Nurul Fadly Habidin

Malaysia telah mencatat kemajuan sosioekonomi yang signifikan sejak kemerdekaan, namun isu kemiskinan masih terus menjejaskan kesejahteraan hidup golongan asnaf. Dalam konteks ini, zakat berperanan sebagai mekanisme pembebasan daripada kemiskinan serta pemangkin pembangunan ekonomi melalui penyediaan bantuan kewangan, pendidikan, latihan kemahiran dan sokongan keusahawanan. Program pembangunan keusahawanan asnaf bukan sahaja berupaya meningkatkan pendapatan, malah turut menyumbang kepada kesejahteraan sosial, psikologi dan rohani peserta. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif untuk menilai peranan zakat sebagai pemangkin kesejahteraan hidup asnaf melalui program pembangunan keusahawanan di Malaysia. Analisis tertumpu kepada elemen bantuan modal, latihan kemahiran, sokongan digital, model mentor-mentee serta penerapan nilai-nilai Islam. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa integrasi sokongan kewangan, latihan praktikal, bimbingan berterusan dan penerapan nilai Islamik secara bersepadu dapat meningkatkan kemandirian ekonomi dan kesejahteraan hidup peserta. Selain itu, kajian ini turut mengenal pasti cabaran pelaksanaan program serta mencadangkan penambahbaikan bagi memastikan keberkesanan dan kelestarian program pembangunan keusahawanan asnaf dalam jangka panjang.

Effective financial management practices, such as sound budgeting, cash flow management, and financial planning have been instrumental in driving the success of Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The objective of this study is to identify the critical success factors of financial management practices (FMP) within SME Muslim family-owned business. A pilot study was carried out on a sample of 105 Muslim family-owned SMEs from Malaysia. A survey instrument consisting of 25 measurement items was designed to identify the level of FMP implementation in Malaysian Muslim SME family-owned businesses. Descriptive statistical analysis and reliability analysis were conducted using SPSS software to analyze the data. Findings indicate that FPM are one of the critical success factors that play a key role in ensuring good practices within organizations that result in their better performances. It is noteworthy that the most influential factors are Accounting Information System (AIS) and Financial Reporting Analysis (FRA), followed by Working Capital Management (WCM) and Capital Structure (CS). Consequentially, Muslim family-owned businesses need to incorporate the applicable critical success factors of FPM in their operations to enhance financial performance, particularly for Malaysian SME Muslim family-owned businesses. This study contributes to FPM in Malaysian SME Muslim family-owned businesses. This study recommends that businesses delve deeper into the dynamics of FPM within Malaysian SME Muslim family-owned businesses for better performance and resilience.

To improve privacy and data protection while maintaining an efficient learning environment, this research aims to tackle these challenges by applying the UTAUT framework to examine the acceptance of a new digital security model by using secured e-learning. The research model maintains the original UTAUT constructs and items of Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Social Influence (SI), Facilitating Conditions (FC) and Behavioural Intention (BI) and the additional construct of Technological Knowledge (TK), Pedagogical Knowledge (PK) and Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK). Data was collected among Higher Education Institutions educator, technician and administrator of the e-Learning management system. The data is analysed using SmartPLS 4 using structural equation modelling. The finding shows that only facilitating conditions significantly influence behavioural intention, which supports the H2 hypothesis. The hypothesis testing results indicate that Facilitating Conditions (FC) have a significant positive effect on BI, suggesting that individuals are more likely to engage in a behaviour when they perceive sufficient external resources and support. Additionally, Performance Expectancy (PE) exhibits a marginally significant effect on BI, indicating a potential influence that warrants further investigation.

Sustainability has emerged as a pivotal concern in logistics, propelled by the necessity to diminish carbon emissions, lessen waste, and enhance resource efficiency. This article explore the amalgamation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and Discrete Event Simulation (DES) as a collaborative method for attaining sustainability objectives in logistics by utilizing the systematic literature review (SLR) methodology. LSS gives a systematic approach for recognising and eradicating waste, whereas DES provides a dynamic modelling instrument to simulate and enhance logistical processes. This study illustrates, through an examination of recent research and case studies, how the integration of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and Discrete Event Simulation (DES) may augment logistical sustainability by enhancing efficiency, minimising environmental impact, and facilitating decision-making. The results underscore the efficacy of this comprehensive methodology in tackling critical issues in sustainable logistics, including carbon footprint reduction, energy efficiency, and waste minimisation.

The swift digital transformation of courier logistics is transforming the sector, propelled by the imperatives of Industry 4.0 and the necessity for resilience in the changing global economy. This article examines the influence of Discrete Event Simulation (DES) on the digital transformation of courier logistics and its role in Industry 4.0 frameworks within the context of a resilient economy. Discrete Event Simulation (DES) functions as an effective instrument for modelling and optimising intricate logistical systems, allowing organisations to improve operational efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability. This research employs a quantitative case study methodology to analyse how DES applications tackle significant issues, including real-time decision-making, resource allocation, and supply chain disruptions. The findings highlight the crucial importance of DES in promoting digital innovation, enhancing system resilience, and facilitating the incorporation of Industry 4.0 technologies in courier logistics. This research underscores the revolutionary capacity of DES as a catalyst for attaining a robust, sustainable, and digitally optimised logistics sector.

This conceptual article highlights topics related to knowledge café that have made a new impact in research in higher learning institutions. Although the number of publications on this topic is limited, it does give the impression that knowledge café has the potential to be one of the new techniques in research. Hence, this article describes higher education research in Malaysia, research on knowledge café as a new technique in higher education, and research process based on knowledge café for higher learning institutions. This article is significant in helping more researchers use the knowledge café method in research in higher learning institutions.

Millions of people use the internet daily, including the elderly, who are among the most at-risk groups for cybercrime, such as fraud, hacking, and cyberbullying. However, there has been a lack of cybercrime studies focusing on them. Additionally, various cybersecurity models deployed by governments and organizations are found to be inconvenient and too technical for the elderly, especially those with impairments or conditions that require special attention. This subsequently leads to an increasing number of cybercrimes. Therefore, this paper presents a light review of existing cybersecurity models suitable for the elderly. Three methods were used to review existing cybersecurity awareness models. First, a feasibility study was conducted following several works of literature related to cybersecurity, types of cybercrimes involving the elderly, characteristics of the elderly commonly targeted by cybercriminals, cybersecurity awareness models, and the elderly's learning styles. Second, based on the literature review, the elderly's learning styles were analyzed. Finally, the cybersecurity awareness model suitable for the elderly was chosen and analyzed with respect to their phases, validity, and technicality. In conclusion, the SCSAM-Elderly was selected as the most suitable model for the elderly to learn and spread awareness of cybersecurity. This study could increase cybersecurity awareness and encourage educating the elderly to maximize their knowledge of cybersecurity. The findings from this study can guide organizations, agencies, governments, and educational institutions in their endeavours to educate the elderly about cybercrime and cyberattacks.

This research illustrates the importance of micro-businesses in Malaysia and the country's economy. This is followed by the issues they face during COVID-19, including supply chain disruptions, profit loss and challenges in gaining financial aid, adjusting to online business, and retaining workers’ motivation. To address these obstacles, the use of lean practices and TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) methodologies was suggested. Furthermore, past research on the issues that micro businesses face during COVID-19 and lean practices and TRIZ’s potential to solve these issues are reviewed. Data collection will be conducted through semi-structured interviews, focus groups, observation, and document analysis, followed by data analysis through the thematic analysis method. Based on the qualitative analysis results, a model was suggested to demonstrate the association between the key themes emerging from the data. As the study unfolds, it is expected to unveil how lean practices synergize with TRIZ methodologies, enabling a dynamic and holistic response to the multifaceted challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By strategically aligning these two potent strategies, the model is poised to illuminate pathways toward enhanced operational efficacy, resilience in the face of supply chain disruptions, creative adaptation to the digital realm, and the nurturing of workforce motivation and engagement. As a conclusion, the integration of lean practices and TRIZ helps Malaysia’s micro businesses enhance their operations and adjust to the issues in the current economic environment after COVID-19.

This paper discusses the employability issues of Information Management Professionals in Malaysia. This issue may arise due to a potential lack of recognition among the Ministries in Malaysia regarding the significant importance of this profession as one of the world's leading professions. This issue should be solved attentively to ensure that the image of the profession is uplifted. Qualitative methodology was used in this research. The solution to this issue can be found through the round table discussion among the stakeholders and marketing programs. All related skills in the information management position must be highlighted and vacancies should be advertised based on qualifications.