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Competitive Intelligence Software Evaluation Taxonomy (SET) for SMEs in Malaysia - An Effectiveness Report
Get PDFThe increasing need for competitive advantage in fast moving industries such as Information,
Communication Technologies (ICT), means some SMEs are looking at Competitive Intelligence (CI), a
systematic process for gathering, analysing, and managing information that can affect a company's plans,
decisions, and operation. Some software companies have developed online tools and software that
promise to enhance the CI process and the value CI brings to organisations. The success of these CI
software tools depends, however, on the sophistication of an organisation’s understanding of the CI
process and scope. Different companies derive different values from different approaches to CI, and
therefore require a online tool or software that is specific to their company’s needs, resources and
management style. This research investigated the management structures and contexts of ICT SMEs in
Malaysia to develop a more customised approach to the effective use of CI software for SMEs in the ICT
sector, as well as in the selection of appropriate CI software.
This paper describes the two-stage research approach. The first stage involved identifying the
management style and context of a group of 680 SMEs, in the Malaysian Government’s Multimedia Super
Corridor, a government supported area for local businesses. This stage used a cluster analysis approach,
to create a taxonomy of ten SME clusters and their management style. These clusters were then used as
the basis for the second stage to develop suitable criteria to evaluate available online tools and software
for conducting competitive intelligence from an SME perspective. The evaluation criteria were applied to
eight CI-ready software packages to identify the most suitable software for each cluster of SMEs. Finally,
the research surveyed a small sample of managers to obtain the prospective users’ perceptions of the
recommended software.
The research findings provide evidence of a range of SME structures in a variety of contexts. Levels of
importance placed on different levels in the CI process are identified, as well as aspects that need
support, automation and/or augmentation. The software evaluation in the second part of the research
provided ten recommendations of suitable software package(s) for each SME cluster. The perceived
effectiveness study that concluded the research provided mixed responses. All in all, the research
confirms that SMEs can be analyzed by clusters but further research would be necessary to confirm the
effectiveness of using the recommended CI software over a longer period of time.
The authors would like to note that some of the diagrams (Diagrams 3 and 4) and tables (Tables 1 and 2)
featured in this article are only partially shown and had to be resized and cropped to fit the publication’s
requirements and dimensions. (Abstract by authors
Using service gaps to classify quality attributes
No full textPurpose – This paper aims to explore the relationship between the students' perceptions of service performance and the service gaps. The main objective is to investigate whether the relationship can be used for the mapping of quality attributes into four service quality factors.
Design/methodology/approach – Using a 37-item questionnaire developed from Grönroos' Perceived Service Quality model, a survey was carried out to collect primary data to measure the students' perceptions of service quality in a local private higher education institution. Service gaps were computed from the differences between students' perceptions of the services they received and their expectations of the same services. The perception scores were plotted vertically and the service gaps plotted horizontally on a graph with the overall mean perception score as the horizontal axis and the overall mean service gap as the vertical axis.
Findings – It appears that the relationship can be used to map the quality attributes into four quality factors, namely satisfier, critical, dissatisfier, and neutral, consistent with the model developed by Johnston and Heineke.
Originality/value – This is an alternative method to classify quality attributes using the service gaps data obtained from customer satisfaction surveys through the SERVQUAL instrument or modified versions. Together with the expectation-service gap grid, both can be used for identifying service shortfalls and prioritisation of service improvement.
(Authors' abstract
Unleashing the Potential of Mobile Learning through SMS Text for Open and Distance Learners
No full textMalaysia has a population of about 28 million people but there are, incredibly, more than 30 million mobile
phone subscriptions. Sixth in the world in terms of SMS (Short Message Service) volume, Malaysians
appear to be addictive SMS texters. With over 98 percent of its students having mobile phones and 82
percent of the students ready for learning through mobile phones, Open University Malaysia initiated
a project that first experimented with podcasts and SMS texts later. This chapter describes how the institution
conceptualized, planned, and created a mobile learning environment using SMS to enhance its
current blended learning model in general, and in particular, one of its courses with over 1,000 students
enrolled. The chapter also describes the categories used for formulating the SMS content, use of Twitter
and Facebook to support the SMS sent and discusses the feedback received on the initiative as well as
the issues and challenges. (Abstract by authors
Application of knowledge management systems in Malaysian oil palm plantations'�� supply chain
Get PDFVertically integrated firms are streamlining activities in their supply
chain by using knowledge management systems (KMS). Effective KMS need
suitable combination of organisational and managerial initiatives and the use of
suitable information technologies. Malaysian oil palm plantations have been
recognised as leaders in technology development and adoption. KMS in the
plantations started with the use of computerised inventory management
systems. Subsequently, the plantation companies applied KMS to integrate
various functions, including sourcing raw materials, production and support
activities. This paper explores to what extent oil palm plantations have used
KMS in managing their supply chain primary and support activities and how
effective it is in increasing performance. Results of the study showed the
plantation managers agreed that KMS have contributed significantly in
improving the plantations� performance. However, greater use of existing KMS
and adopting a more advanced IT will further improve performance at all stages
of the supply chain. (Abstract by authors
Evaluation of OUM's Web-Based HTML Modules from the Theoretical and Practical Perspective towards proposing an Improved Model
Get PDFOpen University Malaysia (OUM) is an open and distance learning (ODL) institution in
Malaysia. It adopts a blended learning mode of instructional delivery which comprises
three components: self managed learning using the print modules, online learning and
face-to-face instruction. The self-managed learning component constitutes about 80% of
the estimated learning time and the print module is the main resource used by learners to
guide their learning. In the past two years, the University has been embarking on a major
project of converting all its print modules to the web-based HTML modules. This
research study was carried out to determine the efficacy of the web-based HTML
modules as a self-managed learning tool. This research study research adopted a twophase
approach. In the first phase, the modules were thoroughly examined by the
researchers to determine the extent to which the web-based HTML modules comply with
criteria of an effective learning tool from the theoretical perspective. The examination
revealed a number of missing elements which are essential for effective online selfmanaged
learning. Subsequently, a survey was conducted in the second phase to depict
users' ratings (OUM learners) on the adequacy of the modules from the technical,
interface-design, learner-support and instructional perspective. Design of Items for
evaluating the adequacies were closely guided by the seven principles of good practice
in undergraduate education (Chickering and Gamson ,1987). Research results reveal that
that the web-based HTML modules are generally perceived by learners to be a useful
self-managed learning tool. Pearson Product correlation calculated shows that the
learners' perceptions on the adequacies of the modules have weak correlations with their
competencies in ICT despite the fact that using web-based modules may require some
knowledge or skills in ICT. T-test conducted also reveals that there is only slight
difference between male learners and female learners towards the perceived quality of the
modules. Examination form the theoretical perspective together with feedbacks from the
users however help to identify some missing but necessary elements for effective learning.
Based on the analyses, a revised conceptual framework for the design and development
of the revised web-based interactive modules (WebIM) was proposed. (Executive summary
Design and Develop an Innovative Online Learning Environment
No full textDesigning an online learning environment can be challenging and daunting if one does not have the right knowledge to do so. So what constitutes right knowledge? Firstly, it is crucial that online facilitators/instructors have some knowledge in instructional design and related learning strategies. Then, it is important to know how to write impactful learning outcomes which will enable one to select the appropriate technology tools. Selection of tools may not be sufficient, it is important to discuss about examples of how all these designs form a viable and innovative learning. Understanding that different pedagogical methods will give rise to the use of a variety of technology tools and techniques that encourage students to learn suited to their learning styles and level of interactivity is an important aspect of this workshop. From here, participants will be given tasks to apply the various concepts and strategies to design and develop their own online learning environments. (Abstract by authors
The conduct of science practical for working adults in an ODL setting
Get PDFLaboratory practical play an important role in the teaching and learning of science and
engineering courses. They are indispensable in elucidating and verifying the fundamental
scientific principles taught in the class-room. By reinforcing the fundamental concepts and
laws through laboratory experiments, practical sessions facilitate the learning process and
widen the student’s understanding of science and engineering. Achievement of scientific
proficiency cannot be achieved without laboratory practical experience. Besides, they also
promote critical skills such as report writing, data handling, and the ability to interpret and
evaluate evidence.
In this paper, we review the science practical sessions for working adults in the context of
open and distance learning. We share our experiences and discuss how the practical science
sessions were conducted successfully nationwide to cater to the needs of adult learners
enrolled in the Bachelor of Education (Science) programme at Open University Malaysia.
Besides this, we will also elaborate on some of the pertinent issues and challenges that were
faced in conducting these practical sessions over the last 8 years. (Abstract by authors
Motivates for in-service teachers pursuing Bachelor of Teaching Programme
Get PDFThe objective of this paper is to explore the motivations that lie behind the primary school teachers’
applying for and undertaking the SMP program after years of being in-service. We deem this piece of
understanding important if the faculty is to better serve these students and motivate them to do better in
their studies within this program and perhaps even beyond. This is because taking up this program would
mean a great deal of sacrifices including risking their career (should they violate academic regulations),
time and effort. (Abstract by author
Producing graduates who meets employer expectations : open and learning is a viable option
Get PDFIn this new age of globalization, higher education plays an increasingly important role in
preparing a workforce which meets rapidly changing industry needs. There is now a critical
need to re-examine the function of tertiary education such that it not only caters to fresh
school-leavers but of equal importance, provide opportunities for the further up-skilling and
upgrading of people who are already employed. With a substantial proportion of people who
have yet to obtain a basic degree, conventional universities by themselves are highly unlikely
able to meet the demands of providing tertiary education to all who need or want to further
education, in the near or even distant future. Open and distance learning programmes which
are able to contribute significantly to lifelong learning efforts, however, have constantly been
regarded as ‘the lower quality alternative’ with their flexible entry policy and flexible
learning modes. This paper seeks to examine the extent to which Open University Malaysia’s
graduates met employer expectation with regard to employability competencies. Paper and
pencil questionnaires were sent via postal mail to employers of the November 2010 open
market Bachelor degree programme graduates. Responses from 290 out of a total of 1088
employers were analysed using quadrant analysis and gap analysis for three dimensions of
employability competencies namely, Knowledge and Understanding, General Attributes and
Generic Skills. Overall findings suggest that while importance scores were higher than
satisfaction scores, the employers were generally satisfied with the graduates’ competencies
for all three dimensions. (Abstract by authors
Keberkesanan penggunaan prasarana di Kompleks Sekolah Wawasan Subang Jaya dalam usaha menggalakkan interaksi antara semua murid warga sekolah
Get PDFThe building of Vision School had four objectives and it’s final objective was to
create a society with high tolerance and understanding to help build a country which
would be united. The earlier three objective were related to unity, fastering integration
and tolerance which have been always analysed by various groups of people. The fourth
objective which is the sharing of the school infrastructure has not been studied in depth.
This study will help complete the four objectives of the Vision School as in The Working
Paper on Concept and Implementation of Vision School.
A research was done as a whole involving respondence whom were pupils and
teachers from the three respective schools. The infrastructure in Vision School Complex
plays a significant part to help achieve the objective of the Vision School.
The research also suggest four measures to help improve build a better
infrastructure. These suggestions should be taken into consideration and should it be
implemented it will help to boost the unity among the races which is in accordance to the
goverment’s aim. To add on, it will help Malaysia achieve her status as a developed
nation by 2020. (Abstract by author