13474 research outputs found
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Mobile learning acceptance framework among Malaysian formal part-time learners / Noor Maizatulshima Muhammad Sabri
No full textThe performance of adult learners has become a significant challenge in education due to the difficulties in their ability to manage their time while maintaining focus. This also contributes to the problem of balancing the demands imposed through learning and other personal life pressures and obligations. This particular group of learners, including formal part-time learners, are mostly adults who need to manage multiple commitments, including family matters, social life, careers, health, finance in addition to learning. In the digital world, every aspect of education involves some form of technology. Mobile technology has quickly evolved to become a ‘pocket device’ in providing 24/7 learning practices without the restrictions of time nor place. Thus, mobile learning (m-Learning) constitutes any form of learning activities through mobile devices with convenient learning experiences. However, limited empirical studies have investigated the behaviour of adult learners that represent the characteristics associated with formal part-time learners in measuring the acceptance level of this technology. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the role of andragogy theory using adult learner principles in determining m-Learning technology acceptance among formal part-time learners. The categorisation of formal part-time learners was undertaken using specific attributes via Structural Model Measurement (SMM) that enabled the researcher to discover the unique predictive values of self-directed learning, prior experience, learning readiness, and the orientation to learn in the context of formal part-time learners’ acceptance, in addition to the assimilation of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) variables. The hypotheses were developed, followed by developing a survey questionnaire that was distributed to and completed by 394 formal part-time learners in Malaysia. The reflective SMM was then analysed using SmartPLS (v 3.2.7), where the results indicated that the reliability and validity were satisfactorily achieved. All six attributes fulfilled the threshold, whereas the hypothesis regarding the variables of prior experience and orientation to learning was not accepted. Accordingly, a guideline was developed and recommended to enhance formal part-time learner’s intention to accept m-Learning based on the proposed framework. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will add to the body of knowledge in this field by providing further insights and understanding on the possibility of formal part-time learners’ attributes that influence their acceptance of m-Learning in promoting a better learning environment. The results also offer further direction in determining the success rate of formal part-time learners with respect to the distance learning process. Finally, it is anticipated that the proposed framework will address all the requirements needed by the adult learners
The internationalization and competitiveness of SMEs: A study of Malaysian firms investing in Cambodia / Ng Yin Kuan
No full textThe purpose of the study is to explore the reasons that have led Malaysian firms to internationalize, and to determine the factors contributing to their competitive advantage. The study adopted a mixed research mode; the qualitative approach was adopted in the first phase of this study that concerns on the motivational factors that lead to internationalization (Research Question 1), and the quantitative approach was utilized in the second phase that concerns on the perceived factors contributing to Malaysian SME’s sustainable competitive advantage in Cambodia (Research Questions 2 and 3). The targeted respondents for the qualitative analysis were small and medium sized Malaysian firms operating in Cambodia which were selected by using purposive sampling. In-depth interview was utilized in the study to understand what, why and how firms go abroad. Cross-case analysis reveals these firms are driven by host country-based advantage; driven by home government; driven by home country limitations; driven by self-inflicted actions and driven by social influence. The present study finds out that the factors that motivate firms to internationalize are different from accounts found in the extant literature. For the quantitative analysis, a sample of 103 small and medium sized firms was selected by using a purposive and snowball sampling. Structural Equation Modelling technique to test the conceptual framework by adopting Partial Least Square approach. The present study examines whether social network mediated the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and sustainable competitive advantage, and whether the mediation is moderated by a competitive business environment by adopting Hayes’ moderated mediation approach. The mediation analysis reveals that social network mediates the association between entrepreneurial orientation and sustainable competitive advantage of firms. This study reveals that entrepreneurial orientation is not able to influence firm performance and is expected to only function well in a given context as entrepreneurship capabilities is not the only source for sustainable competitive advantage of the SMEs. Without the functional social networks, entrepreneurs may fail to acquire/learn the necessary information to make them unique. The moderation effects indicate that the mediation path is partially supported. The findings imply that the founders are more concerned with leveraging on the resources they have to compete in the marketplace and achieve success in the highly dynamic and hostile business environment rather than building on their social connections. Given the significance of the findings, similar studies focusing on other regions should be carried out to strengthen the alternative explanations that this study offers to understand the internationalization of business, especially among small and medium enterprises. A profound understanding of such internationalization factors can assist home and host governments to support better the relocation of small and medium enterprises abroad
Q-switched and mode-locked pulse generation with organic dyes based saturable absorber / Rawan M S Soboh
No full textThe manifold applications of pulsed fiber lasers are an evidence of the importance of laser technology in science and engineering. Saturable absorbers (SA) play a key role in the generation of pulsed laser, whether passive Q-switched or passive mode-locked, without using the modulators. In this thesis, two saturable absorbers (SAs) based on organic materials were fabricated, characterized, and successfully incorporated into the erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) and the Ytterbium-doped fiber laser (YDFL) cavities to produce both Q-switched and mode-locked pulsed lasers. Zinc Phthalocyanine (ZnPc) SAs were constructed in three different ways; by embedding ZnPC in the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film to obtain embedded ZnPc:PVA, by casting ZnPC onto the PVA film to get casted ZnPc/PVA, and by spin-coating ZnPc onto the film to produce spin-coated ZnPc:PVA. The three samples of the ZnPc-SA were inserted one by one between the two fiber ferrules to form a fiber compatible Q-switch, and were placed in an EDFL cavity. Stable Q-switched pulse trains operating at the central wavelengths of 1561.4 nm, 1560.4 nm, and 1559.5 nm were produced by the SAs formed from embedded ZnPc:PVA, casted ZnPc/PVA, and spin-coated ZnPc/PVA thin films, respectively. The maximum achieved pulse energies for these Q-switched laser pulses were 71 nJ, 32 nJ, and 50 nJ. For Q-switched operation in the EDFL cavity, the shortest pulse width was 3.6 μs and the maximum repetition rate was 48 kHz, obtained with the use of the embedded ZnPc:PVA SA. By integrating the fabricated ZnPc:PVA SA inside the ring cavity, soliton EDFL mode-locked pulses with a pulse width of 1.83 ps, pulse energy of 2.1 nJ, and a peak power of 1.15 kW were also obtained. When the ZnPc:PVA SA was placed in a YDFL cavity, Q-switched pulses were generated with the minimum pulse width of 2.2 μs, maximum repetition rate of 63 kHz, pulse energy of 91 nJ, and an average output power of 5.7 mW. In addition, successful generation of mode locked YDFL pulses using the ZnPc/PVA SA, at a fixed repetition rate of 3.3 MHz with a picosecond pulse width, were also demonstrated. The highest pulse energy for mode locked YDFL by using ZnPc/PVA SA was 1.36 nJ. Finally, an SA made of a lawsone film was successfully prepared and tested in generating a passive Q-switched EDFL, realizing the highest pulse energy of 53.7 nJ and the shortest pulse width of 1.7 μs. The results indicate that both ZnPc and Lawsone thin films have great potential as alternative SA materials for Q-switched and mode-locked pulse generation
Impacts of COVID-19 on construction: Case study of IJM construction project / Lee Chun Yee
No full textThe impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on the time and cost of building projects are investigated and computed in this study, with a focus on three construction dimensions: suspension of Site, supply chain and construction worker productivity. Three techniques were used to obtain conclusions on the topic: one case study and the use of Primavera 6 software to evaluate schedule delay for all the delay events. The case study is based on a real-life building project that was underway while the pandemic was at its most severe (March 2020). Interviews with project managers, minutes from progress meetings and interim progress certificates are also included in the data. COVID-19 has hampered construction progress in two ways: 1) delays resulting from the closure of site during MCO; and 2) labour disruptions resulting from restrictions on gatherings, as well as stringent SOPs required like social distancing, taking of temperature, mandatory COVID-19 test, frequent sanitisation and etc. The findings imply that contractors should request compensable time extensions because they provide the foundation for a credible claim that will result in additional time and additional cost. Future research might look at integrating tools and procedures into the bidding and building process to reduce the impact of such future scenarios caused by a pandemic or other force majeure event
Aplikasi tazkir wa ta’nith dalam penulisan karangan pelajar persediaan ke Timur Tengah / Muhammad Zahri Abdul Karim
No full textPenulisan karangan merupakan satu proses yang sukar dan rumit. Dalam penulisan karangan bahasa arab, para pelajar perlu menguasai perkara yang asas iaitu aspek tatabahasa. Antara tajuk yang perlu dikuasai oleh mereka ialah konsep tazkir wa ta’nith. Oleh itu, kajian berbentuk kuantitatif dan menggunakan teknik analisis dokumen ini dijalankan dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui tahap penguasaan para pelajar persediaan bahasa arab di Pusat Bahasa Arab Selangor terhadap aplikasi penggunaan tazkir wa ta’nith dalam penulisan karangan mereka. Data kajian diambil daripada transkrip jawapan penulisan karangan kesemua peserta kursus berjumlah 65 orang pelajar bagi ujian pertama dan kedua yang dijalankan. Bagi menjamin keesahan dan kebolehpercayaan analisis data, pengkaji telah menjalankan kajian rintis dan menggunakan kaedah semakan tiga orang pakar yang memenuhi beberapa kriteria. Pengkaji memperolehi sebanyak 768 penggunaan tazkir wa ta’nith dengan 577 penggunaan tazkir dan 191 penggunaan ta’nith telah dilakukan oleh para pelajar. Manakala, dari segi kesalahan tazkir wa ta’nith yang dilakukan oleh mereka secara keseluruhannya berjumlah sebanyak 101 kesalahan dengan 63 kesalahan bagi konsep tazkir dan 38 kesalahan bagi konsep ta’nith. Susunan kategori kesalahan mengikut kekerapan yang tertinggi adalah jumlah ismiyyah, al-sifah wa al-mausuf, al-mausul wa ‘a’iduhu, al-‘adad wa al-ma’dud dan jumlah fi’liyyah. Ringkasnya, pengkaji dapat menyatakan bahawa bilangan kekerapan kesalahan aplikasi tazkir wa ta’nith yang dilakukan oleh para pelajar persediaan adalah lebih rendah berbanding bilangan kekerapan aplikasi penggunaan tazkir wa ta’nith dengan kategori kesalahan yang paling kerap dilakukan oleh mereka ialah kategori jumlah ismiyyah
Invitation refusal strategies of Bangladeshi postgraduate students in Malaysia / Yasmin Mohammed Alam
No full textSpeech acts are functions performed through the use of words (Searle,1969). Among them are request, directive, command, apology, acknowledgment, exclamation, and refusal (Beebe, Takahashi, & Uliss-Weltz, 1990). As a refusal speech act that involves making a decline or a rejection, showing an unwillingness to perform something for the 'speaker' or the 'inviter,' some refuser may use direct and bold strategies to the face. Others may use several strategies to make this refusal less face-threatening. However, there is a lack of research looking into the context of Bangladeshi participants and refusal strategies. This study aims to address this gap. Focusing on 105 Bangladeshi postgraduate students, this study explores the students' most utilized types of refusal strategies made in English to an invitation to visit during a festive celebration and how these refusal responses are realized linguistically and structurally. The collected data are in the form of written responses made on WhatsApp. The refusal responses are coded according to the classification of refusal strategies proposed by Al-Issa (2003) and Beebe et al. (1990). The refusal sequences (i.e., head-act, pre-and post-refusals) are also examined. The categorization of the internal modifiers is adapted from Blum-Kulka, House, & Kasper (1989) to identify internal modifiers that are employed to intensify or mitigate the refusal expressions. The analysis suggests that most students expressed refusals indirectly than directly. They often employed 'excuses,' followed by 'statement of apologies,' and ‘negative willingness' as head-acts through various linguistics utterances. They often employed 'excuses,' 'address forms,' 'gratitude,' and 'closing statements' as supportive moves (pre-and post-refusals) through various linguistics utterances as mitigators. They employed a combination of direct, indirect strategies, and adjuncts arranged in many different combinations and positions especially with three or four combinations. They also often employed internal modifiers; e.g., adverbial intensifiers and time intensifiers to intensify the refusal expressions
Unsur personifikasi dalam antologi cerpen Peravai Kathaikal / Jayanthy Krishanan
No full textKajian ini mengkaji unsur personifikasi dalam antologi cerpen Peravai Kathaikal. Objektif utama kajian ini ialah untuk mengenalpasti unsur personifikasi yang wujud dalam antologi cerpen Peravai Kathaikal dari tahun 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 dan 2016. Selain daripada itu, pengkaji juga menghuraikan makna unsur personifikasi dalam antologi cerpen Peravai Kathaikal. Bagi mencapai objektif ini, unsur personifikasi yang terdapat dalam antologi cerpen Peravai Kathaikal dianalisis. Pengkaji telah menggunakan kaedah kualitatif untuk menjalankan kajian ini. Data utama kajian ini ialah 58 cerpen yang diperoleh daripada buku antologi cerpen Peravai Kathaikal dari tahun 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 dan 2016. Sebanyak 98 sampel kajian yang diperolehi dari antologi cerpen Peravai Kathaikal yang mengandungi unsur personifikasi telah dicatitkan dan dianalisis bagi menerangkan makna yang terdapat di antologi cerpen Peravai Kathaikal. Kerangka teori bahasa kiasan Knickerbocker dan Reninger (1963) dan teori jenis makna Leech (1981) telah digunakan untuk menganalisis data kajian ini.
Dapatan kajian menunjukkan unsur-unsur personifikasi yang wujud dalam antologi cerpen Peravai Kathaikal terdiri daripada 4 aspek iaitu aspek bahan buatan manusia, aspek imej alam, aspek anggota badan manusia dan aspek-aspek lain. Aspek-aspek tersebut membawa 5 jenis makna iaitu 54 makna konotatif, 39 makna afektif, 1 makna refleksi, 3 makna kolokatif dan 1 makna tematik.
Pengkaji mendapati unsur personifikasi yang digunakan oleh penulis-penulis antologi cerpen Peravai Kathaikal adalah terdiri daripada makna yang berbeza di mana, maknanya lebih daripada makna denotatif. Ini merupakan gaya dan kebijaksanaan para penulis cerpen untuk melontarkan idea dalam penulisannya untuk menarik minat pembaca. Oleh itu, sesuatu mesej atau perkara yang ingin disampaikan, difikirkan dan dirasakan oleh penulis antologi cerpen Peravai Kathaikal dapat memberikan satu impak yang tinggi kepada para pembaca. Penggunaan unsur personifikasi juga menjadikan bahasa dalam cerpen lebih menarik di kalangan masyarakat
Identifying football conflict using soft-set theory in Indonesia super league / Kukuh Wahyudin Pratama
No full textThere are several mathematical formal models that handle conflict situations and the most popular one is a rough set theory. With the ability to handle vagueness from the conflict data set, rough set theory has been successfully used in many research. This research used an alternative approach as a method to handle conflict situation in Indonesia Super League. This method was implemented on the respondents or agents who were involved with football club management, match inspector, organizing committee, referees, supporters and players. The novelty of the proposed approach is discussed in rough set theory that include decision rules. It is based on the concept of co-occurrence of parameters in soft set theory.
Back in 2015, Indonesia has no an official football competition for almost a year when FIFA banned the Football Association of Indonesia for competing in any international competitions until the internal conflict among their agents were resolved. In managing the conflict situation and identifying the uncertainties, this research proposes a new approach of Computation Intelligence in handling football conflict using Soft Set Theory. Motivated from the fact that every rough set is a soft set, this research derived an alternative algorithm to identify conflict situations from the point of view of soft set theory. We then delineated the proposed algorithm for an instructional example of Indonesian football conflict situation concerning the Indonesia Football Super League. The results showed that the proposed algorithm has been successful in handling conflict and finally making recommendation to the Indonesian football agents involved
Securing anonymous authenticated announcement protocol for group signature in internet of vehicle / Nur Afiqah Suzelan Amir
No full textThe past decade has witnessed a growing interest in vehicular networking and its vast array of potential applications. Improved wireless internet connectivity from vehicles has prompted road safety technologies to emerge. Announcement protocol in Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is an intelligent application to improve road safety, relieve traffic congestion and enhance the comfort of transportation. IoV has drawn extensive attention to provide more enjoyable and safer driving environment. It requires communication between vehicles, roadside units and pedestrian to disseminate safety related messages. Vehicular cloud (VC) computing can guarantee reliable and timely broadcast of safety messages. The integration of IoV and VC may significantly reduce road casualities. However, as vehicles are connected to the internet, it makes them accessible globally to a potential adversary or malicious parties. Safety-related application requires a message to be reliable, however it may intrude the privacy of a vehicle. Contrarily, if some misbehaviour emerges, the trusted party (TP) must be able to trace and revoke their legitimacy from the network. This is a contradiction between privacy and accountability since the privacy of a user should be preserved. We begin by analysing some existing announcement protocol based on various cryptographic primitives in the literature for VC and IoV respectively and consider to what extent they achieve the conflicting security requirements of reliability, privacy and accountability. From our analysis, we discover that there is no group signature technique has been proposed in the literature. This highlights the need to design a secure and efficient announcement protocol based on group signature technique in IoV technology. We formulate a generic abstraction of an announcement protocol for group signature. This generic abstraction aims to provide a basis for future construction of announcement protocol using group signature in IoV. To the best of our knowledge, our work is the first comprehensive construction of an announcement protocol in IoV that deploys group signature. We then analyse the security of our proposed protocol and evaluate its performance. We demonstrate that our protocol efficiently solves these conflicting security requirements of message reliability, privacy and accountability using 5G communication channel. The performance of our protocol is validated by simulations. The performance analysis and simulation results signify our work achieves performance efficiency in IoV communication
Effects of ergonomics practices on home workstation towards employee's physical health conditions / Krystle Jameela Mathew San
No full textThis study was conducted to observe the ergonomics practice on home workstation of employees who are working from home. A survey on ergonomics practices on home computer workstation was sent to the respondents through social media platform and email. The respondents involved white-collar professional employees in Malaysia, aged from 20 and above, who transitioned from office to home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey includes questions relating to demographic profile of the respondents, computer workstation ergonomics self-assessment checklist, and standardized questionnaires for analysis of the musculoskeletal symptoms on the wellbeing resulting from the workstation conditions. It was found that the homeworking employees experienced many physical discomforts in body regions specifically in the neck (n=147, 69.7%), shoulder (n=148, 70.1%), upper back (n=139, 65.9%) and lower back (n=135,64%). Pearson correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between primary outcomes of musculoskeletal discomforts due to workstation conditions and the sitting postures which resulting in negative correlations. It was found that majority of the homeworking employees suffered poor body postures due to poor workstation and work practice at hom