Things to take note to prevent e-auction fraud when a consumer participating in an e-auction

E-auction is a part of strategic sourcing process. It is a procurement tool using web-based software that allow suppliers to bid online for a contract for the supply of goods and services. The objective is typically arrive at the lowest total cost as distinct from the lowest price. 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.

Things to take note to prevent e-auction fraud

• Know well of e-auction procedure , Find what obligations you have as a buyer, and what obligations the seller has before you make a bid. Next, read the comments left by previous buyers on the seller, to find out if it's a reputable seller. This step may use to verify the seller identification.




• User identity verification such in IC number, driver’s license number or date of birth. By offering their Social Security number, driver’s license number, and date of birth, users can qualify for the highest level of verification on .




• Authentication service. Product authentication is a way of determining whether an item is genuine and described appropriately. It difficult to perform because it relies on the expertise of the authenticators, Because of their training and experience, experts can (for a fee) often detect counterfeits based on subtle details. However, two expert authenticators may have different opinions about the authenticity of the same item.




• Item verification 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.




• 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.




• Try to obtain a physical address rather than merely a post office box and a phone number. Call the seller to see if the number is correct and working.




• Send an email to see if they have an active e-mail address and be wary of sellers who use free email services where a credit card wasn't required to open the account.




• Make sure the transaction is secure when you electronically send your credit card numbers.




• Ask for warranty policy if there have any warranty or the exchange policy if there is a problem on the item purchases. Next, Check whether the shipping and delivery fees are included in the price, so you won't be any surprises when you get the shipping and delivery bills.
  

As a conclusion, users in e-auction is advised to be more carefully when making a deal in e-auction . Hope the above information can help seller and buyer in e-auction become a smart internet users. Any latest information can post ur comment on our comment field . THX

Related link:

http://http//www.google.com.my/search?hl=en&q=Things+to+take+note+to+prevent+e-auction+fraud+when+a+consumer+participating+in+an+e-auction&btnG=Search&meta

http://http//wordpress.com/tag/e-auction/

http://http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-sourcing

Posted by Gan Jian Hao

E-government in Malaysia: its implementation so far and citizen's adoption strategies

E-Goverment also known as e-gov, digital government, online government or transformational government.It is used to refer to the use of information and communication technology to provide and improve government services, transactions and interactions with citizens, businesses, and other arms of government. E-government is a way for public administration to become more open and transparent, and to reinforce democratic participation.The implementation of e-government started since the initiation of Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) by the Malaysian government.



Why e-government important???


E-Goverment represent an opportunity to make major contribution to economic development by assisting business to reduce their operation cost in dealing with goverment and have immediate access to government information.



Among others were Public Services Portal (myGovernment), e-Tanah, e-Consent, e-Filing, e-Local Government (e-PBT), e-Kehakiman, Custom Information System (SMK), Pensions Online Workflow Environment (POWER), and Training Information System (e-SILA).

• E-Tanah
• E-filling
• E-PBT
  
  

• E-Kehakiman
• Custom information services
• E-sila
  

Guilding Principle:

• Transformation.The use of ITS must greared toward introducing new work method ,by creating new operational processes and changing current process, as well as by changing government relationship with the public
  


• Broad scope. Ensure all citizens will have equal access and geographic location , the issue of time an dsocial strata must be taken into account
  


• Ease to use. Application that one to be implemented must be oriented toward citizens and hence be user friendly.



• Greater benefit. Application should ensure that the benefit of citizens will be greater than those from going in personto government offices.



• Security and privacy. When implementing applications, consideration should be given to using security and privacy mechanism and policies, to ensure the proper use and handling of personal information and transaction.
  


• Role of private sector. The private sector can assist the state in providing computer-based solution, as well as training goverment employees. And it can do so without limiting citizens access to information.
  

Problems facing by e-government implementation

• Language barrier - Most of the government websites using Bahasa Malaysia.
  


• Technological barrier - Lack of technical infrastructure



• Online behaviour - Malaysians remain sceptical on being distrust on electronic transaction especially on online banking buying from an Internet store.



• Lack of public awareness - Public are not aware of the services offered

Citizen adoption strategies

• Customer satisfaction. Successful of E-Government adoption must ensure the citizens show higher level of satisfaction .The more higher satisfaction ,the more easy for adoption of E-Goverment.



• Service Quality.Online service quality for e-Government could be measured in terms of quality of content provided on the website, the speed of the response to the citizens concerns with problem solving approach, and the availability of names. Ohter important factor is get in touch with citizen throught telephone or fax number of personnel. Besides that , ensure that the services provided by government must be the most latest and fast.Higher quality of service will lead to higher levels of customer satisfaction and thus can increase the use of e-government services.
  


• Website design . The frontpage of the website ,customize of product offering and self-care is key features to causes the citizen use the government services . Its also can build relationship with the visitors, but also to enhance their experience.Visitors can also enhance thier interest to participate in those adoption by government
  

Success in delivering electronic services depends upon the capability and self-confidence of citizens in performing e-transactions, as well as their trust and confidence in the protection of their personal data within an open and accountable government. Furthermore,Goverment should be able to propose an effective strategy to encourage citizen’s adoption of e-government.

In my opinion, citizens should participate on government's adoption for example e-filling because nowaday internet already become very common tools for all users to make payment , selling and other activity .So, start from this second ,try to participate on government's adoption .In perspective of governemnt, governemnt should provide the good services and convenience for all citizens.

Related Link:

ttp://http//inderscience.metapress.com/app/home/contribution.asp?referrer=parent&backto=issue,3,8;journal,19,21;linkingpublicationresults,1:110845,1


http://http//www.google.com.my/search?hl=en&q=E-government+in+Malaysia+%3Eits+implementation+so+far+and+citizen%27s+adoption+strategies&btnG=Google+Search&meta


http://http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-Government




Posted By Gan Jian Hao

Review a local e-commerce site

The website I have chosen to review is Mudah.my. Mudah.my is a brainchild of 701Search Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between Singapore Press Holdings and Schibsted ASA. It is a electronic marketplace for buying and selling online in Malaysia. The idea of Mudah.my is simple, it is just buy and sell in your region conveniently. After you enter the website, you will required to select your region.


After select the region eg Kuala Lumpur, you will found that there have the newest updated product which is tend to selling in the website. The website is updated for every minutes. In Mudah.my, it is convenience for you to search the categories what you want eg Vehicles, Properties, Electronics and others.



On Mudah.my, you can post ads for free also.You can search entire Malaysia for classified advertisements from private individuals and professionals. You are require to fill in the form and upload the adtext and the photo. After you insert an ad, you will receive an email that requires you to confirm. The ad will be published for 2 months and reviewed according to Mudah's rules.


Mudah.my also provide customer service in their website. If you have a question or problem, you can select the customer service> Customer support and contact. You can find the answers to the most common questions in there and you can also contact Mudah.my


In additions, you also can learn how to shop safety in Mudah.my. Mudah.my had noted that there are somethings need to be careful when you are shop on their website eg never pay in advance to the seller that you do not know, never send the goods before payment arrangements have been finalised...


In conclusion, Mudah.my is an e commerce website that are convenient for users for selling and buying goods and services. It's mostly using the eBay concept for its business. Ebay is more popular than Mudah.my because eBay provides more function and services than Mudah.my. Therefore, Mudah.my should provides more services eg payment channel for their users.

Corporate Blogging: A new marketing communication tool for companies.

Why Corporate Blogging??!!
Before I make further explanation about the reason, let me define what a "blog" and "corporate blogging" is.

Blog also known as "weblog", is a forum of communication that is usually placed on a website to help inform, educate or create discussion about a given topic. They are powerful because a person can post some information on a topic and people can respond and offer comments or feedback to the blogs posting. As for corporate blogging, it is a corporate weblog that are published and used by an organization to reach its organizational goals.

Nowadays, in order to survive and maintain in this competitive edge, corporations are increasingly looking for opportunities to make them stand out. Indeed, the traditional media such as television, radio, etc helps a lot in dispersing company information to worldwide. However, there is some missing ingredient in this media --The LACK of ability to directly connect a company to its customer. Company started to realize and gradually lead them to develop a new marketing media which is CORPORATE BLOGGING.

Why is blogging crucial to Corporations???
1.Allows current and potential consumers to associate the brand with a face and a personality. It bridges the distant gap that has existed between the “inaccessible” company and the “average” consumer.

2.Blogging lets the company able to communicate with their customers in a more personal and direct way. But more importantly, blogging gives the company a much needed way for customers to communicate with them. Customers are able to interact with comments and potentially provide valuable feedback or insight that can be brought back into the business.

3.Create better communication between the company and its market which include clarifying some of the company's products and services.

It's not easy to develop a corporate blogging. Many businesses have launched corporate blogs in an effort to better communicate with customers, yet they face a great challenge eventually, which is most of the corporate blogs are unimaginative failures due to boring as paint and non value added.

According to research, 90 blogs from Fortune 500 companies, most corporate blogs are “dull, drab, and don’t stimulate discussion.” Sadly, two-thirds hardly ever get any comments, 70% stick strictly to business topics, and worse 56% just republish press releases or already public news. However, there are companies such as Dell, Lenovo, Adobe, etc that really get corporate blogging and produce blogs that are informative, fascinating, and a joy to read. In fact, what is the "SECRET SAUCE" for getting noticed in the midst of the millions of other blogs and corporate sites out there???

1. Nurture it!!--Pump the weblog with fresh compelling content weekly or even daily but any old content won’t do.

2. Don't write aimlessly--make it clear where you come from and why you are choosing to blog, or you and your audience will grow tired of your posts

3. Be Respectful of Your Audience-- Assume your audience is smarter than you, which means don't write anything that is untrue. Thinking you can pull the wool over your readers’ eyes will only get you trampled by the herd.Be Respectful of Your Audience

4. Be receptive to feedback-- Blogging may be a fine way for people to express themselves, but the true character test comes in how bloggers respond to feedback. If you choose to respond to respondents, be courteous to those who agree with you and take the high road in the face of insulting posts.

5. Corporate blogs are basically marketing hot spots. Make sure you write the way you would speak if you were addressing 1,000 people at an industry conference. Write with authority and verve.

6. Pick the best software-- If your blog page looks like a trash heap, it will only drive away people who visiting this weblog. Go with the cleanest look, even if the software isn't the easiest to use.

In Conclusion, for my stand point of view, blogs really helps a lot in improving our knowledge and even make things better if we are willing to accept the feedback from others. Yes, may be nowadays corporate blogs are still in the infancy phase and it might be difficult to develop a successful and perfectly blogs, but if companies strives to fully utilized and used it properly, i firmly believe that it could helps a lot in enhancing the health of the company business performance.




Reference and Related Links:

http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs/2008/08/08/15-companies-that-really-get-corporate-blogging/

http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/10/15/a-guide-to-corporate-blogging/

http://www.problogger.net/archives/2005/11/02/value-added-blogging/

http://blogs.wsj.com/biztech/2008/06/30/most-corporate-blogs-are-unimaginative-failures/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_blog

http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Web-Services-Web-20-and-SOA/10-Things-You-Should-Know-About-Corporate-Blogging/1/

Posted by ttR

Credit Card debts: Causes and Prevention

~Personal Expierience~
Past few weeks which is during the period of Chinese New Year, my mum and my big brother came back from Singapore to Malaysia by airplane. The moment they landed on the ground, my big brother(Sunny) wanted to buy an necessary item(souvenir), Wine for my relatives. Without the local currency, my brother decided to use the convenience of his credit card to pay the bill. Unfortunately, things had frustrated my brother as his credit card had blocked due to his outstanding payment. However, my big bro insist that they shouldn't had blocked his credit card as the reason are he has a credit limit of RM5000 and 3 months period of time to pay his debts. Perhaps my bro outstanding payment merely reach amount of RM500++ and owe for 2 months ++ period of time. Cut the whole long story to short, my bro had called and inquired for any exception in order to activate the credit card as he mentioned that he has a very good past history payment and he has always diligently pay the debts well. However, after the verbal dispute with the CIMB operator, the result was, they will not activate without clearing the debts in fact. Sad~

Anyway, what is Credit Card???

Any card that may be used repeatedly to borrow money or buy products and services on credit. It is issued by banks, savings and loans, retail stores and other businesses. However, if credit card are not properly used or tend to misuse it, debts could definitely occurs.

According to NaturalNews, credit card delinquencies have reached another peak nowadays and this debts could become the burden in crushing the economic growth in long term. In addition, when it has become a severe debts, depression could happened. In the worst case of scenario, people will even committing suicide due to unable to clear the debts. What caused the occur of credit card debts actually?

Through research, these are the CAUSES of debts generally.
1. Reduced income/same expenses. Too often we delay bringing expenses in line with a reduction in income for a host of good reasons and let debt fill the gap. The sooner you adjust to your new reality, whether it be temporary or permanent, the better off you'll be.

2. Poor money management. A monthly spending plan is essential. Without one you have no idea where your money is going. You may be spending hundreds of dollars unnecessarily each month and end up having to charge purchases on which you should have spent that money. Planning is no more difficult than writing down your expenses and income and reconciling the two. You will be surprised at how powerful you'll feel when you are making thoughtful decisions about where and when to spend your money.

3.Gambling. Gambling may be fun and entertaining, yet if it becomes addicted, it will be difficult to stop. Ya, may be it is not an big issue if you are using spare money to gambling. However, borrowing money for gambling through credit card will surely lead us to financial disaster.

4. Saving too little or not at all. The simplest way to avoid unwanted debt is to prepare for unexpected expenditures by saving three to six months of living expenses. With a savings cushion in place, a job layoff, illness or divorce will not cause immediate financial strain and increase debt.

5.Banking on a windfall. Spending tomorrow's money today is very tempting. Especially if you believe that tomorrow will come no matter what. A planned job bonus may not be a sure thing. The inheritance that you believe will come your way may not. The lesson is don't spend the money until the check clears.




There are some TIPS in PREVENTING the consumers from falling into the pit that is credit card debts:
1. The first thing to prevent credit card is having the right and low interest credit card. Nowadays, credit card companies constantly offer promotions with low interest rates, some even as low as 0.00% interest. If the credit company charge you with a high interest or even ask you to pay annual subscription fees, negotiate with them!!!

2. Always engraved on your mind that, Pay On Time!!!! If you can afford it, pay double the minimum payment. The minimum payment usually pays just enough to cover the interest and a little more that pays down the balance. Paying extra will pay your balance more quickly.

3. If possible, try to use cash as priority instead of credit card. Only use your credit card when you are carrying a balance or in urgent situation.

4. Keep your credit limit low in order to prevent you to spend in excess. As a result, you will be more conscious of your spending and will end up spending less.

5. One of the most significant taboo of using credit card is, don't ever get tempted on using it. Plan plan plan!! Always plan what you wanna spend regardless of your food, beverage, necessary items, etc. Being aware and conscientious whether your income received can cover your spending. In fact, cut up your cards so that you are not tempted to use them and save one card for emergencies.

In conclusion, credit card could be a very convenient tools indeed. However, in the other hands, it could also lead you into a deep pit as well. As a result, should people hold a credit card in fact?? Yes, but with the requirement of MUST managing their finance issue properly and have the will power to say "NO" on spending when times are not appropriate. So, live life to the max with CREDIT CARD!! :)~



Reference and Related links:

http://www.investorwords.com/1199/credit_card.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/008582.html

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/debt/debt_manage_2004/top-10-causes.asp

http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=1097800

http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/5-simple-credit-card-debt-rules-1267.php

posted by ttR

Electronic Currency

Electronic Currency also known as e-money, electronic cash, electronic
money, digital money, digital cash or digital currency refer to money or scrip which is exchanged only electronically. This invloves use of computer networks,the internet and digital stored value systems. Electronic Funds Transfer(EFT) and direct deposit are examples of electronic money.


Electronic currency allows its holder to buy the goods and services that the vastness of the internet offers. An e-currency system may be fully backed by gold (like e-gold and c-gold), non-gold backed, or both gold and non-gold baked (like e-Bullion and Liberty Reserve).


The Electronic Currency Trading System (ECTS)








ECTS is an electronic currency trading investment platform that offers its clients an efficient way to trade foreign currencies against the strength and weakness of the US dollar. Utilizing its database of historical price patterns and technical indicators, the complex algorithms interwoven into the system allow for the recognition of entry positions with maximum profit potential.
In order to maintain prudent money management, 24-hour stops are put in place to lock in gains as well as prevent heavy losses. There has never been a better time to invest in currency trading than right now.


The currency traded by ECTS:

~Euro ~Yen ~ Australia $

• 
• 
  
• 
  

~Swiss Franc ~Canadian $ ~British Pound

ECTS runs on Genesis Software, however you can also choose to receive a daily fax or an email of all trade confirmations.

E-micropayment

E-Micropayments are small online payments, typically under US $10

One of the example of E-mircopayments is PayStone company.PayStone provides secure, convenient and quick online money transfers and payments for its customers around the world.provides an inexpensive online payment method without the risk of charge backs from fraudulent credit card use. Paystone can efficiently handle small financial transactions (micropayments) as low as $0.25. The ability to process micropayments opens a whole new world for entrepreneurs of all sizes. A small business or individual now has a method of generating revenue from their website quickly, easily and inexpensively.

Paystone also provides an email money transfer option. A Paystone account holder can send funds to the email address of anyone in many countries around the world. The recipient of the funds signs up for Paystone and can cash out the money to their local bank account. For companies sending a large volume of payments they can access our GroupPay© feature to send many individuals money all at once.

As a conclusion , E-currency trading allow you to do few dollar business and investment. In facts, It suitable for beginner whose no have big amount of modal .Besides that, electronic currency trading has a low transaction cost. Unlike with other business and investment need pay big amount of fees and eat up ur profit.Electronic currency allows you to minimize the fees and maximize the profit and money.


Related Link:

http://http//electroniccurrencytradingsystem.com/

http://http//www.techvibes.com/company-directory/paystone-technologies-corp

http://http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_currency

Posted By Gan Jian Hao

The application of pre-paid cash card for consumers~

A prepaid cash card can be owned by depositing money into the account. Infact, the whole concept is basically goes similar as prepaid mobile card. For instance, when i reloaded a RM10 credit into my mobile card, i could actually uses these pre-deposited credit until i finish the credit or make another deposit. In addition, one of the best part of the prepaid credit card is that you can charge to your heart's content and you won't be in debt as it could help you control your spending. In fact, it allows you to only spend up to the amount you have pre-deposited into the account and no risk of running into debts.

So,when we talk about the application of prepaid cash card for consumer, one of the example that we will normally think of is--the Malaysia's Touch'n Go Card.



Touch ‘n Go card is a prepaid smartcard that uses Mifare contactless technology.Information contain in this card can be read and written via magnetic induction using specified radio frequency and smartcard software.Each time a user uses the Touch ‘n Go card, the electronic card reader will deduct the exact fare from the value stored inside the card.

Application of Touch'n Go card:

(i)Toll fare:Touch 'n Go can be used in entire highways stretches in Malaysia with the familiar TnG SmartTAG sign marked on the road.

(ii)Public Transportation Fees:SmartTag can be use as an integrated ticket in Kuala Lumpur public transport system.There areRapidKL , KTM Komuter , and KL Monorail.

(iii)Ticketless parkings:Touch 'n Go can also be used in selected parkings such as Century Square Cyberjaya , KLIA , LCCT , Sg. Wang Plaza , 1-Utama Shopping Centre and etc.

(iv)Admission fees:Currently only one theme park has Touch 'n Go facility as an alternative in paying its admission fees which is Bukit Merah Lake Town Resort.

(v)Retail Outlets: Fast Foods restaurants( A&W* Burger King* Dunkin Donuts*)Convenience stores(7-Eleven* Caltex Star Mart* )Hypermarkets(Carefour* )Cinemas (Cathay Cineleisure*) and even cafe( Steven's Tea Garden).

In conclusion, prepaid cash card is indeed a good invention that makes life easier, besides it also contributed a lot in eliminating debt risk with no chance to spend too much as the balance is limited to the amount reloaded, and the convenience that it provide is indeed great.

Before i ended up this topic, i would like to share my expierience once again. As I am one of the Touch'n GO users and i always drive pass the toll in order to go to school. The fact is, i believe that Touch'n Go could actually provide me convenience. However, things always not go as smooth as i wishes. Sometimes there are some people out there forgot to reload their card and ultimately make whole thing worst which is- TRAFFIC JAM!! and i have ended up by reaching class late=.=
SO, Pls remember to reload your Touh'n Go before you drive pass the toll in order to prevent traffic jam incident occured. XD~


Reference and Related Links:
http://www.creditcards.com/credit-cards/vision-premier-prepaid-visa-card-free-with-direct-deposit.php

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-prepaid-credit-cards.htm

http://www.startecredit.com/creditpages/prepaid-credit-cards-applications-prerpaid-reloadable-credit-cards.htm

posted by ttR