Vol. 16 No. 2(I)S (2024)

Different students have different preferences for learning methods. Some of the students might prefer visual or audio reading or kinesthetic learning. It is believed that the student’s preferences of learning methods might help the students understand more about the subject and hence contribute to their academic performance. Therefore, this study investigates whether the students’ preferences for learning methods are influenced by the courses they registered for and the gender, and age of the students. A sample of 341 students from different backgrounds was selected in this study comprised of students from the Faculty of Business and Management, Faculty of Accountancy, Faculty of Graphic Design, and Faculty of Nursing in Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam. The findings show that course and gender play an important role in student’s preferences for learning methods while age is not the significant variable. There is a very high positive correlation between courses and preferences of learning methods, while age and gender have a high positive correlation toward preferences of learning methods. This study might help educators in tailoring their lectures to the students’ preferences of learning methods, thus contributing to the academic performance of the students.

The objective of this study is to outline the issue of government-provided disaster relief management (JKMM) for flood victims during a disaster. Additionally, it examines communication and the planning of goods movement as key elements in determining the efficacy of Humanitarian Supply Chain Management (HSCM). This study focuses on the staff of the Social Welfare Department (JKMM), namely those from the Disaster Management Department and other agencies. The analysis of this research relies on a distinct dataset acquired from a survey conducted among the staff members. Researchers can more easily get quantitative measurements to analyze data on respondent variables. The operational sample comprises 137 participants. The study reveals that enhancing aspects related to the movement of goods and communication is crucial for improving the efficacy of HSCM. JKKM should ensure sufficient vehicle availability while simultaneously striving to minimize communication obstacles, such as limited network coverage. This paper stands out because of its unusual approach since it examines the challenges faced by the government agency (JKMM) in managing products for flood victims. This perspective sets it apart from earlier studies, which primarily focused on the experiences of flood victims and evacuation centers in Malaysia.

The adoption of electronic payment systems (e-payments) has gained significant traction worldwide. E-payment systems have become widely accepted and used in Malaysia's Klang Valley area. The purpose of this study is to investigate the elements that drive customer acceptance of e-payment systems in the Klang Valley, with emphasis on convenience, security, speed and social influence. Drawing upon existing literature, convenience emerges as a critical determinant of e-payment adoption. Security considerations also play a crucial role, as consumers prioritize platforms with robust security measures. Additionally, the speed of transactions is a significant factor influencing consumers' preferences with faster processing times. Furthermore, social influence, encompassing peer recommendations and societal norms, shapes consumers' attitudes and behaviors toward e-payment adoption. To empirically test these factors, a quantitative research methodology will be employed, with data collected through non-probability sampling techniques. The study will focus on people of the Klang Valley, especially Kuala Lumpur, who use electronic payment methods. The data will be analyzed and validated using descriptive analysis, reliability tests, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. This study's findings are likely to give useful insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders and researchers looking to encourage the acceptance and use of e-payment systems. Understanding the elements that influence customers' attitudes and behaviors toward e-payment adoption allows for the development of targeted strategies to improve the accessibility, security, and efficiency of digital payment systems. Finally, this study hopes to contribute to the promotion of financial inclusion and the growth of the digital economy.

In Malaysia, the emergence of influencers on social media has significantly influenced consumer behavior as many people connect and look up to these digital personalities. This study aims to investigate how factors such as trustworthiness, expertise, attractiveness, respect and likeness influence consumer responses to influencer marketing campaigns. Specifically, the research objectives are to examine the relationships between each of these factors and consumer responses and to determine whether consumer attitudes influence these relationships. In addition, the TEARS model appears to be more appropriate for this study than Ohanian's (1990) source of credibility model because it incorporates characteristics of respect and similarity that align well with Eastern cultural norms. Respect and similarity are particularly important in Eastern societies where social harmony and collective values are emphasized . The TEARS model therefore provides a more comprehensive framework for understanding the impact of influencer endorsements in this cultural context. For this empirical study, data was collected from Shah Alam consumers aged 20-40 years old who own TikTok accounts and follow TikTok influencers who share and endorse products on the TikTok platform. Data was collected from 250 people, 200 of whom were classified as valid respondents. The survey was published online and the data was collected by the researcher using Google Forms. The links to the Google Forms survey were shared on social media such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. By focusing on these dimensions, the study fills research gaps by analyzing how these factors interact within influencer marketing, especially in an Eastern cultural setting.

The concepts of intelligence quotient (IQ) and emotional quotient (EQ) have long been recognized as essential indicators of cognitive and emotional capabilities. However, the field of supply chain management lacks a standardized measure to assess the competencies required for successful supply chain operations. This article aims to fill this gap by introducing the concept of Supply Chain Quotient (SCQ) as a novel measure of supply chain competence. The SCQ framework expands beyond traditional intelligence and emotional factors, considering the unique skills and characteristics required in the complex world of supply chains. Drawing from existing literature on supply chain management, human resources, and cognitive psychology, this research explores the key dimensions and components that comprise the SCQ. The paper also examines potential methodologies and approaches for assessing and quantifying the SCQ, including self-assessment tools, case studies, and behavioral assessments. By introducing the SCQ, this research contributes to the understanding and evaluation of supply chain competence, providing organizations with a framework to identify, develop, and leverage talent in their supply chain functions. Additionally, it opens avenues for future research and practical applications to enhance supply chain performance and improve overall organizational outcomes.

The efficient management of working capital is crucial for businesses to sustain operations, improve financial performance, and enhance competitiveness in today's dynamic and globalized supply chains. Supply chain finance, an emerging field that focuses on optimizing financial flows and relationships within supply chains, offers opportunities for businesses to improve working capital management. This research aims to explore the multi-dimensional aspects of working capital management in the context of supply chain finance and propose strategies for optimizing financial performance. By examining the interplay between cash flow, inventory management, and accounts receivable/payable, this study will provide insights into effective working capital management practices that can be implemented across different stages of the supply chain. Through a simple desktop research and literature survey, this research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on supply chain finance and provide practical recommendations for businesses seeking to enhance their financial performance through optimized working capital management.

Open Government Data (OGD) is a highly effective method for governments in many countries to share data with citizens. Many governments have taken the initiative to create their platform for sharing freely accessible data. Even though the platform is ready for use, the level of OGD usage remains to be discovered. It is critical to investigate the behavioral intention to use OGD to ensure transparency, accountability and trust in the government. This research aimed to fill the gap in the literature on the quality factors of OGD that influence the intention to use from the academic staff perspective. As 389 data was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) – SmartPLS the purposive sampling technique was applied. The results determined that information quality plays a big role in indicating trust in the OGD website as compared to service quality and system quality. For the mediating results, it is proven that trust in the OGD website mediates the relationship between trust in government and behavioral intention and trust in technology and behavioral intention to use OGD. The government can determine the extent of OGD usage in the nation by looking at characteristics including quality, and trust. The results of this empirical study may therefore be useful in helping the federal, state and municipal governments get ready for the release of their various open data sets. According to the National Agenda for a Digital Malaysia, this study may guarantee that Malaysia's accessible government data serves its residents in several ways.

This research aims to review the expansion of gig work enabled by digital platforms, providing individuals with flexibility and opportunities to diversify their income. This research emphasizes the difficulties experienced by gig workers, such as social isolation, absence of benefits, financial instability, and the necessity for protective policies. It highlights the significance of acquiring new skills and proposes policy suggestions to establish a conducive atmosphere for gig workers. It contends that the gig economy in Malaysia's future necessitates thorough data and precise regulations to guarantee equitable treatment and advantages for gig workers amid worries about job displacement and the continuation of disparities.

The global surge in smartphone adoption experienced remarkable expansion, establishing itself as a fundamental component of contemporary living. With ongoing technological progress, smartphones have transformed from simple communication tools into versatile devices with a multitude of features. The decisionmaking process for smartphone acquisitions was complicated and influenced by a diverse range of factors that differed among individuals, demographics, and cultural settings. This research explored the diverse elements influencing consumers' smartphone purchase decisions, affected by numerous factors ranging from individual preferences and needs to more significant societal trends. Through unraveling these factors, the study aimed to offer valuable insights into the dynamics of the smartphone market, facilitating businesses in adapting to and addressing the evolving demands of consumers. The factors under study were country of origin, product features, brand image, product price, and social influences. Pearson correlation and regression analyses were conducted and the result showed that Product Features and Country of Origin were significant predictors.

The present study focuses on a prominent food trading company in Malaysia, which boasts a strong market presence and a commitment to quality in diverse Southeast Asian markets. Despite its strong market presence, the food trading company struggles with significant delays in delivering its export items, adversely impacting customer satisfaction and competitive advantage. The identified delivery performance discrepancies in certain Southeast Asian countries highlight a critical area for investigation. Thus, this study aims to identify the underlying causes of these late deliveries and propose strategic solutions to enhance delivery efficiency. Employing a qualitative case study methodology, the investigation involves semi-structured interviews with ten experienced company employees selected through a purposive sampling technique. The analysis followed a rigorous qualitative data analysis procedure, including data reduction, data display, drawing, and verifying conclusions. The findings reveal four primary causes of late delivery: 1) INACCURATE INFORMATION, 2) INEFFICIENT PRODUCTION PROCESS, 3) TRANSPORTATION SCHEDULING, and 4) LIMITATION OF THE SYSTEM. To address the causes, the study recommends INTEGRATING SYSTEM INFORMATION to resolve the issues of INACCURATE INFORMATION and LIMITATION OF THE SYSTEM, alongside RESOURCING ALTERNATIVE SHIPPING AGENTS as a strategic approach to overcome INEFFICIENT PRODUCTION PROCESS and TRANSPORTATION SCHEDULLING . The findings advocate that the top management of the food trading company to embrace system integration and establish partnerships with reliable transportation agencies to address immediate late delivery concerns. Implementing these strategies will not only address issues of late deliveries but also enhance its export delivery performance, ensure customer satisfaction, and maintain its international market leadership.