ANAS Volume 12, Number 3: March, 2018
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A Computer-based Mental Mapping Skills Assessment Tool
Lau Shan Chang, Lau Bee Theng and Pan Zheng
Abstract For visually impaired individuals, there are two major senses that play important roles to help them get through with their daily routines, and those are by recognizing their environment via auditory orientation and tactile feedback. Individuals who are newly visually impaired should undergo an orientation and mobility training to help them learn essential safe travel skills in both their home and around their community. Part of this sensory training encompasses the strengthening of the mental mapping skills. Mental mapping helps a person to determine their current location and their intended destination with relation to other objects in their current environmental space. This research focused on using a computer-based assessment tool to evaluate the mental mapping skill of the participants. An evaluation with 25 participants was conducted using the proposed computer based mental mapping skills assessment tool. The participants were categorized into visually impaired with no vision, visually impaired with low vision, and sighted. By evaluating the game times and game scores gathered by the participants throughout the assessment sessions as well as their sketch scores conducted within 7 days, two hypotheses were evaluated. The null hypothesis H0, states that the assessment results do not show any inconsistencies for both the total game time and total sketch score throughout the three sessions. The alternative hypothesis H1, theorizes that the assessment results show inconsistencies for both the total game time and total sketch score during the course of the evaluation sessions. The results of the evaluation showed that over the course of three sessions, the scores of the participants were consistent. This proves the proposed computer-based mental mapping skills assessment tool is a reliable assessment tool which provides scores that are aligned with human’s mental mapping skills, which do not fluctuate in a short period of time.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 1-7 ] DOI: DOI: 10.22587/anas.2018.12.3.1
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An Input-Constrained NARMAX Model-Based Adaptive Tracker with Fault Tolerance for Unknown Systems with an Input-Output Direct Feed-Through Term
Jason Sheng-Hong Tsai, Wen-Teng Hsu, Ya-Chiou Hsu, Shu-Mei Guo, Tzong-Jiy Tsai, Jose I. Canelon, Leang-San Shieh
Abstract A modified NARMAX (nonlinear autoregressive moving average with exogenous inputs) model-based state-space self-tuner with input-constrained fault tolerance is proposed in this paper for unknown nonlinear stochastic hybrid systems with an input-output direct transmission term. First, the on-line system identification process is enhanced by using the off-line observer/Kalman filter identification method to obtain a good initial guess of the modified NARMAX model. Then, based on such system identification, a corresponding adaptive digital control scheme is presented for an unknown continuous-time nonlinear proper system with system and measurement noises and inaccessible system states. Besides, an effective state space self-turner with a fault tolerant scheme is presented for the unknown multivariable stochastic system. Further, a quantitative criterion is used to develop a weighting matrix resetting technique by adjusting and resetting the covariance matrices of the parameters estimated by the Kalman filter estimation algorithm, to achieve parameter estimation for the recovery of the faulty system. Finally, the proposed new anti-windup scheme according to these models set up decentralized trajectory trackers for unknown interconnected large-scale systems with input constraints and state delays. An illustrative example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 8-20 ] DOI: 10.22587/anas.2018.12.3.2
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Microfinance Notes in the Context of Vietnam
Long Bui-Thanh, Dr Lucía Morales, Professor Bernadette Andreosso-O'Callaghan
Abstract This research study presents a brief literature review on the conditions of microfinance in Vietnam over the period 2005 to 2015. The main research findings show how Vietnam has benefited from learning experiences on the use of simple microfinance models around the world. The leading areas of interest relate to the role of microfinance on poverty reduction and empowerment of women. The conducted literature review unfolds the strong relationship between social organizations and microfinance providers in their efforts to support the poor. In particular, the Vietnam Women’s Union plays an important role in microfinance operations to support and help women to progress and develop. The government of Vietnam has considered microfinance as a useful instrument for its strategy focused on poverty reduction with a need of more efforts being made to assist women in terms of their social and economic integration.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 21-30 ] DOI: 10.22587/anas.2018.12.3.3
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Development of IV Injection Rate Measuring System in Hyperbaric Environment based on Photo Interrupter
Yun Chan Nam, Kyu Jin Cho, Jung Jin Kim, Yun Seok Lee, Tae Min Shin
Abstract In these days, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is one of the most common treatments for various diseases such as decompression sickness, burn and so on. This study examined the development of IV injection rate measuring system in hyperbaric environment based on photo interrupter. The existing method to treat IV injection and control the fluid’s rate in hyperbaric chamber is to use roller clamp and dosi-flow. However in hyperbaric environment, IV injection rate is different with 1 atmosphere environment. To deal with this problem, this study progress the series of IV injection dropping experiment in the hyperbaric environment with the developed system attached to injection chamber. The experiments were taken with 0.9% saline and 50% dextrose at each 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 atmosphere. The result of the study shows difference rate between 0.9% saline and 50% dextrose and also shows dropping rate is higher at the higher atmosphere. In case of 0.9% saline, it takes 146 seconds at 1 atmosphere while takes 127 seconds at 3 atmosphere. Dropping time decreased about average 15% decreased from 1 to 3 atmosphere. In case of 50% dextrose, it takes 353 seconds at 1 atmosphere while takes 245 seconds at 3 atmosphere. Dropping time decreased about average 30% decreased from 1 to 3 atmosphere. Yet, there are various fluid types and different fluid characteristics. If this system is secure the data look-up table of various fluid types, developed IV injection measuring system in hyperbaric environment can contribute to the advance of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and expansion of hyperbaric oxygen treatment application field.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 31-36 ] DOI: 10.22587/anas.2018.12.3.4
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The Relationship between Customer Satisfaction and Return on Equity in Banking Sector
Nazan Ilyas, Anna Ilyas, Dr. Osman Khan
Abstract Organization in a service sector believed that customer satisfaction is a building block of increasing financial performance. Financial performance is measured through return on equity. Return on equity can be increased by providing quality of products & services to the customers. This paper studies the relationship between customer satisfaction and return on equity in banking sector. Data on customer satisfaction is taken from the American customer satisfaction index and data on return on equity is taken from the bank’s annual published financial reports. The quantitative method is used to analyze the relationship between both the variables. As this research focuses on panel data therefore, STATA software is used to augment the validity of the results. Data is described through graphic, correlation and panel regression test. The result of the research predict that there is a significant positive relationship exist between customer satisfaction and return on equity in banking sector.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 37-40 ] DOI: 10.22587/anas.2018.12.3.5
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The Relationship between Corporate Governance and Stakeholder Engagement, and Materiality Disclosure in Sustainability Reporting
Sie Bing Ngu and 2Azlan Amran
Abstract This paper proposes a conceptual framework by linking corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, and materiality disclosure in sustainability reporting from the perspective of stakeholder theory. The quality of materiality disclosure in sustainability reporting is argued to be a function of the board attributes as sustainability disclosure practices emanate from the board of directors. Good corporate governance and materiality disclosure are corporate good practices in enhancing their relations with stakeholders. Reporting on materiality information by having stakeholder engagement provides greater transparency and achieves greater accountability to the stakeholders. However, discussion on this topic is lacking in Malaysia. Hence, this paper aims to fill in this gap and to broaden corporate governance research by proposing the mediating effect of stakeholder engagement on corporate governance and materiality disclosure in sustainability reporting. The contribution of this paper is to link the materiality concept and stakeholder engagement in sustainability reporting as well as to extend the academic literature on sustainability reporting.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 41-45 ] DOI: 10.22587/anas.2018.12.3.6
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Greening of Malaysian School Human Resource Management by Green Intellectual Capital and Healthy Organization
Abdul Jalil Ali, Abdul Ghani Kanesan Abdullah, Al Amin Mydin, Aneela Sheikh
Abstract Most previous studies has shown an association between green human resource management, green intellectual capital and healthy organization: however, in Malaysia little is known about the GHRM implementation through which this relationship occurs especially in school context, The aim of current study is to examine the mediating effects of green intellectual capital on the relationship between green human resource management and healthy organization in Malaysian high performing secondary schools. The data for this study were collected from 280 trained teachers high performing National Secondary Schools across the three States of Northern Peninsular Malaysia. The findings reveal that there is a significant direct effects of green human resource management and green intellectual capital on healthy organization. Meanwhile, green intellectual capital has a full mediation effect on the association between green human resource management and healthy organization. Thus, the findings show added value that green intellectual capital provides when used as an enabler of human resource management; this would help school management about the potential of green intellectual capital in increasing healthy organization demands for environmental sustainability.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 46-50 ] DOI: 10.22587/anas.2018.12.3.7
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The Role and Implication of an Infantry Unit on the Issues of Disaster Management
Ridzuan, A.A., Mohd Zainol, N.A., Ismail, Z., Yaacob, S., Abdullah, H. and Ungku Zahar, U.A.
Abstract The infantry unit involvement in operation other than war such as deployment at all types of disaster environment had shown the efficient disaster response. They are self contains supported by the comprehensive structure, sufficient equipment, trained personnel, highly mobile and reliable assistance when the time required. The purpose of this paper: firstly, to introduce the role of infantry unit throughout a range of crisis situations, ranging from emergencies, to disasters, to catastrophes, primarily from a Malaysian perspective. Secondly, this paper will examine the implications of infantry unit deployment for the disaster management. Interviewed and focus group discussion was conducted with several personnel from infantry unit in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak that have experienced deployed to response during the disaster especially natural disaster-flood. There was a controversy exists such as how to best place the infantry unit within the management cycle and to what extent the model for infantry unit is appropriate. This paper will also discuss on the issues of command and control decision making structures, and the usage of infantry unit assets in disaster management. The infantry unit support of civilian authorities has become a well-known phenomenon, nationally as well as internationally. The infantry unit response is reserved primarily for larger scale disaster operations. The paper includes further discussions, implications and conclusion.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 51-54 ] DOI: 10.22587/anas.2018.12.3.8
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Procedural Fairness, Budget Performance and Managerial Performance: A View from Contingency Approach
Mohd Nor Yahaya, Jegak Anak Uli and Norlaila Mazura Hj. Mohaiyadin
Abstract This study examines the effect of procedural fairness on managerial performance in budget setting. Using contingency approach, it was proposed that procedural fairness affect managerial performance via mediating variables of budget performance. The result of path analysis of 128 budget managers is supported, thus suggesting that budget performance acted as contingent variables that mediate the relationship between procedural fairness and managerial performance. The study concludes that organization have to ensure managers with budget responsibility should have higher budget performance which lead to improved overall managerial performance.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 55-59 ] DOI: 10.22587/anas.2018.12.3.9
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Impact of Transformational Leadership on Innovation Characteristic of Enforcement Employees in Malaysian Public Sector Agency. The Role of Trust as Mediator
Mohd Hamran Mohamad, Khulida Kirana Yahya and Kamarulzaman Lamin
Abstract This study examines the influence of transformational leadership on innovation and investigates whether employees’ trust mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and the innovation characteristic of enforcement employees in Malaysia. Less study of transformational leadership, employees’ trust and innovation has been conducted at the enforcement agency in Malaysia. Less employees’ trust to their organizations has been the obstacle to boost the innovation culture among them. Data on transformational leadership, employees’ trust, and innovation characteristic are collected through a survey of Malaysian enforcement body. Analyses are based on Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique through AMOS 20. The instruments used in this study have the acceptable validity and reliability. The results of SEM analyses show that transformational leadership has significant effect on innovation and trust. Trust also has significant effect on innovation and mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and innovation. The results are expected to encourage leaders of Malaysian enforcement agencies to guide and motivate their followers through transformational leadership based style. The discussions and implications from the findings of this study are provided to contribute to the literature mainly based on the empirical evidence of the significant relationship between transformational leadership and innovation as well as the role of trust as mediator in the Malaysian enforcement body context.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 60-65 ] DOI: 10.22587/anas.2018.12.3.10
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Leadership Skills Requirements for Military Cadets
Ananthan, S., Haslinda, A. and Jegak, U.
Abstract Most militaries train their officers through an officer cadet system at their respective military academies. The process, which takes between three and four years, requires all cadets to possess basic leadership skills before they are commissioned into their respective armed forces. This study endeavoured to determine the leadership skills requirements of newly commissioned young officers from the military academy. First, academic literature and military doctrine were surveyed to derive current notions of leadership skills at the junior level. Subsequently, high ranking military officers were interviewed to determine the armed forces’ expectation of leadership competencies amongst junior officers. Both sets of findings were analysed to create a questionnaire instrument. This instrument was administered to mid-level career officers (n=513), as they were direct supervisors of these young officers. The analysis of this survey revealed a list of twelve leadership skills expected of junior officers and the level of competency expected of each leadership skill. Using this list, instructors at the military academy were then requested to gauge the level of each leadership skill attained by officer cadets as they finished their three-to four-year training. Based on what was expected and what was attained, the gap in leadership skills of junior officers was determined. This finding is a significant contribution towards the review and enhancement of current curriculum for leadership skills development at the military academy.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 66-70 ] DOI: 10.22587/anas.2018.12.3.11
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Critical Success Factors in the Implementation of Quality Management in Military Organisations
W.L. Wong, Hasan al-Banna Mohamed and Ananthan. S,
Abstract The purpose of this study is to identify the critical success factors for military organisations in Malaysia to implement quality management more effectively and efficiently. Through a comprehensive literature review on quality management, this study had identified several critical factors which are significant factors in the implementation of quality management for organisations. Questionnaire items were developed for this quantitative research to determine the relationship between these factors and the implementation of quality management in military organisations. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents from military organisations in Malaysian who are directly involved in the implementation of quality management at unit and formation. All data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 and the results revealed that leadership commitment, employee participation, education and training; and recognition and reward are the critical success factors in the implementation of quality management in military organisations. This study is expected to assist military organisations in Malaysia towards constant improvement in managing human resources and military assets to further strengthen its strategic requirement. This research is useful as it offers option to military organisations in Malaysia to fully implement quality management with the best approach. In addition, the successful implementation of quality management can lead to long-term development and continuous improvement to the organisations.
[ FULL TEXT PDF 71-75 ] DOI: 10.22587/anas.2018.12.3.12
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