Husaina Banu Kenayathulla, Nor Aziah Ahmad and Abdul Rahman Idris
The purpose of this paper is to identify the gaps between the importance perceived and the competence gained by the hospitality students in terms of the employability skills.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the gaps between the importance perceived and the competence gained by the hospitality students in terms of the employability skills.
Design/methodology/approach
Questionnaires were distributed to 841 hospitality students in five regions in Malaysia. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.
Findings
The findings show that there are significant differences between importance perceived and competence attained in teamwork, leadership, basic, technical skills and ethical skills. Additionally, the finding of this study indicates that the culinary and bakery students perceive that they are not given adequate exposure to possess such skills. It is important to ensure that graduates are equipped with the twenty-first century skills such as problem solving and analytic, decision making, organization and time management, risk taking and communication.
Research limitations/implications
The findings provide insights to curriculum developers and policy makers on the appropriate interventions that need to be taken to improve the employability skills of the graduates.
Originality/value
An original contribution is made by linking employability model to TVET sector.
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Ismail Hussein Amzat and Datuk Abdul Rahman Idris
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effect of management and decision‐making styles on the job satisfaction of academic staff in a Malaysian Research University.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effect of management and decision‐making styles on the job satisfaction of academic staff in a Malaysian Research University.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample consisted of 218 respondents. The instruments used in the study were the Teacher Job Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Decision Style Inventory. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to determine the influence of decision‐making style and management style on the job satisfaction.
Findings
The findings showed that the research university had adopted an analytical decision‐making style. The hygiene factors were the predictors of job satisfaction as perceived by the academic staff at the research university in Malaysia.
Research limitations/implications
This research selected a top Malaysian research university and small samples were selected from the whole population under consideration, thus, the findings can be generalized as similar to other research universities. In addition, the university management determines the decision‐making style, and the job satisfaction of the academic staff is affected by the decision‐making style of the university.
Originality/value
A contribution is made to the literature as the research reinforces the view that the management style and decision‐making style can predict or affect the job satisfaction of the academic staff.
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Lok Boon Thian, Gazi Mahabubul Alam and Abdul Rahman Idris
Representing both “central university administration” and academics, deans are increasingly being confronted with the competing managerial and academic values. Being able to…
Abstract
Purpose
Representing both “central university administration” and academics, deans are increasingly being confronted with the competing managerial and academic values. Being able to manage the competing values is pivotal to the success of a dean. However, there is dearth of research studying this. Considering the for-profit private sector may face greater challenge in dealing with the competing values, the purpose of this paper is to understand how deans in the private sector have managed this.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study was conducted using two exemplar faculties of a private university in Malaysia as sample. The main sources of data are one-year field work which is supplemented by eight years’ archival data.
Findings
The findings show that sustainable deans have found a common ground between the competing values. The common ground aligns the central university administration, the deans and the academics, and contributes to the sustainability of the faculties and university.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to addressing the ever-increasing tension between managerial and academic values experienced by the mid-level academic management especially at the for-profit private higher education institutions. The insights of this study enrich the existing knowledge in the area of mid-level academic leadership.
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M. Alex Praveen Raj, D. Nelson and M. Anand Shankar Raja
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has been a good example of a Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA) world. Higher educational institutions (HEIs) have faced a…
Abstract
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has been a good example of a Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA) world. Higher educational institutions (HEIs) have faced a massive hit because the jobs in this industry have become unexpected. Considering the most valuable assets ‘Teachers’ crunched in the VUCA crisis, the study intends to determine if personal harmony (PH) and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) would enhance teachers’ job satisfaction (JS).
Design/methodology/approach: Data are collected from the teachers of Indian HEIs and teachers who have experienced the impact of the COVID-19 catastrophe (VUCA). Considering the pandemic restrictions, data have been collected through an online survey (N = 364).
Practical Implications: PH is an individual’s internal quality and attribute that cannot be developed on force or situational need. Even in an uncertain situation, teachers have tried their best to contribute through professional service. Hence, people who possess PH contribute their best even though unsatisfied with their jobs.
Originality/value: This study has focused on finding the relationship between two different variables, PH and OCB (which has not been explored in Asian countries, majorly in India, where it has a vast cultural diversity and structure influencing the educational policies) that hinders the factors influencing JS, where these two variables are highly influenced by hygiene factors such as values, culture, ethical standards, personal belief, leadership styles, and fair treatment showcased by the organisations/institutions.
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Abdul Rahman bin Idris and Derek Eldridge
Argues that the debate concerning the growth of public employment has remained largely uninformed in a conceptual sense beyond the economic variables. Suggests that the time is…
Abstract
Argues that the debate concerning the growth of public employment has remained largely uninformed in a conceptual sense beyond the economic variables. Suggests that the time is now pertinent to identify the additional parameters affecting the situation if an enriched understanding is to evolve on the future role and management of the public sector in the developing state. Reviews the literature contributions that are significant in this respect, not only with the aim of putting the public sector developments of the last ten years in perspective but also to contribute to the current debate on the emergence of new administrative paradigms for developing States that provide a more balanced view of political, economic and social development.
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Abdul Rahman bin Idris and Derek Eldridge
The article aims to shift the basis of organisational human resource planning away from the traditional prescriptive approach to a systems based model that incorporates an…
Abstract
The article aims to shift the basis of organisational human resource planning away from the traditional prescriptive approach to a systems based model that incorporates an emphasis on learning. A brief history of human resource planning is presented showing how it has evolved towards current needs and the specification for the new model. The new model is conceived in the context of increased environmental pressures on organisations and resultant management approaches. At the heart of the new approach is the process of transformation by which inputs to the model are processed in a way that involves all stakeholders in planning to produce viable outputs for managerial decision making.
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Hanif Abdul Rahman, Wegdan Bani Issa, Mohammad Rababa, Deeni Rudita Idris, Khadizah H. Abdul-Mumin and Lin Naing
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new tool called the elderly caregiver questionnaire for COVID-19 (ECQC-24) that helps to assess caregiver attributes toward best…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new tool called the elderly caregiver questionnaire for COVID-19 (ECQC-24) that helps to assess caregiver attributes toward best possible care for elderly during this pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
ECQC-24 was developed based on international team of experts and draw upon latest advice from reliable governing bodies such as World Health Organization and the US Centre of Disease Control. Psychometric analysis was applied to ensure the newly developed ECQC-24 is valid and reliable.
Findings
Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0.72 to 0.87, and construct validity by exploratory factor analysis was acceptable. The results provide good estimates for the reliability and validity of ECQC-24.
Originality/value
More evidence is urgently needed to better inform clinicians, health and social policymakers and related stakeholders and organizations involved in caring for the elderly. ECQC-24, the manual to use and analyzing tools are freely available for download and use at https://sites.google.com/view/the-elderly-caregiver-covid19/home.
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Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman, Suhana Mohezar, Nurul Fadly Habidin and Nursyazwani Mohd Fuzi
This paper aims to identify the critical success factors of the continued usage of digital library (DL) successful implementation from the perspective of users with organisation…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify the critical success factors of the continued usage of digital library (DL) successful implementation from the perspective of users with organisation support factors as key antecedents.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the extensive literature review, this study has constructed a conceptual framework based on organisational support perspectives and updated Delone and McLean’s information system success model. A pilot study was carried out on a sample of 105 respondents from military-context. A survey instrument including 22 measurement items was designed to identify the level of DL information system (IS) successful implementation practices in military context. Descriptive statistical analysis and reliability analysis were used to analyse the data with SPSS software.
Findings
The findings indicate that training and education, DL environment and communication support, continuation of usage intention, net benefits and user satisfaction are the critical success factors that play key role in ensuring the continued usage DL successful implementation in military context. The military-context DL needs to obtain critical success factors of DL practices implementation to sustain its continued usage, particularly for the active users of its members.
Research limitations/implications
This study only considered the military personnel who have visited the five main military libraries. For practical implications, the development of instruments in this study may be valuable tools to evaluate DL in other DL settings in Malaysian context other than academic settings.
Originality/value
This study makes a new contribution to DL IS successful implementation practices in military context. This study also provides important information for decision-makers involved in DL IS successful implementation practices and provides useful reference for future researchers in this research area.
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Kamal Hossain, Kenny Cheah Soon Lee, Ilhaamie Binti Abdul Ghani Azmi, Aida Binti Idris, Mohammad Nurul Alam, Md. Adnan Rahman and Norinah Mohd Ali
This study aims to explain the effect of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) dimensions on firms’ export performance. The study has considered three dimensions of EO: innovativeness…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explain the effect of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) dimensions on firms’ export performance. The study has considered three dimensions of EO: innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking. Export performance has been measured through multifaceted determinants: financial, strategic and satisfaction levels of exporting firms.
Design/methodology/approach
To explain the association between such determinants, qualitative face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted with the respondents from the apparel manufacturing companies of Bangladesh. The study has also applied a content analysis technique to explore and triangulate the descriptions of EO dimensions on performance.
Findings
The research results reveal that EO has a meaningful explanation of export performance from the lived experience of the respondents. The study has also found frequent explanations and indicators about the association of innovativeness and proactiveness on export performance, but the risk-taking dimension has revealed no effects.
Research limitations/implications
The research has different implications on theoretical, managerial and policy-making aspects of EO and export performance. Nevertheless, the findings are based on the opinions of a small sample of entrepreneurs and high-level managers. Thus, it is important to test the generalizability of these findings in future research using a larger sample.
Originality/value
This study indicated product, process and market creation innovativeness. Risks related to product innovation, new market entry and politics are considered for risk-taking measures, while proactive innovation, technology and new market searching are used for measuring proactiveness. Additionally, multifaceted performance determinants have been applied to evaluate export performance. Hence, this study is a unique qualitative analysis with important theoretical, practical and methodological implications.
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Chiemela Victor Amaechi, Safi Ullah, Xiaopeng Deng, Salmia Binti Beddu, Idris Ahmed Ja’e, Daud Bin Mohamed and Agusril Syamsir
The purpose of this article is to investigate the influence that firm-specific characteristics, such as organisational capabilities, risk management methods and stakeholder…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to investigate the influence that firm-specific characteristics, such as organisational capabilities, risk management methods and stakeholder relationships, have on political risks (PRs) that are associated with multinational construction projects in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology employed in this investigation involved the acquisition of data through the use of questionnaires administered to experts in the construction industry. The research applied a quantitative method, and the sources of the data are from the Pakistani stakeholders. One hundred questionnaires were used for the data collection during field visits. Based on the data, it has been ensured that the valid questionnaires were utilised, and the data were tested for validity and reliability. The analysis tool utilised was SPSS software. For the questionnaire, a total of 15 firm-specific factors were considered in order to design the survey, which specifically targeted the identified features. The factors identified as risks were investigated using quantitative method to determine firm-specific risks.
Findings
It was found that when stakeholders have a better grasp of these dynamics, they are better able to strengthen their resilience and efficacy in managing PRs, which ultimately increases the likelihood that the project will be successful.
Research limitations/implications
International construction projects (ICPs) in emerging countries are substantially impacted by PRs, which can have a considerable impact on their success and sustainability. The study is localised and not generic as it is limited to Pakistan, and the risk factors considered are firm-specific but related to PRs.
Practical implications
By identifying key risk factors, these firms can develop targeted risk management strategies, leading to enhanced decision-making and more efficient resource allocation. Effective strategies include diversification, local partnerships and comprehensive risk assessments tailored to the unique challenges faced by international contracting firms in Pakistan.
Social implications
ICPs in emerging countries like Pakistan face critical problems, which include the presence of PRs. Although the larger political environment plays a significant part, the manner in which businesses navigate and mitigate PRs is also influenced by firm-specific elements.
Originality/value
The study is novel in terms of the factors looked at, the data, the conceptual framework and the findings of the study. The dynamic political scene, which is characterised by instability, policy changes, corruption and geopolitical conflicts, poses significant dangers to the timeliness of projects, the expenses of such projects and the investments that are made in those projects.