UUM e-journals System (Universiti Utara Malaysia)
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Franchisee business continuity and survival strategies : Navigating external shock in Malaysia\u27s franchising ecosystem
No full textFranchise sector has significant contribution to local and global economic growth and development, yet franchisees\u27 long-term viability remains uncertain in times of global crisis. The current investigation examines the impact of market orientation, franchisor assistance, and government support on franchisee survival ability in Malaysia. Data was collected from 198 Malaysian franchisees using the survey approach. The analysis was carried out using structural equation modelling. The results demonstrated that market orientation (β=0.283, ρ<0.001), franchisor support (β=0.169, ρ<0.001), and government support (β=0.302, ρ<0.001), have significant positive impact on franchisee survival ability, indicating small to medium effect size FR (f2=0.022), GS (f2=0.073) and MO (f2=0.17). This study emphasized the importance of survival strategy, strategic networks and external alliances in times of global crisis, demonstrating their contribution to a resilient franchisee ecosystem. These findings fill gaps in the existing literature on sustainable franchising and provide feasible recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to improve franchisee resilience and continuity. This research establishes a solid foundation for fostering continuity of franchisee in the face of economic and environmental uncertainty
WOMAN MOBILIZATION IN NIGERIAN POLITICS: A HISTORICAL REVIEW
No full textMany Nigerian women are deeply concerned about the low level of women\u27s political mobilization in Nigeria over the decades. To address this issue, this study investigates the causes of the low level of women\u27s political participation in Nigerian politics. This paper employed a case study design, focusing on historical antecedents and a time frame from 1999 to the present. As a form of methodology, the research uses secondary sources from the internet, government publications, newspapers, journals, and pertinent textbooks. The findings of this study are that socioeconomic variables cause low levels of women’s mobilization in political activities in Nigeria, the nation\u27s cultural heritage, historical legacies, and instructional design considerations. The study highlights how important it is to deal with the issues that support women\u27s subordination in Nigeria\u27s political structure. As a result, the study concludes that all religious statutes, customs, and ordinances that hinder women\u27s political mobilization must be changed, and that explicit implementation guidance must be provided. The need to foster greater mobilization efforts and empowerment motivated the whole essential of women\u27s political mobilization in Nigeria due to long years of neglect
Making meaning with e-portfolios: A qualitative and comparative exploration of students’ reflections.
No full textE-portfolios are ubiquitously utilised in higher education as tools to enhance student reflection and showcase learning. This study investigates how undergraduate and graduate students perceive the impact of e-portfolios on their reflective practice and how these perceptions relate to their future educational and professional goals. Through qualitative content analysis of students’ reflections, key themes identified, including the significance of self-assessment, skill development, and career readiness. The findings indicate that while both groups value the reflective aspects of e-portfolios, graduate students connect these activities more explicitly to their professional identities and career trajectories, whereas undergraduate students tend to focus on immediate learning outcomes and skill acquisition. These insights underscore the necessity for tailored e-portfolio implementation strategies that address the distinct needs and aspirations of different student populations
Empowering voices: Unpacking teacher agency in assessment reform within Malaysian primary schools.
No full textThis academic paper presents a compelling qualitative exploration of how teachers in primary schools across Malaysia perceive and engage with the National Education Assessment System (NEAS) reform. Moving beyond traditional assessment practices, this study delves into the dynamic strategies adopted by educators to align with NEAS goals, which emphasize holistic learning, school-based assessment, and student readiness over standardized testing. The research focuses on two contrasting case studies SAGA Primary School, recognized for its exemplary implementation, and WIRA Primary School, still navigating challenges to uncover the key factors influencing teacher agency and ownership in educational change. Through semi-structured interviews and observations, the study reveals that successful NEAS implementation is closely tied to strong leadership, positive teacher beliefs, collaborative relationships, and a supportive work culture. Conversely, challenges such as low morale, resistance to change, and lack of training hinder progress in other settings. This paper not only contributes to the discourse on assessment reform but also highlights the critical role of teacher empowerment in driving sustainable change in primary education systems
Adequacy of Inflation-Indexed Life Annuity: A Case of Defined Contribution Pension Plan in Malaysia
No full textDefined Contribution (DC) pension plans in some Asian countries are currently operated by the lump-sum withdrawal scheme, which allows retirees to withdraw all accrued savings in a single withdrawal. This type of withdrawal does not protect pensioners from the longevity risk. This study examines the adequacy of an alternative for the lump-sum withdrawal system, namely the withdrawal system based on the Inflation-Indexed Life Annuity (IILA). This study proposes two types of IILA: the immediate IILA and the deferred IILA. The adequacy of a life annuity is measured using the ratio of projected wealth to the projected consumption at the retirement age. For the deferred IILA, this study uses the Euler-Lagrange method to assess the optimal amount that will be set aside to finance the annuity scheme. The IILA and deferred IILA will protect retirees from purchasing under-valued annuities by adjusting the IILA to inflation risk. Furthermore, deferred IILA may improve the life quality of retirees by providing adequate retirement income during the deferment years. Analysis of data from the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HEIS, 2014) indicates that the immediate IILA offers an average lifetime income of over 50%, while the deferred IILA provides more than 40%
Magnetohydrodynamics Inclination Effects on Couette Fluctuating Micro-Gas Flow
No full textAn analytical investigation is conducted in the laminar flow regime to examine the impacts of Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) inclination on Couette fluctuating basic micro-gas-flow, in which the bottom plate remains fixed while the top plate swings in its plane with sinusoidal velocity. Using a transformation technique, the partial differential equations that govern the flow situation have been reduced to a system of analytically solvable ordinary differential equations. The impact of MHD inclination on the dimensionless velocity and skin friction\u27s numerical values are displayed in a detailed analytical and graphical form. The analysis\u27s conclusion reveals that velocity rises with increasing phase angle values but drops with increasing inclination angle, magnetism, and frequency of the fluctuating driving force
PLS-SEM Approach to Analyzing the Marketing Mix and Its Impact on Repurchase Intentions in the Parboiled Rice Market
No full textThe market landscape is marked by intense competition, necessitating continuous product enhancements, particularly within the food sector. To meet evolving consumer demands and adapt to changing consumption patterns, the marketing mix serves as a strategic tool to foster profitable relationships rooted in consumer satisfaction and loyalty. This study aims to investigate the impact of the marketing mix on consumer satisfaction with parboiled rice and to examine its influence on repurchase intentions. Data were collected from 300 respondents and analyzed using PLS-SEM. Findings indicate that marketing mix elements; product, price, place, and promotion, positively and significantly influence consumer satisfaction. However, the relationship between these variables and repurchase intentions varied. The final model supports the connection between satisfaction and the intention to repurchase. Product attributes, such as the health benefits of parboiled rice, play a crucial role, alongside the significance of the sales location. Remarkably, there was no evidence to support the notion that price and repurchase intention were related, and promotion had a negative correlation with repurchase intention, which calls for more research. These insights are invaluable for parboiled rice producers and marketing managers, highlighting the need to enhance these product aspects to boost consumer engagement and loyalty
Game-Based Pedagogy Meets Simulation: Using Board Games to Model Seaport Operations in Maritime Education
No full textGame-based learning has gained traction as an innovative educational initiative, particularly in fields requiring strategic decision-making and operational management. This study explores the effectiveness of a board game, Port Management Game, as a pedagogical tool for enhancing students’ understanding of seaport management concepts. The primary objective of this study is to examine how board games can facilitate experiential learning, thus improving knowledge retention and supporting the development of critical decision-making skills among higher education students studying seaport management. A quasi-experimental research design involving a control and an experimental group was employed. The experimental group participated in board game sessions integrated into their coursework, while the control group underwent traditional lecture-based instruction. Data were collected through pre-tests and post-tests to assess students\u27 learning outcomes. A split-plot ANOVA was conducted to determine the statistical significance of the differences in performance between the two groups. The findings revealed that students in the experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in their understanding of seaport management concepts compared to those in the control group. The results align with existing literature supporting the use of game-based learning as an effective pedagogical strategy in higher education. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to maritime education by validating the use of board games as an interactive learning medium and as a tool in enhancing students’ understanding of lessons. The study also highlights the potential of board games to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for real-world challenges in the maritime industry. Furthermore, the research underscores the suitability of board games as a stepping stone toward apprenticeship training, as they provide a structured yet flexible environment for learning by doing.
A THEMATIC NARRATIVE REVIEW OF ANIMATION IN VIRTUAL REALITY FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE: PRESENCE, ENGAGEMENT, AND EMOTIONAL CONNECTION.
No full textThis paper reviews recent empirical studies on the use of animation to enhance presence and engagement in Virtual Reality (VR) applications for Cultural Heritage (CH), hereafter referred to as VRCH. The integration of animation in VRCH settings offers significant potential to improve immersive storytelling, emotional connection, and interactivity. A thematic narrative review was conducted on ten peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2025. Studies were selected based on their inclusion of animation elements such as animated avatars, narrative sequences, or gamified visual feedback within VRCH environments. The review identified four core themes: animated characters and social presence, storytelling and emotional engagement, gamified animation and interactivity, and psychological perspectives on animation quality and presence. Findings show that animation contributes to users’ sense of realism, emotional resonance, and learning motivation. However, current implementations are often limited to scripted animations and short-term evaluations, with limited integration of adaptive or culturally contextualized design. The review highlights the need for more holistic animation strategies that combine narrative, interactivity, and design coherence. These findings offer valuable insights for designers, educators, and cultural institutions developing VRCH experiences. The paper also proposes future directions in adaptive animation systems and culturally responsive design to further enrich user experience in virtual heritage settings
MERIAM–MERIAM DI KUALA KEDAH: FAKTA ATAU LAGENDA : (Cannons In Kuala Kedah: Fact Or Legend)
No full textKuala Kedah menyimpan sejarah yang signifikan dengan keberadaan dua meriam ikonik, Katak Puru dan Badak Berendam, yang sering dikaitkan sebagai hasil buatan orang Melayu. Selain kedua-dua meriam ini, terdapat beberapa meriam lain yang ditempatkan di kota tersebut dan kini berada di bawah seliaan Jabatan Muzium Negara. Namun, walaupun isu ini telah disentuh dalam beberapa buku dan tulisan, maklumat mengenai asal usul dan teknik pembuatan meriam-meriam ini masih kekal kabur dan memerlukan kajian mendalam. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menilai sejauh mana kebenaran dakwaan bahawa meriam-meriam di Kuala Kedah adalah hasil karya orang Melayu. Penilaian ini berdasarkan bukti sejarah seperti manuskrip lama, surat-menyurat rasmi, serta laporan kerajaan pada masa itu. Kajian ini juga berusaha untuk memahami kemampuan masyarakat Melayu terdahulu dalam bidang teknologi pembuatan senjata dan kepercayaan terhadap elemen mistik yang sering dikaitkan dengan senjata tersebut. Pendekatan ini bukan bertujuan merendahkan kehebatan pandai besi Melayu atau peranan unsur mistik dalam budaya mereka, tetapi lebih kepada menjelaskan bahawa penciptaan senjata seperti meriam memerlukan teknologi dan kemahiran logam yang sangat khusus. Dengan analisis yang lebih terperinci, kajian ini diharapkan dapat memberikan pemahaman yang lebih jelas dan objektif mengenai keupayaan teknologi tempatan pada masa lalu, sekaligus mengangkat warisan sejarah masyarakat Melayu ke tahap yang lebih tinggi.
ABSTRACT
Kuala Kedah holds significant historical value through the presence of two iconic cannons, Katak Puru and Badak Berendam, which are often associated with being products of Malay craftsmanship. In addition to these two, several other cannons once stationed at the fortress are now under the care of the Department of Museums Malaysia. However, despite mentions in various books and writings, information regarding the origins and manufacturing techniques of these cannons remains obscure and calls for in-depth scholarly investigation. This study aims to assess the validity of claims that the cannons in Kuala Kedah were indeed crafted by the Malays. The evaluation is based on historical evidence such as old manuscripts, official correspondences, and government reports from the period. Furthermore, this study seeks to explore the technological capabilities of the early Malay community in weapon manufacturing, as well as the mystical beliefs often associated with such weaponry. This approach does not intend to diminish the skills of Malay blacksmiths or the cultural role of mysticism, but rather to emphasize that the production of cannons requires highly specialized metallurgical knowledge and technology. Through detailed analysis, this research hopes to offer a clearer and more objective understanding of past local technological capabilities, thereby elevating the historical heritage of the Malay society to a more prominent level