As Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO) grows in complexity, there is a call for effective management of ITO relationship to reduce risks. This study integrates theoretical concepts from resources based view and social exchange theory with existing research on ITO to understand the process of ITO decisions and implementations in five Malaysian public healthcare sector agencies, particularly the problems, difficulties, critical factors and relationship management, to develop a conceptual model for understanding the complex relationship. Malaysia public healthcare sector involves complex organisations and managing ITO in this environment is challenging especially for public sector staff. Moreover, inconsistent findings raise confusion and doubt, leaving public managers uncertain about ITO directions and researchers unclear about theoretical perspectives relevant to ITO. This study, therefore, presents an interpretive empirical multiple case studies of the ITO relationship experience in Malaysian public health sector agencies. Qualitative method design for the study includes: (1) a single pilot exploratory case study and (2) a multiple case study of four agencies. The rich evidence obtained is also used to build a grounded theory and explanations for the phenomenon. Moreover, using GT, the study develops an ITO relationship model for better practices in the management of ITO relationship. The main findings from the study are: i) the case agencies adopted ITO for various reasons including technological, economic and business benefits, particularly access to external superior resources competences and capabilities and inadequate competent and capable staff in the agencies and IT division. The agencies can channel limited internal resources to focus on core businesses of healthcare functions and services. Public sector has limited skills competences and capabilities in complex and latest technologies; ii) Public sector is well known for its structured hierarchical organisation involving inter and intra ministries and divisions. In the ITO process, proper committees were formed to evaluate on and manage ITO decisions and implementations. Selective ITO is common in public sector. Service providers were only involved in non-strategic areas such as IT infrastructure and systems development; iii) This study finds that most difficulties and challenges in ITO were due to human factors and IT technical aspects did not cause major problems. Inter and intra relationship management is crucial in those cases. Thus, project management competence and capability is required by both service provider and receiver; iv) For an ITO relationship model, the study summarises ITO strategy, due diligence, structure, stakeholders, contracts/SLAs, governance, resources competences and capabilities, working relationship context, project management and knowledge management as the critical elements in ITO relationship efficacious process. These factors must be given due consideration by service receivers prior to entering any ITO arrangement.

Experimental Analysis of Drowsiness Detection System Based on Grasping Steering Bahavior

2018 · Book · Koleksi Perpustakaan

This project presents a sensor arrangement that is suitable for measuring grip force and hand position on the steering wheel. This sensor can be used in automotive safety systems designed to detect a drowsy driver, which is the important thing to avoid road accidents. Our approach is to design a sensor network based on the way the driver grips, each sensor equipped with the ability to detect the driver's grip force, A proof-of-concept demonstration of the sensor was created, composed of 12units force sensitive resistor (FSR). This project also presents the results of grip force men and women drivers by using drive simulators at a speed of 60km / h. Four drivers (male and female) took part in this project. Grip force was measured using a force sensitive resistor mounted systems around the steering wheel. The results showed that men's grip force is much higher than female drivers and also can detect sleepy driver, when reach the drowsy level, the buzzer will be activated and will alert the driver. Drowsiness detection system using a force sensitive resistor is a useful method for determining and monitoring the power grip while driving and detecting driver drowsiness level of the driver.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Epilepsy

2018 · Book · Koleksi Perpustakaan

Epilepsy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) are both associated with abnormal brain activity and frequently coexist. Epilepsy patients were found to be drowsier when compared with general population using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The aim of this study is to determine the association of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in epilepsy patients, as well as the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and the predictors of sleepiness among epileptics in South East Asian patients. Five of sixty participants (8.3%) were diagnosed with OSAS and four of them were males. OSAS was mild in one patient, moderate in two patients and severe in the other two. Age, neck circumference, ESS score and BMI were significantly associated with OSAS (p value <0.05). Epilepsy-related risks (type of seizures, duration and type of AED) have no significant association with OSAS. Forty- nine percent of the abnormal physical findings found in OSAS group were related to deviated nasal septum and inferior turbinate hypertrophy. The prevalence of OSAS among epilepsy patients is 8.3%.