iLEARNed

Perception towards E-Learning System for Competency Training Among Non-Executive Employees in Utility Company

M K I Mohd Ali, R Alias — 2020-04-01

This study examined the perception of the e-learning system for competency training among non-executive employees. E-learning will help employees to appreciate technologies as a tool for learning and this study explored their attitude and intention to use a technology for enhancing self-knowledge, skills and attitude. Acceptance of the technology will be reflected as an intention to use the new technology as mentioned. A descriptive study has been applied whereby questionnaires with seven sections have been distributed to a total of 380 respondents; with 307 samples taken for an analytical study. The result showed that there was a significant relationship between perceived ease of use, subjective norms, behavioural control and organizational management support towards behavioural intention to use e-learning as a training system. Thus, it is suggested that the organizational management should consider expanding e-learning awareness campaigns among employees specially to familiarize them with the e-learning training platform. This will widen employees’ perception and confidence towards e-learning; thus resulting in positive acceptance of technology practice especially in competency training.

Evaluating Students’ Perception of Adoption of Blended Learning in UNITEN

R Abdul Wahid, T J I Abd Aziz, A I Abd Aziz, N H Azami, N A S Aziz — 2020-04-01

Blended learning (BL) is an approach that combines conventional in-class and online learning activities to improve students’ performances. Adoption of BL for higher education is considered the “new normal” and is happening across the globe, as well as in Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) in Malaysia. Assessing students' satisfaction is an important aspect as it affects learning abilities and essential for HEI’s to give an overview of their current BL implementation. Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) has been implementing BL since 2016. The objectives of this study are to investigate students’ awareness of BL implementation and to measure their level of satisfaction with the courses that they have registered. Data are gathered from undergraduate students in different levels of studies. The study employed quantitative and qualitative approaches through the dissemination of online questionnaires. Based on the results, the majority of students aware that UNITEN has been implementing BL concept and BL implementation in the courses was well introduced. Most of the students were satisfied with its implementation, and were agreed that BL had helped them in their study - improvement of CGPA, better time management and reinforces learning. The outcome of this research will be beneficial for fine-tuning of BL implementation in the institution moving forward.

Blended Learning Research in Malaysia – A Systematic Review with Special Focus on Blended Learning in Corporate World

S Yahaya, Z Mohd Jawi — 2020-04-01

Blended Learning (BL) is an approach that combines online learning and traditional Instructor-Led Training (ILT). Online learning, or e-learning, is made possible by various advanced technologies including smart phones and high-speed internet. It is important to explore and understand how BL should be conducted in Malaysia among the adults, or specifically working adults. This systematic review applies the systematic classification scheme (SCS) to determine articles’ bibliographic details, key themes, and analysis of BL studies in Malaysia’s corporate or non-academic context. These SCS’s also are the specific objective of this particular study. The findings show that the majority of Malaysia’s BL published articles were related to Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) and school education. Moreover, based on reviews of articles published in reputable journals, it is found that most articles were exploring the design, factors, and evaluation of BL. Meanwhile, the last objective cannot be fulfilled since there is a limited number of BL articles related to BL practice in corporate or non-academic context in Malaysia. It can be concluded that the country needs more experience sharing on BL implementation among the working adults.

Writing for an Academic Journal - Beyond A Published Research Record

Ir. Dr. Mohamed Fuad Faisal — 2020-04-01

Writing can come in many forms. A handwritten diary, for example, can have sentimental value to its owner especially after being kept for so many years. Writing a book, on the other hand, brings a certain kind of gratification to the author, where he can reach out to threaders and be able to tell stories or ways of doing things (Smith, 2013). industry practitioners writing scholarly articles can provide different perspectives to those found in university; which in turn, can help nurture the next batch of practitioners. Producing scholarly articles to be published in the relevant journals will also make a person stronger in knowledge terms and this will certainly benefit the company as we usher in the 4th Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0).

Communication Technology Options for Better Customer Experience – The Case of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) at TNB

Mohd Hanif Faiz Mohd Subhi — 2020-04-01

Malaysia’s Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has become the first electric utility provider in the ASEAN region to embark on the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project. The first phase of this project involves over 340,000 ordinary power consumers (domestic and low voltage commercial customers) in the state of Melaka. The deployment of smart meters for the first phase started in January 2018 and is scheduled to complete by the end of the second quarter of 2019. The second phase will cover selected areas in the Klang Valley (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Selangor) involving 1.2 million ordinary power consumers for the Regulatory Period (RP) 2 (2018-2020). AMI is an integrated system with a communication network being one of its primary components apart from smart meters, meter data management system and back-end IT systems. Radio Frequency (RF), Power Line Communication (PLC) and Public Cellular Network are the three main communication technology options used in the first phase in Melaka. Each technology has its strengths and weaknesses, depending on the various situations and requirements, and the technology adopted may differ for other utilities. This paper shares the experience and challenges faced during the implementation process and the performance of the network.

Improving the Performance of an Electronics Course Using Computerized Homework A Case Study

Jehana Ermy Jamaluddin — 2020-04-01

A computerized homework assessment is effective and suitable to promote the performance of a subject and improve the Course Outcomes (CO) the end of a semester. A subject offered in Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), EEEB273 Electronics Analysis and Design II, has not been meeting key CO’s in a few semesters. The subject is a continuation from Circuit Analysis I and II, and Electronics Analysis and Design I subjects. Being mostly application-oriented, a number of students were unable to attain the required CO, thus leading to a state of distress. In a quest for better teaching and learning practices, this case study presents the early results from a recent semester’s grade analysis and computerized homework as a complementary approach by providing “learning by doing” practices. The details of the computerized homework implementation are elaborated with a focus on improving results and enhancing the students’ ability to solve typical electronics problems.

TNB M10x – In-house Developed Tool for Learning IEC 60870-5-101/104 SCADA Communication Protocols

A M Sufian, A Adnan — 2020-04-01

TNB Grid Division (TNB Grid) and Distribution Network Division (TNB DN) utilize Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems to manage the power grid and the power distribution networks respectively. To ensure the relevant TNB personnel is highly competent in SCADA-related subjects, TNB Integrated Learning Solution (ILSAS) has been providing the IEC 60870-5-101 SCADA communication protocol training for the past 10 years. In 2018, the training module was enhanced to support the IEC 60870-5-104 topic in line with the recent adoption of the protocol in both TNB Grid and TNB DN. Although commercial simulation software packages are available as tools to assist in learning the IEC 60870-5-101/104 protocols, they represent CAPEX investment to these divisions. As a strategic initiative to reduce cost on acquiring those tools, TNB Grid has developed the M10x software as an alternative to the various commercial tools with similar or better features. This paper provides an overview of the IEC 60870-5-101/104 training module and how M10x is used as part of the module. A brief description of the software's main features and comparison with a selected commercial tool are also provided.