Vol 20, 2017


Regular Articles

Cover Page Vol 20
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Contributors
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Consumer Intention To Purchase Dates: Application Of Theory Of Reasoned Action (TRA)
Asmaddy Haris, Zurina Kefeli@Zulkefli, Nursilah Ahmad, Siti Norazira Mohd Daud, Nurul Aini Mohamed, Syadiyah Abdul Shukor, Aimi Fadzirul Kamarubahrin, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
Page 1-15   |      Download PDF   |   ABSTRACT PREVIEW

Abstract

For years, dates are known for its numerous health advantages in both modern and traditional medicinal articles. Apart from its benefits, hypothetically, the consumption of dates is increasing due to the rising income level caused by economic growth. On that note, this paper investigates the role of attitude and subjective norms in determining consumers’ intention to purchase dates. Also, this study examines the role of demographic variables as moderating factors. Using purposive sampling method, a total number of 1,354 completed survey questionnaires were collected from eight (8) selected states in Malaysia. Descriptive analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were performed. The results indicate that attitude and subjective norms influence consumers’ intention in purchasing while consumers’ marital status and income moderate the relationship between attitude, subjective norms and consumers’ intention. Findings from this study is useful for policymakers in encouraging and promoting daily consumption of dates as a food commodity in Malaysia. 

Keywords:
Dates, Consumers’ intention, Subjective norms, Attitudes, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)

Food Variety And Its Contributing Factors Among Public University Students In Klang Valley
Tatiana Suhaimi, Norhasmah Sulaiman, Syuhaily Osman, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Page 16-34   |      Download PDF   |   ABSTRACT PREVIEW

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the contributing factors towards food variety among public university students in Klang Valley. A total of 400 students from Universiti Putra Malaysia, International Islamic University Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Universiti Teknologi Mara were chosen using multistage random sampling. Accordingly, a face-to-face interview was conducted with the students to obtain information on the (i) demographic characteristics, (ii) food choice‘s motive, (iii) food neophobia, (iv) social support, (v) emotion, (vi) nutritional knowledge, and (vii) food variety. The data were analysed using descriptive and multivariate analyses with the application of binary logistic regression via Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). This study found that a majority of the students (95.25 %) had a low level of food variety, particularly in every food group such as (i) cereal and grains (96.75 %), (ii) meats and poultry (79.25 %), (iii) fish and seafood (91.50 %), (iv) milk and dairy products (93.25 %), (v) legumes (85.25 %), (vi) vegetables (75.25 %), and (vii) fruits (93.50 %). Furthermore, the results from binary logistic regression showed that the respondents who chose food based on sensory motive and those who were in the neophobic category had 1.54 and 5.55 likelihood to have low level food variety, respectively. Plus, the respondents with high level of nutritional knowledge were 5.40 more likely to have low level of food variety compared to their counterparts. In order to address these issues, it is highly recommended for relevant ministries, financial education agencies, and universities to collaborate and plan intervention programmes on increasing food variety among university students without compromising their food budget. 

Keywords:
Food Variety, Food Choice, Public University Students, Klang Valley

Counter Teller Services Versus Automated Teller Machine And Cash Deposit Machine: XYZ Depositors Preferences
Syed Jamal Abdul Nasir bin Syed Mohamad, Universiti Teknologi MARA
Raja Saliza Raja Kahar Amran, Yusni Abdul Wahab, Nurhayati Baharudin

Page 35-52   |      Download PDF   |   ABSTRACT PREVIEW

Abstract

Despite the increasing usage of automated teller machine (ATM) and cash deposit machine (CDM) in transacting depositing and withdrawal activities within the financial institutions environment, still, the demand for counter teller services is deemed high for XYZ (not the real name) Malaysia. Indeed, switching the mode of transactions usage from counter teller services to ATM and CDM has become the greatest challenge for XYZ Malaysia. The research was developed to cover both of the factors, the counter teller usage, and ATM and CDM usage. However, in this part of the paper only ATM and CDM services issue will be discussed. In this study, a quantitate model of research was developed to determine (1) the enticing factors for depositors to use ATM and CDM Services, (2) the repelling factors and NOT to use Counter Teller Services, and; (3) the relationship between the enticing factors and repelling factors with the preferences of depositors towards ATM and CDM Services. This study investigates the relationship between the dimensions on the ATM and CDM usage. A survey instrument was used to gather data to estimate the proposed research model. Based on the findings, factors relate to range of services and conveniently located and accessible by depositors in performing their ATM and CDM transactions give the highest contribution towards the usage of ATM and CDM. Indeed, this research is giving some highlights in the acceleration of ATM/CDM usage within the business environment of XYZ. 

Keywords:
Counter teller service, Automated teller service, Depositor

Socio-Economic Status And Food Insecurity Among The Elderly In Panji District, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Fadilah Binti Mohd Nor, Norhasmah Sulaiman, Zalilah Mohd Shariff, Zuriati Ibrahim, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Page 53-66   |      Download PDF   |   ABSTRACT PREVIEW

Abstract

Food insecurity is a common problem among the low-income households in the developing countries including Malaysia. This study was to assess the prevalence of food insecurity and identify the risk factor of food insecurity among elderly in Panji District, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. Face-to-face interview was done among 227 elderly aged 60 and above to obtain their information on demographic and socio-economic background, and food security status. For analysis of data, descriptive statistics, chi-square, ANOVA and logistic regression were used. The findings indicated that 22.9% of the elderly were food insecure which comprised of 15.4% low food secure, and 7.5% were very low food secure. There were significant differences between food security status with personal income of elderly, household size, marital status, educational level, and age (p<0.05). There was a significant decrease in the mean income as food security status worsened (p<0.05). Household size more than five members and income less than RM1000 were more likely to become food insecure. Food insecurity in the elderly is worse than in other populations. Future intervention and assistance program should focuses more on economic status among the elderly to reduce the risk of food insecure. 

Keywords:
Elderly, Food insecure, Demographic, Socio-economic

The Impact Of Consumer Engagement Towards Consumer Loyalty In Tourism And Hospitality Industry
Leong Mei Kei, Syuhaily Osman, Laily Hj Paim, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Page 67-82   |      Download PDF   |   ABSTRACT PREVIEW

Abstract

Consumer loyalty is an important element in research for marketers to retain consumers regardless of industry. With the development of tourism and hospitality industry and the increasing popularity of social media, the engagement between the company and consumers is crucial to the success of the company. Additionally, the researchers’ increasing attention of consumer engagement and emergence as the predictor of loyalty has increased the need to study consumer engagement. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationships between the affective, behavioural, and cognitive dimensions of consumer engagement and consumer loyalty in the tourism and hospitality industry. In this study, there were 390 respondents that answered the survey through social media such as i.e., Facebook, Instagram and WeChat. The relationships between the variables were tested using SmartPLS 3.0 version, a software used to test the structural equation modelling. The findings of the study showed that the affective and behavioural dimensions of consumer engagement have a significant relationship on consumer loyalty. By referring to this relationship, it indicated that affective and behavioural engaged consumers might be more prone to be turned from engaged consumers to loyal consumers. The findings in this study are beneficial to marketers and consumers in understanding the consumer behaviour in the tourism and hospitality industry. 

Keywords:
Consumer Engagement, Consumer Loyalty, Tourism and Hospitality

Moderation Effect Of Gender On Financial Literacy, Money Attitude, Financial Strains And Financial Capability
Mohamad Fazli Sabri, Nuraini Abdullah, Merzieh Zenhendel, Siti Yuliandi Ahmad, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Page 83-101 |      Download PDF   |   ABSTRACT PREVIEW

Abstract

The current economic volatility has affected the financial situation of individuals, particularly so in the case of the younger generation. This has given rise to growing concerns regarding financial literacy and money attitude as the resultant financial strain has brought about repercussions in the financial situation of individuals and their financial capability, affecting their lives. The study aims to examine the moderation effect of gender on financial literacy, money attitude, financial stress, and financial capability. In selecting the sample study from the states of Perak, Selangor, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, and Federal Territory of Putrajaya in the central zone of Peninsular Malaysia, the study utilised the multi-stage random sampling method. A total of 508 respondents were selected comprising young employees aged 40 years and below working in public and private agencies in Malaysia. The total return rate was 84.7%. The study used a multi-group analysis of structural equation modelling with AMOS software in analysing the data. In testing the moderating effect in overall models, the results show that gender has moderating effect on the overall model χ2. Specifically, in testing the individual paths, the results revealed insignificant moderating effect of gender on financial stress, money attitude and financial capability. The implications and recommendations are discussed in this study. 

Keywords:
Gender, Financial literacy, Money attitude, Financial Strains, Financial capability

Mediating Roles Of Consumer Individual Values On The Relationship Between Exposure To Global Marketing Activities And Consumption Behavior
Akhoundi, Osman, Paim, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Nezakati, Malaysia University of Science and Technology
Page 102-130   |      Download PDF   |   ABSTRACT PREVIEW

Abstract

The main goal of this study to investigate the mediating effects of consumer individual values on the relationship between exposure to global marketing activities and consumption behavior. To this end, at first the study tests the previous proposition of direct path of the effect of exposure to global marketing activities on consumption behavior (of global foods and drinks, global clothing and accessories, household appliances and communications), then to examine the mediating effects of consumer individual values on fundemental relationships using Schwartz’s basic values. This research supported the significant contribution of predictor variable to consumption behavior of four proposed product categories, among them the mediating roles of consumer individual values were observed on consumption behavior of household appliances and communications. The study also highlighted significant implications for consumer affairs specialists and managers. 

Keywords:
Consumer individual values, Consumption behavior, Global marketing activities, Malaysia

Financial Knowledge, Financial Management Practices, Financial Pressure And Financial Stability Among Single Female Households In Malaysia
Lee May Poh, Mohamad Fazli Sabri, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Page 131- 145   |      Download PDF   |   ABSTRACT PREVIEW

Abstract

Financial stability is recognised, conceptually important to the wellbeing of the households, but limited evidence is available on their predictors. Financial stability refers to a financially secure condition where individuals have the capacity to access financial resources for the aims to keep up a satisfactory way of life. A multi-stage random sampling was used to collect five hundred twenty one samples of female-headed households from six single mother associations divided by zones of East, North, South, West, Sabah and Sarawak of Malaysia. Thus, this study performed multiple linear regression to explore the determinants (financial pressure, financial knowledge and financial management practices) of financial stability. This current paper concluded the strongest predictive factor to the financial stability was financial management practices. Additionally, this study suggests that various respective bodies should corporate to organize some beneficial education programs in order to enhance households’ financial stability. 

Keywords:
Financial knowledge, Financial Management Practices, Financial Stability, Financial Pressure

Perubahan Harga Petrol, Pertukaran Mod Kenderaan Dan Keselamatan Jalan Raya Di Malaysia
Nor Ghani Md Nor, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Nizam Ahmat, Abu Hassan Shaari Md Nor, Ahmat Md Zain

Page 146-173   |      Download PDF   |   ABSTRACT PREVIEW

Abstract

Peningkatan kos perjalanan akibat daripada kenaikan harga bahan api kenderaan berpotensi untuk memberi kesan tidak langsung yang penting iaitu pertukaran pilihan mod pengangkutan dan seterusnya mengubah profil risiko kemalangan yang dihadapi oleh pengguna jalan raya. Profil risiko kemalangan yang dihadapi pengguna berubah kerana mod pengangkutan yang berlainan mempunyai kadar risiko kemalangan yang berbeza. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan menguji hubungan antara profil risiko kemalangan jalan raya dengan peningkatan harga petrol di Malaysia dengan menggunakan data suku tahunan dari tahun 2000Q1 hingga 2010Q4. Kaedah regresi digunakan dengan menganggar model Poisson. Hasil kajian menunjukkan perubahan pemilikan motosikal adalah positif dan lebih responsif dengan kenaikan harga petrol berbanding dengan perubahan pemilikan kereta yang didapati negatif. Keputusan kajian juga menunjukkan impak bersih kenaikan harga petrol yang positif kepada kadar kematian pengguna mod motosikal. Kadar kematian pengguna mod kereta pula impak bersih kenaikan harga petrol adalah tidak signifikan. Namun begitu, impak bersih kenaikan harga petrol kepada kadar kecederaan pengguna jalan raya adalah sebaliknya. Dapatan ini, menyokong beberapa kajian lepas yang mendapati kenaikan harga petrol meningkatkan permintaan kenderaan bersaiz kecil sehingga meningkatkan risiko kematian kepada pengguna jalan raya. Dalam hal ini, dapatan kajian telah menyumbang kepada perdebatan semasa mengenai kesan keselamatan dan ekonomi yang diakibatkan oleh kenaikan harga petrol. Hasil keputusan kajian ini telah memberikan dua implikasi. Pertama; kenaikan harga petrol telah meningkatkan kadar kematian dan kecederaan penggunanya akibat kemalangan jalan raya. Kedua, implikasi terhadap dasar awam iaitu keputusan untuk menaikkan harga petrol mesti mengambil kira kesannya terhadap keselamatan jalan raya kerana telah meningkatkan risiko kematian dan kecederaan penunggang dan pembonceng motosikal. 

Keywords:
Perubahan harga petrol, Pertukaran mod, Kos kemalangan

Mediation Effect Of Islamic Financial Planning Intention In The Behaviour Framework Of Malaysian Public Workers
Mohd Amin, Ab. Mumin, Husniyah, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Page 174-1
89   |      Download PDF   |   ABSTRACT PREVIEW

Abstract

In the current economic environment with various product and services offered by financial institutions, wise decisions among Muslim workers are vital for their life well-being and afterlife. Their planning in achieving financial goals had to take considerations of their religious belief. In view of this, this study would like to unveil the possibility of established factors in influencing financial planning specifically in the Islamic context. Furthermore, the Islamic financial planning intention is to determine its mediating effect between the factors in the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the behaviour of financial planning. Random sampling on a list of ministries situated in Putra Jaya, Federal Territory were used in the first stage followed by a selection based on departments in those ministries. Liaison officers appointed in the selected departments assisted in collecting completed self-administered questionnaires. Cleaned data resulted in 304 questionnaires gathered data on socioeconomic characteristics, financial literacy, attitude towards financial planning, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and financial planning in the Islamic context. A regression analysis revealed significant influences of Islamic financial planning attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control on the Islamic financial planning. Whilst, series of regression analyses proved that Islamic financial planning intention mediates the influences of Islamic financial planning attitude and subjective norms on the Islamic financial planning behaviour. However this is not the case for perceived Islamic financial planning control which has a direct effect on Islamic financial planning. As a conclusion, the results had proved the application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour in the Islamic financial planning context among public workers in Malaysia. 

Keywords:
Financial literacy, Attitude, Subjective norms, Perceived behavioural control, Financial planning intention, Mediation effect