A Preliminary Study on Key Variables Related to Students Continuance Intention to Pursue Academic Micro-Credentials at Universiti Putra Malaysia

Abstract

This preliminary study applied the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Expectancy-Confirmation Theory (ECT) to examine the key variables related to students’ continuance intention in academic micro-credential learning at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Thirty-one valid responses were obtained through a structured questionnaire survey measuring performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, confirmation, satisfaction, and continuance intention. Reliability was high for all scales (Cronbach’s α>.87; overall reliability of .99). Descriptive statistics show that participants reported higher levels of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and satisfaction, indicating that students generally perceived online micro-credentials as useful and easy to use, were satisfied with their overall learning experience, and expressed strong intentions to continue using the platform. This pilot study established a methodological basis for future empirical studies and proved the validity and suitability of a scale derived from the UTAUT and ECT within the Malaysian higher education context. The pilot test sample was limited to undergraduate students enrolled at a single university, which restricted the extent of the findings.