Social Media in E-Learning: An Empirical Analysis among Students and Academicians

This study investigated the factors that might affectthe use of social media in e-learning, particularly targeting theuse of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Questionnaire designwas based on Push-Pull-Mooring framework, and distributed tostudents and academicians in local universities (N = 455). Fivesignificant predictors were found, viz. E-learning Perception,Convenience, Academic Reasons, Ease of Use and SocialNetworking. A further analysis revealed younger respondentswere more enthusiastic in using social media in e-learning,particularly for Academic Reasons, Social Networking and Easeof Use. The findings indicate that students and academicians areopen to the idea of using social media in e-learning, moreapparent among the younger ones. It is believed that integrationof social media in e-learning will enhance communication andcollaboration among students and academicians

Ergonomicinterventions in the manufacturing of air handlers for air conditioning plants / Loo Huck Soo, Paul Yeow Heng Ping and Mohd Ridhwan Mohammed Redza

The research emphasizes ergonomic interventions in air handler manufacturing (AHM) for industrial improvements in terms of quality and productivity (Q&P) uplifting, manufacturing cost (MC) reduction, occupational health and safety (OHS) betterment, and other economic benefits in the field of central station AHM in Malaysia, an Industrially Developing Country (IDC). This involves matching of job demands to workers' capabilities, workstation and tool designs in the physical teamwork environments. Industrial information comprising qualitative and quantitative data were collected through general survey, subjective assessment (SA) via interviews of managers, engineers, supervisors, operators and others, complemented by direct observation (DO) through field measurements, video recordings, and archival data collection with regard to manufacturing costs and processes, work instructions, operations layout, etc. Ergonomic interventions (Els) by means of real life experiments were implemented, one at a time, to envisage each cause and effect relationship. Post survey incorporating SA and DO were conducted again to determine the effectiveness of each intervention. Five major Els in three studies (Chapter 4 - 6 ) were conducted involving four organisations in Malaysia. New ergonomic tools, equipment and methods were developed for the improvement of OHS of workers, Q&P and reduction of MCs. The first study involved one manufacturing plant, using a twin brazing torch (TBT) to replace that of a single brazing gun (SBG). The second and third Els were conducted in another factory using TBT in standing position (2nd Study) followed by workstatio

Low cost redesign of coil assemblies for ergonomic improvements / Loo Huck-Soo, Paul H.P. Yeow and Vimala Balakrishnan

This paper investigated into an alternative approach to solving cooling problems in two typical shopping complexes in Malaysia. For each case, an investigation was initially conducted to capture a general idea of poor indoor cooling suffered by the business operators and patrons. Ergonomics methods such as unstructured interviews and direct observations (DOs) were applied to obtain information on the major complaints. Visual inspections into the air handlers and the air ducts were also conducted. Subjective assessments (SAs) were utilized to test the response of the business operators. Cost accounting figures, both current and archival data pertaining to air handler maintenance service were retrieved and analysed. Ergonomic interventions were implemented by incorporating applied basic sciences into the rectification work. The original design specifications were modified to produce those for the new make. After new installations were in place, follow-up studies using similar methods (i.e. DOs, SAs, current and archival data) were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the interventions. It was found that the installations were cost effective. The new designs improved human comfort through effective heat removal from the air conditioned space. There were also cost savings in the maintenance of the new coil assemblie

Ergonomic Interventions In Central Station Air Handler Manufacturing And Maintenance In Malaysia

This research emphasizes the science of fitting jobs for technical personnel in factories as well as improving the cooling comfort for human occupants in building for industrial improvements in term of quality and productivity (Q&P) uplifting, manufacturing cost (MC) reduction, maintenance cost (MNC) saving, revenue increase, occupational health and safety (OHS) betterment, and other economic benefits in the field of central station Air Handler Manufacturing and Maintenance (AHMM) in Malaysia, an Industrially Developing Country (IDC)

Organizations adoption of MyKad initiative

Malaysia has invested multi-million ringgit on the Malaysia’s Multipurpose Identity Card (MyKad) initiative for the protection of citizens from terrorism as well as for effective and efficient government and private sector applications. If it is not used, the initiative is wasted. For the success of MyKad adoption, both individual and organizations need to accept this initiative. Prior studies have been conducted on individual acceptance (e.g. Yeow et al., 2007; Loo et al., 2011); however no study has been conducted on organization acceptance. This research investigates organizations (such as banks, insurance companies, unit trust agencies and hotels) acceptance of MyKad initiative. Organizations do not have MyKad; therefore, their MyKad acceptance (i.e., the dependent variable) can only be measured by their intention to use MyKad reader for identity verification of transactions such as opening a bank/unit trust account, making insurance claims and registering a hotel room. The independent variables were taken from UTAUT’s (Venkatesth, 2003) four constructs (i.e. performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions) and two other variables (i.e. anxiety and perceived credibility). In this preliminary study, fifty questionnaire samples were collected from two cities in Malaysia. The findings show that organizations did not have a high intention to use MyKad reader because of their lack of understanding about its benefits (performance expectancy), ease of use, social support and facilitating conditions. Recommendations were given to increase adoptio