Malaysian Management Journal (MMJ) Vol. 6 No. 1 & 2 June/ December 2002

Strategic Application Portfolio in SMEs*

Zulkhairi Md. Dahalin
School of Information Technology
Universiti Utara Malaysia

Abstract Ɩ Full Text

This paper discusses the state of a small and medium enterprise's (SME) information needs in terms of its strategic application portfolio. Specifically, it examines the strategic information requirements of a manufacturing SME with the aim of understanding the application strategy needed to formulate the firm's IT adoption so that lessons could he learnt from such technology innovation. A case study approach was chosen in which information requirements of the firm were investigated. Analysis was done to examine the evidence of potential applications strategic to the .firm 's business mission, goals and functional requirements. Major deliverables include an enterprise-wide data model representing a high-level overview of the firm's information requirements, a business area classification, and portfolios of applications categorized according to strategic, operational, potential and support using the classical McFarlan and McKenney Strategic Importance Matrix.

Job Motivation and Performance of Secondary School Teachers

Abd. Shukor Shaari, Noran Fauziah Yaakub & Rosna Awang Hashim
School of Cognitive Science and Education
Universiti Utara Malaysia

Abstract Ɩ Full Text

Performance can be regarded as almost any behavior, which is directed toward task or goal accomplishment. Despite extensive research, discussion and debate on how to predict employees' performance, teachers performance is complex and remains difficult to predict and evaluate. Teachers are still uncertain whether they can rely on some specific characteristics of performance. In view of this practice and in evaluating teachers 'performance at the work place, it is therefore the interest of the researcher to conduct a study on secondary school teachers, so as to determine their job motivation and job performance. The second objective of this study is to compare job motivation with job performance and the third one is to compare teaching performance with job performance of secondary school teachers. This correlation study involved a total of 245 secondary school teachers throughout Kedah. Data will be analyzed using the t-test and ANOVA.

A Study of Performance of the KLSE Syariah Index

Zamri Ahmad & Haslind Ar Ibrahim
School o_f Alanagainent
Universiti S'ains Malaysia

Abstract Ɩ Full Text

This study compares the performance of the Syariah Index (SI) and the Composite Index (CI) of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) during the period April 1 999 to January 2002, Both the raw and risk-adjusted returns were calculated for the indices for the whole and two sub-periods. Results based on the raw returns revealed that generally, the KLSE SI and CI recorded the same level of returns. Tests using performance measures of Adjusted Sharpe Index, Treynor Index and Adjusted Jensen Alpha revealed that there were also no significant difference in the (risk-adjusted) performance of both indices. We therefore conclude that Syariah-approved stocks were not more favourable than the other stocks in the KLSE.

Size of Offer, Over-subscription Ratio and Performance of Malaysian IPOs

Othman Yong, Puan Yatim, Ros Zam Zam Sapian

Jabatan Kewangan, Fakulti Pengurusan Perniagaan

Universtiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Abstract Ɩ Full Text

This paper examines the initial and the long-run performance of initial public offerings (IP0s) stocks listed on the Main Board of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange. This study finds a significant mean initial return and mean over-subscription ratio, even-though not as high as reported in earlier studies. Size of offer is not correlated with the over-subscription ratio. In general, initial returns. are significantly higher than returns for subsequent longer-term holding periods. Mean initial returns among the three types of issue compared are not significantly different from each other Only in the case of offer for sale that we find a significant positive correlation between its over-subscription ratio and its initial return. Offer for sale also shows a positive correlation between its over-subscription ratio and its raw let11111 far day-365, but turns significantly negative for day-910 and day-] 095. In the case of combination of public issue and offer for sale, over-subscription ratio is not significantly correlated with longer- term returns, for either raw or adjusted return. Finally, in the case of public issue, its over-subscription ratio is significantly correlated with its raw return only for day-180 and day-540, and for its adjusted return, the correlation is significant only for day-180 and day-365.

The Association between Sensitivity, Group Size and Satisfaction

Kamarul Zaman Ahmad
Faculty of Business and Accounting
University Malaya

Abstract Ɩ Full Text

Previous research have looked at the relationship between sensitivity and satisfaction, and between group size and satisfaction. However there appears to be no reported studies that have investigated the interacting effects of group size on the relationship between sensitivity and satisfaction. Data from 257 shop floor workers in a light manufacturing plant in the U.K were collected and analysed. Group size was significantly negatively related to satisfaction with co-workers. Statistical tests of hierarchical multiple regression were used to determine the significance of the interaction terms (sensitivity x group size) on pay and co-worker satisfaction. Support for both hypotheses were obtained. Results suggested that group size significantly moderated the relationship between sensitivity and pay satisfaction, and the relationship between sensitivity and co-worker satisfaction. Linear regression plots showed that the relationship between sensitivity and satisfaction (pay and co-worker) were negative in large groups but positive in small groups.

Managing Children: An Insight into Malay Parents' Involvement in Their Children's Learning

Zahyah Hanafi, Noran Fauziah Yaakub & Rosna Awang Hashim
School of Cognitive Science and Education
Universiti Utara Malaysia

Abstract Ɩ Full Text

Socio-economic status not only influences family beliefs about values of education, but may affect how academic expectations are communicated by parents and perceived by their children- This study examined (1) the level of parental involvement (achievement values, interest in homework, and discussion on school matters) among Malay parents, and (2) parental involvement and its relationship with academic achievement. Measures of parents ' involvement were obtained from Malay boys (12=146) and girls (n=284 ), aged seventeen, living with both biological parents. Adolescents 'perceptions of maternal and paternal involvement at home were measured using Paternal and Maternal Parental Involvement Seale (Paulson, 1994b). Results indicated that Malay parents tend to emphasize more on achievement values, less on interest in homework and discussion on school matters. In terms of gender differences, there were significant differences between mothers ' and fathers 'involvement and these differences were found to differ towards sons and daughters. Discussions and implications were outlined

The Effect of Dividend Announcements on Stock Returns for Companies Listed on the Main Board of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange

Nur-Adiana Hiau Abdullah, Rosemaliza Abdul Rashid & Yusnidah Ibrahim
School of Finance and Banking
Universiti Utara Malaysia

Abstract Ɩ Full Text

Stock market reactions to the announcements of final dividend increases, decreases and no changes are empirically analyzed in an emerging market environment. A standard event study methodology is adopted to examine the price reactions of 120 listed companies surrounding sixty days of the announcement dates. Although prior studies in developed countries postulate that dividend decreases are associated with negative abnormal returns, such a reaction was not found in the Malaysian capital market. The evidence nevertheless shows that dividend increases lead to positive abnormal returns, supporting the Information Content Hypothesis, Jensen :s Free Cash Flow Hypothesis and Agency Cost Theory. As for the no change dividend announcements, no clear pattern of cumulative average abnormal returns could be observed.

Managing Ethnicity and Constructing the Bangsa Malaysia (A United Malaysian Nation)*

Mohamed Mustafa ishak

Student Affairs Department

Universiti Utara Malaysia

Abstract Ɩ Full Text

The question of nation-building has always been a central issue in Malaysian politics. Whilst the coun try has been able to sustain stable politics since the 1969 racial tragedy, spawning two decades rapid socio-economic development until the 1997 Asian economic crisis, the project of nation-building remained a basic national agenda yet to be filly resolved. This short paper investigates the delicate process of nation-building in Malaysia in the post 1970s. especially in the context of the vision of constructing the Bangsa Malaysia or united Malaysian nation enshrined in Mahathir's Vision 2020 project which was introduced in 1991.

The aim of the paper is firstly to highlight the underlying socio-political parameters that shaped and influenced the politics of nation-building in the country, and secondly to explore the viability of the project of Bangsa Malaysia in the context of the daunting challenges involved in the process of nation- building The paper contends that, based on the Malaysian experience, the potent interplay between the forces of ethnicity and nationalism constitute the crux of the problem in the politics of nation-building in Malaysia. This dialectic it is argued, stems from the prevalence of the varying 'nationalisms' within and across ethnic groups. These phenomena have not only shaped the pattern of ethnic political mobilization in the country, but above all, laid the most complex set of obstacles in the path of the project of nation-building.

The paper argues that the project of constructing the Bangsa Malaysia therefore, can be seen as significant attempt by the state to reconcile the competing 'nationalism'. It can also be considered as an attempt to consolidate Malay nationalism and cultural pluralism, thus promoting the development of 'civic nationalism 'or creation of 'a supra-ethnic ' national identity. The 'nation', therefore, is depicted as a 'mosaic of cultures but with a strong fervour of Malay nationalism. However, the viability of the envisaged project is yet to be tested.

The concept itself is still vague to many people and the challenges ahead are enormous, involving political, economic, socio-cultural and religious issues. Indeed the project risks becoming the 'latest ' in the series of competing notions of 'nation-of- intent' circulating in Malaysia. The paper contends that whilst, to some extent, the socio-political landscape of Malaysian society has been rapidly changing, especially in the past two decades of Mahathir’s reign, ethnicity still pervades Malaysian political life. The paper probably differs from many previous studies on nation-building in Malaysia, thus, deepening the understanding of Malaysia politics and society.

Malaysian Management Journal (MMJ) Vol. 6 No. 1 & 2 June/ December 2002

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