Drawing from the social exchange theory, the study extends the merits model of ICTR and examine the correlation of communication, transaction, and relational on relationship quality and e-loyalty towards the online travel agency (OTA). The data for the present study were collected from 190 tourists in Sabah, Malaysia. For our data purification and paths analysis, we employed structural equation modeling using PLS-SEM. The initial analysis of the current framework produces strong nomological validity. The path-coefficient analysis indicates that all dimensions of communication, transaction and relational have strong correlations as reliable antecedents for both trust and satisfaction. Correspondingly, the findings indicate that both of our latent constructs of relationship quality positively influence consumers' sense of e-loyalty towards OTA. The bootstrapping analysis also offers credence on the relationship quality of trust and satisfaction as a significant mediator for e-loyalty. Limitations and recommendations for future research are also discussed and noted.

The present study aims to develop a model illuminating the relationship between student personality traits and motivation towards learning Mandarin as a foreign language. A model framework consisting of five exogenous variables and one endogenous variable of motivation are examined in the present study. Sample of 260 undergraduates taking Mandarin language at public university in East Malaysia was used as respondents for the present work. The path analysis revealed that the big five personality traits significantly influence and explained 52% of the variance in students' motivation. The analysis further indicates that extraversion and conscientiousness produce the strongest correlation with students' motivation. The results inferred that students who enjoy social visibility and self-discipline are also who will be motivated to learn the Mandarin language. Findings also demonstrated that agreeableness positively influence motivation, and neuroticism, as expected, produce negative direct relations with motivation towards learning Mandarin as a foreign language. On the contrary, the present study did not find any correlation between openness and motivation. The implications of this study are also discussed and interpreted within the context of what educators could do to encourage students' motivation.   Keywords: Big five, Extraversion, Mandarin language, Neuroticism, Personality traits.

No abstract

No abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore students’ views of online learning based on a theoretical framework known as Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). It is mainly qualitative in nature alongside some quantitative data. It examines students’ preference for their choice of learning mode for the post-COVID-19 period or when they are in a position to return to the campus when the pandemic situation improves. They are also asked to provide reasons for their preference. The research data was collected at a local university in Malaysia through an interview with 41 respondents. The results of the research show that the majority of the student respondents prefer to have hybrid learning that offers a combination of online and face-to-face sessions followed by fully face-to-face learning mode. No respondent has opted for fully online learning as their preferred choice of learning mode in the near future. In general, the respondents perceive that online learning is creative, innovative, convenient, time-saving and eco-friendly. However, as emerged in the data, in relation to online learning, students have two major concerns, namely additional cost incurred for the high usage of the Internet data and poor/no Internet connection at rural areas. The findings further reveal that institutional support, technology accessibility and COVID-19 concern are the three external factors that have influenced the respondents’ attitude and intention in using online learning in the near future. Higher institutions thus can play an important role in enhancing students’ online learning by upgrading the existing learning management system and the campus Internet connectivity.