Week 1: Consumption, Consumer Values, and Sejahtera Framework

 Assalamualaikum w.b.t,

   In today's post, I will be reviewing the first chapter taught in MKTG 4312 (Responsible Consumerism) which is as stated in the title of the post. During my registration of the subject, I initially chose to take this subject as I thought that it would be simple. After the first lesson, I felt happy because I realized that I made the right choice. Even though the subject is not as simple as I initially assumed, it is definitely interesting and important to learn. 

   The first topic talks about the existing consumption framework which is part of the linear economy. The linear economy starts with resource extraction and ends with resource destruction, value destruction and pollution. It's straightforward but involves massive waste of resources that might not be renewable or requires more resources to renew it. Responsible consumerism aims to promote circular economy which involves reusing, refurbishing, recycling and renewing the resources and the products that have been used in the linear economy structure. 

   If we think about the condition of our earth, economy and other aspects of the environment around us, implementing circular economy is the only way for us to go forward. Our resources are depleting, our population is increasing and our earth will eventually run out of resources to offer to everyone. 

   Next, we move on to the values that the customers hold. The existing customer value framework talks about the internal influence, the consumption process, values such as utilitarian and hedonism, relationship quality and external influences. In contrast to that, the responsible consumers' value framework puts an emphasis on character and ethical consumerism. These characteristics are characteristics that are related to Prophet Muhammad S.A.W such as trustworthy, responsible, honest, courageous, and other noble characteristics. 

   In my opinion, these characteristics should be the default of every human being that lives on this earth though that is not currently the case. Ethical consumerism involves positive ethical purchase behavior, negative ethical purchase behavior (such as boycotts) and consumer action (such as lobbying). Ethical consumerism is slightly more complicated than characteristics of consumers because ethical consumerism requires conscious and deep decision making that can involve heavy financial costs. 

   The third part of the topic talks about the sejahtera academic framework which is a framework built by IIUM to humanize education. There are 7 aspects to the framework which includes the Maqasid Syariah, the vision and mission, the 5 aspects of learning, the formal academic structure, the non-formal student life, bi'ah, and lastly Falsafah Pendidikan Kebangsaan. The framework aims to comprehensively guide students in order to receive education humanely. 

   Overall, the first class revealed lots of knowledge that I have never been exposed to and I feel excited to learn more. Due to the fact that the course has no final exam, learning does not feel like a chore and there is no pressure to remember every single detail. 

Thank you for reading this week's post. Stay tuned for more from this blog.