Journal of Contemporary Management Studies
Journal of Contemporary Management Studies (JCMS) is a platform for high-quality research findings by local and international researchers, serving as a medium for knowledge sharing and new discoveries in various fields of contemporary management studies. This publication emphasizes the release of up-to-date and impactful articles and encourages both disciplinary and multidisciplinary research, focusing on the quality of methods and research outcomes, which will serve as a valuable reference for researchers. The journal was launched by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in 2024 and is currently managed by Faculty of Management (FM). Journal of Contemporary Management Studies (JCMS) is published online with a frequency of two (2) issues per year (June and December)
Adaptive Leadership in Islamic Education Management as a Response to Global Technological Disruption
This study aims to analyze the role of adaptive leadership in the management of Islamic education as a response to global technological disruption. The approach used is a systematic literature review, examining topical scientific sources from 2020 to 2026 and relevant methodological literature. The results indicate that adaptive leadership plays a strategic role in enhancing the effectiveness of managing Islamic educational institutions in the digital age. Adaptive leaders can respond to change flexibly, integrating technology into management systems, and guiding the organization to remain relevant in a dynamic environment. Additionally, leaders' digital competencies, human resource development, and technological infrastructure support are critical factors in the success of educational transformation. This study also found that an innovative and collaborative organizational culture accelerates the adaptation process to technological changes. On the other hand, the integration of Islamic values in the use of technology remains a fundamental aspect in preserving the identity of Islamic education. Transformation is also occurring in the curriculum, learning, and evaluation systems, which are increasingly digital-based. Overall, adaptive leadership is the key to facing the challenges of global technological disruption. This study provides theoretical and practical contributions to the development of sustainable and innovation-based Islamic education management.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Contemporary Management Studies
Exploring The Factors Influencing Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Undergraduate Students’ Intention to Adopt Smart Classrooms
The deployment of smart classroom technologies has come to be regarded as a crucial factor in higher education institutions that are trying to improve and speed up the learning process through the usage of new technologies. Even though there are many benefits of having smart classrooms, the usage by students of this kind of technology varies. This study tried to identify the factors that influence the acceptance of smart classrooms by undergraduate students at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The study is based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), expanded to determines the connection between the intention to adopt, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, trust, and perceived value. A structured questionnaire was the main tool used to collect data from 380 full-time undergraduate students over various UTM faculties, which was being part of a quantitative research method. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29, which included reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. It has been found that all four factors positively and significantly impacted students' intentions to use smart classrooms. The strongest predictor was perceived value, followed by perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and trust. The implication of these findings is that when the students perceive the technology to provide meaningful academic benefits, ease of interaction, system reliability, and overall value, they are more likely to actively adopt smart classroom technologies. This study provides empirical evidence for the technology adoption literature in higher education in a Malaysian context and gives practical insights for universities on how to improve the implementation and acceptance of smart classroom technologies.
Digital Occupational Safety and Health to Enhance Worker Performance: Challenge From Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0
This study aims to explore the impact of digital occupational safety and health (OSH) on worker performance in addressing the challenge of the transition from Industry 4.0 (I4.0) to Industry 5.0 (I5.0) through a human-centered approach. The systematic literature review (SLR) method is adopted by carrying out the procedure of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). The findings indicate that digital OSH is a critical aspect for boosting worker performance. Meanwhile, building synergy between human and technology is crucial to boost worker performance in industrial evolution. Therefore, this study also identified that a human-centered approach emerges as a mediator in the link between digital OSH and worker performance. Specifically, this study showed several digital OSH practices i.e. mental and physical health, technological stress, technological costs, social support, and systems and processes. Consequently, there are some key drivers of digital OSH i.e., empowerment, working conditions and work environment, safety culture, and policy and procedure. Furthermore, the impact of digital OSH on worker performance can be found in three dimensions; productivity, attitude and behavior, and work quality. The current study contributes to presenting new insights by highlighting challenges and key drivers on the link between digital OSH and worker performance using a human-centered approach as the critical strategy in the transition of I4.0 to I5.0.
The Acceptance Factors of Self-Checkout Technology (SCT) Among Different Generations
This study examines the factors influencing consumers’ intention to use self-checkout technology (SCT) among Gen-Z, Millennials, and Gen-X in the Malaysian retail context. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the study extends the model by incorporating perceived enjoyment, technology anxiety, and technology exposure, with generational cohort examined as a moderating variable. A quantitative research design was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to 102 respondents with prior experience using self-checkout technology. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, reliability testing, multiple regression, and moderation analysis via Hayes’ Process Macro. The findings reveal that perceived enjoyment and technology exposure positively influence intention to use self-checkout technology, while technology anxiety has a significant negative effect. Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were not found to be significant factors, suggesting that these factors are viewed as basic expectations rather than key motivators. Moderation analysis indicates that generational cohort does not significantly moderate most relationships, although marginal moderation effects were observed for perceived enjoyment and technology exposure. Overall, the results suggest that self-checkout technology adoption is driven more by experiential and familiarity-related factors than by age considerations. The study contributes to technology acceptance literature by highlighting the growing importance of hedonic and psychological factors in retail self-service technologies and provides practical insights for retailers seeking to enhance self-checkout technology adoption across different age groups.
Building Trust, Strengthening Faith: Drivers of Halal Purchase Intention in Batam’s Special Economic Zone
Abstract The aim of this research is to examine the role of trust and religiosity in forming halal purchase intentions, with attitude as the main mediator. By Using SmartPLS analysis, the finding indicated that trust, defined through product credibility, firm integrity, and institutional authority, directly and indirectly drives purchase intention, while religiosity also exerts dual effects through both direct influence and attitude formation. Seeing from Theoretical perspective, the research advances the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Attitude-Behaviour-Context (ABC) framework by integrating faith-based determinants and confirming attitude’s central mediating role across cognitive, affective, and conative dimensions. The result emphasizes the need for firms to strengthen transparency, certification credibility, and value-based marketing aligned with religious beliefs. Certification bodies responsible for ensuring a product's halal status must also maintain consistency and reliability to maintain consumer trust. These findings can provide a comprehensive framework for understanding decision-making in markets driven by religious values and offer actionable strategies for improving halal industry.
User Priorities for VR Fitness Features Among Malaysian Runners: A Task–Technology Fit and Multi-Criteria Decision Methods Perspective
Virtual reality (VR) fitness applications are gaining traction for their ability to enhance motivation, enjoyment, and immersion during exercise. However, limited research examines which specific VR features users value most when performing running tasks. Guided by the Task Technology Fit (TTF) perspective, this study evaluates five commonly used VR running features: interactive VR environments, real-time feedback, endurance tracking, enjoyment elements, and progress monitoring. A total of 141 Malaysian respondents with running experience and familiarity with digital fitness tools participated in the survey. Each feature was rated across five criteria: effectiveness, practicality, usability, motivation, and engagement. The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was used to construct a structured ranking of all feature and criterion combinations. Results show a consistent pattern: effectiveness and practicality dominate user priorities, with interactive VR environments, real-time feedback, and endurance tracking emerging as the highest ranked features. Enjoyment elements and progress monitoring were positively perceived but demonstrated a weaker match to immediate running needs. The findings highlight how users differentiate between performance related and enjoyment related VR capabilities and illustrate how TTF can be applied at the feature level. Practically, the results provide clear direction for system developers and product teams to prioritise performance supportive features in VR fitness design. Theoretically, the study extends the application of TTF to VR fitness evaluation and shows how multi-criteria decision methods can translate user perceptions into structured feature prioritisation.
Enterprise Information Systems Capabilities and Data Governance: Comparative Case Study Insights on Innovation and Efficiency Pathways in Manufacturing and Healthcare
This study investigates how enterprise information systems (EIS) capabilities and data governance jointly enable organizations to transform market orientation (MO) into organizational performance (OP). Both manufacturing and healthcare sectors continue to face fragmented data environments, limited interoperability, and governance inconsistencies that weaken the ability of managers to convert market insights into innovation and efficiency outcomes. Moving beyond prior quantitative models, the paper adopts a comparative case study design to capture the socio technical complexity of EIS adoption across manufacturing and healthcare. Six organizations were examined (three manufacturing firms and three healthcare providers). Data were collected through 32 semi structured interviews, supplemented by archival documents and observations. A cross-case analysis was conducted to explore how MO translates into supply chain innovation (SCI) and supply chain efficiency (SCE) through the enabling roles of EIS and governance mechanisms. The analysis reveals that MO does not directly improve OP but operates through distinct pathways. In manufacturing, EIS capabilities enable MO to foster innovation-oriented outcomes, while in healthcare, strong governance frameworks ensure that MO translates into efficiency driven improvements.
Social Media-Based Marketing Strategies to Increase POV Cafe's Visibility Among Generation Z
Social media development has transformed how businesses reach consumers, including the cafe sector, which increasingly relies on digital strategies to attract the younger generation. This study aims to analyse the social media-based marketing strategy of POV Cafe to increase visibility among Generation Z, particularly students at Airlangga University. The qualitative research method used was in-depth interviews with the owners and customers. The interview data were transcribed and analysed thematically, following Braun and Clarke’s framework, to identify recurring patterns in marketing practices, customer perceptions, and digital engagement. The results indicate that POV Cafe has used Instagram as its primary medium, but its utilisation remains limited and inconsistent. The owner emphasises the importance of traditional Word of mouth, while customers consider social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, as key factors in their decision to visit. Visual content and Instagrammable experiences have proven to be important draws for Generation Z, in line with their preference for aesthetic experiences that can be shared digitally. Furthermore, customers are highly responsive to promotions such as buy-1-get-1 deals, student discounts, and creative events, but these strategies have not been optimally implemented. Collaborations with influencers were attempted but have been ineffective due to their inability to align with the local target market. Other findings confirm that online reviews (e-WOM) play a significant role in building the cafe's image. POV Cafe has significant potential to increase visibility by strengthening social media content consistency, optimising promotional strategies, leveraging micro-influencers, and building a campus community.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Contemporary Management Studies
Understanding the Drivers of Whistleblowing Intention among Civil Servants in Johor Bahru
Whistleblowing has been accepted as an important tool of enhancing governance, accountability, and integrity in both the public and the private institutions. It can help prevent unethical practices since it allows individuals to disclose the information on irregularities to the correct parties. To safeguard the whistleblowers, the Malaysian government enacted the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010, intended to encourage disclosure by protecting whistleblowers’ identities and confidentiality. However, its function is far from optimal. To bridge this gap, the present study adopts the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as its underlying framework to examine the determinants of whistleblowing intention among civil servants in Johor Bahru. TPB posits that intention is shaped by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. In the whistleblowing context, education is associated with perceived behavioural control, organizational culture reflects the influence of subjective norms, and perceived personal costs capture aspects of attitude. Using a quantitative approach, a convenience sampling was utilized to collect 188 civil servants in Johor Bahru. Data were analyzed using SPSS. The findings indicate that education and supportive organizational cultures significantly enhance whistleblowing intention, while perceived personal costs failed to influence the likelihood of disclosure. The study concludes that strengthening educational whistleblowing programs while improving organizational support systems are essential to fostering ethical reporting behaviours in the Malaysian public sector. This research outlines its limitations and offers practical and theoretical recommendations.
A Bibliometric Descriptive Content Analysis of Quality Research Papers in the Islamic Monetary Field within the Scopus Database
The study analyses the trend in Islamic monetary studies on the Scopus database from 1979-2025 which aims to investigate the following topics: (1) the growth of international publications, (2) the core journals in international publications, (3) the productivity of researchers, (4) the number of documents based on agency collaboration in international publications, and (5) the growth of international publication co-authorship. The VOS Viewer program is deployed to analyze the progression pattern of international publications related to Islamic monetary subjects. The results indicate that research development reached its peak in 2022, with 50 articles out of 446, or 11.2%. The International Islamic University of Malaysia produced the most publications, with 32 articles, and Malaysia made the most significant contribution, with 132 documents. Subsequently, Alam, M. K. appears to be the author with the highest number of publications. The International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, Isra International Journal of Islamic Finance and Journal of Islamic Monetary Economics and Finance have published most of the research papers in this field. Finally, co-word and co-authorship analysis suggest multiple clusters of keywords and expertise in the field
From Classroom to Boardroom: A Best Practice Framework in Nurturing Young Talent at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
The transformation of higher education requires universities to prepare graduates who are not only academically competent but also adaptable, innovative, and industry-ready. This paper presents the Faculty of Management (FM) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) Young Talent Pathway (YTP), a structured initiative under the theme “From Classroom to Boardroom”, as a best practice model for holistic student development. The YTP is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional expectations by embedding multiple experiential components throughout the student lifecycle. These include voluntary internships, CEO attachment programs, undergraduate research opportunities, industry-supervised final year projects, and extended industrial internships. Using a qualitative case study approach, the study draws on program documentation, observations, and student testimonials to analyze the design, implementation, and outcomes of the YTP. Findings reveal that the program aligns closely with UTM’s vision of developing holistic talents through knowledge and innovation. Key success factors include strong stakeholder engagement, systematic planning and coordination, performance-based evaluation, and sustainable practices such as student-led symposiums and research publications. The program enhances employability by equipping graduates with leadership, research, and problem-solving skills while also strengthening academia–industry–community linkages. The paper concludes that the YTP demonstrates a replicable framework for universities seeking to balance academic excellence with real-world relevance. It highlights how structured pathways, underpinned by strong institutional support and stakeholder collaboration, can transform students into future-ready leaders. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and institutions seeking to integrate sustainability and industry relevance into graduate development.
Symbolic Interactionalism in Marketing Communications: A Case Study of Batik Entrepreneurship Nimas Sekarsari Blitar Indonesia
This study examines the role of symbolic interactionism within Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) at Batik Nimas Sekarsari Gandusari Blitar (BNSGB), Indonesia. In a competitive business landscape influenced by technological advancement and shifting consumer behaviour, small enterprises must employ integrated approaches combining advertising, sales promotion, direct marketing, and personal selling. This qualitative descriptive research explores how BNSGB integrates IMC strategies to promote its products, strengthen its brand image, and build trust among consumers. Data were collected through interviews, observation, documentation, and literature review. The findings show that BNSGB effectively utilizes social media, exhibitions, promotional discounts, and institutional collaborations to engage consumers and expand market reach. Through the lens of symbolic interactionism, the study highlights how producers and consumers create shared meanings through communication symbols, both verbal and non-verbal, that shape perceptions and influence buying decisions. The interaction between sellers and buyers fosters mutual understanding and enhances marketing effectiveness. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that symbolic interactionism provides a deeper understanding of how communication strategies contribute to sustaining consumer loyalty and preserving the cultural and economic significance of traditional batik entrepreneurship.
Enhancing Organizational Sustainability through Talent Management: The Role of Retention and Career Development
This study investigates the influence of talent management on employee retention and career path development within the Primkopal Koarmada II Consumer Cooperative. In the era of global competition and the industrial revolution 4.0, organizations face increasing challenges in retaining skilled employees and providing clear career advancement opportunities. Using a quantitative approach and data analysis through SPSS, this research examines the direct and simultaneous effects of talent management practices on retention rates and career paths. The results reveal that talent management has a significant positive impact on both variables, with retention rates strongly influenced by recruitment strategies, employee satisfaction, and career clarity. Career path development is shaped by the alignment of competencies with job responsibilities, recognition of performance, and opportunities for innovation and promotion. Furthermore, the MANOVA test confirms that talent management simultaneously contributes to higher retention and career progression, creating a synergistic effect that benefits both employees and the organization. The study highlights that structured talent management not only reduces turnover but also fosters sustainable professional growth, strengthening organizational resilience and competitiveness. Despite its valuable contributions, the research is limited by its single-case focus and omission of other potential variables such as compensation and work-life balance. Future studies are recommended to expand across industries and adopt longitudinal designs to capture long-term outcomes. Overall, the findings confirm that talent management should be considered a strategic imperative for organizations seeking to enhance employee loyalty, accelerate career development, and secure long-term sustainability.
What Shapes Green Purchase Intention in Malaysia
In recent years, environmental sustainability has become a key concern for both consumers and businesses. While many studies have examined sustainable product purchasing, limited research has focused on green purchase intention in relation to green brand positioning and environmental concern in Malaysia. This study explores the main factors influencing green purchasing intention by analysing green brand positioning, attitudes toward green products, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and environmental concern. Data were collected through an online questionnaire using purposive sampling, targeting at least 101 respondents aged 20 or younger or 51 and older. Participants were selected based on their interest in eco-friendly products, past usage, and purchase intention. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and SmartPLS. The findings reveal that perceived behavioural control, attitude toward green products, and subjective norms significantly influence green purchasing intention. However, green brand positioning and environmental concern were not found to have a significant effect. This research provides valuable insights for eco-friendly brands by highlighting the key drivers of consumer intention, offering guidance for converting intention into actual purchasing behaviour. The study also contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable consumption, particularly within the Malaysian market context.
Examining the Impact of Tourist Resilience on Destination Brand Love and Destination Brand Equity in Post Pandemic Era: Evidence from Malaysia
This study investigates the impact of resilience behaviour on destination brand love and equity in post-pandemic tourism. Drawing from the concept of destination brand love and the psychological resilience of travellers, the study uses a second-order factor analysis and structural equation modelling approach. A total of 357 responses were collected using field survey questionnaires and analysed using Smartpls version 4.0. Results show that destination brand love positively influences destination brand equity, but resilience behaviour moderates these effects. The findings indicate that DMOs need to carefully review their marketing communication and destination brand management strategies from current tourism business perspectives. The concept of brand love that encompasses the multidimensional concept of destination brand love and the theory of resilience behaviour comprehends the theoretical basis to explain the influence of resilience behaviour on destination brand love and destination brand equity.
Developing Future Talents for Employability: Big Five Personality Traits as a Catalyst for 21st-Century Skill Development
The findings of this study highlight significant implications for higher education institutions (HEIs), educators, curriculum designers, and policy makers in preparing graduates for the demands of the modern workforce. The absence of notable differences in personality traits and generic skills across academic disciplines namely Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) suggests that these competencies are not inherently determined by one's field of study. Instead, prior research indicates that the university's learning environment, institutional culture, and teaching strategies play a crucial role in shaping students’ personality development and acquisition of generic skills. These results support the integration of generic skills training and personality development programs across all faculties. Embedding competencies such as teamwork, communication, leadership, creativity, and critical thinking into both curricula and co-curricular activities ensures that all students are equally equipped for employability and lifelong learning. Furthermore, the study identified a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.598) between personality traits and generic skills, highlighting that traits such as conscientiousness, openness, and extraversion significantly influence students’ capacity to acquire and apply these skills. In general, these findings align with the national agenda of HEIs in Malaysia to foster holistic talent development and emphasize the need for integrated policies that promote the cultivation of transferable skills. They also call for enhanced educator training in active learning and personality-based pedagogical approaches, thereby reinforcing the importance of graduate generic skills in developing future-ready talent.
Barriers Limiting the Adoption of Electric Vehicles in Malaysia
Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is essential for achieving sustainable transportation goals, yet its adoption in Malaysia remains low due to various barriers. This study investigates the primary barriers to EV adoption, focusing on technological, environmental, financial, and infrastructural obstacles. Data was collected using structured questionnaires which was distributed to 531 licensed Malaysian drivers. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between barriers and adoption intention, as well as the influence of demographic factors such as age and car ownership. Findings revealed that infrastructural barriers, such as insufficient charging stations and maintenance services, are the most significant obstacles, followed by environmental, financial, and technological barriers. Age was found to significantly influence perceptions of these barriers, with older respondents perceiving higher barriers, while car ownership status showed mixed results. The study concludes by proposing targeted strategies, including enhancing charging infrastructure, offering financial incentives, and increasing public awareness to encourage EV adoption. These insights are crucial for policymakers and industry stakeholders in overcoming barriers and promoting sustainable transportation in Malaysia.
Can Environmental Disclosure and Green Innovation Alleviate Financing Constraints? Evidence from China
This study investigates the impact of environmental disclosure (ED) and green innovation (GI) on financing constraints (FC) among heavily polluting listed companies in China, using a panel dataset of 7,359 firm-year observations from 2012 to 2023. The findings reveal that ED significantly alleviates FC by reducing information asymmetry and enhancing investor confidence. Importantly, GI also acts as a moderator, strengthening the negative relationship between ED and FC. This suggests that GI not only enhances a firm's environmental responsibility but also amplifies the positive effects of ED on financing conditions. The study further examines the heterogeneous impacts on state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and non-SOEs, finding that while both ED and GI have stronger effects on alleviating FC in SOEs due to their access to policy loans and subsidies, non-SOEs benefit more significantly from ED in reducing information asymmetry. The results highlight the importance of balancing green innovation and financing constraints for sustainable development. Policymakers and financial institutions are also encouraged to support green innovation through improved policies and regulatory frameworks. Future research may explore the sector-specific, regional, and firm-size variations in these relationships to provide more targeted recommendations.
Corporate Malaysia: Chief Executive Officers, Ethnicity Issues and the Future
This study examines Malaysia's Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in two key areas. First, it analyses the distribution of CEOs among the top 100 publicly listed companies, revealing that Chinese CEOs outnumber Bumiputera CEOs nearly two to one. Further investigation shows that Chinese CEOs are primarily appointed by tycoons and family-owned businesses, while Bumiputera CEOs dominate Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) and Bumiputera enterprises, reflecting a strong communalistic pattern in corporate Malaysia. Second, the study explores future challenges, identifying religious contestation between the country’s two major faiths as a potential impasse. Achieving greater diversity of CEOs remains an uphill task.
The Impact of Lean Manufacturing Practices (LMP) on Sustainable Operational Performance in the Electrical and Electronics (E&E) Manufacturing Sector in Southern Malaysia
The electrical and electronics (E&E) manufacturing sector plays a crucial role in Malaysia’s economy, accounting for 5.8% of GDP and 40% of export revenue. Despite its economic significance, the sector faces sustainability challenges particularly in managing electronic waste (e-waste) which exceeds 365 000 tonnes annually and is projected to reach 24.5 million units by 2025. This study examines the role of lean manufacturing practices (LMP) specifically just-in-time (JIT), statistical process control (SPC) and pull system (PS) in enhancing sustainable operational performance in Southern Malaysia E&E manufacturing sector. A sample of 70 firms was selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS. The findings indicate that JIT has the most significant impact followed by PS and SPC in optimizing production processes, minimizing waste and mitigating e-waste generation. These findings highlight the importance of integrating multiple LMP to improve sustainability and aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 9 and 12. Practitioners can use these insights to enhance resource efficiency and competitiveness. Policymakers can design incentives, regulations and training programs to drive sustainable industrial practices. Future research should explore additional LMP and their application in other industries to support sustainable operational performance.
ESG Dimensions and the Energy Transition in Indonesia
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are critical determinants of a just and sustainable energy transition. This study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to examine the impact of ESG performance on Indonesia’s energy transition from 1996 to 2022. The findings reveal that in the short term, governance positively influences the transition, while environmental and social dimensions exhibit temporary negative effects. However, in the long run, all three ESG dimensions of environmental integrity, social development, and governance quality positively contribute to the shift toward clean energy. These results underscore the need for Indonesian policymakers to prioritize ESG integration in energy strategies to ensure a smooth, inclusive, and resilient energy future.
Empowering Smallholder Coconut Farmers Through E-Commerce: A Preliminary Study on Current Business Models, Opportunities, and Digital Readiness in Malaysia
The Malaysian coconut industry is dominated by smallholder farmers who face structural challenges, including low profit margins, reliance on middlemen, and limited access to wider markets. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of e-commerce adoption to transform the sector by enabling direct market access, increasing price transparency, and supporting value-added processing. A mixed-method approach was employed, comprising focus group discussions (FGDs) and a survey involving 274 coconut farmers and industry stakeholders. The findings reveal two prevailing business models: a traditional middlemen-driven supply chain and a cooperative-led model that supports industrial processing for products like coconut milk, virgin coconut oil, and copra. While 72.6% of farmers have experience with online purchasing, only 13.5% have attended e-commerce training, indicating a significant digital knowledge gap. Despite these challenges, 71.2% of farmers expressed readiness to adopt e-commerce if supported with proper training, infrastructure, and financial resources. The study highlights the importance of developing a structured and inclusive e-commerce ecosystem facilitated through cooperative engagement, supportive policy frameworks, and targeted investment in digital capacity-building. The results offer practical insights into how digital transformation can enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Malaysia’s coconut industry while empowering smallholder farmers to improve their economic resilience.
The Impact of TikTok Video Advertisements on Generation Z's Purchase Intentions: Emotional, Entertainment, and Informative Dimensions
Social media has revolutionized advertising, offering platforms that cater to marketers aiming to promote their products and services effectively. Among these platforms, TikTok has stood out due to its personalized "For You Page" (FYP) algorithm, designed to capture user interest dynamically. It has gained immense popularity, especially among Generation Z, owing to features like filters, trending sounds, and engaging content formats. This study explored how TikTok video advertisements—classified into emotional, entertaining, and informative dimensions—influenced purchase intentions among Generation Z. By distributing questionnaires to 131 respondents in Kluang, Johor, and analyzing the data through IBM SPSS software, the research uncovered significant insights into the roles each content dimension played in shaping consumer behaviour.
Application of Artificial Intelligence in Automation of Supply Chain Efficiency in Oman
Oman’s supply chain sector is currently facing increasing pressure to improve efficiency due to rising demand, rapid digitalization, and growing expectations for faster and more reliable logistics services. However, many organizations continue to struggle with limited adoption of advanced technologies and varying levels of organizational readiness. In response to these challenges, this study investigates how Artificial Intelligence Technologies (AIT) and the Level of Automation (LOA) influence supply chain efficiency (SCE), and whether Organizational Readiness (OREAD) moderates these relationships. Data were collected via structured questionnaires distributed to 350 participants, including verified supply chain experts accessed through Oman’s Ministry of Labour and employees in supply chain roles reached through social media platforms, ensuring both expertise and broad representation. Regression analysis was conducted using SPSS/AMOS to test the proposed hypotheses. The results show that both AIT and LOA have significant positive effects on SCE, and that OREAD strengthens these relationships by enhancing the effectiveness of technology adoption. These findings suggest that organizations in Oman’s public and private sectors can improve supply chain performance by integrating AI and automation, particularly when supported by strong organizational readiness. This study contributes to the supply chain management literature by providing empirical evidence on the direct and moderated effects of AIT and LOA on SCE, emphasizing the crucial role of organizational readiness in maximizing technological benefits.
Measuring the Impact of Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices on Sustainable Performance: An Empirical Investigation in Batam Indonesia MSMEs
The study sought to determine the inﬂuence of Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices (SUSSCMP), including Sustainable Supplier Management Practices (SUSSMP), Sustainable Operations Management Practices (SUSOMP), Sustainable Customer Management Practices (SUSCMP) on Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises Sustainable Performance (MSMEs-SUSPER) Riau Island (KEPRI), Indonesia. Cross-sectional data and a quantitative methodology were employed in this investigation. Questionnaires are distributed to 100 MSMEs' managers and owners. The validity of the questionnaire was tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Through path analysis, hypotheses were examined. Structural equation modelling (SEM) results show that SUSSCMP has an effect on MSMEs-SUSPER. In order to enhance MSMEs-SUSPER it is necessary to enhance SUSSMP, SUSOMP and SUSCMP.
Exploring Factors Shaping Cryptocurrency Investment Intention Among University Students
This study explores factors that influence university students' cryptocurrency investment intention. The study was conducted among 123 undergraduate students at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and used structured questionnaires to collect the data. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS’s descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The study postulates that financial literacy, social influence, perceived behavioral control, and perceived trust as important factors in students’ cryptocurrency investment intention. The findings indicated that financial literacy, social influence, and perceived trust all have significant effects on cryptocurrency investment intention. Interestingly, perceived behavioral control had no significant effect on the cryptocurrency investment intention. Furthermore, the findings reveal that the respondents are highly aware of and understand cryptocurrency in general. These findings serve to understand university students' cryptocurrency investing behavior.
A Value-Based Perspective on Patient Loyalty: Examining Service Quality, Actual Value Delivery, and Switching Costs in Libyan Private Healthcare
This study investigates the dynamics influencing patient loyalty in Libyan private hospitals by examining the roles of hospital service quality (HSQ), patient satisfaction (PS), actual value delivery (AVD), and switching costs (SC). Drawing on value-based healthcare principles and relationship marketing theory, a structural model was developed and tested using survey data from outpatients. The findings reveal that while HSQ significantly enhances PS, satisfaction alone does not directly lead to loyalty challenging traditional assumptions in healthcare management literature. Instead, AVD plays a mediating role, suggesting that tangible health outcomes and cost-effectiveness are critical to shaping satisfaction. Although SC was hypothesized to moderate the satisfaction–loyalty relationship, this effect was not supported, highlighting the dominance of contextual limitations over psychological switching barriers in shaping patient behavior. The validated measurement model offers practical implications for hospital managers and policymakers, emphasizing the need to strengthen AVD, implement loyalty programs, and remove structural barriers to improve patient retention. The study contributes theoretically by refining the satisfaction–loyalty paradigm and provides a culturally contextualized tool for evaluating healthcare service performance in developing economies.
ESG and Firm Value: Unlocking the Power of Internal Control
As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance increasingly becomes a core component of corporate and investment strategies, its influence on sustainable development and firm value has garnered extensive academic and practical interest. This paper investigates how ESG performance affects firm value among Chinese listed companies, with a focus on the moderating role of internal control mechanisms. Based on a panel dataset comprising 16,810 firm-year observations from 1,681 listed companies between 2013 and 2022, the empirical analysis confirms a notable positive correlation between ESG performance and firm value. In particular, social and governance factors exhibit positive effects, while environmental performance demonstrates a significant negative correlation. Moreover, enterprises with well-established internal control systems can amplify the value-enhancing impact of ESG initiatives, underlining the critical role of governance structures in fostering sustainable corporate outcomes. These results offer practical implications for business leaders and regulatory bodies seeking to integrate ESG considerations into long-term value creation strategies within China’s dynamic market environment.