Showing papers in "Asian Social Science in 2009"

Levels of Job Satisfaction amongst Malaysian Academic Staff

Abstract: A study of job satisfaction of academic staff of a public university in Malaysia used the 7-item general satisfaction scale in a survey to determine the level of job satisfaction of the academic staff. The results indicated that overall the academic staff of the university has a moderate level of job satisfaction. In addition, current status, marital status, age and salary appear to have significant impact on the respondents’ level of job satisfaction. Implications on the study’s findings to the management of the university are also discussed.

Dissecting Behaviours Associated with Business Failure: A Qualitative Study of SME Owners in Malaysia and Australia

Abstract: This paper presents the findings of the first phase of a larger research project on inter-country differences of business failure in entrepreneurial firms This initial phase involves an exploratory comparative study into the perceptions of 20 Small and Medium Size Enterprise (SME) founder-owners in Australia and Malaysia on what they felt were ineffective behaviours and competencies that were strongly associated with their experiences of difficulties or failures in their own ventures Drawing on real life lessons from the founder-owners on their actions or inactions, the research contributes to the understanding of behavioural differences in the context of business failure between founder-owners in two relatively different cultural settings

Positioning Malaysia as Halal-Hub: Integration Role of Supply Chain Strategy and Halal Assurance System

Abstract: HALAL-HUB is a concerted effort among the Islamic organizations/bodies such as Halal manufacturers, Halal traders, buyers, and consumers from all over the world. To be the central trading hub for Halal products, Malaysia must intelligently market itself and achieved Halal-hub main objective of providing a credible platform in connecting global Halal supply-chain and certification for Halal Assurance. Existing literature provides a number of examples that illustrate how supply chain strategy and marketing intelligence improve firm’s performance. The literature, however, lacks theoretical support to facilitate an understanding of the magnitude of supply change strategies, structure of halal assurance system and marketing intelligence to support the scope of relational of Halal-hub. This article uses the strategy-structure-performance paradigm to position Halal Hub relative to the nature of relationships within the broader supply chain strategies, Halal Assurance systems and marketing intelligence a firm employs. The framework presented is a first step towards a more holistic and theory-based approach to understanding the link between, supply chain, halal assurance system, marketing intelligence and Halal-hub. This framework also is designed to serve as a basis for future research in this area.

The Affective Filter in Second Language Teaching

Abstract: Language learning is a process that involves both objective and affective factors. This paper introduces the concept of affective filter which has four factors, and then argues how to make use of them in SLT. By analyzing this topic, second language teachers can find a better way to conduct their teaching.

A Study of Pronunciation Problems of English Learners in China

Abstract: This paper analyzes some frequently occurring problems concerning pronunciation of English learners in China. Factors leading to these problems are interference of Chinese, learners’ age, attitude, and their insufficient knowledge of phonology and phonetics systems of the English language, etc.

Student Perceptions and Preferences for Feedback

Abstract: Provision of effective and high quality feedback has been identified as a key element of quality teaching. Despite its importance this area has been neglected in research to date; in particular research on student experiences of feedback. In a previous study Rowe and Wood (2008) invited economic and finance students (both undergraduate and postgraduate) to attend focus groups and individual interviews. In line with previous research the authors found that students valued feedback, and were aware of its importance to achieving learning outcomes. The aim of the present study is to extend the findings of the previous qualitative study with quantitative data. A survey was developed from themes identified in the focus groups and was distributed to a large cohort of students at Macquarie University and Canberra University. Some preliminary results are provided.

Development of a New Resilience Scale: The Resilience in Midlife Scale (RIM Scale)

Abstract: Resilience, the ability to maintain or regain positive levels of functioning despite adversity, is one of several strengths that can assist people in positive life adaptation. Midlife (35 - 60 years) is a period when individuals need to adapt to several major changes and challenges. However, no scale exists to measure resilience specifically in the midlife population. Therefore, this study develops a new scale to measure resilience in midlife. The RIM scale consists of 25 items, each self-rated on a 5-point scale (0-4), with higher scores reflecting greater resilience. The scale was administered to a sample of 130 men and women, aged 35 - 60 years, from the normal population. The reliability, validity and factor analytic structure of the scale were evaluated, and reference scores established. The RIM scale demonstrated sound psychometric properties and factor analysis yielded five factors. The RIM scale has potential utility in clinical and research settings.

Analysis of Effectiveness Measures of Construction Project Success in Malaysia

Abstract: Project effectiveness measures are normally used by most researchers and practitioners to judge project performance and project success. This paper provides an empirical analysis of measures of success in terms of effectiveness performance in the development of construction projects in Malaysia. A survey was conducted in Malaysia among the four project stakeholders: the Government, private clients, consultants, and contractors. In total 93 respondents completed the questionnaire. Lists of effectiveness of success measures were identified for the respondents to identify their level of success criticality to the Malaysian construction projects. The data were analysed by means of statistical analysis i.e. ranking of variables based on the mean values, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and factor analysis techniques. The first finding revealed that the level of success criticality with regards to project efficiency performance in the development of construction projects in Malaysia is according to the specific requirements and priorities of different project stakeholders. The second finding shows that effectiveness measures are related to the project ‘results’ achieved in the development of construction project. These are represented by the five principal factors namely: Learning and Exploitation; Client Satisfaction; Stakeholder Objectives; Operational Assurance and User Satisfaction. It is anticipated that the findings reported in this paper could be important for future strategies and guidelines for the development of projects in Malaysia.

The Roles of Depth and Breadth of Vocabulary Knowledge in EFL Reading Performance

Abstract: Vocabulary knowledge plays a very important role in reading tests and reading research has consistently found a word knowledge factor on which vocabulary tests load highly. Tests of vocabulary are highly predictive of performance on tests of reading comprehension. The present paper intends to review in detail the relationships between the breath and depth of vocabulary knowledge and EFL reading comprehension.

Factors Effecting Drug Relapse in Malaysia: An Empirical Evidence

Abstract: It has been noted that many drug addicts relapse to drug use after discharged from successful treatment and rehabilitation programs. Thus it is imperative and timely to address the issues that prompt relapsed addiction. 400 drug addicts on relapse cases were selected from eight drug rehabilitation centres throughout Peninsular Malaysia to examine factors influences the relapsed addiction to drug use. Consistent with previous research, self-efficacy, family support, community support and employers support were identified as main factors that influenced the relapsed addictions tendency amongst addicts. Suggestions to curb relapsed addiction to drugs were discussed in relation to the findings.

Personality and Second Language Learning

Abstract: This paper examines the relationships which exist between personality and second language learning and adds to the data available on the use of a highly respected personality indicator, the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Language learning and academic success are both highly correlated with intelligence, but research suggests that the importance of intelligence declines after high school age, partly because of the stronger effects of personality. This study places emphasis on the importance of personality in learning success and examines research evidence on the issue, discussing some of the inconsistent results that have been obtained. A study of 100 Hong Kong university undergraduates was carried out to add to this research base. The instruments used were the MBTI for personality traits, the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (S.I.L.L.) for learning strategies and a standardized test for language proficiency. Significant statistical relationships were not found and the reasons for this are discussed.

Community perceptions toward economic and environmental impacts of tourism on local communities

Abstract: This paper investigates the community perceptions toward economic and environmental impacts of tourism in Shiraz, Iran. Special focus is on the differences in perceptions between the Old and New Districts of Shiraz. The study demonstrates that there are broadly similar views among the community leaders and community residents from both districts of Shiraz. In fact, a high percentage of the answers obtained highlighted positive aspects environmental and economic impacts of tourism toward local communities. According to the survey, the strongest and favourable perceptions toward tourism impacts are found to be linked with environmental aspects and while economic matters are found to be the least favourable in terms of the perceived impacts on tourism. T-test analysis of the study indicates that there is no significant difference between community leaders' perceptions in both districts of Shiraz City. Results drew from discussion with the target group show that the community residents have positive perceptions toward economic and environmental impacts of tourism with only minor differences with each other.

The Promotion of Chinese Language Learning and China’s Soft Power

Abstract: China is currently promoting Chinese language learning throughout the world as part of its effort to accomplish its foreign policy goals through the use of soft power. This paper begins by defining soft power and discussing how and why China is attempting to establish and spread it. It then goes on to describe the ways in which China is promoting Chinese language learning and the results of such efforts. It argues that although China’s efforts have been successful in creating a positive image of the Chinese language and attracting learners, there are still obstacles to the promotion of Chinese language learning and by extension China’s soft power.

Leadership Style and Perception of Effectiveness: Enlightening Malaysian Managers

Abstract: In the past, the leadership style of Malaysian managers has been different from our Western counterparts due to strong cultural differences. However, with the advent of knowledge economy and the transformation of workforce, leadership style of Malaysian managers is said to be altered. This research explored the current state of leadership style among Malaysian managers and its effect on the perception of effectiveness. A survey method was employed and the data was drawn from subordinates who were working in private and public sectors in the Klang Valley area. When compared to past literature, the results imply that a shift has taken place primarily with regards to autocratic leadership. Respondents attributed leadership effectiveness to the use of participative and nurturant-task leader behavior. Gender differences were not significantly evident.

Role-play in English Language Teaching

Abstract: Role-play is an effective technique to animate the teaching and learning atmosphere, arouse the interests of learners, and make the language acquisition impressive. So this research will mainly focus on how to apply it successfully and take the most advantage of it in English class. The outcome shows there are four crucial factors for its success: the topic chosen should be real and relevant; the teacher need 'feed-in' the appropriate language; correct errors in a proper way; some of teachers role are facilitator, spectator or participant. Incorporating role-play into the classroom adds variety, a change of pace and opportunities for a lot of language production and also a lot of fun!

Socio-Cultural Knowledge in Conversational Inference

Abstract: In addition to words and grammar, socio-cultural knowledge is also of vital importance in the interpretation of conversations. Socio-cultural knowledge helps participants to get contextualization cues and together with other signaling channels, participants will be able to perceive the context-bound information and prepare their appropriate responses. Socio-cultural knowledge is indispensable in our modern society where people have widely varying communicative and cultural backgrounds, which needs to be further studied.

Gender as a moderator of the relationship between OCB and turnover intention

Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between OCBs and turnover intention. The sample consisted of 557 non manager employees across 63 hotels in Malaysia. Managers’ ratings of employees’ OCBs were collected and matched with 557 employees’ self ratings of turnover intention and demographic. Factor analysis of OCB items revealed a new dimension of OCB, labeled as patience, together with four common dimensions - helping behavior, conscientiousness, sportsmanship and civic virtue. Consistent with cognitive consistency theory, the results show that helping behavior, conscientiousness, patience and civic virtue were significantly and negatively related to turnover intention. Moreover, the OCB dimensions explained a meaningful portion (25%) of the turnover intention measure. The results indicated that gender moderated the relationship between helping behavior and turnover intention and this relationship was stronger for females than males. These results point to the importance of considering behavioral factors in effort to predict and manage employee turnover.

Performance Analysis of Government and Public Buildings Via Post Occupancy Evaluation

Abstract: The government has an important obligation to ensure that the public buildings and facilities should be well managed to maintain building sustainability. Evaluation after occupancy in buildings is vitally needed to ensure that building performance is sustained. Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) of buildings is of utmost importance in building performance evaluation as it comprises the technique that is used to evaluate whether a building meets the user’s requirement. By using occupants as benchmark in evaluation, the potential of improving the performance of building is enormous. This paper discusses about a research with the broad aim of developing a general guideline for the POE practice specifically for government and public buildings in Malaysia. The entailing objectives are firstly, to review and analyze the government and public building performance, secondly, to determine the occupants’ satisfaction level, and thirdly, to determine the correlation between building performance and occupants’ satisfaction level. The study has revealed that 74% of the aspects of building performance are in high correlation with the occupants’ satisfaction. The study concludes that the proposed guideline of POE is effective, relevant and beneficial to be used by public sector in evaluating the performance of government and public buildings in Malaysia.

Stock Market and Economic Growth in Malaysia: Causality Test

Abstract: Stock market has been associated with economic growth through its role as source for new private capital. On the other hand, economic growth may be the catalyst for stock market growth. Thus, the purpose of this paper was to explore causal relationships between stock market and the economy using formal tests of causality developed by C. J. Granger and yearly Malaysia data for the period 1977-2006. Results show that stock market Granger-caused economic activity with no reverse causality observed. The longest significant lag length observed from the results was two years.

From Customer Satisfaction to Citizen Satisfaction: Rethinking Local Government Service Delivery in Malaysia

Abstract: The Producer-Customer Paradigm within which much of the service improvement efforts have been undertaken is a highly circumscribed and problematic paradigm for local government services. It views citizens as customers of local government services and seeks to be more efficient in its delivery through process improvements. While the Producer-Customer Paradigm has spotlighted the service delivery side of the local government, it leaves the policy making and political side of local government, so central to the nature and role of government largely beyond its scope. This artificial but politically convenient truncation or limitation has been soundly criticized in the west for distorting the role of the local citizen and the local government. Citizen satisfaction and not merely customer satisfaction is the key indicator of local government quality. An expanded service quality paradigm i.e. Government-Citizen Model is needed to place service quality within a framework of political and social values. The ultimate test of local government quality is a population which is satisfied as a user (personal satisfaction) and citizen (social satisfaction).

The Malaysian Private Finance Initiative and Value for Money

Abstract: The concept of value for money (VFM) is the fundamental reason for most PFI projects to be attractive in many developed and developing countries. The concept encourages governments to deliver Mega projects by using PFI procurement method. The aims of this paper are to investigate the notion of VFM for PFI projects by different countries (i.e. UK, Australia and Japan) and to discover the detailed components of Public Sector Comparator ( PSC ) protocol to evaluate VFM. Based on the consideration of these models, the paper proposes a framework of VFM assessment for PFI projects in Malaysia. The proposed framework outlines six processes to be considered: key assessment criteria (affordability, risk sharing and competition) of VFM assessment; VFM assessment approach by using PSC; VFM appraisal by application of three tests (financial, qualitative and cost benefit analysis); VFM drivers; benefits; and barriers that could affect the VFM assessment process. Hence, achieving VFM can be described in terms of three core components; economic, efficiency and effectiveness of PFI projects. The framework developed in this paper will help to gain a better understanding of VFM in PFI projects and to establish PSC guideline in the evaluation of VFM.

Cognitive Development, Analytical Thinking, and Learning Satisfaction of Second Grade Students learned through Inquiry-based Learning

Abstract: Science teaching needs to be able students having knowledge and understanding. Also, students have to develop their thinking skills it should help students meet real science through inquiry-based pedagogical process. This study aims to (i) investigate effective teaching criterion through inquiry-based teaching at 80/80, (ii) find out effectiveness index of inquiry-based teaching, (iii) compare analytical thinking between before and after students had learned by inquiry-based learning activities, and (iv) study learning satisfaction of second grade students after they had learned through inquiry method. Participants of the study were 10 second grade students, sampled by purposive sampling technique. Research instruments comprised of 8-lesson plan, 20-item achievement test, 20-item analytical thinking test, and 15-item questionnaire on learning satisfaction. Data were gathered and analyzed by Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Singed–Ranks Test. Results revealed that inquiry-based learning activities had effective criterion at 84.46/82.50; effectiveness index of inquiry-based learning activities was 0.5200; post test score of achievement test higher than those pre test score at .05 statistical significance level; and students had learning satisfaction on inquiry-based learning activities at highest level. It can be concluded that inquiry-based learning activities promoted students in terms of both cognitive, analytical thinking, and learning satisfaction. It should be suggested in for pedagogical preparation and incorporate it into science curriculum.

The 21st century accounting career from the perspective of the Malaysian university students

Abstract: Using questionnaire setting, this study examines the perception of the Malaysian public university students on the accounting career in Malaysia. This study seeks to identify the respondents’ preferred accounting career, their career exposure, the factors perceived to be important for an accountant and the acquisition qualities of an accountant. The results of this study provide interesting responses from the respondents. More respondents prefer to become a public accountant rather than holding a management post. The respondents obtained their career exposure mostly from the professional accounting bodies and the factors perceived to be most important in an accountant are work performance and self confidence. Salary is also one of the factors perceived to be important for an accountant. The respondents also perceived the essential qualities of an accountant are acquired through education. The results of this study provide insights to the bodies of accounting profession, employers and academics on the nature and relative importance of the factors deemed important for the accounting students in their employment decision and their preferences to employment opportunities.

Market Innovativeness of Malaysian SMEs: Preliminary Results from a First Wave Data Collection

Abstract: In today’s dynamic business environment, having good strategies alone is not enough. Businesses must be able to evolve in consonance with the environment and focused on achieving sustained competitive advantages. One potential mechanism through which sustained competitive advantages can be obtained is innovativeness. Drawing upon data from 39 small and medium enterprises in Malaysia, this study examined the relationship of market innovativeness to performance. The findings of this study were somehow consistent with those of the earlier innovativeness study. The result of regression analyses reveals that market innovativeness is significantly related to the performance. Apart from providing some new evidence in the important area of innovativeness of Malaysian SMEs, this study has also important implication for managers and policy makers while revealing considerable scope for future research.

Islamic Credit Card: Are Demographic Factors a Good Indicator?

Abstract: This study investigates on the relationship between demographic factors and the usage of Islamic credit card as well as Conventional credit card demonstrates their interdependencies. The debatable issues as been addressed by many authorities not only in terms of the numbers of credit card flooding the nation’s economy, but the amount of transactions that end up with payment default and the numbers of credit card fraud as been recorded which threatened the economy should be seriously focused. Nevertheless the advances and changing habits in purchasing activities significantly contributed the diffusion of credit card as becoming more important and relevant in maintaining the purchasing activities. The study was conducted involving 305 respondents as a sample of study. While 26 items were used for addressing the research questions. Section A of the questionnaire seeks for information concerning the demographic profile of the respondents whilst section B and C that used Likert scale aimed to investigate information related to income and usage of credit card. The results of the study offer certain important managerial implications for the policy makers, finance institutions and the authorities bodies that take controls the credit card activities.

A Study of Collaborative Learning among Malaysian Undergraduates

Abstract: This study was to investigate Malaysian undergraduates’ preference for collaborative learning activities that were carried out during English lessons. Gender, location and programme were studied in order to determine their influence on the undergraduates’ preference. The study was carried out on four groups comprised of science and social science undergraduates. The respondents were asked to respond to a set questionnaire that was adapted from Cantwell & Andrews’ Feelings Toward Group Work Questionnaire (1998) & Reid’s Perceptual Learning Questionnaire (1987). The results indicated that all the undergraduates preferred to participate in collaborative learning activities during their English lessons.

Malaysian Development Planning System: Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan and Public Participation

Abstract: In Malaysia, public participation is not just an alternative for better planning, but is a requirement as stated in the planning law. Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) and the amendments require public participation in the process of preparing development plans (structure plans and local plans) in Peninsular Malaysia (except Kuala Lumpur). In Kuala Lumpur, it is stated in the Federal Territory (Planning) Act 1982 (Act 267). Development plan as the name suggests guide the location of development with criteria based policies. Public has the right to know and participate in making decisions, particularly in those which potentially affect the communities in which they live and work. Research had been carried out to identify the effectiveness of the public participation programme for Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020. The research was carried out by collecting feedback from the participants of public exhibitions and workshops. Through the research, it was found that series of workshops are the effective method of public participation for development plan as compared to one public exhibition after draft proposal or plan has been completed. This is because an effective and successful public participation programme should allow members of the community to have an active voice in the process and to have free access to important information.

Natural Disaster Death and Sosio-Economic Factors in Selected Asian Countries: A Panel Analysis

Abstract: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationship between disaster fatalities with the level of economic development, years of schooling, land area and population for a panel of fifteen Asian countries over the sample period over 1970 to 2005. Our results indicates that the relationship between disaster losses and the level of economic development is nonlinear in nature suggesting that at lower income level, a country is more disaster resilience but at higher income level, an economy become less disaster resistant. Other disaster determinants of interest is the level of education which suggests that educational attainment reduces human fatalities as a result of disaster; larger population will increase death toll and larger land area will reduce disaster fatalities.

Western Tourists Perception of Malaysian Gastronomic Products

Abstract: Continual efforts have been made by international organizations to discover new tourism products and activities that have the opportunity of being marketed and promoted. Gastronomy has been identified as one of the new tourism product which is directly relevant to the Malaysian context. At present gastronomy is a valuable source of attracting tourists from all over the world and this has led to the empirical investigation on western tourists perception of Malaysian gastronomic products (food, beverages and food cultures). The sample population was randomly selected among the western tourists at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) who had consumed and experienced these gastronomic products during their vacation in Malaysia. Predominantly the data were based on self-completed questionnaires. A series of statistical analyses were employed by looking at the frequencies, mean scores and standard deviation through descriptive and parametric statistics. The results revealed that the majority of western tourists perceived that Malaysia offered great choices of tasty and freshly prepared food, snacks and beverages. The western tourists also perceived that Malaysia owned a unique and exquisite identity of food culture. In addition, the findings demonstrated that the local gastronomic products can be a catalyst for boosting the local economy.

Sufficiency Economy as a Response to The Problem of Poverty in Thailand

Abstract: The Thai King’s philosophy of ‘Sufficiency Economy’ as a means to alleviate poverty has recently been recognized by the United Nations in the presentation of the UNDP Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has, since 1974, stressed the importance of economic self-reliance which is based on the Buddhist belief in the middle path to conduct ways of life to overcome poverty. Thailand learned many lessons from a financial crisis that followed the devaluation of the Thai baht in July 1997. The King’s philosophy of self-reliance has gained new credence, reflected in government development policies aimed at improving the country’s economic well being. Education and technology are being promoted as vital tools in line with an understanding of ‘Sufficiency Economy’ which implies moderation of aspirations and a balance between success and fulfilment. Education is the key to developing the full potential of the individual and is regarded by policy makers as instrumental in combating poverty. Human development as a concept and as a policy objective must encompass the economic, social and cultural dimensions of human life. This paper examines the importance of the King’s philosophy of ‘Sufficiency Economy’ to education reform as a poverty reduction strategy in Thailand in the context of rapid economic and technological changes.