Aishah Mohd Nor, Nur Ezan Rahmat and Dhiyauddin Athir Nadzari
Refugees commonly face inequitable access to education in their host countries. The purpose of this study is to examine the related laws and policies on the right of education for…
Abstract
Purpose
Refugees commonly face inequitable access to education in their host countries. The purpose of this study is to examine the related laws and policies on the right of education for refugees from the international perspective; to explore the issues from the Islamic perspective; and to analyse Malaysia’s response to the international conventions, specifically in its implementation of educational access and services.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study uses an exploratory approach, reviewing materials such as books, journals, reports and newspaper articles to identify international conventions and Islamic perspectives on the rights to education for refugees. An analysis of Malaysia’s response to the rights to education for refugees was conducted to highlight the implementation of educational access and services for refugees in Malaysia.
Findings
This study reveals the existing rights and access to education for refugees from the international and Islamic perspectives. However, in Malaysia, there is a lack of a domestic legal framework governing refugees which limits access to basic human rights including education.
Research limitations/implications
This study focuses on the rights and access to education.
Practical implications
The lack of adequate and quality access to education for refugees in host countries will likely increase illiteracy levels and subsequently trigger societal and financial strife in the long run. This research emphasizes the importance of developing an adequate framework and strategic plan of action for better access and services for refugee education in Malaysia.
Social implications
A lack of research and engagement on the rights and access to education services may come at the expense of refugees. An adequate framework and strategic plan of action incorporating access to education services for refugees are necessary to support refugees in enhancing their quality of life and creating a safer environment reducing the possibility of exploitation, abuse or harm. This study may generate interest and create awareness of refugee education in Malaysia, especially among advocates and policymakers interested in such groups.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the discussion on the right and access to education for refugees from the international and Islamic perspectives, while also examining Malaysia’s response to its implementation. Refugees displaced to Malaysia have become a matter of concern that should be addressed by academic researchers, activists and official authorities. The findings demonstrate the urgency of developing an adequate framework and strategic plan of action to minimize disparities in education access among refugees. Further research is still needed, as very limited research has been conducted on this topic, particularly in developing countries like Malaysia.
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Ain Farhana Jamaludin, Mohd Fariz Helmi Husain and Muhammad Najib Razali
This study aims to examine the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in Malaysian public-listed property companies, focusing on how these…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in Malaysian public-listed property companies, focusing on how these entities incorporate sustainable practices into their operations. The research evaluates the extent of ESG adoption and its implications for the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs an ESG matrix derived from existing literature to systematically evaluate companies’ adherence to ESG principles. Variations in implementation across the sector are highlighted, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities of ESG integration.
Findings
The results reveal that while some companies demonstrate strong ESG performance, others encounter barriers such as high costs and limited awareness. Additionally, the study identifies the impact of ESG integration on corporate governance and financial performance, influenced by regulatory pressures, investor demands and global sustainability objectives.
Originality/value
The findings emphasise the growing importance of ESG frameworks in driving long-term competitiveness within the Malaysian property sector. The research calls for enhanced governance structures and greater transparency in ESG reporting to address existing gaps and align with global sustainability trends.
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Rakesh Sai Kumar Mandala and R. Ramesh Nayaka
This paper aims to identify modern construction techniques for affordable housing, such as prefabrication and interlocking systems, that can save time and cost while also…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify modern construction techniques for affordable housing, such as prefabrication and interlocking systems, that can save time and cost while also providing long-term sustainable benefits that are desperately needed in today's construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The need for housing is growing worldwide, but traditional construction cannot cater to the demand due to insufficient time. There should be some paradigm shift in the construction industry to supply housing to society. This paper presented a state-of-the-art review of modern construction techniques practiced worldwide and their advantages in affordable housing construction by conducting a systematic literature review and applying the backward snowball technique. The paper reviews modern prefabrication techniques and interlocking systems such as modular construction, formwork systems, light gauge steel/cold form steel construction and sandwich panel construction, which have been globally well practiced. It was understood from the overview that modular construction, including modular steel construction and precast concrete construction, could reduce time and costs efficiently. Further enhancement in the quality was also noticed. Besides, it was observed that light gauge steel construction is a modern phase of steel that eases construction execution efficiently. Modern formwork systems such as Mivan (Aluminium Formwork) have been reported for their minimum construction time, which leads to faster construction than traditional formwork. However, the cost is subjected to the repetitions of the formwork. An interlocking system is an innovative approach to construction that uses bricks made of sustainable materials such as earth that conserve time and cost.
Findings
The study finds that the prefabrication techniques and interlocking system have a lot of unique attributes that can enable the modern construction sector to flourish. The study summarizes modern construction techniques that can save time and cost, enhancing the sustainability of construction practices, which is the need of the Indian construction industry in particular.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to identifying specific modern construction techniques for time and cost savings, lean concepts and sustainability which are being practiced worldwide.
Practical implications
Modern formwork systems such as Mivan (Aluminium Formwork) have been reported for their minimum construction time which leads to faster construction than traditional formwork.
Social implications
The need for housing is growing rapidly all over the world, but traditional construction cannot cater to the need due to insufficient time. There should be some paradigm shift in the construction industry to supply housing to society.
Originality/value
This study is unique in identifying specific modern construction techniques for time and cost savings, lean concepts and sustainability which are being practiced worldwide.
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Peter Dodzi Kwasi Agbaxode, Ehsan Saghatforoush and Sitsabo Dlamini
The conventional project delivery (CPD) approach has been reported in the literature as the most widely used project delivery method in the construction industry globally compared…
Abstract
Purpose
The conventional project delivery (CPD) approach has been reported in the literature as the most widely used project delivery method in the construction industry globally compared to other delivery methods. However, researchers and practitioners have argued that the approach, specifically during the production of design documentation under the CPD, lacks certain capabilities that ensure quality and enhance project delivery. Therefore, this study aims to use the Ghanaian construction industry to identify the capabilities required of the CPD in practice, particularly during the production of design documentation.
Design/methodology/approach
The study design follows a pragmatist philosophy and uses mixed methods based on a deductive approach. Data collection involved a questionnaire survey, followed by semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics, whereas qualitative data analysis used content analysis with the assistance of IBM SPSS and QSR Nvivo 12 Pro.
Findings
Findings indicate that there should be incentives for producing good design documentation quality; mandatory coordination of design documentation; improving collaboration among designers; and allowing contractors to make input during the design stage.
Practical implications
The results indicate the need for the identified capabilities to be introduced in the CPD approach to improve design documentation quality.
Originality/value
This study offers a significant insight into the specific capabilities that are required of the CPD approach in practice particularly, in the production of design documentation
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This chapter explores the intersection of cutting-edge algorithms in the financial technology (FinTech) sector, with a particular focus on the application of machine learning (ML…
Abstract
This chapter explores the intersection of cutting-edge algorithms in the financial technology (FinTech) sector, with a particular focus on the application of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance sustainability and ethical finance practices. The transformative capabilities of ML and AI are examined through their roles in revolutionising financial services by increasing operational efficiency, improving decision-making processes and enhancing risk management strategies. Specific applications discussed include fraud detection, anomaly detection in financial statements, robo-advisory services, prediction of customer deposits, combating money laundering, sentiment analysis, loan eligibility prediction, stock price prediction and the automation of routine tasks through chatbots. Additionally, the chapter addresses the crucial role of AI and ML in supporting green finance initiatives, reducing carbon footprints and promoting financial inclusion, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development. The detailed exploration provides insights into how these advanced technologies are key in shaping the future of the financial industry towards more sustainable outcomes.
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Hamid Moakedi and Fazel Hajizadeh Ebrahimi
The purpose of this paper is to derive the optimal inspection policy for a power supply system which consists of two components: a capacitor bank and a transformer. The capacitor…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to derive the optimal inspection policy for a power supply system which consists of two components: a capacitor bank and a transformer. The capacitor bank has two states: healthy and hidden failure. Its failure is detected only by inspection, and the delay in detection increases the cost of electricity consumption. The transformer has three states: healthy, defective and obvious failure. It continues to work after being defective, but if the defect is not detected and repaired in time, it becomes an obvious failure. The defect is detected only by inspection, but the obvious failure is self-announcing.
Design/methodology/approach
The expected total cost of the system over a limited time horizon for a given inspection schedule is first modeled mathematically, and then an efficient genetic algorithm is designed to find the nearly optimal non-periodic inspection policy such that the expected total cost of the system is minimized.
Findings
The results show that, firstly, the higher the failure rate of the system components, the non-periodic inspection policy is more economical than the periodic one. Secondly, the proposed genetic algorithm reaches the nearly optimal solution in a shorter time with less computational effort compared to the A-star search algorithm.
Originality/value
Using the proposed approach, the nearly optimal non-periodic inspection schedule over a finite time horizon can be easily obtained for the power supply system. As a result of the implementation of this policy, the inspection and maintenance costs have been reduced, and it can have a significant impact on energy price.
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Yasir Mansoor Kundi, Zeeshan Hamid, Bilqees Ghani and Usman Kaiser
This study examines how and when family-friendly policies influence employee subjective career success in terms of work–home enrichment, perceived career success and work–home…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines how and when family-friendly policies influence employee subjective career success in terms of work–home enrichment, perceived career success and work–home interference.
Design/methodology/approach
Pakistani employees (n = 369) working full-time in multiple organizations participated in this study. Structural equation modeling in Mplus 8.3 was utilized to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results demonstrate that family-friendly policies foster work–home enrichment and perceived career success while reducing work–home interference. Furthermore, the findings suggest that an ethical work climate, in conjuction with family-friendly policies, leads to positive outcomes regarding employees’ subjective career success.
Originality/value
Based on the broaden-and-build theory, the authors provide new theoretical insights into how and when family-friendly policies affect subjective career success in terms of work–home enrichment, perceived career success and work–home interference. They also identify new boundary conditions (i.e. ethical work climate) that moderate the effect of family-friendly policies’ effect on subjective career success.
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Carlos Arturo Hoyos-Vallejo, Nelson Geovany Carrión Bósquez and Iván Veas González
This study aimed to determine whether the dimensions of the theory of consumption values (TCV), analyzed collectively or individually, influence the attitudes of millennials who…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to determine whether the dimensions of the theory of consumption values (TCV), analyzed collectively or individually, influence the attitudes of millennials who intend to purchase organic products.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was quantitative, with a correlational scope and a cross-sectional design, conducted on 509 Peruvian millennials. A questionnaire consisting of 23 questions was administered, with responses quantified using a five-point Likert scale. The results were processed through exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 24 and AMOS 24.
Findings
The study highlights that environmental attitudes (EAs) are a direct determinant of the purchase intentions for organic products. However, these attitudes are not equally shaped by all the dimensions of the TCV. It demonstrates that functional and social values contribute to the formation of EAs in Peruvian millennials, while emotional, conditional and epistemic values do not. These findings contribute to the body of knowledge by revealing that values most influence the decision-making process of organic product consumers and provide valuable information to improve decision-making for companies that produce and market these products.
Originality/value
The study confirmed that consumption values, considered as a second-order variable or as a single construct, do not influence the attitudes of millennials who intend to purchase organic products. This finding underscores the importance of measuring these dimensions independently.
Propósito
Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar si las dimensiones de la Teoría de los Valores de Consumo, analizadas colectivamente o individualmente, influyen en las actitudes de los millennials que tienen la intención de comprar productos orgánicos.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
La investigación fue cuantitativa, con un alcance correlacional y un diseño transversal, realizada en 509 millennials Peruanos. Se administró un cuestionario compuesto por 23 preguntas, con respuestas cuantificadas utilizando una escala Likert de cinco puntos. Los resultados se procesaron mediante Análisis Factorial Exploratorio, Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio y Modelos de Ecuaciones Estructurales utilizando el Paquete Estadístico para Ciencias Sociales (SPSS) 24 years AMOS 24.
Hallazgos
El estudio pone en evidencia que las actitudes ambientales son un condicionante directo de las intenciones de compra de productos orgánicos. Sin embargo, estas actitudes no son moldeadas de manera equitativa por todas las dimensiones de la Teoría de Valores de consumo. Demostrando de esta manera que, los valores funcionales y valores sociales contribuyen a la formación de la actitud ambiental en los millennials peruanos, mientras que los valores emocionales, condicionales y epistémicos no lo hacen. Estos hallazgos contribuyen al campo del conocimiento, revelando los valores que mayormente influyen dentro de la toma de decisiones de los consumidores de productos orgánicos y a su vez aporta información valiosa para mejorar la toma de decisiones para la empresas productoras y comercializadoras de este tipo de productos.
Originalidad/valor
El estudio confirmó que los valores de consumo, ya sea considerados como una variable de segundo orden o como un constructo único, no influyen en las actitudes de los millennials que tienen la intención de comprar productos orgánicos. Este hallazgo subraya la importancia de medir estas dimensiones de manera independiente.
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Zefeng Bai, Pengcheng Wang and Miaoqing Jia
In this paper, we empirically investigate how crypto investments in times of economic downturn would affect credit card usage, a widely used payment method that has a significant…
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, we empirically investigate how crypto investments in times of economic downturn would affect credit card usage, a widely used payment method that has a significant impact on individual financial well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
We carry out an ordinary least squares regression analysis and an instrumental variable design on data from the most recent National Financial Capability Study 2021 (NFCS2021). The NFCS2021 collects information about various demographic and financial backgrounds of US adults.
Findings
We find that crypto investments are associated with a significantly higher likelihood of credit card misuse, as indicated by making only the minim um payments, late payments and using credit cards for cash advances. Meanwhile, social media use is a strong predictor of crypto investments. Results from our analysis are robust after accounting for endogeneity concerns using an instrumental variable design.
Originality/value
Our findings provide new insights into the influence of emerging financial instruments on delinquent credit card behaviors, which can further intensify individual and household financial instability during periods of market stress. Furthermore, our findings underscore the necessity of improving individual awareness of the high-risk characteristics of cryptocurrencies, despite their increasing popularity in the financial marketplace in the current financial marketplace.
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Waseem John, Asif Hamid Charag and Irfan Bashir
This study aims to empirically examine the role of privacy, security, trust and autonomy in Millennials’ continued use of online dating applications. Emerging markets have been…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to empirically examine the role of privacy, security, trust and autonomy in Millennials’ continued use of online dating applications. Emerging markets have been famous for their rapid modernization, growth and cultural shifts. Yet, consumer worries about online dating consumption need to be addressed in the literature through a better understanding of their behavioural intentions. This study examines the interplay of the underlying variables by testing a conceptual framework grounded on the theory of reasoned action (TRA), the self-determination theory (SDT) and the information systems continuance theory (ISCT) with regard to an emerging market.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional and quantitative research design is adopted. Using a well-designed structured questionnaire adapted from established scales, data was collected through a survey featuring 332 substantive responses from actively involved Millennial users of online dating apps in India. The data was analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) through IBM SPSS AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures) 24.0 to provide evidence of the reliability and validity of constructs alongside testing the hypothesis in the proposed model. Furthermore, Preacher and Hayes’ (2004) approach is used to explore mediation effects.
Findings
The results show that autonomy and trust positively affect the continued use of online dating apps. The study further reveals that autonomous behaviour motivates Millennials to use online dating apps, overriding their concerns for privacy and security. Furthermore, the results indicate that trust fully mediates the relationship between concern for privacy, perceived security and continued usage intention. Therefore, trust affects users’ intentions to continue using online dating apps as it bridges the effect of users’ concern for privacy and the perceived security in the online dating platform, making these dimensions relevant as a whole.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides critical insights into the theory and practice. The findings demonstrate that autonomy is more significant in motivating Millennials to use online dating apps than concerns about privacy and perceptions of security. In addition, trust plays a crucial role in mediating the relationship between these variables. Therefore, app developers, app marketers and app stores can use the findings to motivate Millennials to continue using their platforms by encouraging a sense of freedom and a better inner self, fostering engagement and conveying user trust.
Originality/value
Several studies have investigated the pre-adoption behaviour of users of online dating apps, and little attention has been paid to continuance usage. This study provides a unique theoretical research model and perspective for online dating apps that uncovers the role of concern for privacy, perceived security and trust that affect post-adoption behaviour by integrating the TRA, SDT and ISCT. This integration offers a more futuristic and refined perspective on human behaviour by considering both cognitive and motivational aspects. The study establishes that autonomy outweighs concern for privacy and perceived security.