Rugayah Hashim

Information mining capabilities in Malaysian SMEs: Specific use of enterprise resource planning system

Information mining has never been more crucial in organizational decision making than now. Without information and communication technologies (ICTs), most companies, particularly the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) would not be able to survive the demands of the current volatile economic conditions. Hence, this paper reports the findings from the assessment of ICT usage by 110 SMEs in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Specifically, the usage of enterprise resource planning system (ERP) was assessed and the outcome showed that SMEs in Malaysia are still lagging in computer usage for improved organizational decision. The implications for non-usage bode negatively for SMEs sustained survival although the government continued to offer assistance through the annual budget allocation. The findings of this study showed that the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness had significant relationship with the ERP system usage. A strong and visionary leader would provide the basis to push the SMEs to achieve better returns of investment.

Issues in Electronic Procurement Project Implementation in Local Government

Implementing an e-procurement system is a challenge for local government; however, lessons learned through the identification of these challenging issues allow local government ICT project managers to checklist these issues and ensure a successful e-procurement system rollout in their respective organization. For this study, qualitative research design and analyses were used to identify and rank the emergent issues. Through pattern-coding analyses of the interview transcriptions, twelve key issues emerged to be found as the common barriers of successful e-procurement rollout. In this regard, the authors research is significant given that the return of investment is crucial to a local governments administrative functions as well as for effective and efficient service delivery.

Advancing “antarctica science diplomacy” beyond traditional boundaries in developing state environmental protection law for better quality of life

Science Diplomacy: the use of scientific collaborations among nations to address the common problems facing 21st century humanity and to build constructive international partnerships to deal with the common problem that is applicable to deal with the common problem internally or internationally.

Challenges of backsourcing of e-government services: A case study

Many government agencies have had to resort to outsourcing because of the lack of advanced information and communication technology (ICT) expertise and skills. Technology diffusion and the training of staff for high-end customized systems require outsourcing vendors to be on hand most times as detailed in the contract. Once the contract ends, agency staffs are left on their own to man the system and ensure the return on investment. Limited literature and the paucity of similar projects has resulted in this study, thus, the purpose of this research is to identify the backsourcing challenges faced by government agencies after the termination of the outsourcing contract. A cross-sectional approach with triangulation was designed for data gathering and analysis in answering the research questions. A two-phase non-probability sampling ensured the scope and right data collection technique. The preliminary findings from interviews showed that government agencies are not ready for back-sourcing and the customized system implemented will not be fully utilized. Details on the challenges faced by the agency will be elucidated in the paper, however, it is recommended that the gradual relinquishing of the ownership be done a year before the contract ends. Planning and monitoring of the project is mandatory for the success in efficient knowledge transfer and effective usage of the system.

Assessing digital literacy among the Semai tribe of Perak, Malaysia

The purpose of this research was to assess the level of computer literacy among the Semai tribe in Kampung Bukit Terang, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia. Forty questionnaires were distributed to the respondents who were conveniently available at the time of the visit. With the help of forty university students, 39 (97.5%) completed sets were returned. The descriptive analyses showed that 30.8% of the respondents have never attended school and are considered illiterate. Only 5.2% are computer literate and the finding suggests that the digital divide is wide among this minority group, thus, the argument on digital exclusion is substantiated. The implication of the research provides justification for policy analysis on technology for social inclusion. It then draws on the political environment that has resulted in this tribe being marginalized and the need to promote access for social inclusion and citizen development.

Attitudes Toward ICT of Electronic Distance Education (ePJJ) Students at the Institute of Education Development, University Technology Mara

The digital age presents challenges to adult students returning to further their studies through computer-based distance learning. ICT is the enabler for most distance education providers, thus the goal of this study was to determine the attitudes of adult students toward the use of ICT in education. Five hundred students was the sample size and the returned responses were 284 or 56.8%. Using Loyd and Gressards innovated questionnaire, the attitudes measured were usefulness, confidence, liking and anxiety. The analysis of the mean scores showed that computer usefulness was ranked the lowest, followed by liking, confidence and anxiety. It can be concluded that the adult students would have difficulties in their pursuit of higher education through using computers, therefore, it is recommended that the university administrators train the students on the use of computer systems such as the learning management system prior to actual classes.

E-Participation Among Members of Parliament in Malaysia: Evaluation of Social Factors

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights and empirical evidence on Internet usage among the members of parliament (MPs) in Malaysia. In tandem with the globalization, information and communication technology (ICT) usage has become ubiquitous. As such, politicians and MPs should fully utilize the Internet-based tools to reach out to their constituent members. The Parliament of Malaysia, in responding to this phenomenon, has provided the infrastructure for more e-engagement and e-participation. In addition, social factors such as norm and interpersonal message are also important to influence the individual behavior, participation, and ICT engagement. Therefore, the objective of the study is to examine the relationship between social factors (subjective norm and word of mouth) and the MP engagement. Through cross-sectional design, the sample size was 222 MPs from the House of Representatives in Malaysia, and data collections were done through interviews, surveys, and the evaluation of the MP personal web site.

Participation of Malaysia Under the Montreal Protocol and the Kyoto Protocol

The ozone hole in Antarctica has created a major buzz in the environmental protection realm. This devastating event has escalated the environmental concerns and has also spawned a series of environmental protocols. This paper highlights the two environmental protocols namely, the Montreal Protocol and the Kyoto Protocol. Furthermore, the paper also focuses on the involvement of Malaysia under both protocols. This paper is designed to not only review the essences in both protocols but also analyses the measures taken by Malaysia under these protocols. The literature review has revealed numerous efforts that have been administered by Malaysia to comply with the obligations under both protocols. These measures are taken into action to not only fulfil the commitments under the protocols but also to create a better nation gearing towards sustainable development and a cleaner environment.

Extending cultural model of assistive technology design for autism treatment

This paper depicts the prominence of cultural on the adoption of assistive technology, in terms of design, which are particularly anticipated for autism treatment. The researchers believe that cultural aspect should be considered in designing assistive technology in treating autistic individual. It is necessary to assess cultural differences critically so that assistive technology can be accepted extensively. Occasional review on cultural changes is also needed in countries with cultural diversity to ensure that the technological growth is compatible with the current recognition. This paper reviews on disability treatment using assistive technology and proposes an extension for the existing cultural model for assistive technology design.

Review on training policy for teachers and parents in using humanoid for children with autism

Autism spectrum disorder is a life-long development disorder distinguish by impairment related to central nervous system maturation with features include delay in social life development, problem in language, social skills and repetitive behavior. Autism is a global crisis due to prevalence rates higher in several countries and the need for treatment view to be important. This paper reviews on the training policy for teachers and parents in using humanoid for children with autism. In Malaysia, there is no proper and specific training policy for children with autism through implementation of humanoid.