ABSTRACT
This COVID-19 has lately changed the way individuals study and teach by making it available at any time, from any location, and at a low cost. Traditional face-to-face teaching and learning are losing popularity as more students opt for hybrid or all-online learning. In today's fast-paced business, the advent of the gig economy needs the development of individuals and experts with specialised skill sets to fill increasingly specialised positions. Higher education providers needed a more dynamic and quick style of learning to match these demands, which Micro-Credential, a well-known player in 21st-century training and education, delivered. Micro-credentials are nanodegrees, also known as small qualifications, that demonstrate a person's talents, knowledge, and/or experience in a certain subject area or ability. After completing a micro-credentials course, the learner will receive a digital badge. The adoption of Micro-Credential courses in Malaysia was investigated using desktop research and a survey questionnaire in this study. This study examines how Micro-Credentials are used in Malaysia's top three public universities, as well as a poll of Malaysian students' Micro-Credentials habits. Micro-credentialing appears to be gaining popularity at Malaysian universities. The research will be broadened to collect and analyse data for the preliminary study, which will focus on learners' attainment of Digital Badges for Micro Credential Computing Courses using a quantitative research technique. © 2022 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 has lately changed the way that people learn and teach by making it accessible at any time, from any location, and for a reasonable price. Traditional face-to-face teaching and learning are losing in popularity as more students choose hybrid or online mode study. The gig economy expansion in today's fast-paced business requires the cultivation of people and specialists with increasingly specific skill sets to fill increasingly specialized positions. Micro-Credential is a prominent actor in 21st-century training and education that offers higher education providers a more dynamic and quick learning style to match these demands. It is observed that learners in Malaysia are substantially new to the Micro-Credential and Digital Badge. Hence, this paper aims to present the findings on survey instrument validation in measuring the motivation of learners to attain the digital badge. The study uses a cognitive interviewing method for pre-test in validating the items of the adopted survey instrument. Then, in a pilot test, the survey instrument is again evaluated to measure the validity and reliability of the items using SPSS statistical software. The findings from the pre-test summarized the feedback and suggestions for improvements in fitting the study context and language used. The improved survey instrument undergoes a pilot test to confirm the validity and reliability of the survey items. The finalized survey instrument is then adopted for the main study with a larger sample of learners - university students, working professionals, business owners, and non-working adults using purposive sampling.
ABSTRACT
Empowering women is a prerequisite for a healthy nation and robust economic performance. This vision poses huge challenges to developing female entrepreneurs, especially single-mother entrepreneurs. Single mothers are the breadwinners for their family and are often responsible for accommodating the needs of family members. The paper aims to identify the tendency of single mothers to become successful entrepreneurs. Using a quantitative design, surveys were conducted with 521 female entrepreneurs with online businesses. Expensive technology and the lack of relevant knowledge and skills in using digital tools are among the leading constraints single-mothers face in growing their business. Findings showed that single mother entrepreneurs who use internet applications in their business tend to have a high level of skill and high motivation in digital entrepreneurship world. For inclusive growth, it is critical to increasing women’s participation in business and the global marketplace by developing their capacity to fully participate in the digital economy. The effects of COVID-19 which hit for two years gave a lot of lessons and experience to women entrepreneurs to continue trying to face the current economic challenges with full tenacity and patience. The government has provided training to increase knowledge and skills to improve the economy of single mothers as provided by the Women's Department and Department of Social Welfare. © 2018 Malaysian Consumer and Family.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the education sector locally and globally especially in teaching and learning delivery methods as most universities have adopted online platforms. The present situation is not only challenging but also tests the flexibility of the existing education system. With the help of technology, the existing traditional education system could be more flexible to enable more individuals from around the world to access education. The latest revolution in online education, micro-credential, is growing interest among public and private universities worldwide, including Malaysia. However, to date, little scholarly work is found related to micro-credentials in higher education. This conceptual paper presents an overview of micro-credential and the challenges and opportunities of offering micro-credential certification in the form of digital badges to the national and global market. Recommendations are made to multiple stakeholders (e.g., higher education providers, employers) to enhance the use of certifications for graduate employability. Ideas for further research are also presented. © 2021. All Rights Reserved.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic severely hit the hospitality industry in Malaysia. The Malaysian government implemented restriction orders and preventative measures, which had impacted business operations, particularly hotels and restaurants. This study aims to identify the challenges faced by hospitality managers during the early phase of the COVID-19 in Malaysia. Using qualitative purposive sampling, researchers interviewed 12 managers from the hotel and restaurant sectors. The respondents reported several challenges based on the content analysis, including costs, workforce, revenue, customers, and competition. Findings contributed significantly to various stakeholders such as the Malaysian government and the hospitality providers. Limitations and future recommendations are discussed.