The International Journal of Business and Information 

About: The International Journal of Business and Information is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): The Internet & Customer retention. It has an ISSN identifier of 1728-8673. Over the lifetime, 211 publications have been published receiving 2231 citations.

Information Communication Technology (ICT) Adoption Among SME Owners in Malaysia

Abstract: This paper examines the extent of information communication technology (ICT) skills, use, and adoption among owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia; identifies innovation characteristics and adopter categories among the owners; and establishes the relationship among these various constructs. The authors surveyed 383 SME owners, using a survey instrument developed from the constructs used in the diffusion of innovation theory. The findings show that the level of ICT skills possessed by SME owners in Malaysia is poor, that their use of ICT is low, and that their adoption of ICT is slow and late, primarily because they find that ICT adoption is difficult. The authors discuss the implications of their study and present their suggestions for future research direction.

Transformational Leadership: The Influence of Culture on the Leadership Behaviours of Expatriate Managers

Abstract: One of the basic reasons that the authors investigated cross-cultural leadership was to determine the extent to which leadership behaviours can be influenced by cultural values. Some researchers suggest that certain leadership behaviours are likely to be particular to a given culture, whereas others argue that there should be certain structures that leaders must perform to be effective, regardless of cultures. This study was conducted to determine the possible relationships between the work-related values of subordinates and the leadership behaviours exhibited by expatriate managers. Ninety-one Thai subordinates, direct-report of expatriates, responded on the instruments called the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and the Value Survey Module (VSM). Major results indicate that the culture of Thai subordinates has a very limited role in predicting the leadership behaviours of expatriate managers. Furthermore, the study seems to provide evidence to support a near universalistic position for the transformational-transactional paradigm.

The Roles of Perceived Enjoyment and Price Perception in Determining Acceptance of Multimedia-on-Demand

Abstract: This research analyzes factors affecting the adoption of multimedia-on-demand (MOD) service by 542 subscribers of Chunghwa Telecom in Taiwan. The study applies the extended technology acceptance model, taking into account the perceived enjoyment and price perceptions of MOD service. Sample descriptive results indicate that the majority of the MOD service market consists of college-educated business customers. The study uses confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and a structural equation model (SEM). The study has two major findings. First, perceived enjoyment is a salient endogenous factor affecting consumer attitudes and intentions toward use. This finding means that, in addition to offering a more humanized and simplified interface than cable TV, MOD service providers should offer more useful and entertaining content to attract customers. Second, lower monthly fees and lower prices for paid channels and movies on demand substantially contribute to customer intention toward MOD service use. The results show that a new relationship from perceived usefulness to perceived enjoyment has statistical significance. The interactive characteristics associated with providing more versatile entertainment to customers yields useful insights for the marketing and development strategies of MOD operators.

Prediction of Stock Performance in the Indian Stock Market Using Logistic Regression

Abstract: The authors use logistic regression (LR) and various financial ratios as independent variables to investigate indicators that significantly affect the performance of stocks actively traded on the Indian stock market. The study sample consists of the ratios of 30 large market capitalization companies over a four-year period. The study identifies and examines eight financial ratios that can classify the companies up to a 74.6% level of accuracy into two categories – “good” or “poor” – based on their rate of return. The paper asserts that the model developed can enhance an investor's stock price forecasting ability. Macroecomonic variables, which also can influence the share price, were not taken into account, however. The paper dicusses the practical implications of using the LR method to predict the probability of good stock performance. The authors state that the model can be used by investors, fund managers, and investment companies to enhance their abilty to select out-performing stocks.

A Two-step Method to Construct Credit Scoring Models with Data Mining Techniques

Abstract: Credit scoring can be defined as a technique that helps credit providers decide whether to grant credit to consumers or customers. Its increasing importance can be seen from the growing popularity and application of credit scoring in consumer credit. There are advantages not only to construct effective credit scoring models to help improve the bottom-line of credit providers, but also to combine models to yield a better performing combined model. This paper has two objectives. First, it illustrates the use of data mining techniques to construct credit scoring models. Second, it illustrates the combination of credit scoring models to give a superior final model. The paper also highlights the prerequisites and limitations of the data mining approach.