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Contingent Valuation Method: Valuing Cultural Heritage
Get PDFCultural heritage is not easy to be valued in a market because it is a very unique product which gives a
community (ies), nation(s) an identity and a sense of belonging. Debate on the valuation of cultural
heritage surrounds despite growing attention by economists and policy makers. The attention on the
estimation of economic values for cultural goods and services has been great by economics throughout
the past two decades (Choi, et al., 2009; Kaminski, McLoughlin, & Sodagar, 2007; Navrud & Ready,
2002, Noonan, 2003; Venkatachalam, 2004). The two stated preference methods which are commonly
used in valuing non-use goods; i.e. contingent valuation method and choice modelling. Each of these two
valuation method has its own strengths and weaknesses and may even complement each other
depending on the parameters of the study. However, according to Kaminski et al., 2007; Noonan, 2003,
the usage of choice modelling to estimate cultural values has been limited due to the growing usage of
contingent valuation. Therefore, this paper will discuss contingent valuation method in valuing amenities
and aim to contribute the knowledge on contingent valuation method for nonmarket goods. (Abstract by author
A Comparative Study on Learner's Performance: A Collaboration between Open University Malaysia (OUM) and Kolej Tentera Darat Malaysia (KTD) (Abstract only)
Get PDFThe collaboration between Open University Malaysia (OUM) and Kolej Tentera Darat (KTD), an army
college started since 2002. OUM held strongly on the believe of lifelong learning and this collaboration
are able to provide education opportunities to those who missed their earlier chances in pursuing
higher education. The purposes of this study are: 1) to do a descriptive study on the learner's
performance and 2) to determine the impact of conducting different approach in teaching and learning
system. The outcome of this study will be able to show the different approaches of teaching and
learning in strategic collaborations
The study on factors influencing performance in general insurance : a case study of an insurance company in Kuala Lumpur
Get PDFThe case study is on an insurance company, which has a physical presence in 53 countries and commercial and individual customers in more than 170 countries. As a multinational company, managing people and connecting their performance to corporate objectives will always remain a concern and a challenge. A majority of organizations today have some sort of formal appraisal systems which make use of a standardized rating form that is used to evaluate employees’ performance. This research shows the benefit of the ‘balanced scorecard’ (BSC) which measures the employees’ performance based on the Key Performance Indicators (KPI). The KPI is aligned with the company’s value, strategy, mission and goals. In order to develop the performance management system, the KPI, performance indicator, Service Level Agreement and the Project Performance Measurement will be identified. This study is done on the factors influencing performance in general insurance. Performance Management and BSC comprise the goals, feedback, training, appreciation and the employees’ career development. With the usage of ‘SMART’ technique, a more realistic and achievable objectives can be created. The research was done through the analysis of the survey questionnaires that were distributed to the employees and the interview which been conducted with one of the managers. Through the analysis we will be able to identify the factors influencing performance in general insurance. Plus, it identifies whether the BSC is suitable and benefits the employees as a tool to evaluate the PM of the employees. (abstract by author
Impact of International Environmental Management System on Sustainability Index benchmarking for Small and Medium Enterprise
Get PDFSustainability is becoming an important tool towards our better future. More and more companies are looking into
sustainability as their prime focus. Sustainability encompasses responsibilities towards social, energy, water,
pollution and economic factors. Sustainability is the ability to sustain. One of the key factors considered for
Sustainability Index (SI) is the implementation of international environmental management system, typically ISO
14001 system. As per Malaysian government estimates, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) contribute 37 per
cent in the gross domestic product (GDP) of Malaysia by 2010.The objective of the study is to understand the
impact of international environmental management system implementation by SME on sustainability index
benchmarking. Positive and negative impacts besides concerns for implementing ISO 14001 management system
were evaluated. Major barriers were identified as training, resources and cost. Recommendations for implementing
environmental management system for SMEs include integration of management systems, eco-mapping, greening of
supply chain and corporate reporting. Implementation of environmental management system has a strong bearing on
the sustainability index benchmarking. (Abstract by authors
Mobile Learning via SMS at Open University Malaysia: Equitable, Effective, and Sustainable
Get PDFThis article describes Open University Malaysia’s efforts at enhancing the blended learning
approach for undergraduate distance learners with the successful implementation of the Mobile
Learning via SMS initiative. The pilot project was implemented in the May 2009 semester, and
this coming January 2011 semester will be in its sixth consecutive semester. Aspects such as the
conceptual model, the process flow of group messaging, and challenges faced, as well as
effectiveness of the initiative, are discussed. (Authors' abstract
Amalan-amalan terbaik perpustakaan Open University Malaysia dalam menyediakan perkhidmatan kepada pelajar jarak jauh (ODL) tanpa kos tambahan
Get PDFKertas ini membincangkan tentang inisiatif-inisiatif yang dijalankan oleh Perpustakaan Digital Tan Sri Dr Abdullah Sanusi, Open University Malaysia (OUM) dalam menyedia dan mempromosi perkhidmatan perpustakaan kepada Pelajar Jarak Jauh (Distance Learners) mereka tanpa kos tambahan. Antara inisiatif-inisiatifnya ialah mengadaptasikan Web 2.0 seperti Facebook dan blog dan juga menggunakan sepenuhnya Open Source software seperti Drupal dan e-Prints. Kedua-dua konsep ini adalah pada dasarnya percuma dan efektif kepada Distance Learners. Kerjasama antara jabatan di dalam universiti iaitu Centre for Instructional Design & Technology (CiDT) dalam menyediakan pelbagai medium seperti Internet Radio (i-Radio) dan YouTube dalam mempromosikan perkhidmatan perpustakaan juga akan dibincangkan. Kertas ini juga akan menyediakan overview tentang institusi-institusi Open & Distance Learning (ODL) di Malaysia dan cabaran institusi-institusi ini dalam memenuhi kehendak maklumat (information needs) pelajar-pelajar mereka. (Authors' abstract
Incentives and Initiatives Provided for the Implementation of Employability Skills in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): The Malaysian Experience
Get PDFToday’s globalised and highly competitive environment calls for a workforce that is skilful, efficient and innovative. This is an imperative for any nation that seeks to build a knowledge-based economy via highly competent and well-educated human capital. Technical and vocational education and training (TVET), now commonly considered part of mainstream education, creates pathways for enhancing competencies and thus, can help to hone employability skills necessary in creating a high-income economy. In Malaysia, TVET is recognised as a vital avenue for raising the capacity for knowledge and the right value systems, as well as for enculturating a lifelong learning society. The role of open and distance learning (ODL) in TVET is still relatively recent in many countries, including Malaysia, but their integration indicate a feasible system for sustaining greater access to educational opportunities for larger sections of the society.
This paper will explore the concept of TVET, its main features in Malaysia and incentives and initiatives available that aim to carry TVET to greater heights in this country. This paper will also discuss the integration of TVET and ODL and illustrate how an ODL institution like Open University Malaysia (OUM) can leverage on its technologies, flexibility and accessibility to complement TVET-based programmes. For Malaysia, with less than a decade left to achieve Vision 2020, TVET will be crucial not only in ensuring a properly skilled workforce, but also in facing ever newer challenges in higher education. (Abstract by author