thinking skills and problem solving oum

* Fees applicable to Malaysians and Permanent Residents only. * The University reserves the right to revise the fees without prior notice.

Discount for the Physically Challenged Learners (OKU) and Senior Citizens

The University offers 50% discount for: 1. Senior citizens aged 60 and above on registration date; and 2. Physically challenged learners – a valid Orang Kelainan Upaya (OKU) is required. The discounts are not valid for second time registration and repeating of subjects. Learners who receive this discount are not entitled to other discounts and promotions.

Note Processing fee: RM30

* The University reserves the right to revise the fees without prior notice. **LATEST UPDATE: 30 August 2022

MPU Courses

University Courses

Basic Courses

Core Courses

Specialisation (Electives)

• Why is Bachelor of Management (BIM) suitable for you?

If you have yet to earn a first degree and want to acquire firm foundation in the management discipline.

For more details, visit: https://www.oum.edu.my/all-programmes/undergraduate-programme/bachelor-of-management-with-honours/

• What are the entry requirements for this programme?

There are two entry channels; Normal Entry and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

Normal Entry

i. A pass in STPM with at least Grade C (GP 2.0) in any TWO subjects*; OR ii. A pass in STAM with at least Grade Jayyid*;  OR iii. Matriculation or Foundation with at least CGPA of 2.00;  OR iv. A Diploma (Level 4, MQF) with at least CGPA of 2.00;  OR v. An Advanced Diploma (Level 5, MQF) with at least CGPA of 2.00;  OR vi. A Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia (DKM)/ Diploma Vokasional Malaysia (DVM) subjected to HEP Senate/Academic Board’s approval***;  OR vii. A Diploma Lanjutan Kemahiran Malaysia (DLKM) subjected to HEP Senate/Academic Board’s approval***;

Note for (vi) & (vii) : The HEPs are to conduct screening and provide necessary guidance specific to the discipline of the programme.

viii. Other equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian Government.

*Additional requirement:  A pass in Mathematics and English at SPM level or equivalent qualifications

English Competency Requirement (International students):  Achieve a minimum Band 3 in MUET OR equivalent to CEFR (Low B2) **.

(Please refer to the entry requirement link ( https://www.oum.edu.my/all-programmes/undergraduate-programme/bachelor-of-management-with-honours/#1621684957536-a8cafd39-e1b3 ) for the details on *,** and ***.

• Malaysian; and
• Candidate must be 21 years old and above in the year of application being made; and
• Have previous work experience/learning relevant to the field applied; and
• Pass APEL Assessment for Bachelor Degree (conducted by OUM)
• Is OUM’s Bachelor of Management programme offered in full-time or part-time mode?

All OUM degree programmes offered in Malaysia are run in part-time mode, making them particularly suitable for working adults seeking to upgrade their qualifications, knowledge and skills without having to give up their jobs or compromise on their life responsibilities

• What are the courses and specialisation (electives) offered under BIM?

  BIM courses (120 credits) comprise:

Learning Skills for 21 st Century, Tamadun Islam dan Tamadun Asia 1, Principles of Management, Entrepreneurship II and/or Bahasa Kebangsaan A, Human Resource Management, Mathematics for Management, Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban 2, English for Written Communication, Marketing Management I, Falsafah dan Isu Semasa 2, Thinking Skills and Problem Solving, Principles of Microeconomics, Community Service, English for Oral Communication, Financial Accounting, English for Workplace Communication, Introduction to Communication, Marketing Management II, Basic Concepts of Information Technology, Principles of Macroeconomics, Financial Management I, Professional Ethics, Principles of Corporate Communication, Business Law, Introduction to Psychology, International Business, Employment and Industrial Law, Organisational Behaviour, Financial Management II, Management Information System, Elementary Statistics, Change Management, Research Methodology, Cross-Cultural Management, Corporate Governance, Career Planning and Development, Strategic Management

Specialisation (Electives):

• Human Resource Management Industrial Relations, Compensation Management, Human Resource Development, Hazard Management
• Retailing Marketing Management& Strategy, International Marketing, Retail Management, Logistic Management, Digital Marketing (Choose any 4 of the courses)
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management Strategic Supply Chain Management, Warehouse and Inventory Management, International Purchasing and Supply Management, International Logistics and Transportation Management
• Islamic Wealth Management Shariah and Major Components of Islamic Financial Planning, Takaful, Estate, Waqf and Succession Planning, Islamic Investment, Retirement, Zakat and Tax Planning, Customer Service
• General Any four courses from the above specialisation (electives)
• How soon can I complete BIM?

BIM is a 120 credit-hour programme, which means that it can typically be completed in 14 semesters. That’s approximately 4 ½ years if the programme is completed without any credit transfer, and if learners take the standard 3 courses per semester path.

• How is BIM delivered?

It is run in blended mode. Blended mode refers to a combination of online study and/or face-to-face tutorials. Face-to-face tutorials are offered at most learning centres. This flexibility of modes is a specialty of OUM, the first open and distance learning university in Malaysia. It is particularly suitable for self-directed adult learners who want to upgrade their skills and qualifications on a part-time basis without having to give up work and other life commitments.

• When can I join BIM?

BIM has intakes in the January, May and September every year.

• Who are the academic staffs responsible for delivering BIM related courses at OUM?

BIM programme at OUM is delivered by qualified and experienced subject-matter experts and tutors with degrees from reputable universities. The Programme Director is Dr. Chiam Chooi Chea.

• Are course materials provided by OUM?

All core learning materials are provided or made available for library loan. Learners may use OUM’s myInspire, physical and digital libraries to access a wide range of learning materials.

• How will I be assessed should I enrol for BIM?

For BIM, assessment methods vary from course to course. Most courses have assignments and final exams. Assessment for several courses is entirely assignment-based.

• How much does it cost to pursue BIM? Are there special rates for senior citizens and physically-challenged learners?

Fees for BIM amount to RM27,360 . For full breakdown of fees, visit https://www.oum.edu.my/portfolio-items/bachelor-of-management-with-honours/

• A 50% discount on fees is offered to qualified senior citizens and physically-challenged learners.
• All fees are subject to revision without prior notice.

For further enquiries on fees and financial matters, please email OUM’s Marketing Unit at [email protected] or call +603-78011800

• What are the financing options available?
• EPF (Account 2); or
• Education or Personal Loan from commercial banks; or
• HRDF (subject to employer’s eligibility); or
• Flexible Payment Scheme

The PTPTN loan is only available to Malaysian citizens enrolled in a recognised undergraduate programme. You can only apply for a PTPTN loan after you have applied, been accepted and registered in the programme. For more information on PTPTN loan, visit http://www.ptptn.gov.my/

• Is OUM’s BIM programme recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)?

Yes, the BIM  (A7470) is fully accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

• What are the potential career paths for BIM graduates?

BIM graduates have thrived in diverse careers. This is because they possess not only subject knowledge and subject specific skills, but also such transferable graduate skills with good decision making skills, literacy and communication skills, critical reasoning, and the capacity to critically analyse situations in various areas.

• I’ve decided I want to pursue BIM at OUM. How do I apply?

Apply online at http://fastrac.oum.edu.my/

Alternatively, visit any of OUM’s Learning Centres (LCs) located throughout the country for guidance. For info on the LCs, go to https://www.oum.edu.my/learningcentres/

• Where can I find more details on OUM’s BIM programme?

For BIM details, visit https://www.oum.edu.my/all-programmes/undergraduate-programme/bachelor-of-management-with-honours/

• Whom should I contact if I need to find out more about OUM’s BIM programme?

For academic-related enquiries related to BIM, email Dr.Chiam at [email protected] or call +603 7801 1211 For general enquiries on OUM programme, email the Marketing Unit at [email protected] or call +603-78011800 or +603-78012000

Whatsapp at +6012-3039935 or +6019-3579074

⃰ All information contained in this FAQ are subject to revision without prior notice.

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What Are Critical Thinking Skills and Why Are They Important?

Learn what critical thinking skills are, why they’re important, and how to develop and apply them in your workplace and everyday life.

We often use critical thinking skills without even realizing it. When you make a decision, such as which cereal to eat for breakfast, you're using critical thinking to determine the best option for you that day.

Critical thinking is like a muscle that can be exercised and built over time. It is a skill that can help propel your career to new heights. You'll be able to solve workplace issues, use trial and error to troubleshoot ideas, and more.

We'll take you through what it is and some examples so you can begin your journey in mastering this skill.

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to interpret, evaluate, and analyze facts and information that are available, to form a judgment or decide if something is right or wrong.

More than just being curious about the world around you, critical thinkers make connections between logical ideas to see the bigger picture. Building your critical thinking skills means being able to advocate your ideas and opinions, present them in a logical fashion, and make decisions for improvement.

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Why is critical thinking important?

Critical thinking is useful in many areas of your life, including your career. It makes you a well-rounded individual, one who has looked at all of their options and possible solutions before making a choice.

According to the University of the People in California, having critical thinking skills is important because they are [ 1 ]:

Crucial for the economy

Essential for improving language and presentation skills

Very helpful in promoting creativity

Important for self-reflection

The basis of science and democracy 

Critical thinking skills are used every day in a myriad of ways and can be applied to situations such as a CEO approaching a group project or a nurse deciding in which order to treat their patients.

Examples of common critical thinking skills

Critical thinking skills differ from individual to individual and are utilized in various ways. Examples of common critical thinking skills include:

Identification of biases: Identifying biases means knowing there are certain people or things that may have an unfair prejudice or influence on the situation at hand. Pointing out these biases helps to remove them from contention when it comes to solving the problem and allows you to see things from a different perspective.

Research: Researching details and facts allows you to be prepared when presenting your information to people. You’ll know exactly what you’re talking about due to the time you’ve spent with the subject material, and you’ll be well-spoken and know what questions to ask to gain more knowledge. When researching, always use credible sources and factual information.

Open-mindedness: Being open-minded when having a conversation or participating in a group activity is crucial to success. Dismissing someone else’s ideas before you’ve heard them will inhibit you from progressing to a solution, and will often create animosity. If you truly want to solve a problem, you need to be willing to hear everyone’s opinions and ideas if you want them to hear yours.

Analysis: Analyzing your research will lead to you having a better understanding of the things you’ve heard and read. As a true critical thinker, you’ll want to seek out the truth and get to the source of issues. It’s important to avoid taking things at face value and always dig deeper.

Problem-solving: Problem-solving is perhaps the most important skill that critical thinkers can possess. The ability to solve issues and bounce back from conflict is what helps you succeed, be a leader, and effect change. One way to properly solve problems is to first recognize there’s a problem that needs solving. By determining the issue at hand, you can then analyze it and come up with several potential solutions.

How to develop critical thinking skills

You can develop critical thinking skills every day if you approach problems in a logical manner. Here are a few ways you can start your path to improvement:

1. Ask questions.

Be inquisitive about everything. Maintain a neutral perspective and develop a natural curiosity, so you can ask questions that develop your understanding of the situation or task at hand. The more details, facts, and information you have, the better informed you are to make decisions.

2. Practice active listening.

Utilize active listening techniques, which are founded in empathy, to really listen to what the other person is saying. Critical thinking, in part, is the cognitive process of reading the situation: the words coming out of their mouth, their body language, their reactions to your own words. Then, you might paraphrase to clarify what they're saying, so both of you agree you're on the same page.

3. Develop your logic and reasoning.

This is perhaps a more abstract task that requires practice and long-term development. However, think of a schoolteacher assessing the classroom to determine how to energize the lesson. There's options such as playing a game, watching a video, or challenging the students with a reward system. Using logic, you might decide that the reward system will take up too much time and is not an immediate fix. A video is not exactly relevant at this time. So, the teacher decides to play a simple word association game.

Scenarios like this happen every day, so next time, you can be more aware of what will work and what won't. Over time, developing your logic and reasoning will strengthen your critical thinking skills.

Learn tips and tricks on how to become a better critical thinker and problem solver through online courses from notable educational institutions on Coursera. Start with Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking from Duke University or Mindware: Critical Thinking for the Information Age from the University of Michigan.

Article sources

University of the People, “ Why is Critical Thinking Important?: A Survival Guide , https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/why-is-critical-thinking-important/.” Accessed May 18, 2023.

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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