Academic Articles in 4th week of Jan 2014

The 4th weekly update of academic articles are here:

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Das, Sanchita Basu. 2014. Is APEC's Relevance Fading? ISEAS Perspective 2014 (03),
http://www.iseas.edu.sg/documents/publication/ISEAS%20Perspective%202014_03%20-%20Is%20APEC's%20Relevance%20Fading.pdf.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- APEC faces both internal and external challenges to its relevance in the Asia-Pacific regional architecture. Its internal challenges arise from conditions such as slow progress in regional integration; diverse membership; soft institutional structure and lack of focused and concrete agendas. Externally, it faces competition from other vehicles for regional economic cooperation like the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), the ASEAN+1 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
- Since APEC and TPP are both trans-Pacific arrangements, it is important to consider whether or not TPP is a consequence of APEC’s limited integration progress. TPP certainly exhibits almost the reverse of APEC’s weaknesses. For instance, it is currently negotiated among a small group of 12 countries, which does not include China. This helps in building up a common ideology and in minimising disagreements, making the institution more robust. Negotiators envision TPP to be a ‘comprehensive and high-quality’ FTA, whose conditions many APEC member economies, including China, may find difficult to comply with.

Huong, Le Thu. 2014. Bumper Harvest in 2013 for Vietnamese Diplomacy. ISEAS Perspective 2014 (04),
http://www.iseas.edu.sg/documents/publication/ISEAS%20Perspective%202014_04%20-%20Bumper%20Harvest%20in%202013%20for%20Vietnamese%20Diplomacy.pdf.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- 2013 was an important year in Vietnam’s foreign relations. Hanoi continued to expand its network of bilateral diplomatic ties, including partnership agreements with almost all its key economic, political and security partners.
- The most important achievement was the elevation of US-Vietnamese relations to the level of comprehensive partnership.
- In multilateral diplomacy, Vietnam continued to play an active role in important global forums, managing to secure a number of successes, including election to the United Nations Human Rights Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
- Recent developments continue to underscore Vietnam’s foreign policy objectives: building a safety net by improving relations with all major powers, especially China and the United States; and expanding its bilateral and multilateral diplomatic networks.

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Tran, Linh, and Pierre Walter. 2014. "Ecotourism, gender and development in northern Vietnam." Annals of Tourism Research no. 44 (0):116-130
DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2013.09.005
Abstract
Community-based Ecotourism is increasingly recognized as a form of sustainable development designed to promote local livelihood, environmental conservation and culture. However, like all development projects, participation and benefits accrued are complicated by contextual factors and social structures, including gender. Using gender analysis tools commonly employed in Gender and Development research, this study investigates women's participation in a community-based ecotourism project in northern Vietnam. Applying Longwe's empowerment framework reveals a more equitable division of labor, increased income, self-confidence and community involvement, and new leadership roles for women. However, inequities of social class, childcare, and violence against women remained outstanding. The study concludes with recommendations for research and practice in community-based ecotourism from a gender perspective. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Njie, Baboucarr, Soaib Asimiran, and Ramli Basri. 2013. "An Exploratory Study of the Free Riding Debacle in a Malaysian University: Students' Perspectives." The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher no. 22 (3):257-262
DOI: 10.1007/s40299-012-0029-x
Abstract
The inherent benefits of group works continue to project it as a prominent means of learning in an era when theory is as important as the practical skills that students develop to cope with the demands of the recruiters. The benefits are, however, shadowed by the downsides of free riding complicated by the social settings, rather innocuous relationships which exist between students and the responsibilities of cooperation of students and lecturers. An exploration of the phenomenon was the thrust of this study with views of six postgraduate students in a Malaysian University sought through interviews. The analysis revealed that strong policies exist which encourage group activities concretized by the adherence on the side of the lecturers on the ground. However, such strong will has not been transformed into a strict workable formula to curtail free riding due to the looseness of forming groups, lack of supervision of group activities, the special bond of group members, and the student workloads. The paper finally advices on the need for more stringent supervisory means in group projects, group formation modalities, and a re-look into the academic workload of students especially those working full time. © 2013 De La Salle University.

Wong, Lung-Hsiang, Ching-Sing Chai, Wenli Chen, and Chee-Kuen Chin. 2013. "Measuring Singaporean Students' Motivation and Strategies of Bilingual Learning." The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher no. 22 (3):263-272.
DOI: 10.1007/s40299-012-0032-2
Abstract
This paper reports a pilot study on the development and validation of the bilingual (Chinese and English) "Motivation and Attitudes for Language Learning Inventory" (MALLI). MALLI is designed to measure secondary school students' learning motivations, and several other factors in the learning of both Chinese and English languages. We adapted relevant subscales from "Motivation and Strategies in Learning Questionnaire" and "Chinese Language Classroom Environment Inventory" to create the MALLI (Chinese) and MALLI (English) versions to investigate the factors with reference to Chinese and English learning respectively. Both instruments contain the same set of items with reference to Chinese and English learning correspondingly. After going through initial validation, the instruments were administered to 318 students from various secondary schools in Singapore. Exploratory Factor Analysis resulted in the selection of 33 items from six identified subscales: intrinsic value, extrinsic goal orientation, self-efficacy, study management, teacher support (TS), and ICT for learning (ICT). To demonstrate how the questionnaire can be applied to compare the students' perceptions related to learning of the two languages, a series of paired t tests was performed on the questionnaire data. It was found that there are significant differences in the students' perceptions on TS and ICT in the learning of both languages. We discussed the implications of the findings at the end of the paper. © 2013 De La Salle University.

Moses, Priscilla, SuLuan Wong, Kamariah Abu Bakar, and Rosnaini Mahmud. 2013. "Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use: Antecedents of Attitude Towards Laptop Use Among Science and Mathematics Teachers in Malaysia." The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher no. 22 (3):293-299
DOI: 10.1007/s40299-012-0054-9
Abstract
Educational institutions are increasingly turning to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to promote the development of a technologically literate nation. In line with this stance, teachers are expected to use ICT tools to facilitate instruction in the classroom. This paper sought to determine the antecedents of attitude towards laptop use among the Science and Mathematics teachers in Malaysian secondary schools. Hereto, the Technology Acceptance Model served as theoretical framework and six hypotheses were put forward. An investigation was carried out among 292 Science teachers and 278 Mathematics teachers in selected schools. Perceived usefulness was shown to be a good predictor of attitude towards laptop use, whereas perceived ease of use did not directly impact teachers' attitude towards laptop use. The findings were found to be similar for both Science and Mathematics teachers. © 2013 De La Salle University.

Chen, Wenli. 2013. "School Leadership in ICT Implementation: Perspectives from Singapore." The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher no. 22 (3):301-311
DOI: 10.1007/s40299-012-0055-8
Abstract
Singapore has implemented two Masterplans for Information Communication Technology (ICT) in education over the last decade. This article examines Singapore teachers' perspectives of how leadership for ICT implementation in schools is distributed among leaders, by means of a survey conducted in 2007. The study found that transformational and instructional leadership are perceived to be distributed among multiple leaders including Principal, Heads of Technology, and Heads of Subject. Heads of Technology are viewed as performing both transformational and instructional leadership activities more frequently than the Principal or the Subject Heads. The transformational leadership and instructional leadership performed have a significant effect on the amount of extra effort teachers put into their use of ICT. © 2012 De La Salle University.

Castro, Belinda V, and Allan B Guzman. 2013. "Proliferation of Shadow Education Institutions (SEI's) in the Philippines: A Time Series Analysis." The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher no. 22 (3):341-345
DOI: 10.1007/s40299-013-0069-x
Abstract
While the issue on the existence of shadow education institutions (SEI's) has only recently been the subject of investigation in studies in various countries worldwide, it is clear that its market is a huge industry in much of Asia and is growing fast elsewhere. Capitalizing on the annual number of SEI's gathered from key government agencies and processed through time series analysis, this paper purports to establish hard data on shadow education proliferation (1980-2011) in the Philippines with a view of providing valuable insights to both business and educational management areas and to policy makers. Trend analysis showed that prior to 1980, the number of SEI's established per year was negligible but has gained momentum from 1996 to 2004. Apparently, variability in the number of SEI's established each year shall depend on certain business regulation policies of the government, the quality of mainstream education in the country, and workplace competition. © 2013 De La Salle University.

Wahab, Norazlina Abd, and Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman. "Determinants of Efficiency of Zakat Institutions in Malaysia: A Non-parametric Approach." Asian Journal of Business and Accounting 6, no. 2 (2013): 33.
http://ajba.um.edu.my/filebank/published_article/5976/AJBA_2[1].pdf
Abstract
Paying zakat is an obligation of the rich Muslims to give a specific amount of their wealth (with certain conditions and requirements) to beneficiaries called al-mustahiqqin with the main objective of the achievement of socioeconomic justice. Zakat institutions are trusted bodies that manage zakat in Muslim countries. In Malaysia, such zakat institutions are State Islamic Religious Councils (SIRCs). The institutions are expected to play a key role in promoting the socio-economic objectives of zakat in Malaysia. Thus, it is of prime importance that these institutions are being managed efficiently. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the efficiency of zakat institutions in Malaysia. This study uses the Malmquist Productivity Index to estimate productivity and efficiency of zakat institutions in Malaysia and the Tobit model to determine the factors affecting efficiency of zakat institutions in Malaysia. The data consists of a panel of fourteen zakat institutions in Malaysia during the period of 2003 to 2007. Our results suggest that Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of zakat institutions in Malaysia increased at an average rate of 2.4 per cent during the study period and is mainly attributed to technical progress rather than efficiency components. The empirical findings based on the Tobit regression suggest that zakat payment system, computerised zakat system, board size, audit committee and decentralisation significantly affect the efficiency of zakat institutions in Malaysia.

Tih, Siohong, and Kean Heng Lee. "Perceptions and Predictors of Consumers' Purchase Intentions for Store Brands: Evidence from Malaysia." Asian Journal of Business and Accounting 6, no. 2 (2013): 105.
http://ajba.um.edu.my/filebank/published_article/5978/AJBA_4[1].pdf
Abstract
This study examines consumers' perceptions of retail store brands and identifies the predictors of purchase intentions for the store brands. To examine the proposed research model, two independent samples are drawn. The first sample consists of 120 responses collected via mall intercept at a famous hypermarket retail chain store, and the second sample consists of 120 responses also collected using the mall intercept method at a supermarket chain store in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Multiple regressions are used to test the hypotheses. There are mixed results in relation to the tested relationships. Perceived value for the money, perceived quality variance, perceived price and perceived risk have a significant impact on consumer purchase intention for the store brand in the hypermarket sample. However, analysis using the supermarket sample indicated that only perceived quality variance has a significant impact on consumer purchase intention for the store brand.

Intarakamhang, Ungsinun, and Narisara Peungposop. "Effective Improvement of Talents Management for Continuing of Managing Government." Asian Social Science 10, no. 1 (2013): p124-137. 
DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n1p124
Abstract
The Talent Management System or the HiPPS (High Performance and Potential System) was developed by the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) for 10 years since 2003 in Thailand. The purposes of this mixed methods research were 1) to develop of the causal relationship models of the effective talent management, 2) to investigate the percent of predict in each group, and 3) to study the current situation and to investigate strategies to improve the talent management to ensure continuity in government administration. The data were collected from five rating-scale questionnaires which the total -item correlation had been.2-.7. and α is.835-.909. The sample size were 109 talents, 96 coaches, and 100 human resource (HR) staffs who are responsible for the HiPPS system. Data was analyzed by LISREL and content analysis from 9-19 key persons in each 5 group such as executives, coaches, talents, HR staffs and former talents groups. The results indicated that 1) the causal relationship model of effective talent management for all groups were consistent with an empirical data at a strong level, 2) the person and work environment factors had positive effect and could be predicted in all groups regarding effective talent management for 48 percent in the talent group, 83 percent in the coaching group and 66 percent in the HR staff group, 3) the person and work environmental factors that influence the effective talent management, found that there are seven factors that impact in a positive way and two factors, such as positive attitudes toward the talent management, and organization commitment were a major factor that impacted directly positive influence on effective talent management, and 4) the problems of the effective talent management were 4.1) the executives didn't understand HiPPS or often change their executives, 4.2) the talents could not rotate as individual development plan and low effective coach system, 4.3) the talent development plan didn't clear and not support from organization. So, strategies of effective improvement should organize for administrative procedure as talent identifying, talent development, talent monitoring and evaluating, talent rewarding and performance management to share knowledge and innovation for continuing of public sector development.

Mahalle, Salwa, Rohani Matzin, Malai Hayati Sheikh Hamid, Masitah Shahrill, and Lawrence Mundia. "Brunei Student Teachers' Selected Personal Attributes, Attitudes to Women and Interpersonal Trust: Brief Psychological Report." Asian Social Science 10, no. 1 (2013): p151-157. 
DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n1p151
Abstract
We report on the findings from three social psychology survey instruments administered to78 randomly selected Brunei student teachers of both genders. Males scored significantly higher than females on the masculinity-femininity dimension of the personal attributes inventory. In addition, mean scores for males were also significantly higher than those of their female counterparts on the equal distribution of labor and equal social roles domains of the attitudes towards women scale. However, there were no significant differences among the participants by teacher training programs and race or ethnicity. These results suggest that men have no prejudices over women. The participants might be able to live and work together peacefully. This is important for promoting social harmony and stability in the Brunei teaching profession where more females than males are increasingly assuming positions of higher responsibility previously held by males. Further mixed-methods research was recommended to gain additional insights.

Sulaiman, Mohamed, Nur Arfifah Abdul Sabian, and Abdul Kadir Othman. "The Understanding of Islamic Management Practices among Muslim Managers in Malaysia." Asian Social Science 10, no. 1 (2013): p189-199. 
DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n1p189
Abstract
Islam is a comprehensive religion which covers every single aspect of human activity. Islam is not a religion that only focuses on the private life of individuals, but also covers and guides humans' interaction and activities in their daily lives. Despite the comprehensiveness of the Islamic teachings, limited studies have been conducted to examine the practice of Islam in the management of business processes in Muslim organizations. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the understanding of Muslim managers regarding Islamic management in their organization. The study utilizes a qualitative research design by means of in-depth interviews with the selected Muslim managers from the prominent Muslim organizations in Malaysia. The findings of this study indicate that Muslim managers in Malaysia have great understanding of Islamic management practices and they have implemented these practices in their organizations. However, there is a great opportunity for improvement in the future with regards to Islamic management practices. The implication of this study is also discussed.

Al-Shami, Sayed Samer Ali, Izaidin Bin Adbul Majid, Nurulizwa Abdul Rashid, and Mohd Syaiful Rizal Bin Abdul Hamid. "Conceptual Framework: The Role of Microfinance on the Wellbeing of Poor People Cases Studies from Malaysia and Yemen." Asian Social Science 10, no. 1 (2013): p230-242. 
DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n1p230
Abstract
The role of microfinance institutions in poverty reduction and wellbeing improvement has attracted the policymakers' attention in the developing countries across the globe as well as Malaysia and Yemen. The underlying logic is that by providing microfinance services, poor will be able to participate in the economic market through forming their small businesses. Consequently, they will be able to generate income and improve their households, self esteem and efficacy. Despite the popularity and apparent success of microfinance, there is no clear evidence that asserts the positive impact of microfinance scheme. Therefore, the aim of this research is to propose a conceptual framework in the role of Malaysian and Yemeni microfinance on the poor' wellbeing. Microfinance servers refer to financial, nonfinancial and social services while the clients' wellbeing refers to the clients' household, micro and small enterprises performance and empowerment. The mixed method is employed to carry out the objective of this research. The cross-sectional survey with the randomized control trait is used for collecting the quantitative data while the regression logistic with chi-squire are used to analysis. In contrast, the semi interview is conducted to collect and analysis qualitative data. The three microfinance institutions of Amanah Ikhtir Malaysia, Yayasan Usaha Maju and Economic Fund for National Entrepreneurs represented Malaysian microfinance while the Al-Amel Bank represented Yemeni microfinance.

Narksuwan, Nakrob, Wisanee Siltragool, and Anchalee Jantapo. "Thai Sikhs: Model of Conservation and Succession of Identity for Peaceful Existence in Thai Society." Asian Social Science 10, no. 1 (2013): p243-249. 
DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n1p243
Abstract
The objectives of this research are to examine the background and important identity of the Thai Sikhs in the Bangkok area, to investigate the current situations and problems of conservation and succession of the Thai Sikh identity in the Bangkok area and to study the model of conservation and succession of Thai Sikh identities so that Thai Sikhs may live peacefully in Thai society. Interviews, observations, group discussion, and workshops among the Thai Sikhs were applied as research methods. The areas of study were Pahurat, Pra Nakorn District, Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Pra Nakorn District, and Im-Amporn Village, Bangkok Yai District. The results indicated that the Thai Sikhs first came to Thailand and worked as patrolmen during the reign of King Rama IV. In the reign of King Rama V, they began to settle down at Baan Mor, Pahurat, Pra Nakorn District, Bangkok. After adjusting to the circumstances, they started selling textiles to earn their livings. When this area became too congested, the Thai Sikhs moved away to other areas around Bangkok. The significant aspects of Thai Sikh identity are the five K symbols, doctrines and ceremonies, Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Sri Guru Singh Sabha Association and Punjabi language. At present, the identity of the Thai Sikhs is still strong and obvious in Thai society. The problems include the fact that their identity may be gradually replaced by modern cultures from other societies and the neglect of the Thai Sikhs. The suggested solutions include giving knowledge and creating activities to inculcate the awareness of identity conservation in the Thai Sikhs, which requires the collaboration of Thai Sikh people and relevant organizations. The model of conservation and succession of identity for peaceful living in Thai society should begin with study of the Thai Sikh context, important aspects of identity and their problems, and objectives of identity conservation and succession. The principles of conservation and succession are inculcating the value awareness of significant aspects of identity, providing knowledge about significant aspects of identity and holding practical activities to boost the conservation of significant aspects of identity, which are aimed at creating a peaceful life for Sikhs in Thai society.

Razali, Asbah, Nur Azah Razali, Che Rozaniza Azizan, and Rajalingam Pillai. "Self-Concept: Differences among Malay Adolescents by Gender." Asian Social Science 10, no. 1 (2013): p265-275. 
DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n1p265
Abstract
This study examines gender differences in self-concept of adolescents in two schools in the district of Mersing, Malaysia. A total of 300 subjects aged 16-year-old (150 boys and 150 girls) were randomly selected as samples. This quantitative descriptive study utilized the Harter Self Perception Profile for Adolescents Scale (1986) to measure self-concept. One-Way ANOVA revealed that self-concept differs between boys and girls in four of the nine sub-scales namely scholastic competence aspects, physical appearance, athletic competence, and moral behavior. Girls were seen higher on scholastic competence and physical appearance while boys were seen higher on athletic competence and moral behavior sub-scales. These findings could be interpreted as gender stereotyping in some of the self-concept dimensions. The findings also supports Harter Self Perception Theory (1989) which stated that assessment made by other individuals will help adolescents to identify their own ability level.

Pattanajureepan, Pantep, Chaiyuth Sirisuthi, and Subunn Ieamvijarn. "Development of Risk Management System in Private School General Education." Asian Social Science 10, no. 1 (2013): p276-282. 
DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n1p276
Abstract
The study aimed to; study current situations and problem, develop the appropriated system, and evaluate the outputs of risk management in/for private school, general education, Thailand. The research designed into three phases based on the objectives of the study and research and development (R&D) was employed. The questionnaires, semi-structured interview forms, and evaluation forms were used as research tools and percentage, means, and standard deviation (SD) were selected for statistical analysis tools. Moreover, Multi-Attribute Consensus Reading (MACR) was employed for pre-system implementation. The research finding showed that-the current situations and problems in risk management in private school today Thailand viewed by four aspects included strategic, operational, financial, and compliance. In the risk management processes divided into five steps consisted of determining the objectives, investigation, assessment, administration, and monitoring and evaluation. The appropriated risk management system was developed with five major factors and 22 sub-factors for inputs. The feedbacks of the developed risk management system implementation showed that the private school administrators and teachers comprehensive aware of risk management in high level. The developed system help to decrease and be able to manage the risks. This results of implementation of the developed risk management system was satisfied by school administration and teachers in high satisfaction.

Srisaenpang, Charoen, Chaiyuth Sirisuthi, and Subunn Ieamvijarn. "The Development of Risk Management System in Primary Schools." Asian Social Science 10, no. 1 (2013): p43-50. 
DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n1p43
Abstract
This research aimed to; study the risk management and its process, develop the appropriate risk management system, and figure out the system implemented outcomes in Primary Schools in Northern Part of Thailand. The study was Research and Development (R&D) in nature. The study designed into three phases; investigating the current situations and problems of risk management was designed in the first phase.The risk system development and its implementation were designed the second and third phase. The research tools comprised of focused group discussion forms, semi-structure interview forms, and assessment forms. Percentage, Means, and Standard Deviation (SD) were used as statistic analysis tools. The results showed that; there are four aspects of risks management were employed to view the risk in primary school included strategic, operational, financial, and compliance aspects. Five steps of risk management process included; communication and awareness, identification, risk analysis and assessment, planning and management, and monitoring and evaluation of the risk were found. Based on the Multi-Attributed Consensus Reading (MACR), showed that the developed risk system management was appropriated to apply in primary schools. The implementation outcomes which feedbacks by the implementers showed high performance of staffs, high standard of operational risk management, high quality of works, and high rank of satisfaction by the implementers.

Tait, Kathleen, and Lawrence Mundia. "A Comparison of Brunei and Hong Kong-SAR Student Teachers' Self-efficacy in Implementing Inclusive Education Practices: Implications for Teacher Education." Asian Social Science 10, no. 1 (2013): p51-60. 
DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n1p51
Abstract
The survey compared the scores of 159 (118 females) randomly selected Brunei and Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region) student teachers on the New General Self-efficacy Scale (NGSS); Self-efficacy in Implementing Inclusive Practices Scale (SIIPS); Sentiments, Attitudes and Concerns about Inclusive Education Scale (SACIES); and Inclusive Classroom Setting Scale (ICSS). The scales were reliable and valid for use with participants in both countries. Females scored significantly higher on NGSS than male counterparts. In addition, Brunei participants scored significantly higher on NGSS and SACIES than Hong Kong peers. Furthermore, the samples' scores differed significantly on NGSS and SACIES by participants' educational level with A-Level trainees scoring highest. Moreover, the majority of the participants generally scored high on all the scales. However, Two-Way ANOVA revealed only one independent variable (ICSS) with a significant main effect on SIIPS, the dependent variable. Also only one lower-order interaction variable (gender and educational level) had a significant joint effect on the dependent variable, SIIPS. Overall, the results indicate a need to increase self-efficacy in males and Hong Kong students. Extra attention and interventions ought to be directed to SACIES and ICSS variables. Mixed-methods research was recommended to gain more comprehensive insights.

Hassan, Hasliza, Abu Bakar Sade, and Muhammad Sabbir Rahman. "Self-service Technology for Hypermarket Checkout Stations." Asian Social Science10, no. 1 (2013): p61-65. 
DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n1p61
Abstract
The self-service technology innovation in hypermarket retailing has led to the shopping activity being served by the shopper themselves without relying on any service provider. However, this concept is still not implemented in Malaysia where the self-service concept is still supported by the service provider at the checkout station. This paper is suggesting that a new innovation should be implemented in the Malaysian hypermarket retailing industry by adopting self-service technology at the hypermarket checkout station. This research is developed based on observation conducted at various hypermarket retailing outlets within Malaysia. The findings from the general literature reviews are also gathered to strengthen the existing idea. The focus of this research is on the hypermarket retailing industry within Malaysia, especially in urban areas. Due to the modernization of the shopping trend, it is suggested that the timing might be right to explore implementing the concept of entirely self-service at hypermarkets in Malaysia to enhance the flow efficiency and effectiveness of the checkout operations. It is strongly believed that the introduction of this completely self-service shopping experience will be highly adopted, especially by the young generation in urban areas. This research explores the opportunity to enhance hypermarket retailing operations by upgrading the existing manual checkout station into self-service checkout stations using modern technology. It is expected that the idea for a totally self-service checkout system could be implemented in practice through the robust findings from this research.

Subramaniam, Indra Devi, Tanusia Arumugam, and Abu Baker Almintisir Abu Baker Akeel. "Demographic and Family Related Barriers on Women Managers' Career Development." Asian Social Science 10, no. 1 (2013): p86-94. 
DOI: 10.5539/ass.v10n1p86
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of demographic variables and family related barriers on women managers' career development in government-linked companies in Malaysia. A theoretical framework was developed based on review of literature and two main hypotheses and five sub-hypotheses were proposed to be tested. A correlation study was used in this study based on quantitative research approach. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. A sample of 466 of women managers collected from Malaysian government-linked companies. The results showed that job level, age, marital status, highest education qualification and family related barriers have significant relationship with women managers' career development.

Pieri, Zacharias P, Mark Woodward, Mariani Yahya, IbrahimHaruna Hassan, and Inayah Rohmaniyah. 2014. "Commanding good and prohibiting evil in contemporary Islam: cases from Britain, Nigeria, and Southeast Asia." Contemporary Islam no. 8 (1):37-55
DOI: 10.1007/s11562-013-0256-9
Abstract
This paper examines the concept of (public) sin as well as efforts to counteract sin from the perspective of Islam. The understanding that hisba, the prohibition of vice and enjoining of virtues, are a responsibility of both the state and the community is common in historical and contemporary Muslim societies. Where the state cannot or does not provide means for countering (public) sin, the perception for some Muslims is that the responsibility on the community and individuals to do so increases. Based on ethnographic research in Britain, Nigeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, the paper highlights examples of how sin has been defined amongst Muslim communities as well as the methods and rationales given to justify the forbidding of sin as a collective and communal public obligation. As the world becomes more integrated, there is growing concern amongst Muslim communities that sin is becoming the norm, leading society to degeneracy, that people who would not have otherwise sinned are influenced to do so. Common features in forbidding sin across Muslim communities have appeared, often focusing on what are seen as moral issues such as dress codes, music, gambling, alcohol, smoking, and the mixing of men and women in public. The forbidding of sin has resulted in attempts to introduce "Shari'a Zones" in some predominantly Muslim areas of London, whilst in Indonesia, this has given rise to the Islamic Defenders Front and in some Northern Nigerian states to the reintroduction of the criminal codes of the Shari'a. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

Phoochinda, Wisakha. 2014. "Application of the Eco-Industrial concept to community environmantal management." Environment, Development and Sustainability no. 16 (1):141-158
DOI: 10.1007/s10668-013-9467-8
Abstract
This study is aimed at studying the feasibility of applying the Eco-Industrial concept to community environmental management and then investigating factors and appropriate means. In-depth interviewing of scholars and authorities and surveying of five sample communities representing the four different regions in Thailand is carried out to search for the feasibility of applying the concept. The results show that it is feasible, especially in rural areas, where dependence on the local resources and the community members in doing activities in the communities in accordance with the ecological context still exists. Factors and conditions involved in applying the concept include analysis of resources, participation of the people, community leaders, formulation of community development plans, good communication, sharing of knowledge, and provision of appropriate support to create network of communities. The appropriate means of applying the concept to community environmental management entails promoting involvement in the part of the local people and sustainability in the cooperation, with appropriate channels of communication and under the guidance of the leaders, who are the community's central figures with the determination and ability to motivate and navigate the people in the community. Importantly, there must be analysis on the economic, social, environmental, and health benefits resulting from such application. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

Vithessonthi, Chaiporn. 2014. "Monetary policy and the first- and second-moment exchange rate change during the global financial crisis: Evidence from Thailand." Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money no. 29:170-194
DOI: 10.1016/j.intfin.2013.12.006
Abstract
Using a sample of monetary policy announcements in Thailand over the period 2003-2011, I show that a monetary policy surprise tends to affect the return and volatility of the Thai baht. In the full sample, a 1% unexpected increase in the policy rate leads to an about 1.8% depreciation of the baht against the Japanese yen. During periods of high interest rate differentials, an unexpected increase in the policy rate leads to a substantial depreciation of the baht against the US dollar (about 1%) and the British pound (about 2.6%). While Thai monetary policy surprises have no effect on the baht against the dollar in the spot market, they have a significant effect on the baht against the dollar in the forwards market. During the non-financial crisis period, an unexpected increase in the policy rate on average results in a large depreciation of the baht/dollar forward rates: 6.6% and 13.7% for two-month and three-month forward rates, respectively. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Lee, S.-S., Hung, D., Teh, L.W. 2013. Moving Singapore from great to excellent: How educational research informs this shift KEDI Journal of Educational Policy, 10 (2), pp. 267-291. 
http://eng.kedi.re.kr/khome/eng/kjep/pubList.do
Abstract
The McKinsey report on how the world's most improved school systems keep getting better evaluated Singapore as a "great" system (Mourshed, Chijioke, & Barber, 2010). While the report identifies factors, such as high quality teachers, that enable high-performing systems to do well, it does not provide suggestions on how countries can shift from "great" to "excellent." This paper takes a systemic, ecological view to discuss how educational research invested in five levels of the education system- the history and society; cross systems; whole system; school; and classroom levels-can yield research findings that may inform Singapore on how to make this shift. Three areas of change are proposed to help Singapore's efforts towards excellence - 1) a more balanced teacher-centric and student-centric pedagogy, 2) improving the performance of lower achieving students, and 3) greater diversity of talent recognition beyond academic achievements. © Korean Educational Development Institute 2013.

Yang, Lu, and Shigeyuki Hamori. 2014. "Spillover effect of US monetary policy to ASEAN stock markets: Evidence from Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand." Pacific-Basin Finance Journal no. 26 :145-155
DOI: 10.1016/j.pacfin.2013.12.003
Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the spillover effect from US monetary policy to selected ASEAN stock markets by employing Markov-switching models. Based on univariate Markov-switching models, we confirm the existence of two distinct regimes for both US monetary policy and the stock markets. By applying multivariate Markov-switching models, we find that US interest rates have a negative effect on the selected ASEAN stock markets during economic expansion periods. However, this kind of effect disappears during economic crisis periods. Our empirical results indicate that the spillover effect from US monetary policy influences the ASEAN stock markets only during the tranquil period. These results have important implications for the transmission mechanisms of asset price, such as the credit channel, trade channel, and balance sheet channel. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Duganne, Erina. 2013. "The Photographic Legacy of Lyndon Baines Johnson." Photography and Culture no. 6 (3):303-323
DOI: 10.2752/175145213X13735390913241
Abstract
In this essay, I take up the question of why, despite Lyndon Baines Johnson's great interest in photography, his determination to harness the medium to sway public perceptions about his presidency could only be realized retrospectively. As part of this investigation, I first consider how Johnson sought to use photography to shape the historical legacy of his presidency and the extent to which his preoccupation with his outward appearance as well as his desire to conduct his governance in private influenced and even impeded that photographic legacy. To further come to terms with the limitations of Johnson's approach to the photography of his presidency, I then turn to two iconic photographs that are frequently evoked when thinking historically about Johnson's presidency. I argue that their historical significance depends less on their representation of Johnson and more on their role in constructing a collective sense of American public identity, especially in relation to the Vietnam War, one of the most contentious aspects of Johnson's presidency. © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2013.

Hwang, Jo-Hee, and Seung-Hoon Yoo. 2014. "Energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and economic growth: evidence from Indonesia." Quality & Quantity no. 48 (1):63-73
DOI: 10.1007/s11135-012-9749-5
Abstract
Energy policy-makers in Indonesia are interested in the causal relationship between energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and economic growth. Therefore, this paper attempts to analyze the short- and long-run causality issues between energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and economic growth in Indonesia using time-series techniques. To this end, annual data covering the period 1965-2006 are employed and tests for unit roots, co-integration, and Granger-causality based on an error-correction model are applied. The results show that there is a bi-directional causality between energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This means that an increase in energy consumption directly affects CO2 emissions and that CO2 emissions also stimulate further energy consumption. In addition, the results support the occurrence of uni-directional causality running from economic growth to energy consumption and to CO2 emissions without any feedback effects. Thus, energy conservation and/or CO2 emissions reduction policies can be initiated without the consequent destructive economic side effects. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.