Spark.eCommerce

E-learning is a technology-enhanced learning system that mainly uses internet and computer based technology to reach the end user. This method of learning has become more and more famous in our generation. In the same time it has its own advantage and disadvantage. So now we are going to comparing the pros and cons of the E-learning with the traditional learning.

Pros
Time-Flexibility

Through E-learning, students don’t need move from one class to the another or spend time for the traveling to their respective academic institutions. First of all, they will get their class timetable as the traditional class did. It is so flexible that student are able to sit in the cafeteria and have their meals while being lecture through their laptop or internet accessable device which eventually saves time.

Convinient

Travelling and living accomodations has been a main problem in the traditional setting of learning. Some who are not offered living accomodation wil have to travel a far distance to reach the university. Students of E-learning will not have this kind of problem. They can have their class at anywhere that internet connection is able to reach. So the students don’t need to waste their money to rent a house or paying the petrol for their education.

Accessibility

Students of E-learning can get their source of learning easily through the internet. They may just download from the web page and don’t really need to print it out or photocopy the lecture notes. They may just directly study the soft copy by their computer.

Computer skill

In the same time, students of E-learning can get the new information of technologies and practice the internet and software during their study. the would increase their knowledge and experince on how to a computer. It may be important to them in the future.

Cons

Higher Expense

To support an E-learning process, the students may need a good connection to make sure they can contact and connect with their lecturers and university. So students have to pay a higher fee to get a good connection. Beside this, students of E-learning may also will demand a better computer requirement compare to traditional learning student. So they have to pay more for a better requirement computer.

Poor interaction between teachers and students
Most of the communication between teachers and students is just through internet, but not face-to-face interaction. Sometime the teachers may not know what the students really need. When the teacher can’t understand the needs and reach the demand of the student, the problem of unmotivated will start occur at the students’ side. Let’s say when a student has some problem in study. Through the E-learning he can’t really get a very clear guidance from his teacher. Comparing to the traditional method students, they are always under the care of their teacher and can have more interaction among each others which helps mold their social skills.

In conclusion, E-learning has its pros and cons, i just depends on how effectively we adapt to them.

I had reviewed one of the posts from “Using Touch n Go card to buy fast food in Malaysia will be a reality” in the blog of My E-commerce which talks about the function development of the Touch n Go card in Malaysia.

When we talk about Touch n Go card, the things link to our mind normally are the payment system of toll, KTM or LRT. But recently there are a few more items set into our mind when we are talking about Touch n Go card, that are the use of Touch N Go in food restaurant, convenience stores, hypermarkets and cinemas. According to the article, that’s few outlet had joined the plan such as A&W, Burger King, Dunkin' Donut, 7-eleven, Carrefour hypermarkets, Caltex convenience stores and Cineleisure.

The development of Touch n Go is a leap of the economic Malaysia today. The functions of Touch n Go is covering more and more business area as we can see. With this function, customers don’t need to spend their time to queue up for so long again since this function will make the process of payment become smoother.

If Touch n Go want to develop their function widely to more area in Malaysia, they have to prepare a huge amount of fund to meet the demand of market. They need to set up the card-reading machine to the every outlet that which is under their plan. Beside this, they also have to improve their computer system to make sure the greater amount of transaction is able to process in their system. Lastly they need to develop more convenient way for their customers to reload their Touch n Go card.

http://ecommerze.blogspot.com/2008/04/using-touch-n-go-card-to-buy-fast-food.html
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/12/nation/20902911&sec=nation

Prepaid cash cards are one of the latest innovations by financing companies (Banks). The prepaid card exterior design is quite similar to a credit card, it only differs in function. The card-holder spends money which has been previously deposit by the card-holder or someone else into the card account. In other words, the card holders will be able to make payments for goods and services without the use of actual money as the expenses are deducted straight from the card balance. At the present time, as technology is advancing so fast, more consumers and businesses prefer transacting in methods that involve the less use of actual hard cash as it is faster, safer and everything is automatically accounted for.

Types of Prepaid Cash Cards and their links







The Applications of Prepaid Cash Cards for Consumers:-

It can be use for any purchases of goods and services that provide prepaid facilities. For example payment of utilities, movie and airline tickets, mobile phone and toll expenses , even online shopping .

It is safer for consumers as it saves the trouble of carrying large amounts of money.

Consumers will not have to worry about going into debt as the pre-loaded sum of money is the maximum amount that can be charged to the card.

Transfer and withdrawal of money anywhere around the world depending on the availability of cards service (VISA, MasterCard). Prepaid cards are good alternative to travelers’' cheques. They will probably offer a better rate of exchange as you spend.


There are no credit checks, which means you can get a card without worrying about your credit history.

It isan ideal way to budget and help to manage spending.

References

http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/prepaid/index.html

http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/aboutourcards/gift_prepaid/ http://www.electronic-payments.co.uk/solutions/Splash_plastic_card

https://www.tunemoney.com/publicPageAction.do?value=page.ppc.public.prepaidcardheader&site=facebook

http://www.touchngo.com.my/

http://www.moneysupermarket.com/cards/prepaid-cards-guide1.asp

Most companies are moving toward doing business via the internet, this is because it is fast, cost-effective and a professional method of concluding business transactions. However the internet is accessible by anyone and online security has been online trader’s main concern in protecting their websites from potential threats, such as malicious attacks by computer viruses, security hacking and information theft.




Malicious attacks are the most frequent form of threat faced by companies and online traders as the common pathway from criminals to users is through the Internet: primarily by e-mail and the World Wide Web. Most computers are now connected to the Internet and to local area networks, facilitating the spread of malicious code.These attacks are usually executed by malicious codes such as worms, Trojan horses, spyware, crimeware, and other malicious and unwanted software.

Worm -.a self-replicating computer program. It uses a network to send copies of itself to spread through a network, rather than just a single computer. Computer infected with worms, would face problems such as computer decelerations and unexpected or frequent system failures.


Prevention methods - Anti-virus and anti-spyware software are helpful, but must be kept up-to-date. The use of a firewall is also recommended.



Trojan horse – unlike computer worms, the trojan horse is to be considered as a virus as it is not a self-replicating computer program spread by email attachments, unsecure software downloads and Websites containing executable content(e.g. A Trojan horse in the form of mp3 file). It requires interaction with a hacker to fulfill their purpose. It is designed to allow a hacker remote access to a target computer system. Once a Trojan horse has been installed on a target computer system it is possible for a hacker to access it remotely and perform operations such as:-

· Deletion of files
· Data Theft (e.g. passwords, security codes, credit card information)
· Modification of files
· Uploading & Downloading of files
· Installation of software (including other malware)

Prevention method - Antivirus software that is designed to detect and delete Trojan horses preferably preventing them from ever being installed again an activation of firewall to prevent hackers.



Spyware – a software that gathers user information through the user’s Internet connection without the user’s knowledge. Users frequently notice unwanted behavior and degradation of system performance, such as applications freezing, failure to boot, and system-wide crashes. Spyware, which interferes with networking software normally, causes difficulty connecting to the Internet. When a large number of pieces of spyware have infected a Windows computer, the only solution may be to back up user data, and fully reinstalling the operating system which is a costly measure.

Prevention methods - any Antivirus software that have anti-spyware features which provide real time protection against the installation of spyware software on your computer and can be used solely for detection and removal of spyware software that has already been installed onto your computer. The Windows Vista comes with a new program called the Windows Defender that protects the user computer from spyware threats.



Crimeware (phishing information theft) - scams carried out using e-mail or instant messaging and often direct users to enter their private and confidential details in a fake website where it looks identical to the original ones. Identity theft is becoming a common fraud; information can be capture as a result of defenseless in computer security. The information is then used to withdraw bank accounts, steal valuable information and identity duplication to transact in illegal transactions.


Prevention Methods – Always investigate and verify the source of the email or website before provide the required information. Employ software firewall and encryption software to protect identity and data from being access. Control the access and usage privileges to the data regardless of where it travels, inside and outside the enterprise and providing audit trails and reports. Liquid Machines Enterprise Rights Management automatically creates and enforces security policy anywhere, at any time, for any data no matter where it resides, the applications it touches or to where it travels.




Referrences
articleid=39456http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_computer_security_hacker_history
http://www.bsagovernment.com/downloads/MajorOnlineThreats.pdf
http://www.tech-faq.com/online-security-threats.shtml
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?
http://www.guard-privacy-and-online-security.com/

E-Government or also known as online government is a new mode of governing and administrating via the internet. Through the use of information technology, e-government provides and improves government services, public services, transactions and interactions with citizens and reinforces and manages government and public policies.

In Malaysia, e-government was introduced after the launch of Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) which was introduce to enhance the economic growth of the country and boost companies toward the new era of Information Technology (IT). E-Government is one of the seven prominent service applications introduced in MSC and below it are seven major project:-

Project Monitoring System (PMS) - supervises and executes government projects and also provides a platform for information management and communication services.

Electronic Services (E-Service) – Malaysians can conduct transactions with government for payment of telephone and electricity bills, and also police summons through the internet.



Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) - A single interface that governs employees to perform human resource functions effectively and efficiently. It helps to standardize all human resource processes such as recruitment and selection, streamline processes and single window access. It also provides transactional functions such as payroll processing and leave application.

Generic Office Environment (GOE) – A fully integrated and powerful office environment that effectively and resourcefully eases the management documents and information. The (GOE) facilitates communication and collaboration across all workers, and ensures secure and traceable sharing of documents and information.

Electronic Procurement (eP) project – the sale goods and services by suppliers to the Government via Internet as it is more cost-effective and transparent method of doing business.

Electronic Labor Exchange (ELX) - Improve the recruitment of human resource and optimize workforce utilization through an effective center for labor market information where job seekers can match themselves to the job vacancies.

E-Syariah - A system that integrates the processes related to management of cases for Syariah Courts and improves the effectiveness in coordinating and supervising related agencies under its jurisdiction.

As for now, recent surveys about e-government adaptation in Malaysia shows that it has reached a significant frequency of use, but not yet gained a widespread acceptance. Malaysia’s ranking is 25th out of 32 countries in terms of e-government usage growth. This is mainly because of the lack in internet access and technical infrastructure. Most Malaysian still have little knowledge and are not aware of the services offered. Some even fear of transacting via the Internet as online fraud is increasing.


Citizen’s Adoption Strategies
The success in delivering these services depends upon the capability and self-confidence of citizens in performing e-transactions, as well as their trust and confidence in the protection of their personal data within an open and accountable government. In order for the government to achieve this success, they should:-

Increase the awareness of user - the government can develop marketing campaigns such as providing consultation services on how to use those services, TV advertisement, organizing workshops and so on.

Simplify procedure and the navigation – formulate a more user friendly and easy-to-use platform by providing step by step instructions and offline customer service.

Service quality and response to user’s queries – higher quality of service will lead to higher levels of customer satisfaction. This can increase the use of e-government services as their problems are solved efficiently.

Improve and reinforce online security – protecting user’s personal information and ensure it is secure. This can be done by restricting access to certain information and by implementing firewalls in the system.



Referrences
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-Government
http://www.mscmalaysia.my/
http://www.american.edu/initeb/ym6974a/egovernment.htm#E-Government
http://www.mait.com/admin/enews_images/MAIT%20Country%20Intelligence%20eNews96_37.pdf
http://www.intanbk.intan.my/psimr/articles/Article1%20-%20Full.pdf
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/10/nation/19436585&sec=nation
http://www.malaysia.gov.my/

A transactional website is a site that allows their customers to order and purchase goods or services online. The advantage of transactional website is; saves cost, hosting a server is much cheaper compared to renting a shop and maintaining it. The site can be accessed by customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Transactional website eases customers; they do not need to be there to purchase a product, the product ordered will be delivered to them. Stocks and databases as well as promotions are easily updated and customers can view them swiftly.

We are going to review on Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC), which claims to be the largest chain of cinemas in Malaysia. GSC is a subsidiary of PBB Group, a Malaysian listed company which has a diversified business in food industries, environmental, engineering, utilities and waste management, property and entertainment. GSC first operated in Kota Kinabalu on July 1981. In June 2009, GSC has own 172 screens in 24 locations where all are located in major cities and towns throughout Malaysia. In addition, GSC enables their customers to make reservation and purchase movie ticket through their site which makes it a transactional e-commerce site.


The main page of GSC breaks the website into several sections, promoting the latest movies and the most anticipated movies. The website is easy to browse; all their links are clear as to where it leads us. Making reservation and purchasing movie ticket in GSC are easy. However, we are required to register and sign up as a member of GSC. It wasn’t hard to register; a click on the “SIGN UP” brings us to the registration site.



After registered and verified, we are able to login to make reservation and e-ticketing. Below “SHOWTIMES & RESERVATION” there are three drop down boxes, first box lets us select the cinema, second box lets us pick the movie and the last box lets us choose the date. Simply selecting the cinema will narrow the list of movies available for the selected cinema in the second box. After selecting the movie, the last box will show only the day and date the movie is available. After all are selected, the “Next” button leads to another site showing the show times. By default, GSC will only make reservation for the customer. By clicking the “E-PAYMENT TICKETING” tab will lead to GSC e-ticketing system. Customer can only select their seats if they choose to purchase the tickets online and not reservation.


For e-payment ticketing, GSC are only able to accept limited number of payment method which are credit card and direct debit by Maybank2U. For a transactional site, GSC should offer a wider range of payment method. Apart from that, everything is pretty straight forward.


In conclusion, GSC website is rather user friendly. All the links are direct and easy to understand. Anyone can browse and make reservation on GSC as long as they have registered as a member. Their only limitation is the number of payment method. Perhaps they should add more payment method such as the M-money or direct debit for other banks as well.

Mobile payment is an alternative method to make payments. Instead of using cash or cards, consumers now can use their mobile phones to pay for their products or services.

Potential

In Malaysia, mobile payment is still very new and lacks exposure. Many people may not even know it exist. However with the growth of Wi-Fi and 3G on mobile phones, there may be potential for mobile payment system to grow.

As technologies in Malaysia grow, mobile phones’ capabilities are also increasing. Traditionally, mobile phones are only used for calling and texting. However in the modern age, mobile phones already have multiple functions such as camera, music player, GPS device, mobile computing and personal organiser.



Shown from the advancement of mobile phones, it is already a major device everyone needs to have. Owners of mobile phones range from kids from primary schools to senior citizens. Just imagine how many people own a mobile phone these days. When there are populations, it is a guarantee that people would use the service of mobile payment if it brings convenience.


One of the pioneers of mobile payment system in Malaysia is Mobile Money International Sdn Bhd. They were established in February 2005. Money Mobile allows anyone to pay to or receive money from anyone, anytime from anywhere securely. Most often Mobile Money is seen to be used in e-commerce websites.


After few years, Maxis introduces M-Money. It is a service using an application which allows consumers to store their money in virtual accounts that is accessible using their mobile phones. Maxis M-Money also allows consumers to remit money using their mobile phones, specifically to Philippines. M-money has been successful in implementing mobile payment system; they are already one of the payment methods when we buy cinema tickets on TGV and when we orders pizza online on Pizza Hut.


Just recently, Maxis launches another mobile payment system, Maxis FastTap in partner with Nokia, Visa, Maybank and Touch ‘n Go. It is an integrated mobile payment service that uses near field communication (NFC) technology. It allows mobiles phones to work as a Touch ‘n Go card and Visa Wave, performing transacting without contact.


Mobile payments are used because they save time. Consumers would not need to take a long queue to make payments, with just an SMS, or a wave on a device to transact payments. Mobile payments also allow consumers to remits money with ease. With just an SMS, consumers can send money in their account to their friends and family in other country. Most importantly, mobile payments can be used anywhere and anytime. Consumers will not need to worry if there is any time restraint for using the service.

Adoption Strategies

Although mobile payment system is made with all the convenience and advantages, there are only a handful of consumers who use this service. Steps to be taken to improve this are:

1. Educating consumers – Consumers must be educated whenever something new hits the market. Telling them that such a convenient system exists, pouring knowledge and information into them. Providers of mobile payment system should advertise their services to create awareness among the public.

2. Enhancing security – In order for mobile payment system to be used, the security of the system must be carefully handled. Nobody would want to use a payment method if they are afraid their money will be stolen. Therefore, enhancing security plays a major role in keeping mobile payment system in the long-run. Provider of these services should do their best in eliminating all security issues that create doubts in consumers.

3. Collaborating with banks and merchants – The more the system is accepted commercially, the more people will be aware of them. Mobile payment system should take effort in collaborating with different banks, allowing consumers to bank-in money to their account with any banks of their choice. Collaborating with merchants plays an important role as it reflects the usefulness of the system. A mobile payment system that could pay just anything will most probably be the first choice of anyone who wants to pay with their mobile.

Please refer to the following links for more information:

http://www.neowave.com.my/mobilemoney_overview.asp
http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=49705%20http://mis-asia.com/news/articles/worlds-first-contactless-mobile-payment-system-launches-in-malaysia
http://mis-asia.com/news/articles/worlds-first-contactless-mobile-payment-system-launches-in-malaysia
http://www.finextra.com/fullstory.asp?id=19902

By Bk