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This chapter aims to examine Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) approach in fulfilling its financial consumer protection mandate from unfair contract terms and the statutory framework relevant for consumer protection in the domestic market. This is a qualitative-based research. Using content analysis, this study analyses BNM’s Financial Stability and Payment Systems Report from 2012 to 2016, specifically on the ‘market conduct and consumer empowerment’ to explore BNM’s prudential regulatory, supervisory and consumer protection roles in protecting bank consumers from unfair contract terms. It is found that even if a number of standards and guidelines have been issued by BNM in improving ‘fairness and transparency’, the potential risk facing bank consumers from unfair terms in standard consumer contracts of Islamic banks especially where terms may be unfair or unclear remains unchanged. This study recommends that BNM as the Central Bank and financial regulator of Malaysia promotes self-regulation of the Islamic banks by adopting value-based banking of a consumer-focussed culture in delivering an effective protection for consumers from unfair contract terms and empowering them in their dealings with Islamic banks in Malaysia. This study will be helpful in bringing a policy formulation by BNM in identifying their weak areas and suggesting improvements in pursuing a strong consumer protection agenda from unfair contract terms.

The objective of this research is to investigate various neural network (NN) observer techniques for sensors fault identification and diagnosis of nonlinear system in consideration of numerous faults, failures, uncertainties and disturbances. For the importunity of increasing the faults diagnosis and reconstruction preciseness, a new technique is used for modifying the weight parameters of NNs without enhancement of computational complexities.

Various techniques such as adaptive radial basis functions (ARBF), conventional radial basis functions, adaptive multi-layer perceptron, conventional multi-layer perceptron and extended state observer are presented. For increasing the fault detection preciseness, a new technique is used for updating the weight parameters of radial basis functions and multi-layer perceptron (MLP) without enhancement of computational complexities. Lyapunov stability theory and sliding-mode surface concepts are used for the weight-updating parameters. Based on the combination of these two concepts, the weight parameters of NNs are updated adaptively. The key purpose of utilization of adaptive weight is to enhance the detection of faults with high accuracy. Because of the online adaptation, the ARBF can detect various kinds of faults and failures such as simultaneous, incipient, intermittent and abrupt faults effectively. Results depict that the suggested algorithm (ARBF) demonstrates more confrontation to unknown disturbances, faults and system dynamics compared with other investigated techniques and techniques used in the literature. The proposed algorithms are investigated by the utilization of quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle dynamics, which authenticate the efficiency of the suggested algorithm.

The proposed Lyapunov function theory and sliding-mode surface-based strategy are studied, which shows more efficiency to unknown faults, failures, uncertainties and disturbances compared with conventional approaches as well as techniques used in the literature.

For improvement of the system safety and for avoiding failure and damage, the rapid fault detection and isolation has a great significance; the proposed approaches in this research work guarantee the detection and reconstruction of unknown faults, which has a great significance for practical life.

In this research, two strategies such Lyapunov function theory and sliding-mode surface concept are used in combination for tuning the weight parameters of NNs adaptively. The main purpose of these strategies is the fault diagnosis and reconstruction with high accuracy in terms of shape as well as the magnitude of unknown faults. Results depict that the proposed strategy is more effective compared with techniques used in the literature.

This study aims to investigate crack propagation in a moisture-preconditioned soft-termination multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) during thermal reflow process.

Experimental and extended finite element method (X-FEM) numerical analyses were used to analyse the soft-termination MLCC during thermal reflow. A cross-sectional field emission scanning electron microscope image of an actual MLCC’s crack was used to validate the accuracy of the simulation results generated in the study.

At 270°C, micro-voids between the copper-electrode and copper-epoxy layers absorbed 284.2 mm/mg³ of moisture, which generated 6.29 MPa of vapour pressure and caused a crack to propagate. Moisture that rapidly vaporises during reflow can cause stresses that exceed the adhesive/substrate interface’s adhesion strength of 6 MPa. Higher vapour pressure reduces crack development resistance. Thus, the maximum crack propagation between the copper-electrode and copper-epoxy layers at high reflow temperature was 0.077 mm. The numerical model was well-validated, as the maximum crack propagation discrepancy was 2.6%.

This research holds significant implications for the industry by providing valuable insights into the moisture-induced crack propagation mechanisms in soft-termination MLCCs during the reflow process. The findings can be used to optimise the design, manufacturing and assembly processes, ultimately leading to enhanced product quality, improved performance and increased reliability in various electronic applications. Moreover, while the study focused on a specific type of soft-termination MLCC in the reflow process, the methodologies and principles used in this research can be extended to other types of MLCC packages. The fundamental understanding gained from this study can be extrapolated to similar structures, enabling manufacturers to implement effective strategies for crack reduction across a wider range of MLCC applications.

The moisture-induced crack propagation in the soft-termination MLCC during thermal reflow process has not been reported to date. X-FEM numerical analysis on crack propagation have never been researched on the soft-termination MLCC.

Outsourcing has become part of organizational strategy for achieving efficiency and effectiveness. This study aims to examine outsourcing and public universities’ performance in Nigeria, the mediating effect of trust.

The study used 353 respondents as sample size drawn from 12 public universities across the six geo-political zones of the country. The study used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using ADANCO 2.0.1.

The study found significant relationships between outsourcing and quality of teaching and research (core activities) and outsourcing and the quality of other activities (non-core). Also, the study found a significant relationship between outsourcing and low-cost. While the study supports the position of transaction cost economics and relational theories, in contrast, it has not supported the core competence theory. Generally, the study found that outsourcing significantly affects public universities’ performance in Nigeria, and trust partially mediates the relationship.

The study, such as any other research, has limitations. The study is only limited to public universities and the research has not included students in its survey.

Managers of public universities are always looking for ways to reduce costs and enhance the quality of their activities. This study has demonstrated the relevance of outsourcing activities in Nigerian Public Universities. Therefore, managers should focus on outsourcing in areas that have not been outsourced but have the potentials of efficiency and effectiveness if outsourced. Furthermore, the study broadens the understanding of promoting an environment of trust in outsourcing; therefore, managers should encourage trust with their vendors to achieve the desired outcomes of outsourcing.

This study examines the mediating effect of trust on the relationship between outsourcing and public universities’ performance in Nigeria empirically, drawing on the core and non-core activities of the universities. The study has contributed to the discourse on outsourcing and public universities’ performance in Nigeria. The study also unveiled the contribution of outsourcing activities in public universities in Nigeria, and how trust as a uni-dimensional construct mediates in achieving outsourcing that contributes to the public university system. Finally, the study also contributed to the understanding that universities can outsource some of their core competences and achieve performance.

Modern manufacturing systems require tools and techniques that take cognizance of the social (concerning people and relations) as well as the technical environment. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the social and technical aspects of lean manufacturing practices and their effects on business performance outcomes.

The hypothesized relationships for this study are tested with data collected from 148 Indian manufacturing firms by using SPSS and AMOS statistical software.

The analysis of the study was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) technique, which indicated that both “soft” and “hard” lean practices are positively related to business performance parameters. The findings also demonstrated that “hard” lean practices fully mediate the relationship between “soft” lean practices and business performance parameters.

There are some limitations of this study. Although a cross-sectional survey has been applied, the research does not permit us to account for the lag between implementation and performance. It also brings the opinion of a limited number of Indian experts about lean manufacturing systems; hence, the sample size could be increased and the nationality of the respondent could be expanded for future research.

The paper would be of interest to Lean practitioners, and the results of this study can be used in organizations to put a focus on social-cultural changes while applying lean technical tools when it comes to practices as well as importance.

This paper extends theoretical contribution in production and operations management literature, highlighting how social and technical practices have to interact to enable a successful lean manufacturing implementation.

The objective of this study is to investigate the factors of two sub-processes – knowledge donating and knowledge collecting – of knowledge sharing in Hong Kong higher education context. This study examines the individual factors, organizational factors and technology factor of knowledge sharing. Individual factors include enjoyment in helping others and knowledge self-efficacy while organizational factors refer to the top management support, organizational rewards and organizational culture. The use of technology system is proposed to be the technology factor.

Based on the literature review, this study develops a structural model representing the impact of six latent variables on knowledge donating and knowledge collecting processes Data from a questionnaire survey of 166 respondents from academics from Hong Kong higher education sector was used to analyze the model. PLS-SEM was adopted in this study.

The result of the data analysis suggests enjoyment in helping others has a positive impact on both knowledge donating and knowledge collecting. For organizational factors, a trust and collaborative culture enhance both the sub-processes. The technology factor only contributes to the knowledge donating process. Several practical implications are provided to high education leaders, for instance, by establishing a trust and collaborative environment, academics are more eager to donate and collect knowledge.

This paper provides insights for researchers to further understand how individual, organizational and technology factors affect two sub-processes of knowledge sharing. On the practical side, this study validated several critical factors to successful knowledge donation and knowledge collection.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, one of the important technological pillars of Industry 4.0, is changing the landscape of future manufacturing. However, the limited build volume of a commercially available 3D printer is one inherent constraint, which holds its acceptability by the manufacturing business leaders. This paper aims to address the issue by presenting a novel classification of the possible ways by which 3D-printed parts can be joined or welded to achieve a bigger-sized component.

A two-step literature review is performed. The first section deals with the past and present research studies related to adhesive bonding, mechanical interlocking, fastening and big area additive manufacturing of 3D printed thermoplastics. In the second section, the literature searches were focused on retrieving details related to the welding of 3D printed parts, specifically related to friction stir welding, friction (spin) welding, microwave and ultrasonic welding.

The key findings of this review study comprise the present up-to-date research developments, pros, cons, critical challenges and the future research directions related to each of the joining/welding techniques. After reading this study, a better understanding of how and which joining/welding technique to be applied to obtain a bigger volume 3D printed component will be acquired.

The study provides a realistic approach for the joining of 3D printed parts made by the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique.

This is the first literature review related to joining or welding of FDM-3D printed parts helping the 3D printing fraternity and researchers, thus increasing the acceptability of low-cost FDM printers by the manufacturing business leaders.

Most studies on small and medium scale enterprises lump both small-scale and medium-scale businesses together as entirely similar phenomenon, thus creating an oversight of the degree of performance recorded by medium-scale businesses. In line with investigating medium-scale firms' performance, this study examines the role of quality management in the performance of medium-scale firms to evolve research-based recommendation for better performance.

Cross-sectional survey design and random sampling were employed. Analysis was based on 915 responses obtained via questionnaire copy distribution from employees within the supply chain, production, operations, and marketing/sales department of selected firms. Hypotheses testing was done using the structural equation model.

A positive significant relationship between quality management and operational performance, employee performance, and quality performance dimensions was identified. An insignificant relationship between quality management and financial and innovation performance dimensions was discovered. However, when mediated by employee focus and process management, significant relationships were observed among all performance dimensions.

The study reveals that employee focus and process management have the greatest mediating impact on the relationship between quality management and the organisational performance of medium-scale manufacturing firms. This study charts the course for other studies to investigate the mediating role of quality management practices on the relationship between quality management and the organisational performance of medium-scale firms in other developing nations. The manufacturing sector has thirteen industries, but only six were captured in this study. This poses a limitation to the generalisation of the findings of this study. Further studies could strive for a representation of every manufacturing industry to aid generalisation purposes.

Managers of medium-scale manufacturing firms must understand that it might be impossible to get a one size fits all approach to improving performance dimensions. Managers are advised to choose one or two performance dimensions as the goal, then focus on achieving them. This will help clarify which path is best to get the desired results and maximise their quality management system.

This study examines the impact of quality management practices on an integrated performance model of medium-scale firms. The study also uniquely examines the mediating impact of exclusive quality management practices on the relationship between quality management and an integrated performance model.

Enhancing green innovation for corporate sustainability is one of the recent issues globally. Knowledge management has been determined as a core factor that hamstrings green innovation. The existing literature was limited to expose the importance of the knowledge management process for corporate sustainable performance. Thus, this paper aims to examine the role of the knowledge management process for corporate sustainable performance with the integration of green innovation and organizational agility following the resource-based view theory.

Cross-sectional design was used in this study. Data were gathered through convenience sampling from 475 respondents of multinational manufacturing corporations of Pakistan, analyzed by using structural equation modeling.

This study revealed that the knowledge management process and its all constructs (acquisition, dissemination and application) lead toward green innovation; further, green innovation influences corporate sustainable performance and its all constructs (environment, economic and social). Green innovation partially mediates the association between the knowledge management process and corporate sustainable performance. Besides, organizational agility has a positive effect on green innovation and corporate sustainable performance but was not found moderating these relations. The study educates that organizations investing in innovative technologies and adopting greener strategies are not only adequate for achieving sustainable performance, soft issues such as knowledge management and organizational agility but also important factors in the current knowledge base economy.

This study is an attempt to examine the previously undiscovered multi-dimensional relationships among the knowledge management process, green innovation, organizational agility and corporate sustainable performance. The presence of a positive correlation among these constructs was observed, proving the conceptual framework for this study.