Management and Information Technology Journal

Islamic Social Finance and Financial Inclusion: A Case Study of BSN Micro-i Madani in Malaysia

2026-04-08T08:15:42+00:00

This paper examines BSN Micro-i MADANI, an Islamic microfinance product, within Malaysia’s broader Islamic social finance ecosystem and the MADANI policy agenda. The study adopts a documentary analysis approach, drawing on policy frameworks, institutional documents, product disclosure materials, and relevant scholarly literature to analyse the product’s Shariah structure, design features, and alignment with financial inclusion objectives. The analysis finds that while tawarruq-based microfinance enables scalable Shariah-compliant cash financing for micro-entrepreneurs, its debt-based nature, flat-rate pricing, and formal eligibility requirements may limit accessibility for ultra-poor and informal segments. Beyond the case of BSN, the paper highlights broader implications for the design of Islamic microfinance products in Malaysia, particularly the need to align commercial microfinance instruments with Islamic social finance objectives and Maqasid al-Shariah. By proposing a Two-Tier Islamic Social Finance–Microfinance Model, this study offers a conceptual framework that can inform policymakers, Islamic financial institutions, and zakat and waqf authorities in structuring inclusive, tiered financing pathways for diverse micro-entrepreneur segments. The paper contributes to the literature by advancing an integrated perspective on Islamic social finance and microfinance that is applicable beyond a single institution.

Cultural Bias and Technical Glitches in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Video Production for Higher Education: From Prompt to Screen

2026-04-08T08:17:41+00:00

The rapid evolution of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has extended beyond text and static imagery into the realm of realistic text-to-video synthesis. This article critically examines the practical and technical challenges of utilizing the latest generative video models (specifically the Google Veo model) for higher education content creation. While the technology offers significant potential for accelerating creative workflows in higher education, its application is constrained by distinct limitations. Adopting a Practice-based Research methodology, this study analyzes a corpus of 15 experimental video projects (n=10 convocation promotions; n=5 academic program promotions) produced using an AI-assisted workflow. Findings highlight three primary categories of limitations; (i) Cultural and Regional Bias, where the model hallucinates foreign cultural elements (e.g., Indonesian demographics) over local Malaysian contexts; (ii) Linguistic and Phonetic Inaccuracies, specifically the inability of Text-to-Speech engines to process local dialects and phonemes; and (iii) Physical and Logical Hallucinations, such as defying laws of physics or adding unauthorized visual artifacts.

Academic Workload vs Intention to Perform Unethical Behaviour Among Lecturers in Higher Education Institutions

2026-04-08T08:20:05+00:00

Unethical behaviour among lecturers in higher education institutions has become an increasingly pressing concern, particularly as academic roles grow more complex and demanding. This conceptual paper examines the relationship between academic workload and lecturers’ intention to perform unethical behaviour, drawing on empirical findings from prior research conducted in higher education institutions. Existing studies indicate that lecturers often face escalating pressures related to teaching, research, supervision, consultation and administrative duties, which may heighten stress and influence decision-making. Evidence from studies involving individual lecturers as respondents, this paper highlights how excessive workload can act as a significant antecedent to unethical behavioural intentions. Practical implications are offered for university administrators, emphasising the need for balanced workload allocation and supportive institutional cultures. Strengthening these areas is essential for reducing the risk of unethical conduct and promoting integrity within higher education environments.

From Intention to Indebtedness: A Narrative Review on Behavioral, Financial, and Islamic Finance Determinants of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) Usage in Malaysia

2026-04-08T08:24:49+00:00

The rapid expansion of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services in Malaysia has reshaped consumer finance by offering interest-free instalment options as alternatives to conventional credit instruments. Despite enhancing accessibility and payment convenience, accumulating evidence links BNPL usage to rising household indebtedness and impulsive consumption behaviour. National data reveal that as of June 2025, 168,967 Malaysians recorded overdue BNPL balances totalling RM3.8 billion, indicating growing financial vulnerability. This review synthesises recent empirical studies published between 2023 and 2025, focusing on BNPL adoption and usage behaviour within the Malaysian context, supported by selected regional studies incorporating Malaysian data. Anchored in behavioural finance theory and Islamic ethical perspectives, the review adopts an integrative behavioural-financial framework. Key determinants influencing BNPL usage are categorised into technological, psychological, financial literacy and religious awareness dimensions. The findings indicate that perceived usefulness, convenience, and social influence drive BNPL intention, while financial literacy, self-control and perceived risk moderate responsible usage. The review advocates integrating behavioural and Islamic consumer awareness constructs to promote financially sustainable and ethically aligned BNPL practices.

Concerns on Quality Assurance: Inapt Effects of Educational Administration in Higher Education Institutions

2026-04-08T08:27:00+00:00

Quality assurance position and operation in higher education institution (HEI) showing inapt effects as the influence action of units fails through implementation of its policy on achieving standard. It is typify of inapt influence the changes and position of educational efficiency in term of quality assurance. However, survey method was employed to examine the respondents ‘to what extent the effect of quality assurance in education?’ The study have shown that there are Inapt effects in which prioritizing of quality assurance initiatives in educational institutions need to be improved in order to create a supportive, inclusive, and effective teaching-learning environment. Thus, the present study suggested that if quality assurance put in appropriate position might lead to improved academic standards, enhanced institutional credibility, while recommended that student teaching-learning outcome should be often displayed regularly by administrators, MIS, Information Communication and Technology center in collaboration with QA unit for improvement of teacher quality, increased student satisfaction and employability prospects.

Exploring Factors Influencing Cybersecurity Awareness Among Malaysia University Students

2026-04-16T02:12:11+00:00

Cybersecurity awareness has become a critical concern among university students, given their extensive use of digital technologies for both academic and social purposes. This study aims to explore the level of cybersecurity awareness among Malaysian university students and to examine the relationships between Password Security, Web Browser Security, Social Media Activities, and cybersecurity awareness. A quantitative research design was employed using an online questionnaire distributed to university students across Malaysia. The online survey approach enabled efficient data collection within a limited timeframe, resulting in 142 valid responses for analysis. Descriptive analysis revealed a high overall level of cybersecurity awareness, with a mean score of 4.656. Hypothesis testing revealed a positive and significant relationship between Web Browser Security and cybersecurity awareness (t = 2.302), whereas Password Security did not demonstrate a significant relationship (t = 1.574). Interestingly, Social Media Activities exhibited a significant negative relationship with cybersecurity awareness (t = -6.387). These findings suggest that while students demonstrate high awareness overall, certain cybersecurity practices, particularly related to passwords and social media behavior, require further attention. The study provides valuable insights for universities and policymakers in designing targeted cybersecurity awareness programs.

Does Knowledge Protection Influence Higher Education Institutions’ Performance?

2026-04-16T02:19:15+00:00

Knowledge management (KM) remains highly relevant in this knowledge-based economy. In an attempt to explain why KM is still relevant, this study examines organisational KM capabilities, including internal processes, as proposed in the theory of Knowledge Management Capabilities. Specifically, the goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between knowledge protection processes and performance among private higher education institutions (PHEIs). Data collected from 261 respondents at 19 PHEIs in Malaysia is analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20. The results reveal that knowledge protection processes have a positive and significant impact on PHEIs' performance. This study also adds the useful insight that academics in PHEIs must be able to contribute to protecting organisational knowledge.

Four Pillars of Influence: How Social Media Shapes Public Perception and Economic Behaviour

2026-04-16T02:23:08+00:00

This conceptual paper synthesizes interdisciplinary literature to develop a four-pillar framework, such as Dissemination, Trust-Building, Personalization, and Misinformation, that explains how social media shapes public perception and economic behavior. Using a structured literature review and thematic analysis of prior empirical and conceptual studies, the paper identifies recurring mechanisms through which social media influence’s opinion formation and market decisions. The findings propose that dissemination speed amplifies reach, trust-building converts visibility into economic value, personalization shapes consumer choices while fostering filter bubbles, and misinformation distorts rational decision-making. The paper’s originality lies in integrating these mechanisms into a single analytical framework tailored to the Malaysian context. Practically, the framework informs policymakers, SMEs, and digital strategists in designing more ethical, effective, and resilient social media practices.

From Cashless to Contactless: A Conceptual Review of QR Payment in Malaysia

2026-04-16T02:26:39+00:00

The shift in payment methods in Malaysia has been very quick. Cash Payments methods have been replaced with Contactless payment methods. With this significant change, QR payments have become one of the main methods of enabling digital transactions in Malaysia. This paper aims to explore the main factors influencing the adoption of QR payments in Malaysia. It does this by explaining the current literature regarding the adoption of QR payments in Malaysia using a review and synthesis model. Broadly categorized, the author examines the technological, consumer, and market and policy dimensions of QR payment adoption literature. The author notes a number of factors which influence the adoption of QR payments and which fall within the 3 categories mentioned. In the technological dimension, readiness of the technology, perceived ease of use, and system accessibility of the QR payment technology are significant. In the consumer dimension, trust, convenience, and repetitive use influence consumer adoption of QR payments. At the market level, the author notes the influence of institutional, governmental, banking, and fintech sponsorship/ support and how this impacts the adoption of QR payments. The author attempts to describe how the identified factors influence QR payment adoption in Malaysia and confirms the importance of untested empirical research as it pertains to the adoption of QR payments in the context of a cashless payment system.

Integrating MCCG Principles and Governance Theories for Islamic Higher Education Institutions: A Conceptual Framework

2026-04-16T02:34:18+00:00

This paper aims to develop a conceptual governance framework for Islamic higher education institutions (HEIs) by integrating the principles of the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (MCCG) with multiple governance theories. A theoretical synthesis approach was employed, combining document analysis of the MCCG with an extensive review of governance literature within higher education and Islamic contexts. The proposed framework positions MCCG-aligned governance domains — Leadership and Ethics, Assurance and Control, and Transparency and Engagement — as key antecedents of governance quality, decision-making effectiveness, and stakeholder trust. These domains are grounded in agency, stewardship, stakeholder, and resource dependence theories. The study offers a novel integration of MCCG principles with Islamic ethical values such as amanah (trust), ‘adl (justice), and shura (consultation), thereby providing actionable propositions for governance reform in Islamic HEIs. However, as a conceptual study, empirical validation is absent, limiting causal inference. Future research should operationalise the constructs and test the framework across diverse institutional contexts using mixed-method designs.

Liquidity and Financial Sustainability in Malaysian Universities: A Case Study of UnIPSAS

2026-04-16T02:39:15+00:00

This study analyzes the liquidity status of Universiti Islam Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah (UnIPSAS) from 2018 to 2022 to assess the financial resilience of Malaysian higher education institutions (HEIs). Although financial sustainability has become increasingly important for HEIs, empirical evidence based on internal audited financial data remains scarce in Malaysia, particularly at the institutional level. To address this gap, the study adopts a quantitative approach using time-series trend analysis to examine five liquidity indicators: the current ratio, quick ratio, accounts receivable turnover (ART), working capital, and cash ratio. The results show that liquidity improved from 1.48 in 2018 to 2.68 in 2022, indicating a stronger short-term financial buffer. However, the ART ratio declined sharply to 0.62 in 2022, signalling substantial inefficiencies in student fee and sponsorship collections. These findings suggest that prolonged cash conversion cycles may pose risks to operational cash flows despite improved liquidity. This study contributes institution-level evidence derived from audited data and highlights the critical role of receivables management in supporting financial sustainability in HEIs. The study recommends the adoption of digital payment systems and automated receivables monitoring to enhance cash flow efficiency. Future research should incorporate solvency and efficiency measures, qualitative perspectives on financial governance, and a broader range of institutions to provide a more comprehensive assessment of financial sustainability in higher education.

From Printing Press to Stress: Identifying Ergonomic Triggers in the Workstation

2026-04-16T02:43:24+00:00

This research identifies ergonomic factors that contribute to musculoskeletal discomfort, general body fatigue, and stress, particularly in printing workstation areas. Printing-machine operators are routinely exposed to physical demands, including prolonged static posture, awkward body positioning, repetitive actions, improper workstation height, and forceful exertion, all of which increase the likelihood of musculoskeletal discomfort and work-related stress. Implementing a quantitative research design with census sampling, data was collected from all 11 printing-machine operators at UiTM Shah Alam and UiTM Puncak Alam to ensure a thorough representation of ergonomic exposure in the printing environment. The findings show that although respondents demonstrate strong safety awareness, many report discomfort related to workstation layout, task repetition, lifting demands, and long working hours, reflecting the ergonomic issues documented. The research aims the need for better ergonomic solutions, such as redesigning workstations and promoting good posture, to reduce stress and improve worker health in printing environments.

The Impact of Strategic Educational Leadership and Quality Assurance Practices on School Culture in Malaysian Risky School

2026-04-16T02:46:11+00:00

The main purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Strategic Educational Leadership and Quality Assurance practices by the educational leaders on School Culture of Malaysian Risky Schools. A sample size of 308 Malaysian Risky school leaders was extracted from 1,536 populations. Descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis and full-fledged structural equation modelling were employed for statistical techniques. There are significant direct relationships between Strategic Educational Leadership and Quality Assurance practices with the School Culture. The results also proved that the proposed structural model of the study is valid and reliable and therefore represents the Malaysian Risky School Culture model. The findings of this study help the practitioners and policymakers in designing and implementing practical courses and workshops that promote the development of Strategic Educational Leadership and Quality Assurance among the school leaders. This study managed to explore new findings about the relationships between Strategic Educational Leadership and Quality Assurance practices with the School Culture of Malaysian Risky Schools.