Search results

This paper aims to propose a model for democratization of Islamic home financing to tackle the issue of sustainability of homeownership affordability.

A conceptual framework and fractional equity model (FEM) are developed to incorporate big data analytics, artificial intelligence and blockchain technology in an ecosystem for affordability and sustainability of homeownership via the proposed financing model. In addition, the FEM adopts the simulation approach to show its validity in terms of liquidity when compared with traditional home financing. In this regard, this paper is focused on developing and demonstrating the feasibility of a new financing model, rather than testing specific hypotheses or relationships. This is to propose the democratization model for Islamic Home Financing that will not benefit the prospective home buyers without compromising the profitability of the financial institutions.

The findings indicate that the proposed end-to-end solution within the financing ecosystem can lead to more efficient matching market between the buyers and sellers of houses, reduced transaction costs, greater transparency and enhanced efficiency which in the end could lead to lower costs of owning homes and sustained financial resilience among house owners. The findings indicate that the FEM model is able to increase homeownership with more elements of liquidity, marketability and sustainability for homebuyers.

This research highlights the potential of big data and blockchain technology in democratizing Islamic home financing and evidence that the transfer of ownership is possible through tokenization. However, this will require a mature financing environment to adapt the technology for practical application.

The model proposes a solution to propagate shared prosperity among stakeholders such as the house buyers/owners, sellers, investors as well the government agencies. The proposed FEM model provides alternative home financing that is more marketable, flexible and sustainable for households/buyers and financiers.

It is hoped that with the proposed financing ecosystem to promote affordability and sustainability of homeownership via big data analytics, artificial intelligence and blockchain technology can lead to greater financial resilience for homeowners which can then be translated to enhanced well-being, increased productivity and can further promote economic growth.

This research is a concept paper based on academic research and industry collaboration with a technology provider.

This article discusses research addressing apartment owners’ reluctance to adopt solar photovoltaic (PV) technology by focusing on factors directly relevant to strata property owners. The research utilised a motivation-opportunity-ability (MOA)-based conceptual model and market segmentation, identifying discrete segments within this population with regards to their attitudes to solar PV adoption and informing solar PV adoption interventions tailored to each.

The research utilised a tailored survey distributed to strata property owners. To identify segments within the resulting 547-respondent sample, latent class analysis and k-means cluster analysis were performed.

Data analysis revealed three discrete segments within this sample: “Frustrated Advocates”, who are highly supportive of strata solar but are less likely to consider it feasible for their particular strata scheme and who might respond to an ongoing collaborative intervention; “Passive Supporters”, who are more confident that strata solar would be feasible for their scheme but less enthusiastic in their personal support; and “Older Avoiders”, who are indifferent to strata solar in principle, unwilling to support it in practice, and who might require a carrot-and-stick approach that recognises their actual motivations.

The research does not test interventions targeting the identified segments. However, its findings can inform tailored interventions and subsequent case studies, and influence broader research into multi-stakeholder decision-making.

This article proposes intervention strategies based on the segments' identified characteristics, to encourage and support adoption of solar PV in existing strata properties.

This article could help strata property owners and their tenants to access an important form of renewable energy.

Through the application of an MOA-based model, this article enhances extant literature by enabling the conceptualisation of the directly relevant factors facing strata property owners seeking to adopt solar PV, particularly the need for collective approval from diverse stakeholders, and demonstrates how a segmentation-based methodology can provide robust findings with regards to their resulting attitudes.

This study aims to examine the extent to which information asymmetry affects investment efficiency and whether the presence of blockholders moderate this relationship.

We employ the data of firms listed on the Malaysian stock exchange for the period 2010–2018, to compose our sample. Our final sample includes the 100 largest non-financial firms based on market capitalization. Collectively, these 100 companies contribute 84.2% to the total market capitalization (MYR 1,730bn) which is representative of the whole market. The ordinary least squares regressions were used as the main estimation technique. The system generalized method of moments, two-stage least squares and propensity score matching were also used, to address potential endogeneity concerns.

We document a positively significant association of information asymmetry with investment inefficiency. These results imply that information asymmetry reduces investment efficiency and enhances sub-optimal investments. We also document that blockholders negatively moderate the relationship of information asymmetry with investment inefficiency. Further analyses show that investment inefficiency is higher in low-growth firms than in high-growth firms because of higher information asymmetry.

We focus on Malaysia, which is a predominantly common-law Anglo-Saxon country. Graff (2008) documented that the investors are treated differently across legal systems and there are differences between the continental European and Anglo-Saxon countries. La Porta et al. (1999) documented that investors tend to have more legal protection in Anglo-Saxon countries. Therefore, our results may not be generalized to countries with different legal systems.

An important implication of our findings is that stakeholders may encourage the presence of blockholders and give them a voice to weaken the positive relationship between information asymmetry and investment inefficiency.

This study contributes to the contingency literature by investigating the moderating effect of an important governance mechanism, i.e. the presence of blockholders on information asymmetry-investment efficiency nexus. Despite being important, this moderating effect has been largely overlooked in the literature. Our study contributes by providing an understanding of how blockholders can influence investment decisions, offering insights for academics, investors and policymakers focused on improving the efficacy of investment decisions and governance structure.

This study aims to evaluate students’ intention and actual use (AU) of artificial intelligence (AI) tools’ to discover how the power of AI influences learning and academic success.

This paper used the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) to develop a structural equation model (SEM) and used convenience sampling to measure 304 students’ five-point Likert scale responses. The model was tested with AMOS-24 and SPSS-25, and the study found that AI boosted students’ learning experiences and explain importance of AI skills and knowledge.

Performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence and facilitating condition directly and indirectly affect AU via intent to use (IU), while subjective norms determining the use of AI tools’ and have no substantial influence. Attitude (ATT) moderates PE and EE, although the data show that ATT has no substantial effect on EE.

These insights may help student to understand how AI tools’ benefit them and what factors affect their utilization. When correctly designed and executed, UTAUT provides an appropriate integrated theoretical framework for robust statistical analysis like SEM.

This study aims to propose a moderated mediation model to investigate the moderating effects of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance on the relationship between inefficient investment and firm performance and the mediating effect of firms that participate in institutional research on the relationship between investment efficiency and performance. This study also analyses the heterogeneity of the corporate nature, intensity of industrial research and development (R&D), industrial competition and regional marketization.

This study uses a panel data fixed-effects model to conduct a regression analysis of 1,918 Chinese listed firms from 2016 to 2020. A Fisher’s permutation test is used to examine the differences between state-owned and nonstate-owned firms.

Inefficient investment negatively impacts corporate performance and higher ESG performance exacerbates this effect by attracting more institutional research which reveals more problems. State-owned enterprises perform significantly better than nonstate-owned enterprises in terms of ESG transformation. Industrial R&D intensity, competition and regional marketization also mitigate the negative effects of inefficient investment on corporate performance.

This study suggests that companies should consider inefficient investments that arise from agency issues in corporate ESG transformation. In addition, state-owned enterprises in ESG transformation should take the lead to achieve sustainable development more efficiently. China should balance regional marketization, encourage enterprises to increase R&D intensity, reduce industry concentration, encourage healthy competition and prevent market monopolies.

This study combines the agency and stakeholder theories to reveal how inefficient investments that arise from agency issues inhibit value creation in ESG initiatives.

Blockchain technology (BCT), since its emergence touted to be disruptive, is gaining momentum, especially in the agri-food system owing to its multiple benefits.

The authors attempted to conduct a systematic bibliometric visualization analysis of the BCT in the agri-food system. The analysis investigated the list of countries and institutions that conducted research on BCT in agriculture, growth trend analysis in research publications, bibliographic coupling of journals using the VOSviewer tool, and the countries and institutions researching BCT.

The authors discovered that China, the USA and India were the highly active countries in BCT research and publication. However, India has only limited research collaboration with other countries as compared to China and the USA. The keyword analysis indicates the role of BCT in order to maintain the transparency of the supply chain by means of protecting the privacy of the personal data of the stakeholders.

More research related to the implementation of BCT in livestock, fishery and agro-forestry sector is recommended.

The case examined is of particular interest as it is concerned with efficient supply chain management.

This study adds value and evidence to the scope and benefits of BCT by providing a comprehensive literature review, with a special focus on the opportunities and challenges concerned with implementation of BCT in the Indian agri-food system.

1. Blockchain technology (BCT) – a promising tool to resolve issues in agriculture supply chain.

2. BCT ensures transparency and protection of information along the supply chain transactions.

3. China, the USA and India are the highly active countries in BCT research and publication.

4. Multiple potential benefits to stakeholders are attributed to the BCT in the agri-food system.

5. The key challenge is to bridge the digital gap between developed and developing nations.

6. Future research on BCT should aim at easing and undistorted competition among stakeholders.

Blockchain technology (BCT) – a promising tool to resolve issues in agriculture supply chain.

BCT ensures transparency and protection of information along the supply chain transactions.

China, the USA and India are the highly active countries in BCT research and publication.

Multiple potential benefits to stakeholders are attributed to the BCT in the agri-food system.

The key challenge is to bridge the digital gap between developed and developing nations.

Future research on BCT should aim at easing and undistorted competition among stakeholders.

Family-centered rounds (FCR) are a multidisciplinary process in which patients and/or family members are present and actively participate in medical rounds. While research has shown that FCR may enhance collaborative information exchange and reduce family anxiety, the impact of the information exchange modality on the experience has been largely unexplored. Medical rounds are typically assumed to be carried out in person at the bedside. In this research, we challenge this perception. We ask whether FCR communication is best conducted at the bedside or if similar communication outcomes are obtained when family members choose the communication mode according to their preferences.

Using a field experiment in which participants choose the communication mode, we empirically analyze perceptions of the resulting communication in terms of information exchange. Three communication modes are available for participants to choose from (i.e. patients’ families): face-to-face (FtF), phone and video conferencing. A questionnaire is distributed, and the responses of the patients’ family members are analyzed. ANOVA tests are carried out to analyze the effect of communication mode on family perceptions.

Perceptions following video conferencing or FtF interaction were significantly higher than perceptions following the use of a phone. Thus, our results show clear superiority of video and FtF communication modes as facilitators of effective communication perceptions. There is also marginal evidence that FtF communication is perceived as superior than video conferencing in supporting the receipt of information and understanding but not in the ability to convey information and input to the care team. These results suggest that allowing family members to choose their communication preferences does not always support effective communication. A case can be made for motivating patient family members to use face-to-face or video communication rather than phone if possible.

The possible ramifications of allowing family members to choose communication mode with the care team have been largely unexplored. Medical rounds are typically assumed to be carried out in person at the bedside. In this research, we challenge this perception. We ask whether communication is best conducted at the bedside or whether similar communication outcomes are obtained when family members choose the communication mode according to their preferences.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in education, yet its cultural impact, especially in Southeast Asian mathematics education, remains underexplored. This gap is significant because understanding cultural adaptation is essential for AI tools to effectively enhance learning in diverse classrooms. This study examines how AI can be integrated into mathematics education across Southeast Asia, focusing on specific cultural practices such as communal learning styles, respect for hierarchical structures and the role of local languages, as well as educators’ perspectives.

A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative data from questionnaires with qualitative insights from interviews with educators across ten Southeast Asian countries. The study included 543 respondents in total with the numbers is varying in each country, targeting high school teachers experienced in using AI in teaching.

The findings revealed that educators in Singapore are most confident in AI’s adaptability to cultural contexts, whereas those in Myanmar and Laos face challenges due to infrastructure limitations. Interviews highlighted the need to customize AI tools to align with students’ cultural backgrounds, including language preferences and traditional learning practices, for effective implementation. Teacher training and access to technology, especially in rural areas, were also identified as critical factors.

This study addresses a critical gap in understanding AI’s cultural implications in Southeast Asia, providing insights into how cultural values, language and educational practices influence the integration of AI in mathematics education. The findings highlight the need for culturally responsive AI tools and targeted improvements in infrastructure and teacher training for successful implementation.

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of venture capital (VC) in supporting corporate growth and innovation through participation in private placements. While VC provides essential financial support to companies, it remains unclear whether this involvement serves a strategic investment role or a purely financial one. This study seeks to elucidate the role of VC by analyzing changes in the price discount of private placements following VC participation.

The authors take the private placement events of China A share listed companies from April 2005 to January 2023 as the sample, and examine the influence of VC subscriptions on price discount rate.

VC subscriptions to private placements increase information asymmetry, consequently raising the discount rate. This relationship is influenced by the transaction characteristics and information environment. Specifically, VC subscriptions further elevate the discount rate when VC are geographically dispersed from the issuers, possess industry expertise in the issuers’ sector, allocate raised funds for asset restructuring or non-digital investments and when the issuers are in their growth stages. Moreover, the positive correlation between VC subscriptions and the discount rate is more pronounced under conditions of lower internal control quality and weaker external media supervision. Higher discount rates in VC-subscribed private placements result in lower R&D investment and investment efficiency by the issuers, leading to larger-scale VC sell-offs and ultimately diminishing the market and financial performance of the issuers.

The issuers should diligently assess the behaviors and motives of VC and selectively choose issuance targets and methods to manage risks associated with price deviations in private placements. Additionally, this study recommends that regulatory authorities develop a more detailed regulatory framework that considers transaction characteristics and the information environment. This strategy should help optimize external regulatory measures like media coverage and protect the interests of small and medium-sized investors.

This study extends research on the “name chasing” motive and certification effect of VC in private placements, enriches the literature on the mechanisms forming discount rates and provides insights for refining regulatory policies on private placements.

This research paper investigates the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) among teachers in higher education (universities and colleges) in India and its impact on teaching activities. The study explores teachers’ perceptions, attitudes and the factors influencing the integration of AI in their teaching practices.

A questionnaire-based survey was conducted involving 500 teachers in higher education (university and college) in India. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structure equation modeling.

The study addresses teachers’ expectations and attitudes toward AI integration in teaching practices. Results suggest that AI can potentially enhance teaching practices among teachers in higher education in India. The findings contribute to understanding AI adoption in teaching, providing insights for educational institutions and policymakers. Further research is recommended to validate the results across different regions and academic settings, leading to the development of strategies and support systems for successful AI implementation in teaching practices.

The originality of this research lies in its investigation of the integration of AI in college teaching practices among teachers in India. It contributes to the existing literature by exploring teachers’ perceptions, attitudes and the factors influencing the adoption of AI, providing valuable insights for educational institutions and policymakers in the Indian context.