RESEARCH PROJECTS

Complex socio-technical health information systems (HIS) issues can create new error risks. Therefore, we evaluated the management of HIS-related errors using the proposed human, organization, process, and technology-fit framework to identify the lessons learned. Qualitative case study methodology through observation, interview, and document analysis was conducted at a 1000-bed Japanese specialist teaching hospital. Effective management of HIS-related errors was attributable to many socio-technical factors including continuous improvement, safety culture, strong management and leadership, effective communication, preventive and corrective mechanisms, an incident reporting system, and closed feedback loops. Enablers of medication errors include system sophistication and process factors like workarounds, variance, clinical workload, slips and mistakes, and miscommunication. The case management effectiveness in handling the HIS-related errors can guide other clinical settings. The potential of HIS to minimize errors can be achieved through continual, systematic, and structured evaluation. The case study validated the applicability of the proposed evaluation framework that can be applied flexibly according to study contexts to inform HIS stakeholders in decision-making. The comprehensive and specific measures of the proposed framework and approach can be a useful guide for evaluating complex HIS-related errors. Leaner and fitter socio-technical components of HIS can yield safer system use.

This project aims to strengthen the database of chemicals in Malaysia, especially the database of chemicals regulated and managed by DOSH. The IICMS concept has been developed by DOSH, and the results of this project are expected to build the IICMS framework, including the overall concept, action plan and technical specifications related to IICMS. Domestic and international chemical databases managed by various enforcement entities have been reviewed. Based on the results obtained, this study concludes that there is an important need to establish IICMS, where the objectives of IICMS are: (i) to create an integrated and comprehensive inventory of chemicals under the jurisdiction of DOSH, (ii) to record stocks and prioritize industrial chemicals that supplied and used in workplaces in Malaysia, and (iii) to assist decision makers in assessing the risks of chemicals at the national level. This study has developed 7 action plans, and these action plans are linked to functional and domain requirements, of which there are 26 main functional requirements, 2 domain requirements and 35 non-domain requirements. This study has also prepared a list of technical specifications according to IICMS requirements. The proposed IICMS is expected to be a comprehensive, flexible and reliable database of chemicals in Malaysia.

It is essential to make sure the accuracy of cost estimating results in order to avoid project failure, especially in Agile methodology due to shortening process, fewer efforts, and quick implementation. Various methods such as machine learning techniques have been used to make sure estimating project costs are accurate, however, satisfactory results are yet to be achieved due to difficulties to find the most optimized required project cost parameters. Therefore, this project examines the potential of investigating a meta-heuristic optimization algorithm i.e., particle swarm optimization (PSO) as a population-based stochastic search method to minimize the estimated project’s cost by optimizing parameters of the project cost such as user stories, complexity, project duration, and others with an aim to improve cost accuracy which is close to actual cost. Project methodology consists of (i) the design of an agile cost estimation parameter that adopted PSO approach. (ii) implement the proposed algorithm for agile software cost estimation, (iii) Performance characterization, and (iv) compare results to decide which is having minimum project cost parameter. The novelty in this research will contribute to the frontiers of fundamentals in agile software cost estimation through an algorithmic model based on a mathematical algorithm as a function of a number of the major project cost by adapting the PSO technique to tune the parameters in minimizing the cost. The findings contribute to the Quintuple Helix model that embraces the k-economy in software development projects as highlighted by the government.

Collaborative learning has been used throughout the years to deliver educational content for various levels of students in schools. Although various strategies and best practices exist globally, engaging students, parents, teachers, and relevant stakeholders towards collaborative online learning is crucial. Based on relevant previous studies, commitment towards online learning is highly influenced by the user's cultural background, especially in Malaysia, as it is an incredibly diverse country with many ethnicities, languages and religions. The proposed study consists of four phases. Phase 1 and Phase 2 are focused on identifying the level of parent-teacher engagement and cultural background. In this phase, exploring a case study on parent-teacher engagement and cultural background in Austrian and other European schools provides insights into this study that embraces cultural differences. The exposure to Austrian and different European cultures also inspires the creation of ideas for the model formulation and prototype. Phase 3 and Phase 4 involve formulating a proposed model and prototype as proof of concept, which consists in obtaining expert reviews related to the interactive system. The proposed study involves collaboration between UKM, UTEM and TU Graz. The joint publications between Austria and Malaysia would be a fundamental resource for collaborative online learning. In addition, the contribution is consistent with SDG4 and 4IR initiatives.

Metaverse is enabling entirely new business models for the financial sector. Metaverse is the next frontier for the banking industry. Globally, the application of Metaverse is still in the infancy phase. In Malaysia, banks are still exploring the potential of Metaverse as a personalised banking service delivery platform. However, early adoption and implementation of Metaverse among potential users, especially Generation Z, for banking services in infancy does not usually guarantee prolonged success. Such an adoption strategy must consider sustainable user engagement in the long run. According to previous studies, poor interface design is a significant factor in the failure of user engagement towards technology adoption. Previous studies have also stated that engagement is closely related to the cultural background of the intended users. In addition, the need for a model and guidelines based on a culture-based approach specific to Metaverse-based banking services in Malaysia is a constraint to developing a more engaging interface. Therefore, a cultural-centred approach should be emphasised as Malaysia is a diverse cultural country. The study aims to identify the cultural characteristics of potential users in Malaysia based on the analysis of Hofstede's cultural model that will form a metaverse user engagement model for banking services. The research methodology employs a mixed method approach that comprises a questionnaire, focus group discussion and expert view sessions. To make this research successful, four main phases have been identified. The first phase aims to identify the cultural characteristics of the potential user in Malaysia through the analysis of Hofstede's cultural model. Hofstede's cultural model is selected as it is the most comprehensive and widely used cultural model among related researchers. The second phase aims to identify the interface design elements of the Metaverse-based banking services in Malaysia. The third phase involves the formulation of the proposed model.

Collaborative learning has been utilised throughout the years to deliver educational content for various levels of students in schools. Previously, less emphasis was given toward online mode of support as the conventional method exists. However, as schools across Malaysia closed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, students from various levels experienced a severe disruption to their learning process. Though most schools quickly began offering some online learning, there have been growing concerns about the effects of this unprecedented shift. In addition, such paradigm shift has also witnessed parents' significant role in ensuring the effective delivery of educational content through online platforms. In such a situation, parents were expected to support the learning process. Although various strategies and best practices exist globally, the engagement between students, parents, teachers, and relevant stakeholders towards collaborative online learning is crucial. Based on relevant previous studies, engagement towards online learning is highly influenced by the user’s cultural background, especially Malaysia, as it is an incredibly diverse country containing many different ethnicities, languages and religions. Thus, the proposed study aims to investigate and formulate a novel collaborative online support model based on a cultural-based approach. It applies a mixed-method approach that employs questionnaires, focus group discussions, and expert review sessions. The results from this method will be analysed to formulate the proposed model. A preliminary study has conducted a comparative review based on strategies and best practices in Malaysia and various countries. Initial findings divulge that cultural background influences the teacher-parent engagement towards collaborative online learning provided by the school and relevant authorities. Such results are also aligned with the applicant's previous related research study in interaction design, especially on user engagement (FRGS/1/2016/ICT01/UKM/02/2). Therefore, findings from the proposed study could improve the quality of learning in Malaysian schools, in line with SDG4, KEGA3 and 4IR.