International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
Building maintenance costs are increasing rapidly due to poor maintenance in the past. In this paper, attempts are made to identify the characteristics of scheduled maintenance. It has been established that the characteristics of scheduled maintenance always affect the cost performance. Therefore, this research aims to establish their relationships. Then, regression model is produced for maintenance prediction purposes. The triangulation approach that includes literature review, questionnaire survey, and interviews, has been adopted for data collection. Consequently, the regression model can be adopted by practitioners.
Improving maintenance management: Case Study of a Local Textile CompanyIJMREMJournal
The manufacturing sector in Botswana has been rapidly growing in recent times. Maintenance management
system plays a vital role in keeping equipment on condition and also major contributor for overall productivity.
The current study seeks to improve maintenance management of a local textile case study company with its
operations based in Gaborone Botswana. The study sought to assist the organization take advantage of low
labor costs and good export policies to manufacture goods for both local and the international markets through
effective maintenance management. In order to effectively compete, organizations need to produce quality
products and services. In that regard, manufacturers need to reduce redundancy in business processes,
redesign products using prime components and increase availability of products and services through provision
of effective equipment maintenance. The case study company’s current maintenance management system is
simple and not effectively contributing in terms of equipment availability. Through this present work, we were
able to develop, document and implement a maintenance management system for the organization
Building maintenance costs are increasing rapidly due to poor maintenance in the past. In this paper, attempts are made to identify the characteristics of scheduled maintenance. It has been established that the characteristics of scheduled maintenance always affect the cost performance. Therefore, this research aims to establish their relationships. Then, regression model is produced for maintenance prediction purposes. The triangulation approach that includes literature review, questionnaire survey, and interviews, has been adopted for data collection. Consequently, the regression model can be adopted by practitioners.
Improving maintenance management: Case Study of a Local Textile CompanyIJMREMJournal
The manufacturing sector in Botswana has been rapidly growing in recent times. Maintenance management
system plays a vital role in keeping equipment on condition and also major contributor for overall productivity.
The current study seeks to improve maintenance management of a local textile case study company with its
operations based in Gaborone Botswana. The study sought to assist the organization take advantage of low
labor costs and good export policies to manufacture goods for both local and the international markets through
effective maintenance management. In order to effectively compete, organizations need to produce quality
products and services. In that regard, manufacturers need to reduce redundancy in business processes,
redesign products using prime components and increase availability of products and services through provision
of effective equipment maintenance. The case study company’s current maintenance management system is
simple and not effectively contributing in terms of equipment availability. Through this present work, we were
able to develop, document and implement a maintenance management system for the organization
Implementation of ICT As a Change Agent in Computing Students Result in Chukw...IJERA Editor
Manual method of sorting out for result and computing it has posed a big problem to exams unit in ChukwuemekaOdumegwuOjukwu University (COOU), In Anambra State, Nigeria. During computation of results, the exam officers collect paper results from the department and either calculate them on papers or enter them on a computer for computation. Either of them is hard work and time wasting. Hence we propose a change and retrieval agent in computing results in ChukwuemekaOdumegwuOjukwu University, Uli. Since the University already has an existing website, we require a new format for uploading results to the website using Microsoft excel witheight (8) specific columns namely: names of students, registration numbers, continuous assignment, examination score, total score, grade and remarks done by course lecturers.To compute the results of a particular student, the exam officer opens the application; enters the required detail and the application will fetch and populate the grade fields automatically from the results already uploaded on the university website by the course lecturers. The application needs internet connection in order to do this. Thereafter the results are computed by the application. The methodology used is Object Oriented Analysis and Design Methods. The application is a windows application written with Microsoft visual basic.net. The database used in saving login information and computed CGPAs is a free distributed database MySQL. The result of this researchis a functional result retrieval and computation application used only by the authorized personnel for computation of degree results.
Impact of total productive maintenance methodology on the performanceeSAT Journals
Abstract These days, the organization and companies meet a lot of challenges(internally: to increase the performance, and externally: market share). This work focuses on the internal challenges: such as performance.The most important pillars of the production operations are employees, machines, equipment's, and etc. Maintenance represents the important activity that makes the machines and equipment's operate efficiently. Companies attempt to increase performance and minimize production costs by using a certain approach such as Total productive maintenance (TPM). This work introduces a methodology to improve the performance (operator and equipment) throughproposed model of TPM. Also, it indicates the importance of maintenance which minimizes or eliminates the production problems and increases the organizational productivity. Keywords:Maintenance, Maintenance Management System (MMS), Maintenance Office (MO), Preventive Maintenance (PM), Total productive maintenance (TPM), andOverall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
Domotics – A Cost Effective Smart Home Automation System Using Wifi as Networ...IJERA Editor
This paper describes an investigation into the potential for remote controlled operation of home automation (also called as Domotics) systems. It considers problems with their implementation, discusses possible solutions through various network technologies and indicates how to optimize the use of such systems. This paper emphasizes on the design and prototype implementation of new home automation system that uses WiFi technology as a network infrastructure connecting its parts. The proposed can be viewed on two fold; the first part is the software (web server), which presents system core that manages, controls, and monitors users’ home. Users and system administrator can locally (LAN) or remotely (internet) manage the system code. Second part is hardware interface module, which provides appropriate interface to sensors and actuator of home automation system. Unlike most of available home automation system in the market the proposed system is scalable that one server can manage many hardware interface modules as long as it exists on WiFi network coverage.
Leveraging the Power of Smartphones: Real Time Monitoring of Water PointsIJERA Editor
In recent years, the world has become more sophisticated. Different aspects of today’s life has been digitized, this include; business, education, health, communication and numerous community services. With the existing extended coverage of cellular networks, most services are constantly deployed to be accessed via mobile phones, as they are also the most pervasive pocket carried devices. Though, both regular and smartphone can be used to convey the basics of mobile based services such as mobile banking, calling and text messaging, smartphone goes extra mile. While regular phones are still the better choice for some, smartphones are tremendously taking over the cellphone market. Smartphones are powered by the vast amount of mobile apps available today which offer unprecedented features and functionalities and as well more advanced internet connectivity. To ensure reliable, sufficient and safe water supply to public, the installed water points need to be well monitored. Quality and quantity parameters of water produced from the water points are constantly tracked to determine if they are within the acceptable range. In case of acute condition, the identified parameters need to be instantly communicated to the District Water Engineer (DWE) for prompt intervention. In this paper we explore the popularity and advantages of smartphones and present a proposed prototype that exploit the power of smartphones in real time monitoring of water points.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
IJERA (International journal of Engineering Research and Applications) is International online, ... peer reviewed journal. For more detail or submit your article, please visit www.ijera.com
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
Implementation of ICT As a Change Agent in Computing Students Result in Chukw...IJERA Editor
Manual method of sorting out for result and computing it has posed a big problem to exams unit in ChukwuemekaOdumegwuOjukwu University (COOU), In Anambra State, Nigeria. During computation of results, the exam officers collect paper results from the department and either calculate them on papers or enter them on a computer for computation. Either of them is hard work and time wasting. Hence we propose a change and retrieval agent in computing results in ChukwuemekaOdumegwuOjukwu University, Uli. Since the University already has an existing website, we require a new format for uploading results to the website using Microsoft excel witheight (8) specific columns namely: names of students, registration numbers, continuous assignment, examination score, total score, grade and remarks done by course lecturers.To compute the results of a particular student, the exam officer opens the application; enters the required detail and the application will fetch and populate the grade fields automatically from the results already uploaded on the university website by the course lecturers. The application needs internet connection in order to do this. Thereafter the results are computed by the application. The methodology used is Object Oriented Analysis and Design Methods. The application is a windows application written with Microsoft visual basic.net. The database used in saving login information and computed CGPAs is a free distributed database MySQL. The result of this researchis a functional result retrieval and computation application used only by the authorized personnel for computation of degree results.
Impact of total productive maintenance methodology on the performanceeSAT Journals
Abstract These days, the organization and companies meet a lot of challenges(internally: to increase the performance, and externally: market share). This work focuses on the internal challenges: such as performance.The most important pillars of the production operations are employees, machines, equipment's, and etc. Maintenance represents the important activity that makes the machines and equipment's operate efficiently. Companies attempt to increase performance and minimize production costs by using a certain approach such as Total productive maintenance (TPM). This work introduces a methodology to improve the performance (operator and equipment) throughproposed model of TPM. Also, it indicates the importance of maintenance which minimizes or eliminates the production problems and increases the organizational productivity. Keywords:Maintenance, Maintenance Management System (MMS), Maintenance Office (MO), Preventive Maintenance (PM), Total productive maintenance (TPM), andOverall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
Domotics – A Cost Effective Smart Home Automation System Using Wifi as Networ...IJERA Editor
This paper describes an investigation into the potential for remote controlled operation of home automation (also called as Domotics) systems. It considers problems with their implementation, discusses possible solutions through various network technologies and indicates how to optimize the use of such systems. This paper emphasizes on the design and prototype implementation of new home automation system that uses WiFi technology as a network infrastructure connecting its parts. The proposed can be viewed on two fold; the first part is the software (web server), which presents system core that manages, controls, and monitors users’ home. Users and system administrator can locally (LAN) or remotely (internet) manage the system code. Second part is hardware interface module, which provides appropriate interface to sensors and actuator of home automation system. Unlike most of available home automation system in the market the proposed system is scalable that one server can manage many hardware interface modules as long as it exists on WiFi network coverage.
Leveraging the Power of Smartphones: Real Time Monitoring of Water PointsIJERA Editor
In recent years, the world has become more sophisticated. Different aspects of today’s life has been digitized, this include; business, education, health, communication and numerous community services. With the existing extended coverage of cellular networks, most services are constantly deployed to be accessed via mobile phones, as they are also the most pervasive pocket carried devices. Though, both regular and smartphone can be used to convey the basics of mobile based services such as mobile banking, calling and text messaging, smartphone goes extra mile. While regular phones are still the better choice for some, smartphones are tremendously taking over the cellphone market. Smartphones are powered by the vast amount of mobile apps available today which offer unprecedented features and functionalities and as well more advanced internet connectivity. To ensure reliable, sufficient and safe water supply to public, the installed water points need to be well monitored. Quality and quantity parameters of water produced from the water points are constantly tracked to determine if they are within the acceptable range. In case of acute condition, the identified parameters need to be instantly communicated to the District Water Engineer (DWE) for prompt intervention. In this paper we explore the popularity and advantages of smartphones and present a proposed prototype that exploit the power of smartphones in real time monitoring of water points.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
IJERA (International journal of Engineering Research and Applications) is International online, ... peer reviewed journal. For more detail or submit your article, please visit www.ijera.com
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc.
Gestion ERP: Empresa dedicada a la inteligencia de negocios mediante la herramienta suiza Board y consultorías sobre la plataforma Softland, realizando capacitaciones e implementaciones, ademas consultorias e implementaciones de la nueva norma contable IFRS.
Redfeet: Empresa informática que presta el apoyo necesario para que las empresas resguarden su principal activo que es la información, mediante software antivirus, sistemas de respaldo, mantención de equipos y redes y desarrollo de aplicaciones. Profesionales jóvenes pero con mas de 10 años de experiencia en el rubro.
PNSCares: The android based mobile application to manage student complaintsjournalBEEI
Managing the complaint is tough to handle, efficient response to the complaints from the customer can be an indicator to measure an organization’s performance. We’ve chosen Politeknik Nilai as one of the institutions that are facing daily complaints from the students and parents. Currently, they are using the manual form to lodge a complaint and receive the feedback via email. In this study, we developed an android based mobile application to manage the students’ complaint. With mobile apps, the management can prevent the loss of complaint forms and keep track of the records. This system will send feedback and notification directly via students’ mobile phone. This study referred to the ten principles for effective complaint handling by Ombudsman. We only referred to eight principles to construct the PNSCares. The methodology used to develop mobile apps is using the Mobile Application Development Life Cycle (MADLC). System Usability Scale (SUS) is used to measure the effectiveness of the mobile apps. The feedbacks from ten respondents on the PNSCares prototype are good with 72 scores in SUS for perceived usefulness and ease of use factor. Based on the result, the prototype is effective and easy to use.
Prediction Cost Maintenance Model of Office Building Based on Condition-Based...University of Malaya
Building maintenance costs are continuously increasing as a result of poor maintenance. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop solutions to reduce the maintenance costs. Various studies demonstrated that the characteristics of condition-based maintenance are directly related to the cost performance. Thus, this paper seeks to establish the relationships between the characteristics of condition-based maintenance and the cost performance. The researcher then developed a regression model for maintenance planning and prediction. The study adopted a mix method approach that includes questionnaire survey, interview, and case study. The findings highlighted the reliability of maintenance data and information as the most significant characteristic of condition-based maintenance. Consequently, the study concluded that the planning and the application of the condition-based maintenance strategy should consider its significant characteristics and make reference to the resulting prediction model. Furthermore, the study recommended measures to improve the significant characteristics and the cost performance in practice.
The Implementation of E-learning System Governance to Deal with User Need, In...TELKOMNIKA JOURNAL
In this digital era, it has been proven that the proper of e-learning system implementation provides
various advantages and huge benefits. But to achieve the proper implementation is not an easy way since
there are many obstacles have to be addressed. Beside the benefits and advantages, such as the other IT
based system, e-learning also bring many risks that come from its environment or embedded in. Although
many methods or approaches proposed to tackle those obstacles and risks, but the study that tackle those
problems from IT Governance view is still limited. The study presents the report of the IT Governance
approach to address some of the risks of eLearning system implementation such as: miss alignment with
the enterprise goal and strategies, uncomplianceness with the government regulation, and unmatched with
the stakeholder needs. The governance of eLearning system proposed has been implemented in the
private university situated in Jakarta, Indonesia for two semesters. Based on the general observation, the
University can get some benefits such as their succeed in maintaining its institution as the university that
comply with government regulatory.
Impact assessment of factors affecting information technology projects in riv...eSAT Publishing House
IJRET : International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology is an international peer reviewed, online journal published by eSAT Publishing House for the enhancement of research in various disciplines of Engineering and Technology. The aim and scope of the journal is to provide an academic medium and an important reference for the advancement and dissemination of research results that support high-level learning, teaching and research in the fields of Engineering and Technology. We bring together Scientists, Academician, Field Engineers, Scholars and Students of related fields of Engineering and Technology
Dimensions of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems Success in Public and Priv...paperpublications3
Abstract: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have been adopted and implemented in the Kenyan higher education sector, with their success being described in many ways that one. Empirical studies have identified Quality, use, and benefits dimensions as suitable descriptors of success of ERP systems. This study used the results of a cross-sectional survey conducted in selected public and private universities in Kenya, coupled with theories and literature from existing Information System (IS) success models, to examine the effect of these dimensions on success of ERP systems. An understanding of ERP systems success dimensions will help to appreciate how each dimension fit in the higher education sector and provide a basis from which mitigation mechanisms can be employed to ensure success. There is need for universities to match their expectations on ERP systems with efficiency, assurance, accuracy, coupled with good support service by experienced professionals that will ensure the desired level quality is guaranteed. Engaging end-users during implementation and providing adequate training to employees have a direct impact on productive use of the ERP system. In addition, universities also need to define the strategic goals clearly before embarking on implementation, such that the process can always be steered towards the realization of benefits associated with the ERP system.
Keywords: ERP Success; Information Quality; Net Benefits; Service Quality; System Quality; Use.
Title: Dimensions of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems Success in Public and Private Universities in Kenya
Author: Anthony Njina, Dr. Mike Iravo, Dr. Michael Kimwele
ISSN 2350-1049
International Journal of Recent Research in Interdisciplinary Sciences (IJRRIS)
Paper Publications
Simulation for predictive maintenance using weighted training algorithms in ...IJECEIAES
In the production, the efficient employment of machines is realized as a source of industry competition and strategic planning. In the manufacturing industries, data silos are harvested, which is needful to be monitored and deployed as an operational tool, which will associate with a right decisionmaking for minimizing maintenance cost. However, it is complex to prioritize and decide between several results. This article utilizes a synthetic data from a factory, mines the data to filter for an insight and performs machine learning (ML) tool in artificial intelligence (AI) to strategize a decision support and schedule a plan for maintenance. Data includes machinery, category, machinery, usage statistics, acquisition, owner’s unit, location, classification, and downtime. An open-source ML software tool is used to replace the short of maintenance planning and schedule. Upon data mining three promising training algorithms for the insightful data are employed as a result their accuracy figures are obtained. Then the accuracy as weighted factors to forecast the priority in maintenance schedule is proposed. The analysis helps monitor the anticipation of new machines in order to minimize mean time between failures (MTBF), promote the continuous manufacturing and achieve production’s safety.
International Journal of Computer Informatics & Technological Engineering (IJCITE) Research Paper
VOLUME -1, ISSUE -1, MARCH- APRIL, 2014
PAPER ID: 2014/M-A/IJCITE/V1-E1-24
Elevating Tactical DDD Patterns Through Object CalisthenicsDorra BARTAGUIZ
After immersing yourself in the blue book and its red counterpart, attending DDD-focused conferences, and applying tactical patterns, you're left with a crucial question: How do I ensure my design is effective? Tactical patterns within Domain-Driven Design (DDD) serve as guiding principles for creating clear and manageable domain models. However, achieving success with these patterns requires additional guidance. Interestingly, we've observed that a set of constraints initially designed for training purposes remarkably aligns with effective pattern implementation, offering a more ‘mechanical’ approach. Let's explore together how Object Calisthenics can elevate the design of your tactical DDD patterns, offering concrete help for those venturing into DDD for the first time!
Accelerate your Kubernetes clusters with Varnish CachingThijs Feryn
A presentation about the usage and availability of Varnish on Kubernetes. This talk explores the capabilities of Varnish caching and shows how to use the Varnish Helm chart to deploy it to Kubernetes.
This presentation was delivered at K8SUG Singapore. See https://feryn.eu/presentations/accelerate-your-kubernetes-clusters-with-varnish-caching-k8sug-singapore-28-2024 for more details.
Neuro-symbolic is not enough, we need neuro-*semantic*Frank van Harmelen
Neuro-symbolic (NeSy) AI is on the rise. However, simply machine learning on just any symbolic structure is not sufficient to really harvest the gains of NeSy. These will only be gained when the symbolic structures have an actual semantics. I give an operational definition of semantics as “predictable inference”.
All of this illustrated with link prediction over knowledge graphs, but the argument is general.
Dev Dives: Train smarter, not harder – active learning and UiPath LLMs for do...UiPathCommunity
💥 Speed, accuracy, and scaling – discover the superpowers of GenAI in action with UiPath Document Understanding and Communications Mining™:
See how to accelerate model training and optimize model performance with active learning
Learn about the latest enhancements to out-of-the-box document processing – with little to no training required
Get an exclusive demo of the new family of UiPath LLMs – GenAI models specialized for processing different types of documents and messages
This is a hands-on session specifically designed for automation developers and AI enthusiasts seeking to enhance their knowledge in leveraging the latest intelligent document processing capabilities offered by UiPath.
Speakers:
👨🏫 Andras Palfi, Senior Product Manager, UiPath
👩🏫 Lenka Dulovicova, Product Program Manager, UiPath
Epistemic Interaction - tuning interfaces to provide information for AI supportAlan Dix
Paper presented at SYNERGY workshop at AVI 2024, Genoa, Italy. 3rd June 2024
https://alandix.com/academic/papers/synergy2024-epistemic/
As machine learning integrates deeper into human-computer interactions, the concept of epistemic interaction emerges, aiming to refine these interactions to enhance system adaptability. This approach encourages minor, intentional adjustments in user behaviour to enrich the data available for system learning. This paper introduces epistemic interaction within the context of human-system communication, illustrating how deliberate interaction design can improve system understanding and adaptation. Through concrete examples, we demonstrate the potential of epistemic interaction to significantly advance human-computer interaction by leveraging intuitive human communication strategies to inform system design and functionality, offering a novel pathway for enriching user-system engagements.
Key Trends Shaping the Future of Infrastructure.pdfCheryl Hung
Keynote at DIGIT West Expo, Glasgow on 29 May 2024.
Cheryl Hung, ochery.com
Sr Director, Infrastructure Ecosystem, Arm.
The key trends across hardware, cloud and open-source; exploring how these areas are likely to mature and develop over the short and long-term, and then considering how organisations can position themselves to adapt and thrive.
State of ICS and IoT Cyber Threat Landscape Report 2024 previewPrayukth K V
The IoT and OT threat landscape report has been prepared by the Threat Research Team at Sectrio using data from Sectrio, cyber threat intelligence farming facilities spread across over 85 cities around the world. In addition, Sectrio also runs AI-based advanced threat and payload engagement facilities that serve as sinks to attract and engage sophisticated threat actors, and newer malware including new variants and latent threats that are at an earlier stage of development.
The latest edition of the OT/ICS and IoT security Threat Landscape Report 2024 also covers:
State of global ICS asset and network exposure
Sectoral targets and attacks as well as the cost of ransom
Global APT activity, AI usage, actor and tactic profiles, and implications
Rise in volumes of AI-powered cyberattacks
Major cyber events in 2024
Malware and malicious payload trends
Cyberattack types and targets
Vulnerability exploit attempts on CVEs
Attacks on counties – USA
Expansion of bot farms – how, where, and why
In-depth analysis of the cyber threat landscape across North America, South America, Europe, APAC, and the Middle East
Why are attacks on smart factories rising?
Cyber risk predictions
Axis of attacks – Europe
Systemic attacks in the Middle East
Download the full report from here:
https://sectrio.com/resources/ot-threat-landscape-reports/sectrio-releases-ot-ics-and-iot-security-threat-landscape-report-2024/
Kubernetes & AI - Beauty and the Beast !?! @KCD Istanbul 2024Tobias Schneck
As AI technology is pushing into IT I was wondering myself, as an “infrastructure container kubernetes guy”, how get this fancy AI technology get managed from an infrastructure operational view? Is it possible to apply our lovely cloud native principals as well? What benefit’s both technologies could bring to each other?
Let me take this questions and provide you a short journey through existing deployment models and use cases for AI software. On practical examples, we discuss what cloud/on-premise strategy we may need for applying it to our own infrastructure to get it to work from an enterprise perspective. I want to give an overview about infrastructure requirements and technologies, what could be beneficial or limiting your AI use cases in an enterprise environment. An interactive Demo will give you some insides, what approaches I got already working for real.
Monitoring Java Application Security with JDK Tools and JFR Events
Ce34487497
1. Zul-Atfi Ismail, Narimah Kasim / International Journal of Engineering Research and
Applications (IJERA) ISSN: 2248-9622 www.ijera.com
Vol. 3, Issue 4, Jul-Aug 2013, pp. 487-497
487 | P a g e
Maintenance Management Practices For Building Facility: A
Case Study
Zul-Atfi Ismail1
, Narimah Kasim2
1, 2
(Department of Construction Management, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat, Johor
ABSTRACT
The practices of conventional methods for
maintenance management in Malaysian
Polytechnic faced many issues due to poor service
delivery, inadequate finance, poor maintenance
plan and maintenance backlogs. The purpose of
this study is to improve the conventional method
practices which tend to be ineffective in
Malaysian Polytechnic. The case studies were
conducted with eight Polytechnics from four state
of Malaysia which were Selangor, Melaka, Negeri
Sembilan and Johor. The selected Polytechnic is
based on conventional method practices and its
major problems, attempt to implement
computerised technology and the willingness of
staff to share their experiences. The responses
from semi-structured interview with engineer and
assistant engineer were recorded using video
camera and transcribed verbatim. The overall
findings of this research indicated; poor service
delivery, inadequate financial, poor maintenance
planning and maintenance backlogs. There is also
need to overcome less man power competencies of
maintenance management practices which existed
with all eight Polytechnics. In addition, the study
also found that the Polytechnics still use
conventional maintenance management processes
in managing building facility condition. The
proposed solutions are intended to be used for
maintenance management practices at Malaysian
Polytechnics in order to provide high-quality of
building facility with safe and healthy
environments.
Keywords - Maintenance Management,
Conventional Method, Maintenance Management
System, Malaysian Polytechnic
I. INTRODUCTION
Nowadays, maintenance management is the
essential issue in the construction industry. This
issue is related to the disastrous defects as the roof
collapsed at Stadium Terengganu [1] and the
collapsed building at Jaya Supermarket in Petaling
Jaya [2]. The reasons for those collapses are the
deficiency of technical and administrative services
in maintenance management. [3] stated that, the
reasons for maintenance management deficiencies
are delay of action taken, inefficient steps toward
decision making processes and other related factors
of staff weakness. Effective maintenance
management has significant value on running cost of
particular building and infrastructure throughout its
operation. The other identified issue of maintenance
management is lack of completed system that helps
to plan, implement, control and measure the
maintenance performance of the facilities [4].
Although there are many systems related to
maintenance management, but it still not consists of
defect diagnosis for building and infrastructure in
order to explain the real situation of maintenance
defect [5]. Therefore, the problems emerged from
treating the defect for heritage or old building
structure over 25 years age to avoid it from being
collapsed abruptly.
The preservation of critical building such
as hospital is another issue in maintenance
management. Hospital is one of the public buildings
in Malaysia that has many facilities, which requires
effective maintenance management to prevent it
from deterioration. There are two types of
maintenance presently applied at the hospital which
is preventive maintenance and corrective
maintenance. As an example, maintenance problem
occurred at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun
(HRPB) when lifts was not functioning and also
have limited space for car parks [6]. These scenario
turns into people‟s disappointment to obtain medical
services at hospital. The broken lifts are articulated
due to insufficient attention given to building
maintenance which related to poor design planning,
conventional and weak management.
Presently, most organizations are still
implementing conventional method rather than
computerised systems to manage the maintenance of
building facilities and infrastructure [7]. The
conventional method such as using paper-based
form and unsystematic database are apparently not
able to capture long term business targets [8]. The
problems emerged as a result of the need to manage
huge and complicated data, for instance, data loss
caused by unsuitable places for file storage,
excessive retrieval time in the data files recovery
and not supported with maintenance decision
making.
II. ISSUES OF MAINTENANCE
MANAGEMENT AT POLYTECHNIC
Polytechnic intends to transform into
University status in year 2015. The Polytechnic
Transformation Plan was launched by the Deputy
2. Zul-Atfi Ismail, Narimah Kasim / International Journal of Engineering Research and
Applications (IJERA) ISSN: 2248-9622 www.ijera.com
Vol. 3, Issue 4, Jul-Aug 2013, pp. 487-497
488 | P a g e
Prime Minister on February 25th, 2010 and three
Polytechnics were transformed as Premier
Polytechnic which is Ungku Omar Polytechnic,
Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Polytechnic and
Ibrahim Sultan Polytechnic [9]. In the Second
Rolling Plan of the 10th Malaysia Plan,
Polytechnics has been given allocation for 17
projects development encompasses with facilities
procurement, building and infrastructure [10].
Consequently, the polytechnic
transformation indirectly increase maintenance
development and need for sophisticated
management system. Polytechnic has a department
to coordinate maintenance and repair of equipment,
buildings, infrastructure and facilities related work,
including supporting services at polytechnic.
However, the management system implemented by
this department faced the problems of reporting the
defect. All of the reports regarding facilities defect
must utilize "Borang Laporan Kerosakan", where
the student and staff have to fill up the paper-based
form and being sent to the related department unit
respectively. Student and staff are not motivated to
report defect due to many form needed for that task.
They also have to take the risk of report losses
before reaching the related department. Moreover,
the student and staff have to replenish the form after
rejection in case of fault information and other
related factor.
As a complainer, staff and student also
have the difficulty to identify their complaint status
whereby they have to call or send an email for
action progress. In addition, the teaching and
learning process cannot work smoothly and bother
the lectures session of this haphazard complaint
system [11].
The deficiency in maintenance
management system also makes the department staff
hard to totally record facilities defect periodically,
thus increase the deferred maintenance. The existing
system need to be improved in order to provide an
efficient maintenance management processes at the
polytechnics. The conventional method affects the
quality and efficiency in maintenance management
processes at polytechnics [12]. For example, Port
Dickson Polytechnic facing the problems of the
increasing number of maintenance deferred in every
year [3].
According to [13], Kaduna Polytechnic in
Nigeria faced the deterioration of painting on the
interior wall surfaces. The cause for the problem is
improper supervision of scrapping work in painting
processes. Meanwhile, [12] stated that, one of the
buildings at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
in United States of America has collapsed due to
time gap of building repairs and fortunately no
injury because of the incident. Mostly, RPI
buildings are old structured and poses extended
lifecycle services. This accident indicates the
importance of building sustainability that includes
facilities maintenance management services.
As a result of the inherent weaknesses in
maintenance management at polytechnic, an
alternate maintenance management models are
proposed, namely, Computerised Maintenance
Management System (CMMS). This model is
designed by integrating causes and reasons from
shortcomings in the conventional process through
the “constructability concept”. The CMMS model is
engaged in the new system to improve the
characteristic element with the decision making
process.
The significant factor to select a CMMS is
much more advantageous than just a way to
schedule maintenance management processes and
able to perform the task needed without stressing the
budget [14]. The CMMS does not make decision,
rather it provides the maintenance manager with the
best information which affects the operational
efficiency of a facility [15]. Thus, the new system is
equipped with the decision making process for
maintenance identification, assessing and planning
activity. The development system consists of three
main components, which are Electronic Form (E-
Form), relational database and Online Customer
Complaint (OCC) for data collection as well as
using an automation system to handle defect
complaints from staff and student. This is important
as a platform for huge data storage and to manage
complicated data such as old structure building and
equipment data. New system is expected to be
beneficial to increase the efficiency of the
maintenance management processes at the
polytechnics [11].
III. METHODOLOGY
The case studies on eight Polytechnics
were undertaken in order to identify the
maintenance management problems, the current
approaches to address the problems, the ICT
implementation and the maintenance management
system to obtain information relating to the
maintenance identification, assessment, planning
and execution processes. The interviews conducted
were consisted of three types of Polytechnic,
namely, „New Polytechnic‟, „Old Polytechnic‟ and
„Premier Polytechnic‟. The case study is based on
eight cases (Case A-Case H) of Polytechnic in
Malaysia. There were two case studies (Case A and
B) on „Premier Polytechnic‟ that under the
transformation plan to become a University College
by 2015 and three case studies (Case C, D, and E)
on „Old Polytechnic‟ due to long establishment and
operation such as Melaka Polytechnic which was
established since January 1999. In addition, three
more case studies (Case F, G, and H) are classified
as „New Polytechnic‟ which manages the
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maintenance operation with fully equipped new
amenities and facilities.
The justification for the selected case
studies is according to the main criteria; exposed to
the conventional method use and major problems,
attempted to implement computerised technology
and the willingness of staff to share their
experiences in improving the maintenance
management processes at the polytechnic. The
combination of these different types of Polytechnics
was used to gain the comparison of the maintenance
management practices including the implementation
of current ICT. The different types of Polytechnics
also provides the variations on the maintenance
management practices that is classified as old, new
and premier Polytechnic respectively. The
professional staffs were interviewed which either
the engineer or assistant engineer and had the
experiences in the maintenance management
practices. The summary of the information on the
eight case studies is presented in Table 1.1.
Table 1.1: List of case studies
Case Name of
Polytechnic
Type of
Polytechnic
Person
Interviewed
Maintenance
Management
System
A Ibrahim
Sultan
Polytechnic,
Johor
Premier Engineer Conventional
B Sultan
Salahuddin
Abdul Aziz
Shah
Polytechnic,
Selangor
Premier Assistant
Engineer
Conventional
C Port
Dickson
Polytechnic,
Negeri
Sembilan
Old Assistant
Engineer
Conventional
D Melaka
Polytechnic,
Melaka
Old Assistant
Engineer
Conventional
E Merlimau
Polytechnic,
Melaka
Old Engineer Conventional
F Mersing
Polytechnic,
Johor
New Assistant
Engineer
Conventional
G Banting
Polytechnic,
Selangor
New Assistant
Engineer
Conventional
H Nilai
Polytechnic,
Negeri
Sembilan
New Assistant
Engineer
Conventional
The semi-structured interviews were conducted with
either the engineer or assistant engineer due to their
responsibility for the maintenance management of
the entire Polytechnic's building facility under
Facility Management and Development Unit
(UPPF) and Maintenance and Development Unit
(UPS). The interview sessions took around half an
hour to accumulate the data on the maintenance
processes including the demonstration of the current
maintenance management system with the
implementation of ICT tools by the engineer or
assistant engineer. All of the data from the
interviews were recorded using video camera and
transcribed verbatim.
IV. KEY FINDINGS FROM CASE STUDIES
There are eight case studies involved in this
research to identify the maintenance management
problems, the approaches to address problems, ICT
implementation and the maintenance management
system at the nominated polytechnic to improve the
maintenance management practices for building
facility and infrastructure. The findings from the
case studies are summarised and presented in Table
1.2 below. The discussions involved a cross-case
analysis and have been grouped into four main
„embedded units of analysis‟ that has been identified
which is (1) Maintenance Management Problems,
(2) Approaches to Address Problems, (3) ICT
Implementation and (4) Maintenance Management
System.
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Table 1.2: Cross-Case Analysis
Element of
Analysis
Case A Case B Case C Case D Case E Case F Case G Case H
Maintenance
Management
Problems
●Nonspecific
complaint
● Time gap of
building
repairs
● Limited
budgets
● Less
competent
manpower
● Defect
repetition
● Student
Vandalism
● Less
competent
manpower
● Defect
repetition
● Time gap
of building
repairs
● Limited
budgets
●Nonspecific
complaint
● Time gap of
building
repairs
● Limited
budgets
● Less
competent
manpower
● Defect
repetition
● Less
competent
manpower
● Defect
repetition
● Time gap
of building
repairs
● Student
Vandalism
● Limited
budgets
● Defect
repetition
● Student
Vandalism
● Less
competent
manpower
● Defect
repetition
● Time gap
of building
repairs
● Limited
budgets
● Verbal
complaint
●Unsystematic
database
● Defect
repetition
● Less
competent
manpower
● Time gap of
building repairs
● Limited
budgets
● Poor quality
contractor
● Lack of
motivation for
reporting
defect
● Delayed
delivery
complaint
● Unhanded
complaint
● Limited
budgets
●Nonspecific
complaint
● Time gap of
building
repairs
● Defect
repetition
● Poor quality
contractor
Approaches to
Addressing
Problems
● To replace
the old
material (e.g.
timber) with
strong
material (e.g.
heavy steel)
● Allocated
the budget
and gave
punishment
for vandalism
cases
● Training
courses for
technician
●Training
courses for
technician
● To replace
the old
material (e.g.
timber) with
strong
material (e.g.
heavy steel)
● To replace
the old
material (e.g.
timber) with
strong
material (e.g.
heavy steel)
● Training
courses for
technician
● Provide
more
frequent
inspection
and
assessment in
identifying
the causes of
defect
● Training
courses for
technician
● Installed
signage to
motivate
student to
conserve
facility
● Priority on
maintenance
repairs
● Installed
signage to
motivate
student to
conserve
facility
●Training
courses for
technician
● Issued the
notice to
prevent verbal
complaint for
minor defect
● Improve the
maintenance
assessment for
the building
maintenance
works did by
the contractor
● Training
courses for
technician
● Improve the
maintenance
assessment for
the building
maintenance
works did by
the contractor
ICT
Implementation
MySPATA-
Data
inventory for
immobile
facilities (e.g.
building)
mySPA-
Data
inventory for
mobile
facilities (e.g.
furniture)
MySPATA-
Data
inventory for
immobile
facilities (e.g.
building)
mySPA-
Data
inventory for
mobile
facilities (e.g.
furniture)
Email
System- for
managing
complaints
MySPATA-
Data
inventory for
immobile
facilities (e.g.
building)
mySPA-
Data
inventory for
mobile
facilities (e.g.
furniture)
Email
System-for
managing
complaints
MySPATA-
Data
inventory for
immobile
facilities (e.g.
building)
mySPA-
Data
inventory for
mobile
facilities (e.g.
furniture)
E-Aduan
System- for
managing
complaints
MySPATA-
Data
inventory for
immobile
facilities (e.g.
building)
mySPA-
Data
inventory for
mobile
facilities (e.g.
furniture)
MySPATA-
Data
inventory for
immobile
facilities (e.g.
building)
mySPA-
Data
inventory for
mobile
facilities (e.g.
furniture)
MySPATA-
Data inventory
for immobile
facilities (e.g.
building)
mySPA-
Data inventory
for mobile
facilities (e.g.
furniture)
Email System-
for managing
complaints
MySPATA-
Data
inventory for
immobile
facilities (e.g.
building)
mySPA-
Data
inventory for
mobile
facilities (e.g.
furniture)
Maintenance
Management
System
Conventional
(e.g. paper-
based form
and
unsystematic
database)
Conventional
(e.g. paper-
based form
and
unsystematic
database)
Conventional
(e.g. paper-
based form
and
unsystematic
database)
Conventional
(e.g. paper-
based form
and
unsystematic
database)
Conventional
(e.g. paper-
based form
and
unsystematic
database)
Conventional
(e.g. paper-
based form
and
unsystematic
database) and
under DLP
Conventional
(e.g. paper-
based form and
unsystematic
database) and
under DLP
Conventional
(e.g. paper-
based form
and
unsystematic
database) and
under DLP
Note:
DLP: Defect Liability Period
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Case A: Ibrahim Sultan Polytechnic (PIS)
Case A involved Ibrahim Sultan
Polytechnic which located at Kong Kong, Johor
Bahru with the area of 150 acres on its
development of building facility. Case A is
classified as Premier Polytechnic due to the
upgrade for pursuing the transformation plan to
become a University College by 2015. The scope
of Maintenance and Development Unit (UPS) in
this Polytechnic is to manage the corrective and
preventive maintenance for building facility. The
engineer who is responsible in the maintenance
management processes was interviewed in order to
gain insight on the maintenance management
problems, approaches to address problems, ICT
implementation and maintenance management
system at the Polytechnic.
(a) Maintenance Management Problems
The maintenance management practices in this
Polytechnic had used conventional method such as
paper-based form in managing the building
maintenance. The maintenance processes were
concerned on planning, surveying, procurement,
supervision and handover project. There were
several problems identified in this Polytechnic as
followed:
Nonspecific complaint: The complainer
interpreted the defect information with general
perception. As an example, the report informed
that there was a damaged pipe valve at Block
A. However, the actual defect was referred as a
leaked pipe through the technician‟s
inspection.
Time Gap of Building Repairs: The technician
unidentified the building defects in the
customer complaint and need to inspect the
defect at the site location. This affected the
time taken for maintenance planning
execution.
Limited budgets: There were many
departments at the Polytechnic such as
Department of Civil, Mechanical and
Electrical Engineering. The budget deficiency
was due to upgrade of these building facilities
at the Polytechnic. Besides, the unspecified
database using the conventional method
causing report overlook for the maintenance
planning. The maintenance management staffs
also found it difficult to calculate the budget
amount for the particular facility because of
the unspecified information on the customer
complaint.
Less Competent manpower: The manpower
consisted of technician to perform the building
inspection at the Polytechnic. The engineer and
assistant engineer did not gain the specific
explanation of defect that was described in the
general perception. At the same time, the
defect repetition also occurred due to
technician‟s failure to identify the actual defect
at site location.
(b) Approaches to Address Problems
The defect repetition and vandalism cases
frequently happened at hostel. A few students
cause enormous damage by hitting the smoke
detector in order to ease them smoking in the room.
The maintenance management staff had to allocate
the budget in the maintenance planning including
the punishment towards student. Meanwhile, the
old structure building contributed to the issue of
defect repetition for the particular facility such as
leaked pipe. The approach is to replace the old
material (e.g. timber) with strong material (e.g.
heavy steel). This provides the material‟s durability
and prevents it from being damaged easily. The
building improvement with the specific material
replacement was executed at this Polytechnic.
(c) ICT Implementation
The technology system was used in
managing maintenance consist of „mySPATA‟ and
„mySPA‟ to record the data inventory at the
Polytechnic. Both of these systems were developed
by the JKR and Malaysian Administrative
Modernisation and Management Planning Unit
(MAMPU) to improve the inventory management
of facility. The systems are to record the inventory
number, equipment, department location, building
level including the room number into the database
system. The maintenance management staffs were
not required to contact the complainer to clarify the
information on particular defect and location.
These systems enable the data inventory to be
accessed for further corroboration in maintaining
the building defect effectively.
(d) Maintenance Management System
The current maintenance management
system is conducted manually and used paper-
based form in managing the maintenance
processes. „mySPATA‟ and „mySPA‟ application
are also conducted in the same way. The
interviewees recommended improving the system
through paperless office in performing the building
maintenance at the Polytechnic.
Case B: Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah
Polytechnic (PSA)
Case B was concerned with Sultan
Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Polytechnic as the
Premier Polytechnic that took area of 112 acres on
its development of building facility. The main
scope of Maintenance and Development Unit
(UPSG) is to manage the customer complaint and
planned and unplanned maintenance for building
facility. There are two categories of maintenance
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repairs consisted of „Civil and Structural Section‟
(C&S) and „Mechanical and Electrical Section‟
(M&E). The interview with the assistant engineer
was undertaken to collect the data on key problems
areas, current approaches to address the problems,
ICT implementation and the maintenance
management system at the Polytechnic.
(a) Maintenance Management Problems
The maintenance management processes
was implemented by using the conventional
method such as paper-based form and email system
at the Polytechnic. The assistant engineer identified
certain problems involved in the maintenance
management as follows:
Less competent manpower: The defect
repetition always happened at the Polytechnic.
The building facility was old and had long life
span of services since it began its operation on
July 1997. In addition, the number of students
increased every year and presently, there are
6000 students. Defect repetition was due to
student vandalisms including the lack of
technician‟s competencies to find out the
causes of defect in order to prevent the
recurrence defect at different duration of time.
The time gap of building repairs affected to the
budget allocated for the Polytechnic.
(b) Approaches to Address Problems
The training courses were carried out for
the technician in enhancing their skills in the
maintenance management practices. The engineer
also took other approaches with the defect
repetition including replacing the old material (e.g.
timber) with strong material (e.g. heavy steel) to
the building facility.
(c) ICT Implementation
Generally, this Polytechnic utilised email
system and paper-based form in managing
complaints. Furthermore, „mySPATA‟ and
„mySPA‟ were also used to improve the inventory.
The assistant engineer suggested transforming from
the paper-based into the electronic form with
computer network.
(d) Maintenance Management System
In this Polytechnic, the conventional
process was undertaken in the maintenance
management system.
Case C: Port Dickson Polytechnic (PPD)
Case C involved the Port Dickson
Polytechnic with the area of 100 acres on its
development of building facility. This Polytechnic
is among the old Polytechnics in Malaysia and
established in year 1990 at Port Dickson, Negeri
Sembilan. The Facility Management and
Development Unit (UPPF) was organised to
manage the maintenance operation and to renovate
the building facility at the Polytechnic. The type of
building facility included hostel, building
department, lecturer room and examination hall.
The assistant engineer was interviewed to collect
the data on the maintenance management problems,
the current approaches to address the problems,
ICT implementation and the maintenance
management system.
(a) Maintenance Management Problems
The maintenance management processes
was conducted at the Polytechnic manually and
used the paper-based form and email system. The
assistant engineer found several problems in
managing the maintenance processes as follows:
Nonspecific complaint: The defect findings
from the inspection were not similar with the
customer complaint. This was due to
unspecific information related to the
explanation of the building defect. The
technician required additional time to inspect
the actual defect at the site location.
Time gap of building repairs: The time range
for inspection increased due to the unspecific
information in the customer complaint. The
customer was less technical in knowledge on
the building facility defect. The technician
faced the time constraints to execute the
maintenance for the instant action.
Limited budgets: The allocation of budget was
planned early every year. This budget
consisted of corrective and preventive
maintenance including the renovation of the
building facility at the Polytechnic. The ad hoc
maintenance such as exploded cable or leaked
pipe caused burden to the maintenance
management staff. In addition, the staff also
found it difficult to estimate the budget
expenses for many departments due to
mishandling and unhanded many complaint
reports.
Less competent manpower: The engineer and
assistant engineer found less explanation on
the building defect identification from the
technician. In addition, the extended time for
identifying the defect in the inspection affected
the costing for building maintenance.
(b) Approaches to Address Problems
The training courses were carried out for
the technician in developing their skills on the
inspection of defect in the maintenance
management practices. The assistant engineer also
took other approaches with the defect repetition
such as replacing the old material (e.g. timber) with
strong material (e.g. heavy steel).
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(c) ICT Implementation
This Polytechnic provided ICT tools to
support the maintenance management. These
include: (a) email system; (b) mySPATA; (c)
mySPA. The email system is to facilitate customer
in reporting the building facility defect. The
implementation of „mySPATA‟ and „mySPA‟ is
for recording the data inventory including location
of defect in detail.
(d) Maintenance Management System
The conventional method such as paper-
based form and email system was adopted to
provide the maintenance identification, assessment,
planning and execution at the Polytechnic. The
suggestion from the assistant engineer is to
transform the paper-based form into a
computerised system that has the potential to
reduce the cost on the maintenance repairs at the
Polytechnic.
Case D: Melaka Polytechnic (PMK)
Case D involved the Melaka Polytechnic
(PMK) with the area of less than 100 acres on its
development of building facility. PMK comprised
of 25 units fully modified shop lots equipped with
the basic amenities and facilities required by an
institution of higher learning. The Maintenance and
Development Unit (UPS) is to manage the
maintenance for building facility. This unit also has
„E-Aduan‟ system in the website portal of Melaka
Polytechnic to manage customer complaint. The
assistant engineer was interviewed to collect the
data related to the key problems areas, approaches
to address problems, ICT implementation and the
maintenance management system at the
Polytechnic.
(a) Maintenance Management Problems
The maintenance management practices used
the conventional method such as paper-based form.
The online customer complaint in so called „E-
Aduan‟ system facilitated the report transmission
without having to send the paper-based form
directly to the UPS office. The most significant
problems faced by the assistant engineer were as
follow:
Less competent manpower: Mostly, two to
three complaints with different building
defects were identified in one day. The
technician was less competent in identifying
the causes of the defect for the particular
facility such as substation cable at the
Polytechnic. These problems affected the
maintenance execution, as illustrated, during
the quotation for the specific task including the
selection of an appropriate contractor.
Repetition defect: The reason for the defect
repetition was due to the maintenance
assessment and student vandalism. The failure
of the technician to identify the causes of the
building defect increased the time consumed
on the inspection. Meanwhile, the student
vandalism was referred to the bad attitude in
preserving the building facility and
infrastructure at the Polytechnic.
(b) Approaches to Address Problems
The technician had conducted daily
inspection to resolve the frequency of defect at the
Polytechnic. The training courses were carried out
for the technician in improving their technical
knowledge on ad hoc and preventive maintenance
for building facility. The assistant engineer
installed a signage to motivate student and
Polytechnic‟s staff for conserving the building
facility properly.
(c) ICT Implementation
Generally, this Polytechnic was supported
by basic ICT tools together with an information
system to support the maintenance management.
These include: (a) E-Aduan System; (b)
mySPATA; (c) mySPA. The E-Aduan system is
used to improve the management of complaint
using the paper-based form while mySPATA is
used to manage the data inventory for immobile
facilities (e.g. building). The mySPA is used for
recording the data inventory of mobile facilities
(e.g. furniture).
(d) Maintenance Management System
Melaka Polytechnic was supported by the
conventional process in maintenance management
including online customer complaint to facilitate
the customer satisfaction in reporting defect.
Case E: Merlimau Polytechnic (PMM)
Case E involved the Merlimau
Polytechnic with the area of 100 acres on its
development of building facility. The Maintenance
and Development Unit (UPS) was responsible to
manage the maintenance processes at the
Polytechnic. The interview was carried out with the
engineer to find out the maintenance management
problems, approaches to address problems, ICT
implementation and maintenance management
system at the Polytechnic.
(a) Maintenance Management Problems
The maintenance management at this
Polytechnic used the conventional method such as
paper-based form. The building facility had long
life span of services and able to capture the
capacity of 5000 students. The engineer identified a
problem relating to the maintenance management
as follows:
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Limited Budgets: The building facility age
more than 10 years services life span and need
the frequency of building maintenance. The
excessive budget especially on ad hoc
maintenance restricted the technician for
executing the maintenance in the particular
duration. The negative perception of students
toward building conservation was also the
main reason for the budget constraints at the
Polytechnic. The students do not appreciate the
advantages of the building facility that
provided them the comfortable place to
develop knowledge at the Polytechnic.
(b) Approaches to Address Problems
Priority maintenance plan were used to
overcome the budget constraints for building
maintenance. In addition, the engineer has installed
the signage to motivate student and Polytechnic‟s
staff to conserve the building facility properly.
(c) ICT Implementation
The „mySPATA‟ and „mySPA‟ were used
in managing maintenance. The use of „mySPATA‟
and „mySPA‟ is to record the inventory number,
equipment, department location, building level and
the room number for the inspection activity.
(d) Maintenance Management System
The current maintenance management
system was conducted manually and used the
paper-based form. The interviewees were aware of
the potential to implement ICT in improving the
maintenance management processes in the future.
Case F: Mersing Polytechnic (PMJ)
Case F was concerned with the Mersing
Polytechnic that took area of 122 acres on its
development of building facility. The Maintenance
and Development Unit (UPS) at the Polytechnic
had the responsible to manage the maintenance
operation in ensuring the sustainability of the
building facility. The assistant engineer was
interviewed to collect the data related to the
maintenance management problems, approaches to
address problems, ICT implementation and
maintenance management system at the
Polytechnic.
(a) Maintenance Management Problems
The conventional method such as paper-
based form was used to manage the corrective and
preventive maintenance for the building facility.
The assistant engineer identified the problems
involved in the maintenance management as
follows:
Less competent manpower: The example of the
defect repetition was leaked pipe at the hostel.
The causes for the particular building defects
were unidentified by the technician and
impacted the time for the inspection works.
The budget constraint was due to the number
of defects repetition especially on the ad hoc
maintenance for the building facility.
(b) Approaches to Address Problems
The training courses were carried out for
the technicians in enhancing their skills in the
inspection works.
(c) ICT Implementation
Generally, this Polytechnic utilised paper-
based form in managing the complaints.
Furthermore, „mySPATA‟ and „mySPA‟ is under
the new stage of implementation and had been used
to assist the technician for recording the data
inventory and location of defect in detail.
(d) Maintenance Management System
In this Polytechnic, the conventional
process was undertaken in the maintenance
management conducted by the main contractor due
to defect liability period (DLP) till year 2014.
Case G: Banting Polytechnic (PBS)
Case G involved the Banting Polytechnic
with the area of less than 100 acres on its
development of building facility. The Banting
Polytechnic can accommodate about 2400 students.
The assistant engineer was interviewed to collect
the data of maintenance management problems,
approaches to address problems, ICT
implementation and maintenance management
system at the Polytechnic.
(a) Maintenance Management Problems
The maintenance management practices
used the conventional method such as paper-based
form and verbal communication. The Maintenance
and Development Unit (UPS) that consisted of
assistant engineer and technicians is to manage the
building facility and infrastructure that took area
less than 100 acres. The assistant engineer
identified several problems in the maintenance
management as follows:
Verbal complaint: The customer such as
student and staff report the defect verbally
without going to the UPS office. The
information had not been recorded into the
database and affected the budget estimated for
the particular facilities. In addition, this
difficulty bothered the maintenance planning at
the Polytechnic.
Defect repetition: The contractor‟s work ethic
was among the causes of defect repetition.
Several contractors had repaired the defect
under certain purpose to take more profits.
This situation had been referred to the
9. Zul-Atfi Ismail, Narimah Kasim / International Journal of Engineering Research and
Applications (IJERA) ISSN: 2248-9622 www.ijera.com
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495 | P a g e
preventive maintenance by the contractors
where the service contracts for the particular
contractors were within one to two years
duration which is more than needed. Besides,
the less skilled technician in the works of
inspection affected the maintenance
identification for the building facility and
infrastructure. The technicians took long time
to investigate the defect causes for the facilities
at the Polytechnic.
(b) Approaches to Address Problems
The assistant engineer had issued notice
for controlling the verbal complaint in reporting the
defect that involved a minor building defect. The
training courses also were carried out for the
technicians in improving their competencies in the
maintenance assessment of building facility.
(c) ICT Implementation
This Polytechnic provided ICT tools to the
support maintenance management. These include:
(a) mySPATA; (b) mySPA. The „mySPATA‟ and
„mySPA‟ to record the data inventory and location
of defect in detail.
(d) Maintenance Management System
The conventional method such as paper-
based form was adopted in the maintenance
management being conducted under the main
contractor due to the DLP till year 2014.
Case H: Nilai Polytechnic (PNS)
Case H involved the Nilai Polytechnic
with the area of 101.5 acres on its development of
building facility. This campus consisted of 37
administration building blocks, academic, hostel
and staff residential. The Maintenance and
Development Unit (UPS) led by the assistant
engineer was organised to manage the maintenance
for the building facility. The assistant engineer was
interviewed to collect the data for the maintenance
management problem, approaches to address
problems, ICT implementation and maintenance
management system at the Polytechnic.
(a) Maintenance Management Problems
The maintenance management was
executed manually using paper-based form. The
assistant engineer identified the particular problems
as follow:
Lack of motivation for reporting defect:
Mostly, the paper-based form had delayed for
a few days due to no motivation to report
defect in the actual time. The delivery delay of
the defect complaint was also because of report
unhanding. Therefore, the abandoned defect
increased the costing on repairs for the
facilities to restore its standard condition.
Nonspecific complaint: The maintenance
management staff had to contact the
complainer to gather the data such as the
facility type and location of defect in detail
because the information was not specific to the
site location. Consequently, this had caused
increased duration to conduct the maintenance
planning for the facilities at the Polytechnic.
Defect repetition: The poor quality of the main
contractor was among of the reasons on the
defect repetition problems due to the delay in
managing the maintenance in the particular
duration. In addition, the quality of material
used in maintaining the facilities was also the
other reason for the defects repetition at this
Polytechnic.
(b) Approaches to Address Problems
The technician conducted the investigation
to improve the maintenance assessment for the
building maintenance works did by the main
contractor.
(c) ICT Implementation
Generally, this Polytechnic was supported
by „mySPATA‟ and „mySPA‟ to manage the data
inventory for the building facility.
(d) Maintenance Management System
This Polytechnic was supported by the
conventional process in the maintenance
management had been conducted under the main
contractor until July 2013.
V. SYNTHESIS OF GOOD PRACTICES
Table 1.3 below represents the suggested
solution from the case studies to improve their
current practices on the maintenance management
by ICT implementation at the Polytechnic. Case A,
C and H, they have been suggested to improve the
particular defect of information in the complaint by
combining with the related software technology.
The customers will use the electronic form to
report the defect complete with the data facilities
and more detail of the defect explanation to gather
accuracy of the inspection works. The other
suggestion from the assistant engineer is to provide
the information on the particular defect to diagnose
the facility at the Polytechnic (Case A, B, C, D, F
and G).
Table 1.3: Suggested Solutions from Case Studies
CASE
STUDY
SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS
Case A Improve the specific defect
information in complaint
Provide more specific
information on inspection
Decrease the defect repetition
10. Zul-Atfi Ismail, Narimah Kasim / International Journal of Engineering Research and
Applications (IJERA) ISSN: 2248-9622 www.ijera.com
Vol. 3, Issue 4, Jul-Aug 2013, pp. 487-497
496 | P a g e
through assessment for material
quality used
Control the budget allocated for
maintenance planning
Case B Provide more specific
information on inspection
Decrease the defect repetition
through assessment for material
quality used
Control the budget allocated for
maintenance planning
Case C Improve the specific defect
information in complaint
Provide more specific
information on inspection
Decrease the defect repetition
through assessment for material
quality used
Control the budget allocated for
maintenance planning
Case D Provide more specific
information on inspection
Decrease the defect repetition
through assessment for material
quality used
Case E Decrease the defect repetition
through assessment for material
quality used
Control the budget allocated for
maintenance planning
Case F Provide more specific
information on inspection
Decrease the defect repetition
through assessment for material
quality used
Control the budget allocated for
maintenance planning
Case G Provide more specific
information on inspection
Decrease the defect repetition
through assessment for material
quality used
Control the budget allocated for
maintenance planning
Case H Improve the specific defect
information in complaint
Decrease the defect repetition
through assessment for material
quality used
Control the budget allocated for
maintenance planning
The assistant engineer also suggested
improving the maintenance assessment for the
material used in the building facility and
infrastructure in regard with the repetition of defect
at the Polytechnic. The case studies recommended
providing more sustainable facilities in order to
control the budget expense for the entire facilities
at the Polytechnic.
Case A, B, C, E, F, G and H have been
suggested to prevent the limited budgets through
efficient maintenance planning on the ad hoc
maintenance. There were many departments and
units considered for the maintenance management
processes at the Polytechnic. The mishandling of
defect report caused inadequate budget in
maintaining the facilities. Therefore, the systematic
database with the current ICT technology and
decision making process should be developed to
improve the building facility and infrastructure
performance by conducting regularly time schedule
on the maintenance repairs.
VI. CONCLUSION
There is a total of eight case studies have
been used to analyse the key problems, approach to
address problems, ICT implementation and
maintenance management system at polytechnic.
The factor of nonspecific complaint, defect
repetition, limited budgets, time gap of building
repairs and less competent manpower are the main
problems on the case studies findings. In order to
improve information adequacy in the complaint,
the new system will be developed which provides
building attributes, for instance, the facility type,
defect and location in detail. Other than that, the
new system can manage budgets on ad hoc and
preventive maintenance effectively.
Regarding the above findings, this
research will concentrate on the development of a
new system to integrate the maintenance
identification, assessment and planning processes
to improve the decision making process and
maintenance management at Polytechnic.
VII. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would like to thank Universiti
Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) for
supporting this research under the Postgraduates
Incentive Grant.
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