Malaysian Institutions Research Articles

The Influence of Commitment to Change and Change-Related Behaviour among Academics of Malaysian-Islamic Higher Learning Institutions

The implementation of change in higher learning institutions is rapidly becoming a norm. Academics have to grapple with the changes imposed in order to remain relevant. With the introduction of the Malaysian Education Blueprint (2013–2025) and other factors, academics in higher learning institutions have had to change and ensure that change is sustainable. In line with this, one of the issues in the area of organisational change is commitment to change. The purpose of this paper is to determine the link between the academics’ level of commitment to change and change-related behaviour in selected Islamic higher learning institutions in Malaysia. A survey method was applied, and questionnaires were distributed. Responses from 103 respondents were analysed using PLS-SEM. Results indicated that academics’ level of affective commitment to change has an influence on cooperation and championing, while continuance commitment to change only influenced compliance. Normative commitment to change only has an influence on cooperation. Other than being the only study that focuses on Malaysian-Islamic higher learning institutions in studying commitment to change, the results of this research also provide insights on the behavioural outcomes of commitment to change, which is crucial for the success of change implementation.

Relationship between lifelong learning characteristic and lifelong learning tendency among adult learners in Malaysia

Adult learners, in particular, must possess lifelong learning (LLL) skills to prepare for their future endeavours. Knowing their strengths in LLL characteristics is crucial for them as it allows better understanding of their learning strengths. There are studies that suggest adult learners do not engage enough in LLL as their learning style. This may conflict with their characteristic of being independent learners, which involves a continual process of learning in order to be able to maintain themselves. It is therefore the purpose of this study to investigate the relationship between LLL characteristics and LLL tendency among adult learners in higher education institutions in Malaysia. It also aims to investigate any moderating effect from demographic data, gender and academic background. The data were collected through an online survey and analysed using SPSS with a 95% response rate. The statistical analysis used for the analysis includes descriptive and inferential analysis of multiple linear regression analysis and moderating analysis. The result indicates that there is a medium positive relationship between LLL characteristics and LLL tendency. In terms of the moderator, gender and academic background do not affect the relationship in any way. This study may benefit stakeholders, especially management, in ensuring that adult learners can maximize their potential to adopt continuous learning practices.

Collaborative spaces: investigating the relationships between students’ group-based learning and lecturers’ approaches

ABSTRACT Background Enabling teaching approaches that promote active learning can require a certain amount of organisational reorientation. For example, structural and cultural shifts may be needed to accommodate moves towards student-centred learning. In higher education environments, lecturers can play a significant role in supporting students’ collaborative learning. More needs to be understood about the connections between lecturers’ pedagogical approaches and the enhancement of student learning through group-based activities. Purpose With the context of a journey towards active learning in mind, this qualitative study sought to explore the relationship between lecturers’ pedagogical approaches and students’ group-based learning, and consider how student learning may be enriched through collaborative activities. Method Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 lecturers who were teaching a range of subjects in a higher education institution in Malaysia. Observations of teaching were also undertaken. Data were analysed thematically. Findings The in-depth analysis of rich data identified the many different ways in which lecturers enabled and promoted students’ group-based learning, through the design and delivery of appropriate and engaging collaborative tasks. Some challenges in the journey towards active learning development were identified in terms of supportive and procedural information provision. Conclusion Findings offer insight into how group activities may enhance student learning, when supported with carefully designed learning tasks which help students acquire the necessary collaborative skills. More broadly, they also highlight the need for institutional professional development support for higher education lecturers in order to engender a sustained culture of collaborative teaching and learning.

Benefits of Implementing a Public Sector Conducive Ecosystem (EKSA): A case study of Tun Dr. Ismail Library, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Johor, Malaysia

The Public Sector Conducive Ecosystem (EKSA) was established in 2014 to enhance the quality of work environments in the Malaysian public sector. Specifically, it involves rebranding the 5S practices that have traditionally been used to create a conducive workplace environment. This study has utilized a qualitative approach via interview as data collection to explore the benefits of adopting EKSA practices in a library located within a higher education institution in Malaysia. The study findings have revealed that implementing EKSA practices in the public sector can enhance productivity and cost efficiency and improve the working environment, particularly in developing countries.

PENDIDIKAN INKLUSIF PELAJAR KURANG UPAYA (PKU) DI INSTITUT PENGAJIAN TINGGI: TINJAUAN PUSTAKA

People with disabilities are often a minority group in public society and their special needs are often not heard, as well as in the field of education. This study aims to identify the support received as well as the challenges faced by PKU in an IPTA institution in Malaysia in undergoing inclusive education. Issues that will be focused on are related to facility and infrastructure support, teaching and learning program support as well as emotional and motivational element support in undergoing inclusive education at IPTA. The data source is primary data with a data collection method that is by interviewing 10 PKU people registered with UPO. Based on the interview results, it will be found the challenges faced by PKU in IPTA, the potential and future direction of PKU as well as the support they need in order to achieve success in IPTA. It is recommended that a similar study be carried out in all IPTAs and also private IPTs involving all PKU groups from various categories. This is to ensure that the rights and needs of all PKU can be implemented. The results of this study are expected to channel information about the support received by PKU at UiTM to be an example to other IPTAs in addition to identifying the challenges faced so that efforts towards solving the problem can be implemented immediately.

Exploring Indicators for Measuring the Performance of Islamic Affairs Institutions in Malaysia

Exploring Indicators for Measuring the Performance of Islamic Affairs Institutions in Malaysia

Undergraduate Students' Attitudes and Mathematical Reasoning During the Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Metacognitive Awareness

<p style="text-align:justify">During the Covid-19 pandemic, this study investigated the role of metacognitive awareness as a mediator in the correlation between attitude and mathematical reasoning among undergraduates who are first year university students. These studies distribute mathematical reasoning assessments, metacognitive awareness questionnaires, and attitude surveys as research data. One hundred eighty-four undergraduate students from one public institution in Malaysia's Klang Valley area participated in the research. The impact of metacognitive awareness on attitude and mathematical reasoning was studied using Version 25 of the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences. The findings indicated that undergraduate mathematics and science education students excelled in non-mathematics and science education students in mathematical reasoning capacity. According to the findings, undergraduate mathematics and science education students had good metacognitive understanding and used more approaches in mathematical reasoning assessment. Further study implies that more research should be conducted to assess different demographics, such as institute training teachers' metacognitive awareness and attitude towards mathematical reasoning.</p>

Co-Curricular Activity Risk Management (CoARM) Development and Validation: A Fuzzy-Delphi Method

Co-curricular activities encompassing uniform units, clubs, and associations are compulsory courses in all educational institutions in Malaysia. The implementation of co-curricular activities requires neat preparation in order to reduce exposure to the risk of loss, injury, and accidents during the activities. Therefore, this study aimed to produce an instrument for effective co-curricular activity risk management (also known as (CoARM) to guide administrators, lecturers, and students, in conducting safe co-curricular activities, especially at Malaysian teacher education institute (TEIM). This study used the Fuzzy-Delphi method involving 30 experts in the field of co-curriculum from public universities and TEIM. The questionnaire was constructed based on the analysis of field expert interviews and a literature review. It was then sent for expert agreement on the elements, sub-elements, and content of CoARM at TEIM. The findings distinguish three (3) elements and fifteen (15) sub-elements of CoARM when planning and implementing co-curricular activities. The first element was the human element involving trainers, participants, support staff, service providers, and external agencies. The second element, the equipment element, involved anchorage, accommodation, facilities for special activity equipment, and safety equipment. The third element was the environment element with the sub-elements of weather, location, activity routes, security threats, and rescue routes. The CoARM instrument is expected to provide new knowledge as well as to serve as a guide in the field to increase the public’s confidence in organising co-curricular activities at Malaysian educational institutions and as a reference source in the future construction of CoARM modules.

Exploring the Challenges and Potential for Islamic Edu Tourism at madrasah institutions in Malaysia

The existence of madrasah or pondok education in Malaysia has come a long way since before the independence in 1957. It was all started as part of religious education alternative to the secular and modern education in the country and now are getting more popular among parents as an alternative to formal education provided by the government. Despite that, often a lot of these madrasahs are self-sufficient, not profit-oriented, and often relies on donations and the minimum fees paid by the parents. The amount will have to be divided into meeting education needs like teaching, facilities, and operation expenses. In many instances, they will have to operate in destitute and to the extent unable to sustain their existence. Due to this financial restriction, these institutions need to make the effort to generate their own funding without anticipating for any help from any parties (Fazial & Bahari, 2018). Economic wellbeing is important in this institution to ensure they have the necessary capabilities to build financial knowledge and skills, enhance their chances towards access of viable economic resources for generating income and asset building. It is an assurance that the management together with the students in these madrasahs will have the financial security and able to sustain themselves. Tourism has the potential for enhancing economic wellbeing with many has increasingly turning to tourism as a vehicle for development, either at micro or macro level. (Giaoutzi & Nijkamp, 2017). Thus, it is believed that with careful analysis on the potential resources available, a new and viable Islamic tourism product can be suggested as a mean for generating income and eventually enhance the economic wellbeing of these institutions. Keywords: Islamic tourism, Islamic Edu-tourism, madrasah tourism, Muslim-friendly, Edu-tourism

Exploring the Challenges and Potential for Islamic Edu Tourism at madrasah institutions in Malaysia

Edu tourism at madrasah is a possible move to offer a new segment of Muslim-friendly tourism in Malaysia. The findings indicated that these madrasahs do have resources to be developed as tourist attraction, which can be part of Edu tourism element. Study revealed there are potentials for Edu tourism through in depth interview sessions which yielded three main attributes: recreation activities, spiritual and intrinsic values and locality and accessibility. On the other hand, the challenges faced by these madrasahs, in terms of financial and human resource are important consideration that require effective and efficient action from relevant authorities. However, it is believed that if these madrasahs receive support, Edu tourism could be the mechanism to help alleviate these challenges. Nonetheless, future studies may need to explore more on the feasibility and options for lending assistance for madrasah growth. The implication of the findings will be able to provide fundamental understanding on the madrasah management to generate income through tourism, be self-sustaining and at the same time, contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of the local community at large. Further, these findings can relate to the Tourism National Key Economic Areas (NKEA) focus to alleviate tourism to higher level of achievement by sustaining growth through new products discovery like Islamic Edu-tourism. Keywords: Islamic tourism, Islamic Edu-tourism, madrasah tourism, Muslim-friendly, Edu-tourism

Do Regulatory Incentives Matter in Persuading Companies to Submit XBRL Reports Voluntarily?

This study aims to investigate how regulatory incentive for Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) affect the relationship between intention to use and usage behaviour when it comes to filing submissions. Using a quantitative research method, a structured questionnaire was distributed to the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) members who are involved in the preparation and submission of filings to Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM). The data was examined using structural equation modelling with Smart PLS 3.2.9 after 237 questionnaires were successfully gathered. Results indicate that XBRL regulatory incentives strengthen the positive relationship between XBRL filing intention to use and usage behaviour. The study also discovered that intent to use significantly impacts XBRL filing behaviour. In comparison to perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use was found to have a greater influence on XBRL filing intention. The relationship between attitude and intention to use XBRL filings, on the other hand, has not been seen to have any significant effect. Keywords: Regulatory Incentive, XBRL, MBRS, Usage Behaviour, Intention to Use.

Assessing Teachers’ Practices in Providing Inclusive Online Education: Development and Validation of an Instrument Based on Inclusive Practices among Teachers in Malaysia

All students should have equal opportunities to pursue education. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, almost all teaching activities had to be switched from the traditional face-to-face format to digital platforms. Although it is now the post-pandemic period, many online teaching and learning practices have been maintained. It is, therefore, crucial to ensure that teachers are doing their best to make online teaching inclusive, and an instrument assessing their practices is essential. This study aims to develop this instrument and validate it. Referring to relevant works and universal design for learning (UDL) guidelines, we developed an instrument that consists of five domains: affective, behavioural, cognitive, competence and awareness. Through expert assessment of face, content and construct validity, a pilot study, and data analysis of 505 respondents teaching in different educational levels from primary schools to higher institutions in Malaysia, using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and correlational testing, the findings show that the instrument has high validity and reliability in assessing teachers’ practices in delivering inclusive online education. While the instrument has implications for policymakers and researchers, it needs further validation in the context of different countries. Necessary amendments might be required to make it more context specific.

Overweight and Obesity and its Associated Factors Among Office Staff at a Higher Education Institute in Malaysia.

Introduction: Overweight and obesity caused by excess body fat accumulation is a leading public health problem globally. The objective of this study was to investigate the overweight and obesity prevalence and its accompanying factors among educational office staff in Kuantan, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the staff of Widad University College (WUC) and Widad College (WC) using a self-administered validated questionnaire. Socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and obesity-related health information such as body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcoholics, physical activities and blood pressure status were obtained. The BMI was determined considering the participants weight in kilograms (kg) divided by the square of height in meters (kg/m2). Correlating the BMI with sociodemographic and health-related factors, the participants were characterized as underweight, normal, overweight and obese and presented as mean, frequency and percentage distribution. A p-value of <0.05 means a statistically significant result. Results: Overweight prevalence was 28.3% while obesity was 16.2 %. There were 13% of respondents underweight. A higher rate was found in males and Malay participants. Age, education, occupation, income, smoking, alcoholics, physical inactivity and hypertension were significantly linked to BMI. Conclusions: Overweight and obese constitute around 44% of the staff at WUC and WC, while 13 % were underweight. It is necessary to motivate employees through an effective training program organized by the employer towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle and thereby maintaining good health and improving work performance. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 22 No. 04 October’23 Page : 833-841

Women Academic Voices on Organisational Climate Leader's Views in Malaysia's Public Universities

Higher education institutions in Malaysia should be able to provide an ecosystem that is conducive to the career development of women's leadership. Diverse and inappropriate leadership styles make a female leader less effective when appointed to a leadership position. Furthermore, when the organizational climate of the university is not supportive and positive toward women leaders' development, it demotivates them from assuming leadership. As a result, the type of organizational climate deemed appropriate is required.The goal of this study is (i) to investigate the dimensions of organisational climate among women academic leaders & (ii) to examine the link between organisational climate and transformational leadership. This study used a mixed method, which is a sequential exploratory design involving six informants from top management and 365 respondents from middle management in 20 public universities. Atlas Ti version 23 and SEM PLS version 4 are being used to analyze data. The findings of the study reveal that the organizational climate is perceived as supportive and constructive by women in academic careers. The thematic analysis also listed 12 themes and dimensions for the organizational climate construct. The research findings also found that the organizational climate and transformational leadership are positively correlated. This research also listed several initiatives that need to be taken by university management to improve the organizational climate and empower women's leadership, especially involving women academic leaders. This research also fulfills the SDG5 agenda regarding women in leadership and decision-making at the top management level.

NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL SHIFT: HOW ACCEPTANCE FACTORS SHAPE MALAYSIA'S BANKING EVOLUTION

This study investigates the factors influencing Malaysian consumers' intentions toward digital banking. Digital banking has revolutionised the traditional banking industry by leveraging technology and the internet to provide convenient and accessible financial services. In Malaysia, the adoption of digital banking has been slow, with only 31% of Malaysians interested in digital banking services. This is due to several factors, including security concerns, a lack of trust in digital banking platforms, and the perceived difficulty of using these platforms. This study uses the responses of 392 Malaysian consumers on their perceptions of digital banking services. The study results show that perceived awareness and risk are the most significant factors influencing Malaysian consumers' intentions to adopt digital banking. The findings of this study have implications for banks and financial institutions in Malaysia. Therefore, banks need to address consumer concerns about risks and security and make their digital banking platforms more user-friendly to increase the adoption of digital banking services.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0036/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Evaluating Mobile E-Learning Systems Acceptance: An Integrated Model

Previous studies have confirmed that managers need to develop influencing strategies to encourage employees to accept mobile information systems. Despite the recognition in past research that external variables can influence employee’s perceptions, the explanation of how their approval of the framework is affected by these external variables’ pathways or procedures remains limited. Participants were selected from Malaysian institutions that have previously rolled out mobile e-learning technologies into their operations. Empirical findings disclose that source credibility is positively associated with playfulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness. Similarly, organizational support and task equivocality are significantly related to perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. Additionally, perceived ease of use positively affects playfulness, perceived usefulness, and employee attitude. Finally, an employee’s attitude is positively and significantly related to behavioral intentions (BI). The findings of this study provide insight for firms considering implementing a mobile information system at all levels of their institutions. Furthermore, it offers employees valuable information about the system, its value, benefits, and advantages.

The key drivers of employee engagement in private higher education institutions in Malaysia during COVID-19

Online teaching has become an inevitable trend in education to enhance employee engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in the workplace have disrupted employee experiences and caused psychological distress. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between key drivers of employee engagement during COVID-19. The AON Hewitt Employee Engagement Model was adapted. Three main factors rewards and recognition, workplace culture and leadership were identified to further investigate the phenomenon. The design of the study was cross-sectional and the research instruments were adapted from a number of prior studies. A total of 132 online questionnaires were filled out by Malaysian employees of private institutions of higher education. Research hypotheses were evaluated using SPSS version 26.0. All key drivers were found to have a positive and statistically significant effect on employee engagement. The findings of this study are intended to provide insights into the key drivers that influence employee engagement. This study sheds light on how to incorporate business strategies aimed at improving employee engagement and organizational performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Language Awareness and its Importance in French Language Learning among The Students at The Public Higher Educational Institutions in Malaysia

Language Awareness and its Importance in French Language Learning among The Students at The Public Higher Educational Institutions in Malaysia

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF ISLAMIC BANK IN MALAYSIA: DO BANK-SPECIFIC FACTORS MATTER?

Healthy, resilient and sustainable profitability is vital in maintaining the stability of the banking system. Research on a bank’s financial performance is an important tool towards improving performance, evaluating bank operations and determining management plans for the bank’s survival in competitive markets. Therefore, this study was conducted to fill a demanding gap in the literature by providing new and the latest empirical evidence on the determinants of the financial performance of Islamic banking institutions in Malaysia. The objective of this paper is to examine the impact of bank-specific factors on Islamic banks’ financial performance. The performance of Islamic banks is measured based on return on average assets (ROAA). An Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) panel data analysis on EViews 12 was used to analyse annual data from 16 Islamic banks in Malaysia for the period of 2012 to 2021. The results revealed that only bank size from bank-specific factors has a significant positive impact in determining banks’ financial performance. Therefore, this research can be a hint at how banks should plan and measure the direction of their operations and assets management in order to sustain their performance.

Integrating technology acceptance model with diffusion of innovation theory: an empirical investigation of the usage behaviour of XBRL-based Malaysia business reporting system

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the usage behaviour associated with adopting the extensible business reporting language-based Malaysia business reporting system (MBRS). An extended technology acceptance model (TAM) was used, which was tested and examined using both the TAM and the diffusion of innovation theory (DIT).Design/methodology/approachThe empirical results were obtained from 267 members of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants, who are responsible for preparing and filing company reports with the Companies Commission of Malaysia.FindingsThe findings show that user intention has a significant impact on MBRS usage behaviour. Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and cost have an impact on users’ intention to use, while attitude and compatibility have no impact. Only perceived ease of use has a significant impact on user attitude. For perceived usefulness, cost and compatibility are found to have a significant impact but not perceived ease of use.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that integrates TAM and DIT to analyse MBRS usage behaviour.