Journals of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
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Entrepreneurial Intention among IT Students Through Entrepreneurship Development Education: A Case Study of a Mahalaxmi Polytechnic Institution in Nepal
Get PDFEntrepreneurship development education (EDE) promotes entrepreneurship and boosts economic growth and employment. The comprehensive educational effort aims to foster students\u27 entrepreneurial intentions. In Nepal, the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) has integrated the EDE course curriculum into all diploma programs in engineering, including the Diploma in Information Technology (DIT) program, with the aim of enhancing students\u27 entrepreneurial knowledge and skills. Based on this context, the objective of this study was to explore the experiences of final-year diploma in information technology students about their entrepreneurial intentions through an EDE course. The study employs a qualitative case study methodology to investigate the experiences of final-year DIT students. The study selected sixteen students, ten of whom were male and six of whom were female. Data collection involved conducting semi-structured face-to-face interviews and document analysis. The analysis of the students\u27 interviews and the document analysis yielded three major themes: entrepreneurial attitude, entrepreneurial behavior, and entrepreneurial knowledge, along with twelve subthemes. The current study\u27s findings were consistent with planned behavior theory, which acts as a moderator for DIT students\u27 entrepreneurial intentions. The results of this study conclude that EDE plays a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurial intentions among IT students. The program enhances their attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge of entrepreneurship; therefore, we recommended that CTEVT Nepal incorporate the EDE curriculum for all TVET programs
Implementation of APPGM-SDG Solutions Initiatives and Impact Evaluations in Sarawak\u27s South Region
Get PDFAs public awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 has grown, the Malaysian Parliament formed the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on the Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG). As part of a bipartisan effort to enhance the implementation of SDG targets in Malaysian parliamentary seats, one of the goals of this research is to investigate the SDG implications of beneficiary solution initiatives. A team is tasked with assembling a report that combines the impact evaluation of SDG initiatives in the Sarawak South Region. Through document analysis, focus groups, and site visits, the regional research team investigated, from December 2023 to February 2024, how the knowledge, skills, networks, and systems of these projects as well as psychology affect the beneficiaries of the solution projects. The paper also addresses the efficiency with which solution providers manage and execute projects, the impact on the beneficiaries, the alignment and mapping of the solution providers\u27 and impact evaluation with the SDG goals and APPGM-SDG modules, and the identification of obstacles and recommended solutions. The study also includes the qualitative and quantitative analysis that the assessors conducted using standardised questionnaires to measure the following six (6) crucial factors: Deep, Clear, Wide, High, SDG and Gender. The primary conclusion is that the goal of all solution initiatives is to eradicate poverty. It is intended that this paper\u27s discussion of the difficulties would better assist project implementers’ and policymakers in making decisions, designing programmes, and writing policy papers, especially when it comes to the economic, social, and environmental domains with specific SDG deliverables and target audiences in mind. With the aim to improve communication between stakeholders and provide more substantial prospects for society after project execution, the research suggests more visitations approaches
Workplace Transformation: Strategies for Employee Voice and Communication in Organizational Management
Get PDFEmployee voice and communication in the workplace are crucial for allowing employees to express dissatisfaction, ideas, concerns, suggestions, or recommendations. This study focuses on the essential aspects of employee voice and communication in promoting a positive workplace environment among employees and management within organizations in Malaysia. The study aims to investigate organizational management\u27s insights and perspectives on effective strategies for fostering employee voice and enhancing communication in the workplace. Effective employee voice and communication can significantly influence how employees feel about issues that directly affect them, such as miscommunication, discrimination, oppression, dissatisfaction, and lack of motivation. This study employed a basic interpretative qualitative methodology to gain insights and opinions from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) representatives including the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC), and the Union Network International Malaysia Labour Centre (UNI-MLC) regarding the concept of employee voice and communication in the Malaysian context. Data were obtained through interview sessions, and thematic categorization was conducted based on the coding process. The findings of the study emphasized three important aspects: fundamentals, channels, and legal governance in improving employee voice and communication in the workplace. This study not only highlights the employees\u27 right to voice their concerns but also underscores the importance of organizational management recognizing employee voice and communication as key to achieving productivity and maintaining strong working relationships at all levels of the organization. Additionally, incorporating TVET can further enhance these efforts by equipping employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively participate in and contribute to workplace discussions, thereby fostering a more inclusive and dynamic organizational culture
Job Readiness Level to Address 4.0 Skills: An Empirical Study on TVET Students in Electrical and Electronics Field
No full textMalaysia has developed TVET programs to nurture a skilled workforce for its industrial sector. Many graduates face challenges in job readiness, impacting their employability in today\u27s evolving technological environment. Outdated skills pose obstacles, potentially leading to unemployment or reduced workplace performance. This study determined the job readiness level of final-year TVET students in the Electrical and Electronics fields across the Malaysia Technical University Network (MTUN), focusing on Industry 4.0 skills. Using a quantitative, descriptive research design and surveys, the study identified essential Industry 4.0 skills using an IR 4.0 skills checklist, evaluated the current job readiness level of final-year TVET students in the Electrical and Electronics fields at MTUN using a job readiness questionnaire, and identified the differences in job readiness levels across MTUN universities. Stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques were applied in this research. There are 11 IR 4.0 skills considered essential for job readiness in the Electrical and Electronics field from the industry perspective. The ranking of the 11 skills, from top to bottom, is as follows: technical knowledge, reasoning and problem-solving, analytical thinking and technological literacy, big data analytics, communication skills, artificial intelligence, leadership and social influence, curiosity and lifelong learning, quality control, and critical thinking, under the dimensions of People, Process, and Technology. The job readiness level of final-year TVET undergraduate students in the Electrical and Electronics (E&E) field at the MTUN was 3.61, which falls under the category of approaching readiness. The significance value of the Kruskal-Wallis test was 0.012, which is less than 0.05. A statistically significant difference was found in the job readiness levels of final-year TVET undergraduate students in the Electrical and Electronics (E&E) field across the MTUN. UTHM\u27s overall mean is higher than those of the other three universities
The Impact of Competency-Based Training Towards Technical Skills Mastery Among Vocational Education Students
No full textTechnical skills are essential for success in various professional fields, playing a crucial role in ensuring job readiness and adaptability. This study investigates the impact of Competency-Based Training (CBT) on the technical skills mastery of final-year vocational education students at a public university in Malaysia, focusing on three mechanical programs: General Machining, Welding and Metal Fabrication, and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. Using a quantitative research design, the study surveyed 115 students to assess their perceptions of proficiency in key technical skills, including technical communication, analytical, computer, and practical skills. The results indicate that students generally exhibit high levels of competence across most technical areas, particularly in Technical Drawing, Workshop Safety, and Technical Communication, suggesting the effectiveness of CBT in aligning educational outcomes with industry needs. However, areas such as Blueprint Reading and Quality Control were identified as needing improvement. The findings underscore the importance of continuous curriculum enhancements to address specific skill gaps and ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the workforce
Water Quality and Plankton Assemblages in Eniong Creek: Implications for Biodiversity and Anthropogenic Influence
No full textThe water quality and plankton assemblages of Eniong Creek were studied between August 2022 and January 2023 in three sampling points. Plankton and water samples were collected monthly using plankton net and water sampler. The water and plankton samples were analyzed using standard laboratory techniques. The results showed that some values of pH, PO-4, BOD5 and all TSS, and DO did not conform to the acceptable limits. A total of 33 species of phytoplankton from three taxonomic classes were recorded: dominated by Baccillariophyceae with 17 species and 401 individuals (59.8%). A total of 26 zooplankton species from four taxonomic classes were recorded. Monogononta (Rotifar) was the most dominant and abundant class with 12 species and 357 individuals (47.1%). Melosira granulata was the most abundant phytoplankton species (36, 5.4%), while Lecane bulla was the most abundant zooplankton species (62, 8.2%). The biodiversity- Margalef’s index: 4.769-4.963 (Phytoplankton) and 3.711- 4.109 (Zooplankton), Shannon-Weiner index: 3.075 (Phytoplankton) and 2.85-2.99 (Zooplankton), and Pielou Evenness index: 0.802-0.874 (phytoplankton) and 0.799-0.842 (Zooplankton) suggest moderate. It can be concluded that the composition, abundance and distribution of plankton in was influenced by the physicochemical conditions of the Creek, which in turn was influenced by human activities
Multi-Item Flow Shop Batch Scheduling with Two Stages Dedicated Machines to Minimize Total Actual Flow Time
No full textA cigar manufacturing company produces two products using both shared and specialized machinery. There are 14 production stages, featuring distinct machines in Stage 2 and Stage 4. The company currently lacks a schedule, resulting in requests being fulfilled beyond the deadline. To address this issue, we developed a batch scheduling model for the flow shop, which prioritizes dedicated machines to reduce Total Actual Flow Time (TAFT). We selected the TAFT performance criteria to ensure timely completion and delivery of all orders, taking into account the maturity date. By implementing this model, the company aims to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction through the timely fulfillment of requests. The developed model integrates with an algorithm to address current challenges. The calculations conducted indicate that the developed model is capable of addressing batch scheduling issues for multi-stage processes with a focus on minimizing TAFT. We conducted tests on the proposed model, varying the common due dates for scenario 1 and the unit counts for scenario 2. The test results indicated that a type of product does not need to be scheduled sequentially, allowing for the ordering to be alternated with other types of products. Additionally, the batch size produced is not required to be uniform across all existing batches
Comprehensive Measurement and Analysis of Traffic Noise Along The Changlun-Kuala Perlis Highway
Get PDFRoad traffic noise, encountered by residents living close to major highway routes, has emerged as one of the most prevalent environmental concerns in recent years. Increasing noise levels result hugely from greater vehicles on the road, higher speeds, and heavier traffic volumes. However, the tire-pavement interaction often constitutes the most prominent noise source on highways. Some studies have discovered that prolonged exposure to highway noise is likely associated with hearing loss and other health problems. Notwithstanding its severity, data available on transport noise emission from highways in Malaysia is still lacking. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the traffic noise index (TNI) and noise pollution level (NPL) in dBA to assess the traffic noise impact along the Changlun-Kuala Perlis Highway, near the residential areas. Different noise indices, including equivalent continuous noise level (LAeq), maximum permissible 10% (L10) and 90% (L90) noise level, and maximum peak noise level (LAFmax) were all determined. The noise level status was also identified based on the measured noise indices to calculate the TNI and NPL. In this present study, the acoustic measurement was performed at various residential areas along the highway through the NoiSee application, which provides a readout of the noise level, using an external calibrated built-in microphone. Results revealed that all residential areas face a traffic noise disturbance with a DOE standard of more than 65 dBA, and 96% of them have TNI values higher than 74 dBA, with 70% of NPL that were below 88 dBA. As indicated by the analysis, it is clear that the residential areas along Jalan Changlun-Kuala Perlis were heavily affected by the traffic noise emitted from highways
A Novel Walkway System for Measuring the Spatial Gait Parameters of Rats with Spinal Cord Injury
Get PDFChanges in locomotion, especially related to spinal issues, can signal health conditions. Analysing spatial gait parameters is crucial for understanding these changes. Rats are frequently used in spine-related gait studies to enhance disease understanding, often with the assistance of complex gait analysis systems. Nevertheless, existing commercial systems for rat gait analysis are costly and lack customization options. This paper presents a new walkway system for measuring rat spatial gait parameters in spinal cord injury (SCI) cases. Thirteen adult female Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups – uninjured (7) and injured (6). For the injured group, contusion SCI was inflicted on the T9/T10 thoracic area of the spinal cord using the NYU Impactor device. The system analyzed stride length (SL) and stance width (SW) and compared its output with manually obtained values. Reliability was assessed using Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman analysis, showing a high correlation (r > 0.94) and insignificant bias in measurements. Moreover, disagreement between the systems was less than 5% of the mean value in over 95% of measured outputs, showcasing the system\u27s reliability in measuring gait parameters in normal and SCI-injured rats. Furthermore, the system’s output indicates injury in the injured rats with shorter SL and larger SW compared to uninjured ones, demonstrating its capability. This system provides a low-cost setup that can be effectively used to enhance knowledge in studies related to SCI using rats as the model
Optimizing Bonding Parameters for Glued Laminated Timber from Fast-Growing Laran Species Using Polyurethane Adhesive
No full textThis study investigates the optimization of bonding parameters for glued laminated timber (glulam) made from fast-growing Laran species using Polyurethane (PUR) adhesive, focusing on the adhesive spread rate and press pressure. The research aims to determine the shear strength, delamination properties, and wood failure percentage of Laran glulam, contributing to the sustainable use of fast-growing timber species in engineered wood products. The results showed a complex relationship between adhesive spread, press pressure, delamination, shear strength, and wood failure percentage. Higher press pressures generally reduced delamination but also decreased shear strength and increased wood failure. The optimal bonding parameters, determined through response surface methodology (RSM), were a adhesive spread of 400 g/m2 and a press pressure of 0.74 MPa, yielding a predicted shear strength of 7.68 N/mm2 and a wood failure percentage of 83.74%, although the predicted total delamination slightly exceeded the acceptable limit. The study successfully identified the optimal bonding parameters for Laran glulam using PUR adhesive, highlighting the trade-offs between delamination resistance and shear strength and underscoring the potential of Laran in glulam production