E-government is the use of information technology in general, and e-commerce in particular, to provide citizens and organizations with more convenience access to government information and services and to provide delivery of public services to citizens, business partners, and those working in the public sector.
Nowadays, there is lot of country, including Malaysia implementing the e-government. The status of e-government implementation in Malaysia is widely discussed as to potential of e-government implementation towards the public and business. Malaysia government starts to implement e-government in 1996 after the introduction of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC). The Electronic Government initiative was launched to lead the country into the Information Age. It will improve how the government operates internally, as well as how it delivers services to the people of Malaysia. It seeks to improve the convenience, accessibility and quality of interactions with citizens and businesses. At the same time, it will improve information flows and processes within government to improve the speed and quality of policy development, coordination and enforcement.
The 7 pilot projects of the Electronic Government Flagship Application are as follows; 1. Project Monitoring System (SPP II) – online system that monitors the entire lifecycle of national program 2. Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) – an integrated, technology-enabled HRMIS for the Malaysian public service, incorporating Global Best Practices in HR that would enable the Public service to successfully deal with the Challenges of the K-Economy. 3. Generic Office Environment (GOE) – powerful document and office management solution that enables users to effectively and efficiently manage their office environment. 4. Electronic Procurement (EP) – enables suppliers to sell goods and services to government through the internet. 5. Electronic Services (E-Services) – allows citizens of Malaysia to engage in transactions with government and utilities payment such as telephone and electronicity bill, police summons, road and transport department services, etc. 6. Electronic Labour Exchange (ELX) – one stop-centre for labour market information, as supervised by ministry of Human Resource, to enable employers and job seekers to communicate on the same platform. 7. E-Syariah – a case management system that integrates the processes related to management of cases for Syariah Courts.
Citizen’s adoption strategies The government realizes that they can build on the successful implementation of e-government but there are still gaps in the level of service delivery and the perceived value of that delivery from our most important constituents – the citizens. So the government has conducted a study to take stock of its e-government achievements, and the findings have been used to develop the Malaysian Public Sector ICT Strategic Plan. In line with the plan’s customer focus, the Government will set up a portal through which the public would eventually be able to access all online public services. The portal would also provide access to community sites as well. In short, good strategies must be addressed carefully. Otherwise, it will remain a misleading and cosmetic operation.
Blogs - an abbreviation of 'weblogs' - are published on the web, typically as microsites standing by themselves but today also as parts of traditional web sites. They reflect the interests, thoughts and opinions of the person, sometimes persons, publishing the blog. Blogs are characterized by frequent updates, an informal tone and many links to other blogs and web sites.
A corporate blog is a blog published by or with the support of an organization to reach that organization's goals. In external communications the potential benefits include strengthened relationships with important target groups and the positioning of the publishing organization (or individuals within it) as industry experts. Internally blogs are generally referred to as tools for collaboration and knowledge management.
Types of corporate blogs
1. Company Blog
This is the most common form of the company blog. IMO, the corporate blog is definitely the next stage in the evolution of the corporate website, which (let’s face it) is pretty much static these days. Examples: There are so many examples to choose from. The best place to start would be the ranking of the Top 15 Corporate Blogs. Top 5 include: Google, Adobe, Flickr, Facebook, and Yahoo! Search.
2. CEO Blog
The most famous example would have to be the blog of Jonathan Schwartz, CEO at Sun Microsystems, and I’m amazed how he ever finds time to blog, but I’m really glad he sets such a stellar example. I’ve recommended CEOs to quit full-time blogging but rather work as active contributors to their company blog, which would of course depend on their busy schedules.
This is an interesting type of corporate blog one that we should beware of, because it places some difficult ethical choices for the company at hand. This is definitely not an advisable strategy for every company but should be considered an option if you consider yourself or employees in your organization as thought leaders in your respective field/technology and choose to establish a blog to discuss best practices. Example:Miller Brewing’s Brew Blog
4. Department or Product Blog
Again, department blog is another common style or kind of blogging, which is very popular and ultimately essential for large organizations (particularly Fortune 500). Cases in point are Microsoft, Sun, or SAP’s developer blogs in any particular space. Google’s extensive array of product blogs across their different product offerings (close to 90 in number) probably is another great example.
Finally, the customer service blog or community blog. Given the preponderance of community forums and discussion groups as the de facto kind of communication media that companies chose to use as conversation methods with their users. There are evangelists of companies choosing to talk to/respond/provide customer service with users who choose to ask on social media sites such as Twitter.
I believe that, when we see this logo we will know what product is selling by this company. Air Asia is the leading low fare airline in the Asia and it has been expanding rapidly since 2001to become an award winning and the largest low cost carrier in Asia. Because of Air Asia company provide low cost airline in the Asia so that many people will go to their website(http://www.airasia.com.my) and book the flight.
Inside the website it allows you to search for flight information, travel service, Hotel information as well as book the flight ticket. The main color in the website is red and white, and layout design in the Air Asia website is simple, and easy to use by customer because the entire thing is systematic showed in main pages such as Booking, Flight Information, travel service, member login, product and shopping, promotion advertisement and update news and so on. This will attract more customer visit to their website.
Besides that, the search engine provide by this website located in the left hand side of main pages that allow us to search the flight, hotel or travelling package. People can easily search for flight or travelling package by clicking on the relevant category for example the step to book the flight ticket shows below:-
If we want to book the flight ticket, first we need to choose two ways or one way, where and when we want to travel and number of guest.
Then, click search it will show the flight information and price to let us choose.
After clicks continue, we will go to the pages which need to fill in the guest information and contact people.
After finish fill up the information we will come to final step that was choose the payment method to make the payment.
Lastly, Air Asia also provides membership. We can go to their website main page and click on sign up on member login to become online member. This link can be found at the bottom left hand corner of the pages. After become online member we can enjoy the following benefit
1) Periodical newsletters of promotion and new destination 2) No need reenter the detail when we want to purchase a flight ticket
E-currency is a sort of online version of "warehouse banks," which similarly converted account holders' deposits into gold or silver bullion stored in the bank. It involves the use of computer networks, internet and digital stored value systems. It may only exist in the cyber world, but that is nothing new about it.
Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) are one of the example of electronic currency. EFT refers to system that provides for the interbank clearing of electronic payment for participating financial institutions. To open an electronic currency account, people "deposits" money with an online e-currency company that then converts the amount into gold bullion. The account holder can transfer ownership of some or all of that gold into someone else's e-currency account by using the internet. Ownership can be repeatedly transferred.
The main focuses of electronic currency development are it able to use through a wider range of hardware such as secured credit cards; and the user account linked bank accounts that would generally be used over an internet means, for exchange with a secure miropayment system such as in large corporations.
By using this system, it can provide many benefits such as convenience and privacy, increased efficiency of transactions, lower transaction fees, and new business opportunities with the expansion of economic activities on the Internet.
E-currency has been widely used by perpetrators of pyramid scams. Swindlers demand payment in e-currency because it is different with checks or credits cards; the charges clear instantly and cannot be cancelled. Experts estimate that about half of e-currency transactions are related to scams or online games.
The most popular e-currency service is e-gold, operated by Gold & Silver Reserve, a Florida-based company. It claims more than 200,000 accounts and more than $14 million in currency. A January 2002 account reported that its clients made 8,600 transactions daily. There are also other electronic currency website such as payloadz.com, paypal.com, etc.
Auction is market mechanism by which buyers make bids and sellers place offers. It is characterized by the competitive and dynamic nature by which the final price is reached. Auctions can rapidly disposal of items that needs liquidation or a quick sale, they offer trading opportunities for both buyers and sellers that are not available in conventional channels and they ensure cautious execution of contracts.
Types of auctions are traditional auctions, electronic auctions, dynamic pricing, English auctions, Yankee auctions, Dutch auctions, free-fall auctions, sealed-bid first-price auction and sealed-bid second-price auction. The most popular type of auctions is an electronic auction (e-auctions) which means auctions conducted online. The largest Internet auctioneer is eBay which has introduced several measures in an effort to reduce fraud. Following are action to prevent e-auction fraud:
1. User identity verification such in IC number, driver’s license number or date of birth. For example, verified eBay user, the voluntary program, encourages users to supply eBay with information for online verification.
2. Authentication service. It is to determine whether an item is genuine and described appropriately. It difficult to perform because their training and experience, experts can detect counterfeits based on subtle detail.
3. Grading services which is a way to determine the physical condition of an item, such as ‘poor quality’ or ‘mint condition’. Different item have different grading systems. For example, trading cards are graded from A1 to F1, while coins are graded from poor to perfect uncirculated.
4. Feedback forum. It allows buyers and sellers to build up their online trading reputations. It provides user with ability to comment on their experiences with other.
5. Insurance policy. For example, eBay offers insurance underwritten, users are covered up to $200, will with a $25 deductible. The program is provided at no cost to eBay user. 6. Escrow services. Both buyers and sellers in a deal are protected with an independent third party. Buyer mails the payment to escrow services which verifies the payment and alerts the seller when everything checks out. An example of a provider of online escrow services s i-Escrow.
7. Non-payment punishment. To protect sellers, a friendly warning for first-time nonpayment. A sterner warning is for second-time offense, with a 30 day suspension for a third offense and an indefinite suspension for a fourth offense.
8. Appraisal services which use a variety of methods to appraise items. It includes expert assessment of authenticity and condition, and reviewing what comparable items have sold for in the marketplace in recent months.
9. Item verification which is a way of confirm he identity and evaluate the condition of an item. Third parties will evaluate and identify an item through a variety of means. For example, some collectors have their item “DNA tagged” for identification purpose. It provides a way of tracking an item if it charges ownership in future.
10. Physical inspection. It can eliminate many problems especially for collectors’ item.
Nowadays, people can limit their spending with their prepaid cash card that load funds onto the card and use the money. Obopay, one of the prepaid cash cards that are similar as debit cards because both are using existing money rather than borrowing. However, personal identification number has to be keyed in for the transaction to be authorized if using prepaid cash cards. It is considered as most secure and safe financial transaction card because can it likes a portable access point to checking account. Nevertheless, it could not use for online shopping and in “quick pay” terminals that have a card reader but no keypad to enter a personal identification number. Pre-paid Vista Cash Card is issued by Four Oaks Bank & Trust Company that given the opportunity for consumers with poor credit record and young children by not spending more than the balance on the card. Visa permits travelers access to money at automated teller machines in 65 countries and book the train tickets by offering prepaid cash card such as Metro Card in New York City.
Touch ‘n Go (TnG) smart card is used by Malaysian for electronic payment system to toll expressway and highway. It is expanding its business to retail purchase by starting with fast food industry that enables consumers to buy dough nut, burger or fast-food from 21 outlets such as Burger King, 7-Eleven, Dunkin’ Donut. It is imitating the success of Hong Kong’s Octopus Card by setting 5 to 10% of the card holders for retail purchase as current target of the company.
Octopus Card was launched in Hong Kong on year 1997, September. It is a rechargeable contactless stored value smart card to transfer electronic payments in online in offline system. It is widely used in payment system for transportation, supermarkets, fast food restaurant, car parks and other pint of sale application such as service station s and vending machines that have achieved good outcomes.
Credit card debt is an example of unsecured consumer debt, accessed through ISO 7810 plastic credit cards. Debt results when a client of a credit card company purchases an item or service through the card system. Debt accumulates and increases via interest and penalties when the consumer does not pay the company for the money he or she has spent. The results of not paying this debt on time are that the company will charge a late payment penalty and report the late payment to credit rating agencies. Being late on a payment is sometimes referred to as being in "default". The late payment penalty itself increases the amount of debt the consumer has. When a consumer has been late on a payment, it is possible that other creditors, even creditors the consumer was not late in paying, may increase the interest rates the consumer is paying. This practice is called universal default.
Causes of credit card debts (10)
1)Less Income, More Expenses
It so happens that the main breadwinner of the household loses his job but monthly expenses are not cut down in line with the reduction in income. This obviously leads to a rise in debt. The family is forced to use their credit cards for groceries, utilities, etc.
2) Saving little or not at all
You should save for at least 4-6 months of living expenses in case an unfortunate tragedy happens. For example, if you lose your job on June 1st, you shall have enough money to maintain your current lifestyle till December 1st of that year. Until December 1st, you can find yourself new employment or open your own business. You will often hear the phrase "Pay Yourself First." Having enough savings for a rainy day is always a worthwhile investment. Do it and you shall be better off!
3) Divorce
Fees for the divorce attorney, division of assets between you and your spouse, proceeds given to children, etc are an easy way to rack up a huge debt. Filing for a divorce may force you to quit working for sometime which leads to reduction in income.
4) Poor Money Management
Poor money management is one of the best reasons why so many families accumulate lots of debt. Not having a monthly spending plan and not keeping track of your monthly bills makes you unaware of where your money is going. You might be spending hundreds of dollars every month towards items that are useless and have no value in your life, yet you do not realize it.
While your money is going towards purchasing useless items, you might also be charging your necessary purchases on your credit card, forcing you to pay interest on these purchases every month.
5) Hoping to win the lottery
Most people hope to win the lottery but the chances of that happening are 0%. Do not spend tomorrow's saved money today just because you expect a promotion in your job or are expecting an inheritance from a deceased grandfather. We all know life is unfair and things can go wrong more easily than going right.
6) Underemployment
If you are underemployed meaning you are not getting enough working hours at your job, you should also cut down on your lifestyle to match your current income. Forget about driving a BMW if you are working only 30 hours a week at the Home Depot making minimum wage.
7) Big medical expenses
While you need treatment now, you do not have the cash. So what do you do? You use your credit card because you do not have enough savings in the bank. In the end, it became a burden if you cannot pay off the bill that increases every month.
8) Financial Ignorance
Important topics such as saving and investing your personal finances are not taught in school. It's on you to learn to save for a rainy day, as well as manage your money so you can own a house over the longer term.
9) Non Financial Communication
Communicate your current financial health with your spouse and your children and make them aware that if you cannot afford a certain item, they should not ask for it. For example, if your 18 year old son wants a new nice hot sports car, communicate to him that you cannot afford it. Instead, he should go for a smaller car that gets him from Point A to B. You and your spouse should promise to each other that you will not hide your spending habits. One of the most common reasons why so many couples undergo divorce is because they rack up huge credit card debts without the other spouse's knowledge. This then leads to divorce which can help in racking up even more debt
10) Gambling
Many people put not only their own disposable income on the line when gambling, they also borrow loans to gamble! You see, Casinos would not exist if every one person won money in it. Probably 1 in every 100 people wins money in the casino over the long term. Another huge boom in the gambling industry is the emergence of Party Poker and online gambling websites that are illegal in the USA. Online gambling is so easy that you don't even have to step out of your house, you can do it right in your bedroom with a small PC!
Prevention to getting more credit card debts (5)
1)Try and make a little more than the minimum payments
The minimum payments required by credit card companies have steadily fallen over the years. Where once it was typical to have to repay a minimum of 5% of your balance every month, it's now common to only have to pay 2.5% or 3%. With repayments this small in proportion to your debt, a large chunk of each payment gets swallowed up in interest charges. Depending on the APR rate of your card, up to 75% of each payment could be 'lost' in this way, meaning that it takes a very long time for your balance to reduce to any great extent.
By trying to repay more than the minimum, even if only by a little, you can speed this process up, and in the long term you'll end up paying much less in interest charges.
2)Prioritize your card debts
If you have more than one card with different rates of interest, it makes sense concentrate on the one with the highest interest charges. This means not just the one with the highest interest rate, but the one which actually charges you most each month, which could have a lower rate but a higher balance.
Check your statements to see which card is costing you most in interest each month, and try to focus on repaying this card first by putting any spare cash you have into extra payments while keeping to the minimums on your other cards.
3)Change your card
The credit card market is very competitive, and rates have fallen over the last few years. You may be stuck with an old card charging an old rate that is much higher than newer cards. If you can get a new card with a lower rate and transfer your account balance on to it, you could save a lot in interest charges, helping you to bring down your debt. If you can get a card with an introductory rate on balance transfers then all the better - you'll get a few months of interest free credit which you can use to really drive down your balance as 100% of each repayment will be helping to clear your debt.
4)Debt consolidation
If getting a cheaper card isn't an option or isn't something you feel happy about, then maybe a consolidation loan would be worth considering. If you take out a loan and use the money to pay off all your card debts, you could benefit from a lower rate as loans are normally quite a bit cheaper than credit cards.
The downside to these loans is that the repayment period might be quite long, and so even though your monthly repayments will hopefully be lower, you'll stay in debt for longer and so end up paying more in interest. Done carefully, however, consolidation can be a sound move if there's little chance of clearing your debt in any other way.
5)Watch your spending
All the above strategies for getting your debt under control will only work if you stop getting deeper into debt - and this means stopping spending on your cards. Ideally, you'd cut them up so that you can't use them again, but this might not be realistic as you may need to keep them as a credit option in an emergency. In any case, cutting your spending to an absolute minimum will keeping your repayments as high as possible is the only sure strategy to clearing your debt in the long term.
