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CUSTOMERS\u27 PERCEPTIONS ON BANKS\u27 CYBERSECURITY AND THEIR USE OF MOBILE BANKING SERVICES IN TANZANIA
No full textIn this contemporary era, mobile banking services enable customers to organise and accomplish cashless financial transactions using mobile devices. However, the general state of banks\u27 cybersecurity systems significantly impacts the usage of banking services offered through mobile networks among customers. The analysis was performed to assess how customers perceive the cybersecurity systems of banks and their association with mobile banking usage. By adopting a cross-sectional research design under the guidance of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis reveals that banks\u27 cybersecurity systems\u27 performance expectancy had a significant positive impact on the use of mobile banking services. Further, banks\u27 cybersecurity systems\u27 effort expectancy, significant others\u27 comments and facilitating conditions significantly and positively influence bank customers to use mobile banking. Aligning with these findings, banks and financial institutions should prioritise and strengthen cybersecurity systems and simplify mobile banking processes for enhanced mobile banking adoption and usage among bank customers
Multi-Objective Portfolio Optimization Strategy Using the SPEA-II Algorithm
No full textIn the finance world, the precise selection and optimization of stock portfolios are of paramount importance. This study explores the application of intelligent algorithms, particularly the multi-objective of Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm II (SPEA-II), alongside traditional methods to determine optimal portfolios. Using the monthly stock prices, the Markowitz model is developed, focusing on the return and semi-variance criteria. Realistic constraints are applied to formulate a multi-objective optimization problem. SPEA-II and traditional multi-objective optimization methods are used to solve this problem, resulting in a set of optimal portfolios. The results show that the SPEA-II algorithm can generate portfolios with higher returns and lower risks compared to the Markowitz model and traditional methods, taking into account the complex and nonlinear conditions of the capital market. In addition, the SPEA- II algorithm showed significant efficiency and stability across different frequencies and time periods. The study highlights that the SPEA-II algorithm can serve as an effective and efficient method for stock portfolio selection and optimization, helping investors to identify portfolios with lower risk and higher return
PRIVATE SCHOOL TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON DIGITAL BADGE SYSTEM ACCEPTANCE: A Q METHODOLOGY STUDY
No full textPurpose – This Q methodology study explores teachers\u27 views on using a digital badge system in two private schools. It aims to understand how teachers interpret, use, and value this system for personalising their professional development and validating skills from informal learning. The research seeks to identify factors influencing the acceptance and integration of digital badge systems in private schools.
Methodology – The study used Q methodology, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to explore subjectivity. Thirty teachers from two private schools participated in professional development using a digital badge system. They ranked statements about the system on a scale from -4 (most disagreement) to +4 (most agreement) to identify features that would encourage acceptance. After ranking, teachers completed an open-ended questionnaire designed to obtain respondents’ personal insights. Principal component analysis was conducted on the rankings to identify factors related to acceptance. These factors, representing different opinion clusters, were analysed with the questionnaire responses and demographic data for a comprehensive understanding.
Findings – Three distinct factors emerged from the analysis, highlighting the varied expectations of private school teachers. Factor 1, “Empowered Professional Development,” focused on giving teachers a sense of empowerment over their growth. Factor 2, “Rigorous and Flexible Professional Development,” emphasized the need for challenging yet flexible learning experiences. Factor 3, “Personalised Career Advancement,” prioritised individual career growth. Together, these factors represented the teachers’ diverse views on accepting a digital badge system for professional development.
Significance – These findings offer insights into teachers\u27 diverse expectations and needs, helping to create a tailored and effective digital badge systems that private school teachers are more likely to embrace
ENHANCING MEDIA AND INFORMATION LITERACY THROUGH EXPERIENTIAL GAME-BASED LEARNING
No full textPurpose – Media and Information Literacy (MIL) education plays a crucial role in combating misinformation and disinformation in the digital era. This study explores an innovative pedagogical approach by integrating Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) into non-digital game-based learning to bridge gaps in MIL knowledge and skills among Malaysian secondary and tertiary students, while also addressing the digital divide. Given that current MIL interventions often rely solely on self-assessment, this study emphasises the need for more objective assessment methods to measure actual learning outcomes.
Methodology – A one-group pre-post-test mixed-methods research design was employed. A total of 95 participants from secondary and tertiary educational institutions in Malaysia engaged in an ELT-informed MIL board game intervention. The impact on MIL knowledge was assessed using a structured MIL knowledge test and a qualitative feedback survey.
Findings – Results indicate that the intervention positively influenced MIL knowledge acquisition, as indicated by statistically significant improvements in post-test scores. Qualitative feedback further revealed enhanced understanding of MIL concepts, strengthened sense of responsible digital citizenship, and affirmation of the experiential game-based approach as an effective learning method.
Significance – This study offers valuable insights into the application of ELT within non-digital game-based MIL education, particularly across diverse educational levels in Malaysia. It presents a scalable and cost-effective model for fostering critical thinking and ethical media engagement, offering practical recommendations for educators, community-based organisations, and policymakers in advancing MIL education nationwide
MANAGERIAL RISK-TAKING AND THE ADOPTION OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICY: IMPLICATIONS ON RESOURCE AVAILABILITY
No full textThe principal-agent contract motivates managers to take risks to increase shareholders’ returns. A key issue is whether managerial risk-taking decisions are made at the cost of sustainable practices, particularly in relation to environmental protection, which may conflict with profit-seeking activities. This study examines the impact of managerial risk-taking on firms’ energy efficiency practices using a sample of 36 countries from 2006 to 2019. We further investigate how firm size, as a tangible resource, and board size, as an intangible resource, moderate this relationship. Our findings suggest that, although managers take risks to seek higher profitability from investments that may not align with environmental sustainability, intangible resources such as board size can help bridge the gap between profitability and sustainability. However, tangible resources may shift firms’ focus away from sustainable practices, directing attention toward profitable investments that might not be environmentally friendly. In practice, this study highlights the importance of corporate governance, particularly board composition, which plays a key role in contributing to corporate sustainability
IMPACT SUSTAINABILITY IN FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN: SCOPING REVIEW
No full textFood supply chains must balance environmental, economic, and social success to survive. Food supply chains must incorporate strategies that lessen their negative effects on the environment, increase economic resilience, and promote social well-being to be viable over the long run. However, food supply chain faces many quality and efficiency issues. Poor cold chain facilities, transportation and logistics inefficiencies, unsuitable handling equipment, poor road infrastructure, and restricted supply chain partner information sharing are major challenges. These cause significant supply chain losses and waste. Based on a scoping review, this study will investigate impact sustainability in food supply chain and a total of 18 article were analysed. This scoping review of the literature was performed utilising two databases, Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus, to ascertain the characteristics of published scientific literature on this subject and to identify the rising topics of sustainability in food supply chain research. This study identified six primary themes and eighteen sub-themes concerning sustainability within the food supply chain setting. The primary themes encompass organizational readiness, technology, Green Practice, policy, sustainable resourcing, and external relationships. The review suggests that the majority of studies focus on the effects of sustainability within the food supply chain. These results imply that organisations might improve food supply chains, especially during unexpected periods, by considering all impact sustainability. It also provides a comprehensive overview how sustainability can impact efficiency food supply chain. Base on the finding sustainability is gaining popularity, but most study focusses on its effects rather than solutions. Future research must focus on pragmatic, sustainable methods to boost the food supply chain
TECHNOLOGY READINESS AND ACCEPTANCE OF INDONESIAN FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN
No full textThe use of technology in various public sectors has an impact on the ease of carrying out operational activities, including in the food industry sector. Technology can be useful in various activities in the food industry, from the production process, distribution, to reaching consumers. It is hoped that the existence of technology will not only help in making the process better but can also improve and betterquality results. This research was conducted to determine the readiness of the food industry in Indonesia to accept the existence of technology itself. This research was carried out by distributing questionnaires to 32 respondents who were actors in the food industry. The results obtained are that currently food industry players know the existence and benefits of this technology for their business. Furthermore, using Sem-PLS analysis, the results obtained showed that the most influential variable was related to perceived ease of use. Therefore, a strategy is needed to encourage food industry players to want to use and understand this technology, so that later it can be used easily and beneficially for their business
IMPEDIMENTS TO EFFECTIVE SOCIAL SERVICE DELIVERY IN CONFLICT-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES: AN ASSESSMENT OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT GAPS AMONG SOCIAL WORKERS IN GONGULONG COMMUNITY, JERE, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThe paper examines the impediments associated with effective social service delivery in the Gongulong community, a conflict-affected area in Jere, Borno State, Nigeria. The paper focuses on training and development gaps among social workers in the Gongulong community. The paper adopted a survey design and collected data from 200 social workers who were randomly selected. These workers were selected from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), government organizations, and independent practitioners. A structured questionnaire was utilized in the data collection, and the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The data identified the existing competencies, challenges, and professional development needs among social workers in the Gongulong community. Findings from the study identified significant gaps in key areas of social work practice, including counseling, ethical decision-making, case management, report writing and crisis intervention. Many of the participants reported low proficiency in these areas, which highlights a critical training and development need. Many limitations to accessing professional development and training were identified in this paper, including lack of organizational support, the existence of time constraints, and limited funding. The social workers expressed a strong interest in advanced degree opportunities, mentorship programs, and in-person workshops in terms of preferred training types. The relevance of continuous professional development and training that would enhance the skills and confidence of social workers in conflict-affected areas has been underscored by the paper. The paper\u27s findings equally stress the institutionalization of context-specific professional development and training initiatives that may address peculiar community needs and emerging challenges in social work practice. The paper recommended targeted training and context-specific capacity building, collaborative learning and technology-enhanced training, and organizational and financial support for professional development
ASSESSMENT OF STATE CIVIL SERVANT RECRUITMENT FOR INDIGENOUS PAPUANS IN SORONG
No full textThis research explores the evaluation of the recruitment of State Civil Apparatus for Indigenous Papuans in Sorong City and the obstacles experienced by the government in recruiting State Civil Apparatus for Indigenous Papuans. The recruitment process for civil servants and state civil servants must be adjusted to three indicators: job analysis, workload analysis, and needs analysis. The novelty of this research is unique because it involves Indigenous Papuans actively in the design and implementation of the recruitment process, giving them a greater role in decisions regarding human resources in the Sorong City government. The method used in this research uses a qualitative-descriptive approach. Data sources were taken from documentary observations and interviews. The findings of this research indicate that the recruitment of State Civil Apparatus for Indigenous Papuans in developing human resources for civil servants in Sorong City is in accordance with government policy and is regulated in Law Number 21 of 2001 concerning Special Autonomy for Papua. Therefore, with the government policy in place so far, the recruitment system for State Civil Apparatus (ASN) for Indigenous Papuans (OAP) is 80 percent and for non-Indigenous Papuans, 20 percent. Then, develop a welfare and justice monitoring mechanism that focuses on Indigenous Papuans who have been recruited to ensure that they get their rights and are treated fairly in the work environment. The obstacles experienced in the recruitment system for State Civil Apparatus (ASN) are the government\u27s budget, human resources, and inadequate infrastructure
ISLAMIC FINANCE AS DA\u27WAH: INTRODUCING ISLAM TO MALAYSIAN NONMUSLIM COMMUNITIES
No full textIslamic banking in Malaysia presents a unique case study of religious knowledge transfer through financial services in a multi-religious society. This study examined how Islamic banking serves as a channel for da\u27wah to non-Muslim communities by analyzing research published from 2012 to 2024. Through systematic literature review of 19 key studies, the research investigated non-Muslim engagement patterns, understanding of Islamic banking principles, the effectiveness of religious knowledge transfer, and the success factors for Islamic banking among non-Muslim customers. The findings revealed three distinct research clusters: customer perception studies (2012-2015), behavioral research (2016-2020), and knowledge transfer analysis (2021-2024). The results indicated that effective da\u27wah occurred primarily through indirect channels, with service quality and operational excellence serving as foundational elements for building trust and understanding. The study identified key success factors, including competitive pricing, technological accessibility, and culturally sensitive communication approaches. However, challenges persisted in the comprehension of Arabic terminology and complex Islamic financial concepts. The research made significant contributions by demonstrating how professional service delivery created natural pathways for religious understanding, highlighting the effectiveness of indirect knowledge transfer through business interactions, and providing evidence for the role of Islamic banking in fostering interfaith dialogue. These findings had important implications for Islamic financial institutions, policymakers, and researchers interested in the intersection of Islamic finance and cultural dialogue