Showing papers by "Ahmad Jusoh published in 2015"

Fuzzy multiple criteria decision-making techniques and applications - Two decades review from 1994 to 2014

Abstract: Two decades was systematically reviewed on fuzzy MCDM techniques from 1994 to 2014.The database for review was 403 papers from more than 150 high-ranking journals.403 scholarly papers were grouped in four different main fields.Papers were classified based on utilizing, developing and proposing research papers. MCDM is considered as a complex decision-making tool involving both quantitative and qualitative factors. In recent years, several fuzzy FMCDM tools have been suggested to choosing the optimal probably options. The purpose of this paper is to review systematically the applications and methodologies of the fuzzy multi decision-making (FMCDM) techniques. This study reviewed a total of 403 papers published from 1994 to 2014 in more than 150 peer reviewed journals (extracted from online databases such as ScienceDirect, Springer, Emerald, Wiley, ProQuest, and Taylor & Francis). According to experts' opinions, these papers were grouped into four main fields: engineering, management and business, science, and technology. Furthermore, these papers were categorized based on authors, publication date, country of origin, methods, tools, and type of research (FMCDM utilizing research, FMCDM developing research, and FMCDM proposing research). The results of this study indicated that, in 2013, scholars have published papers more than other years. In addition, hybrid fuzzy MCDM in the integrated method and fuzzy AHP in the individual section were ranked as the first and second methods in use. Additionally, Taiwan was ranked as the first country that contributed to this survey, and engineering was ranked as the first field that has applied fuzzy DM tools and techniques.

Multiple criteria decision-making techniques and their applications – a review of the literature from 2000 to 2014

Abstract: Multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) is considered as a complex decision-making (DM) tool involving both quantitative and qualitative factors. In recent years, several MCDM techniques and approaches have been suggested to choosing the optimal probable options. The purpose of this article is to systematically review the applications and methodologies of the MCDM techniques and approaches. This study reviewed a total of 393 articles published from 2000 to 2014 in more than 120 peer reviewed journals (extracted from Web of Science). According to experts’ opinion, these articles were grouped into 15 fields. Furthermore, these articles were categorised based on authors, publication date, name of journals, methods, tools, and type of research (MCDM utilising research, MCDM developing research, and MCDM proposing research). The results of this study indicated that in 2013 scholars have published articles more than in other years. In addition, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method in the individual tool...

Sustainable and Renewable Energy: An Overview of the Application of Multiple Criteria Decision Making Techniques and Approaches

Abstract: The main purpose of this paper is to present a systematic review of MCDM techniques and approaches in sustainable and renewable energy systems problems. This study reviewed a total of 54 papers published from 2003–2015 in more than 20 high-ranking journals, most related to sustainable and renewable energies, and which were extracted from the Web of Science database. In the category of application areas, papers were classified into two main groups: (1) sustainable energy and (2) renewable energy. Furthermore, in the classification of techniques and approaches, the papers were categorized into six groups: (1) AHP and F-AHP; (2) ANP and VIKOR; (3) TOPSIS and F-TOPSIS; (4) PROMETHEE; (5) integrated methods and (6) other methods. In addition, papers were reviewed based on the authors’ nationalities, the publication date, techniques and approaches, the name of journal and studies criteria. The results of this study indicated that, in 2015, scholars have published more papers than in other years. Furthermore, AHP/fuzzy AHP and integrated methods were ranked as the first rank, with 14 papers. Additionally, Journal of Renewable Energy is the first journal, with 16 publications, and this was the most significant journal in this study. Findings of this review paper confirm that MCDM techniques can assist stakeholders and decision makers in unravelling some of the uncertainties inherent in environmental decision making, and these techniques demonstrate a growing interest of previous scholars to apply these techniques for solving different stages of sustainable and renewable energy systems.

Multiple criteria decision-making techniques in transportation systems: a systematic review of the state of the art literature

Abstract: The main goal of this review paper is to provide a systematic review of Multiple Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques in regard to transportation systems problems. This study reviewed a total of 89 papers, published from 1993 to 2015, from 39 high-ranking journals; most of which were related to transportation science and were extracted from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Papers were classified into 10 main application areas and nine transport infrastructure. Furthermore, papers were categorized based on the author(s) and year, name of the journal in which they were published, technique and approach, author(s) nationality, application area and scope, study purpose, gap and research problem and results and outcome. The results of this study indicated that more papers on MCDM in 2013 than in any other year. AHP and Fuzzy-AHP methods in the individual methods and hybrid MCDM and fuzzy MCDM in the integrated methods were ranked as the first and second methods in use, respectively. The T...

Application of multiple-criteria decision-making techniques and approaches to evaluating of service quality: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract: The main purpose of this paper is to present a systematic review of multiple- criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques used in the assessment of service qual- ity. This study reviewed a total of 79 articles from 51 journals, published from 2001 to 2015. Articles were classified into 10 application areas and scopes. Furthermore, articles were categorised based on an author, year, application area, the nationality of the author, ‏technique, a number of criteria, research purpose, gap and research problem, results and outcome. The best criteria were determined in each article. The results of this study re- vealed that more papers on MCDM were published in 2011 than in any other year. Inte- grated techniques, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy AHP methods, were ranked as first and second methods in use, respectively. Finally, the airline industry was ranked as the first application area, in which previous studies applied MCDM techniques for the evaluation of the service quality. This research contributes to the existing literature on the service quality and MCDM. The research outputs are valuable to academics scholars and leaders of organisations and industries in the field of service quality evaluation.

Sustainability: a new manufacturing paradigm

Abstract: Recently, many industries adopted lean manufacturing philosophy to improve efficiency through reducing waste for maximization of profit. Most of the manufacturers have benefited the implementation of lean manufacturing through process effectiveness. However, despite of all its effectiveness in the production process, manufacturing industry is facing a real challenge instigated by the stakeholders (i.e. Customers, policy makers, regulatory authorities and society). Stakeholders are consistently pressurizing manufacturers to integrate the social and environmental factor within their production process to protect society and the environment from the negative effects of the manufacturing process, as a result manufacturing process experience continuous adaptation. This adaptation caused technological and procedural shifts, this significantly alter the fundamental manufacturing concepts. Current study provide the basic alterations in the fundamental principles of the green manufacturing paradigm, this adaptation ultimately leads to the new manufacturing paradigm of Sustainable manufacturing. Sustainable manufacturing is a broader concept of manufacturing focused on the integration of social, environmental and economic factors in manufacturing procedures.

Expectancy Theory Analysis to Conduct Research at Malaysian

Abstract: This paper presents a study for analyzing and improving research productivity of Malaysian Research University (RU). In literature there are various general models for research and development analysis. Although many prior researchers have studied factors that influence research productivity, only a few have examined it from the behavioral perspective. From the behavioral perspective, it becomes apparent that motivation theory is the predominant theory that researchers utilized when studying research productivity. Further scrutinized of the previous studies have identified that the expectancy theory analysis was used by most of them either solely or with other theories. It has been proven that the expectancy theory when properly employed will most likely bring success to organizational change. This paper addresses the development of the proposed model to be applied at Malaysian RU.

Assessing the role of higher education in developing social entrepreneurship in Malaysia: A review of literature

Abstract: This paper examines the role of higher education in developing social entrepreneurship in Malaysia. Higher education institutions are social industries. They prepare important social capital for the society. Presently, the concept of social entrepreneurship is becoming popular all over the world. In response to this trend, the higher education has also shifted its attention towards using higher education as a means to promote social entrepreneurship. Few studies have explored this phenomenon. For this purpose, an examination of the existing literature was carried out to find answer to the main question that how higher education institution is responding to the need of development of social entrepreneurship. The findings of the review show that although the concept of social entrepreneurship is still in its infancy stage in Malaysia but it is increasingly gaining attention. Interestingly, the higher education institutions are providing suitable foundation for the development and promotion of social entrepreneurship in the country. However, in this regard, the paper found lack of financial support to higher education institutions for the development of social entrepreneurship. To overcome this situation, the paper suggests that higher education institutions may be used as a suitable platform for promotion of social entrepreneurship. The paper concludes that the future of economic growth and social development of the society is closely connected with the concept of growing social entrepreneurship in the country. On the basis of this review, the paper recommends that there must be a strong political and financial support for the higher education institutions for the promotion of social entrepreneurship. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n2p583

Empirical Evidence on the Relationship between Democratic Classroom and Social Skills Development of Students

Abstract: The concept of democratic classroom is controversial for being vague and idealistic. It has been termed more rhetorical than a realistic. Despite of this, the role of democratic classroom in socialization of students has well recognized in every age. Therefore, a noticeable need exists to assess the degree and direction of relationship between democratic classroom and students’ social skill development. Previous studies have reported that classroom environment is a good predictor of social development of students. However, little research has explored the perspectives of students about their social skill development in a classroom environment, particularly focusing the three social skills such as listening to others carefully, waiting for turn and raising hands to ask questions. The present study fills this gap in the current literature on the relationship between democracy and education. The aim of this paper is to examine the effect of democratic classroom environment on social skills development of students. Based on causal comparative design, the study used a self-developed questionnaire to examine the perceptions of 80 male and female students selected on random sampling basis from 20 secondary schools in one district of Khyber Pkahtunkwa, Pakistan. For data analysis, Chi-square test was applied. Results of the study showed that there was no significant difference in the perceptions of male versus female secondary school students regarding the effect of classroom environment on social skills of students. Both equally considered democratic classroom environment important for social skills development. The study concludes that democratic classroom has a positive effect on all the three social skills development of students. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n2s1p18

A Review on Quality Management Systems Maintenance Framework based on Process Based Management, Knowledge Quality and Knowledge Self-efficacy

Abstract: The Quality Management Systems (QMS) maintenance issue during post certification of ISO9001:2008 is an important issue to the business community. There are many certificates which have been withdrawn by the certification body from the ISO9001:2008 certified companies. This situation has initiated interest amongst academicians and industry practitioners to develop the QMS maintenance framework. An extensive literature review conducted on research work in QMS field has shown that there are deficiencies in the current QMS maintenance frameworks. The deficiencies shed light to improve the current QMS frameworks by integrating Knowledge Management (KM) element and indirectly address their limitation. This paper reviews the existing QMS maintenance framework and proposes new elements to the framework. Based on the literature review, new variables which are knowledge quality (KQ), knowledge self-efficacy (KSE) and process based management effectiveness (PBME) are potential elements that can be introduced in the framework.

Successful Enterprise Resource Planning Post-Implementation: Contributions of Technological Factors

Abstract: Enterprise resource planning (ERP) has been widely studied in the past. However, the effective deployment of ERP in order to achieve benefits in post-implementation stage has puzzled many organizations. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to introduce a conceptual framework of the technical critical success factors (CSFs) on ERP post-implementation supported by the technological, organizational and environmental (TOE) theory, and adds the critical factors of ERP data accuracy, ERP implementation team, ERP implementation strategy and ERP communication which were not included in the past. This paper applies previous literature, theories and conceptual framework to present a new conceptual model that contributes to CSFs becoming empirically joined to ERP post-implementation success and discusses the impact of this new approaches on ERP post-implementation success. The paper covers a research gap in how technical factors impact ERP post-implementation success and similarly the lack of a greater conceptual model organized to provide insight into ERP post-implementation success.

Choice Theory and Reality Therapy (CTRT) Group Counseling Module

Abstract: Choice Theory and Reality Therapy (CTRT) are counseling theories that are often used by counselors in group settings. This article explores the contents of the CTRT Group Counseling Module philosophy, objectives and activities, as used in a total of ten group counseling session, including pre and post-evaluation sessions. The validity of the module contents were evaluated by thirteen experts in the field of counseling and Choice Theory and Reality Therapy. The findings indicated that the overall validity coefficient was 0.83, and the coefficient of validity and legality of activity sessions was 0.89. Meanwhile, reliability studies were also conducted and the reliability coefficient for group counseling CTRT module was 0.83.

Problem-Based Learning: Mandatory Personal Qualities of Effective Facilitators

Abstract: In any teaching context, shifting traditional methods of learning to problem-based learning often invites many questions and views from various parties. For more than thirty years, there have been ongoing debates as to issues such as the proper method of execution, appropriate curriculum, and learning environment for problem-based learning, as well as the cognitive skills and personal qualities of the facilitator (lecturer). Because the facilitator is a crucial component to this form of learning, this article focuses on investigating two personal qualities that are the main prerequisites to producing an effective facilitator. The importance of these qualities, as well as the proposed measures to implement problem-based learning, are also discussed. In any teaching context, shifing traditional methods of learning to problem-based learning often invites many questions and views from various parties. For more than thirty years, there have been ongoing debates as to issues such as the proper method of execution, appropriate curriculum, and learning environment for problem-based learning, as well as the cognitive skills and personal qualities of the facilitator (lecturer). Because the facilitator is a crucial component to this form of learning, this article focuses on investigating two personal qualities that are the main prerequisites to producing an effective facilitator. The importance of these qualities, as well as the proposed measures to implement problem-based learning, are also discussed.

An Empirical Study of Tourist Satisfaction in Malaysia

Abstract: Tourism is a fast-growing business that receives global attentions. A successful tourism business brings huge benefits to host countries. In Malaysia, the study on tourism satisfaction context is still limited although Malaysian tourism industry grows rapidly. Hence, conducting more research focusing on tourist satisfaction in the Malaysian context is essential. In order to understand tourist satisfaction better, three factors, that is, experience, service quality and value that are related to satisfaction were examined in this paper. The population of the study was all tourists travelling to Malaysia. A sample was drawn using a multi-stage sampling method. A total of 301 completed and useful questionnaires were used for data analysis. The statistical analyses carried out include Pearson Correlation test and Multiple Regression analysis. The findings showed that value, experience and service quality were the three important variables that collectively contributed to tourist satisfaction level in the Malaysian context. In addition, the contribution of each individual factor on satisfaction revealed that the most influential factor is value, followed by experience. However, the service quality as an individual factor was not considered significant unless it was packed together with value and experience. Therefore, this study suggests that these three factors must be considered and the combination of all three factors must be offered as a complete package to attract many more tourists to visit Malaysia. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s4p359

Expectancy Theory Analysis to Conduct Research at Malaysian Research University

Abstract: This paper presents a study for analyzing and improving research productivity of Malaysian Research University (RU). In literature there are various general models for research and development analysis. Although many prior researchers have studied factors that influence research productivity, only a few have examined it from the behavioral perspective. From the behavioral perspective, it becomes apparent that motivation theory is the predominant theory that researchers utilized when studying research productivity. Further scrutinized of the previous studies have identified that the expectancy theory analysis was used by most of them either solely or with other theories. It has been proven that the expectancy theory when properly employed will most likely bring success to organizational change. This paper addresses the development of the proposed model to be applied at Malaysian RU.

An Integrative Environmental Framework for a Better Enterprise Resource Planning Post-Implementation Success

Abstract: The objective of research paper is to introduce a conceptual model to better define environmental Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) post-implementation stage based on the Technological, Organizational and Environmental (TOE) framework. In addition, the paper adds to existing literature the CSF of external trust with customers and suppliers, which few studies have done. The previous studies and their theoretical and conceptual frameworks are developed to demonstrate a new conceptual environmental framework that embodies CSFs that empirically related to the ERP Post-Implementation Success (PIS), and add new approaches into impacts of the external trust factor on the PIS of ERP. The paper introduced a missed place of research depicting the impact of external trust on PIS of ERP and as well a shortage of a better holistic conceptual framework structured to discuss the impact of external pressures and external consultant support on PIS of ERP. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6p153

Kesan Moderator Kearifan Tempatan dalam Mempertingkatkan Prestasi Pekerja di Indonesia

Abstract: ABSTRAK Cabaran kakitangan awam bagi memberikan perkhidmatan yang berkualiti sentiasa diberi keutamaan. Permintaan untuk mendapatkan perkhidmatan yang berkualiti oleh masyarakat awam belum benar-benar tercapai. Ini disebabkan tahap prestasi kerja kakitangan awam masih rendah. Kajian ini bertujuan mengenal pasti tahap prestasi pekerja kakitangan awam. Faktor kompetensi, integriti, disiplin kerja, motivasi kerja, ganjaran dan rekabentuk kerja menjadi elemen-elemen dalam mengukur peningkatan prestasi pekerja. Seramai 2320 kakitangan awam menjadi populasi dalam kajian ini. Kaedah pensampelan rawak berkadar digunakan agar populasi boleh diwakili dengan kadar yang sama. Kaedah analisis Pemodelan Persamaan Berstruktur (SEM) digunakan bagi menganalisis dapatan. Hasil analisis statistik inferensi menunjukkan bahawa kompetensi, motivasi kerja dan rekabentuk kerja telah mempengaruhi secara signifikan prestasi pekerja. Tambahan pula, kearifan tempatan didapati menjadi moderator yang signifikan terhadap prestasi pekerja. Bagaimanapun integriti, disiplin kerja dan ganjaran adalah tidak signifikan terhadap prestasi pekerja. Kata kunci:Kompetensi; integriti; disiplin kerja; motivasi kerja; ganjaran; rekabentuk kerja; kearifan tempatan; prestasi pekerja ABSTRACT Public servants are facing challenges to provide quality services. The demand for quality in services by the public has not been completely realized. This is due to the level of performance of the public servants which is still low. This study is aimed at identifying the level of performance among civil servants. Factors include competence, integrity, discipline, motivation, reward and job design in measuring employee performance improvements. A total of 2320 public servants were chosen as the population in this study. Proportional random sampling method was used to represent the whole population equally. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis was used to analyze the findings. Inferential statistical analysis showed that competence, motivation and job design were influenced significantly by employee performance. Furthermore, local wisdom was found to be a significant moderator to employee performance. On the other hand integrity, discipline and rewards were not significantly related to employee performance. Keywords:Competence; integrity; discipline; motivation; rewards; job design;local wisdom; employee performance

Validity and Reliability of Basic Needs Questionnaire Based on Choice Theory in Malaysia

Abstract: The aim of this study is to measure both the validity and reliability of Basic Needs Questionaire based on Choice Theory. The instrument used in this study was a questionnaire with 85 items covering five subscales: love and belonging, power, fun, freedom, and survival. Five experts determined the validity of this questionnaire as a , measuring instrument indicating it had a high validity of 91%. Next, a total of 119 students from two schools were selected as a random sample to measure the reliability of this instrument. The data was analyzed using Cronbach Alpha and test-retest, which showed that only 47 items from 85 items instrument were significant. Overall, the Cronbach Alpha realiability coefficient is in good working order with the value of reliability .871.

A View from Academic Administrators on the Characteristics of Future University

Abstract: Present study is an attempt to investgate a view from academic administrators on the characteristics of future university. A stratified sampling technique is applied according to the structure of the university, i.e faculty and registrar office/university administration. The heads of departments are targeted to collect the responses in five Malaysian public universities, which attained “research university” status, i.e., Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Malaya and Universiti Sains Malaysia. Factor analysis is used and nine components (dynamic environment, democratization of knowledge, sustainable infrastructure, global mobility, technology advancement, institutional autonomy, teaching-research balance, smart partnership, and abundant resources) were extratced statistically significant. Current study highlights an important research agenda for future studies and will contribute in existing body of knowledge by fortifying the current debate on the subject of education and future university.

Views of Mentor Teachers on The Implementation of Teaching Practices

Abstract: Sultan Idris Education University has established a program that focuses on teaching practices as a key component of teacher training after a trainee teacher has been exposed to the theories of teaching and learning. This study was conducted to identify views from mentor teachers on the implementation of teaching practices among Sultan Idris Education University trainee teachers. The topics covered include school exposure, as well as the frequency and duration of teaching practices. A total of 125 respondents participated in this study, which consisted of 26 male and 97 female mentor teachers. All respondents are secondary school teachers. The results of this study showed that the majority of school mentor teachers believed that exposure is very important and should be emphasized in teacher’s training education at the Sultan Idris Education University. Most of them suggest that school program exposure should be held twice during the study period. The suggestions from the mentor teachers were to ensure trainees are produced are of high quality. They even suggested that teaching practices are carried out after two semesters, namely the 7th and 8th semesters. Activities completed by the students during teaching practices demonstrate the process of learning teaching, and extra-curricular activities. This study showed the importance of school exposure experienced during teaching practices that help produce quality teachers who can pasionately push the Malaysian Education Development Plan forward.