Learning Institutions In Malaysia Research Articles

EMPOWERING THE LEARNING INSTITUTIONS IN MALAYSIA THROUGH WAQF AND ENDOWMENT: MEASURING THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF ITS’COMMUNITY

Waqf and Endowment in education are two bodies that delivered charitable services for the education community into areas including social welfare, research, infrastructure development, and general well-being at learning institutions. However, in spite of playing an applaudable role in educational institutions, the experience of waqf and endowment in learning institutions in Malaysia has been evidently opposed to the experience in the West. The objective of the research is to seek the level of knowledge and awareness among the community in the learning institutions in Malaysia on waqf and endowment. The study of the research will focus on the survey that has been conducted at selected higher learning institutions and a discussion on factors that contribute to the level of knowledge and awareness of the matter. Hence, the research will also provide solutions and suggestions for improvement in order to maintain good practice and governance as well as its challenges in waqf and endowment at learning institutions. It is hoped that this research will help to provide suggestions to enhance the development of the education system as well as the development of the economy in Malaysia.

Exploring the organisational context of research misconduct in higher learning institutions in Malaysia.

Due to the financial pressure caused by cutbacks in funding and the race to achieve higher university rankings, researchers are competing for limited funds. These funds enable researchers to contribute to the scientific enterprise and to secure better positions. Given this pressure, there is a need to understand how academic organisations can influence academic integrity. This study uses a qualitative methodology and incudes in-depth interviews with 22 voluntary participants from various Malaysian public and private universities and with different research backgrounds and experience. The findings suggest that mentorship, the pressure to perform, the research environment and research policies related to misconduct can contribute to research misconduct. According to the participants, reward systems that are heavily dependent on publication records can result in a research environment that is not conducive to research ethics, and which creates self-centred individualistic researchers rather than team players. This can lead to bad mentorship where researchers are more concerned with their own performance and do not prioritise their teaching and supervising of junior researchers. The endorsement of well-written research policies may have little significant value for research misconduct without enforcement and awareness of the importance of research integrity. This paper is an attempt to encourage university management to promote research integrity among individuals who are directly or indirectly involved in the research process by taking action against those involved in misconduct. It also suggests rewarding researchers based on their overall performance rather than solely on their publication record.

THE IMPACT OF THE WORK-LIFE BALANCE ON WORK ENGAGEMENT OF NON-ACADEMIC EMPLOYEE IN HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS IN MALAYSIA

Work Life Balance is an important aspect in the lives of individual employee. It is highly associated with their ability to perform well at work and live a happy and contented life. Work life balance affects every aspects of individual either emotionally or psychologically. This study looks at the level of work-life balance as well as the work involvement of non-academic employees of higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Additionally, it also looks at how the work-life balance affects individual work involvement. Data of this quantitative study were gathered through a set of questionnaire which was administered to 335 non-academic employees of higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Analysis of findings were based on descriptive analysis using SPSS 23 version by looking at the mean and standard deviation. It also looked at the effects of work life balance on work engagement by undertaking pearson correlation analysis. The findings of the study provide and insight on the level of work life balance and work engagement as practiced by the non-academic employees of Malaysian higher learning institutions. The findings also illustrates the significant relationship between work life balance as well as work engagement among non-academic employees in Malaysian higher learning institutions.

Humanizing e-Learning: The Thematic Approach

This study looks into the implementation of e-learning in the Malaysian Higher Learning Institutions. A total of 22 higher learning institutions were selected namely: five (5) public universities, ten (10) private universities and seven (7) college universities. The main approach to data collection is focus group interview and document analysis based on the thematic analysis approach. The study found that issues pertaining to the implementation of e-learning in higher learning institutions in Malaysia can be divided into six (6) main themes: infrastructure, infostructure and access, operating structure and governance, e-content and pedagogy, professional training and development, cultural and other e-learning implementation issues. The study ends with practical suggestions for e-elearning implementation in higher learning institutions.

EXAMINING THE DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION EFFECTIVENESS ON SOFT SKILLS AMONG UNDERGRADUATES

The Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship Acculturation Course is one of the curriculum of higher learning institutions in Malaysia to enhance the soft skills of undergraduates required for the job market. The emergence of digital technologies has led to the integration of the digital entrepreneurship module into the existing entrepreneurship course. Nonetheless, there is a dearth of recent literature relevant to the effectiveness of digital entrepreneurship education and its impact on students’ soft skills. The main purpose of this study is therefore to investigate the impact of digital entrepreneurship education on soft skills of undergraduates at public higher learning institution in East Malaysia. The study collected secondary data which included course feedback forms of 2,454 second year undergraduate students from two different academic years. Overall, the findings show that the digital entrepreneurship education enhanced the students’ soft skills. However, leadership skills were the lowest that students gained in both academic years. The findings provide practical implications for higher learning institutions on the importance of digital entrepreneurship education to the soft skills of undergraduates, and on the need to improve teaching and learning methods to equally enhance the soft skills.

Industry 4.0 competencies among lecturers of higher learning institution in Malaysia

Industry 4.0 is a new breed from the past industry revolution. The revolution implies an inevitable impact on professional sectors, including education field. Higher Learning Institution (HLI) is viewed as the platform for the development of Industry 4.0 competencies. However, research related to Industry 4.0 competencies among educators or academicians is scarce. Hence, this study aims to assess the level of Industry 4.0 competencies among lecturers in one of higher learning institution in Malaysia, as well as to identify Industry 4.0 competencies that required further enhancement. Five Industry 4.0 competencies identified from literature review, which are Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Organizational Learning, Innovative Management, Environment and Continuous Improvement competencies. The importance level and implementation level perceived by the lecturers across the five competencies are assessed via questionnaire which responded by 132 lecturers from a higher learning institution in Malaysia. Data collected is analyzed via descriptive analysis to assess the importance and implementation levels perceived by the respondent. In addition, an improvement opportunity index, namely Focus Index is calculated for each competency. Finding from the study reveals that all the four Industry 4.0 competencies are perceived by respondents as important, however implemented at moderate level. Analysis result of Focus Index also suggests that competencies in term of Organizational Learning and ICT are “over focus”, while Environment competency is viewed as “under focus” which required further enhancement.

The Relationship between Work Values and the Staff Behaviour in Islamic-based Higher Learning Institutions in Malaysia

Organizational behaviour literature reveals that the aspect of work values has a significant relationship with staff behavior, such as organizational commitment, job satisfaction and intention to quit. This study was conducted to explore the relationships within the context of academic staff in selected Islamic Institutions of Higher Learning in Malaysia. The result of the correlation test of 354 samples of academic staff from seven Islamic higher education institutions revealed that work values have a significant relationship with staff behaviour. This study focuses on the probability sampling where a certain population was identified and next, the sample was taken to the represent population. The correlation came in the form of the descriptive statistics through a close observation of the variables. Next, the hypothesis study through the testing on quantitative assumptions based on the relationship identified to answer the many questions emerging in the study. This study carries new outcomes with empirical evidence about the roles of work values with staff behaviour particularly in selected Islamic Institutions of Higher Education in Malaysia. In general, the outcome of the study indicated that the independent variable, which is Work Value had a relationship and influenced staff behaviour comprising of work satisfaction, commitment and the intention to quit. From several main findings, it can be seen that Work Values play an important role towards staff behaviour. The study finding showed that several components of work values like stimulation of thoughts, freedom, diverse tasks and creativity are very important to academic staff when it comes to carrying out their duties. Thus, Higher Learning Institutions may rein the Work Value test as a prerequisite before candidates are accepted as the academic staff.

Potential acoustic treatment analysis using sabine formula in unoccupied classroom

Effective teaching and learning, not only taking into account the good teaching methodology and facilities but the acoustic level in the classroom should also be addressed. RT-60 is the time required for sound decay in a classroom. The time taken for the sound to decay depends on the absorption coefficients (α) of surface material and the volume of the room. This paper aims to identify potential treatment materials for improving the value of RT-60 of the selected unoccupied teaching hall/classroom at one of the higher learning institution in Malaysia. The value of RT-60 is calculated using Sabine formula and used the same parameter like the surface material, surface area, and room’s volume identified in previous research. The best RT-60 value is 0.6s for the classroom with 10k-20k cubit feet in volume and it coincides with the volume of the selected classroom which is about 14320 cubic feet. To ensure that room has the optimum RT-60 values, the materials used on the ceiling, walls, floors, windows, and doors are assessed for sound absorption rate and then materials with appropriate absorption coefficient are proposed for improvement purposes. As a result, it found that gypsum board is suitable to use for wall and plywood 12mm thick is proposed for ceiling material. By applying this proposed material will then enhance the acoustical performance of the unoccupied teaching hall especially in RT-60 value.

Examining students' intention to perform voluntary blood donation using a theory of planned behaviour: A structural equation modelling approach.

This study aims to examine the behavioural intention of students to make voluntary blood donations. Moreover, it uses a theory of planned behaviour as its guiding principle and does so within the context of Malaysia, a developing nation. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire from a sample of 500 students at a public higher learning institution in Malaysia. Structural equation modelling approach (SEM) was performed to assess the strength of the hypothesized relationships of the proposed model simultaneously via the two-stage model-building process. The SEM approach revealed that knowledge was the most influential predictor of students' intention to make a voluntary blood donation. With the knowledge that the more blood they donate, the more lives will be saved, the inclination to donate blood is intensifying among students. Moreover, all of the TPB constructs applied were also seen to significantly influence students' response to voluntary blood donation. The nexus of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and knowledge about students' intention to perform voluntary blood donation are evidenced in a developing nation. The implications of the study and directions for future research are provided.

Mobile Phones: A Possible Vehicle of Bacterial Transmission in a Higher Learning Institution in Malaysia.

BackgroundMobile phones (MPs) have become one of the most indispensable accessories in social and professional life. Though they offer plenty of benefits, MPs are prolific breeding grounds for infectious pathogens in communities. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of bacterial contamination and determine antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) from MPs.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2019 on 126 students and 37 laboratory staff/clinical instructors’ MPs from the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia by a simple random sampling technique. Along with the questionnaire, a swab sample from each participant’s MPs was collected and transported to the microbiology laboratory for bacterial culture as per standard microbiological procedures and antimicrobial susceptibility test by the disc diffusion technique. Data were analysed by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Programme version 24.ResultsAll of the tested MPs were contaminated with either single or mix bacterial agents. Bacillus spp. (74.8%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS; 47.9%) and S. aureus (20.9%) were the most predominant bacterial isolates, whilst the least isolate was Proteus vulgaris (P. vulgaris) (2.5%). Oxacillin resistance was seen in 5.9% of S. aureus isolate. A comparison of bacteria type and frequency among gender showed a significant difference with P. vulgaris (P = 0.003) and among profession showed a significant difference with S. aureus (P = 0.004).ConclusionThe present study indicates that MPs can serve as a vector for both pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms. Therefore, full guidelines about restricting the use of MPs in laboratory environments, hand hygiene and frequent decontamination of MPs are recommended to limit the risk of cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections caused by MPs.

Exploring The Ecological Assets of Tunas Mekar Project’s Graduate Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship has been one of the alternatives in overcoming the unemployment rate among the youths that graduated from the higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Various efforts and policies have been developed to increase the participation of graduates in the entrepreneurial field. Nevertheless, statistics show that the participation of graduates in this field is still unsatisfactory. There are two youth development assets that influence the ability of graduates to start a business, known as the individual asset and the ecological asset. This research seeks to explore the ecological assets which influence the ability of graduates to start a business based on their entrepreneurial experiences. This research is a qualitative single case study research using purposive sampling. A total of 12 graduate entrepreneurs from the Tunas Mekar Project had been chosen as the research informants. Research data has been collected through the conduct of in-depth and semi-structured interviews, non-formal observations and document analysis, in which the data were later analysed using the Atlas.ti (Version 8) computer software. The findings of the research showed that social network support, monetary network support, and a positive entrepreneurship ecosystem have helped graduates to start a business after they participated in the Tunas Mekar Project. It is observed that all three assets have helped to increase the capacity of the graduates to overcome the challenges in initiating a business. Thus, everyone has to play a role in increasing and strengthening the entrepreneurship potential within the graduates. It is hoped that the various initiatives and support given to this group will produce more graduate entrepreneurs, which will also help to overcome the problem of unemployment among the highly educated youths in the future.

EXAMINING FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO UNETHICAL BEHAVIOUR IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING

Issues related to unethical behaviour is also evident in institutions of higher learning. This paper will discuss some of the factors that have been shown to have an influence on unethical behaviour in the specific context in higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Ethical leadership and ethical climate are identified to be the variables that might influence the intention to perform such behaviour. It then discusses the importance of ethical leadership and ethical climate in shaping the ethical conduct in higher learning institutions.

Investigating technology and organizational performance of private higher learning institutions in Malaysia

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of technology on organizational performance of private higher learning institutions (HLIs) in Malaysia and to determine the area of focus for private HLIs in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach Data collection was carried out over two months through an online self-administered questionnaire and yielded 155 samples. Subsequently, the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the reflective measurement model and the structural model for validity, reliability and hypotheses, respectively. Findings This paper discovered that between the two constructs of technology tested (technology management and technology usage), only technology management influenced organizational performance. Originality/value As Industry 4.0 is disrupting the existing business environment, inquiring into the influence of technology is of critical importance for the organizational performance of private HLIs in Malaysia. This paper provides a different perspective of how technology affects the overall organizational performance of private HLIs which differs from past studies which focused more on the effects of technology on individuals such as teachers/instructors and learners.

Correction to: The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression, Anxiety and Stress of First Year Undergraduate Students in a Public Higher Learning Institution in Malaysia

Correction to: The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression, Anxiety and Stress of First Year Undergraduate Students in a Public Higher Learning Institution in Malaysia

The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression, Anxiety and Stress of First Year Undergraduate Students in a Public Higher Learning Institution in Malaysia

While university life is characterized by the pursuit of greater educational opportunities and employment prospects, it can also be a trigger of mental health problems. This study aims to: (a) measure the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among first-year undergraduate students in the University of Malaya, and; (b) determine the associated factors of depression, anxiety, and stress. This cross-sectional study consisted of two phases: survey administration and physical assessment. In the first phase, data were collected electronically using a mobile application during the orientation week. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) questionnaire was employed to assess respondents’ mental health status. In the second phase, anthropometric measurements which included height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure were taken. Of 1602 students, the prevalence of moderate to extremely severe depression was 21% (n = 341), anxiety 50% (n = 793), and stress 12% (n = 197). Findings showed that students who lived with non-family members were more likely to develop depression (OR: 1.846, 95% CI: 1.266–2.693), anxiety (OR: 1.529, 95% CI: 1.024–2.284), and stress (OR: 1.655, 95% CI: 1.110–2.468). Those with previous medical history were more likely to have anxiety (OR: 1.697, 95% CI: 1.097–2.626). Interestingly, students from the Southern region (OR: 0.667, 95% CI: 0.468–0.950) and from Sabah and Sarawak (OR: 0.503, 95% CI: 0.281–0.900) were less likely to report depression. Future intervention programs should follow the socio-ecological model while addressing university students’ mental health needs.

A Rollercoaster Ride of Emotions: Investigating Learning Challenges in a Doctoral Learning Journey

Although there has been a substantial increase in the number of research students enrolled in public higher learning institutions in Malaysia, the high attrition rate amongst doctoral students is quite alarming. Various research efforts have been carried out to investigate this phenomenon; however, most of the studies were focused solely on supervision. Even less is known about the challenges that research students in Malaysia face during their doctoral learning journey and how they cope with these challenges. This study examined the learning challenges that research students experienced during their doctoral learning journey and how they managed to overcome the challenges. This qualitative study involved an extensive collection of time- and context-sensitive data and emphasized on giving participants a personal voice. Snowball sampling was used and a total of eight participants were involved in this study. Four stages of data collection generated rich data from lengthy interviews and provided opportunities for re-interviewing the same participants all over again. Three types of interviews were utilised, and necessary steps were taken to ensure trustworthiness was established in this research. Based on the research findings, three broad categories of learning challenges were identified namely supervision, academic and psychological. Academic challenges were most profound in their learning in which knowledge creation and conceptualization being the most challenging skills whilst psychological issues were the least challenging. This study introduced a fresh perspective to the literature on research students, which has been dominated by investigation into the supervision process.

Ethical Leadership, Ethical Climate and Unethical Behaviour in Institutions of Higher Learning

Issues related to unethical behaviour is not common nowadays; and they are also the problem of higher learning institutions. This study is conducted to find out the factors that influence the intention to perform unethical behaviour in higher learning institutions in Malaysia. This paper provides some insights into the issues of unethical behaviour, specifically the behaviour of lecturers. Ethical leadership and ethical climate are identified to be the variables that might influence the intention to perform such behaviour. It then discusses the importance of ethical leadership and ethical climate in shaping the ethical conduct in higher learning institutions.

“WE HEAR YOU, WE UNDERSTAND YOU” - USING VARK SURVEY TO UNDERSTAND FIRST YEAR LAW LEARNERS

With technological advancement and industrial revolution 4.0, teaching and learning, particularly in a higher learning institution, would definitely face challenges, not only to learners but also to teachers. One of the challenges faced by teachers is the learning styles of learners in this era. As learning styles and preferences may differ from one individual to another, understanding the learners is crucial so that the design and formulation of the teaching lessons, activities, and assessment for the course would suit the learners’ learning styles and meet the course learning outcomes. Hence, by employing a mixture of quantitative and qualitative methods, a VARK survey has been administered on 77 first-year law students of one higher learning institution in Malaysia to identify the learners’ learning styles. Their preference in terms of how they learn best and what type of activities that suit them most for their learning process can be assessed. Considerably, the survey would assist the researchers in profiling the learners into groups based on their respective learning styles, particularly visual (V), auditory (A), reading/writing (R) or kinesthetics (K). This article emphasizes on the importance of understanding learners for any given course, generally, and harnessing the power of VARK survey in assisting the teachers to understand their learners better. Being able to understand the learning styles of the learners, the teachers would be able to structure and plan the teaching lessons to suit the styles of the learners. Consequentially, the learning objectives of the course would be met.

MALAYSIAN TVET LECTURER AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING THROUGH NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL STANDARD SKILLS

Purpose of the study: The aim of this study is to provide a reflective thinking on the NOSS for TVET lecturers which have been developed by the faculty members of engineering and technology across Malaysia through DSD’s accreditation and to provide an exposure about NOSS for TVET lecturers or educators in higher learning institution in Malaysia. Methodology: A participatory collaborative research between MTUN universities and DSD has been performed. The research has been conducted using multiple techniques such as content analysis to gain general idea of TVET lecturer core competencies, focus group interview and coffee table workshop session with 21 specialist TVET practitioners and educationists. Main Findings: The minimum requirements and other characteristics for higher TVET lecturers were identified, which led to the acknowledgment of nine core competencies for NOSS TVET lecturer. Furthermore, a proposal on Master of Technology (MTVET) for TVET Lecturer and Instructor in Malaysia embedded with NOSS for TVET Lecturer has also been proposed. Applications of this study: This study can be useful to higher TVET lecturers, educators and teaching engineers in MTUN and also industry’s trainers to pursue accreditation on TVET teaching and learning. Novelty/Originality of this study: The implementation of “NOSS TVET Implementation and Development” – NOSS Level 5 has been accredited and has been used as a substance in developing Malaysian TVET educators standard by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education. Moreover, NOSS Level 5 evaluation and Master of Technology (TVET) will be a medium in the bridging process and provide vast opportunity for TVET lecturers to lead their future careers.

Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction in the Higher Learning Institutions in Malaysia

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the importance of job satisfaction in the higher learning institutions in Malaysia and identify the factors that influence job satisfaction. This study used Herzberg Two-factor Theory to determine how relevant hygiene and motivator factors are related to job satisfaction among the Malaysian faculty members. Among the factors identified are company policy, supervision, work condition, salary, recognition, the work itself, growth and achievement. This study also provides theoretical implications to guide future research and offers practical implications to the management in the development of job satisfaction among faculty members. Given that employee job satisfaction is vital and important to the high learning institution, factors influencing job satisfaction need to be given extra attention so that high quality of education and positive student’s learning outcomes can be sustained and achieved successfully.