Programme Exit Survey (PES)

Report
Diploma in Business Studies - DPM
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
Dalinah Banting

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

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 Asyikin Abd Rahman
Shalizan B. Kadir
Mohd Mayuzie Yusof
Fadlilhisham B Ahmad

Research Fellow in Diploma in Business Studies

NO
1
2
3

NAME
Barbara Belinda James
Alexander Jiran
Razinah Sikul (Head of Program)

ABSTRACT
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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DPM)

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 Commerce Department (JP), Politeknik Kota Kinabalu
(PKK). This PES was conducted on 102 final semester students, graduating from Diploma in
Business Studies (DPM). 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 97.1% 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 97.5% of the students.
Assessment on lecturers and academic advisor were rated 28.1% as excellent and 52.6% as
very good. In terms of academic resources and facilities, the access to Wi-Fi had the
highest unsatisfactory concerned from the respondent whereby 19.6% rated the item as
weak.
Keywords: overall quality, skills and knowledge, lecturer and academic advisor, academic
resources and facilities

1. INTRODUCTION
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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DPM)

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 DPM 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 DPM
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. i
ii.
iii.
iv.

Apply fundamental principles of business and soft skills in related business and
other related fields to be outstanding and successful in the future.
Use effectively management tools and interpersonal skills in business and working

environment.
Communicate effectively with colleague and society as a whole.
Use effectively and efficiently the necessary techniques, skills, and its tools in business pract
business problems.
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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DPM)

v.
vi.
vii.

Develop an effective social responsibility and humanistic values to meet the common goals
Engage in life-long learning to enrich knowledge and competencies
Inculcate entrepreneurial skills in the related discipline that contribute towards national growth

viii.
ix.

the business environment

Adhere to professional codes of ethics to adapt the real challenges in working environment
Demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork responsibility

2. METHODOLOGY
This survey involved 102 DPM students from June 2013 semester. Students were asked to
fill up the PES questionnaires which were posted online and 87.2% 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

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

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DPM)

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 towards 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

28
27.5

74
72.5

3.2 SECTION B: OVERALL QUALITY

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
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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DPM)

OVERALL QUALITY
Weak
Average Good

Very Good

Excellent

What is your impression

on the overall quality of
curriculum; and teaching
and learning at PKK?
(%)
To what extent has the

22

57

20

0.0

2.9

21.6

55.9

19.6

22

52

22

0.0

5.9

21.6

51.0

21.6

quality of teaching and

learning in PKK
improved since you were
here?
(%)

3.2.1 PLO 1 (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
I am able to apply
knowledge of core discipline
courses in my programme
(%)
I am able to apply
knowledge of specialized
courses in my programme
(%)
I am able to apply
knowledge of elective
courses in my programme
(%)
I am able to understand the
technological applications
relevant to my programme
of study
(%)

Very Good

Excellent

22

57

21

0.0

2.0

21.6

55.9

20.6

20

61

20

0.0

1.0

19.6

59.8

19.6

26

56

17

0.0

2.9

25.5

54.9

16.7

20

54

21

0.0

6.9

19.6

52.9

20.6

3.2.2 PLO 2 (Technical & Practical Skills)

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DPM)

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
(%)

Excellent

24

54

21

0.0

2.9

23.5

52.9

20.6

I am able to demonstrate my
practical skills effectively

20

53

26

(%)

0.0

2.9

19.6

52.0

25.5

28

53

20

0.0

1.0

27.5

52.0

19.6

I am able to use computing

technology for applications
in my programme
(%)

3.2.3 PLO 3 (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

Excellent

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DPM)

I am able to communicate
effectively orally/visually
(informal / formal /
conversational / presentation)

15

54

32

(%)

0.0

1.0

14.7

52.9

31.4

I am able to communicate
effectively in writing (writing
reports and expressing ideas
and opinions clearly and
concisely)

15

55

30

(%)

0.0

2.0

14.7

53.9

29.4

I am able to use computing

technology in communications

24

47

30

(%)

0.0

1.0

23.5

46.1

29.4

3.2.4 PLO 4 (Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skills)

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, tools and
0
2
24
53
skills related to my
programme
(%)
0.0
2.0
23.5
52.0
I am able to think critically
0
2
23
57
and logically
(%)
0.0
2.0
22.5
55.9
I am able to plan, organize
0
3
18
57
and complete a task
(%)
0.0
2.9
17.6
55.9
3.2.5 PLO 5 (Social Skills and Responsibilities)

Excellent
23
22.5
20
19.6
24
23.5

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

Excellent
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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DPM)

I am able to understand the

role of my work in relation
to social or cultural issues
(%)
I am aware of the value of
considering diversity and
differences in cultures in my
work
(%)
I am aware of the impact of
my work in a social context
(%)

17

58

25

0.0

2.0

16.7

56.9

24.5

19

53

28

0.0

2.0

18.6

52.0

27.5

18

55

27

0.0

2.0

17.6

53.9

26.5

3.2.6 PLO 6 (Continuous Learning & Information Management Skills)

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
1
11
48
42
knowledge
(%)
0.0
1.0
10.8
47.1
41.2
I am able to engage in
continuous learning beyond
0
2
16
46
38
the classroom
(%)
0.0
2.0
15.7
45.1
37.3
I am able to learn and apply
0
4
24
50
24
new concepts
(%)
0.0
3.9
23.5
49.0
23.5
I am able to use information
resources (databases,
libraries, internet etc)

18

51

26

(%)

1.0

5.9

17.6

50.0

25.5

3.2.7 PLO 7 (Management & Entrepreneurial Skills)

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DPM)

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
2
14
52
of my studies
(%)
0.0
2.0
13.7
51.0
I am able to develop time
0
4
10
60
management skills
(%)
0.0
3.9
9.8
58.8

Excellent
34
33.3
28
27.5

3.2.8 PLO 8 (Professionalism, Ethics & Moral)

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
2
14
48
responsibilities related to my
work
(%)
0.0
2.0
13.7
47.1
I am aware of the importance
of safety issues related to my
0
4
9
57
work
(%)
0.0
3.9
8.8
55.9

Excellent
38
37.3
32
31.4

3.2.9 PLO 9 (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

Excellent
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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DPM)

I am able to work with

individuals from different
backgrounds
(%)

16

45

40

0.0

1.0

15.7

44.1

39.2

I am able to work successfully

as a member of a team

14

52

35

(%)

0.0

1.0

13.7

51.0

34.3

I am able to work successfully

as a leader of a team

28

43

27

0.0

3.9

27.5

42.2

26.5

23

51

27

0.0

1.0

22.5

50.0

26.5

(%)
I am able to function in
multidisciplinary teams
(%)

3.3 SECTION D: CONTRIBUTIONS OF LECTURERS AND ACADEMIC ADVISORS

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
1
18
49
learning?
(%)
0.0
1.0
17.6
48.0
Be an actively involved
0
4
22
45
learner?
(%)
0.0
3.9
21.6
44.1
Show concern for student
0
1
13
61
learning?
(%)
0.0
1.0
12.7
59.8
Provide feedback frequently
0
2
15
61
and promptly?
(%)
0.0
2.0
14.7
59.8
Show concern for student
0
4
19
53
learning?

Excellent
34
33.3
31
30.4
27
26.5
24
23.5
26
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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DPM)

(%)
Provide feedback frequently
and promptly?
(%)

0.0

3.9

18.6

52.0

25.5

17

53

30

0.0

2.0

16.7

52.0

29.4

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
To what extent did Politeknik
Kota Kinabalu provide you
with the following
resources/facilities?

Weak

Average

Good

Very Good

Excellent

Operation hours of the library

26

50

18

(%)

0.0

7.8

25.5

49.0

17.6

11

34

46

11

0.0

10.8

33.3

45.1

10.8

10

30

42

20

0.0

9.8

29.4

41.2

19.6

33

50

12

0.0

6.9

32.4

49.0

11.8

35

42

22

0.0

2.9

34.3

41.2

21.6

34

46

15

0.0

6.9

33.3

45.1

14.7

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
(%)

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DPM)

Access to Wi-Fi internet

(%)
Quality of computer labs
(%)
Quality of laboratories /
workshops / kitchens
(%)
Quality of classrooms
(%)
Quality of sports and
recreational facilities
(%)

20
19.6
11
10.8

24
23.5
18
17.6

19
18.6
30
29.4

26
25.5
31
30.4

13
12.7
12
11.8

19

44

28

2.0
4
3.9

18.6
29
28.4

43.1
30
29.4

27.5
28
27.5

8.8
11
10.8

20

40

25

13

3.9

19.6

39.2

24.5

12.7

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DPM)

4. SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS FROM STUDENTS

Increasing the quality of infrastructure in terms of classrooms and computer lab

facilities.

Expand the range of Internet to facilitate access for students to make-do with the time
and site specific.

Provide comfortable and adequate facilities for teaching and learning session.

Provision of regular classes

Upgrade and add WiFi.

Increasing the quantity and safety measure of the inadequate and unsafe car parking
spaces and drainage system in Polytechnics Kota Kinabalu which is affected by
flashflood during heavy rain.

Increasing the quality of management

Increasing the activities during teaching and learning process so that students can
understand the lessons.

Improve the facilities and lecture rooms each department.

Lecturers teaching techniques should be consistent with the OBE which were
practiced in the polytechnics in order to improve student performance.

Provide buildings for commerce students and improve the quality of facilities in the
Polytechnics Kota Kinabalu.

Set up a special module for all subjects.

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PKK Program Exit Survey Report June 2013 Session (DPM)