Pilot study to develeop a problem based learning environment for open distance learning

This action research examines the online Problem based learning (PBL) designed for one of the courses in the Bachelor of Project and Facility Management offered at Open University Malaysia. The main aim of this study was to explore the constraints of implementing PBL and to look for possible interventions during class tutorial sessions. Within the constraints of students’ attendance and the limitation of time, this project was conducted and monitored using the action research methodology. The participants were students who attended the Facilities, Planning and Design course and they were divided into two groups consisting of five members in each group. Observations and reflections from the students and facilitator were recorded for ten weeks. At the end of the research, the facilitator developed the guidelines to introduce and conduct the PBL environment for this particular course (Abstract by author

Pilot study to develop a problem based learning environment for open distance learners

This action research examines the online Problem based learning (PBL) designed for one of the courses in the Bachelor of Project and Facility Management offered at Open University Malaysia. The main aim of this study was to explore the constraints of implementing PBL and to look for possible interventions during class tutorial sessions. Within the constraints of students’ attendance and the limitation of time, this project was conducted and monitored using the action research methodology. The participants were students who attended the Facilities, Planning and Design course and they were divided into two groups consisting of five members in each group. Observations and reflections from the students and facilitator were recorded for ten weeks. At the end of the research, the facilitator developed the guidelines to introduce and conduct the PBL environment for this particular course. (Abstract by authors

Determinant of student loyalty in an open distance learning institution

University students’ loyalty is a key factor that contributes to the long term growth and survival of a university. The aim of this research is to develop a comprehensive university student loyalty model that incorporates important constructs in service quality dimension and relationship quality dimension. The study sample comprised of 2068 respondents who are undergraduate students from an open distance learning institution. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) through principal component technique with varimax rotation of the 48 items questionnaire from four constructs was able to account for 79.27% for the variance in student loyalty. The proposed model was empirically tested to validate the framework. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to test the significance of relationship between the constructs in the instrument. Results confirmed that all path coefficients reflecting the relationship between constructs are statistically significant. Students’ loyalty is significantly influenced by trust, emotional commitment and satisfaction. Path analysis suggests that service quality impacts loyalty through satisfaction, trust and emotional commitment. In this study, it is seen clearly that customers’ satisfaction plays the role of mediator in the effects of service quality on student loyalty. The path analysis also confirmed that trust and emotional commitment have direct effects on loyalty. Hence, acquiring students’ satisfaction through quality services, building trust and emotional commitment are import aspects in securing students’ loyalty. (Abstract by authors

A Framework for Evaluation OUM Experience

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the various factors related to learners’ performance which should be considered in a framework of evaluation for an open distance learning institution such as Open University Malaysia. Evaluation of learners’ performance is an integral part of any educational setting. It is important that the Institutions of Higher Learning to have a comprehensive framework of evaluation which among other factors can ensure the development of effective professional and competent graduates to meet the demand of the job market. Open University Malaysia (OUM) is an institution which provides life-long and distance learning education. The current practice in OUM’s delivery system is the flexible blended mode of learning, a combination of Face to Face mode, On-line mode, and Self-study mode. OUM’s learners are from different levels of community sectors and different educational backgrounds with most of them are still working. The three main aspects to be considered in the evaluation framework are the social context of the learners, the educational environment, and the course goals. These three aspects will make the evaluation system more comprehensive, and will ensure the credibility, validity, reliability and quality of the evaluation processes. (Authors' abstract

Validating the Student Loyalty Model for an Open Distance Learning Institution

University students’ loyalty is a key factor that contributes to the long term growth and survival of a university. The aim of this research is to develop a comprehensive university student loyalty model that incorporates important constructs in service quality dimension and relationship quality dimension. The study sample comprised of 2068 respondents who are undergraduate students from an open distance learning institution. Exploratory factor analysis through principal component technique with varimax rotation of the 48 items questionnaire from four constructs was able to account for 79.27% for the variance in student loyalty. The proposed model was empirically tested to validate the framework. Structural Equation Modeling was employed to test the significance of relationship between the constructs in the instrument. Results confirmed that all path coefficients reflecting the relationship between constructs are statistically significant. Students’ loyalty is significantly influenced by trust, emotional commitment and satisfaction. Path analysis suggests that service quality impacts loyalty through satisfaction, trust and emotional commitment. In this study, it is seen clearly that customers’ satisfaction plays the role of mediator in the effects of service quality on student loyalty. The path analysis also confirmed that trust and emotional commitment have direct effects on loyalty. Hence, acquiring students’ satisfaction through quality services, building trust and emotional commitment are import aspects in securing students’ loyalty. (Abstract by authors

Factors Influencing The Development Of Lifelong Learning Skills: OUM Tracer Study

Emerging results of a tracer study conducted at Open University Malaysia (OUM) revealed that the four aspects, namely curriculum design, assessment system, teaching and learning and facilities provided by the university are significant factors contributing to the development of lifelong learning skills. The four predictor model explains 41.1% of the variance in the development of lifelong learning skills; this implies that there are other contributing factors which have not been included in this study. Among others, OUM needs to collaborate with employers to align its programmes’ curriculum design with the requirements of the workplace; to encourage use of open learning and flexible delivery in its teaching and learning; to practice assessment which evaluates what rather than how much has been learned; which stresses timely constructive feedback that results in congruence between course aims and learning outcomes. Computer-based facilities including the digital library help the institution to produce graduates who are equipped with lifelong learning skills. (Abstract by authors

Development and delivery of occupational health and safety management program through open and flexible distance learning

Open and flexible distance education (OFDE) removes the barriers to quality post-secondary distance education by offering quality programme through flexible delivery system with minimum admission requirements. OFDE also provides opportunity for working adults to seek lifelong education in a flexible manner. In line with the Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan for Malaysia 2015 (OSH-MP 15), Open University Malaysia (OUM) has been on the forefront in spearheading effort to offer Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety Management (BOHSM) with honours and Master of OSH Risk Management (MOSHRM) through OFDE. Although it is quite challenging to offer science and technical related subjects through open and flexible distance learning, OUM has taken a bold step to explore the possibilities. This paper aims to present Open University Malaysia’s experience in the development and delivery of the BOHSM with Honours and MOSHRM through open and flexible distance learning. This paper will share the strategies adopted by OUM. (Abstract by authors

Achieving service excellence through mystery shopping

To stay at the forefront of the education industry, OUM stays motivated and strong with a refreshed and revived #DareToDream motto. Over the past few years, we have realised our goal and made it happened through various reengineering developments either structurally, technologically or physically to remain fit for purpose for the future. However, in this age where there is intense competition in the education industry, to function like before is no longer sufficient and appropriate. Thus, OUM takes a step back and proactively makes an effort to ‘understand and listen to the voice of the students’ through Mystery Shopping. This paper will present the results of the mystery shopper programme conducted at OUM. For this pioneer project, the research team has selected at random OUM students to serve as mystery shoppers since they are familiar with the academic environment and their expectations may be more in line than an outside shopper. The measurement instrument consists of 50 items based on five constructs. The questionnaire was developed based on a six-point Likert scale from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree and followed by open-ended questions for shoppers to give comments and suggestions. Data analysis showed that the average mean score for the five categories are in the range of 4.77–5.01. Although results are on the high side for most items, there are some items in each of the five constructs which require attention. Mystery shopping is an accurate and efficient and effective method to gain in-depth knowledge of customers’ satisfaction and it should be part of the university’s strategic activity. (Abstract by authors