Search results

1 – 10 of 18
Article
Publication date: 14 March 2022

Manli Gu, Chee Meng Tan, Yee Sen Ho and Li Liu

This study aims to demonstrate how national culture, as measured using the Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, moderates the relationship between work–family conflict (WFC) and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to demonstrate how national culture, as measured using the Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, moderates the relationship between work–family conflict (WFC) and individual-level subjective well-being (SWB).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a two-level hierarchical linear model, this study analysed data from the “Family and Changing Gender Roles IV” survey from the International Social Survey Programme’s (ISSP). A total of 33,044 participants across 41 countries in 2012 were interviewed, but this investigation was limited to 23,277 individuals across 37 countries when all the necessary variables used in this analysis were accounted for. National cultural indicators (the moderators) were measured using Hofstede's cultural dimensions, which are individualism–collectivism, masculinity–femininity, uncertainty avoidance and indulgence–restraint.

Findings

This study presented two main results. Firstly, although family-to-work conflict has an overall negative impact on SWB, this negativity is stronger among participants from individualistic cultures. Secondly, just like family-to-work conflict, work-to-family interference has an adverse impact on workers’ well-being as well, though this effect is more prominent in indulgent cultures.

Originality/value

This paper is novel on two accounts. Firstly, it is one of the few articles that investigates the impact of WFC on SWB using a large multi-country dataset, which allows us to generalize results across multiple cultures. This is unlike many papers in the literature that presented findings from single-country sources, which contextualizes outcomes to a single nation. Secondly, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the article is the first in examining the role played by the Hofstede’s indulgence–restraint dimension in moderating the effect of WFC on SWB.

Details

Evidence-based HRM: a Global Forum for Empirical Scholarship, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-3983

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 October 2021

Mung Khie Tsen, Manli Gu, Chee Meng Tan and See Kwong Goh

More companies embrace flexible work arrangements (FWA) as one of their employee retention strategies, yet its effectiveness is not consistent. Generally, past researchers use the…

3494

Abstract

Purpose

More companies embrace flexible work arrangements (FWA) as one of their employee retention strategies, yet its effectiveness is not consistent. Generally, past researchers use the social exchange theory to explain how FWA lowers turnover intention, while the rest adopts the border theory to justify why FWA can be ineffective. Here, the authors compare the competing theories for the first time to differentiate the theoretical reasoning of three forms of FWA (flex time, flex leave and homeworking). Two mediators (organisational commitment and work−family conflicts) are chosen to represent the mechanism of each theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ the latest wave of the International Social Survey Program (ISSP) Work Orientation Module from 2015. Based on nationally representative data from 35 nations and 17,604 participants, the authors employed simple mediation and parallel double-mediation models via bootstrapping procedures to investigate the theoretical reasoning behind each FWA.

Findings

The results indicate that organisational commitment and work−family conflicts as significant mediators in all models, supporting both theories. The authors first tested each mediator in separated models. In models concerning the social exchange theory, all FWA lead to increased organisational commitment before lowering turnover intention, implying the beneficial outcomes of FWA. However, findings also support the border theory's perspective where flex time and homeworking increase turnover intention through heightened work−family conflicts. The parallel double-mediation further suggests that all three FWA forms have their unique theoretical framework, impacting turnover intention differently.

Originality/value

Both the social exchange theory and border theory are well-developed theories but grounded on different theoretical reasoning. This is the first paper that compares both theoretical perspectives in the context of FWA. It offers a new perspective in explaining the inconclusive effectiveness of FWA and provides future researchers a more integrated interpretation and prediction of FWA's impact on turnover intention.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 42 no. 11-12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 21 August 2009

124

Abstract

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 36 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Article
Publication date: 15 December 2023

Ai Na Seow, Siew Yong Lam, Yuen Onn Choong and Chee Keong Choong

The purpose of this study is to investigate students’ attitudes, self-efficacy and emotional behaviour associated with online learning and the effectiveness of online learning.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate students’ attitudes, self-efficacy and emotional behaviour associated with online learning and the effectiveness of online learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model was formulated and analysed with the structural equation modelling technique. The respondents consist of 843 students pursuing their studies at a private university’s foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A two-step systematic approach was used using the SmartPLS version 3 software to conduct statistical analysis and draw meaningful insights.

Findings

The study’s findings have demonstrated that students’ attitudes and self-efficacy exhibit a positive relationship with online learning behaviour (OLB). It is observed that the students’ emotions are related to online learning effectiveness (OLE) and mediate the relationship between OLB and OLE. Furthermore, OLB partially mediates the relationship between attitude and OLE and between self-efficacy and OLE.

Research limitations/implications

The operational instructions and digital resources have proven to be highly effective in providing valuable learning experiences to the students. As a result, the students are now expanding and applying their new encounters to a broader range of learning opportunities. This study has provided valuable insights for stakeholders, including scholars, higher education institutions and the Ministry of Higher Education, in providing the ideas of online learning or Web-based education.

Originality/value

The originality of this study sheds light on the role of OLB as a mediator. It was underlined that emotion is critical in improving students’ OLE. Thus, students’ attitudes and self-efficacy have been essential in reassuring OLB and enhancing OLE.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1997

Teck Min Choo, Meng Keong Chua, Chee Boon Ong and Theong Hee Tan

Examines the impact of client industry on the use and effectiveness of audit analytical procedures. Segregates audit client firms into two industry categories ‐ new and matured…

2504

Abstract

Examines the impact of client industry on the use and effectiveness of audit analytical procedures. Segregates audit client firms into two industry categories ‐ new and matured. Posits that the industry category the client firm is operating in will have a substantial effect on the extensiveness, types and effectiveness of analytical procedures employed. In particular, hypothesizes that analytical procedures will be more extensively and effectively used in the audit of firms in matured industries. Further, hypothesizes that trend analysis will be used primarily in the audit of firms in matured industries while visual scanning of data and ratio analyses will be used in the audit of firms in both new and matured industries. The results of a questionnaire survey distributed to one of the Big Six audit firms in Singapore support the above hypotheses.

Details

Managerial Auditing Journal, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-6902

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2021

Yuan Ying Lee, Lay Hwa Tiew, Yee Kian Tay and John Chee Meng Wong

Transitional care is increasingly important in reducing readmission rates and length of stay (LOS). Singapore is focusing on transitional care to address the evolving care needs…

Abstract

Purpose

Transitional care is increasingly important in reducing readmission rates and length of stay (LOS). Singapore is focusing on transitional care to address the evolving care needs of a multi-morbid ageing population. This study aims to investigate the impact of transitional care programs (TCPs) on acute healthcare utilization.

Design/methodology/approach

A retrospective, longitudinal, interventional study was conducted. High-risk patients were enrolled into a transitional care program of local tertiary hospital. Patients received either telephone follow-up (TFU) or home-based intervention (HBI) with TFU. Readmission rates and LOS were assessed for both groups.

Findings

There was no statistically significant difference in readmissions or LOS between TFU and HBI. After excluding demised patients, TFU had statistically significant lower LOS than HBI. Both interventions demonstrated statistically significant reductions in readmissions and LOS in pre–post analyses.

Research limitations/implications

TFU may be more effective than HBI in patients with lower clinical severity, despite both interventions showing statistically significant reductions in acute healthcare utilization. Study findings may be used to inform transitional care practices. Future studies should continue to examine the comparative effectiveness of transitional care interventions and the patient populations most likely to benefit.

Originality/value

Previous studies demonstrated promising outcomes for TFU and HBIs, but few have evaluated their comparative effectiveness on acute healthcare utilization and specific patient populations most likely to benefit. This study evaluated interventional effectiveness of both, which might be useful for informing allocation of resources based on clinical complexity and care needs.

Details

Journal of Integrated Care, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1476-9018

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2012

Mohammad Vaezi, Chee Kai Chua and Siaw Meng Chou

Today, medical models can be made by the use of medical imaging systems through modern image processing methods and rapid prototyping (RP) technology. In ultrasound imaging…

1227

Abstract

Purpose

Today, medical models can be made by the use of medical imaging systems through modern image processing methods and rapid prototyping (RP) technology. In ultrasound imaging systems, as images are not layered and are of lower quality as compared to those of computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the process for making physical models requires a series of intermediate processes and it is a challenge to fabricate a model using ultrasound images due to the inherent limitations of the ultrasound imaging process. The purpose of this paper is to make high quality, physical models from medical ultrasound images by combining modern image processing methods and RP technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel and effective semi‐automatic method was developed to improve the quality of 2D image segmentation process. In this new method, a partial histogram of 2D images was used and ideal boundaries were obtained. A 3D model was achieved using the exact boundaries and then the 3D model was converted into the stereolithography (STL) format, suitable for RP fabrication. As a case study, the foetus was chosen for this application since ultrasonic imaging is commonly used for foetus imaging so as not to harm the baby. Finally, the 3D Printing (3DP) and PolyJet processes, two types of RP technique, were used to fabricate the 3D physical models.

Findings

The physical models made in this way proved to have sufficient quality and shortened the process time considerably.

Originality/value

It is still a challenge to fabricate an exact physical model using ultrasound images. Current commercial histogram‐based segmentation method is time‐consuming and results in a less than optimum 3D model quality. In this research work, a novel and effective semi‐automatic method was developed to select the threshold optimum value easily.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 July 2020

Meng Lee Tan, Yit Siew Chin, Poh Ying Lim and Salma Faeza Ahmad Fuzi

Globally, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency and the most common cause of anaemia during pregnancy. To date, there is lack of established studies…

Abstract

Purpose

Globally, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency and the most common cause of anaemia during pregnancy. To date, there is lack of established studies investigating factors associated with iron status during pregnancy in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the associations of obstetrical characteristics and dietary intakes with iron status among pregnant women attending selected health clinics in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 436 third-trimester pregnant women aged 18–40 years, from six selected health clinics in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Data on obstetrical characteristics were extracted from the antenatal medical records. Dietary intakes were assessed using an adapted semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire via face-to-face interview. Venous blood samples were collected for the measurement of serum ferritin (SF) using ADVIA Centaur analyser to determine iron status.

Findings

Approximately one in four of the pregnant women (25.9%) had iron deficiency, with mean SF of 33.35 ± 25.77µg/l. Factors associated with SF were parity (B = −3.048, p < 0.05), frequency of antenatal care visits (B = 1.456, p < 0.05), haemoglobin (Hb) (B = 3.890, p < 0.05), iron intake (B = 0.010, p < 0.05) and frequency of dietary iron supplementation consumption (B = 3.333, p < 0.05). Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that dietary factors were significantly associated with SF, after accounting for the obstetrical characteristics.

Originality/value

Besides obstetrical factors, the findings emphasised the importance of dietary factors on iron status during pregnancy. Nutrition consultation service particularly on the sources of iron intake and compliance towards dietary iron supplementation shall be provided to all pregnant women.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 122 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2021

Firdaus Firdaus Halimi, Serge Gabarre, Samar Rahi, Jassim Ahmad Al-Gasawneh and Abdul Hafaz Ngah

The purpose of this paper is to extend the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to identify the factors influencing Muslim customers’ intention to revisit non-halal certified…

1647

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to identify the factors influencing Muslim customers’ intention to revisit non-halal certified restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposive sampling method was applied. Self-administered survey questionnaires were distributed around shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, the Northern region and the East Coast of Malaysia. From 601 questionnaires collected, only 578 questionnaires were satisfactory. SMART-PLS 3.3.2. was used to analyse the data for this study using a structural equation modelling approach.

Findings

The findings confirmed that price fairness and food quality positively influenced attitude perceived behavioural control and food quality affecting the customers’ intention to revisit non-halal certified restaurants. Subjective norm was found to be an insignificant factor towards revisit intention. In addition, the attitude was found to mediate the relationship between price fairness and revisit intention and between food quality and revisit intention. Trust was highlighted as moderating the relationship between attitude and revisit intention.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will primarily benefit food premises, whether halal-certified or otherwise.

Originality/value

The study extends the TPB with food quality and price fairness to identify the factors of revisit intention for the non-halal certified restaurant among Muslim consumers in Malaysia. The study shows the mediating effects of attitude for the relationship between food quality and price fairness towards revisit intention. On top of that, the study also included the moderating effect of trust on the TPB. The findings also enrich the literature on the non-halal certified context.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 13 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 November 2023

Hasliza Hassan, Ser Chee Lim and Muhammad Sabbir Rahman

Cultivating customer loyalty is extremely crucial for fast-food players to remain competitive in the industry. This research is discovering the path to cultivate customer loyalty…

Abstract

Purpose

Cultivating customer loyalty is extremely crucial for fast-food players to remain competitive in the industry. This research is discovering the path to cultivate customer loyalty through experience that is built based on auditory, gustatory, haptic, olfactory and visual cues.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research has been conducted by distributing survey questionnaires to customers at selected fast-food restaurants in urban areas. The collected data has been analyzed by descriptive and structural equation modeling analysis.

Findings

The customers' loyalty to fast food can be cultivated through gustatory, haptic and olfactory cues. However, auditory and visual are not functioning as marketing cues to cultivate customer loyalty.

Practical implications

The fast-food players may emphasize gustatory, haptic and olfactory marketing cues to cultivate customer loyalty. These cues can be shared through experience.

Originality/value

This study has discovered the potential ways to cultivate customer loyalty in dining at fast-food restaurants within the Malaysian market.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

1 – 10 of 18