The Implementation of Key Performance Indicators in the Malaysian Private Finance Initiative Projects

In Private Finance Initiative (PFI), payment for services is based on pre-determined standards and performance. Thus, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been used to measure this performance. However, lack of an effective KPIs was identified as a core criticism towards the implementation of PFI projects. Therefore, the objectives of the research are to identify the importance and challenges of KPIs in measuring this performance. A qualitative approach via semi-structured interview was adopted. The findings discovered that the current KPIs do not meet the criteria and this can lead to the difficulties in measuring the performance of PFI projects. The outcome of this research can serve as a theoretical base for the development of an effective KPIs for PFI projects implementation in Malaysia.Keywords: Challenges; Importance; Key Performance Indicators; Private Finance Initiative.ISSN: 2398-4287© 2017. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia

A conceptual framework of performance assessment for private finance initiative projects in Malaysia

Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is one of the procurement methods that has been applied widely in the global construction market including Malaysia. PFI is an alternative procurement which is viewed as restructuring the previous privatisation concept in delivering value for money (VFM) for Malaysian public infrastructure. Among the restructuring efforts in the privatisation is specifying the standard assessment of private concessionaires’ performance through the execution of key performance indicators (KPIs). The assessment is practically benchmarked against the government’s standard. However, in Malaysia, lack of an effective KPIs is identified as one of the core criticisms for measuring the PFI projects performance. Therefore, two objectives are established which are; to investigate the implementation of various PFI performance measurement models across the globe to measure the performance and how these models can be adopted within the PFI in Malaysians. Finally, a conceptual framework is proposed for measuring performance of PFI projects in Malaysia. The outcomes of this paper can serve as a theoretical base for the development of an effective performance measurement tool for monitoring and measuring PFI projects performance in Malaysia

To Recycle e-Waste or Not: Understanding Consumers' Intention from the Lens of Behavioral Theories

The study was conducted to explore and understand factors that determine consumers' intention to recycle e-waste from the lens of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Behavioral Reasoning Theory (BRT). A cross-sectional survey was designed and data was collected from 339 respondents who used an extensive number of electronic devices. The findings suggest positive attitudes towards recycling; social norms and perceived behavioral control are significant to the intention to recycle e-waste. In addition, attitude is explained by two determinants; reasons for recycling and environmental value. Finally, environmental value is also significant in explaining reasons for and reasons against recycling. The study is important for theoretical and managerial implications in describing consumers' acceptance of e-waste recycling by considering the values that promote the act, and the risks that prohibit them from acting positively. Likewise, the findings would help in building an impactful environmental protection regulation for the sustainability agenda

Integrated Financial Reporting and Cost Management System

Most of accounting information system is focusing on the financial reportingsystem(e.g. Income Statement and Statement of Financial Position). However,the system is limited to specific stakeholders. Managers tend to reduce operatingexpenditure in order to improve net profit rather than cost efficiency. Manyorganizations are not using full potential of cost management due to lessretrieved cost information. Some of the organizations manually obtain theinformation which leads more time and more skilled worker to be hired. This proposed model enables accountants to record financial informationtogether with the cost driver (machine hours, unit output, etc.);and classification(fixed cost,variables, special). Eventually, it can convert to cost information suchas cost of technology infrastructure, activity tasks, project cost, vendor cost,employee cost information, etc. This will speed up the process to obtain costinformation for decision making by management

Building information modeling (BIM): exploring level of development (LOD) in construction projects

Level of Development (LOD) is a protocol to address the basic guidelines information of Building Information Modeling (BIM). LOD is created to identify specific content requirements of a BIM model elements at a given time. It is used to reduce the problem of inadequate information needed in projects. This paper aims to explore the implementation of LOD in projects using BIM in the construction industry. In order to do so, the definition, purposes and content of each level of LOD had been identified based on past literature. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with BIM consultants from the public and private sector. The findings revealed that the implementation of LOD is varied depending on the requirements of construction players. From the use of LOD, it helps construction players to get the information that they need for a specific purpose in various project phases. The use of LOD in projects using BIM shows the capability and the level of understanding of construction players in using BI

Real time motorcycle image detection and analysis

This research investigated image tracking and edge detection for motorcycle in various lighting and weather conditions. The capability in different resolution and threshold level also evaluated. Comparison between hardware and software implementation of edge detection also been made. Develop framework showed great accuracy is segmentation of plate number from motorcycle image in daylight condition compared to rainy daylight and night condition. The aim of this project is to develop framework for motorcycle image detection and recognize for traffic offender. Analysis with histogram level and contrast stretching method showed performance in hardware is improved rather than software

Exploring Private Finance Initiative Implementation Issues in Malaysia Construction Projects: A Way Forward

Private Finance Initiative (PFI) was introduced in 2006 aimed at achieving value for money. Nevertheless, most of the PFI projects in Malaysia are currently facing difficulties in meeting the expectation. Therefore, a brainstorming workshop involving 69 PFI practitioners from diverse backgrounds was conducted to investigate the implementation issues at the operational level and strategies towards achieving the project goals. The results showed that skills and knowledge, procedures and implementation, challenges in project management, and conflict on documentation were among the issues debated among workshop participants.  “Loopholes” were identified to facilitate the improvement of the PFI project implementation in Malaysia. Keywords: Operational Performance; Private Finance Initiative (PFI); Issues; Strategies. eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bsby e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI3.253

Role of Diffusion and Socio-cognitive towards Intention to use Health Portal among Health Consumers in Malaysia

The paper aims to examine the critical success factors that influence the attitude of health consumers and their intention to use the national health portal (MyHEALTH Portal). The study was constructed from two behavioral models; Diffusion of Innovation and Theory of Reasoned Action. It utilized an online survey hosted on the official portal website with a convenience sampling technique of 223 respondents. Results showed complexity did not significantly contribute towards attitude, while trialability and relative advantage showed significant contributions. Meanwhile, attitude influenced health consumers' intention to use the portal, while subjective norms indicated otherwise.   Keywords: Diffusion; socio-cognitive; health portal, health consumer eISSN: 2398-4287© 2021. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v6i17.280

Embellish Kitchen Design / Norliana Baharil … [et al.]

Name of the business We have agreed to choose Embellish Kitchen Design as the name of our business. Embellish Kitchen Design means our business's innovation inline with an up to date design. We think that the mention name is suitable for our goals as well as to give the spirit in running the business. Nature of the business Embellish Kitchen Design is a partnership type of business. We choose this concept because partners as such run this type of business they share the amount of capital, profit and lost. The advantages of it are any loses are divided into the number of shareholders. Moreover, the sum of money to be paid base on the shareholders equity. Industry Profile The business develops an expertise over designing and constructing kitchen especially in Shah Alam. Our clients are residents around Shah Alam. Our design philosophy is to ensure that each and every project is design and schedule with due consideration to all design criteria to create the best solution it is certainly our aim to provide effective and flexible design. The aim of the business is to provide services of the highest professional standard, seeking to improve human environment through high quality of work and services

An investigation of emotional intelligence and counselling self-efficacy among counsellors-in-training

The challenges faced by the counsellors-in-training are enormous. Therefore, investigating emotional quotient (EQ) and counselling self-efficacy among counsellors-in-training is crucial. This study aimed to examine the EQ and counselling self-efficacy levels among counsellors-in-training and investigate the relationships between these variables. A total of 373 counselling students from three universities in the Northern Peninsular of Malaysia have participated in this study. This study involved a quantitative method using survey as a data collection technique and also employed a convenience sampling procedure. There were two questionnaires used in this study, namely Bar-On emotional quotient inventory (EQ-i) and counselling self-estimate inventory. The results showed that there was a significant correlation between EQ and counselling self-efficacy which all sub-constructs for both measures are well-associated with each other. In conclusion, these two variables are essential to ensure counselling students would move toward a better developing identity of counsellors-in-training and encourage the growth of professional competency among trainee counsellors in the future. Hence, it is vital for the government to ensure that quality counselling services should be provided for the community to deal with this problem