EAC MANUAL 2003

ENGINEERING ACCREDITATION COUNCIL MALAYSIA

ENGINEERING PROGRAMME ACCREDITATION MANUAL

1. INTRODUCTION

The Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) registers graduates and professional engineers
under the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 (Revised 2002). The prerequisite for
registration as a graduate engineer is upon successful completion of an accredited
engineering programme.

BEM has a duty to ensure the quality of engineering education/programme attains the
minimum standard comparable to global practice, hence the necessity to have the
Engineering Programme Accreditation Manual.

Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) is the body delegated by BEM for accreditation of
engineering degrees. EAC is represented by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), The
Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), the National Accreditation Board (Lembaga
Akreditasi Negara (LAN)) and the Public Services Department (Jabatan Perkhidmatan
Awam Malaysia (JPA)). This manual outlines details for accreditation of an engineering
programme in Malaysia.

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2.0 DEFINITION

2.1 GENERAL

BEM/Board - Board of Engineers Malaysia

IEM - The Institution of Engineers Malaysia

LAN - National Accreditation Board

(Lembaga Akreditasi Negara)

JPA - Public Services Department

(Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam)

EAC/Council - Engineering Accreditation Council established

by the Board

Panel - A team of evaluators appointed to undertake

accreditation activities

Appeal Board - A Board to consider appeal on EAC decision

by a university

Professional engineer - A Person registered under Section 10(2)

Registration of Engineers (Amendment) Act

2002

2.2 UNIVERSITY/ PROGRAMME

University - All institutions of higher learning; authorised by

legislation (either directly or indirectly) to
award engineering degree.

Faculty - The entity responsible for designing and

conducting the programme to be accredited.

Programme - The sequence of structured educational

experience undertaken by the students leading
to the award of an engineering degree on
completion and on satisfactory assessment of
performance.

Degree - A professional engineering qualification in

Malaysia normally titled Bachelor of
Engineering.

Academic staff - The staff responsible for teaching in the

programme leading to the award of an
engineering degree.

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External Examiner - A suitable person with high academic standing

appointed by the university to ensure
academic quality and standard of the
programme.

SPM - Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (Malaysian Certificate

of Education)

STPM - Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (Malaysian

Higher Certificate of Education)

2.2 ACCREDITATION

Approval - Approval to conduct a new programme

Accredited - An engineering programme acceptable for

Programme graduate registration and for professional
registration with the Board after satisfying its
training requirements and for admission to
membership of IEM in the grade of Graduate

Full Accreditation - The programme that fully satisfies the

minimum standard for accreditation set by
EAC, which is for a maximum period of 5
years.

Conditional - Where there are minor shortcomings in

Accreditation meeting the accreditation requirement, the
programme may be given conditional
accreditation for a period of not more than 2
years during which the faculty must take
necessary corrective measures, failing which
the conditional accreditation will cease.

Declined accreditation - Where there are major shortcomings in

meeting the accreditation requirements,
accreditation shall be declined. In such a case,
a further application is not normally considered
within the next two years.

Ceasation/Termination - After accreditation has been given, and it is

of accreditation found that there is non-compliance or breach
of accreditation requirements, EAC reserves
the right to cause to cease the accreditation.

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3.0 OBJECTIVE

The main objective of accreditation is to ensure that the accredited engineering

programmes carried out by universities in Malaysia satisfy the minimum academic
requirements for registration as a graduate engineer with the Board of Engineers Malaysia
(BEM) and for admission to membership of IEM in the grade of Graduate.

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4.0 POLICY ON ACCREDITATION

4.1 PREAMBLE

University education provides the learning base on which competence for a professional
engineering career is built. It is important that the education provides the graduates with
the generic attributes listed in Section 4.2 below.

It is equally important that the education process be accredited by EAC to give assurance
to the students, the universities, the public and the profession that the education will
indeed provide a graduate with the required attributes. Through the process of
accreditation, EAC ensures that graduates from an accredited programme are adequately
prepared to enter and to continue the practice of engineering.

4.2 THE GENERIC ATTRIBUTES OF A GRADUATE

Graduates from an accredited programme should have the following attributes:

(a) ability to acquire and apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals;
(b) ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the
community at large;
(c) in-depth technical competence in a specific engineering discipline;
(d) ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution;
(e) ability to utilise a systems approach to design and evaluate operational
performance;
(f) understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development;
(g) understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and commitment to
them;
(h) ability to function effectively as an individual and in a group with the capacity to
be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member;
(i) understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of
a professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development; and
(j) expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, and possessing/acquiring
the capacity to do so.

4.3 THE TEACHING AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

The following must be in place within the teaching and learning environment:
(i) a strategic statement of objectives by the university on engineering education;
(ii) an identifiable structure responsible for engineering education within the
university;
(iii) an effective advisory mechanism involving industry participation;
(iv) capabilities in terms of staffing and resources to ensure that the stated objectives
can be met.

4.4 THE ACADEMIC PROGRAMME

The minimum requirement for the academic programme with Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran
Malaysia (STPM) or equivalent as the entry requirement is 120 credit hours, full-time
programme normally undertaken over a four-year period. The following elements of the
academic programme are seen as critical to ensuring that the graduates acquire the
generic attributes listed in Section 4.2.

Programmes offered in alternate modes (part-time, distance mode etc) must demonstrate
equivalent content and outcomes as in the normal face to face on campus programme.

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4.4.1 Programme Philosophy and Objective

There must be a clear statement of the mission and the objective for each programme and
of the broad characteristics expected of a graduate.

4.4.2 Programme Structure and Content

The programme structure and content must be such that graduates acquire the generic
attributes listed in Section 4.2, and the programme objectives are met. Typically an
engineering programme should have the following elements:
(i) mathematics, science, engineering principles, skills and tools (computing,
experimentation) appropriate to the discipline of study.
(ii) engineering design and projects.
(iii) integrated exposure to professional engineering practice (including management
and professional ethics).
(iv) electives in related engineering fields

4.4.3 External Benchmarking

The university shall appoint external examiners/advisors to ensure that the programme
quality and standard reflect relevant best practices.

4.5 EXPOSURE TO PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING PRACTICE

Students must be exposed to professional engineering practice integrated throughout their

programme to enable them to develop an engineering approach and to gain an
appreciation of professional engineering ethics. The purpose is to facilitate their entry into
the profession and to better prepare their capability to develop the attributes listed in
Section 4.2. This exposure shall include industrial training in an engineering environment
outside the teaching establishment

In addition, exposure to professional engineering practice may also be obtained through a

combination of the following:
(i) use of guest lecturers;
(ii) use of staff with industrial experience;
(iii) courses on professional ethics and conduct;
(iv) industry visits;
(v) an industry-based final year project;
(vi) regular use of a logbook in which experiences are recorded.

4.6. APPROVAL TO CONDUCT A NEW ENGINEERING PROGRAMME

Approval to conduct a new engineering programme shall be given by relevant authorities.

Initial evaluation by EAC shall be forwarded to the authorities. Approval to conduct a
programme does not guarantee full accreditation if the degree programme does not satisfy
EAC requirements.

4.7 THE ACCREDITATION PROCESS

Accreditation of engineering programmes is undertaken by EAC at the request of

universities.

Accreditation is accorded to the engineering programme, not the faculty or the university.

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The EAC’s accreditation process will focus on outcomes as the university develops
internal systems, which ensure that the graduates are adequately prepared to enter the
engineering profession. This will enable the university to play a more significant role in the
accreditation process.

The concept involves quality assurance systems and processes set in place, which will
ensure that graduates are adequately prepared to enter the practice of engineering.

The EAC will normally visit at five-year intervals to ensure that the education being
delivered provides the graduates with the attributes listed in Section 4.2. During the visit,
emphasis will be placed on verification of the standards reached by the students through
detailed inspection of the applicable quality output measures.

4.8 MONITORING PROCESS

University is to submit all the external examiner’s reports annually for each accredited
programme to EAC.

EAC may visit the university from time to time to ensure the quality of the programmes if
necessary.

4.9 BENEFITS OF ACCREDITATION

Accreditation provides: -

(i) confirmation that the programme meets the criteria for accreditation;
(i) public knowledge of programmes accredited by EAC;
(ii) a guarantee to prospective students that the university’s engineering programme
provides entry into the profession;
(iii) a basis for international comparability, reciprocal recognition and graduate
mobility;
(iv) a constructive feedback to the government and university of the basic
requirements of a professional engineering education, and the level of resources
reasonably required to meet these requirements;
(v) consultative feedback on the design of new programmes and modes of delivery,
and assistance in the promotion of innovation and good educational practice.

4.10 CEASATION/TERMINATION OF ACCREDITATION

After the accreditation has been given, and it is found there is non-compliance of
accreditation requirements, EAC reserves the right to cause to cease the accreditation if
the university does not take appropriate action to comply with the requirements within a
specific period set by EAC.

4.11 APPEAL

A university may appeal against a decision made by EAC to the Appeal Board.

4.12 EXPENSES

The university shall bear the cost incurred for carrying out activities in the approval and
accreditation process.

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5.0 PROMOTION OF INNOVATION AND DISSEMINATION OF GOOD PRACTICE

5.1 EVALUATING AN INNOVATIVE PROGRAMME

It is a challenge for an accreditation process to promote innovation, experimentation and

dissemination of good practice, while maintaining standards that can be objectively
certified nationally and internationally. Innovation by its nature challenges existing wisdom,
but not every programme that departs from existing norms can be said to be innovative or
desirable. All fundamentals required in the programme must be maintained.

The EAC accreditation system encourages innovation by minimising prescriptiveness in

how the required outcomes are attained. Programme evaluation will always focus on the
intent of the criteria and on the demonstrated capability of graduates to enter engineering
practice at a professional level. Clearly however, a programme which departs radically
from the methods normally thought necessary – for example, by employing only a fraction
of the normal complement of staff – may expect a searching examination of method as
well as outcomes. The EAC and its Panel are expected to be receptive to new
approaches, and to use the best judgement available to evaluate the substance and merit
of the programme.

Continuing innovation and development can be expected to lead to restatement of the

criteria and policy of accreditation.

5.2 COMMUNICATING A VIEWPOINT

The Policy requires universities to maintain their own industry advisory mechanisms and
consultations with stakeholders. Nevertheless, EAC may wish from time to time to provide
a viewpoint to universities, for example, a perceived need for new programmes in certain
fields, or a suggested change in direction or emphasis. Similarly, it may wish to consult
with universities in forming views to forward to the Government or other third party.

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6.0 CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION

An engineering programme will be assessed by EAC for the purpose of graduate

registration with BEM, and graduate membership with IEM. The assessment involves a
review/evaluation of the following:
(a) academic programme which includes the curriculum and syllabus, laboratory work,
industrial training and project work;
(b) the academic staff and students;
(c) learning facilities (library, computer, laboratories, etc.);
(d) quality management system.

A general format of the document to be submitted is given in Section 9 and Appendix D.

6.1 ACADEMIC PROGRAMME

6.1.1 Credit Hours

Definition: One credit hour is defined as one hour of lecture per week for a minimum of
14 weeks in a semester (not including examination or mid-term break).

One credit hour equivalent is awarded for 2 hours of laboratory or workshop for a
minimum of 14 weeks in a semester (not including examination or mid-term break).

One credit hour equivalent is awarded to 2 hours of supervised and compulsory tutorial
session for a minimum of 14 weeks in a semester (not including examination or mid term
break) subject to a maximum of one credit hour for each subject in that semester.

6.1.2 Requirements for Degree Programme

The minimum total number of credit hours for an engineering programme with entry
qualification of STPM or equivalent is 120.

The 120 credit hours shall be made up as follows: -

(a) engineering subjects: : 80 credit hours (minimum)

(b) related subjects (such as languages, : 40 credit hours

general studies, co-curriculum,
management, law, accountancy,
economics, social sciences etc.)

Credit hours for remedial classes in language, basic sciences and basic mathematics
shall not be included.
(i) Final year project work to complement engineering studies shall be considered
an engineering subject subject to a minimum of 6 credit hours and a maximum
of 12 credit hours.
(ii) Laboratory work to complement the engineering theory shall be considered as
part of the engineering subjects.
(iii) Industrial training shall be for a minimum of two months duration. Credit hours
allowed are 2 credit hours for the first two months and 2 credit hours per month
for the following months, subject to a maximum of 6 credit hours. The training
shall be adequately structured, supervised and recorded in log books/report.
(iv) It is likely that programmes will increasingly be staffed and delivered in a variety
of modes. These may involve non-traditional channels for student-staff
interaction; student activity and staff support in locations other than that of the
main campus, including franchised programmes, and networking and contracting

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among universities and others. The university awarding the degree will be
considered responsible for ensuring the capabilities of all staff involved, and the
panel will require evidence of how this is being achieved.

6.1.3 Tutorial

Tutorial should be part and parcel of the programme so as to complement the lectures.
A tutorial session should preferably not exceed thirty (30) students at any one time.

6.1.4 Laboratory Work

Students should receive sufficient laboratory work to complement engineering theory that
is learnt through lectures.

The laboratory should help students develop competence in executing experimental

work. Students should work in groups, preferably not more than 5 in a group.

Throughout the programme, there should be adequate provision for laboratory or similar
investigative work, which will develop in the young engineer the confidence to deal with
new and unusual engineering problems.

6.1.5 Industrial Training

Exposure to professional engineering practice is a key element in differentiating a

professional engineering degree from an applied science degree. Although the status of
Corporate or Professional Engineer requires a substantial period of experiential formation
in industry as well as completion of an accredited academic programme, it is clearly
unsatisfactory for the student's perceptions of engineering to develop, over the first few
critical years, in complete isolation from the realities of practice.

Familiarity with all common engineering processes is essential and exposure at a

practical level to a wide variety of processes is required at a level appropriate to the
young professional. Whilst it is clearly desirable for students to get a feel for the skills
involved, the central aim is to achieve appreciation, not to acquire craft skills. Clearly,
many of the latest processes and large scale or costly operations can only be the subject
of observation or demonstration, and visits to engineering works may be helpful in many
such cases.

Exposure to engineering practice shall be integrated throughout the curriculum. This

exposure shall include industrial training in an engineering environment outside the
teaching establishment. In addition, exposure to professional engineering practice may
also be obtained through a combination of the following:
(i) use of guest lecturers;
(ii) use of staff with industrial experience;
(iii) courses on professional ethics and conduct;
(iv) industry visits;
(v) an industry-based final year project;
(vi) regular use of a logbook in which experiences are recorded.

It is considered that there is no real substitute for first-hand experience in an engineering-

practice environment, outside the university. The EAC advocates that all engineering
academic staff acquire some exposure to such experience, in addition to the other
elements suggested, and make efforts to assist all students gain placements of suitable
quality.

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6.1.6 Final Year Project

The final year project can provide one of the best means of introducing a real
professional approach to engineering studies. For this reason, the use of projects as a
vehicle for teaching and for integration of subject areas is strongly encouraged
throughout the programme.

It is a requirement for the programme to include a significant project in the later stages.
Whilst group projects, e.g. in design exercises, may be entirely appropriate for work in
earlier years, the final year project is required to demand individual analysis and
judgement, capable of being assessed independently from the work of others. The
student is expected to develop techniques in literature review and information
prospecting.

Where practicable, it is recommended that final year projects should also provide
opportunities to utilise appropriate modern technology in some aspect of the work,
emphasising the need for engineers to make use of computers and multimedia
technology in everyday practice.

6.1.7 Programme Content

Essential elements and features

Guidelines are offered in this manual for essential elements and features, which together
will render a programme acceptable for accreditation by EAC. The balance between the
essential elements forming the core of the programme and additional specialist or
optional studies will vary with individual programme objectives. The emphasis on
particular elements or features of the programme must remain flexible, but it will be
required in the accreditation process to confirm that minimum levels of understanding and
standards of achievement are attained in the basic subjects relevant to the branch of
engineering.

It is highly desirable that university and industry should work together in keeping
programme objectives and content up-to-date. However, they should not lose sight of the
need to provide an education in engineering, which will form a sound basis for a career
that is likely to see rapid changes in technology. As a general rule, it will be appropriate
for the programme structure to be designed to give a progressive shift of emphasis from
engineering science and principles in the early stages towards more integrated studies in
the final year, in a way that will impact knowledge of applications of fundamentals and
provide a focus for a professional approach.

The essential elements and features are identified for convenience under several
headings, without implying that each is to be treated as a separate or isolated
component.

In general, the syllabus and curriculum content must be adequate in quality and quantity
in terms of coverage and depth.

The curriculum content should cover the following:

(i) mathematics, science, engineering principles, skills and tools (computing,
experimentation) appropriate to the discipline of study;
(ii) engineering applications - design and projects;
(iii) integrated exposure to professional engineering practice, including management
and professional ethics;
(iv) laboratory work;
(v) industrial training;
(vi) business and social environment;

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(vii) communication.

Typical programme contents for selected engineering branches are shown in Appendix
B.

6.1.8 The Business and Social Environment

All graduates should have an understanding of the business and social environment in
engineering and of the interaction with technology in the practical decisions of industrial
management. Within an undergraduate programme, this element should not aim to
develop management expertise at the expense of engineering competency, but must
create an awareness of the essential involvement of engineers in business decisions and
an understanding of the broad contribution and responsibility of engineers in industry and
in society. This should also cover an integrated exposure to professional engineering
practice, including management and professional ethics.

6.1.9 Communication

All graduate engineers must be able to communicate effectively, not only with other
engineers but also with all other persons likely to be encountered throughout a
developing career. From the initial stages, careful attention must be given to the skills of
clear, concise reporting - both oral and written - at the level of demand or comprehension
of the recipient. This element should progressively encompass all common methods of
conveying information including sketching, modern drawing office practice, computer
aids, and data transmission and retrieval.

6.2 ACADEMIC STAFF AND STUDENTS

6.2.1 Academic Staff

The teaching staff must be sufficient in number and capability to ensure the quality of the
engineering programme and the attainment of its stated outcomes. As a guide, a viable
engineering department would be expected to have a minimum of 8 full-time academic
staff in the specialised field of the engineering programme.

In general, the academic staff should have postgraduate degrees (Master level or higher).
However, staff with good first degree and wide industrial/specialist experience with
acceptable professional qualifications may be considered.

Academic staff should be encouraged to acquire professional qualification.

To ensure effective teaching, the full-time equivalent academic staff to student ratio shall
be 1:15 or better.

Teaching load must be compatible with the climate of encouraging research and
professional development. The university is responsible for ensuring a balanced and
conducive environment for effective teaching, research and professional development.
Academic staff, regardless of their individual capabilities, cannot be expected to function
effectively as teachers and seekers of new knowledge if they are heavily burdened with
administrative duties.

Universities may engage part-time staff with acceptable professional qualification in the
related engineering fields. The full-time equivalent of part-time staff should not exceed
30%.

There must also be sufficient qualified and experienced technical and administrative staff
to provide adequate support to the educational programme.

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6.2.2 Students

Students intending to pursue engineering programmes must have a good understanding

of mathematics and physical sciences. The normal entry qualification is STPM (with good
principal passes in mathematics and physical sciences) or equivalent.

Universities must ensure that students who do not meet the above criteria, undertake
suitable remedial programmes in order to attain the equivalent entry qualification.
6.3 LEARNING FACILITIES

The quality of the environment in which the programme is delivered is regarded as

paramount in providing the educational experience necessary for engendering
independence of thought of its graduates.

There must be adequate classrooms, learning-support facilities, study areas, information

resources (library), computing and information-technology systems, and general
infrastructure to meet the programme’s objectives. This must enable students to learn the
use of modern engineering and organisational tools, and explore beyond the formal
dictates of their specific programme of study.

For programmes offered wholly or partly in distance mode, or at multiple or remote

locations, facilities must be sufficient to provide students with learning experience and
support, equivalent to on-campus students. There must be adequate student-staff
interaction.

On-campus students should participate in the other activities of the university and of other
parts of the university, and reasonable effort should be made to provide similar
opportunities for distance students.

Laboratories and workshops should be adequately equipped for experiments and “hands-
on” experience in the area of the core subjects. Appropriate experimental facilities must
be available for students to gain substantial experience in understanding and operating
engineering equipment and of designing and conducting experiments. The equipment
must be reasonably representative of modern engineering practice. Where practical work
is undertaken at another university, or in industry, arrangements must be such as to
provide reasonable accessibility and opportunity for learning.

6.4 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

6.4.1 Strategic Statement, Institutional Support and Leadership

The university must demonstrate that it regards quality engineering education as a

significant and long-term component of its activity. This would most commonly be
reflected from a university's mission statement and strategic plans. It must have adequate
arrangements for planning, development, delivery, review of engineering programmes
and staff, and academic and professional development.

The university must have in place adequate policies and mechanisms for funding the
programme; for attracting, appointing, retaining and rewarding well-qualified staff and
providing for their ongoing professional development; and for providing and updating
infrastructure and support services. It must ensure that creative leadership is available to
the university through the appointment of highly qualified and experienced senior staff in
sufficient numbers.

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6.4.2 Assessment Procedures of Programmes of Study

The regulations for assessment procedures of programmes of study must be made

available and maintained by the faculty.

The university should be able to demonstrate its management system for assessment,
which should include:
(a) examination regulations;
(b) system of assessment and criteria for pass/fail;
(c) preparation procedures for examination papers;
(d) level of examination papers; and
(e) assessment procedures for final year project/industrial training.

The university shall have an external examiner for each programme to independently
review the overall academic standard as shown in Appendix F.

The external examiner should be a person of good standing in the academic and
engineering profession. The external examiner is expected to carry out the overall
assessment of the programme including staff as well as all subjects and laboratory work
undertaken by the students. Assessment is to be made yearly, at the end of each
academic session.

The external examiner’s report shall be included in the application for accreditation.

6.4.3 Assessment of Programme Objectives.

The university must have systems in place to ensure that the stated outcomes are met
and that the programme objectives and quality are continually reviewed and improved.
The system must include: -
(i) Documented processes for programme planning, curriculum development and
approval and regular curriculum review. The introduction of new programmes or
majors must relate to the educational objectives and needs of the country.
(ii) An admissions system that ensures an acceptable standard of entry for students
from upper secondary schools and other appropriate backgrounds. It may include
qualifying or remedial/bridging programmes where appropriate. There must be
policies on the acceptance of transfer students, validation of programmes taken
for credit elsewhere and recognition of prior learning, be it formal or informal.
(iii) Processes for securing feedback and comments from students, graduates,
employers of engineers and representatives of the wider community, and
evidence of their systematic application to the review and continuing
improvement of programme objectives, curriculum and content, and the quality of
teaching and learning. Post-programme processes should include graduate
employment data, alumni surveys documenting achievement, and employers
surveys of longer-term performance and development.
(iv) Substantial participation by practising professional engineers, and leading
employers of engineering graduates in the faculty’s forward planning and its
processes for ensuring educational quality including assessment of graduate
performance. There must be evidence of real dialogue and involvement.
(v) A process for comparing or benchmarking programme standards with those of
other universities, nationally and preferably internationally. This could be
undertaken with the use of external examiners or external advisors.
(vi) A record management system, enabling audit of the above processes at any time
and confirmation of their integrity.

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7.0 APPROVAL PROCEDURE FOR A NEW ENGINEERING PROGRAMME

7.1 EAC’s Initial Evaluation

The evaluation procedure at this stage shall comprise the following steps:

(a) Application for Approval to Conduct a New Degree Programme

The university intending to conduct a new programme shall obtain approval from the
relevant authorities.

The university should submit the complete set of documents (refer to Section 9 and
Appendix C) to LAN/IEM for initial evaluation by EAC. The recommendation from EAC
will be forwarded to the relevant authorities.

When the documents are considered to be inadequate, the University shall be required
to provide further information before an evaluation is carried out. If the required
information is not provided within a specified period, it shall be deemed that the
university no longer intends to conduct the programme.

(b) Initial Evaluation

EAC shall appoint an Evaluation Panel to evaluate the proposed programme.

The evaluation will cover the following areas:

(i) the stated programme objectives;
(ii) the course content;
(iii) the quality of staff, the educational culture;
(iv) the teaching facilities;
(v) the library/resource centre;
(vi) general awareness of current development in engineering education and
engineering practice;
(vii) the university’s quality systems and processes;
(viii) the assessment procedure and examination rules;
(ix) other related activities.

The evaluation may include a visit to the university by the Panel.

7.2 Report and Recommendation

The report from the Panel shall be submitted to EAC within 4 weeks after the
appointment/visit.

7.3 EAC’s Decision

Based on the evaluation, EAC may decide on one of the following:

• to recommend approving the programme to be conducted
• to recommend conditional approval for the programme to be conducted with the
provision that the university takes certain actions to rectify all the shortcomings
indicated in the report within a specified period as determined by EAC
• not to recommend for approval.

The recommendation from EAC is specific to the programme, location and mode of
delivery. Where the same programme is offered by the university at different locations
and/or via different modes of delivery, the university shall make a fresh application.

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8.0 ACCREDITATION PROCEDURE

EAC’s accreditation procedure normally comprises the following steps:

8.1 APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION

The university should make an application together with complete documents (Section 9
and Appendix D) to LAN/IEM for a programme to be considered for accreditation by EAC.

For a programme that has been accredited earlier, the university should apply for re-
accreditation at least 6 months before the expiry date of the accreditation.

If the documents submitted are found to be inadequate, the university shall be required to
provide further information before an accreditation visit can be scheduled. The application
will be deemed to have been withdrawn if further information is not submitted within a
specified period.

8.2 ACCREDITATION VISIT

The accreditation visit shall be carried out by a Panel.

The visit will normally extend over two days. The Panel will assess the following:
(i) the stated programme objectives;
(ii) attributes of graduating students;
(iii) the academic atmosphere in the faculty;
(iv) the quality and adequacy of the staff and students, the educational culture, and
general awareness of current developments in engineering education and
engineering practice;
(v) the university’s quality systems and processes;
(vi) the assessment procedure, and the examination of students’ work;
(vii) the facilities and their utilisation; and
(x) other related activities.

At the end of the visit, the Panel shall conduct exit discussions with the university. The
result of this discussion does not bind EAC on the outcome of the accreditation exercise.

8.3 REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION

The report and recommendation from the Panel shall be submitted to EAC within 4 weeks
after the visit.

8.4 EAC’S DECISION

Based on the report and recommendation of the Panel, EAC may decide on
one of the following:

(a) To accord full accreditation for five years.

(b) To accord conditional accreditation for two years maximum.
(c) To decline accreditation. In such a case, a further application is not normally
considered within the next one year.

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For the degree programme that is accorded conditional accreditation, the university shall
take appropriate actions to overcome the shortcomings indicated in the report, and submit
evidence of such actions. If this is adjudged satisfactory, full accreditation may be
accorded for a period to be determined by EAC. If necessary, a further visit may be
scheduled to verify the results of the remedial action. Failure to address the shortcomings
may result in the ceasation/termination of the conditional accreditation at the end of the
stated period.

EAC’s decision shall be sent to the university, through LAN/IEM, and copies to BEM,
IEM/LAN and JPA. The accreditation will be accorded to the specific programme, location
and mode.

Where the same programme is offered by the university at different locations and/or via
different modes of delivery, the university shall apply for accreditation separately. If any of
the programme at different locations and/or via different modes of delivery fails to get
accreditation and the degree issued by the university does not make any differentiation of
the location and/or mode of delivery, EAC may take action to cease accreditation of all
such programmes by that university.

8.5 THE ACCREDITATION CYCLE

8.5.1 General Review

So far as possible, accreditation is scheduled so that all programmes offered by a

particular university are reviewed concurrently at intervals of five years. This is referred to
as a general review of all programmes offered by the university. Programmes that meet all
criteria are accredited or re-accredited for the five-year period. A programme, which
achieves full accreditation in the interval between general reviews, is included in the next
general review.

Accreditation is normally accorded on a full academic year basis.

8.5.2 New Programme

Given the strong focus on graduate outcomes, a new programme cannot be given full
accreditation until after the emergence of the first group of graduates. To provide the
faculty and its students with reasonable assurance, approval to conduct a programme
may be accorded at an earlier stage on the basis of compliance with the criteria to the
extent then possible. The process of accreditation will only be undertaken when the first
intake of students has reached the final year.

8.5.3 Changes to an Accredited Programme

The university shall advise EAC of any change made to an accredited programme. Failure
to do so may cause EAC to cease the accreditation. EAC may direct the university to apply
for re-accreditation of the changed programme.

8.6 PUBLICATION OF ACCREDITATION STATUS

EAC publishes a list of accredited programmes, normally on an annual basis.

8.7 APPEAL

A university may appeal against a decision made by EAC. The notice of appeal must be
made in writing to the Appeal Board within two weeks of receiving the decision, stating the
basis of the appeal. Appeal documents including details are to be submitted in writing to
the Appeal Board within 4 weeks after the above notice of appeal.

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9.0 DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED

9.1 INTRODUCTION

The university applying for accreditation must submit documents as prescribed below. It is
the responsibility of the university to provide accurate information and sufficient evidence
for the purpose of evaluation.

The documents must contain information on, but not limited to the following:

(a) general information and objectives of the programme;

(b) the ways in which the programme addresses the objectives, including the
development of the generic graduate attributes and the attributes appropriate to
any specialist title, and assists each student to meet the required outcomes;
(c) teaching staff and students;
(d) facilities;
(e) the assessment and quality system and how it ensures that each graduand has
met the required outcomes;
(f) the methods used to secure external validation and critical comment on the
programme objectives and outcomes, and to apply such comment to the
continual improvement of the programme and the faculty, and evidence of their
effectiveness; and
(g) any other relevant information.

It should not be necessary to develop extensive documentation specifically for the purpose
of accreditation. The purpose of accreditation is to evaluate the systems already in place,
not to require their creation. In a well-managed university, most of the documentation
requested should already exist.

An acceptable submission is likely to comprise a collection of existing documents,

including a text providing a coherent overview. The overview text should address each of
the criteria, and refer to the relevant supporting material to the extent that existing
documentation provides evidence that the criteria are met.

Submission must be comprehensive, easily readable, and free-standing. The overview

text must address each major point in a definitive way. It will not be sufficient merely to
provide a collection of disparate items, or point to a web site, and leave EAC to find the
relevant information and make the connections for itself.

9.2 DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED

The submitted documents should be concise but of sufficient depth and detail.

A checklist of documents to be submitted is given in Appendix D.

The university is advised to provide accurate information as required in the manual. The
panel during the visit will audit this information.

Documentation should be bound in one or more volumes for convenience and should
include a Table of Contents with all pages numbered.
Unless otherwise stated, the university should submit 6 copies of the following:

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(i) The University Calendar;

(ii) The Handbook, Calendar supplement, or other official publication relating to the
engineering faculty, and containing the public statement of programme details;
and
(iii) University prospectus.
(iv) All other documents as stated in Appendix D

EAC/Panel may at any stage request for further information.

If the submitted documents do not meet these guidelines, the university may be asked to
reapply and submit new documents.

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10. GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATION PANEL AND VISIT

This section should be read in conjunction with Section 8, Accreditation Procedure.

Visits will normally be conducted over two days.

10.1 PRELIMINARY EVALUATION

Each panel member is expected to independently evaluate the documents.

The panel may request for additional information if necessary.

The panel may recommend to EAC resubmission if grossly inadequate documents are
submitted by the university.

10.2 GUIDELINES FOR PANEL VISIT

10.2.1 Accreditation Procedure

The Accreditation procedure should embrace discussions with a wide spectrum of staff
and students, accompanied by visits to all relevant laboratories, library, computing and
other facilities relevant to the programme being accredited.

10.2.2 Assessment

The assessment includes the auditing and confirmation of the report written by the
university covering such matters as:-
(a) programme aims and philosophy, structure, curricula (content, balance, coverage
of core material, etc.), appropriateness to the engineering profession in Malaysia,
content of laboratory work, project work, opportunities for non-technical subjects,
balance of lectures, tutorials, laboratories etc.;
(b) academic staff qualifications, research activities, publications, industrial
experience and contact, staff loading, motivation and enthusiasm;
(c) departmental resources and structure, financial provision, industry involvement,
accommodation, laboratory facilities and computing services;
(d) assessment procedures, level of examinations, programme work and projects;
(e) student entry standards, numbers accepted, selection procedures, involvement
with industry, employment patterns on graduation, enthusiasm and motivation;
(f) support staff (demonstrators, technicians, etc.); and
(g) quality of teaching /learning.

The panel should examine the above aspects as part of its normal quality system
procedures.

10.3 THE ACCREDITATION PANEL REPORT

The accreditation panel report including the summary as in Appendix D must be forwarded
to EAC within four (4) weeks of the visit.

10.4 CONFIDENTIALITY

Documents or other information gained in connection with the accreditation exercise shall
be treated as confidential.

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