IIUM Journal of Case Studies in Management

Complete Set of the Journal

Suhaimi Mhd Sarif — 2024-01-29

There are 15 cases listed in this Volume 15 Number 1 January 2024

Editorial Note

Suhaimi Mhd Sarif — 2024-01-29

The primary theme of the issue is “Community-centric enterprises with Sejahtera principles.” This issue provides an opportunity to analyse the integration of community-oriented ideals across various backgrounds and sectors. The editorial seeks to bring together insights from these scenarios, enabling readers an in-depth perspective on the implementation of these concepts across numerous contexts.

These lessons, encompassing technological advancements, social entrepreneurship, volunteer management, and labour rights, collectively demonstrate the importance and relevance of Sejahtera principles in multiple industries. Each narrative provides a distinct viewpoint on how organisations and businesses could apply these concepts to promote the well-being of the community, implement sustainable practices, and achieve comprehensive growth. This editorial seeks to motivate readers to adopt these principles in their endeavours, so making a positive impact on a world that is characterised by more harmony, longevity, and fairness.

Sejahtera Ulu al-albab with 5S at Senyum Printing Enterprise

Fikri Wahid — 2024-01-29

Senyum Printing Enterprise, under the leadership of Encik Asri, exemplifies the transformative power of the 5S methodology in lean management. Over two decades, Senyum evolved from traditional offset printing to adopting a digital-focused approach, adapting to changing technologies and consumer demands. Encik Asri's leadership effectively embraced the 5S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain), fostering an environment of efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement. This case study explores how Senyum balanced traditional and digital printing methods, adopted eco-friendly practices, confronted online competition, and diversified its services. Encik Asri's approach not only ensured business resilience during economic fluctuations but also instilled a culture of 'sejahtera ulu al-albab'—a state of well-being and wisdom—reflecting a holistic approach to business and personal growth.

5S Brew at Kafe Kawan

Fikri Wahid — 2024-01-29

The 5S Brew at Kafe Kawan tells the inspiring story of Wan Ali, a dedicated employee at a Japanese multinational in Malaysia, who embarked on a transformative journey in Japan. This narrative explores his discovery of the 5S concept - Seiri, Seiton, Seis?, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke - and its profound alignment with Islamic values of orderliness, cleanliness, and discipline. Upon returning to Malaysia, Wan Ali's newfound insights and unwavering dedication led him to establish Kafe Kawan in Ipoh, Perak. The cafe becomes a symbol of quality management and ethical practice, blending 5S principles with the warmth of Malaysian hospitality and Islamic ethics. It emerges as a community beacon, illustrating the powerful impact of integrating cultural and ethical values in business, transcending cultural and industrial boundaries, and creating a thriving, meaningful enterprise.

Nurturing Entrepreneurial Excellence: The Transformative Journey Of Entrepreneurship Week (Entrepweek)

Fatin Husna Suib — 2024-01-29

Entrepreneurship Week (EntrepWeek) at the Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences (KENMS), International Islamic University Malaysia, has undergone a transformative journey from its origins as a physical bazaar in 2013 to a hybrid model. Organized by collaborative efforts, the event empowers KENMS entrepreneurship students through practical showcases, real-time learning modules, and solutions to employability challenges. Utilizing a digital presence on various platforms, the program spans 14 weeks, integrating digital business training, online and physical bazaars, and a business pitching competition. Training modules cover essential entrepreneurial skills, and strategic partnerships with industry experts enhance students' learning experiences. Beyond the university, EntrepWeek reaches external entrepreneurs through flagship programs, contributing to RM 1.6 million in student sales and gaining recognition through awards. This initiative actively supports Sustainable Development Goals 4, 8, and 9, emphasizing quality education, decent work and economic growth, and innovation. EntrepWeek stands as a dynamic initiative fostering entrepreneurship and making a multifaceted impact on education, economic growth, and innovation.

Navigating Post-Graduation Crossroads: Seeking Employment or Continuing Education

Dien Muhammad Alfaen — 2024-01-29

Hasan Syamsuddin, a native Indonesian, a recent graduate of a public university in Malaysia, faced a pivotal juncture post-graduation: choosing between entering the workforce or pursuing further education. His journey encompassed profound introspection and exploration. Returning to Malaysia for convocation, Hasan reflected on his undergraduate years, contemplating the crossroads between political science and entrepreneurship. He navigates the complexities of dual aspirations – a global career in international relations or entrepreneurial pursuits aligned with his passion for arts and crafts. Amid burnout and rest, Hasan proactively sought opportunities, delving into internships, volunteers and entrepreneurial endeavors. The weight of responsibility as a firstborn intensified the pressure to decide on a path shaping his professional trajectory. Hasan's intricate preparations and scholarship applications for Romania, the US, and the UK showcased his unwavering commitment to learn about and contribute towards global change in international relations.

Changing a major

Muhammad Farhan Fakhruddin — 2024-01-29

Pursuing a degree programme of one’s childhood dream and blessed by one’s parents could not guarantee that the person will be able to complete his studies. The case walks the readers through the experience of Hasan who completed his matriculation studies and enrolled into MBBS (medical) programme of a public university in Malaysia. Hasan realized that there was a misfit between his aptitude and the nature of medical studies when he was in his second year. The case chronicled Hasan’s actions and reactions in coping with his poor academic performance, fulfilment of his parents’ wish, his lack of concentration and inability to digest his courses, changing to another academic discipline with his current university, or withdrawing from his university and making a new application to other public and private universities. There are compelling lessons that students, instructors, university authorities and parents could generate and contemplate after going through Hassan academic adventure.

Recruiting the Case Writers

Yusof Ismail — 2024-01-29

Case writing is a different art, the art of sharing the real-life situations through written cases. Readers of the case will be able to learn about the issue(s) and people contained in the case without having to be in the organization and interacting with the relevant people. Problem-solving or decision-making case study requires the reader to understand the scenario and respond to the guided questions. In this case study, Yasin Yahya, approached his peers and former students to write case studies independently or jointly. He adopted a few methods to encourage his targets to understand the basic characteristics of problem-solving case studies and start writing. He would be serving as a resource person, coach, and editor for each case. His efforts for a few months do not show positive outcomes. Being a new learning tool, even experience instructors need time to try. Readers are asked to evaluate which among the four methods Yasin used might be able to help his peers produce case studies for teaching purposes.

Stone Hotel and the fight over minimum wages

Fikri Wahid — 2024-01-29

This case study examines at how Ahmad, a hotel worker, changed over the course of his life while the hospitality business and labour laws in Malaysia changed. At first, Ahmad's family lived a simple life, like many others in their coastal town. They made a living by fishing and working in other nearby industries. But commercial and tourism growth pushed by the government drove them to move, which put Ahmad into the growing hotel business. Ahmad's job at Stone Hotel is very different from what he used to do for a living, which shows that he can adapt to new situations. Ahmad worked hard, but his pay stayed the same. He joined a trade union to try to get better working conditions and pay. This action started a big argument about how to read the Minimum Wages (Amendment) Order 2012, mainly about whether or not service charges should be counted towards the minimum wage. The fights between the union and the hotel, as well as the later court cases, show how complicated labour laws and collective bargaining can be. The court's decisions against the hotel's pay practises made it clear how important fair pay is and set a standard for how labour law should be applied. Ahmad's story shows how group action and legal actions can change fair labour practises and is a microcosm of the larger fight for worker rights in Malaysia.

Keywords: Minimum Wages; Collective Agreements; Industrial Relations; Conciliation

The Contents of Indonesian Muslim Academics’ Psychological Contract

Yayan Firmansah — 2024-01-29

This case study describes the dynamics of psychological contracts within the academic environment, with a focused examination on the experiences of academics at the University of Darussalam Gontor. Eight distinct psychological contracts emerge, encompassing appropriate compensation, fair distribution of workload, flexible working hours, attention from the university, organisational support, clear systems and rules, quick movement, and good culture. Each represents a unique set of expectations and obligations. Additionally, the study sheds light on the development of these contracts, highlighting how prior experiences, interactions within the university, institutional policies, and organizational culture collectively shape and influence academics’ perceptions of their roles and responsibilities. The findings provide invaluable insights into the nuanced interplay between individual expectations and institutional obligations, offering a deeper understanding of the factors that underpin a thriving academic community. Moreover, this study serves as a foundation for fostering an environment that supports the holistic development of both academics and the institution.