This study was carried out to determine the relationships between supervision and teachers’ performance and attitude in secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This is a quantitative study where the 5-point Likert-type-scale questionnaire was used to analyze data using descriptive and inferential statistics. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents. This study entailed respondents from various schools in one of the districts in Kuala Lumpur which comprises 200 teachers and 50 supervisors. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the status of supervision practices, teachers’ attitude toward supervision, and teachers’ level of performance after supervision. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the relationships between supervision (supervisory practices–directive, collaborative, and nondirective approach) and teachers’ performance and attitude. The current status of supervisory practices, teachers’ attitude toward supervision, and teachers’ performance after supervision is found at moderate level in secondary schools in Malaysia. As a whole, supervisory practices are not correlated with teachers’ performance and attitude. But worthy to mention, directive supervision is positively and significantly related to teachers’ performance and attitude. This study result will benefit the policy makers, school supervisors and headmasters to choose the right kind of supervisory practices which can contribute to better teaching performance.

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Purpose This study aims to gain the perception of Selangor’s disadvantaged women on the Shariah (Islamic law) rules on two micro-equity financing instruments, namely, mudarabah (profit sharing) and musharakah (profit-and-loss sharing) (M&M). Design/methodology/approach A survey was carried out in the rural area of Selangor district in Malaysia by administering a self-generated structured questionnaire. A total of 330 completed questionnaires were retrieved from the members of an Islamic microfinance institution (IsMFI), namely, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM). The data were analysed by using structural equation modelling. Findings The female borrowers of AIM perceive the Shariah rules of M&M requiring high moral and ethical values and diligent repayment performance. They are aware of some other underlying provisions such as business liquidation, share transfer, information discloser and business termination. The overall findings of this study suggest that the perceived Shariah rules are akin to those that are commonly used in general partnership businesses between Muslims. It also indicates that disadvantaged entrepreneurs would accept the rules that are easy to comprehend as well as favourable to their interests. It further suggests that respondents’ experiences of microfinance and business operation do not have a significant influence on their perception of M&M instruments. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to Selangor. So, the perception of Muslim women surveyed may not represent the views of all women in Malaysia. However, it can offer a primary understanding of the said issue. Practical implications The findings of this study can help IsMIFs take initiatives to offer M&M as micro-equity finance to poor women entrepreneurs. Originality/value So far, limited studies have been carried out on M&M-based microfinancing. This paper offers new insights presenting disadvantaged women entrepreneurs’ perception of these financing instruments.

This study attempts to find the impact of teacher-gender on primary student achievement. The quantitative method of research was used for this study. This study, first in its nature in Malaysia, uses test scores of primary grades for five consecutive years which is obtained from a school in Kuala Lumpur. This study engages a total of 1 school, 20 classes, 30 teachers and 604 students. The overall finding in this study is that women are slightly better to teach in primary when the test scores are analyzed. Although there are some differences in the breakdown analysis, the combined result analysis do not find strong evidence to claim whether students have to be taught by teachers of same or alternative gender. The findings of this study provide important information for the policy makers and especially for the primary teachers' recruiters in primary schools of Malaysia.

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