A Global Program-Educational-Objectives Comparative Study for Malaysian Electrical and Electronic Engineering Graduates

Outstanding academic achievement in the field of higher education is a source of pride for the university. The success of the university is measured not only by academic performance but also by the quality of graduates produced. In Malaysia, three major categories in higher learning are identified: public, private, and foreign-branch universities. All engineering programs follow the requirements set by the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) on behalf of the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). The programme educational objectives (PEOs) make up one of the elements that needs assessment for ensuring its continuity in line with the university's mission and vision. A PEO comparative study on selected reputable electrical and electronic (EE)-engineering department universities was carried out based on the mapping of PEO attribute keywords. These attributes were then classified into either cluster, sharing, or uniqueness groups. The study compared the relevancy of each PEO statement suggested by stakeholders and other interested parties. The results from the PEO comparative study suggested that attributes on competency, ethics, professionalism, and leadership are given high priorities. However, the increase in demand for entrepreneurship-, multidisciplinary-, and soft skills should also be considered when reviewing the institution's engineering curriculum. The uniqueness of such attributes will distinguish the EE-engineering graduates' profession, marketability, and employability. PEO statements reflect the credibility and sustainability of a well-balanced graduate equipped with the right knowledge, skills, and values.

Automated summary

Outstanding academic achievement in higher education is a source of pride for the university, which is measured not only by academic performance, but also by the quality of graduates. In Malaysia, higher education is divided into public, private, and foreign-branch universities. All engineering programs must meet the requirements set by the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) on behalf of the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). Program educational objectives (PEOs) are one of the elements that need to be assessed to ensure their alignment with the university's mission and vision. A comparative study of PEOs in reputable electrical and electronic engineering departments was conducted, focusing on attribute keywords. The study found that attributes related to competency, ethics, professionalism, and leadership received high priority. However, the increasing demand for entrepreneurship, multidisciplinary, and soft skills should also be considered in reviewing the institution's engineering curriculum.