Student workbook : proficiency in enterprise communication

This workbook was written as a reference guide for students interested in taking the Proficiency in Enterprise Communication (PEC) Test offered by Prestariang Systems Sdn Bhd. It explains four language components assessed in the test, namely Listening, Speaking, Language and Reading, and Writing

The Malaysian public's awareness of S&T

Science and technology are increasingly influencing the way society operates. New discoveries in science and technology are changing the social, ethical, political, and economic structures all over the world. Today, rich countries are not those endowed with abundant natural resources, but those which have managed to harness their human resources to produce innovations and solutions in the areas of science and technology. Hence, it is paramount importance to promote scientific knowledge and a scientific culture among citizens for any country that wants to be relevant in today’s world. Given the importance of science and technology for the progress of our country, a nationwide survey was conducted using 18, 447 respondents randomly selected and stratified according to zone, location, ethnicity, gender, and age to address the following questions. How aware is the Malaysian public of S&T issues? What is the public’s understanding of various S&T issues? How interested are they in S&T? What are their attitudes towards S&T? The study discusses the findings, including an international comparison of how Malaysia compares with other countries on the above issues

Adapting an Evidence-Based Intervention Targeting HIV-Infected Prisoners in Malaysia

HIV-infected prisoners in Malaysia represent a critical target population for secondary HIV risk reduction interventions and care. We report on the process and outcome of our formative research aimed at systematically selecting and adapting an EBI designed to reduce secondary HIV risk and improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy among soon-to-be-released HIV-infected prisoners. Our formative work involved a critical examination of established EBIs and associated published reports complemented by data elicited through structured interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders, members of the target population, and their family members. Based on all information, we adapted the Holistic Health Recovery Program targeting people living with HIV (HHRP+), an EBI, to consist of eight 2-hour sessions that cover a range of specified topics so that participants may individually apply intervention content as needed to accommodate their particular substance abuse, HIV risk, and antiretroviral adherence issues. This study provides a complete example of the process of selecting and adapting an EBI—taking into account both empirical evidence and input from target organization stakeholders and target population members and their families—for use in real world prison settings where high-risk populations are concentrated

Learning Assessment

This chapter discusses learning assessment practices among academicians in Malaysian higher education institutions

Validation of finite element analysis for a new external finger fixator to correct flexion deformity - a preliminary result

The purpose of this study is to validate of a new external finger fixator components by using finite element analysis (FEA). The new external finger fixator consists of proximal, middle and distal phalanges support sections and means for rigidly connecting each support to a hinge and its corresponding attached to phalanx through the movements of flexion or extension. The results from the analysis found that the entire components of the fixator conform to the performance based on the requirements for general duty (500 N load applied on uniformly distributed load). This analysis shows that the new external fixator is able to restore full function and dynamic range of motion for patients with flexion deformity at the finger joints without failure

Development and validation of meaningful hybrid e-training model for computer education

Meaningful hybrid e-training experience provides a coherent purpose for strategic educational change through lifelong education and the creation of a knowledge society. A close examination of new hybrid e-training programs however, has indicated a critical gap between rapidly developing technology and sound pedagogical models to determine program quality. Therefore, the objective of this study is to develop, generate, test and validate a 2 stage model for a new meaningful hybrid e-training program. The early framework of the model guided development of a questionnaire to measure meaningfulness of a hybrid e-training. Data collected from 213 ICT trainers were tested with confirmatory factor analysis using AMOS 7.0 to obtain three best-fit measurement models from the three latent variables. Overall reliability analyses using Cronbach’s Alpha, items and persons reliability using the Rasch Model and content validation by experts suggested that the questionnaire is reliable and valid to measure a meaningful hybrid e-training program. Subsequently, the structural equation modeling was applied to test the hypotheses. The results showed that there is a positive strong relationship between hybrid e-training and meaningful e-training; a positive weak relationship between learning style preference and hybrid e-training and a negative relationship between learning style preference and meaningful learning. In brief the study showed a substantial effect of hybrid e-training towards achieving meaningful learning. As such, future training regarding the use of hybrid e-training should include all five components of a meaningful hybrid e-training instead of merely focusing on content. With results showing weak relationship between learning style and hybrid etraining and negative relationship between learning style and meaningful e-training, instructional media designers and developers should now focus on integrating all five etraining components to ensure meaningful learning. It would be interesting to further investigate as to whether or not learning style is a mediating or a moderating factor towards achieving meaningful learning via the use of hybrid e-training programs as modeled in the final results

Meaningful hybrid e-training model for web-based computer education

The main purpose of this study was to develop a model for meaningful hybrid e-training. Data collected from 213 ICT trainers were tested with confirmatory factor analysis using AMOS 7.0 to obtain two best-fit measurement models for the two latent variables. Overall reliability using Alpha-Cronbach test, items and persons reliability using the Rasch Model and content validation by experts suggested that the questionnaire is reliable and valid to measure a meaningful hybrid e-training program. The results showed that there is a positive strong relationship between hybrid e-training and meaningful e training. In brief the study showed a substantial effect of hybrid e-training towards achieving meaningful learning. In conclusion, the study suggested that, future training regarding the use of hybrid e-training should include all five components of a meaningful hybrid e-training instead of merely focusing on content

Purchase behavior of retailer own brand label products

This study was conducted to examine the influences of consumers’ perceptions on perceived value, perceived quality, perceived low price and store image on purchase behavior of retailers' own-brand products. The study was conducted at three main retail stores involving 130 respondents. Mall intercept survey method was used as a data collection method. Using Smart PLS, data were analyzed. The results showed that perceived quality, perceived low price and store image were positively related to the purchase behavior of retailers' own brands. In conclusion, the perceived value was discovered to be non- significantly related to purchase behavior of retailers' own brands