Provision of digital libraries in enhancing competitive intelligence capabilities in Open Distance Learning (ODL) environment

• Main Author: Chew , Bee Leng
• Format: Thesis
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: ZA4050 Electronic information resources; QA76 Computer software
• Online Access: http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/669/1/provision_chew.pdf; http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/669/

Competition has become a driving force for innovation and entrepreneurship. Competitive intelligence is a legitimate and necessary activity to increase institution’s intelligence regardless of what industry it is in. In the academia industry the open distance learning (ODL) education has been developing rapidly with national characteristics in different parts of the world. To remain competitive in the light of challenging economic environment, open distance learning (ODL) institution needs to capitalize on information and communication technology as deployment technology. The purpose of this study is to investigate the areas of intelligence practices (such as awareness, planning, collection, process and analysis) of the various operations and support services units of one of the open distance learning (ODL) institution in Malaysia. Due to privacy reason and to avoid any possible conflict of interest, the name of the institution could not be disclosed. The researcher aims to identify, discuss and assess the relevant parameters to gauge the knowledge sharing culture and competitive needs of the institution. A primary survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to the senior and middle-level management group of the institution’s various operations and support services units. The findings and implications of the study are discussed. In line with the explosion of information technology innovations, this study explored on the provision of digital libraries to facilitate the storage, organization and knowledge dissemination of diverse information as a productive way to assist the institution’s competitive business. Few strategic ideas deemed as potential competitive capabilities are proposed as recommendations.(Abstract by author)