No description available.

published_or_final_version / Business Administration / Master / Master of Business Administration

published_or_final_version / English / Master / Master of Arts

published_or_final_version / Asian Studies / Master / Master of Arts

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

This study investigates how waqf officers in two State Religious Councils (SRCs) in Malaysia undertake their responsibilities and duties of accountability to inform and improve the management of waqf properties for the benefit of beneficiaries and the public. The thesis uses the concept of holistic accountability by O'Dwyer & Unerman (2008) to conceptualise the relationship between waqf officers (accountors) and waqf stakeholders (accountees). Two key components of holistic accountability are identified, i.e., hierarchical upward and downward accountability. The religious setting of waqf presents an opportunity to examine how Islamic values influence the way holistic accountability is enacted and experienced. The thesis uses the concept of felt accountability to assess the extent to which this occurs. Semi-structured interviews are employed to understand the waqf officers' perception of the extent to which they discharge their responsibilities and duties of accountability. This data collection method is complemented by non-participant observation and documentary analysis. The study finds that Islamic values, such as belief in the Day of Judgement, encourage the officers to undertake their responsibility and duty of accountability in a proactive and creative way. This is explained in the thesis as felt accountability, an individualised . perception of accountability that provides a powerful motivation for waqf officers to discharge their downward accountability. However, the study also finds that the impact of felt accountability on holistic accountability is influenced by the organisational Structure of the SRC. Hierarchical structures may constrain officers' felt accountability whilst decentralised structures may offer too much flexibility to waqf officers.

The advance in information technology has encouraged many countries to develop diverse methods of delivering information and communicating. The enhancement of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has made it possible to deliver information and communication more rapidly and conveniently. Many emerging economies have taken advantage of ICT, including it in its development agenda. The development of ICT has had an impact on the provision of retail payment systems and its instruments. One of the main instruments, electronic money, promises to benefit the users with all the advantages of traditional notes and coins, and much more. Many countries have established or are considering the establishment of a regulatory framework of electronic money with its mass use in view. This volume examines the regulatory framework of electronic money, which some emerging economies have already established. It analyses the challenges faced in implementing laws and regulations for an evolving payment instrument where the regulatory framework may quickly become obsolete. The continuing development of electronic money with additional features and functions may invoke legislation leading to cross-regulatory functions among the authorities. The thesis is that the success of implementing the regulatory framework for electronic money will depend on the sound and effective coordination among relevant authorities. The role of the central bank and its relation to relevant authorities will be closely examined, because the central bank is often responsible for the development of payment systems, both wholesale and retail, especially in emerging economies, and plays a key role in its regulation. The use of a Memorandum of Understanding is proposed to ensure effective coordination and cooperation among relevant authorities. Malaysia will be used as the case study as the government has been enthusiastic in adopting electronic money, being involved in its development, implementation and regulation, which may not always be appropriate. Analysis in this thesis will be based on information as of 1 September 2004. The first three chapters of this volume will discuss the enhancement of ICT in emerging economies and the efforts taken to develop retail payment systems in consonant with ICT. Evaluation will be made on the relationship between ICT and the need to modernise the retail payment, which includes developing its regulatory framework. Analysis will then be made specifically on electronic money, focusing on stored-valued products. The overall development on stored-valued cards and why the acceptance of this product was initially slow will be examined, and then the underlying regulatory structure that may affect this is assessed. The last two chapters will focus on Malaysia. Analysis will be made on the approach taken in developing electronic money and its regulatory framework. The roles and functions of the relevant authorities involved will be critically examined, leading to a proposal to execute a Memorandum of Understanding among the authorities as a mechanism of ensuring the effective coordination and cooperation between the parties.