oum today - january 2008

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PP 12649/1/2008Issue 44 - January 2008

PEMBANGUNANSUMBER MANUSIA

BERHAD

Shared ValuesThose who bring sunshine intothe lives of others,cannot keep it from themselves.

James M. Barrie

First International Convocation in Bahrain

Nursing Profession Takes a New Turn

Extending a Helping Hand

Promoting Best Practices of ICTin Education

Quality Terminologies:Concepts and Practices

Stewardess’ Dream Takes Flight with OUM

A Good Start to a Brand New Year

Spreading the Cheer

Contact Us:OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIAJalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala LumpurTel: 603.2773.2045 Fax: 603.2697.8825Email: [email protected]

OUM Today is published by Open University Malaysia.The electronic version is accessible at www.oum.edu.my

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PROFESSOR TAN SRI ANUWAR ALI

ChancellorYABhg Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah

Pro ChancellorYBhg Tan Sri Dato' Azman Hashim

Group Management CommitteeYBhg Prof Tan Sri Anuwar AliPresident/Vice-Chancellor

YBhg Prof Dr Mansor FadzilSenior Vice President

YBhg Prof Ir Dr Rosli HamirVice President (Property Development & Maintenance)

Repin IbrahimSenior General Manager(Business Development & Management Services)

Che Omar Ahmat @ AhmadFinancial Controller/Bursar

Hjh Kamariah Mohd NoorGeneral Manager/Registrar

Prof Ramli BahroomGeneral Manager (Corporate Planning)

Editorial TeamAdvisorYBhg Prof Tan Sri Anuwar AliPresident/Vice-Chancellor

Chief EditorHjh Kamariah Mohd NoorGeneral Manager/Registrar

EditorYBhg Datin Teh Raqamah AbdullahSenior Manager, Corporate Relations Unit

Associate EditorsAssoc Prof Hazidi Abdul HamidFaculty of Education & Languages

Assoc Prof Dr Zainal Abidin AhmadFaculty of Applied Social Sciences

Rahmah DaudManager, Corporate Relations Unit

Azeezah Jameelah Mohd MohideenSenior Executive, Editorial Unit

Fatimah IbrahimSenior Executive (Quality Assurance)

ContributorAhmad Izanee AwangManager, Pahang Learning Centre

WriterGowri VenkatesanSenior Executive, Corporate Relations Unit

PhotographersAzizan Jamaludin, Corporate Relations UnitMahmud Khalil S Mohammed, Corporate Relations Unit

02 OUM Today | Issue 44 • January 2008

Shared Values and New Year Address by Pro Chancellor

ur Chinese friends had recently celebrated a very important festival and I believe it is not too late to wish them a prosperous and happy Chinese New Year.

In a plural society like ours, festive occasion such as this provides a platform for Malaysians to strengthen bonds and friendships. Respecting the values and beliefs of others despite the religious difference are what made Malaysians unique.

Likewise, the shared values propagated by the University have enabled us to forge ahead with confidence in our quest to provide greater opportunities for the society to gain knowledge as well as academic qualifications.

So, it is only fitting that we begin the New Year with an important New Year Address from the Pro Chancellor, YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Azman Hashim. The thrust of his Address was on the importance of inculcating the University’s shared values. These values are integrity, caring, innovativeness, dedication and professionalism.

Tan Sri Azman emphasised the importance of staff demonstrating commitment and understanding of our shared values, to convince our clients and stakeholders that we offer the best services.

At one point in his speech, he posed an open question, “But how do we inculcate shared values in an organisation? Sounds easy but in practice it is not that easy.” It means that we really have to work at it, be constantly reminded of it and live by it.

At OUM, every staff has been exposed to the shared values in his or her early training or induction exercise. I wish to record our sincere thanks to Tan Sri Azman for being gracious enough to share his thoughts and insights, despite his very busy work schedule.

On a different note, I had the opportunity to be in Bandar Indera Mahkota, Pahang, after the recent floods to meet with our learners, alumni and tutors. There were more than 350 people present, from Pekan, Rompin, Temerloh and Kuantan. Many were affected by the floods a few weeks before.

While in Pahang, we were able to extend a helping hand in the form of donations to 32 members of the public who were badly affected by the sudden change of weather.

As a caring University, we need to fulfil our social obligation to help those in need. Our engagement with the community extends beyond those of our learners and staff, but also the community at large.

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President’s Quill

A Good Start to a Brand New Year

03OUM Today | Issue 44 • January 2008

Tan Sri Dato’ Azman also expounded on the importance of managing time effectively because time lost could never be regained. Answering to a question from the floor, he said that he was a stickler for being punctual. A person who is punctual is indeed one who has a fundamental respect for people as he/she values the time sacrificed by others. To the OUM Community that day, Tan Sri Azman is also a reflection of someone who is very humble.

The gathering has, in some ways, left a significant impact on the staff as it opened the eyes of many of the work culture adopted by Tan Sri Azman, which has made him very successful.

President/Vice-Chancellor YBhg Professor Tan Sri Anuwar Ali, in his opening remarks, commended the staff for their hard work which was reflected in the performance for 2007. He called on the staff to remain dedicated and sincere in their work to ensure continued growth of the University.

Tan Sri Dato’ Azman delivered an inspiring talk, calling on the staff to work together as a team and to be innovative in order for OUM to achieve greater success. He emphasised the virtues of punctuality and integrity, which are valuable attributes that every employee should strive for.

Citing his personal experience, he said that an effective leader should lead by example. A leader, he said, should show integrity, dedication and commitment in his work and dealings with others before expecting others to do the same.

ine days into the New Year, the University organised its first Staff

Assembly for the year. It was graced by Pro Chancellor YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Azman Hashim, who had taken time off from his busy schedule to meet the staff of OUM and METEOR to deliver his New Year address.

The assembly was a platform for the staff to get together and meet the senior management. The auditorium was packed to capacity with staff from the Klang Valley.

The assembly began with a doa recitation followed by the singing of the National Anthem, Jalur Gemilang and the OUM song by the University choir. General Manager (Corporate Planning) Professor Ramli Bahroom later led in reciting the Rukun Negara.

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:: Senior Management reciting Rukun Negara :: Staff fielding question to the Pro Chancellor


First International Convocation in Bahrain

he University recently held its first international convocation in Bahrain for its offshore graduates whose learning centre is based at the Arab Open University

(AOU). The ceremony successfully blends the traditions from both the AOU and OUM and was graced by the Director-General, Ministry of Higher Education, YBhg Dato’ Professor Dr Hassan Said.

Eighteen graduates received their MBA scrolls from Bahrain’s Minister of Education and Chairman of Higher Education Council H.E. Dr. Majid bin Ali Al-Nuaimi in the presence of OUM’s President / Vice-Chancellor YBhg Professor Tan Sri Anuwar Ali. Also present was OUM’s Senior Vice President YBhg Professor Mansor Fadzil and Registrar Puan Kamariah Mohd Noor.

This was the second batch of graduates from the University’s collaboration with AOU that began in 2005. The first batch of nine MBA graduates received their scrolls at the University’s fourth convocation in Kuala Lumpur in July last year.

Professor Anuwar said the response to OUM’s postgraduate programmes under its collaboration with AOU has been encouraging with cumulative student enrolment in Bahrain reaching four hundred to date. The University is optimistic of the growth in view of the keen interest shown in the region.

The aggressive promotion abroad has culminated in partnerships with the University of Science and Technology in Sana’a, Yemen, and Universitas Riau in Indonesia. It is also exploring other markets particularly developing countries in Africa and other parts of the Middle East.

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OUM:: Graduates and dignitaries solemnly observingthe national anthems of Malaysia and Bahrain

:: YBhg Prof Tan Sri Anuwar Ali presenting the book prize to a graduate

:: YBhg Prof Tan Sri Anuwar Ali addressing the graduates


Promoting Best Practices of ICT in Education

nformation Communications Technology or widely known as ICT is very much talked about than used especially in sectors

such as education. In developed countries, the role of ICT in improving the quality of education has brought about positive impact to the learning community. In view of the significance of ICT in education, it’s about time that schools and institutions of higher learning in Malaysia leverage on ICT for learning and teaching.

With this in mind, the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) and Open University Malaysia (OUM) will jointly organise a conference entitled “ICT and Learning for the Net Generation”. The conference which focuses on ICT and Learning will run over four days from 7 July to 10 July 2008.

Known as LYICT 2008, the conference aims to bring together teachers, researchers and administrators involved in ICT and Learning for Youth to discuss future directions with regard to this area.

Conference initiator Professor Dr Zoraini Wati Abas said this is the first time the conference is being organised in Malaysia. “The conference will stimulate discussions on the relevance of ICT in secondary schools as well as higher and distant education. I find the education system now to be very exam-oriented. In spite of numerous efforts, local institutions have few success stories to share on how their learners have successfully engaged themselves with ICT-based learning. I believe that the time has come for us to make full use of this digital technology when educating students,” she added.

Professor Dr Zoraini, from the Faculty of Education and Languages, further said: “We are expecting a total of 200 participants from Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia to join in the conference. This conference will not only be a platform for sharing of knowledge and best practices but also to discuss the pressing issues and trends of ICT and learning.”

OUM will host the LYICT conference which is being held for the first time. The University which provides a flexible learning mode to its learners via a blend of pedagogical approaches advocates the use of ICT in teaching and learning.

The conference is divided into two parts namely the Open Conference and Working Conference that focus on aspects that are segregated as themes. The themes include New Learning Environments, Changing Role of Learners and Teachers, Best Practices in ICT and Youth Empowerment; and Digital Divide and Cultural Understanding.

LYICT 2008 incorporates keynote presentations, technical paper presentations, panel presentations, workshops, plenary discussions and informal exchanges of ideas. The conference will provide a forum for school and community practitioners, lecturers and researchers, advisors and policy makers to channel their views on ICT and learning.

Interested parties are welcome to submit their papers and proposals. Those who register by 30 April 2008 are entitled for the early bird registration fee.

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:: Professor Dr Zoraini Wati Abas

Fact File Email : [email protected] website : http://cidt.oum.edu.my/lyictVenue : The Saujana Resort, Kuala LumpurImportant Dates : 8 Feb 2008 - Paper and contribution deadline 31 Mac 2008 - Notification of acceptance 30 April 2008 - Early bird registration


Spreading the Cheer

:: Packing the Goods

:: Providing Assistance

:: One for the Album

:: Pleased to Meet You

:: Proud Moment for Mother and Daughter too:: Well Done


:: Sharing the Burden

:: Glad to Assist

:: Poignant Moment

:: Our Contribution

In conjunction with the event, outstanding learners were presented with the Dean’s List award.

OUM’s community service activities are not only confined to its staff and learners but also the community.

The University recently donated RM5,000 to Sekolah Rendah Agama Al-Huda in Taman Bukit Teratai, Cheras, to help equipped its classrooms with new chairs.

Normah Sutan Temenggong, a 60-year-old grandmother who collects scraps to support herself and four grandchilden, also caught the University’s attention. The University is looking at the possibility of assisting the family on a long-term basis.

The event, held at the OUM learning centre in Bandar Indera Mahkota, Pahang, was attended by some 350 guests comprising learners, alumni and tutors of the University. Also present was Senior Vice President YBhg Professor Mansor Fadzil.

Mohd Akhri, who is pursuing a mechanical engineering programme, said his family had to evacuate their home and stay at the relief centre during the flood.

He said the donation would be of great help to his family as most of his furniture had been destroyed in the flood.

Professor Anuwar also presented donations to Rosmadi Mohd Zainal, 35, whose house was razed by fire.


Extending a Helping HandBy Ahmad Izanee Awang | [email protected]

oved by the hardship faced by learners and staff who were

adversely affected by floods recently, OUM extended a helping hand to 32 of them in Pahang.

They were learners from the vicinity of Pekan, Rompin, Temerloh and Kuantan, that were most affected by the floods.

President/Vice-Chancellor YBhg Professor Tan Sri Anuwar Ali led a team from the main campus to present cash donation that could alleviate their plight and bring some cheer to those affected. The donations were made from the University’s Chancellor’s Foundation.

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:: Victims taking shelter at a relief centre

:: The floods affected hundreds of people in Pahang

:: Rosmadi's house was razed to the ground

n the 19th century, an English woman called Florence Nightingale began a selfless journey to provide nursing care

to the sick and suffering. For her noble efforts, she later became known as the “Lady with the Lamp.” She is no longer alive but her journey is now being continued by thousands of nurses around the world.

Nurses need to be caring and patient in carrying out their noble work. But in today’s knowledge economy, they also need tertiary education, according to Professor Mohd Kidin Shahran, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology.

“Nurses must continuously strive to pick up new skills and knowledge. This will help them to deliver quality care to their patients and also build a better life,” said Prof Mohd Kidin.

Studying full-time while working is a tall order for most working adults. With open and distance learning, this is no longer a problem as it allows them to pursue their tertiary studies without having to leave their jobs. This is what OUM is offering to nurses now.

Those enrolled in the University’s two-year Bachelor of Nursing Science (Hons) programme are exposed to a blended pedagogy which comprises face-to-face tutorials, modules, e-learning, skill laboratory and clinical practice.

As the programme has been approved by the Malaysian Accreditation Board, now known as Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA) and the Malaysian Nursing Board (MNB), its graduates are in a better position to seek opportunities for career growth both in the public and private sectors.

On why the OUM nursing programme is favoured, Professor Kidin explained: “The programme allows learners to major in three out of the six specialisations offered. These are Critical Care Nursing, Trauma and Emergency Nursing, Paediatrics Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Oncology Nursing and Renal Nursing. These specialisations will enable them to increase their competency through in-depth understanding of the different areas.”

Another distinctive feature of the degree programme is clinical placement where learners are sent for clinical practice in hospitals around the country.

“The Health Ministry has approved the use of 24 hospitals, including three teaching hospitals, for this purpose. This allows the students to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge through their hospital exposure,” said Professor Mohd Kidin.

“The clinical practice is carried out during weekends to prevent clashing with the nurses‘ normal work. A preceptor or matron is assigned to a group of 14 students to provide guidance and monitor their progress,” he added.

Professor Mohd Kidin said the nursing profession has a bright future, both in Malaysia and abroad, particularly in the Middle East. “The rising need for qualified nurses makes them highly employable. Those who are better equipped academically will be the top choices among employers,” he added.

Nursing Profession Takes a New Turn


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:: Professor Dr Mohd Kidin

Fact File Entry Requirements : Diploma in Nursing and registered with the Malaysian Nursing Board (MNB)Programme Duration : 2 yearsIntake : January, May and September

May intake is currently in progress, apply onlineat www.oum.edu.my or visit our nearest learning centreor email us at [email protected]


Stewardess’ Dream Takes Flight with OUM

he thought about it in Europe. She gave it further thought and went

looking for more information on the Internet in Johannesburg, South Africa.

But try as she might, Maria Hadijah Mokhtar Stork was unable to find a suitable provider to pursue her Diploma in Malaysia.

As a stewardess with the national carrier, Maria spends most of her working hours travelling around the globe. Consequently, she needs a study programme that is flexible enough to fit around her work commitments.

A newspaper advertisement that she came across on OUM seemed to be the answer to her predicament. The flexibility and learning approach as well as the quality programmes offered were exactly what she was looking for.

Maria, who is currently in her first semester of a four-year diploma programme in Early Childhood Education, believes that an academic qualification will be an asset when she switches careers.

“I had almost given up hope until I came across the advertisement. I knew then that it was the perfect programme for me.

“All the other programmes I had come across previously gave weight to class attendance. With the kind of work I am in, it’s difficult to commit myself to attending regular classes,” she said.

“However, it’s different at OUM. The flexible approach enables those with job commitments to schedule their classes accordingly. Learners are allowed to structure their study at their own pace or around their work schedule.

Nevertheless, Maria still believes in the importance of classroom interaction as it allows her to communicate with her peers and tutors.

She makes it a practice to study three hours a day even when she is flying.

“With Internet access, it is so much easier to do research and discuss my studies with my lecturers and peers through the online forum. I may be thousands of miles away but the Internet has enabled working people like me to fulfil our ambition for study”.

:: Maria Hadijah during her trips abroad

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Events : January 2008

Enlightened22 Jan : Visit by delegates from the Shahid Beheshti Medical University, Iran

Sealed with a Handshake25 Jan : Representatives from OUM and Shahid Beheshti Medical University,Iran, signing the MoU

Strengthening Ties23 Jan : President/Vice-Chancellor presenting the Meritorious Awardto Professor Dr Samir Fakhro, Director of Arab Open University, Bahrain

Attentive5 Jan : Students attending the Learning Skills Workshop

Malaysia-Bahrain Connection24 Jan : International Convocation in Bahrain

Impressed21 Jan : Visit by delegates from University Tun Hussein Onn

Continuing from the previous Q-News publication, this second instalment shall look into the 5Z, 5S, 5 Why’s and 6Ms in advocating and implementing quality improvement activities. Through these tools as depicted in a handbook, Understanding ICC, published by National Productivity Corporation (NPC), we shall hopefully gain some benefits and start implementing them in our daily lives right away. It is not too late to begin the New Year by getting yourself organised and equipped with these handy tools!

In this second instalment, we will continue to briefly look at the concepts which begin with numbers:

“5Z” is a general term for the five actions ending with “ZU”…meaning “Do not” in Japanese. This standard defines the procedure of 5Z Accreditation” which is the scheme to promote, evaluate, maintain and improve process control using the *Genba Kanri principles

Uketorazu(Do not accept defects)

Tsukurazu(Do not make defects)

Baratsukasazu(Do not create variation)

Kurikaesazu(Do not repeat mistakes)

Nagasazu (Do not supply defects)

*Usually translated as 'Workshop Management' The system by which standards for running the day-to-day business are established, maintained, controlled and improved. GK integrates and aligns the many approaches used in shop-floor management. Through the establishment of common values, all become committed and empowered to implement change.

Quality Terminologies:Concepts and PracticesBy Fatimah Ibrahim | [email protected]

5Z5S is the Japanese concept for House Keeping.

Sort (Seiri)

Straighten (Seiton)

Shine (Seiso)

Standardise (Seiketsu)

Sustain (Shitsuke)

Japanese – English translations:

Seiri – Put things in order(Remove what is not needed and keep what is needed)

Seiton – Proper Arrangement(Place things in such a way that they can be easily reached whenever they are needed)

Seiso – Clean(Keep things clean and polished; no trash or dirt in the workplace)

Seiketsu – Pure(Maintain cleanliness after cleaning – perpetual cleaning)

Shitsuke – Commitment(The use in the workplace as a part of the 5S is used to mean keeping oneself clean and neat, and to have the custom of always following rules in the proper systems or procedures.)

5SThe 5 Why’s typically refers to the practice of asking, five times, why the failure has occurred in order to get to the root cause/causes of the problem. There can be more than one cause to a problem. In an organisational context, generally a root cause analysis is carried out by a team of persons related to the problem. No special technique is required.

5

4P is a category used to label the Cause and Effect Diagram (a.k.a Fishbone) in problem solving for service industries.

PoliciesProceduresPeople Plant/Technology

4P

Why

To be covered in next edition – 6W, 7 QC Tools and 7 Wastes of Lean.

oum today - january 2008

Documents

new turnextending

important new year address

corporate relations

happy chinese new year

brand new yearspreading

electronic version

plural society

malaysians unique