This paper aims to explore the contextual problems and priorities that create tensions in the implementation of activity-based learning reforms such as learning enhancement…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the contextual problems and priorities that create tensions in the implementation of activity-based learning reforms such as learning enhancement through active pedagogy in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). By doing so, it aims to understand the relevance of activity-based learning (ABL) in diverse contexts as perceived by stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
Using qualitative data drawn from semi-structured interviews with 29 teachers, this study uses an anthropological approach to policy implementation to unleash factors creating a disjunction between policy text and policy practice.
Findings
Narratives from teachers reveal how critical awareness about context raises tensions and shapes beliefs about ABL. Their beliefs about ABL can be summed as “pedagogy for its own sake”, reflecting the perceived ineptness of ABL in bringing about considerable improvements in students learning outcomes. Reference to “outcomes” was invoked as a crucial recontextualising discourse in teacher’s pedagogic orientation which resulted primarily from the poor learning attainments of rural children in the prevalent outcome-focussed educational setup.
Research limitations/implications
The study is the first of its kind conducted in J&K and amongst very few around the world elucidating tension around the implementation of pedagogic reforms in underserved areas. This is the only study providing a critical analysis of pedagogic reforms in the school education system in J&K.
Practical implications
The study has significant implications in terms of helping immediate functionaries such as headmasters, teacher trainers and administrators and policy planners in understanding the dilemmas faced by teachers in enacting pedagogic reforms. It also adds to the field of policy implementation in terms of understanding the tensions of policy implementation at peripheries.
Originality/value
The study is the first of its kind conducted in J&K and amongst very few around the world elucidating tension around the implementation of pedagogic reforms in underserved areas. This is the only study providing a critical analysis of the school education system in J&K.
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Zaid Ahmad Wani, Arshad Hussain, Abdul Wahid Khan, M Maqbool Dar, AkashYousf Khan, Yasir H. Rather and Sheikh Shoib
Suicide and attempted suicide is an important health issue and the number of people who die of suicide exceeds that of conflicts. Kashmir has been suffering from a low intensity…
Abstract
Suicide and attempted suicide is an important health issue and the number of people who die of suicide exceeds that of conflicts. Kashmir has been suffering from a low intensity war since last 20 years in which thousands have been killed or injured. There has been phenomenal increase in cases of psychological disorders along with suicide and and suicide attempters. Suicide in a conflict zone is viewed with indifference due to focus on the physical part of trauma. Difficulties faced by the suicidal patient and his attendants are seldom highlighted. 1408 patients who reported to emergency room for suicide attempt from 2000 to 2008 were taken for the study. All the patients underwent the hospital protocol for poisoning management. Patients were subjected to detailed psychiatric evaluation and questions were specifically asked about the difficulties encountered during management. Most of the cases were females with 92.11% belonging to the Muslim religion. 76.20% cases were from a rural background. 32.5% had been referred because of the lack of specific antidotes. Forty-three percent required arrangement of transportation by their own family members. Fifty-seven percent had been stopped for security checks along the way. Seventy-three percent felt that the attitude of the staff hostile. Twenty-three percent of patients had to share a bed. Almost all patients were questioned by security agencies within the hospital. More than 68% patient reported hostility amongst their neighbors. Suicidal poisoning is a significant health problem in Kashmir and management of these cases is fraught with difficulties across the spectrum of health care. Educating the doctors at primary care about first aid, improvement in community services followed by long term resolution of the conflict would go some way in alleviating the difficulties faced by a suicidal patient and his family in a conflict zone.
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Nor Aini Ali, Wan Marhaini Wan Ahmad, Suhaili Sarif, Nor ‘Azzah Kamri and Raihanah Azahari
Purpose – This chapter examines the application of the concept of maslahah in household debt management.Methodology/approach – A combination of quantitative and qualitative…
Abstract
Purpose – This chapter examines the application of the concept of maslahah in household debt management.
Methodology/approach – A combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches is employed. Questionnaires were used for data collection.
Findings – Malaysian Muslims become indebted for four main purposes: buying their first car, their first home, helping family members, and financing their studies. Thus, Muslims principally borrow funds to fulfil their dharuriyyat (essentials) and hajiyyat (complementary) needs, and in some cases, they borrow for tahsiniyyat (luxury) purposes.
Research limitation/implications – The respondents of this research are working Muslims in the Klang Valley, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Practical implication – This study helps Islamic finance institutions to develop better products to offer customers. Its results can also give a real picture about borrowing activities to the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency.
Originality/value – Prior studies have mainly examined household debt management. This study surveys local Muslims’ household borrowing pattern to understand the nature of personal debt management and then analyses these data against the concept of maslahah. This will enrich the currently available literature.
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Nur Aliza Binti Ahmad and Asmak Ab Rahman
Purpose – This chapter analyses the socio-economic development of the Muslim community in Kelantan through the establishment of the Bazar Wakaf Rakyat (People’s Waqf Bazar)…
Abstract
Purpose – This chapter analyses the socio-economic development of the Muslim community in Kelantan through the establishment of the Bazar Wakaf Rakyat (People’s Waqf Bazar).
Methodology/approach – A qualitative method of data acquisition through interviews. Among the informants interviewed were the authority of waqf matter, the tenants of Bazar Wakaf Rakyat X, the tenants of Bazar Wakaf Y, the committee members of mosque X and local people in Kelantan.
Findings – The research indicates that the Bazar Wakaf Rakyat plays a role in enhancing the economic and spiritual development of the Kelantanese people. Economic development occurs through affordable rental rates, job opportunities, the construction of Bazar Wakaf Rakyat in strategic locations and the types of products being sold. The Bazar Wakaf Rakyat built inside the mosque compound also plays a part in spiritual development.
Originality/value – This chapter is the first to discuss issues relating to Bazar Wakaf Rakyat in Kelantan.
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Siti Nur Asmad Che Hassan and Asmak Ab Rahman
Purpose – This study analyses the potential of cash waqf for the socio-economic development of Kelantan state. A cash waqf scheme was established by the Kelantan Islamic Religious…
Abstract
Purpose – This study analyses the potential of cash waqf for the socio-economic development of Kelantan state. A cash waqf scheme was established by the Kelantan Islamic Religious Council (Majlis Agama Islam Kelantan or MAIK) in an effort to contribute to the socio-economic development of the Muslim community in that state.
Methodology/approach – A qualitative method of data acquisition through interviews. Among the informants interviewed were persons well versed with waqf and Islamic affairs, and several relevant public persons in Kelantan.
Findings – The results indicate that the people of Kelantan are optimistic about the success of cash waqf, although the implementation of this instrument is still in its infancy there. The socio-economic development factors of the economy, education, well-being, agriculture, health and religious affairs can be improved with the implementation of cash waqf.
Originality/value – This chapter is the first attempt to discuss the potential of cash waqf in Kelantan.
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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Pg Mohd Faezul Fikri Ag Omar, Haneffa Muchlis Gazali, Mohd. Nasir Samsulbahri, Nurul Izzati Abd Razak and Norhamiza Ishak
The purpose of this paper is to deliberate on the establishment of zakat (Islamic alms) on oil and gas in Malaysia. Being one of the five Islamic pillars, zakat contributes…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to deliberate on the establishment of zakat (Islamic alms) on oil and gas in Malaysia. Being one of the five Islamic pillars, zakat contributes significantly to the country’s socio-economic development and prosperity. However, in Malaysia and other Islamic countries, there is not yet a proper mechanism for calculating zakat on extracted minerals. Similar to gold and silver, oil and gas are valuable minerals, which, upon extraction, are subject to zakat payment. In Malaysia, however, this is not the case.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a qualitative method. It presents a thorough review on the stipulation for paying zakat on minerals, specifically oil and gas. The deliberation is based on secondary data entailing a comprehensive content analysis of prominent books on the subject, current zakat rulings and legal acts on oil and gas.
Findings
Oil and gas are subject to zakat payment, as indicated in several Qurʾānic verses and based on the academic reasoning of Muslim scholars. The zakat calculation for oil and gas entails the nisāb (minimum threshold value of the assets) but not the ḥawl (the requirement for one full Islamic year of ownership for the assets), by analogy with zakat on agricultural produce. Despite the obligation to pay zakat on minerals under the zakāt al-māl (alms due on wealth) category, oil and gas is yet to be fully subject to this practice in Malaysia, although the country is known as an oil-producing Muslim country. Several legislative acts covering the managerial and business side of oil and gas operations have long been established, but the provision on zakat remains unclear. Hence, comprehensive legislation is needed to fine-tune the Malaysian oil and gas system, particularly with regard to zakat.
Research limitations/implications
This study relies mainly on secondary data and literature without performing any empirical investigations.
Practical implications
In terms of academic implication, this study enriches the existing body of knowledge on zakat. Practical implications would include enhanced decision-making concerning zakat on oil and gas on the part of zakat institutions, policymakers and the government of Malaysia.
Originality/value
This study provides practical and academic contributions to the deep understanding of zakat on oil and gas, which has received very little attention in the existing body of literature. Despite being limited in literature, this is a breakthrough study that sheds light on zakat on oil and gas.
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Siti Arni Basir, Ilhaamie Abdul Ghani Azmi, Sharifah Hayaati Syed Ismail, Patmawati Ibrahim and Hasan Albanna Mohamed
This study aims to explore the steps carried out in the implementation of Islamic Quality Management System (QMS) MS 1900 in Malacca zakat institution.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the steps carried out in the implementation of Islamic Quality Management System (QMS) MS 1900 in Malacca zakat institution.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study strategy was used to explore the process of MS 1900 implementation at Malacca Zakat Center (MZC). Semi-structured interview with Top Management Officers, Managers, Shar’iah Officer, Quality Systems Officers and Auditors was used as main data collection method, and it was triangulated with data collected from documents and observations. The data were analysed by employing thematic analysis method.
Findings
The study found that there are 12 steps involved in MS 1900 implementation at MZC, namely, identifying gaps, understanding MS 1900, outlined quality policies and objectives, team work establishment, management representative establishment, management commitment, documentations, determining the quality scope system, implementing the MS 1900, internal audit, evaluating QMS performance and surveillance audit. All steps were carried out effectively with the cooperation of management and employees at MZC.
Research limitations/implications
The findings from this study can be employed by managers who intend to implement MS 1900 effectively in their organizations.
Originality/value
This study adds to the knowledge of the emergence of the first ever Islamic QMS MS 1900. It also contributes meticulous insights into the MS 1900 implementation particularly in the zakat centre.
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Peter Nderitu Githaiga and James Kibet Kosgei
This study aims to investigate the influence of board characteristics on sustainability reporting among listed firms in East Africa.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the influence of board characteristics on sustainability reporting among listed firms in East Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a sample of 79 listed firms drawn from East African securities exchanges and data from 2011 to 2020. Sustainability reporting is measured using Global Reporting Initiative, and the data is analyzed by using three-panel data estimation models – fixed effect, random effect and the generalized method of moments.
Findings
The results reveal that board gender diversity, board financial expertise and board independence are positively and significantly associated with sustainability reporting. Conversely, board size has a negative and significant effect on sustainability reporting.
Practical implications
The findings from the study provide valuable insights to firm owners and policymakers. The study highlights the importance of directors with financial knowledge, a high proportion of non-executive directors and women representation in board and smaller boards as a strategy that will help firms improve sustainability practices and reporting in East Africa.
Social implications
Results of this study underscore the effect of corporate governance (CG) dimensions on social responsibility activities, such as philanthropy, emission reduction and waste management initiatives as reported through sustainability responsibility.
Originality/value
This study adds to the growing literature on the relationship between CG attributes and sustainability reporting from a developing economy perspective. Specifically, the study examines how board gender diversity, size, independence and financial expertise affect sustainability reporting adoption.
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Shinaj Valangattil Shamsudheen and Ziyaad Mahomed
This study aims to examine the burdening effect of Shariah knowledge on the sales performance of the salesforce at Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) with special reference to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the burdening effect of Shariah knowledge on the sales performance of the salesforce at Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) with special reference to addressing the heterogeneous effects of work experience.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 335 samples were collected from the sales professionals of IFIs in Malaysia using a purposive sampling technique and the empirical analysis was conducted with the measures of model fit and bootstrapping technique using partial least square structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis.
Findings
Empirical results indicate that the burdening effect of Shariah knowledge is evident among salesforce and the magnitude of the impact remains consistent across the groups of salesforces with different levels of work experience.
Practical implications
Findings suggest respective authorities of IFIs intensify capacity building for their salesforce particularly in the area of Shariah knowledge and nature of underlying Islamic contracts used in the financial products. An insignificant heterogeneous effect of work experience suggests respective authorities that the actions and policy formulations are equally important among the entire salesforce regardless of the number of years of job tenure each salesforce holds.
Originality/value
As customer awareness and knowledge may be influenced by the information transferred via the IFI employees (especially salesforce in IFIs), any information overload (i.e. additional requirement of Shariah knowledge/features) on the IFI employees may, therefore, negatively influence customer patronage and reduce IFI market share. However, the increased information expectation (i.e. Shariah knowledge/features) on IFI employees and its impact on market share along with the heterogeneous effect of work experience has not been documented before. If a burdening effect of Shariah knowledge is identified, this may be a formidable reason for the slowing growth of Islamic finance.