OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open access peer-reviewed journal
Executive Information Site Management System for Monitoring Project Performance: System Requirement Study
M. Z. Abd. Majid a, W. Zakaria b, H. Lamit c, A. Keyvanfar d, A. Shafaghat e
a, d, e Construction Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
b Technology Management Centre (CTMC), Faculty of Civil Engineering,
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
c Sustainability Research Alliance, Faculty of Built environment,
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
Volume 03, Issue 03, Pg. 11-28, 2012.
Abstract: Progress monitoring and control is one of the most important tasks of managing projects. Basically, construction works produce a lot of information that are required by top managements to track the work progress at site. A recent issue highlighted by top managements is the inefficiency in obtaining information from project sites on time. Hence, the focus of this research is to establish a computerized information system that can be utilized by top managements in order to evaluate the construction progress, known as Executive Information Site Monitoring System (EISMS). In order to develop EISMS, a Classic Waterfall Model has been considered as a basis for the system development whereby it began with identifying the system requirement followed by the system design (product design and detail design), coding, integration and finally the system testing and implementation. As relevancy to research field, this paper focuses on the development of system requirement. The research is presented in two study phases. In the first phase, initially it was conducted a descriptive survey study on “important futures”, followed by a descriptive study also on managerial priorities in Key Performance Indicators (KPI) of EISMS. The survey results “work progress” as the most “important features” for the system. Furthermore, the survey addresses managerial priorities on KPI to be emphasized in EISMS. As the study shows, development of the system requires three primary databases which include planned work schedule, 3D-CAD drawing, and actual work completion at site. In second phase, it is to elaborate propose EISMS framework model. Furthermore, it designed in a novel monitoring and control algorithm to track the “work progress”. Initially, it was to compute planned and actual work progress and thus the schedule variance at any selected specific date. Within this study, a trial based version of EISMS schedule variance analysis was implemented during the construction phase of one case study to investigate any shortcoming of a developed system in calculating schedule variance of project.
Keywords: Construction Project Management, Executive Information System, Project Progress Monitoring, Site Progress
DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN THE SECOND AND THIRD TRIMESTER OF GESTATION
Mitra Ossadat Mirsanjari a, Wan Abdul Manan Wan Muda b, Affizal Ahmad c, Mohd Shukri Othman d, Geshina A Mat Saat e, Mir Mehrdad Mirsanjari f
a,b.c,e School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, kubang kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
d School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, kubang kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
f Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences,
Malayer University, Iran.
Volume 03, Issue 03, Pg. 25-34, 2012.
Abstract: Maternal mental health contributing to physiological modification during pregnancy has been shown to have significant impacts on mother, infant, future generation even on family. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of antenatal depressive symptoms and factors associated among a sample of Malay pregnant women in their second and third trimester of gestation. This cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women who attended an Obstetrics and Gynaecology clinic during their antenatal care visits. Demographic questions and the Malay version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were utilized. Among 400 pregnant women, the mean and standard deviation (SD) of some variables were as follows: gestational age 27(4.5) weeks, gravidity 3(2), parity 1(1) and age 29.7 (5.1). The findings showed that there were significant associations between levels of depression symptoms with age, gravidity, parity and monthly income. Based on the cutoff point of 11.5 and depression score of ≥12, the prevalence of Antenatal Depression Symptoms (ADS) at second and third trimester of pregnancy in Kota Bharu District was 25.7%. There was a significant negative linear relationship for monthly income β = -0.642 (95% CI: -1.055, -0.229; P= 0.002) with ADS after adjustment for other confounders. The findings of this study indicate that income status is an important factor that influences maternal depression during pregnancy. Furthermore, the prevalence of antenatal depression indicates a specific need to improve a system for reliable detection and effective intervention strategies for depression, which can be conveyed commonly within the health care services.
Keywords: Depression, Maternal mental health, Pregnancy, Women, Malaysia
Building thoughtfulness ontology for sustainable decision making
Musarrat Jabeen a
a Development Studies, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbotabad, Pakistan.
Volume 03, Issue 03, Pg. 36-41, 2012.
Abstract: Sustainable decision making depends on the level of thoughtfulness of decision makers. Thoughtfulness has received little attention in the domain of decision making referred to decision support systems; in an effort to quantify the knowledge and its effectiveness. This trend devalued the intangible input of thoughtfulness required for sustainable decision making. Based on this concern this paper focuses on developing prototype architecture of thoughtfulness ontology which rallies round sustainable decision making. The objective of this paper is to take on board the concepts of thoughtfulness, and develop a Thoughtful Decision Support System. The conceptual basis of thoughtfulness involves three abilities. It requires: 1) an ultimate sense of action and not of inaction, 2) super-relationship with human and natural resources, and 3) awareness of future effects of decisions in time and space.7 thoughtful Meta abilities are also chosen to establish the basis of this system. Thoughtfulness ontology may add a value of sustainability in decision making.
Keywords: Sustainable decision making, thoughtfulness
Community Participation in Breast Cancer Prevention programs towards Building Sustainable Programs: Involvement or Participation?
Asnarulkhadi Abu Samah a , Maryam Ahmadian b, Ma’rof Redzuan c, Zahid Emby d
a,b,c,d Department of Social and Development Sciences, Faculty of Human Ecology,
Universiti Putra Malaysia UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Volume 03, Issue 03, Pg. 42-50, 2012.
Abstract: For future sustainable breast cancer prevention programs implementation, broad participation in prevention programs is necessary. In the context of developing strategies for health promotion, community participation is most relevant. Literatures also suggested that community involvement is essential for the successful promotion of health. This paper examines the levels of women’s participation in breast cancer prevention programs. Community participation and community involvement are occasionally presumed to go hand in hand, but these two prominent concepts has potential difference. At times, the problem is that involvement does not mean participation. The study was conducted among 35-69 years old women who had mammogram in the last two years at 4 obstetric and gynecologic clinics in Tehran. A multistage cluster random sampling procedure and face-to-face interviewing method was used in the data collection process. Results from this study showed that the higher levels of participation (implementation monitoring, evaluation and planning), as mostly through health care professionals. Women’s participation in breast cancer prevention programs is limited and it was just carried out at level1 (health benefits) and level 2 (activities). Although women were only involved at some health programs, they have no participation in decision making level. Nevertheless, the continuation of their involvement with commitment to the programs represents sustainability in community-based health programs.
Keywords: Breast cancer prevention, Community participation, Community involvement, Sustainable programs.
Application Of The Hudaybiyah Treaty In The Contemporary Issues: Case Study Of Multiracial Society In Malaysia
Yusuff Jelili Amuda a, Ahmad Sohaimi Lazim b
a,b Faculty of Human Sciences, Sultan Idris Education University, Perak, Malaysia.
Volume 03, Issue 03, Pg. 52-67, 2012.
Abstract: Regarding to the current situation, there is need for possibility of interactive dialogue between Muslim and non-Muslim in the interest of peace and love. The idea of inter-religious dialogue is not new because early Muslim and Christian encountered this type of inter-religious dialogue as a mechanism and a crucial instrument for developing better understanding of other religion positively. It is obvious that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) made efforts to spare violence and conflict during the battle and consulted all his companions before taking any action as a means of co-existence with other faiths. This is apparent in the case when Prophet asked his companions whether to proceed and fight Quraysh in order to enter the Ka’bah but Caliph Abu Bakr advised him to proceed peacefully because his initial intention was to visit Ka’bah and if there is any obstruction from anybody, then, they would retaliate. Based on this, the Prophet commanded all his companions to proceed peacefully in the name of Allah. Whatever the Quraysh requested from him that will elevate sanctity and which is permissable in the sight of Allah will be granted inorder to avoid violence and fracas. This is because Prophet wanted to keep Quraysh alive in the hope that they might become Muslims. Therefore, it is better to apply peaceful and harmonious approach rather than violent method. The study examines the spirits of hudaybiyah treaty as an example for multiracial society such as Malaysia. It aims to examine an approach and policy applied by Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) during hudaybiyah battle so as to apply it to overcome all contemporary issue between Malaysian Muslims and non-Muslims in order to achieve concept of one (1) Malaysia in the interest of all and nation at large. The study also discusses Prophetic dialogue method during the battle and how such dialogue can be utilized to address all religious misconception across the nation. The finding sees dialogue and reconciliation during the hudaybiyah as an instruments and methods to be applied in Malaysia in order to achieve good legacies which present and future generation should follow and emulate. Qualitative and quantitative methods are exploited throghout the discussion. Finally, useful solution to outstanding problem and suggestions would be suggested in the findings.
Keywords: Hudaybiyah, Muslim, non-Muslim, tolerance, and dialogue.
Communicating environmental sustainability in Malaysia: A case study
Lee, Cheng Ean a and Chuan, Teck Leong b
a School of Communication, Taylor’s University, Lakeside Campus, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
b Water and Environmental Business Unit, Sinclair Knight Merz Sdn. Bhd., Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Volume 03, Issue 03, Pg. 67-77, 2012.
Abstract: Environmental issues have gained more prominent attention from the public and media. Communicating environmental issues helps creating awareness and understanding on environmental sustainability among the public. In particular, the appropriate channel used for communicating environmental sustainability is one of the factors that will help public to be more aware of environmental sustainability. This study aims to explore employees’ perspective on the communication of environmental sustainability initiatives by company S in Malaysia and as well as to identify employees’ preferred channel used for receiving information about environmental sustainability. The objectives of this study are (1) to measure the knowledge level of employees on environmental sustainability; (2) to assess the awareness level of employees on communications of environmental sustainability initiatives by the company; (3) to identify employees’ preferred channel used for receiving information on environmental initiatives; and (4) to investigate the reasons for using the preferred channels for receiving information on environmental sustainability. An online survey was conducted with employees of Company S in Malaysia. The results revealed that the employees have sufficient knowledge on environmental sustainability; they have high awareness on the environmental sustainability initiatives organised by the company; and finally, email is employees’ preferred channel in receiving information about environmental sustainability because it is convenient, environmental-friendly and readily available. This study concludes that the employees perceived that environmental sustainability is very important and online tools especially email is the future practice of environmental sustainability communication.
Keywords: Awareness; communication channel; employee; environmental sustainability; environmental sustainability communications
Crystallizing The Significance Of Traditional Rights And Privileges In Local People Sustainability
Zurina Mahadi a, Latifah Aminb, Hukil Sinoc
a,b Center for General Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
c Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Volume 03, Issue 03, Pg. 77-82, 2012.
Abstract: While equity is derived as the driver in achieving social sustainability, it also imposes inappropriate pressure on traditional rights and privileges of local people. Sustainable development, which ideally should be equitable for every human being within environmental limits, may inevitably result in the loosening of the existing equities of local people. The expansion of development incentives and flexibilities in development policies may shatter the solid structure which has secured the equities for generations. This paper is an attempt to reflect the importance of traditional rights and privileges to local people well-being and its effect to local participation in sustainable development. The data for this paper is gathered from a study on sustainable development values of Malaysian public. Using qualitative methods, in-depth interviews and group discussions were held with the local people and the governors to represent their views and communities represented by them. This study implies that traditional rights and privileges are vital in ensuring the wellbeing and the sustainability of local people. It is also evident that tampering these systems will reduce local people’s confidence towards sustainable development and therefore reduce their participation in the process. In specific, the local people refusal to participate in sustainable development process persists through the veneration to their traditions, defense towards the diminishing establishment and demands towards recognition. This study suggests the governors to encompass the policies on equities in development towards the existing structures of local traditions. In conclusion, the governors should decide on policies that secure local people rights and privileges within the existing systems they are living in and supporting by in order to enhance their confidence in sustainable development and willingness to participate.
Keywords: Participation, privilege, right, sustainable development, traditional.
Parents And Female Students’ Acceptance Of The Phenomenology Of Females Studying Abroad: A Case Study Of The Sultanate Of Oman
Safiya Rashid Sabeeh Al-Makhmari a, Ismail Hussein Amzat a
a Department of Educational Foundation and Administration, College of Education,
Sultan Qaboos University. Sultanate of Oman.
Volume 03, Issue 03, Pg. 83-97, 2012.
Abstract: This study examines Omani parents’ perceptions about sending their daughters to study outside the Sultanate of Oman and how female students view this phenomenon. In addition, it investigates whether the parents in Oman support or oppose the idea of Omani women studying overseas. Moreover, the research studies the difficulties that Omani women faced while studying abroad and their solutions. This research embarks on a journey to review the literature on the topic that shows the reasons that motivate people to study abroad and the procedures that parents and their children should follow before choosing a host country. Twenty Omani parents and twenty female Omani students who have been to Australia were involved in this study, as well as twenty female staff workers at Sultan Qaboos University. The research is a survey in nature, using questionnaires as well as employing descriptive statistics with graphs and figures in answering the research questions. The findings of this study indicated that Omani female students were excited when they were given the opportunity to study overseas. Omani females who are studying or studied abroad have not faced difficulties in terms of social life and language barriers in host countries. They faced difficulties such as homesickness, cultural shock, food, host families and transportation. The majority of the parents consider the cost of studying abroad as an important factor in allowing or preventing their daughters from studying abroad, while it is less important for their daughters. Moreover, parents have identified five important factors that determine their choice for the host country. The most important of these factors is the religion of the country to which their daughters are sent, while it is the least important factor according to their daughters.Parents supported and accepted to send their daughters abroad for studying while they were hesitant at the beginning. Parents didn’t welcome the idea of their daughters travelling alone without a protector
Keywords: Abroad; female students; Oman; Parents; Studying.