IMU University Learning Resources Repository

IMU University Learning Resources Repository (LRR) Database is a digital collection of the university’s intellectual output, which aims to provide a single place to access and view the breadth and scope of the intellectual work of IMU University. It comprises works of IMU University faculty members and students. This includes theses, research projects, community project reports, portfolios, papers written by faculties, etc.


Recent Submissions

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THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL METRICS ON THE FIRM VALUE OF HEALTHCARE COMPANIES LISTED ON BURSA MALAYSIA: A FINANCIAL ECONOMETRICS APPROACH
(IMU University, 2025)
SHUN KAH JUN
This study investigates the relationship between key financial metrics and firm value, focusing on profitability, liquidity, and capital structure within the context of healthcare companies listed on Bursa Malaysia. This study aims to address a gap in the literature, where research on the healthcare sector in emerging markets, particularly Malaysia, remains limited. Using a quantitative approach, a firm-level panel data comprising of 160 firm annual observations from 2014 to 2023 were analysed. The study employed fixed effects panel regression models to examine the direct effects of financial metrics indicator on firm value, as well as the interaction effects among them. Firm size and firm age were incorporated as control variables to ensure a comprehensive analysis. The findings reveal that profitability, measured by Return on Equity (ROE), has a significant and positive association with firm value, supporting the premise that strong earnings performance enhances market valuation. Liquidity, proxied by the Current Ratio (CR), exhibits a negative relationship with firm value, suggesting that excess liquidity may reflect inefficient capital allocation or conservative financial management. In contrast, capital structure, represented by the Debt Ratio (DR), does not have a statistically significant effect on firm value, indicating that leverage may be less influential in this context. Notably, the three-way interaction between profitability, liquidity, and capital structure is found to be significant and negative, implying that simultaneous increases in these metrics may result in diminishing returns due to compounded inefficiencies. This study contributes to the financial literature by offering sector-specific evidence from Malaysia’s healthcare industry and underscores the importance of adopting integrated financial strategies. The findings provide valuable insights for corporate managers, investors, and policymakers aiming to enhance firm valuation through informed financial decision-making. Future research should expand to other sectors and incorporate qualitative factors to provide a more comprehensive understanding of firm value determinants. Keywords: Firm Value, Profitability, Liquidity, Capital Structure, Healthcare Companies
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FACTORS INFLUENCING THE INTENTION TO USE PRIVATE HEALTHCARE DENTAL SERVICES AMONG EXPECTANT MOTHERS IN MALAYSIA: COST OF DENTAL SERVICES AS A MODERATOR
(IMU University, 2025)
ANUSHA A/P S. VILVARAJAH
Oral health is an essential component of a woman’s general health and has a significant effect on maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity; nevertheless, it is not adequately addressed among expectant mothers, particularly in the private health care sector in Malaysia. The research investigates the present dental service intention plans of expectant women who received care at private health facilities in Malaysia. The study investigates both the determinants of dental care service intentions and the role of cost as a moderating factor in these intentions. Using a cross-sectional quantitative study and purposive sampling, 385 pregnant women were involved using a structured self-administered questionnaire on demographic data, dental care knowledge, attitude, education on dental disease, and cost perception. The results showed that there was lack of awareness and revealed that factors such as misconceptions on safety, cost, and access to health care were major barriers. The results of this study further support the need for specific educational interventions and present recommendations for health care providers and policymakers on how to improve oral health care intention among this population, which will in turn improve the health of the expectant mother.
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DRIVERS OF BEHAVIOURAL INTENTION ON THE ACTUAL USAGE OF E-PAYMENT AT PRIMARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES
(IMU University, 2024)
LING HO WAH
This research study is primarily focused on the analysis of the determinants that affect behavioral intentions related to the actual implementation of electronic payment (e-payment) systems within the realm of primary healthcare services. The objective of this research is to assess the impact of behavioral intentions on the practical execution of e-payment mechanisms in primary healthcare environments. This investigation rigorously examines the influence of behavioral intentions on the actual adoption of electronic payment systems within primary healthcare institutions in Malaysia, with a specific emphasis on the regions of Penang and Selangor. It employs a cross-sectional research design, involving 431 carefully selected respondents from ten primary healthcare facilities located within these two states. This document analyzes how perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived value-added, patients' behavioral intention, and the actual usage of e-payment in primary healthcare facilities. This study holds substantial relevance for scholars, consumers, and providers engaged in electronic payment systems, as it elucidates that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived value addition constitute three of the three pivotal factors influencing patients' behavioral intentions regarding the actual utilization of electronic payment methods in primary healthcare services. A restricted array of academic inquiries has attempted to clarify which elements influence the adoption of electronic payment systems about their actual application, particularly from the standpoint of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and the Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT). Conversely, a plethora of researchers have focused on exploring the correlation between security and consumer trust concerning adoption intentions. Accordingly, this exploration seeks to augment the existing literature by clarifying the three aspects that govern both the intention to accept and the real application of e-payment systems in Penang and Selangor.
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ROBOTICS INTEGRATION IN PRIVATE HEALTHCARE PHARMACIES: PERCEPTION, ACCEPTABILITY, AND EXPERIENCES AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND MANAGEMENT
(IMU University, 2024)
EVERESTER FRANCISSCA PETERS A/P CLARENCE PETERS
The integration of robotics in private healthcare pharmacies is the subject of this qualitative study, which looks at management's and healthcare professionals' perspectives, acceptability, and experiences. Key topics identified by the research include concerns, perceived benefits, generational and knowledge gaps, and widespread acceptance. This study uses phenomenology to explore the firsthand experiences of healthcare professionals and management regarding the integration of robotics in private healthcare pharmacies in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Focusing on private hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, 11 respondents from nursing, medical, pharmacy, and management roles were selected. Participants interviewed individually to uncover insights that inform implementation strategies and address concerns. The results show that although robotic systems are thought to be helpful for improving efficiency, reducing effort, and ensuring patient safety, there are numerous concerns over cost, job security, and technical difficulties. Successful integration requires thorough and ongoing training, strong support networks, and efficient feedback mechanisms. The study emphasizes the general benefits of robots for efficiency and care quality, and it offers suggestions for strengthening assistance and training to improve the integration process in private healthcare pharmacies.
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ENGINEERING SURFACE-CHARGED CARBON QUANTUM DOTS FOR ENAMEL CRYSTAL MODIFICATION AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTION: AN IN VITRO NANOMATERIALS STUDY
(IMU University, 2025)
Umer Daood
Objectives: To fabricate carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and evaluate its effects on structure and crystal orientation and mechanical, and antibacterial properties of enamel. Materials and Methods: Enamel specimens of 4 mm x 4 mm x 3 mm were cut from extracted teeth. study. CQDs were prepared using ammonium citrate and sodium hydroxide solution dialysed in deionised water. After microwave reaction, Teflon tubes were left in machine for 30 minutes to cool. Enamel block specimens were divided into 4 groups (salineS, *CQD0.1%-, **CQD0.2%-, ***CQD0.3%-, and *****CQD0.5%-) in each of the treatment solutions, soaking for about 2 weeks. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) was performed on enamel to determine density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and zeta potentials (ζ) were performed for CQDs. After modification, enamel was evaluated using Raman mapping, TEM, and Xray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Mechanical and antibacterial properties were evaluated using atomic force microscopy and TEM/SEM. For statistical analysis, null hypothesis was set at p<0.05 probability level. Results: Discrepancies in peak position between experimental and theoretical XRD diffraction patterns are due to differences in calculated parameters of ***CQD0.3%- and ***CQD0.5%- groups bringing conformational changes. Zeta potential values were least for salineS and maximum for *****CQD0.5%-. **CQD0.2%- group exhibited reduced v₁PO₄³⁻ intensity, with *****CQD0.5%- demonstrating the highest. The groups, arranged by ascending intensity, are salineS <*CQD0.1%-, <**CQD0.2%-, <***CQD0.3%-, < *****CQD0.5%-. TEM indicated spherical carbon dots with increase in enamel lattice parameter relative to the HAP unit cell in *****CQD0.5%- groups. *****CQD0.5%- group had highest elastic modulus and nano hardness. Bond length and angles show higher significant measures in CQD groups. CQD groups demonstrated higher antibacterial activities engulfing bacteria.