In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Higher Education in Malaysia issued various directives for higher education institutions (HEIs) to follow. These directives are mostly general and therefore lead to differences in COVID-19 crisis management plan. The importance of a well-designed and properly implemented crisis management plan is highlighted as it minimises disruption to service delivery, which affects academic quality and perception of students, especially regarding their motivation and experience as a student. This paper investigates how academic quality and students’ perception are affected by implementation of crisis management plans in HEIs. Using a structural equation modelling approach, data from students in various HEIs in Malaysia are analysed to explore the relationship between crisis management plan implementation and student constructs. Based on the findings of these analyses, this paper aims to contribute by providing a suggestion of possible improvement on the existing system on the design and implementation of a crisis management plan that is beneficial for students in the event of a crisis and enhancing the resilience and adaptability of the higher education system in the face of unforeseen challenges.

Authors:
Calvin Nathanael Utomo, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Malaysia
Kian Wah Liew, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Malaysia
Boon Hoe Goh, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Malaysia
Kalaimagal Ramakrishnan, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Malaysia
Kok Cheong Wong, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Malaysia
Choon Wah Yuen, University Malaya, Malaysia

About the Presenter(s)
Ts.Dr.Kalaimagal Ramakrishnan is currently an Associate Professor at Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia. She has more than 20 years of working experience in education sector.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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