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The level of defence industrial innovation success has been modest in Malaysia, despite continuous investment into research and development (R&D). The authors use the Defence Research and Development Stakeholder Engagement Framework (DRDSEF) to argue that strategic collaborative engagement between stakeholders is critical for successful industrial and technological innovation. This paper has two aims: to describe the role of the stakeholders in managing defence R&D funding and to evaluate the challenges faced by these stakeholders in managing government defence R&D allocation for industrial and technological innovation. This is an exploratory case study using a combination of interpretivist and pragmatist philosophical approaches. Analysed data consists of secondary resources and primary resources included surveys in the form of open-ended semi-structured interviews and participatory observation. This paper concludes that successful defence R&D stakeholder engagement requires an open and independent platform, enhanced industry-academia cross-sector fertilisation and collaborative data analytics management tools to share information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper explores the challenges Malaysian tourism and hospitality organisations faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and assesses how they coped and strategized with these challenges. Next, the study explores innovative action and best practices in dealing with the pandemic. Additionally, the study focusses on the efforts of policymakers. The paper also reviews government policy and support programmes made available to the business sector during the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: The paper identifies the key pandemic-related issues and challenges faced in the tourism and hospitality industry through open-ended questions with senior industry practitioner insights and policymakers. Findings: The study highlights emerging challenges and issues for Malaysian hospitality and tourism businesses. In addition, it offers specific recommendations and strategies to enable industry stakeholders to respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical implications: These findings are of interest to Malaysian tourism and hospitality industry stakeholders and policymakers as they highlight challenges and offer possible post-pandemic solutions. Originality/value: The paper reflects current issues and challenges from the perspective of tourism and hospitality practitioners on managerial and operational issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Entrepreneurial State was a concept that was put forth by Mariana Mazzucato in 2013. Since then, the concept has not received as much attention as it should, as the traditional view regarding entrepreneurship still holds sway among many academicians. This paper revisits this concept with an overview of Mazzucato's main thesis, followed by a critique. Some lessons regarding the concept from the Malaysian perspective are shared. Mazzucato's thesis regarding government intervention in the entrepreneurship process deserves greater attention, especially in light of the developments surrounding Covid-19. Further research areas are highlighted in the concluding remarks of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the arrival of disruptive technologies, creative industries have had to confront harsh challenges especially in developing countries. In this paper, we examine the endurance of three major creative industries amidst a changing landscape in Malaysia in terms of pressure from disruptive technologies as well as global competition. Our findings are based on in-depth interviews with employees in three major creative industry sectors in the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Our findings suggest that the investigated creative industries are at the juncture of significant changes with available limited resources. Even prominent sectors with creative industries are challenged by a lack of a talent pool to embrace new trends and developments due to technological advancements. Moreover, the lack of policy support from the government and talent shortages have further affected the challenges among the main sectors in creative industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This conceptual paper explored the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020 and rapidly spread to nations due to its strong transmissibility. The Covid-19 pandemic brought about the demise of several businesses, including the sports industry. Thus, the eSports industry has become a feasible alternative and requirement for sporting competitions. This study aims to analyse existing research on the history and growth of eSports in Malaysia to give better insights into its sustainable development, even post-pandemic. This study also covers a detailed assessment of gamers, marketers, and earnings. The study used a literature review strategy and conducted a thorough electronic search for relevant literature using Google Scholar, indexed databases and newspapers. Malaysian governments develop eSports training centres, fund allocations and academies to nurture the athletes and the eSports industry. Many gamers and audiences adapt to the new normal and technologies, particularly during the movement control order. Many Malaysians shift their behaviour and rely on the internet for home entertainment and activities. Covid-19 has enhanced eSports consumption, and the viewership will grow post-pandemic. Game developers invest more money to develop the eSports sector with innovative marketing strategies. This paper focuses on the rise of eSports and the chances for marketers to connect with customers. Many people believe eSports will continue growing, even post-pandemic, as many people have already adapted to it, and cutting-edge technologies also propel many people to accept this unique field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective - Academic research on online food delivery has mainly addressed its economic and social implications. Due to technological advancement, online food delivery services have grown in popularity in Malaysia. The Internet and mobile technology make it easy to use mobile devices to access online food delivery services. Methodology/Technique - This study aimed to analyse the bibliometric characteristics of worldwide research trends, publication growth, publishing outputs by nations, themes of interest, and author keyword co-occurrences. This article presents a bibliometric analysis of online food delivery services, which was conducted using the VOS viewer software and data retrieved from the Scopus database. The Scopus database yielded around 893 papers published between 1995 and 2022. Findings -- The findings highlighted that medicine accounted for most of the papers, followed by business, management, accounting, computer science, and social sciences. The "COVID-19 epidemic" appears the most frequently in the publications, followed by "e-commerce." The results highlighted the co-occurrences of author keywords, "covid-19 pandemic," has 103 linkages. Novelty -- This supports the claims made in the earlier studies that the COVID-19 pandemic had affected consumer choices for online food delivery services. It can be inferred that future studies may use the findings to explore problems with online meal delivery services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim/Purpose The aim of this paper is to examine the influences of KM-centred strategies on innovation capability among Malaysian R&D firms. It also deepens understanding of the pathways and conditions to improve the innovation capability by assessing the mediating role of both KM practices, i.e., knowledge exploration practices, and knowledge exploitation practices. Background Knowledge is the main organisational resource that is able to generate a competitive advantage through innovation. It is a critical success driver for both knowledge exploration and exploitation for firms to achieve sustainable competitive advantages. Methodology A total of 320 questionnaires were disseminated to Malaysian R&D firms and the response rate was 47 percent. The paper utilised structural equation modelling and cross-sectional design to test hypotheses in the proposed research model. Contribution This paper provides useful information and valuable initiatives in exploring the mediating role of knowledge exploration and knowledge exploitation in influencing innovation in Malaysian R&D firms. It helps R&D firms to frame their KM activities to drive the capability of creating and retaining a greater value onto their core business competencies. Findings The findings indicate that all three KM-centred strategies (leadership, HR practices, and culture) have a direct effect on innovation. In addition, KM exploration practices mediate HR practices on innovation while KM exploitation mediates both leadership and HR practices on innovation. Recommendations for Practitioners This paper serves as a guide for R&D managers to determine the gaps and appropriate actions to collectively achieve the desired R&D results and national innovation. It helps R&D firms frame their KM activities to enhance the capability of creating and retaining a greater value to their core business competencies. Recommendations for Researchers This paper contributes significantly to knowledge management and innovation research by establishing new associations among KM-centred strategies, i.e., leadership, HR practices, and culture, both KM practices (knowledge exploration and knowledge exploitation), and innovation. Impact on Society This paper highlights the important role of knowledge leaders and the practice of effective HR practices to help R&D firms to create a positive environment that facilitates both knowledge exploration and knowledge exploitation in enhancing innovation capabilities. Future Research Further research could use a longitudinal sample to examine relationships of causality, offering a more comprehensive view of the effect of KM factors on innovation over the long term. Future research should also try to incorporate information from new external sources, such as customers or suppliers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Online payment is an important method of transaction widely practiced across the globe. Due to its flexibility and convenience, it has been a popular method of payments in recent times especially in important religious matters such as zakat, one of the pillars of Islam. Since it is an important religious obligation, the relevant authorities need to identify factors that would facilitate the payment of zakat from the perspective of zakat payers, especially in difficult times of the 2020-2021 pandemic situation. Thus, the aim of this paper is to identify factors that influence the intention of using electronic payment (e-payment) platforms to pay zakat. In addition, the mediating role of attitude will also be analysed in examining the relationships between perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use to zakat payment intention. Methodology: The present study employed a survey method to assemble data pertaining to attitude, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use as potential factors that determine user's behavioural intention of e-payment zakat in Malaysia. 193 questionnaires were responded to and analysed via Partial Least Square (PLS) with the Smart-PLS 3.0 software. Findings: Results showed that significant aspects such as perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness have positive bearings on attitude and intention to use zakat e-payment platform. The study also found that Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) are growing in popularity and the zakat authorities and fin-tech companies are establishing greater synergies tool. Contributions: The findings put forward that Zakat institutions may need to improvise their e-payment platform to attract zakat payers. Besides, the findings also highlight the behavioural intention of zakat payers in response to technological advancement that the providers and users should acknowledge. Hence, it is expected that the collection of zakat would be increased in the future via e-payment platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The author comments on the paper which focuses on innovation as an important source of economic growth. Topics discussed include the paper's objective which is to investigate on the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia particularly its innovative activities, the role of collaborative research so as to access technology, and incentive implementation to encourage more innovation by SMEs.

Purpose: Environmental pollution has emerged as a major concern in the 21st century following the introduction of sustainable development (SD) by the year 2030, whereby one of the predominant goals is related to the manufacturing industry. In Malaysia, the automotive industry is acknowledged as the backbone driving for economic growth and recognised as a source of environmental deterioration. Therefore, eco-innovation is, thus, introduced as one of the efforts for minimised environmental effects, reduced social impact and firm value sustenance. In particular, eco-product innovation is one of the renowned environmental innovation dimensions and displays high adoption and diffusion rates in developed countries due to green awareness and government financial assistance. However, developing countries such as Malaysia show relatively low adoption of such practices amongst companies, whereby most of the efforts are driven by the governments, supplier and customer demands. Therefore, this paper aims to delineate the factors of voluntary initiatives undertaken by the Malaysian automotive and auto parts industry towards eco-product innovation. Design/methodology/approach: The research drew from the micro-level perspective, thus using dynamic capabilities (DC) constructs and environmental management system (EMS) strategy variables. The constructs included technology collaboration, green human resources and eco-culture, while the variables denoted formal EMS and top management support. Survey data were obtained from 242 entities within the Malaysian automotive and auto parts industry, which were subjected to analysis via confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Findings: The findings revealed the moderating role played by eco-product innovation for the association linking EMS strategy and sustainability development, while no moderator effects were observed between DC and sustainability development. Thus, future research can be performed in the meso and macro-level areas by using qualitative research across different sectors. Originality/value: This paper explicates novel literature content, particularly for the field of eco-product innovation; it positions an empirical analysis from the micro-level perspective regarding the antecedence of DC and environmental strategy towards eco-product innovation and SD, mainly in the automotive industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach: This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings: The authors find that process innovation positively influences organizational performance. The effect of social innovation on performance depends on firm size. Marketing innovation has no impact on firm performance. Originality/value: The briefing saves busy executives, strategists, and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the performance of Malaysian power plants from the year 2015 to 2017 using Malmquist Total Factor Productivity (TFP) index, which is based on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). This approach offers substantial advantages as compared to other existing methods as it can measure productivity changes over time for a variety of inputs and outputs. Moreover, it comprises two primary components: the technical efficiency change and the technological change indexes that provide clearer insight into the factors that are responsible for shifts in total factor productivity. This study uses a single input, installed generation capacity (MW), and two outputs, average thermal efficiency (%) and average equivalent availability factor (%). These output-input data included ten main power plants: TNB Natural Gas, SESB Natural Gas, SESB Diesel, SEB Natural Gas, SEB Coal, SEB Diesel, IPP Semenanjung Natural Gas, IPP Semenanjung Coal, IPP Sabah Natural Gas, and IPP Sabah Diesel. The results have two significant implications for fossil fuel power plants in Malaysia. First, technological change was the primary factor in boosting the TFP performance of the fossil fuel power plants in Malaysia. Meanwhile, the decline in TFP performance in Malaysian fossil fuel power plants may be attributed, in part, to a lack of innovation in technical components as the results found that the average technical efficiency changes in 2015 - 2016 were at 146% and then dropped significantly to 2% in 2016 - 2017. Second, the average scale efficiency changes rose dramatically from -53% to 3% providing a significant contribution to the improvement of technical efficiency changes. The fossil fuel power plants become efficient as the power plants' size increases. This indicates that the size of a power plant positively impacts the performance of the TFP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to compare perceptions of Islamic bank customers concerning FinTech services in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. It also investigates the level to which customers are willing to adapt FinTech services. Design/methodology/approach: Primary data was collected from May to September 2019 using a questionnaire to survey 102 Islamic bank customers in Malaysia and 147 in Saudi Arabia. The data are analyzed based on Structural Equation Modelling using the partial least squares approach. Findings: The findings show that knowledge, attitude and subjective norms are the highly significant determining factors that influence customers' opinions on adapting to new technology, but awareness demonstrates only a moderately positive effect. Moreover, the impact of these factors on the intention to adopt FinTech services significantly differs between Malaysian and Saudi Arabian customers. Originality/value: This is an original study based on primary data on customers of Islamic banking in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. It provides some novel insights into how the banking industry can boost customers' confidence and enhance their patronage by adopting FinTech in their business operation model. These findings should be of value to senior management, policymakers and regulators in the banking industry in both Muslim and non-Muslim countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Malaysia, social innovation programs are fully supported by the government. However, reports and findings on the related matter have yet to be comprehensively collected due to the current interest. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to provide a better insight and understanding on how social innovation projects could assist in achieving the SDG agenda. Since social innovation is emerging and has just recently been embraced in Malaysia, we present the study as a case based on an entrepreneur cooperative, named KOKULAC, with a grounded theory analysis as a core approach. The findings suggest that there are five sustainability development goals that are very closely related to KOKULAC's agenda. These goals are no poverty, zero hunger, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, and partnership for the goals. In addition, the case also presented how the values of sustainable development spur greater social benefits of shared prosperity. We conclude that the proposed model contributes to the expansion of innovation capability theory by shaping the innovations within the scope of social needs, which could be applied in other settings. For future research, we recommend a higher integration between the social innovation model and dynamic capabilities of the networking structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural development in various countries in Asia has experienced tremendous change and transformation. Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia have experienced growing interest in utilising information and communication technologies (ICTs) for rural development. ICT and society could create a new pathway for the rural area and its society should progress in future. Evidently, technologies will continue to evolve and used to improve productivity. However, in the long run, this might jeopardise any effort for creating and sustaining employment/job and wealth creations for locals and for rural economic sectors. This is because current jobs including in rural small and medium enterprises (SMEs) could be replaced by technologies, hence might reduce industry dependency on local workforce. There are cases whereby the ICTs and other emerging technologies which have been introduced in rural areas, as shown in "creative kampung" communities, have not deter locals from being employed in rural economic sectors (and SMEs) instead sustaining jobs and improve SMEs operations and productivities. Creative kampung emphasises on sustaining economic activities based on human creativity and/or creative industry that cannot be replaced by machines or any other means of modern technologies. However, it is a norm for local entrepreneurs to incorporate some elements of technologies to improve productivity and quality of products and services, while maintaining the authenticity of their products. The paper presents some key findings based on comparative study of two creative kampungs in Sayong, Kuala Kangsar, Malaysia and Gemawang Village at Semarang District, Central Java Indonesia. It is expected that the findings might have values particularly in improving the understanding on the concept of creative kampung from different localities, internal and external key drivers for transformation of creative kampung and entrepreneurship development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the socio-technical elements of Grassroots Innovations (GRIs) cases in Malaysia and draws lessons for public policy intervention by accounting for the contextual nature of the GRIs. Our findings on the four successful Malaysian rural GRIs indicate the following. First, carefully formulated level-specific policy instruments are needed to facilitate the smooth transition of the various stages of GRIs. Second, given the heterogeneity nature of GRIs, policymakers should avoid generalized, oversimplified and one-fit policy approaches. In turn, public policy intervention should be flexible and clearly suited to the aspiration of the founders and their missions. More importantly, attempts to commercialize, similar to the business-oriented innovation policy and in the name of creating value defeats the purpose of GRIs thus jeopardizing the true value of GRIs. Instead, the evidences suggest that strengthening the stakeholder-innovator partnership in co-developing and co-delivering adds value to the grassroots innovators and society at large. It also has larger benefits of application in providing greater social benefits especially in solving communal problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University-industry research collaboration (UIRC) is a major source for research and innovations and economic growth. Despite the extensive evidence on the importance of such collaboration in developed and developing countries, the literature related to strengthen such collaboration along with its innovation performance is still scarce. Scholars believed that the impact of education and training on researchers have a vigorous influence on research and innovations. Moreover, to enhance the competencies of education and training on researchers, it is mandatory to refurbish education and skills system in conjunction with technological infrastructure system along with their reinforcing factors i.e. knowledge sharing and research and development cooperation, respectively. In this paper, we evaluate the influence of education and skills and technological infrastructure system along with their corresponding reinforcing factors in the blended system thinking method to strengthen education and training. Evidence from UIRC in Malaysia provides empirical corroboration that the role of education and skills system and technological infrastructure system along with their reinforcing factors have a positive influence on education and training. Thus, the findings of this research suggest that intensifying the quality of education and skills system and technological infrastructure system with the reinforcing effect can enhance the effectiveness of education and training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to discuss the mediating effects of innovation on the relationship between knowledge management and firm competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach: A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from small construction firms in the Eastern Region of Peninsular Malaysia. Out of the 190 construction firms surveyed, 153 (80.5%) respondents returned their completed questionnaire. These were used for data analysis. The data were then analyzed using the covariance-based structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings: Knowledge management had a direct and significant positive effect on firm competitiveness. Nonetheless, the effect of knowledge management on firm competitiveness was mediated by innovation. This indicates that knowledge management should be supported by technical and administrative innovations in the firm. Research limitations/implications: The data collected were from a limited sample of construction firms. In addition, conducting a study on a region of Malaysia may limit the generalizability of the model. Practical implications: While knowledge management is crucial for a firm's competitiveness, technical and administrative innovations must be concurrently improved for a stronger firm competitiveness. This is especially true in terms of financial strength and core competence. Originality/value: This paper provides some empirical evidence that technical and administrative innovations fully mediated the relationship between knowledge management and firm competitiveness. The results consolidate the resource-based view on the importance of internal resource and capability of the firm and improve KM research area. It also strengthens the view that KM is a critical factor for firm competitiveness, but a good KM without strong innovation will not increase the competitiveness of small construction firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines differences in technological capabilities and the statistical relationships in a sample of automotive firms in Indonesia and Malaysia. The results show that firms in Indonesia, which has a liberalized trade regime, enjoyed higher human resource, process technology, and research and development (R&D) capabilities than firms in Malaysia, which has protected trading policies. Statistical relationships largely support theoretical arguments about R&D and the explanatory variable of foreign ownership in Indonesia where the relationship between the two is significant and negative. Foreign ownership was negatively correlated with human resource and positively correlated with process technology in Malaysia. The overall results show that there is a need to increase external competition and human capital supply for automotive firms in Malaysia to raise their technological capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of understanding of the forms of knowledge and expertise in so-called developing societies such as Malaysia. This paper addresses this issue by suggesting a framework—based on Schutz and Luckmann's (1973) concept of social distribution of knowledge and Knorr Cetina's (1999) notion of epistemic communities—for examining the Malaysian automotive and information technology industries. These industries are central to Malaysia's agenda of becoming a knowledge society in the context of Vision 2020. Vital to these industries is a group of Malaysian professionals who possess knowledge and expertise: the “technological elite.” is group, the technological elite, includes, but is not limited to, engineers working for Proton, as well as professionals working in the Multimedia Super Corridor. Using professional biographies and narratives, this paper illuminates the context and culture of knowledge in Malaysia. Similarities in the principles that inform epistemic practices and relations within an “old” industry (i.e., automotive) and a “new” industry (i.e., ICT) call for the recognition of epistemic work characterized by the mixing of specialist knowledge with other forms of knowledge, and of localized knowledge in nascent epistemic communities with knowledge developed from an established tradition of technological practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is aimed to explore the role of innovation as mediating role in relationship between TQM and competitive advantage within manufacturing sector in Malaysia. Quantitative method was used to find out the answer and questionnaires have been distributed to the management level in electrical and electronic (E&E) manufacturers in Malaysia. Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) and ADANCO were the software used to analyze the data gathering from respondents. The result of analysis shown that total quality management (TQM) and innovation gave significant positive impact on competitive advantage. In addition, the innovation is mediate positively for the relationship between TQM and competitive advantage. Therefore, this research is expected to provide deep understanding regarding TQM, innovation, and competitive advantage for the manufacturing industry within Malaysia and acts as reference to future researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient logistics is critical to a country's trade competitiveness. This paper uses the Data Envelopment Analysis Malmquist Index that includes an innovation component comprising three dimensions (input, process, and output), to assess the impact of innovation by third-party logistics (3PL). We treat the panel data of asset-based 3PL in Malaysia from 2007 to 2012. Three findings hold. First, innovation is not always accompanied by productivity gains. Second, innovation is still lacking in the logistics industry in Malaysia. Third, 3PL need to invest more in technology and stay financially healthy to accelerate the diffusion of innovation under a more competitive cost structure. This paper has two contributions. First, we offer an enhanced methodology for total factor productivity by including an innovation component and apply it for the first time to the logistics industry. Second, we augment the performance measurement literature specific to the logistics industry and our research suggests that the antecedents of productivity in logistics companies are investment and financial strength. These productivity–innovation findings provide insights into Malaysia's logistics industry and may be helpful for economies similar to Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the effectiveness of innovation protection mechanisms in four high-tech industries in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey is administered to 339 managers working in four Malaysian high-tech industries. Findings – The authors find that in most industries, patents are considered as the most effective innovation protection mechanism, while lead time is considered as least effective. In firms with private and foreign ownerships, patents and in firms categorized as “others” “moving quickly down the learning curve” are considered as the most effective protection mechanisms. It also emerges that “being first to market (lead time)” is considered as the least effective protection mechanism under all ownership structures. Further, young and middle-aged firms report patents, while old firms report secrecy as the most effective innovation protection mechanisms. Research limitations/implications – This paper restricted analysis to the high-tech sector in Malaysia, and thus, the findings are not generalizable to other industries. Second, this paper took into consideration only four innovation protection mechanisms. The authors suggest that future research should investigate the issue at hand in other industries and consider other innovation protection mechanisms to have a holistic view of how Malaysian firms view different innovation protection mechanisms. Practical implications – In addition to providing inputs for policy-making, the results of this paper are expected to help practitioners in deciding on the right kind of innovation protection mechanisms for their innovations based on their industry, ownership structure and firm age. Originality/value – This paper is the first of its kind conducted in the Malaysian high-tech sector and as such is expected to help policy-makers to design and implement effectively innovation protection policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how transaction attributes of technology affect differences in the relationship between technology buyers and suppliers. It also examines the impact on performance of different patterns of relationship between technology buyers and suppliers. Data obtained from 147 manufacturing firms in Malaysia are used to test several hypotheses, which were derived from a review of the literature on technology, transaction cost theory and buyer-supplier relationships (BSR). The research results indicate that the higher the level of technological complexity, specificity and uncertainty, the more firms are likely to engage in a closer relationship with technology suppliers. Even though the majority of firms reported improvements in their performance, results indicate that firms demonstrating a closer relationship with technology suppliers are more likely to achieve higher levels of performance than those that do not. It is also shown that with high levels of transaction attribute, implementation performance suffers more when firms have weak relationships with technology suppliers than with moderate and low levels of transaction attribute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia is one of the leading producers and exporters of oil palm, and the industry contributes significantly to the growth of the national economy. Nonetheless, the consequential oil palm biomass (OPB) with a potential yield of ∼97 million tonnes annually presents both challenges and opportunities, demanding innovative waste management solutions. This paper explores the feasibility of converting OPB into valuable commodities by employing concentrated solar-driven pyrolysis. A detailed overview of the biomass produced from oil palm plantations and mills is provided, along with a discussion of the industry stakeholders and associated biomass management challenges. The pyrolysis of OPB is explored, emphasizing benefits, potential barriers, and techniques. The focus then shifts to Malaysia's solar potential, which ranges from 1470 to 1900 kWh/m2 annually. The potentials of solar pyrolysis are explored, encompassing discussions on solar concentrator types, reactors, and the distribution of solar and OPB resources throughout Malaysia. The paper then recommends Tawau in Sabah, as an ideal location for OPB solar pyrolysis, due to its solar availability (up to 1873 kWh/m2), potential OPB resources from 19 mills and 241 plantations, and supportive infrastructure. The paper proposes solar-driven pyrolysis as a sustainable solution for Malaysia's OPB management, offers insights for policy initiatives and technological innovations in optimizing OPB and solar energy utilization. • Analyzes oil palm biomass potential for solar pyrolysis in Malaysia. • Explores solar resources in Malaysia for solar-driven pyrolysis. • Examines solar concentrators and reactors for pyrolysis. • Identifies potential city, as the optimal location for solar pyrolysis. • Discusses commercialization challenges of solar-driven pyrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid technological advancements have resulted in a more user-friendly conducive virtual learning environment. Despite a vast corpus of research on online learning utilising an asynchronous online forum (OF) to improve English, studies on OF to improve English and develop 21st-century skills of communication and collaboration at the university level in Malaysia are still limited. This paper reports the use of OF via a learning management system (LMS) as a platform for teaching and learning in an English for Specific Purpose (ESP) course. This study comprised 26 participants from a public university to look at how OF was implemented in an ESP course to enhance communication and collaboration. Data from interviews and reflective journals were obtained from the participants during their involvement in OF. The findings of this study demonstrate that using OF helps students enhance their 21st century skills like communication and collaboration. It is evident that OF can become a recommended platform for enhancing students to improve 21st century skills based on the promising responses received from the participants in this study. The findings also suggest that OF is relevant for engagement of the language learners and may be worthy to be implemented in English courses or other courses tertiary level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the implications of new information technology such as satellite broadcasting on society and women in particular, The advent of new technological development will increase the carrying capacity of television to thirty or forty channels, and the impact of this on the equity situation with regard to class, gender, and race needs close attention, This paper looks at how the media perpetuates and constructs certain images of women and speculates how this can be exacerbated by new technologies such as satellite television. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although essential to all institutions, organizational change is a complex and high risk activity. In this paper, we examine how organizations develop and implement capabilities to facilitate organizational change. Drawing on the dynamic capability perspective and a 'resourcing' synergy view, we investigate how realized absorptive capacity in terms of transformation and exploitation capability directly affects organizational change, and how process innovation practices act as an effective mechanism that link transformation and exploitation capability with organizational change. To distinguish our analysis, we focus on both an emerging organizational form and an emerging economy context. Specifically, on the basis of a questionnaire survey of 316 academics from entrepreneurial universities in Malaysia, we find that both transformation and exploitation capability are facilitators of organizational change. However, the relationship of transformation capability with organizational change is fully mediated by process innovation practices, while the relationship between exploitation capability and organizational change is partially mediated by process innovation practices. Our research therefore contributes to the dynamic capability perspective of organizational change and absorptive capacity by highlighting the importance of integrating organizational transformation and exploitation capability with process innovation practices in different ways to facilitate organizational change. Our findings and accompanying discussion on how process innovation practices can generate moves towards universities that are more entrepreneurial will also be of interest to university managers and policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research on innovation culture among SMEs has received little attention particularly in developing countries. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the influence of organisational culture, organisational learning and market orientation on innovation culture. A total of 183 usable responses were received from SMEs in Malaysia. Findings from the analysis suggest that all dimensions of organisational culture influence innovation culture while organisational learning in terms of information acquisition, behavioural and cognitive also influences innovation culture. Finally, in terms of market orientation, only competitor orientation influences innovation culture. This study contributes to SMEs by providing information on the elements that could nurture innovation culture in their organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the digital economy and the emergence of new technologies are changing the way of doing business. In recent foreign direct investment (FDI) studies, factors in addition to conventional ownership-location-internalisation (OLI) factors have been explored to enrich the FDI model. This study looks at the roles of information and communications technology (ICT) telecommunication infrastructure on FDI in Malaysia. The two-step system generalised method of moments (GMM) approach is used. To overcome the limitations of the dynamic panel model on the "small groups" problem, this study uses five three-year average data for the period between 2002 to 2016, and the Windmeijer finite-sample correction, the robust standard errors for estimation. The results show a significant positive role of mobile telephony on FDI. Besides, institutional factors are found to have significant impacts on FDI. The findings indicate the importance of the institutional framework and ICT telecommunication infrastructure, which can be jointly used with the OLI paradigm to explain factors driving FDI in the new economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immense environmental challenges facing society today have necessitated a research effort toward exploring digitally enabled solutions for environmental problems. Only limited research exists today to inform our understanding on how technology could assist groups of individuals in cultivating collective commitment and engaging in actions for environmental sustainability. By presenting an in-depth case study of a social media-enabled grassroots environmental movement in rural Malaysia, this paper aims to illuminate and understand an underresearched phenomenon of community-driven environmental sustainability. This study makes 2 contributions: (1) we draw on the perspective of technology affordances to shed light on both the enabling power and unintended consequences of social media in the pursuit of environmental sustainability; and on that account, (2) we contribute rich, empirically informed insights toward understanding the underresearched phenomenon of digitally enabled, community-driven environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investment scams pose significant threats to individuals and the economy of Malaysia, exploiting psychological vulnerabilities and technological advancements to deceive unsuspecting investors. This study investigates the multifaceted factors driving the occurrence of investment scams in Malaysia. Drawing on interviews with officers from the Royal Malaysia Police, this research provides valuable insights into the dynamics of investment scams. Through meticulous analysis, the study identifies key factors contributing to the proliferation of scams, including the allure of quick wealth, digital technology's influence, demographic, financial literacy gaps, and regulatory inadequacies. By comprehensively examining these factors, the study aims to deepen understanding and propose targeted interventions for effectively combating investment scams and safeguarding potential victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of technology and the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the higher education landscape by highlighting online education platforms, thus bringing transformation to the teaching and learning process. Drawing from the dynamic capability theory, this study examines whether institutional, technology and human resources are determinants for the performance of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Malaysia. A quantitative approach was employed in this study, specifically utilising a structured questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 217 educators in Malaysian public and private HEIs. Data were analysed using the SmartPLS software. The empirical results reveal that institutional and technology resources significantly influence the performance of ODL in the HEIs. These results suggest that the ODL practices could be improved with dynamic resources supported by the HEIs. A sustainable ODL implementation would increase access to academic advancement for educators and students. The study's findings underscore the importance of sustainable education for HEIs, emphasising the need for robust policies and standards, efficient procedures, modern infrastructure, advanced information systems, and strong management support to ensure the long-term success of ODL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online teaching and learning have caused many students and teachers with unprecedented challenges leading to a phenomenon known as the digital divide, which is the disparity between individuals who have access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and those who do not. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the significant difference in facilitating conditions (network connection, technical issues, school infrastructure) and usage of Google Classroom for teachers in rural and urban teachers. In this study, 395 responses were collected from secondary school teachers through an online survey, that included demographic information and 22 survey items. Descriptive statistics and t-test analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings found that there are significant differences in technical issues and usage of Google Classroom for teachers in rural and urban schools. This research offers valuable insights for educational stakeholders especially the schools and government to provide tailored technical support and ongoing training to the teachers in Malaysia, especially those in rural areas. By strategically allocating educational resources and executing policies that cater to the varying needs of these different environments, it is believed that policymakers and educational stakeholders can bridge the digital divide and create educational equity nationwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the resistance towards Apple Pay among Malaysians. The research is supported by the Innovation Resistance Model (IRT), which offers a comprehensive framework to understand and analyze the factors that impede the acceptance and usage of technological innovations. The study utilizes a quantitative approach, employing a questionnaire survey to collect data from a sample of Malaysian consumers. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) is utilized for data analysis. The findings shed light on the specific barriers that Malaysians encounter when considering the adoption of Apple Pay, including the usage barrier, value barrier, risk barrier, tradition barrier, and image barrier. The results provide insights into the underlying reasons behind resistance towards Apple Pay and contribute to the existing body of knowledge on mobile payment adoption. The study's implications offer valuable recommendations for businesses, policymakers, and other stakeholders seeking to promote the wider acceptance and adoption of Apple Pay in the Malaysian context. By addressing these barriers, it is possible to foster trust, enhance user experience, and facilitate the integration of Apple Pay into the everyday lives of Malaysians, thereby transforming the landscape of mobile payments in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductors are an important electronic component and play a central role in many industrial fields, whose production system is spread all over the world, involving trade in many raw materials, mechanical equipment, and finished products. Comprehending a broad global production picture of the semiconductor industry can be an arduous task. To tackle this complexity, the social network analysis method was used to capture the flows of products between economies in the semiconductor industrial chain. This study analyzed the evolution of the trade pattern of four key commodities in the semiconductor industrial chain, with a focus on identifying the status of major economies in the global semiconductor trade system. Additionally, the influencing factors of the formation of the trade networks were explored by using the Exponential Random Graph Model. The results showed that: (1) From 2001 to 2019, the import and export trade pattern of four key commodities in the semiconductor industrial chain has shown the characteristics of "rising in the east and decreasing in the west", but the change range shows strong commodity heterogeneity, the change of the spatial pattern of integrated circuits trade is the most significant, and the integrated circuits trade proportion of Asian economies has increased hugely with more than 80%. (2) The trade connectivity of various commodities in the semiconductor industrial chain has increased, upstream support products with high technical requirements such as wafers and equipment have the lowest average degree and weak trade liquidity, and the average degree of trade network of packaging materials and integrated circuits is relatively high, with strong trade liquidity and closer and more prosperous trade connections. (3) From 2001 to 2019, the "core-periphery" system of global semiconductor industry trade has changed significantly, with the core circle undergoing obvious iterative reorganization. for example, China and Singapore have achieved status improvement to the core circle in the base materials trade network, while Malaysia has been squeezed into the semi-peripheral circle. (4) The formation of trade networks of various commodities in the semiconductor industrial chain was driven by three aspects: network self-organization, exogenous endowment attribute, and exogenous network embeddedness. Among them, the influence of the technological innovation level of economies on different commodity trade networks showed heterogeneous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the budgetary participation and performance (BPP) relationship in a public sector organization in a developing country, Malaysia. It also attempts to examine whether organizational commitment and perception of innovation mediate the BPP relationship. Design/methodology/approach - A total of 111 budget managers in the Ministry of Defence, Malaysia, participated in the survey. Response rate was 74 per cent. A path analysis was utilised to examine the direct and indirect effects of budgetary participation on managerial performance. Findings - Budgetary participation affects managerial performance via the mediating variable of organizational commitment but not perception of innovation. There is a direct relationship between budgetary participation, managerial performance, organizational commitment and perception of innovation. Research limitations/implications - This is a study conducted in the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), thus results may not be generalizable to other organizations. It involves only two intervening variables; organizational commitment and perception of innovation and uses the intervening variable model to explain the budgetary participation and performance relationship. Budgetary participation improves managerial performance in MINDEF in two ways; directly, as a consequence of management involvement in the budgetary process, as well as indirectly, when managers' commitment to the organization increases due to their participation and involvement in the budgetary process. Originality/value - This paper fills a gap in the literature as very few studies have examined budgetary participation in a developing country and in a public sector organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]