The impact of computerized information systems on crisis management in UAE immigration services

The main objective of this study is to investigate the impact of computerized management information systems and their relationship to crisis management in the Passports and Immigration Department of the United Arab Emirates. The problem of the study focused on the challenges encountered in implementing computerized management information systems, specifically in the dimensions of System Quality (SYQ), Service Quality (SEQ), Information System Quality (ISQ), and Decision Making Speed (DMS). The study adopted quantitative approach and benefited from statistical evaluation based on detailed solutions and techniques of variance and covariance, correlation and regression. A questionnaire set was created from previous literary works and modified to match the study conditions. The study population were all employees who are working in the Department of Passports and Immigration of the United Arab Emirates. It was formed according to the Federal Center for Competitiveness and Statistics (9800) employees. The target sample size is 370, but the valid data set for analysis was 330 questionnaires. The results of the main dependent variable Crisis Management (CM) showed significant predictive power. This explained that the independent variables (system quality, system quality services, quality of information, speed of decision-making) in the proposed model accounted for 88% of the changes in crisis management in the Department of Passports and Immigration of the United Arab Emirates. The findings indicated that there was a statistically significant relationship between system quality, quality of services, information quality, and the speed of decision-making in computerized management information systems and crisis management in the Passports and Immigration Department of the UAE. The study recommended conducting similar studies in other places such as other emirates or neighbouring countries. The study also recommended conducting similar studies using a different methodology such as the qualitative approach, which may infer additional variables that may not have been included in the current research

i-Synergy: An integrated predictive model of time pressure, personality types, gender, knowledge and task complexity to determine software developer’s performance

Human factors play a crucial role in software engineering (SE) as software is developed and utilized by people. One of the key reasons for software project failure is not assigning the right people to the right tasks during project planning. This issue becomes critical when developers work under time pressure (TP), often resulting in poor performance and delays. Each personality type approaches TP differently, and gender-based personality differences may further influence how developers handle TP, leading to varied outcomes. In addition, task complexity and developers’ knowledge interrelate with personality types and gender, potentially affecting project performance under TP. The main aim of this study is to propose the i-SYNERGY model by investigating the relationship between TP, personality types, gender, knowledge, and task complexity. To develop this model, empirical evidence was gathered from controlled experiments conducted with SE students, and generalised from industrial data through two case studies. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and NASA task load index (TLX) were used to measure personality types and TP, respectively. The data analysis was divided into two stages. The first stage involved examining factual figures of data to develop the model, while the second stage involved predictive experiments for developing the model under the knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) process. Five data mining techniques—artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM), decision tree, K-nearest neighbor (KNN) and logistic regression were employed to identify the most suitable technique for model development. Logistic regression yielded the most significant results for developing the study model, confirming that personality types and gender differences influence software developers' ability to handle TP. This study offers empirical evidence regarding the impact of TP on humanistic aspects. Furthermore, the model developed can be leveraged to enhance the success rate of software projects in the field of SE

Work safety scale influcing safety behaviour in signaller army

This study investigates the factors influencing safety behaviour in the Signaller Army, focusing on Work Safety Scale (WSS) factors, including co-worker safety, supervisor safety, management safety practices, and satisfaction of safety programs. The primary objectives were to assess the level of safety behaviour, analyse how WSS factors influence safety behaviour, and identify which WSS factors has the strongest impact on safety behaviour. A quantitative survey was conducted, collecting data from 295 military personnel, including Officers and Other Ranks. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 28.0, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient analysis, and multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that Signaller Army personnel exhibited a high level of safety behaviour, with a mean score of 3.893. All WSS factors showed a significant positive relationship with safety behaviour. Specifically, co-worker safety (r = 0.552, p-value < 0.001), supervisor safety (r = 0.931, p-value < 0.001), management safety practice (r = 0.923, p-value < 0.001), and satisfaction of safety programs (r = 0.779, p-value < 0.001) were positively correlated with safety behaviour. Multiple regression analysis revealed that supervisor safety (b = 0.456) was the most influential factor, followed by management safety practices (b = 0.410), co-worker safety (b = 0.118), and satisfaction of safety programs (b = 0.091). These findings emphasize the importance of leadership, effective organizational practices, and strong teamwork in promoting safety behaviour within the military. The study offers valuable insights into improving safety culture and behaviour in military contexts, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to enhance safety culture and reduce operational risk

Determinants of non-performing financing in local and foreign islamic banks in Malaysia: the moderating role of staff efficiency

Non-Performing Financing (NPF) levels recorded by 11 local and 5 foreign Islamic banks in Malaysia from 2017 to 2023 indicate fluctuations throughout that timeframe. High NPF may impact the financial performance of Islamic banks in Malaysia and effect the general financial stability of the country. This study examines the determinants that may influence the NPF levels of both local and foreign Islamic banks in Malaysia. It includes internal factors such as Return on Assets (ROA), Financing to Deposit Ratio (FDR), Bank Size, and Financing Loss Provision (FLP), and external elements like Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Unemployment Rate (UR), Inflation Rate (IR), and Control of Corruption (COC). This research also includes Staff Efficiency (STAFFX) as a moderating factor that affects the link between the independent and dependent variables. Staff Efficiency is important because if personnel do not work effectively (due to insufficient expertise), the performance of the bank is likely to be significantly impacted. The data for this study were sourced from the Fitch Connect Database, the Department of Statistics Malaysia, and the Worldwide Governance Indicator. This research employs Panel Data Regression Analysis with the Generalized Least Squares Method and a hierarchical regression model. The findings indicate that ROA, FDR, Bank Size, FLP, and UR significantly influence the NPF levels of local and foreign Islamic banks in Malaysia. Other predictors, namely GDP, IR, and COC have insignificant impact on NPF. This research also shows that Staff Efficiency can moderate and enhance the correlation between FDR and NPF in local Islamic banks, along with the links between Inflation Rate and NPF as well as COC and NPF in foreign Islamic banks. This study provides new interesting findings regarding the beneficial effect of Staff Efficiency in minimizing NPF during the unstable economic conditions

The optimization of ruminant feed with local ingredients using linear programming

The high cost of feed is a major factor that reduces profit margins in ruminant farming, primarily due to the reliance on imported feed pellets. However, various locally available ingredients present cost–effective alternatives that can still meet the nutritional requirements of ruminants. This study aims to create a cost–effective goat feed using local ingredients through Linear Programming (LP). The objective is to find the cheapest feed mix that still meets all the nutritional requirements. Eleven local ingredients from Kedah and Perlis were chosen for their availability, cost–effective, and nutritional value. Using Excel Solver, a LP model was formulated and solved to meet key nutrient needs for ruminants, specifically dry matter, crude protein, calcium, and phosphorus. Nutrient composition data for each ingredient were collected from The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). The results show that a balanced feed can be formulated using local ingredients, reducing reliance on imported feed and supporting sustainable farming in Kedah and Perlis. The LP model found an optimal solution using just two local ingredients, petai belalang and napier grass, that fully meet all nutritional needs. This approach resulted in a 72% reduction in feed costs compared to current commercial options. This research offers a practical solution for local farmers, enabling the production of ruminant feed at a lower cost and thereby enhancing profit margins. As a result, this contributes to improved food security, economic resilience in rural communities, and a more sustainable livestock industry

Determinants of emotional intelligence among bachelor's degree graduates in UUM Sintok

This study investigates the factors influencing graduate emotional intelligence (EI) among bachelor’s degree graduates at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Sintok, Year of 2024. Emotional intelligence, which includes self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy and social skills, is increasingly recognized as essential for employability in modern workforce. Despite high academic qualifications, many Malaysian graduates struggle with soft skills, and emotional readiness, affecting their transition into employment. The study examined on three independent variables such as soft skills, curriculum content of program and digital skills. A quantitative research design was employed with data collected from 150 students of UUM through structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis using SPSS version 29, including correlation and multiple regression test, revealed that curriculum content of program have a significant negative relationship with emotional intelligence and digital skills have a significant positive relationship with emotional intelligence. Surprisingly, soft skills showed no significant relationship with emotional intelligence in this context. These findings suggest that while digital readiness and curriculum alignment are critical to developing emotional intelligence, soft skills alone may not be sufficient without structured academic and technological support. The study offers valuable insights for educators, policymakers and employers in redesigning university programs to better prepare students emotionally and professionally for the demands of the workforc

Exploring the role of attitude in shaping young consumers intention to use self-service kiosks in quick service restaurants

The adoption of self-service kiosks in quick service restaurants is reshaping the way consumers interact with service technologies. Despite their operational benefits, young consumers may still hesitate to use these systems due to varying perceptions. This study investigates how perceived ease of use, perceived value, and perceived enjoyment influence users’ attitudes, and in turn, their intention to use SSKs. The research targets students at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), who frequently engage with such technologies. A quantitative method was employed using a structured online survey, and data from 214 students were analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results indicate that perceived ease of use and perceived enjoyment significantly shape young consumers’ attitudes, which in turn strongly drive their intention to use self-service kiosks. However, perceived value was not a significant predictor of attitude in this context. These findings suggest that enhancing usability and emotional engagement may be more effective strategies than focusing on functional value alone. This study offers practical guidance for QSR operators and designers to prioritize intuitive, enjoyable experiences that resonate with younger user

The relationship between Flexible Working Arrangements (FWAs) and lecturers' productivity at public universities in Malaysia

This study explores the relationship between Flexible Working Arrangements (FWAs) and lecturers’ productivity at public universities in Malaysia. FWAs encompass remote working, hybrid working, and flexible scheduling, are increasingly adopted as strategies to enhance employee productivity. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 230 lecturers through a structured questionnaire. The analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 26, applying descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between all three types of FWAs and employee productivity. These results suggest that when employees are provided with greater flexibility, their productivity levels are likely to improve. The study offers valuable insights for higher education institutions aiming to enhance lecturer performance through supportive and flexible work environments. It also contributes to the limited literature on FWAs in the Malaysian academic context and provides a foundation for future research in this are

The factors influencing employees’ job performance of work-from-home practices in the corporate sector in Malaysia.

The main objective of this research is to study the effect of communication, perceived organizational support and home work environment towards job performance in corporate sector. The inconsistency of findings in past literature between the independent variable has prompted researchers to explain the inconsistency. The survey questionnaire was distributed using an online questionnaire to employees working in corporate sector. A total of 207 questionnaires were used for analysis. The direct relationship was analyzed using the PLS-SEM method. The results show that communication, perceived organizational support and home-work environment have a significant relationship with employees’ job performance in working-from-home setting. Finally, management implications, study limitations, and future research recommendations are discussed

Keperluan nilai dalam teori Maslow berasaskan puisi kesusasteraan Melayu sekolah menengah

Literary works play a vital role in educating society, often reflecting human life and its efforts to fulfill psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Accordingly, this study aims to identify and analyze the human needs portrayed in KOMSAS and KMK poems, while highlighting the importance of values within Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as reflected in these literary texts. This study analyzes 130 modern poems featured in Malaysian secondary school textbooks used between the years 2000 and 2020. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study adopts content analysis as its research design, applying Maslow’s Humanistic Theory as the foundational framework for analyzing the selected poems. Maslow identified five fundamental needs that must be fulfilled for an individual to achieve self-actualization, whether in the realms of education, philosophy, psychology, or religion. However, his theory of human needs should be adapted and refined by incorporating Eastern values, making it more relevant and applicable within Eastern societies such as Malaysia. The findings reveal that the KOMSAS and KMK poems analyzed reflect all five levels of needs outlined by Maslow. In addition, the study also highlights the presence of localized values incorporated by the poets to address human needs within the context of the poems. The incorporation of poetry influenced by religious values, moral principles, and local cultural elements is expected to be better understood through the lens of human needs from a value-based perspective. Furthermore, literary analysis is hoped to offer a more holistic interpretation that aligns with local norms and values, thereby enriching the understanding of literary works studied within the educational curriculu