Private Institutions Of Higher Learning Research Articles

Effectivness of Creative Thinking Module on Figural Creativity of Engineering Undergraduate in Malaysia

This research paper presents the outcome of research conducted to improve and enhance the creativity level of engineering undergraduates at a private institution of higher learning in Malaysia. A Creative Thinking Module that features six proposed creative thinking tools was developed and administered to a group of 3rd Year Mechanical Engineering Undergraduates in the studied university. The Torrance Test of Creative Thinking Figural Forms were applied to measure the creativity level of respondents in this research. The effects of the Creative Thinking Skills Module developed is obtained through Pre-Test and Post-Test research method, Paired Sample T-Test and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test are used to analyse the scores, and results indicated the module developed has significantly improved the creativity of the undergraduates.

Silence Behavior in Public and Private Higher Learning Institutions in Selangor, Malaysia

Silence Behavior in Public and Private Higher Learning Institutions in Selangor, Malaysia

Assessing the validity and reliability of creative thinking skills module in a pilot study on engineering undergraduate in Malaysia

This research paper presents the outcome of a research conducted to assess and determine the Validity and Reliability coefficient of Creative Thinking Skills for Conceptual Engineering Design Module administered to engineering undergraduates at a private institution of higher learning. The Creative Thinking Skills Module features few proposed creative thinking tools such as Brain Sketching, Mind Maps and Morphological Analysis. The validity consists of module content validity, and session and activity validity, evaluated by a group of five experts. The Cronbach Alpha value was determined through conducting a pilot study in a local private university where mechanical engineering undergraduate underwent the module workshop and activity. Questionnaires were given to respective experts and students respondents to measure the validity and reliability level of the module, sessions and activities.

E-Portfolios as a tool to enhance student learning experience and entrepreneurial skills

Increasing digitisation has put pressure on institutions of higher learning around the globe to find effective solutions to better prepare their students for the 21 st -century world of work. The paper presents the findings of a qualitative inquiry into the attitudes, feelings, and experiences of entrepreneurship students in a selected private institution of higher learning on the use of e-portfolios as a tool to enhance the learning experience. Data was collected using a combination of focus groups and semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis conducted for this study revealed five (5) emergent themes on the contributions of e-portfolios in enhancing the learning experiences of the modern-day scholar. The resourcefulness, flexibility, engagement, entrepreneurial skills improvement and collaboration emerged as the outstanding contributions of e-portfolios towards enhancing learning. The emergent themes are in line with the entrepreneurial behaviour, imperative for every 21 st -century world of work. The value the findings of this study lies in its exploratory utility in exposing the lived-experiences, attitudes, and feelings of modern day students on the role of e-portfolios as a tool to enhance their learning experience and cultivate entrepreneurial behaviour in the modern world of work. Recommendations to explore the technological advantage presented by e-portfolios are presented.

A study on the knowledge, attitude & perspectives of final year students of bachelor of pharmacy programme in Malaysian Universities towards the implementation of the separation of drug prescribing & dispensing activity in Malaysia

Dispensing separation in Malaysia has been a widely discussed topic among the medical fraternity. It is a highly sensitive topic as it involves both professional and economic considerations for doctors, pharmacists, and the general public. There has been no decision made thus far but the discussion is ongoing, making a study on this topic very relevant. The subjects of this study, final year students of Bachelor of Pharmacy Programme in Malaysian universities, are chosen to reflect their awareness, preparedness, and knowledge on dispensing separation, which will affect their future in the pharmacy profession. The study was conducted among all 20 Public and Private Institutions of Higher Learning recognized by the Pharmacy Board, Malaysia. This was a cross-sectional study design, and data was collected using a convenience sampling method. The research instrument was an online questionnaire. The first part of the questionnaire covers the demographic information about the respondent, like name, age, gender, and institution. The second part covers the knowledge, awareness and perspectives of respondents towards the implementation of the separation of prescribing and dispensing activities in Malaysia. The final part of the survey focuses on suggestions or problems arising. There were 126 respondents to the survey, way above the 96 respondents needed to make the survey valid. The majority of them are aware of and understand the dispensing separation. Most of them agree that the government should legalize the dispensing separation activities as they believe pharmacists are more knowledgeable and better equipped to dispense drugs. The majority of them believe by implementing dispensing separation, the health care system will be better optimized, and the service will be better. They also believe that patients can accept and adapt to the role of the pharmacist in dispensing medication. The majority of them also agree that the price of medicine will be lowered by the implementation of dispensing separation. Based on the study, these students who are future pharmacists are very knowledgeable on the dispensing separation issue. They believe strongly that the implementation of dispensing separation in Malaysia will bring more beneficial changes to the health care system. The patients will also benefit from this. With such a positive attitude, the implementation of dispensing separation in Malaysia could be imminent

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.

Lecturer’s Perspective on Talent Management in Private Higher Learning Institutions in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Talent management has been an ongoing focus in teaching and career development among lecturers in universities. However, this effective practice lies in the conduct of certain factors in an organisation. Some of the important factors that contribute to talent management of an organisation are; the ability of lecturers to perform, organizational culture and retention practice of an organisation. Hence, this paper took a milestone in explaining the relationship among talent management and three antecedent factors; performance, organisational culture and retention. Importantly, the research focuses on academicians who are teaching Information Technology related subjects. The leading universities in Malaysia have a tendency to lose competent academicians thus creating a gap in the organisational outcome. Thus, respondents were sampled from Private Higher Learning Institutions in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The data was collected from 133 respondents who have been teaching in IT related modules. Hypotheses were built based on the relationship between variables and analysed using Pearson Correlation in via the SPSS software. The results showthat two hypotheses are not supported except for one of the hypothesis on retention has indicated a significant relationship with the talent management practice of the university. Information Technology is a fast growing industry as lecturers in this field need to be constantly updated in their knowledge, skills and ability. This requires talent management. Academicians who are unable to do this with the support and motivation of an organisation may not be able to offer their services in the university. Consequently, this can lead to poor outcome on knowledge delivery to students or the turnover rate may be affected. Overall, this paper has called for good human resource practices for lecturers in the teaching profession.

A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON PERCEPTION OF SCIENCE STUDENTS AT ISLAMIC SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OF MALAYSIA

Abstract
 
 Purpose of the study: To analyse students’ perceptions of Arabic language learning for science purposes in USIM.
 Problem of the study: The existing Arabic module in the Higher Education Institution in Malaysia did not discuss the topic related to Science in Arabic language learning for science students, except in USIM. Using the existing modules, researchers analysed respondents' perceptions of Arabic Language for Science Purpose.
 Methodology: This study applies a quantitative approach which involves 169 science students at the Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM) as respondents and randomly selected. The data were analysed descriptively by looking at the percentage and mean score by using SPSS Statistics 25.
 Main Findings: The descriptive analysis findings demonstrate that the overall mean of interest was 3.72, the mean of the module was 3.78, the mean of the use of scientific terms was 3.49 and the mean of the learning duration was 3.08. The findings showed that using the specific module of Arabic Language for Science had successfully nurtured students' interest in Arabic and able to introduce them to scientific terms in Arabic. This study could be a measurement of the use of Arabic language modules that contain specific content based on "Specific Purposes" for Institutions of Higher Learning in Malaysia.
 Applications of this study: This study involves science students who have studied the subjects (اللغة العربية للعلوم) using the Arabic Language for Science Purpose module within a semester from Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Science and Technology and Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at USIM
 Novelty/Originality of this study: This study could be a measurement of the use of Arabic language modules that contain specific content based on the "Specific Purposes" for Institute of Higher Learning and the Private Higher Learning Institution (IPTS) in Malaysia.

Public–Private Distinction Through the Prism of a Higher Education Law: A Comparison of Policy Postures and Realities

This study examines the legislative framework of the Ethiopian higher education sector in light of the corresponding roles and expectations it assigns to and the distinctions it draws between public and private institutions of higher learning. The findings reveal that public and private institutions are equally expected to deliver similar responsibilities that largely pertain to the three major missions of teaching, research and community services. However, despite ascribing similar missions and roles, government legislations provide greater leverage and privileges to the public and inadvertently marginalize the private sector. The manners in which public and private institutions exercise their broadly designated roles show significant divergences that can impinge on the proliferation of the private higher education sector that is expected to assist government policy goals of increasing access to higher education in Ethiopia. It is argued that unless mechanisms are sought to redress the existing dichotomy, the national goals of promoting economic and human resource development through the participation of private higher education institutions will continue to face challenges.

The Intention to Enroll among Students of Private Higher Learning Institutions

Higher education hub in Malaysia has become intense in the form of competition. Private Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) has to work harder to win the competition between the education services in the marketplace. Thus, with the total numbers of Private HLI and programmes available for choice, it is a complex situation to investigate the way students select Private HLI. Due to that, it is a key issue for Private HLI owners to understand what are the determinant factors that influence the students’ intention to enroll in Private HLI. This conceptual paper discusses the influence of promotional efforts, the role of family and attitude on the intention to enroll in private HLIs. Theory of Reason Action is used as the underpinning theory for this conceptual paper. The outcome of this study from the findings will be able to assist Ministry of Education and Private HLIs on how to increase the enrolment of Private HLIs and thus to assist them on how to meet the objective of the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2015-2025.

Designing the Structural Model of TVET Lecturers’ Professionalism and Generic Skills Based on an Empirical Study in Malaysia

This study seeks to identify the level of general competency of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) lecturers of construction technology civil engineering (CTCE) of vocational college using the standard model of competency requirement based on grade of lecturer and years of teaching experience. The data were analyzed using the SPSS Version 20.0 software, which involved descriptive statistical method, mean, and standard deviation. Data collection for the assessment phase involves construction technology lecturers from 45 vocational colleges in all the states in Peninsular Malaysia. The respondents of the study were 304 lecturers who taught CTCE courses in vocational colleges from 14 states, namely Johor, Sarawak, and Federal Territory (Kuala Lumpur and Labuan). Finding shows that the professional general competency level of TVET CTCE vocational college lecturers based on years of teaching experience is high with satisfactory interpretation. It also shows that the level of professional competency of TVET CTCE lecturer of vocational college based on grade of the post is high, whereas the level of entrepreneurship skill competency as a whole is at moderate level. There was a slight decrease in the proficiency level profile of the CTCE lecturer who had more than 15 years of experience compared with those with teaching experience of 15 years or less. There found positive relationships between the dimensions of professionalism and the generic skills. The findings of the study will help the Ministry of Education in particular public or private institutions of higher learning in preparing TVET lecturers to become specialized, highly skilled, competent, and efficient in civil engineering courses in the attempt to strengthen the teaching profession, especially in technical and vocational education, which is in line with the aspirations of the 21st-century education.

The Diversity Of Waqf Implementations for Economic Development in Higher Education

ABSTRACTThe development of higher education in Malaysia is multiplying based on the increasing numbers of Public Higher Learning Institutions (IPTA) and Private Higher Learning Institutions (IPTS). This increase has encouraged various parties to collaborate to create a solid foundation and strategy to create IPT to become more competitive. However, the funding factor is still one restraint that IPTs must face. To overcome this problem, one example of IPT is taking the initiative by implementing waqf for higher education in limited institutions. Based on this scenario, the present paper was written to achieve two objectives:The first isto examine the precise development of higher education waqf that has been implemented in IPT in Malaysia. Thesecond isto precisely examine the variety of waqf that can be implemented for higher education. This study is an exploration in which the data used were derived from library research. The findings of this study will develop a theory on the diversification of waqf implementations for higher education in Malaysia. Keywords: Diversity, Economic, Instrument of Waqf, Waqf of Higher Education

Muslim academics’ knowledge sharing in Malaysian higher learning institutions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate Muslim academics’ knowledge sharing (KS) behavior and its relating predictors in the context of Malaysia. Academics being the center entity of education in higher learning institutions (HLI) has the noble obligation in spreading and sharing knowledge. Moreover, in Islamic teaching, academics having knowledge must let others know that knowledge can be beneficial in everyday life. Design/methodology/approach The underpinning theories used in this study are theory of planned behavior (TPB) and social capital theory (SCT) for assessing the probable factors that can determine academics’ KS behavior. This study evaluates 398 Muslim academics in Malaysia for KS behavior in 20 public and 5 private HLIs. Structural equation modeling–partial least square was used as the tool for data analysis. Findings It was found that all the variables tested in this study were significant, except for commitment. Social network, trust, management support, facilitating conditions and social media are significant predictors in Muslim academics’ KS behavior. Research limitations/implications The findings would enable HLIs to inculcate and enhance KS among academics in terms of theoretical and managerial perspectives. Originality/value This study integrates TPB, SCT and other individual, organizational and technological factors for assessing Muslim academics in Malaysia. Thus, generalization on Muslim academics can be attained in South Asian countries.

Entrepreneurial characteristics and intentions among undergraduates in Malaysia

This study investigates the entrepreneurial intentions of undergraduate students in the public university and private institution of higher learning in Malaysia. Six entrepreneurial characteristics were observed during the focus group interviews which included; risk taking propensity, self-confidence, need for achievement, innovativeness, tolerance of ambiguity, and locus of control. These elements are used to define the entrepreneurial profile of students using the trait model of entrepreneurship as a basis of the proposed research. Ten students from the public and private higher institutions of learning were interviewed. Students were selected from one public university (IPTA) and another from private university (IPTS). Results based on the students' entrepreneurial intentions are compared between the IPTA and IPTS and some plausible explanations are discussed. This research provides deeper insight into entrepreneurship education besides providing comprehensive empirical evidence about the impact of higher education on entrepreneurial intentions, thus fills an important gap in the entrepreneurship literature.

The Development of Business Continuity Plan for Online Delivery: A Case Study in Malaysian Private Higher Learning Institution

Class cancellation due to the unplanned disaster such as haze may cost private higher learning institutions a huge cost. Their reputation may also be at risk. Realizing this one of the private higher learning institutions in Malaysia has taken measures to ensure the classroom continuity despite the disruption. It captures the measures taken in dealing with classroom continuity during the event of crisis. A model of classroom continuity the event of unplanned disruption is developed for reference by other universities in developing a sustainable and cost effective Business Continuity Plan for Curriculum.

Balanced Scorecard as a Performance Measurement System in Malaysian Private Institutions of Higher Learning: Empirical Findings

Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a well-known performance measurement tools and some researchers have highlighted its relevance to Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL). In order to response to the globalization phenomenon today, IHL must adopt the most suitable tool such as Performance Measurement System (PMS) in assessing academicians’ performance. The adoption of Strategic Performance Measurement System (SPMS), proven to realize significant cost saving, improve personal satisfactions and enhance organizational performances based on previous studies. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to determine the relationship between leadership, communication and academic qualification towards the adoption of BSC. Data were collected quantitatively through a survey questionnaire with the usable response rate of 78.57%. The descriptive results of this study revealed that the majority of academicians’ extensively agrees that the measurement used in the BSC are effective in assessing academicians’ performances. This finding also reveals that leadership, communication and academic qualification were significantly influenced the adoption of BSC. The findings from this study have advanced the literature on BSC especially in the education sector. It also provides a better understanding of BSC as the performance measurement tool in assessing academicians’ performance.

Key success factors for organizational performance of private HLIs in Malaysia

PurposeThe paper aims to highlight the key factors that can optimize the organizational performance of private higher learning institutions (HLIs). Undeniably, organizational performance is crucial for the business sustainability of private HLIs in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents the authors’ views on the key factors for the organizational performance of private HLIs based on personal experiences and review of past research literature conducted on organizational performance.FindingsThe higher education sector plays an important role as it is seen as a potential engine of growth and source of global competitiveness. As one of the main players in the higher education sector, private HLIs need to optimize its organizational performance. Unfortunately, at present, the disruptive dynamic changes and uncertainties in the business landscape are affecting the organizational performance of HLIs. Therefore, the key factors highlighted in this paper are meant to provide insights into how private HLIs can optimize organizational performance while operating in the current turbulent business environment.Originality/valueThe paper provides new insights into key success factors that are pivotal to the business sustainability of private HLIs in Malaysia.

Coming Back for More Quality Learning Experience

This preliminary study investigates students’ expected learning experiences that determine their return to the same university for further studies. A cross-sectional analysis was done on 190 undergraduate students in a private institution of higher learning. Their opinions were sought regarding the present quality of services offered by the university. Their concern was for quality teaching, lecturers and facilities, and especially course fees, technology, and support systems. The study highlights the need to look again at some of the students’ major complaints, which could guarantee their return to the university’s doorstep.

Challenges faced by Malaysian private HLIs in providing quality education: a thematic analysis

PurposeThe paper aims to identify the emerging themes on the challenges faced by the Malaysian private higher learning institutions (HLIs) in the provision of providing quality education.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were purposively conducted with 29 of the Malaysian private HLI internal and external stakeholders ranging from the relevant personnel of the institutions (the quality director, administrators and senior academics), regulatory agencies, prospective employer, students and parents. Thematic analysis was then applied to analyze the participants’ responses in determining and clarifying the challenges faced by the Malaysian private HLIs in the issue of providing quality education.FindingsEight overarching themes were identified, namely, Academics, Facilities, Students, Programs and curriculum, Competition, Accreditation, Finance and Research. Academics represent the most frequent challenge raised by the participants, whereas Research emerged as the least mentioned challenge during the interview sessions.Research limitations/implicationsThe present paper focused solely on Malaysian private HLIs, and thus, the findings may not be applicable to the foreign private HLIs that are operating in Malaysia as well as to the public HLIs.Originality/valueThe findings are expected to provide valuable guidelines to the Malaysian Private HLIs in areas where resources need to be critically disbursed. To the regulatory agencies and policy-makers, the findings could enlighten them on the difficulties faced by these privately funded institutions so that further policies can be designed and implemented to assist these institutions in their operations and long-term survival.

The Relationship between Integrated Marketing Communication and Leadership Styles - In the Context of Malaysian Higher Education

The purposes of this study are to assess the level of IMC implementation, to investigate the factors for developing and implementing a successful IMC plan, and to determine the interconnection between leadership styles and IMC in the selected Malaysian public and private higher learning institutions (HLIs) based on the perceptions of administrators and lecturers. Qualitative methods were employed, whereby IMC four-stage framework and seven dimensions of full range leadership theory served as the basis of this study. The results of this study show that a majority of the interviewees claimed that their institutions have reached stage 4 (strategic integration) of the IMC framework. Nevertheless, there were inconsistencies in the answers between the administrators and lecturers. The results also reveal that the important factors in developing and implementing a successful IMC plan in Malaysian HLIs are uniting functional operations by aligning the activities of the HLIs toward serving the customers, getting support from the top management of HLIs, studying their customers thoroughly, and utilising social networks to communicate with their current and prospective customers. Moreover, the leadership styles practised in the interviewees� institutions expose that the dimension of intellectual stimulation was the most mentioned, followed by laissez-faire, inspirational motivation, and management-by-exception. The leaders of the selected Malaysian public HLIs showed a higher tendency of practising transformational leadership style compared to the leaders of the selected Malaysian private HLIs who showed the tendency of practising transactional leadership style. Thus, practising an appropriate leadership style is an important factor that influences the effectiveness of leaders in the Malaysian HLIs.�Keywords: Integrated marketing communication; integrated marketing communication framework; leadership styles; full range leadership theory.