Public Institutions Of Higher Learning Research Articles

The Acceptance of Educational Data Mining Technology among Students in Public Institutions of Higher Learning in Malaysia

Accepting the emergence of data mining technology by students is crucial to the successful implementation of the technology in education institutions. Although previous studies have empirically show the result of acceptance or adoption of data mining technology in numerous fields, however, they are focused at organisational-level. Hence, there is a need to explain what are the determinants could influence the acceptance of data mining technology at individual-level since they are the most affected by the technology. Therefore, this study adapts selected constructs in the Technology Acceptance Model 3 (TAM3) to conceptualise the research problem, namely in terms of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, relevance for analysing, anxiety of educational data mining technology, self-efficacy and facilitating conditions. To examine the model, this study surveyed 158 students from four public Institutions of Higher Learning in Malaysia. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient is utilised to analyses the relationship between the constructs. The findings have revealed that most of the constructs have a high level of correlation.

Effect of Mentorship Program on Mentees’ Psychosocial Development

The study investigates the role of mentorship in enhancing mentees’ psychosocial development. It utilized self-administered questionnaires completed by undergraduate military students at a public higher learning institution in Malaysia. The outcomes of SmartPLS path model analysis revealed two important findings: firstly, communication insignificantly correlated with psychosocial development. Secondly, support significantly correlated with psychosocial development. The results confirm that communication does not act as an important determinant of mentees’ psychosocial development. However, support does act as an important psychosocial development in the studied organization. This paper also provides discussion, implications and conclusion.

Energy Efficiency in a New University Campus: Preliminary Findings

One of Malaysia’s national energy policy’s objectives is to promote efficient utilization of energy and the elimination of wasteful and non-productive patterns of energy consumption. The government wishes to intensify energy efficiency (EE) initiatives in a broad range of areas, including in government buildings. University Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), a Malaysian public institution of higher learning, has been chosen for an action research in the implementation of an energy efficiency program, in line with the government’s aspiration. This highly populated organization was an ideal selection for an energy consumption and silent waste research. Research objective was to identify areas of possible energy waste within the Campus. To achieve the objective, 2 projects were selected: one was to reduce energy use of chillers and the other was to find if there is any wastage with wrong setting of luminous flux in specific areas. For the first project, the staging method was adopted, where chillers will be loaded with 15 minutes intervals and for the second, luminous flux was set according to government body’s requirement to attain energy saving as initial stage findings showed that luminous flux setting was more than what is required. The results from just these 2 projects demonstrated, that UniMAP was able to save approximately 53,000 kWh of electricity within the research duration. From the preliminary results, it is apparent that more energy wastage analysis within the campus should be carried out in order to maximize potential savings that can be achieved in the future.

Entrepreneurship Education in Malaysia’s Public Institutions of Higher Learning—A Review of the Current Practices

The need for a practical and applicable model for entrepreneurial learning is becoming critical. In this study, we aimed to collect data related to entrepreneurship education practices by all institutes of higher learning (IHLs) in Malaysia as well as challenges faced, facilities, and supports offered by the universities. Given the important role of IHLs to nurture and to create future entrepreneurs, the government via public IHLs aspires to produce “job creators” rather than “job seekers.” The findings of the study are significant as they provide practical insight into the entrepreneurship education practiced by the local public universities. In addition, the study also contributes to the present literature on the entrepreneurship education in Malaysia, particularly in presenting the practical issues and challenges faced by the universities in conducting entrepreneurship education programs.

Russian

The legislation of the Russian Federation in the area of financial control is in the stage of enhancing the organization of internal financial control at the level of public/legal education and at the organization level. This article analyzes the basic foundations of new statutory acts regulating the procedure for organizing and administering internal financial control (audit) in the budget sphere. The author puts forth variants for organizing and implementing internal financial control (audit) in public institutions of higher learning.

Quality Management of Short Courses at Higher Education Institutions in South Africa: A Comparative Study

The Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) conducted its first cycle of institutional audit exercises from 2004 – 2009 at private and public universities in South Africa. This study follows on the HEQC audit panel’s report, with reference to the offering of short courses (SCs) by Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s). The HEQC informed some institutions that the quality assurance system of SCs is not on par with the requirements of the HEQC. Therefore, it does not meet the minimum standards for an effective quality management system for SCs. It is imperative for institutions to conceptualise the quality management of SCs and to develop a system that ensures ongoing improvement. This study addresses this gap by conceptualising the quality management of SCs on national level in higher education. The study draws on good practices on national level that can inform the refinement of the existing quality assurance system for SCs at HEI’s. The empirical study was conducted with public institutions of higher learning in South Africa. Quantitative data were collected from all 23 public institutions of higher learning. analysed and interpreted during this study. The study revealed that it is imperative for higher education institutions to develop quality assurance systems that are based on cyclical processes of ongoing improvement. The study highlights the value of the principles of Total Quality Management, the notion of continuous improvement, self-evaluation and external monitoring. Recommendations in this study suggest that HEI’s should conduct further institutional benchmarking exercises with the five institutions that received commendations and full delegations, in order to develop a conceptual model for understanding and enhancing its SC offerings. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p390

Internal factors Affecting Academic Performance among Pharmacy Students in Malaysian Public Institutions of Higher Learning

Introduction: Several factors have been found to affect university students from achieving and maintaining good academic performance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the internal factors that affect pharmacy students’ academic performance and to determine whether these factors have significant effect on their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and year of study. Method: A questionnaire consisted of 47 items was used as the survey instrument in this study. A total of 1,018 pharmacy students from five Malaysian public institutions of higher learning participated in this study. Result: The result of the study showed that students’ academic performance (CGPA) was significantly associated (p<0.05) with academic competency, test competency, time management skills, neuroticism and test anxiety. Academic competence, test competence, time management skills and test anxiety significantly (p<0.05) affect students with different ranks of CGPA. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in conscientiousness level among second, third and fourth years’ pharmacy students. Post hoc analysis indicated that significant difference was noted in the conscientiousness level between the second year students compared to fourth year students. In conclusion, academic competence, test competence, time management skills and test anxiety were important factors that were associated with students’ academic performance.

Accent Attitudes: Reactions to English as a Lingua Franca

The emergence of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) and English as an International Language (EIL) has implored us to re-examine the relevance and necessity of the ideology of the native speaker as a model in English language teaching. ELF celebrates the diversity of the various varieties of Englishes that are used in non-native as well as native speaker environments. One obvious manifestation of the diversity of English spoken in the various parts of the world is the accent that is often ascribed to the various diverse speakers of English, wherever it is spoken and used. Generally, the aim of this paper is to examine how non-native speakers (NNS) of English view NNS accents in relation to NS accents. Specifically, the study will discuss the findings of a study that explored the attitudes and beliefs regarding ELF accents in relation to NS accents. The data for this study was collected using a questionnaire adapted from Jenkins (2007). The respondents were a group of trainee teachers of English in a Malaysian public institution of higher learning. The findings show that the respondents perceived the NS accents as being better and described them in more positive categories than the non NNS accents. The NS accents are preferred by the respondents. The findings here reveal biasness towards NS accents as being more correct and proper as opposed to NNS accents. Although there is a shift in the number of users and uses of English in recent times, these teachers still think and believe that ‘proper’ English remains the preserve of inner circle countries.

An Application of Activity Based Costing in Public Higher Learning Institutions in Ghana: A Pilot Study

Purpose – This paper examines the extent to which the Activity Based Costing framework can be applied to Public Higher Learning Institutions in Ghana.Design/methodology/approach – The paper follows Krishnan (2006) study’s methodology and objectives. Specifically, the paper develops a costing methodology for the Higher Learning Institution.Findings – It is clear that Activity Based Costing brings new cost control and performance appraisal of cost centres and units. As well, the problems of funding constraint in the Ghanaian Public Higher Learning Institutions could also be overcome with a good Activity Based Costing structure in place.Research limitations/implications – The discussion mainly focuses on Activity Based Costing within the context of Ghanaian Public Higher Learning Institutions.Originality/value – This paper provides conceptual insights on the application of Activity Based Costing among Public Higher Learning Institution in Ghana.

Attitudes towards English as a Lingua Franca

There are now more nonnative speakers of English than native speakers, and the number of nonnative speakers is growing rapidly. Together with the growth of nonnative speakers of English, the roles and functions of English have also changed, and along with this the emergence and growth of a variety of Englishes. One evident manifestation of the diversity of English t hat is spoken and exists in different parts of the world is the accent that is ascribed to the different speakers of English. The emergence of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) has offered us an avenue to re-examine and reconsider the relevance and appropriateness of the traditional native speaker models in English language teaching. This paper examines, in general, the perception towards ELF or non native speaker (NNS) accents in relation to native speaker (NS) accents. Specifically, this study examines how a group of trainee teachers view ELF accents, i.e. if ELF accents are perceived to be inferior and deficient to non native speaker accents or as legitimate English accents for lingua franca communication. A questionnaire adapted from Jenkins (2007) was used. The respondents were a group of trainee teachers of English in a public institution of higher learning. The questionnaire elicited perceptions regarding ten pre-selected accents shown on a world map, comments regarding accents the respondents were familiar with, and selecting and ranking five English accents that the respondents felt were the best accents. The findings show that the respondents perceived the NS accents as being better and described them in more positive categories than the non NNS accents. The NS accents are preferred by the respondents. The findings here reveal biasness towards NS accents as being more correct and proper as opposed to NNS accents. Although there is a shift in the users and uses of English in recent times, these teachers still think and believe that ‘proper’ English still remains to be in the inner circle countries.

Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Urgency of Public Relevance

Divisions between humanistic and social science approaches to Asian American studies play against a backdrop of a widespread devaluation of research and teaching in the liberal arts. There are a host of larger, structural reasons for this predicament, but the insulation of the academy is also partly to blame. In order to improve matters, we need to engage more meaningfully with external audiences, and universities need to find better ways to reward such outreach. This is particularly true for public institutions of higher learning, as legislators and taxpayers have a dim understanding of the work we do. Thus, the interdisciplinary problem confronting Asian American studies goes beyond simply needing a bigger, more welcoming tent for scholarship; it also requires greater public outreach by faculty regardless of their discipline or topic.

Entrepreneurial Measurement Modelfor Teacher Education

The definition of entrepreneurship transcends multi disciplines and not only limited to the profitmaking business entities. Within the teachers’ education field, entrepreneurship is viewed as a critical component in the process of preparing the competent and skilled teachers in handling the present challenging education environment. This research intends to develop the instrument which can be used in the assessment of the students of Institute of Teachers Education Malaysia towards the identification of their entrepreneurship traits. The domains of entrepreneurship will be explored through the relevant literature review and the expert’s opinion as well. In this research, the expert’s opinion using four rounds of Delphi Technique is employed to determine and verify the suitability of the elements of entrepreneurship with the teacher’s education. The panel of experts selected in the Delphi Technique consists of the practicing entrepreneurs and experts from various public higher learning institutions. There will be twelve experienced expert panels both from the entrepreneurship and teachers education involved in this research activity. The instrument (measurement model) will be developed based on the entrepreneurship elements which have been initially designed. Statistical analysis, structural equation modelling using Confirmatory Factor Analysis will be used to test, modify and to confirm the suitability of the items towards the construct/entrepreneurship elements and fit of the model simultaneously.

READY FOR THE WORKPLACE? ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERACY SKILLSAMONG PUBLIC UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN MALAYSIA

A new living landscape is emerging where economic, social, and technological transformations are altering every aspect of contemporary workplace settings. The ever-evolving new media technologies and the rising demands for high performance knowledge workers pose tremendous challenges lo students who want to be seen as literate and ready to function fruitfully in the workplace. This article looks a/final year students in public institutions of higher learning in Malaysia and their readiness to enter the global workplace in the digital age. The findings show that the students believe literacy are ready where they are competent in several aspects of literacy skills like communication skills and working with multicultural groups. However, the students seem to be facing great difficulty in English language amid leadership skills. By way of conclusion, this paper argues for serious attention and a framework for action that coordinates action the effort of the Government of Malaysia and other interested partners to improve literacy levels to ensure that Malaysian students graduating from public institutions of higher learning can thrive and contribute to the globalizing workplace.

Young consumer ecological behaviour

PurposeThis study aims to examine the effects of environmental knowledge, healthy food and healthy way of life of on young consumer ecological behaviour. The influence of control variables (i.e. gender and age) on young consumers’ ecological behaviour is also investigated.Design/methodology/approachThe research used a hierarchical regressions for data analysis across a sample of 200 young respondents that practising ecological behaviour such as recycling, buying green products, etc. Their participation is purely voluntary.FindingsEmpirical analysis via hierarchical regressions confirmed that a healthy way of life and environmental knowledge jointly influenced young consumer ecological behaviour. Demographic profiles such as gender and age showed contradictory results.Research limitations/implicationsRespondents were randomly drawn from the students in a public higher learning institution in the Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia that practising ecological behaviour such as recycling, buying green products, etc. Thus, may not represent the entire population of Malaysia.Practical implicationsThis research should contribute significantly to manufacturers, retailers and marketers in boosting young consumer ecological behaviour and environmental knowledge by promoting positive perceptions towards organic products and quality for increased green product market sustainability and acceptance which is helpful for better market segmentation, targeting and positioning of green products that are not harmful to the environment and could promote consumer demands.OriginalityThe results of this study offer a new forward motion to the findings of prior studies on young consumer ecological behaviour, which is not much covered in the literature in Malaysia context by examining the effects of environmental knowledge, healthy food and healthy way of life on young consumer ecological behaviour, within the Malaysian context.

Consumer shopping behaviour on the Internet: insights from Malaysia

Shopping on the Internet enables consumers to search for information on products or services and make purchases through direct interaction with online retailers. This study investigates consumer shopping behaviour on the Internet based on four aspects, i.e. the Internet marketing environment, product characteristics, familiarity, and promotional offers. The impact of influencing factors was checked by questionnaire survey, which was then processed and evaluated. Two hundred randomly selected respondents (students and employees in a public higher learning institution in the Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia) participated in the survey. Multiple regression analysis was used as a statistical measure to determine the most influential relationship aspect among a series of independent variables of consumer shopping on the Internet. The results revealed that familiarity has a great influence on consumer shopping on the Internet, followed by promotional offers. The assimilation of these aspects, and the empirical examination of the factors that influence consumer shopping on the Internet, advanced understanding of these constructs and their link to dynamic technology deployment for shopping. The paper suggests managerially actionable implications, and future research directions.

Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Urgency of Public Relevance

Divisions between humanistic and social science approaches to Asian American studies play against a backdrop of a widespread devaluation of research and teaching in the liberal arts. There are a host of larger, structural reasons for this predicament, but the insulation of the academy is also partly to blame. In order to improve matters, we need to engage more meaningfully with external audiences, and universities need to find better ways to reward such outreach. This is particularly true for public institutions of higher learning, as legislators and taxpayers have a dim understanding of the work we do. Thus, the interdisciplinary problem confronting Asian American studies goes beyond simply needing a bigger, more welcoming tent for scholarship; it also requires greater public outreach by faculty regardless of their discipline or topic.

The Development of a Strategic CRM-i Framework: Case Study in Public Institutions of Higher Learning

The mission of Strategic Plan for National Higher Education in Research and Development is the development of human capital to achieve quality research culture and international recognition. The present educational institutions which in the beginning focused on improvement of internal operations began to shift their attention to the human aspect placing importance on customer management. Thus, the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is seen as a new approach to help educational institutions maximize centralization of customer resources. Research has shown that there is no specific framework available in application of human based approach utilizing CRM in Public Institutions of Higher Learning (IPTA) in Malaysia. The objective of this research is to develop a strategic framework for customer relationship management. The scope of the research is the Centre for Research and Development, IPTA. The methodology of the research is qualitative, using the iterative triangulation method. The framework is named CRM-i and combines three different approaches; CRM, Strategic Information System Planning and Humanity Management. Additionally, this research introduces a new dimension in CRM approach, i.e the Human dimension. This article shall discuss the development of components and phases for the framework. The CRM-i framework has been acknowledged as a suitable customer management framework.

Electronic Records Management in Institutions of Higher Learning in Libya: A Case Study

This study is executed in order to determine whether public institutions of higher learning in Libya have policy and guideline for managing electronic records and also to identify whether there are problems in managing electronic records. The study adopts survey as its method for employing the questionnaire as a technique to collect data. The study involves three institutions of higher learning in Al-Joufra, Libya namely College of Arts and Sciences, Teachers Preparatory College and College of Economics and Accounting. About 10% of their staff members (from the entire population of 1000) were chosen randomly as a study sample. The study revealed that institutions of higher learning in Al-Joufra do implement electronic record management but without clear policy and guidelines. Only 46% of the surveyed samples agree that they have a written policy and guidelines for managing records. In addition, the study also discovered institutions of higher learning (80%) in Al-Joufra face difficulties in handling and managing electronic records.

Exploring the relationship between campus leadership development and undergraduate student motivation to lead among a Malaysian sample

Despite the number of studies investigating the perceived effectiveness of campus-based leadership development programming among undergraduates, most have focused on programme outcomes and few have investigated the role of the campus environment in enhancing students’ motivation to lead, particularly in non-Western contexts. To address these gaps, the current study investigated the relationship between perceived campus support for leadership development and both campus leadership involvement and undergraduate students’ motivation to lead. Data were gathered from 368 undergraduates from Malaysian public institutions of higher learning. An instrument to measure perceived campus support for leadership was developed through extensive review of the related literature. Exploratory multiple stepwise regression results showed that extent of involvement in leadership on campus, perceived quality of leadership training, perceived leadership opportunities on campus, quality of staff support for leadership on campus and programme of study accounted for a significant amount of the variance in predicting motivation to lead. The results lend initial support for the need for more experiential learning opportunities, high-quality training and greater staff–student engagement to enhance student motivation to lead. The findings draw particular attention to current university leadership training approaches that focus solely on transfer of skills and knowledge, such as those still employed in many universities. Implications for improving undergraduate student motivation to lead are discussed.

Student-Athletes’ Perceptions of Coaches’ Coaching Competency at the Malaysian Public Institution of Higher Learning

This study was designed to evaluate the competency level of coaches at the higher institutions’ sports competitionsorganized by the Universities Sports Council of Malaysia. Multi-dimensional model of leadership behaviors andmodels of coaching effectiveness were used as the basis for the theoretical framework. A total of 322 student-athletescomprising 183 (57.2%) men and 137 (44.8%) women were participated in the questionnaire survey. Researchershave adapted the Coaching Competency Scale for data collection. The results of this study indicate that the coaches’competency level were not differ significantly by gender and performance of student-athletes, but it was differedsignificantly by type of sport, between team and individual sports. The information from this study may help coachesto some extent in planning strategies for coaching athletes to ensure the effectiveness of its role as a coach.