Rudi+&+Izzati



Good work done by Mr. Rudi and Zeti.~Siti, 31 July 2010

**TITLE: **TO GET THE FEEDBACK FROM CLASS 1 QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS ON THE CLASS 1 TECHNICIAN COURSE TRAINING QUALITY IN THE ARMY INSTITUTE OF COMMUNICATION AND ELECTRONIC (IKED) **1.0 Introduction ** **1.1 Background ** Proper maintenance of radios and communication equipment (including computers) are important not because it can prolong the serviceability of the equipment but also reducing potential major repair programs which is very costly redundancy. Military equipment requires high standard of maintenance because it is designed to be ruggerdized, compact and sophisticated to meet military deployment requirements. Besides that it is also required to meet certain military standards that are very different from other non-military equipments. According to the study made by Congress Of The United States Budget Office (1995), maintaining military equipment are best done by military personnel as private contractors might be either unable or unwilling to respond immediately to art Ministry of Defence requirements for maintenance during emergency, conflict or war. Therefore it is too risky to rely on the private sector to maintain military communication equipment. Hence, the army has to develop the capabilities without much choice. In art Malaysian Army, technicians play important role in keeping the Malaysian Signal Regiment (MSR) communication equipment at a high level of serviceability. Technicians are skilled workers. They are generally more trained, higher paid and have more responsibility in the MSR. In MSR, Class 1 technicians are highly trained and supposed to be able to maintain, troubleshoot and repair communication equipment for the Malaysian Army. Hence, they are also supposed to be proficient in the use of all electrical and electronic test equipment during the repairs and maintenance of tactical communication equipment. According to //Skim Kemahiran Malaysia// Technician General Statement of Duties (n.d.), a technician must be able to perform highly skilled technical work in the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of electronic microprocessor based equipment and be able to do related work as required. However, observations of art Malaysian Army high managerial level officers had shown that are competency level of recent technicians are deteriorating from what is required by the service comparatively.  **2.0 PROBLEM STATEMENT ** According to the annual report produced by the Signal Directorate, Army Headquarters, there are quite a huge number of radios and other communication equipment are found to be not properly maintained and repaired. Art lack of knowledge and low level of competency among the class 1 technicians were one of the reasons leading to this problem. This is base on initial investigation conducted by art appointed team directed by the Directorate. There are also complaints by managerial and supervisory level officers on art lacking of knowledge and competency among class 1 technicians. This is believed to be one of the factors that contribute to the frequent error done in maintenance and repairs of communication equipment. According to the study conducted by UOP LLC, A Honeywell Company, USA (2011),art lack of competency among skilled workers are closely related to basic training quality that they have underwent which includes poor knowledge transfer during their training. **3.0 PURPOSE/ OBJECTIVE ** The purpose of this study is to get feedback from technician class 1 qualified personnel on the effectiveness of knowledge transfer by the teachers and instructors during their class 1 technician course in IKED. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify;">**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">4.0 RESEARCH QUESTIONS ** <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">The study is conducted mainly to answer these questions: <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">a. How does transfer of knowledge being done in IKED? <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">b. Is transfer of knowledge is done effectively in IKED? <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify;">**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">4.0 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ** <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">The findings of this study will help IKED improve the training quality, especially on the effectiveness of knowledge transfer during their class 1 technician course. This study is will help improve the competency level of class 1 technicians to the required level. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;">**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">5.0 ** **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">SCOPE OF THE STUDY ** <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">This study is focussing technician course on the effectiveness of instructors and teachers knowledge transfer in a technical course. This will include the abilities and skills of the instructors and teachers in ensuring knowledge transfer. __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">CHAPTER 2 __ **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">LITERATURE REVIEW ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">1.0 **MSR Technician Background** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">Malaysian Army relies very heavily upon complex communication networks in their tactical operations or exercises. MSR technicians are needed to maintain and repair all of the devices within these networks. They must be able to properly utilize diagnostic and measuring tools to test, alter and repair any equipment necessary. [|Satellite] systems and their related equipment are also included. To become art MSR technician, a soldier should be very familiar with digital radio technology, computer systems and electronics in general. He or she will need good reading skills to be able to read work orders depicting equipment needs. Good communication skills are also necessary to be able to converse with equipment operators and clients in order to assess problems and equipment needs. Sometimes, schematic drawings and other written materials are needed in order to locate and rectify problems. All these skills are taught in IKED. There are 750 technicians in MSR which makes up an approximately 15 percentage of the total number of MSR personnel. From the 750 technicians, 77 per centage of them are Class 1 qualified technicians. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">MSR technicians are soldiers who have passed-out from art Army Recruit Training Centre (PUSASDA) with good grades in their SPM and selected for MSR technician course. They are required to pass their Technician Class 2 course first before qualifies to go for their Class 1 course. In class 2 technician course, soldiers are taught fundamentals of electrical and electronic subjects. They are also taught to use test equipments and basic electronic tools. The class 2 course terminal objectives are as follows: <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">a. **Terminal Objective 1 – Introduction to Electronic System**. This will include mathematics, electrical principles and semiconductor theory. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">b. **Terminal Objective 2 – Introduction to Radio Communication**. This will include line transmission, modulation and demodulation/ transmit and receive techniques and antenna propagation. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">c. **Terminal Objective 3 – Information Technology Application**. This will include digital techniques, microprocessor and microcomputer and information technology. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">d. **Terminal Objective 4 – Introduction to Test Equipment and Radio Equipment**. This will include test equipment handling and major and minor radio ancillaries basic maintenance and repair. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">e. **Terminal Objective 5 - Organization and Signal Tactics**. This will include introduction to MSR organization, role and tasks, basic signal tactics and basic electronic warfare. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">The duration of class 2 courses is 78 weeks which covers 3,276 period hours. The period hours are divided into theory in class and practical training in the laboratory. A soldier who passed the class 2 course is recognized as electronic technician class 2 //Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia//. They will be attached to various RSR workshops to perform their duties for four years before eligible to attend their class 1 course. Class 1 course is recognized as electronic technician class 1 //Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia.// This is an advance course for technician class 2 personal. The duration of the course is 52 weeks which covers 1,638 period hours. The class 1 course terminal objectives are as follows: <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">a. **Terminal Objective 1 – The Application of Electronic System**. This will include mathematics, electrical principles and semiconductor theory at intermediate level. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">b. **Terminal Objective 2 – The Application of Radio Communication**. This will include line transmission, modulation and demodulation/ transmit and receive techniques, Telephony/ Telegraphy, tactical radio system and antenna at intermediate level. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">c. **Terminal Objective 3 – Information Technology Application**. This will include digital techniques, microprocessor and microcomputer and information technology at intermediate level. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">d. **Terminal Objective 4 – Radio Equipment Repairs**. This will include proficiently use of test equipment, major and minor radio ancillaries third and forth level tactical radio maintenance and repair. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">2.0 **Literature Review** <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">The competency of MSR technicians is believed to be far deteriorating from what the service required and IKED was blamed for not being able to produce quality technicians. According to Ivancevich (2003) quality product is the function of policy, information, engineering and design, materials, equipment, people and field support. Thus, an integrated quality control system must focus on these factors. IKED as class 1 technician producer shall be responsible on all the quality functions described as follows: a. **Policy:** Training Advisory Board establishes policies concerning quality. These policies specify the standards or levels of quality to be achieved. They can be an important precontrol and concurrent control means for ensuring quality. ** b. Information:** Information plays a vital role in setting policy and ensuring that quality standards are achieved. Concerning policy, accurate information must be obtained about supervisory and managerial level preferences and expectations and about competitor quality standards. ** c. Engineering and design:** Once the management has formulated a policy concerning quality, it is the IKED Commandant who must translate the policy into an actual action plan. d. **Materials:** A growing number of organizations are realizing that a finished product is only as good as materials used to produce it. In this case, instructors play vital role in ensuring competence and quality technicians. ** e. Equipment:** The availability of quality training equipment and tools that accurately and reliably match training requirement is important. ** f. People:** It is the people who make everything in organizations. The valuable input of people is very important; the quality of soldier’s training is the quality of their trainers,instructors or teachers. g. **Field support:** Often, the top management support provided by Training Command Headquarters determines a product’s quality. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">People perform as instructors or teachers play important roles in quality training particularly in the aspect of knowledge transfer. This is because an effective teacher will produce a competent student. According to Daniel Kechum (2011), there are a number of factors that can affect effective teacher in ensuring students to master a subject. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-weight: normal;">a. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> Appropriate Training <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-weight: normal;">. Having the appropriate training to teach a specific subject is an important factor in being able to teach that class effectively. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-weight: normal;">b. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> Clear and Concise. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-weight: normal;">Good communication skills are a must in order to teach effectively. A teacher must be able to project in a clear way. If students are having a hard time to keep up to their teacher then they may also have a hard time understanding the ideas or concepts they need to master. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-weight: normal;">c. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> Learning Environment. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-weight: normal;">Training center that offer students a positive learning environment, including the use technology in the classroom and a quality library, give students an edge in mastering their subjects. Up-to-date materials to use during lectures and trainings are also important. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-weight: normal;">d. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> Innovative Teachers. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-weight: normal;">Teachers who are good at sparking the imagination of students through hands-on learning activities or other creative approaches draw students into the joy of learning. These students no longer see new ideas as something to dread. A teacher who uses a creative approach can make a difference. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-weight: normal;">e. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> Student Behavior. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-weight: normal;">Managing student behavior and maintaining discipline in classroom is vital to creating a learning environment where each student can share his thoughts and ideas with the instructors and with his peers. It is justified that quality of training relies on many factors. However, this study focussed on the effectiveness of knowledge transfer based on the feedback by those who have underwent the class 1 course. Argote & Ingram (2000) define knowledge transfer as "the process through which one unit (e.g., group, department, or division) is affected by the experience of another”. The effectiveness of knowledge transfer can be observed through changes in the knowledge or performance of recipient units. The transfer of organizational knowledge, such as best practices, can be quite difficult to achieve. They further point out the transfer of organizational knowledge (i.e., routine or best practices). As instructors and teachers in IKED are selected based on their knowledge, qualifications and experiences then knowledge transfer is vital to share their knowledge and other values to their fellow students. According to Collins (1993), knowledge is a dominant feature in our post-industrial society, and [|knowledge workers] comprise an enterprise. If knowledge is the basis for all that we do these days, then gaining an understanding of what types of knowledge exist within an organization may allow us to foster internal social structures that will facilitate and support learning in all organizational domains. Blackler (1995) on the other hand expands Collins (1993) statements by categorizing knowledge into: a. **Embrained knowledge** is that which is dependent on conceptual skills and cognitive abilities. This could be considered to be practical, high-level knowledge, where objectives are met through perpetual recognition and revamping. b. **Embodied knowledge** is action oriented and consists of contextual practices. It is more of a social acquisition; as how individuals interact in and interpret their environment creates this non-explicit type of knowledge. c. **Encultured knowledge** is the process of achieving shared understandings through socialization and acculturation. Language and negotiation become the discourse of this type of knowledge in an enterprise. d. **Embedded knowledge** is explicit and resides within systematic routines. It relates to the relationships between roles, technologies, formal procedures and emergent routines within a complex system. e. **Encoded knowledge** is information that is conveyed in signs and symbols (books, manuals, data bases, etc.) and decontextualized into codes of practice. Rather than being a specific type of knowledge, it deals more with the transmission, storage and interrogation of knowledge <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">According to Jongbloed, Kaiser, van Vught (2010), Knowledge transfer refers broadly to the transfer of knowledge, expertise and intellectually linked assets to economy, society and culture. The knowledge transfer function has become increasingly relevant for higher education institutions as many nations and regions strive to make more of their science output readily available for cultural, social and economic development. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">State of Vermont Workforce Planning Toolkit (n.d.) suggest that knowledge transfer is important because it encourage creativity and information technology alone cannot solve the problem of knowledge transfer. Organizational structures and practices are also play important roles in making knowledge transfer a reality in an organization through formulation of right policies and organization values. Hence, knowledge transfer encourages creativity thus instructors and teachers have to play a vital role in encouraging students to be more creative in solving problems. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">3.0 **Research Basis** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">Transfer of knowledge is important because it encompassed the transfer of knowledge, expertise and intellectual (Jongbloed, Kaiser, van Vught (2010). Ketchum (2011) stressed that effective teacher will produce competence student. Argote & Ingram (2000) define knowledge transfer as "the process through which one unit (e.g., group, department, or division) is affected by the experience of another//”.// They also suggest that the effectiveness of knowledge transfer can be observed through changes in the knowledge or performance of recipient units. In this case, instructors and teachers in IKED must adopt the transfer of knowledge elements in their teaching method. This will ensure increased performance by their students.  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">From this review, the survey will be focused on three main aspects of knowledge transfer: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">a. Instructors and teachers performance. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">b. Encouraging creativity. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 200%;">c. Encourage sharing of experience.
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;">CHAPTER 1 __**

**__ CHAPTER 1 __**

** TITLE: ** TO GET THE FEEDBACK FROM CLASS 1 QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS ON THE CLASS 1 TECHNICIAN COURSE TRAINING QUALITY IN THE ARMY INSTITUTE OF COMMUNICATION AND ELECTRONIC (IKED)


 * 1.0 Introduction **


 * 1.1 Background **

Proper maintenance of radios and communication (including computers) are important not only because it can prolong the serviceability of the equipment but it can also reducing potential major repair programs which is very costly in terms of finances. Military equipment requires high maintenance standard because of they are designed to be ruggerdized, compact and sophisticated to meet military deployment requirements. Besides that they are also required to meet certain military standards that are very different from other non-military equipments. According to the study made by Congress Of The United States Budget Office (1995), maintaining military equipments are best done by military personnel as private contractors might be either unable or unwilling to respond immediately to Ministry of Defence requirements for maintenance during emergency, conflict or war time. Therefore it is too risky to rely on the private sector to maintain military communication equipment. Hence, the army has to develop the capabilities without much choice.

In Malaysian Army, technicians play important role in keeping the Malaysian Signal Regiment (MSR) communication equipments at a high level of serviceability. Technicians are skilled worker. They are generally more trained, higher paid and have more responsibility in the MSR. In MSR, Class 1 technicians are highly trained and supposed to be able to maintain, troubleshoot and repair communication equipment for the Malaysian Army. Hence they are also supposed to be proficient in the use of all electrical and electronic test equipment during the repairs and maintenance of tactical communication equipment. According to //Skim Kemahiran Malaysia// Technician General Statement of Duties (n.d.), a technician must be able to perform highly skilled technical work in the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of electronic microprocessor based equipment and be able to do related work as required. However observations of Malaysian Army high managerial level has shown that competency level of recent technicians are deteriorating from what is required by the service comparatively.


 * 2.0 PROBLEM STATEMENT **

According to the annual report produced by the Signal Directorate, Army Headquarters, there are quite a huge number of radios and other communication equipments are found to be not properly maintained and repaired. Lack of knowledge and low level of competency among the class 1 technicians were one of the reasons leading to this problem. This is base on initial investigation conducted by appointed team by the Directorate. There are also complaints by managerial and supervisory level officers on lacking of knowledge and competency among class 1 technicians. This is believed to be one of the factors that contribute to the frequent error done in maintenance and repairs of communication equipments. According to the study conducted by UOP LLC, A Honeywell Company, USA (2011), lack of competency among skill workers are closely related to basic training quality that they have underwent which includes the poor of knowledge transfer during their training.


 * 3.0 PURPOSE/ OBJECTIVE **

The purpose of this study is to get feedback from technician class 1 qualified personnel on the effectiveness of knowledge transfer by the teachers and instructors during their class 1 technician course in IKED.


 * 4.0 RESEARCH QUESTIONS **

The study is mainly to answer these questions:

a. How does transfer of knowledge being done in IKED?

b. Is transfer of knowledge is done effectively in IKED?


 * 4.0 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY **

The findings of this study will help IKED in improving the training quality especially on the effectiveness of knowledge transfer during their class 1 technician course. This study is also will help improving the competency level of class 1 technician to the appropriate level of requirement.


 * 5.0 **** SCOPE OF THE STUDY **

This study is to get the feedback from the technicians who have underwent the class 1 technician course on the effectiveness of the instructors and teachers knowledge transfer in IKED. This will includes the abilities and skills of the instructors and teachers in ensuring knowledge transfer. __ CHAPTER 2 __


 * LITERATURE REVIEW **

1.0 **MSR Technician Background**

Malaysian Army relies very heavily upon complex communication networks in their tactical operations or exercises. MSR technicians are needed to maintain and repair all of the devices within these networks. They must be able to properly utilize diagnostic and measuring tools to test, alter and repair any equipment necessary. [|Satellite] systems and their related equipment are also included. To become MSR technician, a soldier should be very familiar with digital radio technology, computer systems and electronics in general. He or she will need good reading skills to be able to read work orders depicting equipment needs. Good communication skills are also necessary to be able to converse with equipment operators and clients in order to assess problems and equipment needs. Sometimes schematic drawings and other written materials are needed in order to locate and rectify problems. All these skills are taught in IKED. There are 750 technicians in the MSR which makes approximately 15% of the total number of MSR personnel. From the amount of technicians, 77% of them are Class 1 qualified technicians.

MSR technicians are soldiers who have passed-out from Army Recruit Training Centre (PUSASDA) with good grades in their SPM and selected for MSR Technician course. They are needed to pass their Technician Class 2 courses first before qualify to go for their Class 1 course. In class 2 technician course, soldiers are taught fundamentals of electrical and electronic subjects. They are also taught to use test equipments and basic electronic tools. The class 2 course terminal objectives are as follows:

a. **Terminal Objective 1 – Introduction to Electronic System**. This will includes mathematics, electrical principles and semiconductor theory.

b. **Terminal Objective 2 – Introduction to Radio Communication**. This will includes line transmission, modulation and demodulation/ transmit and receive techniques and antenna propagation.

c. **Terminal Objective 3 – Information Technology Application**. This will includes digital techniques, microprocessor and microcomputer and information technology.

d. **Terminal Objective 4 – Introduction to Test Equipment and Radio Equipment**. This will includes test equipment handling and major and minor radio ancillaries basic maintenance and repair.

e. **Terminal Objective 5 - Organization and Signal Tactics**. This will includes introduction to RSR organization, role and tasks, basic signal tactics and basic electronic warfare.

The duration of class 2 courses is 78 weeks which covers 3,276 period hours. The period hours are divided into theory in class and practical training in the laboratory. A soldier who passed the class 2 course is recognized as electronic technician class 2 //Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia//. They will be attached to various RSR workshops to perform their duties for four years before eligible to attend their class 1 course. Class 1 course is recognized as electronic technician class 1 //Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia.// This is an advance course for technician class 2 personal. The duration of the course is 52 weeks which covers 1,638 period hours. The class 1 course terminal objectives are as follows:

a. **Terminal Objective 1 – The Application of Electronic System**. This will includes mathematics, electrical principles and semiconductor theory at intermediate level.

b. **Terminal Objective 2 – The Application of Radio Communication**. This will includes line transmission, modulation and demodulation/ transmit and receive techniques, Telephony/ Telegraphy, tactical radio system and antenna at intermediate level.

c. **Terminal Objective 3 – Information Technology Application**. This will includes digital techniques, microprocessor and microcomputer and information technology at intermediate level.

d. **Terminal Objective 4 – Radio Equipment Repairs**. This will includes proficiently use of test equipment, major and minor radio ancillaries third and forth level tactical radio maintenance and repair.

2.0 **Literature Review**

The competency of MSR technicians is believed to be far deteriorating from what the service required. IKED was blamed for not be able to produced quality technicians. According to Ivancevich (2003) quality product is the function of policy, information, engineering and design, materials, equipment, people and field support. Thus, an integrated quality control system must focus on these factors. IKED as class 1 technician producer shall responsible on all the quality functions described as follows:

a. **Policy:** Training Advisory Board establishes policies concerning quality. These policies specify the standards or levels of quality to be achieved. They can be an important precontrol and concurrent control means for ensuring quality.


 * b. Information:** Information plays a vital role in setting policy and ensuring that quality standards are achieved. Concerning policy, accurate information must be obtained about supervisory and managerial level preferences and expectations and about competitor quality standards.


 * c. Engineering and design:** Once management has formulated a policy concerning quality, it is the IKED Commandant who must translate the policy into an actual action plan.

d. **Materials:** A growing number of organizations are realizing that a finished product is only as good as materials used to produce it. In this case, instructors play vital role in ensuring competence and quality technicians.


 * e. Equipment:** The availability of quality training equipments and tools that accurately and reliably match training requirement is important.


 * f. People:** It is the people who make everything in organizations. The valuable input of people is very important; the quality of soldier’s training is the quality of their trainers/ instructors/ teachers.

g. **Field support:** Often, the top management support provided by Training Command Headquarters determines a product’s quality.

People perform as instructors or teachers play important roles in quality training particularly in the aspect of knowledge transfer. This is because effective teacher will produce competence student. According to Daniel Kechum (2011), there are a number of factors that can affect effective teacher in ensuring students to master a subject.

a. Appropriate Training. Having the appropriate training to teach a specific subject is an important factor in being able to teach that class effectively. b. Clear and Concise. Good communication skills are a must in order to teach effectively. A teacher must be able to project in a clear way. If students are having a hard time to keep up and hearing to their teacher then they may also have a hard time understanding the ideas or concepts they need to master. c. Learning Environment. Training center that offer students a positive learning environment, including the use technology in the classroom and a quality library, give students an edge in mastering their subjects. Up-to-date materials to use during lectures and trainings are also important. d. Innovative Teachers. Teachers who are good at sparking the imagination of students through hands-on learning activities or other creative approaches draw students into the joy of learning. These students no longer see new ideas as something to dread. A teacher who uses a creative approach can make a difference. e. Student Behavior. Managing student behavior and maintaining discipline in classroom is vital to creating a learning environment where each student feels he/she can share his thoughts and ideas with the teachers/ instructors and with his peers. It is justified that quality of training relies on many factors. However this study is focus on the effectiveness of knowledge transfer based on the feedback by those who have underwent the class 1 course. Argote & Ingram (2000) define knowledge transfer as "//the process through which one unit (e.g., group, department, or division) is affected by the experience of another”. The effectiveness of knowledge transfer can be observed through changes in the knowledge or performance of recipient units.// //The transfer of organizational knowledge, such as best practices, can be quite difficult to achieve. They further point out the transfer of organizational knowledge (i.e., routine or best practices)//. As instructors and teachers in IKED are selected based on their knowledge, qualifications and experiences then knowledge transfer is vital to share their knowledge and other values to their fellow students.

According to Collins (1993), //knowledge is a dominant feature in our post-industrial society, and [|knowledge workers] comprise an enterprise. If knowledge is the basis for all that we do these days, then gaining an understanding of what types of knowledge exist within an organization may allow us to foster internal social structures that will facilitate and support learning in all organizational domains//. Blackler (1995) on the other hand expands Collins (1993) statements by categorized knowledge as follows:

a. **Embrained knowledge** is that which is dependent on conceptual skills and cognitive abilities. This could be considered to be practical, high-level knowledge, where objectives are met through perpetual recognition and revamping.

b. **Embodied knowledge** is action oriented and consists of contextual practices. It is more of a social acquisition; as how individuals interact in and interpret their environment creates this non-explicit type of knowledge.

c. **Encultured knowledge** is the process of achieving shared understandings through socialization and acculturation. Language and negotiation become the discourse of this type of knowledge in an enterprise.

d. **Embedded knowledge** is explicit and resides within systematic routines. It relates to the relationships between roles, technologies, formal procedures and emergent routines within a complex system.

e. **Encoded knowledge** is information that is conveyed in signs and symbols (books, manuals, data bases, etc.) and decontextualized into codes of practice. Rather than being a specific type of knowledge, it deals more with the transmission, storage and interrogation of knowledge

According to Jongbloed, Kaiser, van Vught (2010), // Knowledge transfer refers broadly to the transfer of knowledge, expertise and intellectually linked assets to economy, society and culture. The knowledge transfer function has become increasingly relevant for higher education institutions as many nations and regions strive to make more of their science output readily available for cultural, social and economic development. //

State of Vermont Workforce Planning Toolkit (n.d.) suggest that knowledge transfer is important because its encourage creativity and information technology alone cannot solve the problem of knowledge transfer. Organizational structures and practices are also play important roles in making knowledge transfer a reality in an organization through formulation of right policies and organization values. In this statement, knowledge transfer encourages creativity thus instructors and teachers have to play a vital role in encouraging students to be more creative in solving problems.

3.0 **Research Basis**

Transfer of knowledge is important because it encompassed the transfer of knowledge, expertise and intellectual (Jongbloed, Kaiser, van Vught (2010)). Ketchum (2011) stressed that effective teacher will produce competence student. Argote & Ingram (2000) define knowledge transfer as "//the process through which one unit (e.g., group, department, or division) is affected by the experience of another”.// They also suggest that the effectiveness of knowledge transfer can be observed through changes in the knowledge or performance of recipient units. In this case instructors and teachers in IKED must adopt the transfer of knowledge elements in their teaching method. This will ensure increased performance by their students.

From this review, the survey will be focused on three main aspects of knowledge transfer:


 * 1) Instructors and teachers performance.
 * 2) Encouraging creativity.
 * 3) Encourage sharing of experience.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">**TITLE:** TO GET THE FEEDBACK FROM CLASS 1 QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS ON THE CLASS 1 TECHNICIAN COURSE TRAINING QUALITY IN THE ARMY INSTITUTE OF COMMUNICATION AND ELECTRONIC (IKED)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">**1.0 Introduction**
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.1 Background ** <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Technicians play important role in keeping the Malaysian Signal Regiment (MSR) communication equipments at a high level of serviceability. Technicians are skilled worker. They are generally more trained, higher paid and have more responsibility in the MSR. There are 750 technicians in the MSR which makes approximately 15% of the total number of MSR personal. From the amount of technicians, 77% of them are Class 1 qualified technicians. This is quite alarming because technicians play very important roles in keeping the Army radio equipments readiness at high level. This is because MSR technician is the people who troubleshoot and repair communication equipment for the Malaysian Army. MSR technicians are also required to install and maintain electronic communication equipment, such as tactical radio systems, telephone systems and computer modems. They are also responsible for building and maintaining electronic circuits and data networks. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Malaysian Army relies very heavily upon complex communication networks in their tactical operations or exercises. MSR technicians are needed to maintain and repair all of the devices within these networks. They must be able to properly utilize diagnostic and measuring tools to test, alter and repair any equipment necessary. [|Satellite] systems and their related equipment are also included. To become MSR technician, a soldier should be very familiar with digital radio technology, computer systems and electronics in general. He or she will need good reading skills to be able to read work orders depicting equipment needs. Good communication skills are also necessary to be able to converse with equipment operators and clients in order to assess problems and equipment needs. Sometimes schematic drawings and other written materials are needed in order to locate and rectify problems. All these skills are taught in IKED. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Soldiers who have passed-out from Army Recruit Training Centre (PUSASDA) with good grades in their SPM will be selected for MSR Technician course. They are needed to pass their Technician Class 2 first before qualify to go for their Class 1 course. In class 2 technician course, soldiers are taught fundamentals of electrical and electronic subjects. They are also taught to use test equipments and basic electronic tools. The class 2 course terminal objectives are as follows: <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.1.1 Terminal Objective 1 – Introduction to Electronic System **. This will includes mathematics, electrical principles and semiconductor theory. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.1.2 ** **Terminal Objective 2 – Introduction to Radio Communication**. This will includes line transmission, modulation and demodulation/ transmit and receive techniques and antenna propagation. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.1.3 ** **Terminal Objective 3 – Information Technology Application**. This will includes digital techniques, microprocessor and microcomputer and information technology. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.1.4 ** **Terminal Objective 4 – Introduction to Test Equipment and Radio Equipment**. This will includes test equipment handling and major and minor radio ancillaries basic maintenance and repair. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.1.5 ** **Terminal Objective 5 - Organization and Signal Tactics**. This will includes introduction to RSR organization, role and tasks, basic signal tactics and basic electronic warfare. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">The duration of class two courses are 78 weeks which covers 3,276 period hours. The period hours are divided into theory in class and practical training in the laboratory. A soldier who passed the class 2 course is recognized as electronic technician class 2 //Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia//. They will be attached to various RSR workshops to perform their duties for four years before eligible to attend their class 1 course. Class 1 course is recognized as electronic technician class 1 //Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia.// This is an advance course for technician class 2 personal. The duration of the course is 52 weeks which covers 1,638 period hours. The class 1 course terminal objectives are as follows: <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.1.6 ** **Terminal Objective 1 – The Application of Electronic System**. This will includes mathematics, electrical principles and semiconductor theory at intermediate level. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.1.7 Terminal Objective 2 – The Application of Radio Communication **. This will includes line transmission, modulation and demodulation/ transmit and receive techniques, Telephony/ Telegraphy, tactical radio system and antenna at intermediate level. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.1.8 Terminal Objective 3 – Information Technology Application **. This will includes digital techniques, microprocessor and microcomputer and information technology at intermediate level. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.1.9 ** **Terminal Objective 4 – Radio Equipment Repairs**. This will includes proficiently use of test equipment, major and minor radio ancillaries third and forth level tactical radio maintenance and repair. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">While the MSR technician is required to be proficient in the use of all electrical and electronic test equipment during the repairs and maintenance of tactical communication equipment, there are complaints from the supervisory and managerial level officers on the lack of competency for most of class 1 technicians produced by IKED. There are a lot of reasons and causes that had been highlighted by these officers and the deteriorating quality in training is one of it.

<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> According to Ivancevich (2003) quality product is the function of policy, information, engineering and design, materials, equipment, people and field support. Thus, an integrated quality control system must focus on these factors. IKED as class 1 technician producer shall responsible on all the quality functions as follows: <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">**1.2.1 Policy:** Training Advisory Board establishes policies concerning quality. These policies specify the standards or levels of quality to be achieved. They can be an important precontrol and concurrent control means for ensuring quality.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">**1.2.2 Information:** Information plays a vital role in setting policy and ensuring that quality standards are achieved. Concerning policy, accurate information must be obtained about supervisory and managerial level preferences and expectations and about competitor quality standards.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.2.3 Engineering and design: ** Once management has formulated a policy concerning quality, it is the IKED Commandant who must translate the policy into an actual action plan.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.2. 4 Materials:** A growing number of organizations are realizing that a finished product is only as good as materials used to produce it. In this case, instructors play vital role in ensuring competence and quality technicians.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.2.5 Equipment: ** The availability of quality training equipments and tools that accurately and reliably match training requirement is important.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.2.6 People: ** It is the people who make everything in organizations. The valuable input of people is very important; the quality of soldier’s training is the quality of their trainers/ instructors/ teachers.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.2. 7 Field support:** Often, the top management support provided by Training Command Headquarters determines a product’s quality. ===<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 36pt;">People perform as instructors or teachers play important roles in quality training. Effective teacher will produce competence student. According to Daniel Kechum (2011), there are a number of factors that can affect effective teacher in ensuring students to master a subject. === <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> 1.2.8 Appropriate Training. Having the appropriate training to teach a specific subject is an important factor in being able to teach that class effectively. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> 1.2.9 Clear and Concise. Good communication skills are a must in order to teach effectively. A teacher must be able to project in a clear way. If students are having a hard time to keep up and hearing to their teacher then they may also have a hard time understanding the ideas or concepts they need to master. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> 1.2.10 Learning Environment. Training center that offer students a positive learning environment, including the use technology in the classroom and a quality library, give students an edge in mastering their subjects. Up-to-date materials to use during lectures and trainings are also important. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> 1.2.11 Innovative Teachers. Teachers who are good at sparking the imagination of students through hands-on learning activities or other creative approaches draw students into the joy of learning. These students no longer see new ideas as something to dread. A teacher who uses a creative approach can make a difference. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> 1.2.12 Student Behavior. Managing student behavior and maintaining discipline in classroom is vital to creating a learning environment where each student feels he/she can share his thoughts and ideas with the teachers/ instructors and with his peers. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">It is justified that quality of training relies on many factors. However this study is focus on the overall training quality based on the feedback by those who has underwent the class 1 course. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.3 OBJECTIVE ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">The purpose of this study is to get feedback from technician class 1 qualified personnel on the training quality of class 1 technician course in IKED. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY ** <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">The findings of this study will help IKED in improving the training quality of its class 1 technician course. This study is also will help improving the competency level of class 1 technician to the appropriate level of requirement. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">** 1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY ** <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">This study is to get the feedback on the completeness of class 1 course silibus in producing a competence class 1 qualified technicians that fulfill the service requirements. The study will be conducted through a survey on 10% of 552 total senior technician population in the signal corp. Methodology of data collection is through observation, questionnaire and interview with supervisory level officers. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 9.65pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">References: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">[]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">**TOPIC:** __TO GET THE FEEDBACK OF CLASS 1 TECHNICIANS ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRAINING SYLLABUS OF CLASS 1 TECHNICIAN COURSE IN ARMY INSTITUTE OF COMMUNICATION AND ELECTRONIC (IKED) IN PRODUCING A COMPETENT CLASS 1 TECHNICIANS__

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">**Background** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Technicians play important role in keeping the Malaysian Signal Regiment (MSR) communication equipment at a high level of serviceability. Technicians are skilled worker. They are generally more trained, higher paid and have more responsibility in the MSR.There are 750 technicians in the MSR which makes approximate 15% of the total number of MSR personal. From the amount of technicians, 77% of it are Class 1 qualified technicians. There are many complaints among the managerial level officers on the deterioriting skills of Class 1 qualified technicians. This is quite alarming because technicians play very important roles in keeping the Army radio equipments readiness at high level. There are a lot of reasons that had been highlighted by the top managerial level officers that probably lead to this issue and training is one of it. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">**Problem Statement** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">The deteriorating skill of class one technicians in the Malaysian Army.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">**Objective**

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">To get feedback from technician class 1 qualified personnel on the effectiveness of class 1 technician course syllabus taught in IKED.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">**RESEARCH QUESTIONS:**

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">1. DOES THE SYLLABUS DESIGNED FOR TECHNICIAN CLASS 1 COURSE REALLY PREPARES THEM TO UNDERSTAND AND OPERATE ALL KIND OF TEST EQUIPMENT REQUIRED?

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">2. DOES THE SYLLABUS DESIGNED FOR TECHNICIAN CLASS 1 COURSE REALLY PREPARES THEM TO MAINTAIN AND DIAGNOS UNTIL LEVEL THREE OF ALL TACTICAL RADIO COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT USED IN THE ARMY.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">articles <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">[] <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">[]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Proposal

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">TITLE: **TO INVESTIGATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PRESENT TECHNICIAN CLASS 1 TRAINING SYLLABUS IN ARMY INSTITUTE OF COMMUNICATION AND ELECTRONIC (IKED) TOWARDS PRODUCING A SKILLFULL TECHNICIAN FOR THE ARMY**.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">PROBLEM STATEMENT: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">THE DETERIORATING SKILL OF CLASS ONE TECHNICIANS IN THE REJIMEN SEMBOYAN DIRAJA

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">OBJECTIVE OF RESEARCH: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">TO STUDY THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PRESENT TECHNICIAN CLASS 1 TRAINING IN ARMY INSTITUTE OF COMMUNICATION AND ELECTRONIC.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">1. DOES THE SYLLABUS DESIGNED FOR TECHNICIAN CLASS 1 COURSE REALLY PREPARES THEM TO UNDERSTAND AND OPERATE ALL KIND OF TEST EQUIPMENT REQUIRED?

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">2. DOES THE SYLLABUS DESIGNED FOR TECHNICIAN CLASS 1 COURSE REALLY PREPARES THEM TO MAINTAIN AND DIAGNOS UNTIL LEVEL THREE OF ALL TACTICAL RADIO COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT USED IN THE ARMY.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">THIS STUDY WILL INVESTIGATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PRESENT TECHNICIAN CLASS 1 TRAINING SYLLABUS IN ARMY INSTITUTE OF COMMUNICATION AND ELECTRONIC (IKED) TOWARDS PRODUCING A SKILLFULL TECHNICIAN FOR THE ARMY. THE INVESTIGATION WILL BE CONDUCTED THROUGH A SURVEY ON 10% OF 552 TOTAL SENIOR TECHNICIAN POPULATION IN THE SIGNAL CORP. THE STUDY WILL BE CONCERNED WITH THE FOLLOWING RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">1. DOES THE SYLLABUS DESIGNED FOR TECHNICIAN CLASS 1 COURSE REALLY PREPARES THEM TO UNDERSTAND AND OPERATE ALL KIND OF TEST EQUIPMENT REQUIRED?

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">2. DOES THE SYLLABUS DESIGNED FOR TECHNICIAN CLASS 1 COURSE REALLY PREPARES THEM TO MAINTAIN AND DIAGNOS UNTIL LEVEL THREE OF ALL TACTICAL RADIO COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT USED IN THE ARMY.

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">May I know why do you want to research on this title?