Tan Owee Kowang
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Published : 10 Documents Claim Missing Document
Claim Missing Document
Check
Articles

Found 10 Documents
Search

Undergraduates entrepreneurial intention: Holistic determinants matter Tan Owee Kowang; Siti Zulaiha Binti Abdulah Apandi; Ong Choon Hee; Goh Chin Fei; Mohd Saiful Izwaan Saadon; Mohamad Rosni Othman
International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) Vol 10, No 1: March 2021
Publisher : Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.11591/ijere.v10i1.20733

Abstract

The role of entrepreneurship in job creation and unemployment reduction is well established by prior studies. Hence, one of the ways to address the unemployment issue among young graduates in Malaysia is to explore how entrepreneurial intention could be embraced into the broader context of the country's education system. Empirical research found that prior studies on entrepreneurship education in Malaysia tends to focus on reviewing educational policies, issue and challenges. The concept of the entrepreneurial intention determinants beyond entrepreneurial education remains ambiguous. Hence, this study advances the discussion in entrepreneurship education by reviewing determinants for entrepreneurial intention from holistic perspective by integrating Model of Personality Traits and the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Five determinants for entrepreneurial intention are identified from literature review, which are entrepreneurship attitude, subjective norm, behavior control, entrepreneurship education and personality traits. The study is quantitative based, 360 questionnaires were distributed to the undergraduates from three faculties of a public university in Malaysia, with 199 responded. Data was analyzed via Pearson correlation and ANOVA analysis. Finding from the study suggested all the five entrepreneurial determinants are significantly correlated with entrepreneurial intention, and there is no significant difference on entrepreneurial intention based on faculty. However, one of the remarkable finding is Entrepreneurship Education is viewed as determinant with the lowest correlation coefficient with entrepreneurial intention. The implication of this finding is perhaps the content of entrepreneurial education shall emphasize on cultivating students’ entrepreneurial attitude, behavioral and personality rather than the theoretical part of entrepreneurial and entrepreneurship.
Exploring lifelong learning outcomes among adult learners via goal orientation and information literacy self-efficacy Ong Choon Hee; Lim Lee Ping; Adriana Mohd Rizal; Tan Owee Kowang; Goh Chin Fei
International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) Vol 8, No 4: December 2019
Publisher : Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (350.562 KB) | DOI: 10.11591/ijere.v8i4.20304

Abstract

This study intends to explore the relationship between goal orientation, information literacy self-efficacy and lifelong learning outcomes of the adult learners. This study focuses on adult learners as they are actively participating in the development of the country socio-economy and recognized as the potential contributors towards the generation of knowledge-based economy. The findings of this study revealed that there was a significant relationship between mastery goal orientation and lifelong learning. However, information literacy self-efficacy was found to be a predictor instead of a moderator in the model. It is suggested that suitable and appropriate learning methods such as problem-based learning, case scenario presentations, portfolios and clinical debates can be designed specifically to facilitate adult learners’ mastery goal learning motivation in promoting lifelong learning. In addition, training and retraining to equip adult learners with new information literacy skills so as to keep up their self-efficacy level will definitely enhance lifelong learning. This study provides a database on the impact of goal orientation and information literacy self-efficacy towards lifelong learning in implementing policy formation, educational structure redesign and human capital development. As such, suitable and appropriate learning methods such as problem-based learning, case scenario presentations, portfolios and clinical debates can be designed specifically to facilitate student learning motivation in the classroom.
Factors influencing job satisfaction among academic staffs Choon Hee Ong; Chong Hui Shi; Tan Owee Kowang; Goh Chin Fei; Lim Lee Ping
International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) Vol 9, No 2: June 2020
Publisher : Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (257.618 KB) | DOI: 10.11591/ijere.v9i2.20509

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between pay and benefits, work environment, top management leadership, workload and job satisfaction among academic staffs in a private academic institution in Malaysia. Motivation-Hygiene Theory, Maslow’s Needs Hierarchy theory and Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory were used to establish the theoretical framework of this study. Questionnaire survey method was employed to collect data which yielded 82 responses in this study. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to perform data analysis throughout the study. All study variables were found to have significant positive relationships with job satisfaction among academic staffs in the selected institution. Top management leadership was discovered to have the most significant relationship with job satisfaction. The findings of this research provide a clear message to the top management that leadership plays an important role in enhancing job satisfaction of the academic staffs. Hence, it is suggested that the institution management should adopt appropriate leadership style and establish effective strategies and policies that aim to increase job satisfaction and performance of the academic staffs.
Industry 4.0 competencies among lecturers of higher learning institution in Malaysia Tan Owee Kowang; Mohamad Fawzy Bakry; Ong Choon Hee; Goh Chin Fei; Lim Kim Yew; Mohd Saiful Izwaan Saadon; Choi Sang Long
International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) Vol 9, No 2: June 2020
Publisher : Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (466.547 KB) | DOI: 10.11591/ijere.v9i2.20520

Abstract

Industry 4.0 is a new breed from the past industry revolution. The revolution implies an inevitable impact on professional sectors, including education field. Higher Learning Institution (HLI) is viewed as the platform for the development of Industry 4.0 competencies. However, research related to Industry 4.0 competencies among educators or academicians is scarce. Hence, this study aims to assess the level of Industry 4.0 competencies among lecturers in one of higher learning institution in Malaysia, as well as to identify Industry 4.0 competencies that required further enhancement. Five Industry 4.0 competencies identified from literature review, which are Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Organizational Learning, Innovative Management, Environment and Continuous Improvement competencies. The importance level and implementation level perceived by the lecturers across the five competencies are assessed via questionnaire which responded by 132 lecturers from a higher learning institution in Malaysia. Data collected is analyzed via descriptive analysis to assess the importance and implementation levels perceived by the respondent. In addition, an improvement opportunity index, namely Focus Index is calculated for each competency. Finding from the study reveals that all the four Industry 4.0 competencies are perceived by respondents as important, however implemented at moderate level. Analysis result of Focus Index also suggests that competencies in term of Organizational Learning and ICT are “over focus”, while Environment competency is viewed as “under focus” which required further enhancement.
Critical success factors for Lean Six Sigma in business school: A view from the lecturers Tan Owee Kowang; Lim Peidi; Lim Kim Yew; Ong Choon Hee; Goh Chin Fei; Baharudin Kadir
International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) Vol 11, No 1: March 2022
Publisher : Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.11591/ijere.v11i1.21813

Abstract

Lean is a process improvement approach to improve organization’s efficiency by identifying and eliminate non-value-added activities, while Six Sigma is a methodology focused on reduction of process variation. The integration of both, namely Lean Six Sigma (LSS) drives organization on waste elimination, variation reduction and value creation, which ultimately enhancing organizational performance. LSS has been viewed by prior scholars as one of effective approach for business improvement regardless of manufacturing or services industry. However, the research of LSS in education sector, particularly for business school is relatively lacking. Hence, this research aimed to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) for LSS within a business school in Malaysia. The research also aimed to explore the relationship between the LSS, CSFs, and organization performance. There were six CSFs identified from literature review, while organization performance is assessed via the concept of system theory. The research was quantitative based with the lecturers in the business school as the targeted population. Questionnaire was distributed based on stratified sampling plan with 69 responded. Descriptive and Pearson correlation analysis result revealed that lecturers within the business school perceived that all the six LSS CSFs as “very important”, and strongly correlated with organization performance, except CSF “project selection and prioritization”. As implication, finding from this research suggested that the adaption of LSS between manufacturing and education sectors shared the commonality in term of CSF. However, the business school should look into project proposal from the lecturers’ perspective as an alternate source of process improvement opportunity.
Relationship between teaching quality factors and employability among Technology Management students Tan Owee Kowang; Lim Kim Yew; How Wen Yen; Ong Choon Hee; Goh Chin Fei; Amran Rasli; Choi Sang Long
International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) Vol 11, No 3: September 2022
Publisher : Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.11591/ijere.v11i3.21836

Abstract

Education system within higher education institution (HEI) is constantly evolved to enhance students’ employability in respond to the change of social-economy and technological revolution. Empirical research revealed that teaching quality is extremely important for the development of students’ employability attributes. Hence, one of the biggest challenges for HEI is to continuously improve teaching quality with the aim to enhance student employability. This study examined the influence of teaching quality on the employability of Technology Management students. Three important factors for teaching quality are identified from literature review comprising of learner quality, learning environment quality and content quality. This study used quantitative method to collect data via online questionnaire with 60 Technology Management students from a Business School within Malaysia responded. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS in term of normality, reliability, descriptive and Pearson correlation test. Finding from this study reveals that learning environment quality, content quality and learner quality are important, significant and positively correlated with employability. The main implication of this study is students’ employability could be assessed based on teaching quality directly instead of via students’ academic performance or employability attribute.
Journey to the south: A case study of a Chinese PhD student in a Malaysian university Zhou Fei; Amran Rasli; Tan Owee Kowang; Goh Chin Fei; Hii Puong Koh
International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) Vol 12, No 1: March 2023
Publisher : Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.11591/ijere.v12i1.23594

Abstract

Recent trends indicate that more mainland China students are selecting Malaysian universities to further their studies based on the push-pull model. This study aims to examine their motivation for further studies as well as the obstacles and problems faced by them in Malaysian universities. A case study has been adopted in this study. A purposive sampling technique was employed to identify the right respondent and data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews. The findings of the research revealed that peer recommendation, comparative advantage, cultural similarity, and self-desire for improvement have a significant influence on the mainland Chinese motivation to further their PhD studies at Malaysian Universities. Existing literature has not paid adequate attention to motivational factors that influence China students to select Malaysian universities to pursue their PhD. Furthermore, this research addressed the shortcoming of classic acculturation models that lacks importance given to how the dominant Malaysian majority can be affected by the acculturation orientations of mainland Chinese students. As such, this paper is an attempt to fill up these gaps. This study provides some practical implications for Malaysian universities with better strategic insight to review their research programs and improve the service quality of their research infrastructure.
The relationship between leisure activities and mental health disorders among higher education students in Malaysia Lim Lee Ping; Ong Choon Hee; Tan Owee Kowang; Chi-Hua Wu
International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) Vol 13, No 3: June 2024
Publisher : Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.11591/ijere.v13i3.27696

Abstract

This study investigates the association between leisure activities (recreation, sports, social contact, artistic, cultural, religious, and rest) and mental health disorders among Malaysian university students. There were 332 respondents enrolled in the public and private universities, polytechnics and other higher academic institutions in Malaysia were surveyed using a quantitative questionnaire. The study performed multiple regression and correlation analyses on the data using the statistical package for social science (SPSS). The findings indicated that six out of seven categories of leisure activities were significantly linked to mental health issues. The six types of leisure time activities were recreation, sports, social interaction, cultural, religious, and rest. Cultural activities have the highest impact on mental health, with the highest beta value. The universities and polytechnics should consider launching several types of leisure activities and tailor specific activities that may reduce mental health issues.
Factors influencing employee retention of academic home tutors in a private school Lim Lee Ping; Ong Choon Hee; Tan Owee Kowang; Chi-Hua Wu
International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) Vol 13, No 2: April 2024
Publisher : Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.11591/ijere.v13i2.26998

Abstract

This study’s goal is to investigate the links between pay and benefits, worklife balance, professional development, and employee retention among academic home tutors in a Malaysian private school. Data from 80 respondents from this private school were gathered using a quantitative survey method. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) was employed throughout the study to analyze the data. The study results showed that salary & compensation and career enhancement positively correlate with employee retention. Meanwhile, work-life balance was not statistically linked with employee retention. The management should revise the human resource management practices by including these elements. The management should design salary & compensation packages that fit with individual knowledge, capabilities, and performance. The management may also consider offering flexible work schedules, such as training, mentoring, job mobility, and a reduction in working hours, as well as wellness assistance, such as counselling services and health and wellness initiatives. This will give employees the chance to advance their careers.
Personality traits and job performance among academic staff in a private academic institution Lim Lee Ping; Ong Choon Hee; Tan Owee Kowang; Chi-Hua Wu
International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) Vol 13, No 2: April 2024
Publisher : Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.11591/ijere.v13i2.26898

Abstract

This study investigates the association between the personality traits of academic staff members and their job performance in a Malaysian private educational institution. The personality traits were based on the Big Five model, which has five dimensions: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. About 110 participants from this institution were surveyed using a quantitative questionnaire, and their data were gathered. Throughout the study, the data were examined utilizing multiple regression analysis and factor analysis. According to the study’s findings, conscientiousness, and openness to experience significantly positively affect job performance. However, it was determined that extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism were not statistically significant and had no connection to job performance. As a result, in this institution, openness to experience is the most essential predictor of job performance. The findings of this study showed the management that openness to experience and conscientiousness are crucial for improving job performance inside the institution. Therefore, the management should pay more attention to these areas and recruit new employees with openness to experience and conscientious personality traits.