ProgrammeExit Survey (PES)

Report
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
(Manufacturing) - DTP
June 2013 Session
Politeknik Kota Kinabalu (PKK)
Sabah

RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Member of Advisory Committee
NO
1
2
3

NAME
Wan Mohamad Nasir bin Wan Abdul Rahman
Zaidi bin Zakaria
Sylvester Gindan

POSITION
Director
Deputy Director (Academic)
Head of Department (JKM)

Research Fellow (Polytechnic)

NO
1
2
3
4
5
6

NAME
Dr Hasnim bin Harun (Chief, Bureau of Research and Innovation)
Azman B Talib
Farah AsyikinAbd Rahman
Shalizan B. Kadir
MohdMayuzieYusof
Fadlilhisham B Ahmad

Research Fellow in Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing)

NO
1
2
3

NAME
Johnny Yakin Sinit (Head of Program)
Rozie Bin Ahmat
Muhammad Zuhairy Bin Zulkifli

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DTP)

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this Programme Exit Survey (PES) was to provide data to gauge perceptions
of various aspects of programmes and services offered and to identify areas where
improvements may be needed in the Department of Mechanical Engineering (JKM),
Politeknik Kota Kinabalu (PKK).This PES was conducted on 29 final semester students,
graduating from Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing) (DTP). They were the
second Cohort whose intake was in December 2010. The survey questionnaire had five main
sections: respondents profile; assessment of overall quality; assessment of skills and
knowledge; assessment of Lecturers and Academic Advisor; and assessment of academic
resources and facilities. All the data were analysed using the Statistical Product and Service
Solutions (SPSS) software version IBM SPSS Statistics 19.0. For the assessment of the
overall quality, attribute for teaching and learning experience was rated 100% with
excellent, very good and good.

Skills and knowledge section was evaluated by

relating the statements with nine items as stated in the Programme Learning Outcomes
(PLO). All the PLOs were marked at least good by 97%of the students. Assessment on
lecturers and academic advisor were rated 48.3% both of excellent and very good, while
3.4% rated the item as average. In terms of academic resources and facilities, the items of
access to Wi-Fi, Quality of computer labs and Quality of laboratories / workshops / kitchens
had the unsatisfactory concerned from the respondent whereby 3.4% rated the item as
average.
Keywords: overall quality, skills and knowledge, lecturer and academic advisor, academic
resources and facilities

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DTP)

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Programme Exit Survey (PES)

PES is a method of collecting information on the quality of diploma education from the
perspective of graduating students upon the completion of their diploma programme. This
report refers to an indirect measurement method by way of self-evaluation based on
individual perception for the assessment of PLO. PLOs are the specific statements of
graduates knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired at the end of the programme as evidence
for the programme objectives achievements. This PES was conducted to assess the graduate
students satisfaction and perceptions about various aspects of their academic experiences.
100% of the final semester students from the DTP programme had participated in the survey.
The main objectives of this PES are to:
1) Determine the students perception in their attainment on the overall quality of
learning and teaching in PKK;
2) Determine the students self-assessment of knowledge, skills and soft skills
achievement after going through the PLOs of the programme;
3) Evaluate the students opinion towards contributions of Lecturer and Academic
Advisor system implemented based on Outcome Based Education (OBE) approach;
4) Evaluate the students opinion towards academic resources and facilities provided in
PKK.
1.2 Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO)
OBE is an educational philosophy that believed that educational assessment should recognise
and reflect progress made by individual students. PLOs are statements that describe what
graduates are expected to know or be able to do on graduation. In the curriculum for DTP
programme it has been specified that there are nine (9) PLOs to be acquired by the graduates
upon graduation. The nine PLOs are as follows:
i.

Apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering fundamentals to well

defined mechanical and manufacturing engineering procedures and practices.

ii.

Demonstrate practical skills which includes the ability to troubleshoot, repair and do
maintenance work for mechanical equipment.

iii.

Communicate effectively with the engineering community and the society at large.
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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DTP)

iv.

Apply creative and critical thinking in solving problem related to assigned task.

v.

Demonstrate awareness and consideration for societal, health, safety, legal and
cultural issues and the consequent responsibilities, taking into account the need for
sustainable development.

vi.

Recognise the need for professional development and engage in independent

acquisition of new knowledge and skill.

vii.

Recognize the need for entrepreneurship.

viii.

Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of

mechanical and manufacturing engineering practices.

ix.

Function individually or in teams effectively with a capability to be a leader.

2. METHODOLOGY
This survey involved 29 DTP students from June 2013 semester. Students were asked to fill
up the PES questionnaires which were posted online and 100% of them responded. The
respondents were required to evaluate and rate themselves based on 5-Likert Scale indicated
below:
1 = Weak
2 = Average
3 = Good
4 = Very Good
5 = Excellent
Students satisfaction and acceptance level was determined from the scale. Excellent, Very
Good and Good indication rate shows the students are satisfied with the item. While Average
and Weak indication rate shows the item need some improvements and correction for the
program.
This online survey was conducted on October 2013. The survey questionnaires were
divided into five sections as follows:
i.

Section A: General Information

ii.

Section B: Overall Quality of Teaching and Learning

iii.

Section C: Skills and Knowledge

iv.

Section D: Contributions of Lecturers and Academic Advisors

v.

Section E: Academic Resources and Facilities

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DTP)

The data collected in this survey was processed through Statistical Product and Service
Solutions (SPSS) software version IBM SPSS Statistics 19.0.
The questionnaires were based on students perception on teaching and learning in
PKK, students response on skills and knowledge related to PLOs, students attainment on the
soft skills, students rating for lecturers and academic advisors contribution, students opinion
towards academic resources, overall services and facilities in PKK. This assessment strategy
was aligned with the Curriculum Development Cycle -develop-implement-review as
required by the MQA in order to improve the quality of programme.

3. RESULTS
The response from the students were analysed based on the following four criteria:
i.

Students response to wards the Overall Quality

ii.

Students response on Skills and Knowledge

iii.

Students ratings for Lecturer and Academic Advisor contributions

iv.

Students opinion towards Academic Resources and Facilities

In Section C: (Skills and Knowledge) the statements have been classified under a particular
PLO so that the data analysis can be done appropriately for accreditation purposes. The
results can be used an indicator to show how well the students have acquired their skills and
knowledge as required in the PLOs of the programme.

3.1 SECTION A: PROFILE

Table 1: Students Gender
GENDER

Qty
(%)

Male

Female

29
100.0

0
0.0

3.2SECTION B: OVERALL QUALITY

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DTP)

Overall Quality was evaluated by relating the students experience with the teaching and
learning environment in PKK. Two survey statements were given and the results were as
follows:
Table 2: Overall Quality rating
OVERALL QUALITY
Weak Average Good
What is your
impression on the
overall quality of
curriculum; and
teaching and learning
at PKK?
(%)
To what extent has the
quality of teaching
and learning in PKK
improved since you
were here?
(%)

Very Good

Excellent

18

0.0

0.0

6.9

62.1

31.0

17

0.0

0.0

10.3

58.6

31.0

3.2.1 PLO1 (Knowledge)

For PLO 1 (Knowledge), four statements were given and the results were as follows:
Table 3: PLO 1 Knowledge rating
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
PLO 1 (Knowledge)
Weak Average Good Very Good
I am able to apply
knowledge of core
0
discipline courses in my
programme
(%)
0.0
I am able to apply
knowledge of specialized
0
courses in my programme
(%)
0.0
I am able to apply
knowledge of elective
0
courses in my programme
(%)
0.0
I am able to understand the
technological applications
0
relevant to my programme
of study
(%)
0.0
3.2.2 PLO2 (Technical &Practical Skills)

Excellent

16

0.0

13.8

55.2

31.0

17

0.0

10.3

58.6

31.0

17

0.0

17.2

58.6

24.1

17

0.0

10.3

58.6

31.0
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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DTP)

For PLO 2 (Technical & Practical Skills), three statements were given and the results were as
follows:
Table 4: PLO 2 Technical & Practical Skills rating
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
PLO 2 (Technical & Practical Skills)
Weak Average Good Very Good
I am able to apply
information technology in
my programme
(%)
I am able to demonstrate
my practical skills
effectively
(%)
I am able to use computing
technology for applications
in my programme
(%)

Excellent

16

0.0

0.0

24.1

55.2

20.7

14

12

0.0

3.4

6.9

48.3

41.4

18

0.0

0.0

6.9

62.1

31.0

3.2.3 PLO3 (Communication Skills)

For PLO 3 (Communication Skills), three statements were provided and the results were as
follows:
Table 5: PLO 3 Communication Skills rating
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
PLO 3 (Communication Skills)
Weak Average Good Very Good
I am able to communicate
effectively orally/visually
(informal / formal /
conversational /
presentation)
(%)
I am able to communicate
effectively in writing
(writing reports and
expressing ideas and
opinions clearly and
concisely)
(%)
I am able to use computing
technology in
communications
(%)

Excellent

16

0.0

3.4

13.8

55.2

27.6

20

0.0

3.4

6.9

69.0

20.7

16

0.0

3.4

10.3

55.2

31.0

3.2.4 PLO4 (Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skills)

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DTP)

For PLO 4 (Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skills), three statements were given and the
results were as follows:
Table 6: PLO 4 Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skills rating
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
PLO 4 (Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skills)
Weak Average Good Very Good
I am able to solve
problems using methods,
0
0
3
20
tools and skills related to
my programme
(%)
0.0
0.0
10.3
69.0
I am able to think critically
0
0
2
18
and logically
(%)
0.0
0.0
6.9
62.1
I am able to plan, organize
0
0
1
19
and complete a task
(%)
0.0
0.0
3.4
65.5

Excellent
6
20.7
9
31.0
9
31.0

3.2.5 PLO5 (Social Skills and Responsibilities)

For PLO 5 (Social Skills and Responsibilities), three statements were given and the results
were as follows:
Table 7: PLO 5 Social Skills and Responsibilities rating
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
PLO 5 (Social Skills and Responsibilities)
Weak Average Good Very Good
I am able to understand the
role of my work in relation
0
0
1
21
to social or cultural issues
(%)
0.0
0.0
3.4
72.4
I am aware of the value of
considering diversity and
0
0
1
18
differences in cultures in
my work
(%)
0.0
0.0
3.4
62.1
I am aware of the impact
of my work in a social
0
0
4
19
context
(%)
0.0
0.0
13.8
65.5

Excellent
7
24.1
10
34.5
6
20.7

3.2.6 PLO6 (Continuous Learning & Information Management Skills)

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DTP)

For PLO 6 (Continuous Learning & Information Management Skills), four statements were
provided and the results were as follows:
Table 8: PLO 6 Continuous Learning & Information Management Skills rating
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
PLO 6 (Continuous Learning & Information Management Skills)
Weak Average Good Very Good
Excellent
I am able to continuously
learn new skills and
0
0
1
14
14
knowledge
(%)
0.0
0.0
3.4
48.3
48.3
I am able to engage in
continuous learning beyond
0
0
1
15
13
the classroom
(%)
0.0
0.0
3.4
51.7
44.8
I am able to learn and
0
1
4
15
9
apply new concepts
(%)
0.0
3.4
13.8
51.7
31.0
I am able to use
information resources
0
0
2
16
11
(databases, libraries,
internet etc)
(%)
0.0
0.0
6.9
55.2
37.9

3.2.7 PLO7 (Management & Entrepreneurial Skills)

For PLO 7 (Management & Entrepreneurial Skills), two statements were provided and the
results were as follows:
Table 9: PLO 7 Management & Entrepreneurial Skills rating
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
PLO 7 (Management & Entrepreneurial Skills)
Weak Average Good Very Good
I am able to build/develop
my career upon completion
0
1
3
15
of my studies
(%)
0.0
3.4
10.3
51.7
I am able to develop time
0
1
5
14
management skills
(%)
0.0
3.4
17.2
48.3

Excellent
10
34.5
9
31.0

3.2.8 PLO8 (Professionalism, Ethics & Moral)

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DTP)

For PLO 8 (Professionalism, Ethics & Moral), two statements were provided and the results
were as follows:
Table 10: PLO 8 Professionalism, Ethics & Moral rating
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
PLO 8 (Professionalism, Ethics & Moral)
Weak Average Good Very Good
I am able to understand the
professional and ethical
0
1
2
16
responsibilities related to
my work
(%)
0.0
3.4
6.9
55.2
I am aware of the
importance of safety issues
0
0
2
14
related to my work
(%)
0.0
0.0
6.9
48.3

Excellent
10
34.5
13
44.8

3.2.9 PLO9 (Leadership & Teamwork Skills)

For assessment of the PLO 9 (Leadership & Teamwork Skills), four statements were provided
and the results were as follows:
Table 11: PLO 9 Leadership & Teamwork Skills rating
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
PLO 9 (Leadership & Teamwork Skills)
Weak Average Good Very Good
I am able to work with
individuals from different
0
1
1
15
backgrounds
(%)
0.0
3.4
3.4
51.7
I am able to work
successfully as a member of
0
1
1
13
a team
(%)
0.0
3.4
3.4
44.8
I am able to work
successfully as a leader of a
0
1
1
18
team
(%)
0.0
3.4
3.4
62.1
I am able to function in
0
0
2
17
multidisciplinary teams
(%)
0.0
0.0
6.9
58.6

Excellent
12
41.4
14
48.3
9
31.0
10
34.5

3.3 SECTION D: CONTRIBUTIONS OF LECTURERS AND ACADEMIC ADVISORS

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DTP)

Responses from students towards the lecturers and academic advisors contributions are
summarized below. Graduates were asked to offer insights of encouragement given into the
programme delivery process. Six attributes of encouragement were offered and the results
were as follows:
Table 12: Contributions of Lecturers and Academic Advisors rating
CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions of Lecturers and Academic Advisors
To what extent did your
lecturer/academic advisor
Weak Average Good Very Good
encourage you to:
Set high expectations for
0
0
2
16
learning?
(%)
0.0
0.0
6.9
55.2
Be an actively involved
0
0
3
15
learner?
(%)
0.0
0.0
10.3
51.7
Show concern for student
0
0
2
15
learning?
(%)
0.0
0.0
6.9
51.7
Provide feedback frequently
0
0
4
15
and promptly?
(%)
0.0
0.0
13.8
51.7
Show concern for student
0
0
2
18
learning?
(%)
0.0
0.0
6.9
62.1
Provide feedback frequently
0
0
1
14
and promptly?
(%)
0.0
0.0
3.4
48.3

Excellent
11
37.9
11
37.9
12
41.4
10
34.5
9
31.0
14
48.3

3.4 SECTION E: ACADEMIC RESOURCES/FACILITIES

In the education eco-system, academic resources/facilities were important in terms of
educational hardware. The teaching and learning process would be greatly enhanced provided
that there were sufficient resources/facilities for students to thrive academically. Table 4
shows the percentage of respondents ratings towards the sufficiency of resources/facilities at
the PKK. Eleven statements of resources/facilities were given and the results were as follows:

Table 13: Academic Resources/Facilities rating

ACADEMIC RESOURCES/FACILITIES
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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DTP)

To what extent did

Politeknik Kota Kinabalu
provide you with the
following
resources/facilities?
Operation hours of the
library
(%)
Access to databases and
collections both physically
and online in the library
(%)
Easy and responsive services
of the HEP staff
(%)
Easy and responsive services
of the counselling staff
(%)
Easy and responsive services
of the library staff
(%)
Easy and responsive services
of the administration staff
(%)
Access to Wi-Fi internet
(%)
Quality of computer labs
(%)
Quality of laboratories /
workshops / kitchens
(%)
Quality of classrooms
(%)
Quality of sports and
recreational facilities
(%)

Weak

Average

Good

Very Good

Excellent

20

0.0

0.0

3.4

69.0

27.6

16

10

0.0

0.0

10.3

55.2

34.5

16

0.0

0.0

17.2

55.2

27.6

14

13

0.0

0.0

6.9

48.3

44.8

14

12

0.0

0.0

10.3

48.3

41.4

15

0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0

0.0
1
3.4
1
3.4

17.2
8
27.6
4
13.8

51.7
10
34.5
13
44.8

31.0
10
34.5
11
37.9

16

10

0.0
0
0.0

3.4
0
0.0

6.9
8
27.6

55.2
12
41.4

34.5
9
31.0

13

10

0.0

3.4

17.2

44.8

34.5

4. SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS FROM STUDENTS

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DTP)

There are several suggestions from student to improve the quality of teaching and learning
process, academic resources or facilities, curriculum and polytechnic management. There are:
i.

Some of academic resources and facilities such as machinery, lab equipment, Wi-Fi
internet and classroom need to well manage and maintenance

ii.

In teaching and learning process they suggest all lecturers should be used simple
language

iii.

Lecturer or academic adviser need to monitor student and develop they self confident,
appearance and discipline.

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DTP)