THE EFFECT OF COLLECTIVISM DIVERSITY TOWARDS MULTICULTURAL TEAMWORK PERFORMANCE AMONG RESTAURANT EMPLOYEES

Diversity is now an important factor that impacted workforce performance. Currently, as having a diverse workforce, Malaysia is depending heavily on foreign workers in the hospitality industry. This study examined a conceptual model investigating the effect of diversity particularly collectivism in influencing multicultural teamwork performance. A self-administered questionnaire was conducted in casual ethnic restaurants in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The findings disclosed that collectivism diversity had a significant influence on multicultural teamwork performance. This study is the first to assess cultural value diversity particularly collectivism value on teamwork performance. This study verified that cultural value diversity increases multicultural teamwork performance in the restaurant context in relation to collectivism. The significant results deepen our understandings of the detailed relationships among the variables. In addition, by providing the current phenomena in workforce industry, this study provides insights to the restaurant managers in handling diversity among multicultural employees

The effects of cultural value diversity towards multicultural teamwork performance / Zahidah Ab Latif

The term multiracial can no longer portray the belief of majoring races include Malay, Chinese, and Indian as quite numbers of ‘additional-colors’ flooding here in Malaysia and the impact had nevertheless to cover certain scopes from industries, services or other ‘inverbal’ benefits. Due to this notion, Malaysian industries depend heavily on foreign workers and in results, Malaysia has imported a large number of foreign workers which resulted in workforce diversity in the service industry like the hospitality industry. This study is undertaken to investigate the relationship between workforce diversity with regard to cultural value diversity that effect multicultural teamwork performance among the local and foreign workers. A total of 150 local and foreign employees from casual ethnic restaurants in Petaling district had participated in this study. Data were collected through self-administered survey questionnaires. Through gathered data, this study shows that the cultural value diversity dimensions namely collectivism, determinism and doing orientation were proved to have positive effect to multicultural teamwork performance (r= .467, p< 0.01). Referring to the empirical analysis results, ‘collectivism value’ has the highest standardized beta coefficient (β = .36, p = .000) and determined as the strongest predictor of multicultural teamwork performance. As to accomplish this study and fulfill the objectives, several positive and negative scrutinizes were excavated. To date, this study exposed the effects of cultural value diversity on multicultural teamwork performance in Malaysia. This study has verified the relationship between cultural value diversity dimensions and multicultural teamwork performance. Therefore, this study provides empirical evidence for the organization in managing the teamwork performance when it contends with cultural differences

Mocaf flour as an alternative ingredient: A study on batik-patterned cookies

The mocaf flour also known as modified cassava flour is flour that is modified by using microbial fermentation techniques. It has similar physical and chemical characteristics that could substitute wheat flour. This study aims to obtain the composition or formula in making batik – patterned cookies as well as attaining public acceptance of the product. A series of four combinations of mocaf and wheat flour were formulated and an acceptance test was carried out on 30 panelists in Yogyakarta within August and October 2019. The findings disclosed that the cookie sample X3 with the combination of 150 gram mocaf flour and 50 gram wheat flour had the highest value (M = color: 3.37; aroma: 3.13; texture: 3.20; and taste: 3.33). This study is the first to assess the acceptance rate of batik – patterned cookies using mocaf flour. The significant results deepen our understandings of the demand of the consumers in order to increase selling value thus indirectly promoting the batik motifs to the consumers

The Expert Perception on Development and Usability of Teaching Aids ‘Kit’ Mini Model (Cage System) for Aquaculture Course

The increasing technology as changed the learning methods nowadays which clearly presents a new challenge to educators. Moreover, following the COVID-19 pandemic that hit the world at this time completely inhibits the teaching and learning process to be done entirely online. This clearly presents difficulties to teachers and students, as there are subjects that require practice to improve skills and better understanding. Among the limited access for teachers during the online learning and teaching process is that teachers can only explain and display pictures and show videos. At the same time, students need skills and understanding related to a subject studied. Also, students may not be able to accurately identify the types of systems found in the subjects studied. For example, for aquaculture subjects, the process of online teaching and learning can actually be done. However, this subject also requires practical and field work for students. In aquaculture subjects, in particular, teaching aids play an important role in understanding the cage farming system concept in the teaching process because there are various farming systems used in the aquaculture industry. The development of teaching aid is a crucial phase to make sure the teaching aids develop in accordance with the objectives and topics learning. Therefore, it is important to have an expert perception of the development and usability of the Teaching Aids kit mini model (Cage system). This study consisted of 9 experts as an evaluator consisting of experienced lecturers in the technical field of Faculty Technical. This study uses a quantitative assessment method (questionnaire).  A set of questionnaires was distributed to the experts to obtain the required information and data. All data obtained were analyzed using computer software' Statistical Package For Social Science SPSS version 24 to obtain the frequency, percentage and mean through descriptive statistic. The study's findings show that the level of experts' perception of “Teaching Aids kit mini model (Cage system) development and usability is necessary and positive. The study's conclusion illustrates the need for the development of a teaching aids kit mini model (cage system) for teachers to increase the level of understanding and skills of individual students in the teaching and learning process for aquaculture subjects

Android-Based Application for Subtopic Based on Form 4 Home Science Clothing Selection

The purpose of this study is to develop android-based learning applications for the basic subtopics of Clothing Selection and based on ADDIE theory, and to receive confirmation from experts based on previously identified problems related to the need for technology use in learning versus conventional learning. Data collection is conducted through in-depth interviews with respondents. While the research design focuses on product development, the development process refers to the ADDIE model—Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation—taking into account aspects such as content as well as mobile application interface elements. The findings show that all respondents agree that the content and also the interface elements of this mobile application have achieved the objectives and goals of the study. The development of this application can add value to the topic of Clothing Selection for Home Science (SRT) Form 4 subjects because it can be accessed through Google Playstore. Therefore, this application provides benefits not only to the users but to a range of subjects including Form 4 Home Science

Impact Of Covid’19 On The Aquaculture Sector Freshwater Fish Farmers In Kelantan

The spread of the Covid-19 virus has affected the freshwater aquaculture industry in Malaysia. Due to this pandemic, freshwater fish products and demand decreased, followed by labor problems. Therefore, this study aims to identify freshwater farmers’ level of knowledge, perception and practices of freshwater farmers related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The study was conducted using a quantitative method to collect data. The study was conducted using an online questionnaire instrument and also survey forms were distributed to respondents in Machang, Tanah Merah and Kota Bharu. A total of 59 responses was returned. The survey was open for one month between November 15th and December 15th, 2021. The data was analysed using IBM SPPS software version 24.0 to obtain the frequency, percentage and descriptive analysis to analyse the level of knowledge, perception and practices of farmer and relationship between farmer knowledge, perception and practices about Covid-19. This study's outcome indicates that the farmer knowledge is related to farmer practices in dealing with this problem as the spread of this virus occurs rapidly. In conclusion, this research showed that the level of farmers’ knowledge, perception and practices toward Covid-19 effect is high. Directly, it will help farmers prevent the spread of this virus, helps farmers understand and be aware of Covid-19 issues and helps farmers implement good practice to reduce the risk in aquaculture activities, especially in this COVID-19 situation. This research would contribute positive impacts by finding new novel theories that can become the reference and guideline

Cultural Value Diversity: Influence towards Multicultural Teamwork Performance among Restaurant Employees

Malaysia currently has a diverse workforce, relying on foreign workers in the hospitality industry. This study tested a conceptual model to investigate the role of specific cultural diversity value in influencing multicultural teamwork performance. A self-administered questionnaire was conducted in casual ethnic restaurants in Malaysia. The findings revealed that the three diversity dimensions of collectivism, determinism, and orientation each had distinctive effects on productivity and/or cooperation. This study offers new insights on cultural value diversity and multicultural teamwork performance at a dimensional level thus provides rigid answer for the argument from previous scholars. In addition, by providing the current phenomena in workforce industry, this study helps the restaurant managers to prepare with strategic management on handling diversity among multicultural team

Usability Of Augmented Reality (AR) Application In ‘Fertigation System’ Among Form 1 Students At Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Behrang 2020, Perak, Malaysia

The purpose of teaching aid is important to attract students to always be active in the classroom. It is important to focus on educational activities among students such as the usage of teaching aid during the teaching and learning process. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the usability of augmented reality (AR) application 'Fertigation System' among form 1 students of SMK Behrang 2020 who took Design and Technology subject. The application was developed using the ADDIE model which has five phases including analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The design of the studies used was quantitative method (survey method). The instrument of study used was a questionnaire. In the first phase (Analysis), a questionnaire that was endorsed by experts was distributed to 35 respondents to identify the needs of the AR application development. In this phase, there were 72% of respondents agreed the needs of the AR application development. For the next phases, an AR 'Fertigation System' has been designed and developed. A questionnaire was distributed together with the AR application that has been developed and verified by three experts from different fields (language, education, content). After that, a pilot study was conducted among 50 students of form 1 who took Design and Technology subject at SMK Behrang 2020 as respondents for improvement purposes (Implementation phase). For the final phase (Evaluation), a questionnaire and application of AR 'Fertigation System' which has been verified and improved was distributed to 76 respondents comprising form 1 students who took Design and Technology subject at SMK Behrang 2020. The results of this study showed that 62.72% of the respondents strongly agreed with the usability of the AR application 'Fertigation System'. All data obtained was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) to obtain the average value, percentage, frequency and standard deviation. In conclusion, the results of this study show that the AR application of the 'Fertigation System' that has been developed can be used among form 1 students who took Design and Technology subject at SMK Behrang 2020, Perak

Effects Of Fish Amino Acid (Faa) Application on Growth and Development of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus) at Different Sampling Times

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of fish amino acid (FAA) application on growth and development of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) with different sampling times. It was placed at Soil Science Laboratory, Blok Pakar at the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). The okra plant was treated with a different amount of FAA (5 mL and 10 mL). Total of experimental units were 24. The used experimental design was Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). The parameters such as root length, shoot length, plant biomass, soil pH and soil moisture content were analysed after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of transplanting. The data was analysed by using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and means comparison were using Tukey HSD test with significant level (P≤0.05). Results showed that FAA application and different sampling times were significantly affected the shoot length of okra. Besides, the volume of FAA and the number of weeks were significantly affected the soil pH and the soil moisture content, respectively. However, the addition of FAA application did not affect the root length and plant biomass of okra

The effect of perceived authenticity of food towards experience and place attachment at the State Fair

The state fair is a significant event that represents a place, attracting numerous tourists (Nelson, 2009). State fairs offer a wide range of food and beverages that combine various ingredients and flavors. The authenticity and uniqueness of the food at the state fair are important elements that have the potential to motivate people to travel to a destination (Robinson & Clifford, 2012). While a number of studies have attempted to focus on different type of festivals (Roozbeh, Ng, & Boo, 2013), less attention has paid to the state fair and its visitors’ experiences and attachment. Furthermore, research has rarely investigated how food, particularly authentic food at the state fair is important in influencing visitors’ experiences that leads them to have emotionally bond to the destination. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine if the perceived authentic food will influence visitors’ experiences and place attachment in the state fair setting. An online survey was used; 533 responses were analyzed using Mplus structural equation modeling. Results indicated that the initial model proposed in the study was partially supported where perceived authentic food significantly predicted experience and place attachment. In addition, a mediating effect was found in the model as hypothesized; perceived authentic food at the state fair had a significant indirect effect on attachment to the place. However, there was no significant interaction effect of perceived authentic food on the relationships between experience and place attachment. This study expands the literature on festival research particularly at the state fair by focusing on attendees’ perception of food, experience and place attachment. Overall, this study verified that perceived authentic food has significant impacts on experience and place attachment. In addition, the study is among the first to investigate the importance of authentic food at the state fair by applying the cue utilization theory. As a theoretical foundation, the cue utilization theory successfully identified the role of food in bridging food and attendees’ experiences and attachment to a destination. The identified theory enables the study to verify that perceived authentic food is an indicator in determining attendees’ experience and their emotional sense of a place. This study will help the state fair organizers to recognize the important role of perceived authentic food in influencing visitors’ experience at fairs and attachment to the place. State fair organizers should advance their marketing strategies to the next stage, making greater efforts to introduce authentic food at the state fair to invite potential visitors and magnetize currents attendees to the state fair.</p