Salama A. Mostafa, Mohd Sharifuddin Ahmad, Aida Mustapha and Mazin Abed Mohammed
The purpose of this paper is to propose a layered adjustable autonomy (LAA) as a dynamically adjustable autonomy model for a multi-agent system. It is mainly used to efficiently…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a layered adjustable autonomy (LAA) as a dynamically adjustable autonomy model for a multi-agent system. It is mainly used to efficiently manage humans’ and agents’ shared control of autonomous systems and maintain humans’ global control over the agents.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors apply the LAA model in an agent-based autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system. The UAV system implementation consists of two parts: software and hardware. The software part represents the controller and the cognitive, and the hardware represents the computing machinery and the actuator of the UAV system. The UAV system performs three experimental scenarios of dance, surveillance and search missions. The selected scenarios demonstrate different behaviors in order to create a suitable test plan and ensure significant results.
Findings
The results of the UAV system tests prove that segregating the autonomy of a system as multi-dimensional and adjustable layers enables humans and/or agents to perform actions at convenient autonomy levels. Hence, reducing the adjustable autonomy drawbacks of constraining the autonomy of the agents, increasing humans’ workload and exposing the system to disturbances.
Originality/value
The application of the LAA model in a UAV manifests the significance of implementing dynamic adjustable autonomy. Assessing the autonomy within three phases of agents run cycle (task-selection, actions-selection and actions-execution) is an original idea that aims to direct agents’ autonomy toward performance competency. The agents’ abilities are well exploited when an incompetent agent switches with a more competent one.
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Shahrinaz Ismail, Mohd Sharifuddin Ahmad and Zainuddin Hassan
A pattern of personal intelligence is seen emerging from the concept of agent-mediated personal knowledge management (PKM) in achieving collective organisational goals. The…
Abstract
Purpose
A pattern of personal intelligence is seen emerging from the concept of agent-mediated personal knowledge management (PKM) in achieving collective organisational goals. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of surveys undertaken to prove this emergence.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative analysis supported by a qualitative analysis was conducted across three main industries in Malaysia, namely manufacturing, service and education. The triangulation of analysis is based on the four proposed hypotheses.
Findings
From these analyses, it was discovered that the emergence of personal intelligence is embedded within the collaborative interactions amongst software agents, and between agents and human knowledge workers. All the hypotheses are supported by the results of the surveys which manifest organisational knowledge management (OKM) practices as a consequence of the agent-mediated PKM processes.
Research limitations/implications
This research focused on the PKM in Malaysia, where the level of KM implementation varies among the organisations. The results may not reflect other developing countries due to the socio-cultural differences amongst the knowledge workers.
Practical implications
The results from this paper can be used either to relook and reanalyse the existing organisational KM system or to plan and design a KM system for organisations that have not implemented any.
Originality/value
The focus on personal intelligence and agent-mediated PKM contribute to further development of agent-based system that animates these theories in the real working environment.
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Ahmad Saifalddin Abu-Alhaija, Raja Nerina Raja Yusof, Haslinda Hashim and Norsiah Jaharuddin
This paper aims to examine the influence of religious orientation on viewers’ loyalty, viewers’ satisfaction and perceived content quality; to examine the influences of perceived…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the influence of religious orientation on viewers’ loyalty, viewers’ satisfaction and perceived content quality; to examine the influences of perceived content quality and viewers’ satisfaction on viewers’ loyalty; and to examine the mediating roles of perceived content quality and viewers’ satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
A set of questionnaires was distributed to 750 respondents in Jordan using convenience sampling. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling.
Findings
The following are the findings: religious orientation has a direct positive influence on viewer’s loyalty, viewer’s satisfaction and perceived content quality; perceived content quality has a positive influence on viewer’s satisfaction; viewer’s satisfaction has positive influence on viewer’s loyalty; perceived content quality does not have any direct influence on viewer’s loyalty; perceived content quality has partial mediation role in the relationship between religious orientation and viewer’s satisfaction, while viewer’s satisfaction has full mediation role in the relationship between perceived content quality and viewer’s loyalty.
Originality/value
It is different from the previous studies that mostly focussed on religious commitment and religiosity as the important predictors of customer’s loyalty, and this study emphasised on the influence of religious orientation (the motivational approach of religion) as one of the religious dimensions that can affect customer’s loyalty model. The selected approach may provide additional insights into the existing loyalty models.
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Talita Leoni Rizkitysha and Arga Hananto
Despite the high research interest regarding Halal products, most studies on Halal products focused on food and cosmetics. This study aims to examine the factors that affect the…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the high research interest regarding Halal products, most studies on Halal products focused on food and cosmetics. This study aims to examine the factors that affect the attitude and purchase intention of non-food Halal products in a limited context of detergent products. This study is derived from the theory of reasoned action. It incorporates knowledge, religiosity and perceived usefulness of Halal label as antecedents of attitude.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applied a self-administered online questionnaire. Data were collected through an online survey with a non-probability sampling technique (convenience sampling). The study retained a total of 264 valid responses. The respondents mainly consisted of Muslim consumers from the 18–24 age group (62.5%), followed by the 25–31 age group (29.2%). Data were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results indicate that attitude toward Halal-labeled detergent is affected by the perceived usefulness of the Halal label, and knowledge of Halal. Consequently, attitude toward Halal-labeled detergent positively affects intention to buy Halal-labeled detergent. This study also suggests that religiosity has a positive effect on the perceived usefulness of the Halal label and purchase intention of Halal detergent.
Originality/value
This study is among the few studies that discuss the antecedents and consequences of attitude toward Halal products in the context of detergent, a non-food Halal product category besides cosmetics. Muslim consumer responses toward Halal label were mostly researched in food and cosmetics contexts, while in some countries such as Indonesia, Halal labeling on all products has recently become mandated by legislation. Hence, this study provides some insights regarding Muslim consumer’s attitudes toward Halal-labeled products besides food and cosmetics.
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Norhidayah Pauzi, Asbah Razali, Saadan Man, Syed Mohd Jeffri Syed Jaafar and Mohd Hafiz Jamaludin
This study aims to examine attitude, perceived behavioral and religiosity that influence Muslim consumers’ intention in patronizing at food premises with halal logo.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine attitude, perceived behavioral and religiosity that influence Muslim consumers’ intention in patronizing at food premises with halal logo.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected from 450 respondents on random sampling basis. Quantitative analysis was conducted using SEM SMARTPLS version 3.3.
Findings
Based on the findings gathered using PLS analysis with n = 450, it was indicated that attitude, perceived behavioral control and religiosity significantly influence Muslim consumers’ intention on patronizing at food premise with halal logo.
Research limitations/implications
The data collection for the present study was limited to the respondents in Kuala Lumpur among Muslim consumers, and limited to 450 sample sizes.
Practical implications
The presence of halal logo should be crucial in attracting consumers due to the comprehensive meaning it brings.
Social implications
In the context of food premises, the results of the research suggest that the halal logo shown by the food premise seems to operate significantly in attracting Muslim consumers toward the food premises. Muslim consumers need to be nourished by proper Islamic teachings and have a good understanding of halal principle.
Originality/value
The halal logo of food premise concerns the Muslims. Muslim consumers are relying on surrogates in selecting the alternatives for packaged goods in Islamic marketing literature. However, it is little known how Muslims use indicators to select food premises when there is no halal logo.
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Kalsom Salleh, Siong Choy Chong, Syed Noh Syed Ahmad and Syed Omar Sharifuddin Syed Ikhsan
– This study aims to investigate the extent of influence of learning factors on tacit knowledge sharing among the public sector accountants.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the extent of influence of learning factors on tacit knowledge sharing among the public sector accountants.
Design/methodology/approach
A model comprising six learning factors and their conjectured relationships with tacit knowledge sharing was derived from literature review. A self-administered questionnaire was developed and used to collect data from 203 accountants employed by the Accountant-General's Department (AGD) in Malaysia. Factor analysis was employed to confirm the model's validity, after which the hypotheses formulated were tested using multiple regression analysis.
Findings
Learning factors such as training and learning opportunities have strong impact on tacit knowledge sharing, while feedback on performance evaluation, and information and communications technology (ICT) know-how and skills have moderate impact. Job rotation does not show any significant impact on tacit knowledge sharing.
Research limitations/implications
This paper contributes to the development of a replicable model for assessing the extent of influence of learning factors on tacit knowledge sharing, particularly in a public sector organization which has an agenda to adopt KM. However, generalizability could be an issue since this research was conducted on one public organization only. Further, the analysis was based solely on accountants' views.
Practical implications
As a knowledge node of public sector accounting knowledge and practice, the results suggest that the AGD should focus on the significant learning factors in order to leverage its accountants' tacit knowledge. This could facilitate the initial efforts of the AGD's KM implementation in terms of maintaining and growing its knowledge assets for better organizational performance.
Originality/value
This study filled the gap in mainstream literature by providing information on KM implementation in a public sector accounting organization.
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Mohammad Enamul Hoque, Nik Mohd Hazrul Nik Hashim and Mohammad Hafizi Bin Azmi
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a conceptual framework that can facilitate investigations concerning the impact of marketing communication and financial consideration on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a conceptual framework that can facilitate investigations concerning the impact of marketing communication and financial consideration on the relationship between customer attitude and purchase intention of Islamic banking products and services.
Design/methodology/approach
This conceptual paper is structured based on the extant literature; it provides a review of theoretical perspectives, highlights the gap and illustrates the significance for developing a framework.
Findings
The authors identify notable patterns and limitations in previous empirical studies. Specifically, despite increasing interest in Islamic banking customer behavior, prior research has not given much attention to explore moderating effects on the customer attitude–intention link. This has left researchers and bank managers with very limited information to explain the conditions that enhance customers’ attitude and intentions toward Islamic banking products. Based on this backdrop, the paper displays a viable research model with propositions that assess potential moderating effects on the domain relationship.
Research limitations/implications
This paper contributes to Islamic banking and management literature because prior research has predominantly focused on variables that directly influence customers’ behavior. This novel conceptual framework enables managers to better understand their customers and has implications for emerging themes, such as formulating strategies for specific customer groups and internationalization process. In addition, this paper provides a starting point to empirically examine whether and how the proposed moderators affect the link between customer attitude and behavioral intentions to purchase Islamic banking products.
Originality/value
To the best of knowledge, this is the first attempt to introduce relevant moderating variables for investigating the attitude and intention nexus in an Islamic banking context. Furthermore, the authors propose a new measure, namely, profit-loss sharing proportions which could enhance customers’ intention to purchase Islamic banking products.
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Muhammad Usman and Asmak Ab Rahman
This paper aims to highlight the importance of waqf in financing higher educational institutions (HEIs) and its potential as an alternative source of generating additional funds…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to highlight the importance of waqf in financing higher educational institutions (HEIs) and its potential as an alternative source of generating additional funds for the HEIs, and discourses on waqf practice, fundraising, waqf management and utilisation of waqf income for the development of higher education in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on the information gathered through interviews with 12 participants who are actively engaged in waqf in different capacities. The participants can easily be classified into three expert groups; personnel of waqf-based universities, personnel of the respective State Islamic Religious Councils (SIRCs) and waqf practitioners. In addition, archival records, relevant documents and library sources have been used in the research.
Findings
The study learnt that waqf in Malaysia is centralised and exclusively controlled by the SIRCs, which are, as a rule, sole trustees of all categories of awqaf in the respective states; hence, any form of private trusteeship is considered illegal. It is a prerequisite for the establishment of a waqf fund to obtain permission from the respective SIRCs, and bring it under the purview of the council prior to setting up a waqf. The ministry of higher education has taken some initiatives to encourage HEIs to use waqf as an alternative source of generating funds. Subsequently, numerous public universities have set up waqf funds and developed a comprehensive mechanism for raising the fund through traditional and modern methods and technologies. A major chunk of the waqf funds is collected in the form of cash, but the amount falls short of reaching critical mass to enable the waqf to become self-sustaining. The study found that the universities also involved themselves in various social welfare programmes, especially in health care, and some income-generating projects besides seeking support from the waqf fund for their academic and educational activities.
Practical implications
The paper brings out the fact that waqf offers the best features as an alternative fiscal instrument to finance projects of public good, including higher education at three selected waqf-based universities in Malaysia.
Social implications
The study’s findings will be helpful to the ummah in general and Malaysia in particular. It can help policymakers, legislators and academicians in formulating new strategies for the common good and sensitize the countries facing a huge fiscal deficit and lack of development to the viability and potential of waqf as a catalyst for progress and economic activity.
Originality/value
The paper shares the experience of Malaysia’s waqf-based universities, waqf fundraising, management and income utilisation. It accentuates the fact that waqf can help finance academic activities at universities and sheds light on some useful examples of waqf-based universities founded in earlier periods of Islamic civilisation.
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Mohd Saiful Anwar Mohd Nawawi, Mohd Fauzi Abu-Hussin, Muhamad Syazwan Faid, Norhidayah Pauzi, Saadan Man and Noratiqah Mohd Sabri
The paper aims to explore the development of the halal industry in Thailand. It endeavours to investigate the main factors behind the country’s success as one of the largest…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to explore the development of the halal industry in Thailand. It endeavours to investigate the main factors behind the country’s success as one of the largest exporters of halal-certified foods and products in the Southeast Asian region, in spite of the fact that Thailand is a non-Muslim-majority country. Only 4.3 per cent of the 69-million population of Thailand is Muslims.
Design/methodology/approach
In articulating the issue objectively, qualitative research method was adopted. This paper used structured literature study by analysing various subjects of halal pertaining to Thailand’s halal sector. At the same time, several in-depth interviews with the corresponding halal authorities in Thailand, as well as site visits, were also conducted. We also undertook observations in several sites in Thailand to analyse the issue further.
Findings
Findings from the research show that the strong presence of Thailand in the global halal industry is because of its bustling tourism industry that helps to bolster the country’s halal branding, its uniformity of halal definition and standards and effective support to the local SMEs.
Practical implications
This research implies that the standardisation of halal in a country is imperative in the Muslim-majority or Muslim-minority countries. This study gives a benchmark for the non-Muslim-majority countries which endeavour to embark on the halal industry. Muslim-minority counties that envision to succeed in the global halal market could emulate Thailand’s approach in branding itself as a recognised non-Muslim-majority country in producing certified halal foods and products.
Originality/value
The paper provides guidelines and standards for Muslim-minority countries that envision success in the global halal market.
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Adil Khan, Abdul Saboor Mohammad and Shahaliza Muhammad
This study aims to develop, propose and test an integrated framework of brand love and brand experience in the context of halal industry. Particularly, this study investigates the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop, propose and test an integrated framework of brand love and brand experience in the context of halal industry. Particularly, this study investigates the relationship of brand experience and brand love concepts with several outcome variables such as brand trust, brand satisfaction, brand loyalty purchase intention and word of mouth.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire has been constructed using scales from past studies. Hypotheses have been tested using partial least square structural equation modelling methodology.
Findings
This study has found that brand experience is a significant determinant of brand love. Further, brand love has a significant influence on trust, satisfaction and loyalty. Both variables, brand experience and brand love, have either direct or indirect influences on several branding-related outcome variables such as brand trust, brand satisfaction and brand loyalty.
Research limitations/implications
This study has been conducted only using cross-sectional sample of one country, which may limit the generalisations. However, the results of this study offer valuable insights for the brand managers in the halal sector.
Originality/value
Previous studies pertaining to halal food consumption have focussed more on understanding the attitude or the buying intention of the consumers. Only few studies have attempted to investigate the branding aspect of halal food consumption. This study is one of its kinds, which offers a comprehensive framework by incorporating important brand-related antecedents and outcome variables to understand the branding aspect of the halal food consumption behaviour.