiveness. The study has been able to contribute theoretically by offering insights into the unique challenges and success drivers of female entrepreneurs in Malaysia, and practically by informing policies and support mechanisms to boost women’s entrepreneurial success and its sustainability. It underscores the importance of family and social support, business networks, and government interventions in fostering a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs. The study advocates for targeted interventions to address specific needs, including enhanced access to finance, training, and business networks, to ensure the sustained success of women entrepreneurs in Malaysia