Selangor Business Review

Examining coping strategies on the relationship between cultural adaptation and the performance of expatriates in Malaysia

Nazirah Abdul Rohman — 2024-07-05

The purpose of this study was to examine how coping strategies are used in the context of the relationship between cultural adaptation and job performance. The quantitative design of this study involves distributing questionnaires to gather data. In all, 381 expatriates in Malaysia's service industry participated in the study by responding to the questionnaire. PLS-SEM (SmartPLS) software was used for the multivariate analysis of the questionnaire data. The findings revealed a strong correlation between coping strategies and work performance, cultural adaptation and work performance, and cultural adaptation and coping strategies. Furthermore, the results of this study also revealed that coping strategies as a moderator in the association between cultural adaption and work performance. The researcher also provided recommendations to other interested parties, including TalentCorp, the management of the organisation in Malaysia, and future researchers in this field.

The impact of service quality dimensions and satisfaction among private higher vocational college students in Chengdu

Huang Qibo — 2024-07-05

China is experiencing competition among higher vocational schools and institutions due to the continuous decline in the number of births. Ensuring the quality of higher education services is pertinent because it reflects the extent to which higher education services meet the needs of students as consumers and is also a specific measure of student satisfaction with vocational education. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of the service quality dimension on satisfaction among private higher vocational college students in Chengdu, China. A quantitative research method is used in this study and a survey instrument was developed mainly aimed at identifying the impacts between service dimension and student satisfaction. The selection of the respondents’ group was made through simple random sampling. The questionnaires were distributed to 379 respondents current students from private higher vocational colleges in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, between January to April of 2024. A total of 379 respondents responded to the distributed questionnaires. The coefficients indicate that all service quality dimensions comprising reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy and tangible significantly impact student satisfaction and support all hypotheses of this study. The conclusions drawn from the findings demonstrate that the service quality dimensions play a key role in influencing student satisfaction in private higher vocational colleges in Chengdu. The findings provide valuable insights for educational administrators to improve service quality and student satisfaction, ultimately contributing to the success of the colleges.

Factors influencing halal certification application among SME Bumiputera food and beverage manufacturers in Malaysia

Muzairihana Md Moid — 2024-07-05

Halal-related markets are one of the fastest-growing businesses among established companies and small, medium-sized industries (SMI). In 2020, notable successes were attained in Malaysia's halal industry due to the industry’s overall performance. A prominent marketing and sales strategy that halal certification represents for businesses is highlighted by the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (MAMPU). Even though halal certification is becoming increasingly important for many businesses in Malaysia, SME Bumiputera entrepreneurs have yet to obtain their halal certification. This exploratory study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the reasons why the SME Bumiputera food and beverage manufacturers in Malaysia are reluctant to apply halal certificate. This study employs a qualitative research design in which primary data is collected from interviews. The findings reveal that trust is the main reason for applying halal certification. The investigation also discovered that integrity, resources, and knowledge are the most trusted aspects related to halal certification. These trust-related aspects will serve as a wake-up call to relevant agencies continuously enforcing the halal certification to fulfil the country’s aspiration to become a centre for the global halal hub.

Cartoon illustration in teaching and learning research statistics

Nurul Hidayana Mohd Noor — 2024-07-05

Learning media is an essential element, and it can be used as a messenger to help students learn more efficiently. Media can stimulate students to acquire knowledge and skills. Therefore, applied media learning is used. Cartoons play an essential role as a very effective means of conveying information to all groups. A cartoon illustration can stimulate the ideas and maturity of a person in evaluating something's message. This study aims to examine the usability of the cartoon illustration known as Funky Figure as a teaching aid for learning Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and the indirect influence of student engagement towards the perceived usability of a cartoon illustration and student adoption. Quantitative research methods were used, and 203 undergraduate research students were selected using survey and purposive sampling. Data was analysed using SPSS v23.0 software, and descriptive statistical analysis was used to explain the demographic profile. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis method and bootstrapping were used to test hypotheses and the mediating effect of student engagement. SEM analysis shows that the model of student engagement is a full mediator between perceived usability and student adoption of cartoon illustrations. The implications of this study can guide educators in preparing learning suitable for the 21st-century generation.

Incorporating an apprenticeship model of internship for higher accounting education

Norhaila Sabli — 2024-07-05

This paper presents the employment challenges accounting graduates face in Malaysia, highlighting the gap between their acquired skills and industry requirements. The issue is exacerbated by rising youth unemployment, despite a low overall unemployment rate. The Malaysian government’s Education Blueprint 2015-2025 advocates for experiential learning to enhance graduate readiness for the workforce. Despite current industrial training that accounting students experience, apprenticeships that combine hands-on experience with mentorship from industry professionals, are seen as a key solution, particularly in light of the rapid technological changes of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Society 5.0. These developments necessitate a shift in educational models to better prepare students for the evolving job market. This paper proposes an apprenticeship model that aims at improving experiential learning and aligning educational outcomes with industry needs, thereby addressing the skills gap and enhancing employability by producing graduates who are competent in technical skills, critical thinking, and continuous learning.

Information technology competence, supplier commitment, consumer satisfaction and operational performance of Omani retail industry

Khalid Al-Amrani — 2024-07-05

In the emerging field of academic research on operational performance, studies linking information technology competence, supplier commitment, and consumer satisfaction to operational performance are gaining interest due to the importance of connecting these constructs. This study proposes an updated conceptual framework that links information technology competence, supplier commitment, and consumer satisfaction to the operational performance of the retail industry in Oman. Literature reviews from previous studies on operational performance in various sectors, such as telecommunications, luxury fashion, accommodation, and cosmetics, from many countries suggest that many factors influence operational performance. The retail industry has grown significantly and globally in the past few years. It has become significant for consumers due to the large supply of goods and ensuring the quality of what is consumed and used. Suppliers, information technology, and consumers must do their part to provide improved operational performance. Any failure or decline in operational performance has a significant impact on consumer demand and delivery of goods, as well as maintaining the continuity of the retail sector. Hence, this study is envisioned to provide original work in the theoretical development of linking information technology competence, supplier commitment, and consumer satisfaction to operational performance, which will benefit academicians and practitioners alike.

Employees turnover intention of service industry in Malaysia

Nga Ching Sim — 2024-07-05

This study investigates the reliability and effectiveness of various leadership styles and organisational cultures in influencing turnover intention in Malaysia's service industry. The research employs a detailed reliability analysis of the measurement instruments to ensure the validity and robustness of the conclusions drawn. Data were collected using a cross-sectional design and analysed using SPSS version 28.0. Transformational leadership, authentic leadership, organisational culture, and turnover intention were measured using established scales. The reliability of these constructs was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, with all constructs exceeding the recommended threshold of 0.70, indicating strong internal consistency. The results show that transformational and authentic leadership styles, as well as a positive organisational culture, significantly influence turnover intention. The findings underscore the importance of fostering effective leadership and a supportive organisational culture to reduce employee turnover. This study provides valuable insights for organisations in the service industry seeking to improve employee retention and organisational performance.

Entrepreneurial intention from the behaviour, skills, and risk-taking perspectives of graduates in Klang Valley

Noor Malinda Mohamed Mohan — 2024-07-05

Entrepreneurship has been viewed as a critical contributor and an economic engine in a country for creating new jobs and graduates must alter their mind-set to become self-employed. Thus, it is necessary to synthesise the factors that impact the entrepreneurial intentions of fresh graduates. The aim of this research is twofold; first to identify the extent of entrepreneurial intention and second, to investigate the factors influencing entrepreneurial intention among fresh graduates in Klang Valley, Malaysia. This study utilised an online survey research design with further categorisation and analysis of fresh graduates’ perceptions of their entrepreneurial intention that was gathered via a questionnaire comprising 20 questions based on five assessment criteria. The respondents consisted of 379 fresh graduates from public and private universities. Remarkably, most fresh graduates have a high level of entrepreneurial intention to start up their business after completing their studies. Further, entrepreneurial behaviour, motivation, and risk-taking tendency were proven to have an influence on the intention to entrepreneurship among fresh graduates. Contrary, fresh graduates’ entrepreneurial skills do not influence significantly their entrepreneurial intention. Thus, based on these results, several considerations about the most effective role of education in promoting and developing entrepreneurial skills towards entrepreneurship are considered.