Open University Malaysia

Open University Malaysia Knowledge Repository
Not a member yet
    1359 research outputs found

    A Case Study: Issues, Challenges and Coping Strategies of Student-Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    Full text link
    This study explores the issues, challenges and student-teachers’ coping strategies of teaching in a classroom setting during this challenging time of the Covid-19 pandemic in a new instructional setting of online classes that replace the face-to-face classroom interaction. Purposeful sampling was employed in studying 24 student-teachers’ reflective journals through content analysis. The findings showed that most student-teachers were positive and able to cope with the issues if enough time were given to them. Based on the themes emerging from the text analysis, class management and class organisation were not the main issue. However, other main issues such as Internet accessibility and full cooperation from the students were more challenging and the actual learning engagement for the receiving end appears to be compromised due to some teachers who were inadequately trained for online instruction. (Abstract by authors

    Nurturing Numeracy Literacy Via Online Learning: A Case Study on the Effectiveness of the Online Forum Discussion

    Full text link
    Numeracy skills is one of the required skills in the Malaysian Qualification Framework (MQF) for tertiary education in Malaysia. Numeracy skills is recognised as one of the must-have daily skills because it develops logical thinking and reasoning strategies in one’s daily activities. Numeracy skills is a quantitative skill and living skill needed to solve problems and make sense of numbers, time, patterns, and shapes for daily activities. Having an adequate level of numeracy can improve many aspects of our life, including social life, education, and employment opportunities. Nevertheless, numeracy courses are also one of the most difficult courses and hence, it is vital to instill this skill for graduates. It will pose a greater challenge to adult learners in the open distance learning (ODL) environment. This study is carried out to explore the effectiveness of online forum discussion for Numeracy topic in Learning Skills for 21st century course (OUMH1603) using three essential elements in the online learning process – teaching presence, social presence, and cognitive presence. The outcome of this study will be useful to facilitate effective and quality teaching and learning processes for this topic. (Abstract by authors

    Customer satisfaction on the risk of equipment provided in gymnasium

    Full text link
    Some people believe that the gym is the best place to work out consistently. There is no denying that this opinion is very true as this opinion is given in gyms, from the aspect of equipment like fitness machines (weight training and cardio) used in gyms, like treadmills and weights, require periodic maintenance for user safety. This study aimed to assess customer satisfaction on the risks of equipment provided in the gymnasium. A risk assessment form from the HIRARC DOSH (2008) guidelines was used to calculate risk in the gymnasium and a questionnaire form was used to collect data on customer satisfaction regarding equipment, training and physical environment in fitness facilities from 105 respondents. Questionnaire data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25. The main results of the findings found differences in the level of risk between the gyms studied. The position of gym equipment and the cleanliness of gym equipment can pose a danger to gym users. The overall conclusion of the study found that most of the gyms in the district of Tampin Negeri Sembilan are moderate risk and there are also gyms with high risk. (Abstract by author

    Comprehensive assessment of noise pollution in the workplace at Hulu Terengganu Power Station

    Full text link
    Noise is an unwanted sound and it is unpleasant, loud or annoying. Physically, sound is indistinguishable in terms of sound, as the two are vibrations through a medium, such as air or water. Noise is one of the most challenging problems in generating electricity. The effects of noise on health are due to physical health and psychological exposure to noise levels. It can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease and sleep disorders. The objective of this assessment is to study the level of noise pollution and the impact of noise assessment on workers from noise production areas and provide recommendations to address noise safety issues for workers in the future. Machine noise levels are measured in accordance with ISO 112000. Workers consisting of machine operators, electrical technicians and mechanical technicians are measured in accordance with the Regulations under the Factories and Machinery Act 1967 (Act 139) P.U. (A) 1/89 Factories and Machinery (Noise Exposure) Regulations 198. A total of 30 workers employed in the operation, mechanical, electrical and equipment maintenance have measured their noise exposure levels. These employees were also assessed for symptoms of hearing loss and hearing level using screening and questionnaires. The machine consisting of turbine shaft, compressor water tool, actuator governor and hydraulic turbine has high sound force. Many workers from machine operators, electrical technicians and mechanical technicians experienced noise effects above the danger level (≥85 dBA). The highest noise rating was recorded on turbine halls with 37% of workers exposed to noise whose surroundings had many mechanical machines. Recommendations for employees exposed to noise above 85 dBA may use hearing protection with an appropriate NRR 29. In conclusion, all employees are exposed to noise hazards that require them to wear hearing protection so that the productivity generated meets company goals. (Abstract by author

    Lean six sigma implementation for it service delivery : case study and improvement plan proposal

    Full text link
    The purpose of this paper is to show the root causes, result, challenges and implementation of lean six sigma implementation in Company D, which is one of the IT service companies in Malaysia. Lean Six Sigma implemented in Company D with the purpose of finding the root causes of bad service, high cost, low morale and productivity. DMAIC methodology was used in this study. Fishbone diagram and survey was used to find out the current issue and a list of improvement plans were proposed to the management. Interview was conducted after the implementation to review its effectiveness. The top 3 root causes found through fishbone diagram and FMEA are, management, operation and engineers. The study shows only minor improvements as there was a lack of support and commitment from the management. However, the study proved that Lean Six Sigma implementation in the IT service sector brings positive outcomes even though there were only minor improvements due to the lack of support and commitment from management. Suggestions were provided for further study in order to optimize the successfulness of Lean Six Sigma implementation. (Abstract by author

    The impact of night shift work on health and social life among technical employees in Global Rail Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd in MRT Kajang line

    Full text link
    Shift work is considered necessary especially to industries that provides 24/7 services to the community. In particular, night shift can have negative impact on health and well-being of the employees as it can cause disturbance of the normal circadian rhythms, causing significant alterations of sleep and biological functions including disturbances to eating habits, which in long run can increase the risk of hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Employees working on night shift have more difficulties to lead a healthy social life with many of them found difficult to be there for their families especially when it comes to social gatherings among family members. After some time, this will affect the marital relationship, care of children and social contacts. The aim of this paper is to analyse whether the night shift work has any impact on the health and social life of technical employees in Global Rail Sdn Bhd and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd in MRT Kajang Line. To analyse the data in this study, SPSS Statistics 21 was used. The findings conclude that night shift has significant influence to sleep deprivation and obesity among the respondents. This study could help the MRT or rail industry in designing policies and creating cultures that could encourage their employees to lead a better healthy lifestyle and health regime so that the night shift does not lead to negative impact to the employees’ health and social life. (Abstract by author

    Office Ergonomics Program To Reduce Musculoskeletal Disorder Among Computer Users Of Malaysia’s Oil And Gas Industry

    Full text link
    Background: In the past two decades, office work is rapidly changing with development of new computer technology that increase the efficiency of our work. Office employees usually spend 40 hours or more per week at their office computer workstation. This has placed office environment as a significant roles into employees’ daily life. In recent years, there have been increasing attention on Office Ergonomics. Office Ergonomics is the science of establishing the best fit between a worker and the tasks they carry out and working environment. In simple words, office ergonomics is where the office employees can comfortably and effectively carry out their job with the correct furniture, equipment and working condition. The long hour of working with computers or laptops have been associated with an increase in work related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSDs). Methodology: The survey questionnaire was designed and distributed via GoogleForm. 161 office computer users in selected Malaysia’s Oil and Gas Industry has responded to the questionnaire. The survey data was validated, received for data entry-encoding and analyzed for quantitative descriptive analysis. Result: The survey indicated that 94.4% of the respondents’ have established office ergonomics program for the computers users by the companies. Approximately 83.85% of the respondents had encountered MSDs at different frequency. The survey concluded that neck (52.8%) and shoulder (48.7%), lower back (37.9%) are the most commonly have MSDs for office computer users. 111 respondents (88%) seen an improvement both in managing the musculoskeletal disorder and improved work productivity. Conclusion: Office ergonomics program is key to managing and improving musculoskeletal disorders among office computer users

    Effect Of Transformational Leadership And Creativity And Innovation On Organizational Performance: A Conceptual Model

    Full text link
    This study aims to understand the effect of transformational leadership and creativity and innovation on organizational performance of the Malaysia Telecommunication Mobile Operators. The targeted population of this study will be the executives working in the four major mobile operators with more than 5 years of working experience in the industry. The problem to be addressed in this study will be the rapid technological changes that needs telecommunication service providers to be adapt and address the performance gap to achieve competitive advantage. Transformational leadership style of the CEO is seen as the catalyst towards building a creative and innovative work force to drive organizational performance. The main objectives if this study is to determine the relationships that constitute transformational leadership (covering intellectual stimulation, individual consideration, idealized influence and inspirational motivation) creativity and innovation (organizational factor of structure, strategy, support mechanism and behavior) and organizational performance. The study attempts to offer significant theoretical and practical contribution

    Enhancing Motivation among Online Distance Learning Students during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Malaysia

    Full text link
    The study was undertaken to assess the essential peer influence and tutor performance as key drivers in students’ motivation with the role of self-efficacy as a mediator in online distance learning higher education institutions in Malaysia during the Covid-19 pandemic. For data collection, the previously developed scales of peer influence, tutor performance, self-efficacy, and motivation in the context of online distance learning higher education institutions in Malaysia were distributed among the students in online distance learning higher education institutions. In total, 231 completed surveys were collected from the respondents and 12 outliers were detected through data screening using the Mahalanobis distance technique in SPSS, which left 219 clean data samples ready for analysis. The results from data analysis have shown that peer influence has no significant direct relationship with motivation but has significant indirect relationship with motivation, with self-efficacy as a mediator. Tutor performance has a significant direct relationship with motivation and also a significant indirect relationship with motivation, with selfefficacy as a mediator. Moreover, the implications of the findings were discussed, and future directions were recommended

    Psychology Students Feedback on the Overall Programme Structure in ODL Context: A Case Study at OUM

    Full text link
    Generally, the study of students’ feedback may serve various purposes such as for programme improvement; accountability and decision making; judgments of merit, worth, and significance of the programme. The ultimate goal of this study is to enhance the effectiveness of online study and delivery. The aim of this paper is to study psychology students’ feedback on the overall structure of the Bachelor of Psychology programme offered in OUM. The specific objectives of the study are to determine whether the curriculum matches their needs, whether they can pursue a profession after graduation, whether they are satisfied with the courses, and whether they learned psychology courses as planned. This is a descriptive study and case study technique was utilised. The sample consists of 436 psychology active students throughout the country. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the data and the questionnaires were distributed via Google Drive. The Cronbach Alpha for the instrument was 0.79. The study results indicated that students’ feedback was very positive with the overall structure of the psychology programme. The data shows that the mean score for all the items fall into the high category. The score mean ranges from 3.806 to 4.164. This finding indicates that the psychology programme offered in OUM is satisfactory and well accepted by the students

    917

    full texts

    1,359

    metadata records
    Updated in last 30 days.
    Open University Malaysia Knowledge Repository
    Access Repository Dashboard
    Do you manage Open Research Online? Become a CORE Member to access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard! 👇