Md. Zaved Hossain Khan, Md. Abdul Aziz, Md. Rafiul Hasan and Md. Rashid Al-Mamun
The purpose of this study is to understand the inhibitor behavior of specific drug against mild steel corrosion and their adsorption mechanism on the surface.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to understand the inhibitor behavior of specific drug against mild steel corrosion and their adsorption mechanism on the surface.
Design/methodology/approach
Corrosion rates are influenced by the formation of inhibitor aggregates at the mild steel surface. Detail surface characterizations of mild steel have been studied before and after adsorption of drugs in 1N HCl solution. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to examine the effect of drug adsorption on steel surface.
Findings
Scanning electron microscopy analysis suggested that the metal had been protected from aggressive corrosion because of the addition of the inhibitors. Atomic force microscopy visualization confirmed the formation of protective layer on steel surface, resulting in the decrease in surface roughness with corrosion rates. The nature of metal surface has been analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Originality/value
The findings of this study will help us to understand the interaction of specific drugs with mild steel surface and their potential inhibition mechanism.
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Fawzeia Abdulla Al Marzooqi and Syed Zamberi Ahmad
Growth strategies, marketing strategy, resources-based value theory, alliance network model, logistic and supply chain.
Abstract
Subject area
Growth strategies, marketing strategy, resources-based value theory, alliance network model, logistic and supply chain.
Study level/applicability
This case can be used in undergraduate and graduate classes as well as development programmes for managers in small to medium-size enterprises. The case suits courses in business, strategy, marketing and freight forwarding.
Case overview
Union National Air, Land and Sea Shipping Co (LLC) (UNASCO) is a small to medium-sized freight forwarding company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It has three offices, two in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi. UNASCO handles commercial imports/exports from/to many destinations, including Europe, Asia, the USA, India, the Far East, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Middle East (ME) and Africa. UNASCO has been in business for more than 35 years and has run the business smoothly. Recently, the company has faced several internal and external challenges that impact business performance. These challenges are high operating expenses, stiff competition and low market demand. Due to these challenges, the sales staff is being pressured to generate more income to ensure that the company is not experiencing a loss. Now, UNASCO is uncertain how to sustain the business.
Expected learning outcomes
The learning outcomes are as follows: to learn about the freight forwarding industry, the competitive landscape and the challenges surrounding it; to enable the participant to generate a list of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) for UNASCO and to gain skill at using SWOT analysis; to increase the participant’s ability to evaluate a situation and effectively communicate remedies about it both in writing and verbally; to enable the participant to analyse a problem using the Fishbone Diagram cause and effect tool; to enable the participant to use the Six Thinking Hats technique to make more reliable and sounder decisions; to gain skill at using Porters Five Forces tool, understand the competitiveness of UNASCO’s business environment, and identify the potential for business growth; and to gain skills at developing a marketing strategy using the 4Ps model.
Supplementary materials
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Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy.
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Investigating antecedents that may affect the usage of electronic tax declaration platforms is not a new research topic. Nevertheless, investigating the antecedents that affect…
Abstract
Purpose
Investigating antecedents that may affect the usage of electronic tax declaration platforms is not a new research topic. Nevertheless, investigating the antecedents that affect the continuance usage of these platforms beyond the COVID-19 pandemic is a relatively new research trend. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to investigate the antecedent factors that directly influence electronic tax declaration platforms’ continuance usage in the post-pandemic era by integrating the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use Technology Model with other related factors.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the main purpose of the study, an online questionnaire was used to gather data from 231 Jordanian taxpayers.
Findings
The findings revealed the positive and significant effects of performance expectancy, social influence, knowledge and trust in e-government services on continuance usage of electronic tax declaration platforms. Contrary to what is expected, effort expectancy is insignificant, and hence the related hypothesis (H2) was rejected.
Originality/value
The findings of current research provided theoretical and practical implications by using a well-established theoretical lens to investigate what factors affect the continuance usage of electronic tax declaration platforms within the context of a developing country, namely, Jordan.
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Islamic finance and Halal product sectors are thriving successfully. This chapter is a general review of the perception of Asian consumers on Islamic finance and Halal sectors in…
Abstract
Purpose
Islamic finance and Halal product sectors are thriving successfully. This chapter is a general review of the perception of Asian consumers on Islamic finance and Halal sectors in the global Halal economy.
Methodology/approach
The first section will briefly describe the Halal concept in both Islamic finance and Halal industries, and the growth of both sectors in Asian countries. The second part highlights the review of Asian consumers’ perception towards Islamic finance products and Halal products.
Findings
The review found that the consumers’ perception towards the Islamic finance products and Halal products is distinctive. This is due to the diversity of Asian countries in terms of geography, religion, culture, ethnic, school of thoughts (madzahib), income per capita and government’s involvement.
Originality/value
The third part of the chapter concentrates on planning towards Halal marketing, which involves the move and future challenges in different layers of industries to gear up and strengthen the Halal economy.
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Hamim Syahrum Ahmad Mokhtar, Izwayu Abdul Aziz and Noraziyah Md Hilal
This study on corporate demand for general takāful (Islamic insurance) aims to identify potential growth areas and areas for improvement in takāful business practices in Malaysia.
Abstract
Purpose
This study on corporate demand for general takāful (Islamic insurance) aims to identify potential growth areas and areas for improvement in takāful business practices in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey on corporates’ protection needs, takāful/insurance coverage obtained and awareness on takāful/insurance was conducted for this paper.
Findings
The findings from the survey are as follows: There is potential for takāful operators to further penetrate the corporate sector, as the majority of respondents indicated willingness to spend on takāful/insurance. Emphasis on takāful value propositions apart from its Sharīʿah compliance status is needed to attract corporates, as respondents were found to be indifferent on Sharīʿah compliance status of their protection. Strong market presence, expanded product offerings and efficient services were key determinants to attract takāful subscription. Respondents’ heavy reliance on intermediaries warrants strong collaboration with intermediaries to widen market outreach. The small and medium enterprises segment appeared promising, as it is found to be underserved despite having higher propensity to obtain takāful/insurance coverage compared to the overall respondents.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to Malaysia’s experience. The findings are indicative (though they may not be conclusive) of the target segment as well as the takāful industry as a whole.
Originality/value
The insights on respondents’ considerations when obtaining takāful/insurance coverage and the correlation of these factors with respondents’ characteristics can assist takāful/insurance providers in structuring products and business strategies to better serve this market segment. The paper may also aid discussions among researchers and regulators on areas for further development of the industry.
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Nurazlina Abdul Raof, Norazlina Abdul Aziz, Nadia Omar and Wan Liza Md Amin @ Fahmy
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (MACC Act) has introduced Section 17 A, which holds companies and their management accountable for bribery committed by their…
Abstract
Purpose
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (MACC Act) has introduced Section 17 A, which holds companies and their management accountable for bribery committed by their Associated Persons in the interest of the company. This study aims to explore the evolving concept of Associated Persons and corporate liability within this legal framework. It delves into three primary legal models of Associated Persons, particularly focusing on corrupt cases falling under Sections 17 A (1), 17 A (6) and 17 A (7) of the MACC Act. The study also investigates the extent of Associated Persons’ involvement in these cases that eventually led to company liability.
Design/methodology/approach
The study deployed thematic and comparative analyses to assess the legal framework and highlight the significance of Section 17 A of the MACC Act.
Findings
The study disclosed that, despite having corruption policies, there is still a possibility for Associated Persons to engage in corrupt activities. To ensure long-term business sustainability, it is crucial to implement effective mechanisms and a strong compliance culture.
Originality/value
This study suggests implementing a due diligence checklist and conducting risk assessments for companies as measures against corruption caused by Associated Persons. Corporate entities and legal professionals may benefit from the reported findings to better comprehend the corruption offences outlined in Section 17 A of the MACC Act.
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Siti Latipah Harun, Rosylin Mohd Yusof, Norazlina Abd. Wahab and Sirajo Aliyu
This study aims to investigate the dynamic interaction between interest rates and commercial property financing offered by Islamic banks in Malaysia.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the dynamic interaction between interest rates and commercial property financing offered by Islamic banks in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) cointegration methodology to analyse the short- and long-run effect of the interest rates and rental rates on commercial property financing of Islamic banks in Malaysia between 2010: Q1 and 2018: Q2.
Findings
The findings reveal that changes in interest rates affect Islamic commercial property financing. This indicates that Islamic banks still rely on interest rates as a benchmark without fully implementing Islamic rental rates. This corroborates the subsequent finding, where overnight policy rates influence commercial property financing.
Research limitations/implications
Despite the authors’ attempt to provide insights into Islamic commercial property financing, the study is limited to secondary data; further research can use survey information to obtain other details that are not included in this study. Similarly, this study does not cover the operation and financial lease debate in Musharakah Mutanaqisah. Future studies can examine the challenges faced by the financial institution towards implementing rental rates in other emerging and developing countries using a different methodology.
Originality/value
This study is the first to investigate the dynamic changes in overnight policy rates, average lending rates and rental rates on Islamic commercial property financing in Malaysia using ARDL techniques. The authors uncover the research and institutional implications of Islamic commercial property financing rates and provide policy and future research directions coupled with the proposed modified rental rate to be developed.
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Mohamed Syazwan Ab Talib, Siti Salwa Md. Sawari, Abu Bakar Abdul Hamid and Thoo Ai Chin
The emergence of the Halal food market as one of the largest consumer food markets has encouraged firms to implement Halal food certification. However, the theoretical gap in…
Abstract
Purpose
The emergence of the Halal food market as one of the largest consumer food markets has encouraged firms to implement Halal food certification. However, the theoretical gap in Halal studies and the unequal focus of Halal food certification research prove the deficiency of theoretical development and understanding. Hence, this paper aims to ascertain the theoretical background of Halal food certificate implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews and synthesises literature focusing on Halal certification, food certification and the Institutional Theory factors that could potentially explain the impetus of Halal food certificate implementation.
Findings
The Institutional Theory offers a suitable explanation that grounds the motivation to implement Halal food certification. The highly institutionalised Halal industry comprising government regulations, Muslim demands for Halal foods and intense industry competition instigate Halal food certificate implementation. Three propositions are presented and a conceptual model is developed.
Research limitations/implications
The notions of this paper are based on the institutional perspective, i.e. the external motivation factors. An alternative view on a management theory that explains the internal motivation factors would provide a more comprehensive interpretation of reasons to implement Halal food certification. Nevertheless, the Institutional Theory offers strong understandings behind the motivation to implement Halal food certification.
Practical implications
Discussions and propositions from this paper could contribute to theory formation that is unique to Halal or Muslim food certification. This paper could also provide a sense of direction for researchers in mapping out future research undertakings.
Originality/value
The paper presents a valuable understanding of the dynamic of the Institutional Theory in the field of Halal food certification. It is the first attempt that considers the institutional isomorphism of government decree, consumer demand and inter-firm competition as motivation factors of Halal food certificate implementation.
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Zuliera Zariz Azman Aziz and Seri Ayu Masuri Md Daud
This study aims to examine the associations between customers’ awareness of money laundering and terrorism financing, trust in banking secrecy measures and discomforts in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the associations between customers’ awareness of money laundering and terrorism financing, trust in banking secrecy measures and discomforts in fulfilling the bank’s anti-money laundering (AML) procedure and their acceptance of existing practices of banks regarding AML and counter-terrorism financing.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adapts a set of survey instruments developed and validated by prior studies to collect the required data. A convenient sample of 160 Malaysian bank customers aged 18 and above were surveyed to collect the data.
Findings
This study finds a significant relationship between the respondents’ awareness of money laundering and terrorism financing, trust in banking secrecy measures and their acceptance of the bank’s AML and counter-terrorism financing practices. However, no significant relationship is documented between the level of discomforts experienced by customers in satisfying the banks’ AML requirements and their acceptance of the banks’ AML practices. These results hold even after controlling for alternative explanations of the customers’ acceptance of banking practices examined in the extant literature: age, gender, location, literacy level and occupation.
Research limitations/implications
This study extends the literature on customers’ acceptance of banking practices more broadly by providing empirical evidence on the role of customers’ awareness on issues underlying the banking practices and their trust in the bank’s secrecy measures.
Practical implications
This study also provides some practical contributions by shedding some light on the factors that could help banks increase the acceptance of AML practices among their customers. Thus, the findings of this paper help banks focus their effort on these factors and hence increase acceptance rate more effectively.
Originality/value
Drawing on the elements of the theory of reasoned actions and technology acceptance model and the extant research on trust-privacy and comfortability in a banking setting, this study proposes an integrated approach that is theoretically and empirically grounded.
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Hartomi Maulana, Dzuljastri Abdul Razak and Adewale Abideen Adeyemi
The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the factors that affect Muslim customers’ participation in using Baitul Maal wat Tamwil (BMT). The decomposed theory of planned…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the factors that affect Muslim customers’ participation in using Baitul Maal wat Tamwil (BMT). The decomposed theory of planned behaviour (DTPB) was used as the research framework.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses primary data collected by self-administered questionnaires involving a sample of 405 respondents from selected BMTs in five different regencies in East Java. Structural equation modelling was used in the analysis.
Findings
This study revealed that among the three main beliefs, only perceived behavioural control towards BMT was found to have positive and significant impact on clients’ participation towards BMT. With regards to antecedents’ influence on their main beliefs, only perceived compatibility, perceived complexity and uncertainty and facilitating condition were not significant.
Research limitations/implications
As the data collected are existing clients of BMT, behavioural intention is excluded from the study, and as a result, the study may lack comprehensive results. Therefore, future study will be very useful if it includes behavioural intention as the variables.
Practical implications
The finding of the present study could help BMT to better manage by focussing on relative advantage and behavioural control to build client relationships.
Originality/value
The paper may be first study to apply DTPB to client behaviours in the area of Islamic microfinance in Indonesia.