International Journal of Business and Technopreneurship (IJBT)

Exploring the Determinants of Purchase Intention on Social Media: A Study among University Students

2024-09-22T13:34:39+00:00

The rapid expansion of Social Media (SM) has revolutionised consumer interactions with digital content, creating both opportunities and challenges for businesses aiming to influence purchase intention. This study investigates how perceived value, informativeness, and personalisation shape purchase intention on SM platforms among university students at Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Malaysia. Addressing the need to understand the drivers of effective digital marketing, the research employs a cross-sectional design with data collected via a random survey of 375 students. Multiple regression analyses reveal that while perceived value and informativeness positively influence purchase intention, personalisation unexpectedly demonstrates a negative relationship. These findings underscore the nuanced role of personalised advertising and the potential privacy concerns associated with it. The results highlight informativeness as the most significant predictor of purchase intention, emphasising the importance of delivering relevant and valuable content. In contrast, personalisation’s negative impact suggests a need for cautious implementation to avoid alienating consumers. This study enriches existing literature by bridging theoretical insights with practical applications, offering actionable strategies for optimising consumer engagement in digital marketing. Practical implications emphasise balancing value delivery and addressing consumer apprehensions in personalised marketing to enhance consumer trust and drive purchase behaviour effectively. This research offers a foundation for future exploration of consumer behaviour in SM contexts.

Fuel Subsidy Removal and Employees’ Well-being among Academic Staff at the University of Lagos, Nigeria

2024-09-22T13:37:46+00:00

The removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria remains one of the most contentious economic policies in the nation's recent history, with profound implications across all sectors. This study examines the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the well-being of academic staff at the University of Lagos. Specifically, the research investigates how this policy affects their mental and emotional, and financial well-being towards its overall impact on their standard of living. A descriptive research design and a quantitative approach were adopted for the study. Primary data was collected using a self-designed questionnaire distributed through Google Forms. The sample size comprised 303 academic staff. Pearson's correlation coefficient and regression analysis, conducted via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0, were employed to address the research objectives. The findings revealed significant regression coefficients (t=44.356, p=0.000; t=44.864, p=0.000 and t=44.864, p=0.000) between fuel subsidy removal and the mental and emotional, financial well-being and standard of living of academic staff. The results indicate that fuel subsidy removal significantly affects the mental and emotional well-being, financial well-being, and standard of living of academic staff of university. Despite the limitations of this study, the empirical findings contribute to understanding the implications of subsidy policies on employees in the education sector. The study underscores the necessity for policymakers to carefully evaluate the broad effects of such policies and develop targeted strategies to mitigate adverse impacts on vulnerable groups, including academic staff, while promoting sustainable economic growth.

Financial Structure Decision and Market Value of Listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

2024-12-20T05:07:47+00:00

The difficulties in financial structure mix decision have contributed to the failure and decline of Nigerian deposit money banks. Therefore, this study appraised the influence of financial structure (long-term as well as short-term debts to equity ratios) on the market value (Tobin Q and share price) of listed banks. The objectives were to ascertain the extent of relationship between long-term debt to equity ratio as well as examine the impact of short-term debt to equity ratio on the market value of the banks. A research design employed was an ex post facto, and a purposive sampling technique was used to choose 12 banks that were listed and had intact data as at the period of investigation on the Nigerian Exchange Group. Secondary data of the variables were gotten from the annual reports as well as accounts of selected banks over a period of 12 years (2011 to 2022). Data sourced were analysed with descriptive together with inferential statistics. The outcomes revealed that long term-debt to equity ratio positively as well as significantly influence the market value. This implies that bank’s market value can be optimised by including more long-term debt and less equity in the financial structure mix. The study concluded that financial structure decision influenced the market value of listed Nigerian deposit money banks. The recommendation was that financial manager should maintain more of long-term debt than equity in the mix of its financial structure as it is appropriate to individual bank.

Risky Riding Behaviours among p-Hailing Riders in Malaysia: Implications for Business Operations and Workforce Safety in the Gig Economy

2024-12-17T01:30:05+00:00

Road accidents involving p-hailing riders have become a pressing issue for both road safety and gig economy operations, as these workers juggle demanding delivery schedules under challenging urban conditions. This study aims to identify which specific unsafe acts, rather than aggregate categories, are most frequently performed by p-hailing riders in Malaysia. Adopting a quantitative, descriptive approach, the research employed stratified sampling across Penang, Kedah, and Perlis, followed by convenience sampling at rider-frequented locations to secure a diverse sample. Data were collected via a self-administered survey using a validated 12-item Risky Riding Behaviour (RRB) scale, measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Analysis revealed key risky behaviours, including accelerating at nearly red traffic lights, riding faster than usual during deliveries, and disregarding traffic signs. Younger riders, those with less experience, and individuals working longer hours or greater distances, as well as those relying on p-hailing as a primary income source, reported notably higher levels of these unsafe practices. Drawing on Moral Disengagement Theory, the findings show how riders rationalise their actions as necessary responses to time pressure, financial imperatives, or job demands. Based on these insights, the study recommends hazard perception training, safety-focused incentive programmes, improved workload management, and time-of-day-specific enforcement. From a theoretical perspective, the item-level analysis refines our understanding of moral disengagement by demonstrating how distinct behaviours are selectively justified. Ultimately, this research offers actionable guidance for enhancing rider safety and ensuring sustainable, efficient operations in the p-hailing sector.

Utilisation of Virtual Tradeshows in the Malaysian MICE Industry: Post-Pandemic Impact

2024-09-02T01:51:58+00:00

The use of web-based apps has increased in the Malaysian meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry during tradeshows. This results from the advancement of ICT businesses and the pressures stemming from the post COVID-19 conditions from 2020 to 2024. It has transitioned from conventional physical tradeshows to virtual expo platforms. The virtual tradeshow has been operational since 2020, with its standard features. However, certain aspects are deficient in the virtual exhibition, which affects the low adoption among both visitors and exhibitors. This study examines the critical roles of virtual tradeshow features that must be included in the virtual platform. There is a deficiency of peer-reviewed works on significant tradeshows concerning Malaysian case study marketing and the virtual industry scope that can be recorded for future connected research. This study focuses on the identification of the virtual tradeshow in Malaysia during the epidemic years of 2020 and 2021. Ten virtual tradeshows in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand are under consideration, with the International Greentech and Eco Products Display & Conference Malaysia (IGEM) chosen as the primary virtual tradeshow display. The platform's summarised elements and user expectation outcomes are evaluated and discussed in relation to user experience. At this stage, the user expectation model for the virtual tradeshow platform evolves to investigate the fundamental components based on user objectives, expectations, and anticipated outcomes from the virtual tradeshow. Consequently, this strategy may enhance the fundamental aspects of user experience and elevate the virtual tradeshow sector in Malaysia. The findings of this study will aid Malaysia's MICE industry in developing a virtual tradeshow platform.

Underprivileged Conditions Influencing Youths’ Participation in Sports for Future Employment

2024-09-25T01:58:15+00:00

The beauty of sports is that it cuts across gender, race, educational background and socio-economic status to benefit those who have the resilience, rigour and discipline to brave the odds. The varieties of sporting events and different human resources needed are an indication of how broad the platform could be, to accommodate different interest groups for self-development. This study examined the nexus of how underprivileged conditions such as birth place (rural/urban), loss of parent(s), among others could influence the choice of sports for self-development and employment. A cross-sectional multistage sampling method was used to select 400 youths who participated in the March, 2022 Nigerian University Games Association hosted by the University of Lagos, Nigeria. The questionnaire administered to the respondents consists of structured self-report inventory. Data obtained was analysed with the use of frequency tables, chi-square and logistic regression. The results show that underprivileged conditions could be a catalyst for youths’ involvement in sports for the purpose of future employment opportunities. In view of this, there should be concerted efforts by stakeholders in sports to expand and maintain facilities and sports festivals to accommodate different interest groups of youths who utilise this avenue for self-development and future employment. This could go a long way in redirecting the energy of our teeming youths away from being recruited into social vices and focus on meaningful self-development sporting programmes that could create viable future employment roles in sports.

Digital Transformation as a Driver for Internationalisation: A Study of Malaysian SMEs in the Manufacturing Industry

2024-12-20T02:45:21+00:00

This research studies the effects of digital transformation (DT) and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) internationalisation on the Malaysian manufacturing industry. The application of advanced technologies facilitates Malaysian manufacturing SMEs to optimise their processes, enhance productivity, and become active players in the international markets. With digital devices and technologies, such companies have efficiently handled supply chains and engaged consumers, making it easier for them to enter new overseas markets. The overall sample size for this study was 402. A set of research instruments was developed bilingually for English and Bahasa Melayu respondents through a translation procedure. Data were gathered by email and Google Forms, and a random sample method was utilised. The Smart PLS version 4.0 data analysis allowed a thorough assessment of the complex links between DT and SME internationalisation. The significant results, measured by using recognised statistical standards, highlight their major impact on increasing the productivity and competitiveness of Malaysia's manufacturing industry. In conclusion, DT has undeniably proven to be a vital enabler of Malaysia's manufacturing industries’ internationalisation. By embracing advanced technologies and innovative practices, these industries have significantly enhanced their productivity, responsiveness, and competitiveness, positioning themselves as formidable players in the dynamic and challenging international market landscape.

Investigating the Effect of Market Orientation Dimensions on Non-Financial Firm Performance in the Nigerian Fintech Sector

2024-12-30T04:13:13+00:00

This study investigated the effect of the dimensional use of the Market Orientation (MO) model on non-financial performance in the Nigerian Fintech sector. Specifically, this study employed the dimensions of customer orientation, competitor orientation, and inter-functional coordination of the Narver and Slater market orientation model. The Resource-based View Theory underpinned this study. This study employed a descriptive research design, with a population of 2451 employees from Fintech firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. A sample size of 345 employees was obtained using the Yamane formula, while convenience sampling was adopted for the study based on the respondents’ availability and willingness to participate in the study. Data collected was analysed using correlation and regression analysis. The findings revealed that the MO dimension of inter-functional coordination negatively affects the non-financial performance of the selected Fintech firm. In contrast, the other dimensions (customer orientation and competitor orientation) showed positive and significant relationships with non-financial performance. The study, therefore, recommends synergy among the employees and various departments within the Fintech firms under study for efficient and effective dissemination of information to enhance the organisation's overall performance. As the regulator of these Fintech firms, the Central Bank of Nigeria must strongly support the Fintech sector through attainable policies.