International Journal of Management, Finance and Accounting

Enhancing Conversions and Lead Scoring in Online Professional Education

WEN YANG YIM — 2024-02-28

This study seeks to enhance lead conversion for online professional education providers by using supervised machine learning algorithms for lead conversion targeting and lead scoring, including Logistic Regression, K-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machines, Naïve Bayes, Random Forst, Bagging, Boosting, and Stacking. A lead dataset was used to train and test the machine-learning models. The Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) is used to establish a precise lead profile. The performance of the trained lead conversion models was evaluated and compared using the 10-Folds cross-validation method based on accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The results show that Stacking is the best model with an accuracy of 0.9233, precision of 0.9391, and F1-score of 0.8939. Meanwhile, the Logistic Regression-based lead scoring model demonstrated promising potential for automating lead scoring. The results of the Logistic Regression-based lead scoring model achieved an accuracy of 0.9019, recall of 0.9019, precision of 0.9015, and F1-score of 0.9014. The optimal lead scoring threshold is 0.20, which stroked the optimal trade-off balance between accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.

Impact of Social Media Marketing on Gen Z's Cosmetic Brand Awareness

Zhi Wei Lim — 2024-02-28

In this era of rapid technological advancement, the number of consumers browsing online information steadily increases. Social media platforms have emerged as a vital channel for communication and sharing information, making them the greatest option for conducting cosmetic business. Due to the scarcity of existing studies discussing the factors affecting brand awareness of cosmetic products, this research paper aims to examine the impact of social media marketing on brand awareness for cosmetic products among Gen Z in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 275 responses were collected using the snowball sampling technique. The data were analyzed through the utilization of multiple regression analysis. The results showed that three dimensions of social media marketing- customization, interaction, and electronic word-of-mouth significantly affect brand awareness. This study contributes to the present body of knowledge by confirming the stimulus-organism-response model. Our study also suggests effective social media marketing strategies can generate brand awareness.

Indirect Effect of Customer Relations on Leadership/Top Management, Employee Relations and Process Management in Examining the Readiness of SMEs to Implement Lean Initiatives

Mohammed Inuwa — 2024-02-28

Before deployment of lean initiative, it is of great significance to examine the readiness of manufacturing SMEs to ensure they have the prerequisite for successful implementation. Consequently, in order to determine how prepared Nigerian manufacturing SMEs are to successfully adopt lean initiatives, the study measures the indirect effects of customer relations on leadership/top management, employee relations, and process management. Data for the study was collected from manufacturing SMEs and analyzed using Smart PLS-SEM 4.1. The study's conclusions demonstrate the substantial indirect effects that customer relationships have on employee relations, leadership/top management, and process management. Additionally, a positive correlation between employee relations and leadership/top management and process management is indicated by the direct effect findings. The study reiterates the imperatives of customers at the center of lean philosophy and emphasizes the need for synergy between leadership and employees in effective process management. The study also provides a new insight into the indirect effect of customer relations and the need for top management and employee relations in assessing the manufacturing SMEs' preparedness to implement lean initiatives for the actualization of quality and continuous improvement.

Effect of Social Media Influencers on Generation Y Purchase Intention: Evidence From Men’s Skincare Products In Malaysia

Siew Yong Leong — 2024-02-28

Although the demand for men’s skincare products is becoming increasingly popular in Malaysia, previous studies of social media marketing have shed little light on the effect of social media influencers on men’s skincare purchase intention. Therefore, this research investigates the effects of social media influencers’ attractiveness, trustworthiness, expertise, likability, similarity, and familiarity on purchase intention in men’s skincare products among Generation Y in Malaysia. An online questionnaire was implemented, and 279 respondents were gathered using the snowball sampling technique. After obtaining the desired responses, multiple regression analysis was adopted to examine the research model and hypotheses. The findings showed that social media influencers’ attractiveness, similarity, and familiarity positively affect the purchase intention of men’s skincare products. However, this paper found that the effects of social media influencers’ trustworthiness, expertise, and likability on purchase intention of men’s skincare products among Generation Y in Malaysia are insignificant. The research findings contribute to the current research literature by determining the six characteristics of social media influencers and purchase intention with new empirical insights from Malaysia in the context of men’s skincare products.

Collaborative Learning Management System with Analytical Insights: A Preliminary Study

Daniel Lai — 2024-02-28

The mode of teaching and learning had been drastically changed over the decades. Therefore, one approach might not fit into all scenarios. Collaborative learning promotes collaboration between the students in completing given tasks with common goals. In this paper, problem statements were formed: (i) the collaboration between students and their teachers in the virtual learning environment has been at the bare minimum, (ii) the learning management system implemented has not been fully utilised with the data and information collected academically. Moreover, systematic literature review (SLR) is practised to investigate insights about collaborative learning, learning management system (LMS) and analytical approaches for student profiling. The aim of this paper is to address three research questions formed in the SLR: (i) What is the most commonly practised methodology for collaborative learning? (ii) What are the typical practised analytical methods and models for student profiling? and (iii) What factors influence students to use the learning management system? Besides, collaborative learning enables the students to conduct group discussions and assignments, promoting mutual interactions and creating knowledge amongst them. Additionally, the third-party LMS lacks synchronous chat feature. A student's profile grants educators valuable insights into the student's academic performance and learning progress. This information contributes to predicting the student’s performance with the assistance of analytical approaches applied. The applied analytical approaches provide useful information about the student’s learning behaviour, allowing the teachers to take adequate action. As a result, a conceptual framework is constructed with hypotheses formulated, reflecting the relations between each construct. Besides, a dedicated collaborative learning management system with machine learning capabilities is an ideal solution, tackling students’ collaboration among peers and between teachers with their academic performance and behaviour taken into account.

A Conceptual Framework for Acceptance of Autonomous Vehicle in Malaysia

JEN SIM HO — 2024-02-28

Mobility is evolving globally. Automated vehicle technology is consistently advancing with the development of Artificial Intelligence and information communication technology. The Autonomous Vehicle is acknowledged with the benefits of reducing traffic fatalities, reduced emissions and convenience. If autonomous vehicles are widely adopted, the Sustainable Development Goals could be achieved. Various studies have been conducted to investigate the psychological factors (internal) as well as assess the efforts of institutions (external) in promoting the adoption of autonomous vehicles. Nonetheless, there is very few studies examined the impacts of internal and external factors on the acceptance of autonomous vehicles simultaneously. Therefore, this study is taken to close the gap in understanding the acceptance of autonomous vehicles in Malaysia by integrating the internal factors and external factors in a model. By reviewing the past studies, a conceptual framework which can offer a comprehensive insight to the policymakers and car makers from the public’s perspective is proposed. Implications from this study can serve as a basis for prioritising the budget resources and development guidelines for the successful implementation of autonomous vehicles in Malaysia.

Ranking Up The Social Media Factors on Purchasing Decision of Malaysian Generation Y Customers

Yi Ling Chan — 2024-02-28

Social media platforms offer marketing, information dissemination, direct customer contact and optimised availability of product and service information, which influences consumer behaviour, especially among Generation Y. Therefore, this study ranking up the social media factors such as electronic word of mouth (e-WOM), customer engagement, trust, brand image and advertising on the purchasing decisions of Generation Y consumers in Malaysia. 193 data were collected using Google Forms and face-to-face questionnaires. The data was then analysed using the Best-Worst method, which ranks the most important factors according to respondents' gender, income, and education level. One response was rejected because the value of consistency ratio (CR) was above the associated threshold value of 0.3062. Across all demographics, trust was found to be the most important factor in the purchase decision. Brand image and advertisement, on the other hand, are the least important, indicating a departure from traditional marketing strategies. A detailed explanation of these findings is presented in the paper. This study provides further insight and deepens knowledge for businesses by enabling them to adapt their marketing approaches and gain an understanding of the changing buying patterns and behaviours of Malaysian Generation Y consumers.

Unpacking Qalb Behavioral Traits through the Lens of Maqasid al-Shariah: A Pathway to Foster Inclusive Entrepreneurial Intentions in the Muslim Community

MHD Louai Sarhan — 2024-02-28

In Malaysia, a worrisome trend is emerging as an increasing number of individuals find themselves trapped within the poverty bracket and the Base of the Pyramid (BoP) socioeconomic groups. To address the economic and social challenges faced by these marginalized communities and to contribute significantly to poverty reduction and overall well-being, inclusive entrepreneurship has emerged as a pivotal strategy. This study delves into the critical imperative of inclusive entrepreneurship, which often eludes existing quantitative measurements of societal well-being. These measurements frequently overlook the fundamental dimensions of social and psychological well-being inherent to inclusive entrepreneurship. Drawing from the Islamic framework of Maqasid al-Shariah, which elucidates the objectives of Islamic law, we introduce a unique concept—Qalb-based Entrepreneurial Traits. These traits are rooted in moral values and ethics, forming a bridge between Islamic principles and entrepreneurial intentions. Using a quantitative approach, we explore the determinacy of these Qalb-based entrepreneurial traits in conjunction with three key antecedents derived from the theory of planned behavior. Our study specifically focuses on assessing the entrepreneurial intentions of Muslim students enrolled in Malaysian institutions of higher learning (IHLs). Our survey encompassed 287 respondents, and we conducted a rigorous multiple regression analysis using PLS-SEM to scrutinize the relationships between these variables. Our findings leave no room for doubt—Qalb-based behavioral traits exert a significant influence on inclusive entrepreneurial intentions (IEI) among Muslim youth in Malaysia. Furthermore, we uncover that gender plays a moderating role in the relationships between Darurriyyat and Tahsiniyyat Qalb behavioral traits and inclusive entrepreneurial intentions, shedding light on the nuanced dynamics of these determinants. In essence, this study offers valuable insights into the pivotal role of Islamic ethical principles in shaping inclusive entrepreneurship. Beyond theoretical contributions, it provides practical implications for policymakers and stakeholders dedicated to addressing the pressing challenges of poverty and social well-being within the Muslim community in Malaysia.

A Qualitative Perspective of Entrepreneurial Intention Among Students in a Private Higher Institution in Selangor

Kyra Law — 2024-02-28

Entrepreneurship as a field of study has different sub-dimensions due to its usefulness in society, which makes it difficult to gain a holistic understanding of its key due to practical applications. A shift in generations creates a different yet unique business environment, especially in new business ventures. Younger generations have a different view and insight about entrepreneurship in small business. Thus, this study aims to seek deeper insight into entrepreneurial behaviour and intention among younger generations. Twenty semi-structured interviews with students from a higher private university in Malaysia were performed using the qualitative method. Using Nvivo 12, the interviews' transcriptions were used for content analysis to produce themes. This study highlights the four emerging themes from students’ perspectives: expectations for future goals, financial constraints in business venturing, personal growth, and opportunity cost to venture into business. The results of this study add to the body of knowledge in the field of entrepreneurship research since they emphasize students' intentions, worries, and considerations while starting a small firm. Additionally, it contributes to empirical research aimed at improving entrepreneurship ecosystems.

Rebung Garden : Blooming Dreams

Hasni Mohd Hanafi — 2024-02-28

Rebung Garden, a family business established in 2019, has grown into a thriving enterprise dedicated to cultivating and selling rose plants. The garden's expertise lies in not only growing exquisite roses but also providing comprehensive plant care solutions using organic practices. In order to address the challenge of limited rose availability during the Covid-19 pandemic, Rebung Garden started cultivating their own-root roses, ensuring a steady supply and maintaining quality and variety. However, the garden faces additional challenges such as low brand awareness and operating within limited space.