Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 1 of 61
Higher College of Technology
Department of Applied Sciences
Self-Assessment Report
Academic Year 2013 / 2014
15 May 2014
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Table of Contents
Contents Page No.
Section One: Executive Summary
Summary of Operational Plan Results 3
Summary of Strengths and Major Achievements 3
Summary of Challenges Faced by the Unit 4
Summary of Recommendations and Opportunities for Improvement 5
Section Two: Background to the Unit
Human Resources 7
Physical Resources 7
Student Numbers 8
Staff Student Ratio 8
Section Three: College Audit Results & Corrective/Preventative Actions 9
Section Four: QAD Audit Results & Improvement Actions 20
Section Five: Operational Plan Results 33
Appendices
Appendix 1 - Graphical Presentation of SAR Data
Appendix 2 - MANAGEMENET EVALUATION[1]
Appendix 3 - FEEDBACK FORM
Appendix 4 - Staff Satisfaction Survey Report - Applied Science - April 1, 2014[1]
Appendix 5 - Key Areas for Improvement (SAR 2013 - 2013)
Appendix 6 - Proposed Delivery Plan (with student - centred approach)
Appendix 7 - E- learning
Appendix 8- FEEDBACK ON PROGRAM - APPLIED SCIENCE - BIOLOGY[1]
Appendix 9 - FEEDBACK ON PROGRAM - APPLIED SCIENCE - CHEMISTRY[1]
Appendix 10 - STUDENT SATISFACTION SURVEY REPORT[1]
Appendix 11 - Overall Result of Trainings and or events
59
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Section One: Executive Summary1 Summary of Operational Plan Results
Goal Percentage of Fully Achieved Targets in Sub-Goals Overall Level of
Achievement* Sub-Goal 1 Sub-Goal 2 Sub-Goal 3 Sub-Goal 4
1 0% 20% 0% -- 7%
2 50% 0% -- -- 25%
3 0% -- -- -- 0%
4 67% -- -- -- 67%
5 50% 0-% -- -- 25%
6 0% -- -- -- 0%
7 0% 0% -- -- 0%
8 -- 0% --- -- 0%
*The average percentage of fully achieved targets of all sub-goals Summary of Strengths and Major Achievements
Goal Strengths and Achievements
1
The staff of the department is satisfied with
the arrangements and / or activities being
conducted by the Departmental Health and
Safety Committee.
The department has consistently and
continually maximized the use of its webpage
in the College website as an effective medium
of communicating with and updating the staff
and other stakeholders of information that
pertains to the department.
The department has developed a proposal on
comprehensive orientation program for new
assistant lecturers (Omani)
2
As a procedure in program design and
development process, the Department of
Applied Sciences has formally and informally
benchmarked its academic programs with
similar academic programs of other colleges
and universities in the region and in other
countries outside the Middle East region prior
to finalization, review and presentation to
concerned authorities for approval and
subsequent implementation.
1 The summary of results, strengths, major achievements, challenges, recommendations, and opportunities for
improvement should be derived from the results, findings and data presented in the body of the report.
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Since the Department of Applied Sciences is
also the Specialization Committee for Applied
Sciences (by default), it is safe to conclude that
the changes in the curriculum (i.e. addition of
new courses, deletion of old courses,
amendments in the delivery plans) are
deliberated upon and approved by the
Specialization Committee.
4
Students seem to be satisfied with the co-
curricular activities that the department is
conducting because they are directly involved
in the planning and execution of the student
activity plan.
Summary of Challenges Faced by the Unit
Goal Challenges
To be addressed by the Unit Require College/DGTE Intervention
1 Sustainability of
transparent and
participative financial
planning; and
management in the
department
Proper, full and strict implementation of
the newly approved College policies.
2 Maximization of the use
of the e-learning portal
as a medium for teaching
and learning.
The full implementation of the Curriculum Development and Review Framework and monitoring of its implementation
3 The cooperation with the
industry in promoting
entrepreneurial culture
among students should
be strengthened.
The functioning of the Business Centre needs to be improved to include diverse and properly resourced activities and projects in cooperation with the DGTE’s office.
7 The social responsibility
of the department to the
community through
outreach programs
should be taken into
consideration in the
planning of staff and
student activities
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Summary of Recommendations and Opportunities for Improvement
Goal Recommendations and Opportunities for Improvements
To be addressed by the Unit Require College/DGTE Intervention
1 A better mechanism in collecting data through survey / evaluation should be used to ensure that all the expected respondents will actively participate in the evaluation.
The creation of staff grievance committee which must be composed of persons with credibility and unquestionable integrity should be given priority by the top management.
The design, development and approval of new policies (Risk Management Policy, Staff Affairs Policy, Communication Policy), should be expedited and a better mechanism of information dissemination of the policies should be implemented to ensure that all staff and students are aware of the policies.
2 The department council should discuss the possibility of increasing the percentage weight of the mark / grade for practical without violating the provisions stipulated in the College By-laws.
A pilot study on the effectiveness of students centred approach in the teaching – learning process and a training of the academics heads and staff should be conducted before a final decision of its full implementation is arrived at by the top management.
A better salary package and incentives for lecturers should be given by the Ministry
of Manpower in order to recruit staff of high calibre with good teaching and research experience.
5 More short courses to be given to lecturers to improve their teaching skills such as courses on pedagogical techniques and computer skills.
The department should continue to open the opportunity and support for staff (Omani and expatriate) to attend and / or participate in local and or international seminar, trainings or conferences.
Staff training should be based
There should be a clearer and transparent
system in giving staff awards both in the department and in the College
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on what the staff actually
need as reflected in the result
of staff appraisal and needs
analysis
6 The department should continue to encourage the staff to conduct research or collaborate with students in conducting publishable researches.
8
More laboratories should be built to accommodate the increasing number of students.
A proper library should be established.
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Section Two: Background to the Unit Human Resources
Total
Number
of Staff
Gender Nationality Educational Qualification Designation
M F Om. Exp. PHD Master BA/BSc Others Acdmc Admin Tech. Others
130* 63 67 46 84 36 66 21 7 86 5 39 0
*Note: 14 staff members are on study leave Physical Resources
S.N Resources Current Number Available
Comments
1 Classrooms 10
2 Laboratories 13
3 Meeting rooms 0
4 H.O.D office 1
5 Storage rooms 7
10 Smart boards 1
11 Computers 120
12 Photocopiers 10
13 Scanners 6
14 Printers 20
17 Lamination machines
1
18 Laptops 4
19 Projectors 42
20 Others (please specify and add rows as required) Fax machine
1
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Student Numbers
Specialization/Program Term 1 Term 2 Summer Term
Diploma 979 994 976
Advanced Diploma 120 166 189
B. Tech 74 84 100
Staff to Student Ratio
Specialization/Program Term 1 Term 2 Summer Term
Diploma 1:35 1:37 1:40
Advanced Diploma 1:28 1:28 1:29
B. Tech 1:21 1:18 1:20
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Section Three: College Audit Results & Corrective/Preventative Actions
# Area of Investigation Findings Reference Corrective/preventative Action proposed
Corrective/preventative Action Implemented
1. Staff a) HoD : 1
HoSs : 4
Lecturers : 92
Technicians : 38
Total No. : 135
b) HoD : 4 teaching hrs/wk
HoS : 6 teaching hrs/wk
Lecturers : 16-17 teaching hrs/wk
Lecturers (with Coordinatorship):
12 teaching hrs/wk
QA Coordinator: 10 teaching hrs/wk
c) 1:25
d) AY 2012-2013 = 12 (6 staff resignations
+ 6 staff end-of-service)
AY 2013-2014 = 1 (staff resignation)
The HoD has the opinion that ‘Exit Interview
Form’ has to be prepared by the HR
Department. However, the department had
conducted verbal interview for those staff
members who left. Besides, a ‘Clearance
Form’ had been completed.
For those staff who previously resigned,
usually a better salary package had been
offered to them by another institution or else it
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had been their ‘end-of-service’.
2. Structure and Duties a) The organizational structure is made
available. The ‘Head of Laboratory’ is added
in the structure. The Head of Laboratory leads
& foresees Technical Staff activities and
responsibilities. The basis of change started
when each HoS was handling additional
technical staff matters such as finding
substitution which made more organized with
the presence of Head of Laboratory.
b) Yes. Copies of the structure and the ‘Terms
of Reference/Job Descriptions’ are found on
the key documents of the department such as
‘Orientation Manual’, uploaded in the
department website, and stored in the
department common drive (O-Drive).
College By-
Laws
3. Staff Induction *a) The department conducts a one-on-one staff induction. Staff Induction could not be done in a formal way due to the following: - Newly-joined staff comes at different times; - Difficulty in finding a common time of the newly-hired staff so that they can attend the induction program; and - Logistically infeasible to conduct induction several times in an academic year. The following are the provided alternatives: - Staff Induction Manual (given to staff and uploaded in the website); - Orientation from HoS or Senior Lecturer - Booklets (given to staff and uploaded in the
College By-
Laws
*Correction from DAS
“One on one staff
induction is done at an
early stage once the new
staff arrives and later an
induction program is
arranged for them within
the departmental
activities distributed
throughout the academic
year”. The department has
developed a proposal on
comprehensive orientation
program for new assistant
lecturers (Omani)
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website); and - Trainings/workshops being conducted during the academic year (i.e. QA Orientation, Examination and Moderation, Advising, etc.).
The department believes that such mechanism
of conducting staff induction is enough to
satisfy the stipulated requirement of the
College.
4. Staff Appraisal & Staff Development
Staff Appraisal
*a) The department maintains records of Staff
Appraisal. A ‘Post-Conference’ had been
conducted.
The HoD has the opinion that the new Scoring
Guide, forms, and procedures for Staff
Appraisal have been communicated to various
departments ‘through emails’ only.
Staff Development
b) Based on Staff appraisal results, a ‘Master
Plan for Staff Development’ has been
developed & uploaded in the website.
A Training Needs Analysis (TNA) form is also
used to analyze the training needs of staff.
c) Yes. There is a ‘Survey of Attendance’
before the conduct of any upcoming activity.
College By-
Laws
Strategic Plan
Operational
Plan
*Correction from DAS The result of the staff appraisal is discussed by the HoS / HoU with the concerned lecturer / technician before s/he is asked to sign the staff appraisal report. The staff is also given the opportunity to verify or clarify the result of the appraisal.
5. Strategic Plan a) The HoD, HoSs, and QA Coordinator had
participated during the workshop organized by
Strategic Plan
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the ministry to draft the SP held last April
2013.
Staff received a copy of the SP via email and it
is also stored in the O-Drive. The HoD has the
opinion that it is the responsibility of the QAC
to upload it in its own website.
6. Operational Plan a) The department has established its own
procedure called ‘Procedure in DAS
Operational Planning’.
b) The OP has been broken down into sections
called “Table of Tasks” which monitors OP
implementation periodically.
c) Yes. There is an obvious link between the
department’s SAR and OP.
d) Yes. staff members had received emails to
review the initial draft of the DAS Operational
Plan.
7. QAM, QSM, PMS QAM
a) The copy of the QAM version 7 which had
been received recently will yet be circulated to
the staff within the week.
QAM
Corrective Action: The
web coordinator of the
department has to upload
the QAM in the
department’s webpage.
Preventive Action: QAC should upload the
The web coordinator of
the department had
uploaded the QAM in the
department’s webpage
(Evidence – DAS Web
page)
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b) QSM is made available. A change has been
made as follows:
-Inclusion of the Responsibility of Head of
Laboratory
c) The HoD has the opinion that students do not know the meaning of QSM but the file is uploaded in the department website. Also, topics of QSM are discussed to students before using the laboratories and they are asked to sign the ‘Student Safety Declaration Form’. As requested, ‘Staff Safety Declaration Form’ has to be developed as well. The H&S policy under scope section states the need of “Creating awareness of safety procedures in Quality Sub Manual (QSM) to staff and students.”
PMS d) The College Policies had been emailed to staff. The departmental policies are also included in the DAS Manual of Forms, Guidelines, Policies, and Procedures which are uploaded in the department
QAM in the college
website and inform all
staff of HCT of its
availability in the QAC
webpage. The
information
dissemination can be
collaboratively done with
ETC. Corrective Action: Discuss the matter about students and staff’s QSM awareness with the Department’s HSE. Preventive Action: Include in the HSE plan of activity the orientation of the staff and students of the provisions in the QSM. The HSE is also requested to give each laboratory a hard copy of the sub manual.
Initial discussion with the Department’s HSE Officer had been done regarding this matter. (Probing – Interview with the Department’s HSE Officer)
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webpage.
e) The department has other policies. Example,
the ‘No Make-Up Test Policy’ and the basis is
the ‘Continuous Assessment’ set forth by the
College ByLaws.
8. Self Assessment a) Surveys had been conducted in which case
the staff took part in the preparation of the
SAR. Awareness about the results was done
through a presentation and is uploaded in the
department website.
b) There is an obvious link between the Self-
Assessment results and the OP. ‘Table of
Tasks’ is produced to monitor the
implementation of OP.
College By-
Laws
Strategic Plan
9. Communication and Awareness
a) Department Website, Email, O-Drive(staff)
10. Health & Safety (H & S Auditor Only)
(to be audited separately by the College
H&S Committee)
11 Program and Course Review
a)Yes. There have been a number of changes
expected to be implemented in ‘September
2014’ as follows: Offering of Renewable
Energy Course, Radiation Course, First Aid
Course, etc. Also, credit hours have been
changed.
b) This is one of the tasks identified by the
ADAA as discussed in a meeting last 22-Jan-
2014.
c) Online program evaluation is being run by
the ETC at the moment. Some of the questions
College By-
Laws
Strategic Plan
Operational
Plan
Strategic Plan
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in the said evaluation pertain to graduate
attributes. Industries were identified and
requested to participate actively in the
evaluation. The department is hoped that
through this mechanism more responses from
industries will be received. a)
12 Teaching Quality a) The HoD has the opinion that the
‘Pedagogical Framework’ cannot be
implemented 100% from each level to level.
b) Projects, Lectures, Field Visits, Practicals,
Group Work, and Reports
c) Not always. The HoD had cited ‘Analytical
Chemistry’ as an example. The HoD has the
opinion that the department is forced to
allocate a course to one staff because there is
no available lecturer who is specialized to
teach the course.
d) The HoS takes the Staff Course Preferences.
However, it is not always followed. Some
lecturers who previously preferred the course
decline to teach the course due to timings and
personal circumstance.
Strategic Plan
13 Course Delivery and Management
a) The department is using a mapping sheet for
Coverage of Course Outcomes. However,
some staff members just do the ticking even if
it is really not covered at all due to time
constraint.
College By-
Laws
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The HoD had already raised the need to have a
2-Semester Plan for its programs to adequately
cover the Course Outcomes.
14 Assessment(testing committee files, academic appeals, moderations and benchmarking of assessment)
a) Yes. The policies had been circulated
among the staff via email.
Academic
Appeals Policy
Assessment
Policy
15 Special Programs(e.g. Files/reports of staff members responsible for these programs)
a) The HR Department has been collaborating
with the Department of Applied Sciences in
the offering of short-term courses such as
Health & Safety Trainings
Strategic Plan
16 Benchmarking *a) There is a need to clarify and discuss the
meaning and mechanism on how
benchmarking should be conducted. It seems
that HoDs/HoCs have varied ideas/opinions
about benchmarking.
Strategic Plan *Comment from DAS: Benchmarking has been discussed in one of the ADAA-HoDs meeting. To do benchmarking, a “Memorandum of Understanding” (MOU) between HCT and another college or University needs to take place at the Ministerial level and NOT at the college level. An MOU has been agreed between HCT and Tamasek University of Singapore and the
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Heads of Academic Departments alongside the Dean are set to visit Tamasek University to lay out the grounds of benchmarking and other issues.
17 Student registration, induction and advising (Advisory Files, Registrars Files)
a) Student Induction is conducted at the
beginning of every semester among New
Intake. Student Handbook is made available in
the department website.
b) Office hours is 4 hrs/wk.
c) The Committee Coordinator has raised the
following issues:
- High ratio of Advisor to advisees which is
1:21.
- Fast Turn-Over of Advising Responsibilities
- Fast-changing rules and procedures such as
Probation 4, TOEFL, Ministry Students,
Transferred Students, SMS Attendance, etc.
Admission
Advising and
Registration
policy
18 Student Retention and Progression
a) Based on the Student Progression Record,
there were 15 ‘Dismissed’ cases last academic
year.
19 Records of Student Information (graduates and current students with ADSA)
a) The academic advisors play a big role in
maintaining, monitoring, and updating
advisees’ records. On the other hand, OJT
Coordinator maintains OJT students &
graduates’ records.
20 Services(ETC, ADSA, a) The HoD believes that there is a need for SAR
Correction from DAS:
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ADAF) ADAF to do the following:
- provision of budget*;
- development of software where staff can
enter their leave applications; and
- updating of the website (e.g. forms, policies).
The HoD shared her sentiments against ETC
about long waiting time on requested orders
such as computers and toners.
*Also, the HoD shared her claims against
Dept. of Student Affairs staff as follows:
- Sending students back to her for the
settlement of an issue even if the matter is
against the College ByLaws;*
- Advising students to go straight to the college
dean even if the matter can be settled at HoD
level; and *
- Providing of wrong forms to students.*
The aforementioned issues were all pointed out
and presented in the department’s Self-
Assessment Report (SAR) which was
submitted to the College Dean through QAC.
*Correction from DAS: In order to avoid confusing the students, the HoD of DAS suggested that the staff of Student Affairs Office should check first if the problem of the student could be settled at the departmental level (as stipulated in the By-laws) before they will send the student to the deanship. On the other hand, if the problem of the student can be settled in the department, then the student need not go to the ADSA. The HoD pointed out also that there were instances that old forms are given to the students by the staff of ADSA.
provision of budget
(should be deleted)
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21 Facilities /Resource Management
a) Yes. The department has the Summary of
Inventory of equipment, facilities, and
instruments.
b) Laboratories, Staff Rooms, and Renovation
of the Building.
Strategic Plan
22 Other activities conducted in the Unit (e.g. Files/reports of staff members responsible for these activities, e.g. research/consultancy projects, community engagement activities, joint projects with the industry, etc.)
a) The department encourages students to
publish research papers. Many student course
projects had already been published and the
copy of the list of published researches is
uploaded in the department website.
Strategic Plan
23 Actions taken on previous QAD report
a) Updated Action Plan had been sent to
CQAC.
Yes. QAD recommendations had been
integrated in the OP.
QAD Report
Nov 2012
24 Meeting with Staff a) Fundamental of Biology Lecturer: No
‘Graduate Attributes Covered’ column
included on the Delivery Plan.
Instrumentation Lecturer: No ‘Graduate
Corrective Action:
The HoSs/ HoU have to
be reminded by the HoD
to look into the mapping
of graduate attributes
The HoD had reminded
the HoSs/ HoU to look
into the mapping of
graduate attributes with
the learning outcomes &
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Attributes Covered’ column included on the
Delivery Plan.
The Course Coordinator did not use the
prescribed format of Delivery Plan (with
Graduate Attributes column).
b) The lecturer claimed that the objectives and
outcomes of ‘Biochemistry, Hema, Patho &
Microbiology’ course are not clear.
*c) The lecturer claimed that hand-out and
course material preparation should be done by
experts; not by lecturer themselves, and she
believes that it is more of College level issue.
d) Meetings are usually conducted ‘per
section’. Departmental meeting happens once
every academic year.
e) The Senior Lecturer recited the vision of the
department ‘by explanation’; but not the
College vision.
with the learning
outcomes & topics.
Preventive Action:
The mapping of the
graduate attributes
should be discussed with
examples in the QA
orientation and/or in
section meetings with the
subject coordinators.
*Comment from the HoD
I totally disagree with this statement because all universities and colleges utilize lecturers to write teaching hand-outs. This is a known fact.
topics
(Evidence –scanned
email; See attachment)
25 Meeting with Students
a) The students claimed that some teachers are
reading PowerPoint slides, some teachers do
not discuss exam feedback, and SMS is very
slow.
b) Yes. The student mentioned about policies
in using the Laboratories.
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Section Four: QAD Audit Results & Improvement Actions
SN. Area of Investigation
QAD’s Findings & Recommendations Action Taken by the Unit to Date
1 Staff
a) HoD Physics HoS + 18 AS + 5 TS Chemistry HoS + 27 AS + 15 TS Biology HoS + 23 AS + 11 TS Env. Sciences HoS + 8 AS + 4 TS b) HoD = 4 hrs / week
HoS = 6 hrs / week Staff = 17 hrs/ week
c) The department is in need of staff to handle specialized courses
especially for the new specialization program (Environmental Sciences) which will open next semester (January 2013) Request are forwarded but not all requisitions are met due to recruitment problems
QAD Recommendation: 1) The HoD should request the Dean to follow-up requirements for staff
with the appropriate qualifications d) None. The Coordinator’s File contains back-up of Lecturer’s files. “No
objection certificate / Clearance Form are produced both for the college and the department levels before a staff leaves.
The HoD regularly submits the department’s requirement for staff and she or her representative is directly involved in the recruitment of staff.
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e) Exit interviews are conducted and the most common reason is the
low salary package offered to highly specialized staff. Staff members leave for better offers.
QAD Recommendation: 2) It is suggested that exit interviews are documented and used for
improvement purposes.
The department is still waiting for the official exit interview form that will be drafted by the QAC or HR Unit. Nevertheless, verbal interview with the exiting staff is being conducted by the HoD when a staff member expresses his / her intention to leave or resign from the college.
2 Strategic
Plan
a) QAD was told that the QA Officer gave clear directives on how to complete the SP achievement report templates and that report has been submitted already by the department
3 Operational
Plan
a) What was the process followed to develop the OP for the current academic year?
a) The Department Council reviewed the previous OP before drafting
the new OP. Then it was e-mailed to the staff for feedback. The Council met to deliberate on the inputs and finalized the OP. It was sent to the QA Committee for Approval.
Based on the OP 2011 -2012, there were missing results for some KPI’s (e.g. pages 5 and 7) QAD Recommendation: 1) The department should make sure that the results should be
presented for all KPIs
Measures have been taken to ensure that results for KPI will be presented in the
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department’s operational plan after management review of its implementation.
4 Self
Assessment
a) No self assessment (SA) exercise has been conducted since the OAAA
audit visit of the college level. However, the department has conducted surveys and analyzed results and compiled them into a department self assessment report.
However, while reviewing evidences , it was noticed that the SA exercise conducted has not fully addressed the requirements as stipulated by the OAAA Quality Audit Manual QAD Recommendation: 1) The department should initiate steps to re-activate the college level
assessment groups and carry out SA on annual basis at the College level and not at the departmental level.
2) The department through its representative in the SA group should
ensure that the SA is carried out as per guidelines set in the OAAA Quality Audit Manual
The College QAC through its head has initiated a mechanism on how to prepare the Self Assessment Report (SAR) of the College. a) Each department / unit of the college
prepares its SAR based on the data gathered and on the template provided by QAD through QAC.
b) The SAR of each department / unit is submitted to the College QAC
c) The College QAC Head prepares the SAR of the College based on the SARs of the departments / units that he receives
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5 QAM, QSM
and Policy
Management
System
a) QAM draft 6.2 is in the process of being updated There is no QSM but there are SOPs for each of the sections of the department QAD Recommendations: 1) Since the College QAM is being updated, the department should
participate actively by giving valuable feedback and input
2) Also, it is suggested that SOPs may be collated into a QSM for the labs
similar to the existing QSM of the Engineering and the IT departments b) New policies are underdeveloped. Only new procedures based on
approved policies were created QAD Recommendation: 3) The department should ensure that the new procedures created have
been approved at the College level and incorporated appropriately into the QAM that is being updated
The department through its QA Coordinator actively participated in the drafting and preparation of the HCT Quality Manual. The QAM was submitted to the Policy Management Committee (PMC) of the College.
A Quality Submanual for the Laboratories had been prepared by both the Department of Applied Sciences and Pharmacy Department based on a CAB decision. The SOPs of the two departments are incorporated in the submanual. The said submanual is posted in the DAS webpage.
A manual of DAS Forms, Guidelines, Policies and Procedures has been designed and developed. Since it is prepared for the department, it was the DAS Council who
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c) There were 6 policies reviewed Fair Conduct of Examination,
Academic Advising and Registration, Academic Probation, Attendance, Setting and Moderation of Exam, and Sick Leave. This is done as part of the revision of the PMS and update of the QAM
approved it. Nevertheless, a copy of the manual is submitted to QAC. The said manual is also posted in the DAS webpage.
6 Health and
Safety
a) A health and safety committee has been established at the
department which is responsible for monitoring and addressing all health and safety issue, organizing H &S workshops and trainings and creating general safety awareness among staff in the department A H & S Manual has been prepared which contains safety practices processes for the labs, Attached to it is “Student Safety Declaration Form to be filled in by students before performing any experimental work in the labs
QAD Recommendation 1) This is a good initiative, however, please review a sample QSM and
find out how the H & S Manual or parts of it may be used in the QSM to be developed (see action 5.a.2 above)
A subsection of the department’s QSM is dedicated to the health & safety issues and concern of the department. The department’s HSE Coordinator has been informed of the existence of such subsection (Part 4 – Health and Safety) and he is responsible in implementing the provisions and in updating the said subsection. Moreover, the department’s
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HSE was directly involved in the preparation of the said subsection (Part 4 - Health and Safety).
7 Teaching
Quality
a) The department started preparing for the new course and
specialization to be introduced which were approved by the Specialization committee. The department will receive the new intake by next semester AY 2012-2013.
b) The College is receptive to the changes but also apprehensive and
worried because of the human resources requirements which are not fully addressed
QAD Recommendation: 1) Please see action 1.c.1 above (The HoD should request the Dean to
follow-up requirements for staff with the appropriate qualifications) c) The department has requested for more laboratories and equipment
for the department to fulfill the requirements of these curricular changes. A new bridging course is being arranged to help prepare the new intake acquire the appropriate skills and knowledge
In this finding, the new specialization refers to Environmental Sciences. This new specialization is approved by MOM and its curriculum had been reviewed by the Curriculum Review and Evaluation Committee (CREC) convened by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) through the Office of the Director General of Occupational Standards and Curriculum Development and not by the Specialization Committee.
The HoD regularly submits the department’s requirement for staff and she or her representative is directly involved in the recruitment of staff.
Update: Graduate attributes are mapped out and aligned to the course topics and learning outcomes in the DAS Delivery Plans
Correction from DAS: The second statement in this finding should be corrected. During the interview, the HoD mentioned the plan to admit the lab school technicians who had finished their two--year training program in the
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 27 of 61
d) The department plans to prepare their course outlines to contain the GA to be acquired by the students for each course. The request is with the QA Committee pending approval
e) The college conducted program evaluation and external stakeholder’s feedback also was sought
QAD Recommendation: 2) The department should coordinate with the QA Committee for
conducting a separate evaluation from external stakeholder specifically to gauge the appropriateness of GAs and attainment of GAs by HCT graduates.
DAS and who are currently employed by the Ministry of Education (MOE), if the school’s laboratory technician signifies his / her intension to come back and finish the Diploma to B. Tech. program of the department. This however would depend on the request and endorsement of MOE. As part of the plan, a “bridging semester” should be included in the program and special courses should be taken by the said school’s laboratory technicians during the “bridging semester” to prepare them in their entry into the Diploma to B.Tech program of the department)
As reflected in the Self Assessment Report of DAS for 2013, a program evaluation which includes questions regarding appropriateness and attainment of the College graduate attributes by its graduates had been undertaken. However, a limited number of responses was retrieved and analyzed.
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 28 of 61
1) A delivery plan is prepared for each course
which includes various teaching methods used, as well as the assessment tools. Monitoring is done by Course Coordinators using the Monitoring sheet. HoS through class observations and checking of examination papers. Also, student feedback on teaching is also done
2) Each lecturer has a course file which is checked by the course coordinator. Also random checks are done by HoSs and corrective actions are given to lecturers, if needed.
8 General
Foundation
(Only for
ELC and IT)
Not applicable
9 Staff
Induction
There is a new Staff Orientation Handbook prepared in September 2012. This was produced base on QAD feedback on the previous audit visit
As an update to this finding, it is noteworthy to mention that DAS has a newly revised Staff Orientation Manual which is now in the department’s webpage at the College website. In addition, each section of the department has prepared section’s staff orientation handbook
10 Staff
Appraisal
Staff appraisal is conducted and results are communicated to staff. In addition to the staff appraisal, training needs analysis is conducted from academic and technical staff. Results are used as basis for staff development program.
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 29 of 61
11 Problems
and
Challenges
faced
The department cited the following problems and challenges: a) Teaching loads for HoD and HoS as stated in the by-laws should be
reviewed. In colleges where staff population is small, allotting them with teaching loads may not be a problem. However, in colleges where staff population is big, having both teaching and supervisory duties is difficult
b) Staff recruitment committee for the Science should also include people from the college with the same specialization to be able to recruit candidates with suitable academic qualifications and teaching qualities
c) Severe insufficiency in physical resources leads to other problems like: - Student do not have a place to study / stay during their free time - Lecturers use their personal laptop and carry the LCD projector in
classroom that are not properly equipped with the necessary teaching resources
- Students are forced to stay from 8AM to 8PM due to shortage of laboratories
- Lab provisions are supplied in small quantities causing delays in performing experiments and costing more than buying in large quantities
d) Technicians perform the task of purchasing materials needed for lab experiments without any allowance (fare, petrol etc.) provided
e) There is no financial autonomy and authority for the Dean to dispense budget even for requisitions involving small amounts which is affecting the operational efficiency of the department and the college as a whole
Correction: Instead of “colleges” it should be “departments”. The comparison made by the HoSs during the interview is between and among departments in the College and not between or among Colleges of Technology.
Correction: The department has to bear with the limited budget. There is no commensurate increase in the budget allotted to the department in spite of the increase in the number of students and the expansion of physical resources that
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 30 of 61
support its academic programs. The petty cash allocated to the department has not changed since OND days. In addition, the “waiting period” for the approval and release of requisitions that requires financial consideration or obligation is quite long. Moreover, all financial requests have to be done in 6-7 months simply because the financial audit takes place in December and January and no one is there from the finance during the summer holidays.
12 Meeting
with Staff
a) They are fully aware and happy of the current situation in the department and college
b) Dissemination of information is through e-mails and meetings as there is a section meeting twice a semester and one departmental meeting per academic year
c) They are involved in decision making in all important aspects of the college like OP, policy implementation and review etc.
d) They are maintaining course files according to the checklist provided to them. The course file are checked by the course coordinator and randomly by the respective HoS
e) Civil service staff are appraised twice (using civil service form and college appraisal forms) while agency’s staff are appraised once (using college appraisal forms). They feel that staff appraisal is conducted fairly and transparently. They are given a one – to-one feedback after the college forms appraisal results are finalized
f) There is no formal mechanism to report grievances but in case of a grievance, staff report the matter according to the organizational structure
g) They are satisfied with the support they receive from the top
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 31 of 61
management both at the department level and in the college level., but are not satisfied with the support and treatment from the recruitment agencies
QAD Recommendation: 1) The HoD should investigate the problem and issue regarding recruitment agencies and discuss them with the Dean for appropriate action f) Differences in salary package and benefits between the Ministry and
agency staff is causing frustration and low morale g) Manpower agencies for the department do not provide good CV of
prospective staff QAD Recommendation: 1) The department should raise these concerns to the Ministry through the Dean for appropriate actions.
- Revision of the By-laws - Recruitment - Physical Resources - Problem with agencies
Steps have been initially taken by the HoD on these problem and issues.
These concerns were pointed out in the Self Assessment Report (SAR) for 2013, of the department which was submitted to the Dean through the College QAC. Actions on these concerns are left to the discretion of the Dean / MoM.
13 Meeting
with the
Students
QAD team met students from all levels and they expressed the following: Support given by the HoD / HoS / Staff
a) Students are generally satisfied with the support given by the department
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Academic Advising b) Students are not fully satisfied with the advising they receive
- They are of the opinion that the advisers need not be changed every year
- Advisers should also be more student centric and give them more time
Teaching effectiveness and assessment c) - Students are not satisfied with
the quality of teaching they receive, they are of the opinion that most of their lecturers explain the lesson very brief and do not follow the delivery plans
- Students complained that they need to be aware of the scientific terminology before joining department
- Student complained that the exam are very difficult and not fully from the handouts
Mechanism for raising issues
d) They go directly to their HoS Support given by the Student Affairs:
e) – Students are satisfied with the help and support given by the student affairs. However, there are no opportunities for extracurricular activities in the College – Students are not satisfied with the online registration system as it is very slow and hence they are unable to register in the section of their choice
Support given by ETC f) The textbooks, references and journals in the library are
inadequate
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- The library is not organized, very busy and there is not enough space
- There is no free labs in the old building g) Students are not happy with the general facilities like prayer
rooms, restaurant, and rest places for them to use during free hours
QAD Recommendations: 1) The department should study all the problems raised by students in
the following areas and try to solve them appropriately: - Academic Advising - Teaching quality - Registration system - Library resources - Extracurricular activities - College general facilities
2) The department should also try to conduct regular meetings with
students to listen to their problem and communicate back all decisions or solutions arrived at.
The DAS Council which is headed by the HoD tried to address the problems that are under its direct jurisdiction or authority, however, for problems which are beyond their control and jurisdiction, (i.e. registration system, library resources college general facilities), solutions to the problems are left to the action that will be taken by the concerned unit of the College
The department and sections do not conduct regular formal meeting or general assembly with the students, however, students have the freedom to see / consult their HoS and the HoD at anytime to communicate their problem, concern or issues. The DAS Council discusses the problem in their DC meeting, conducts discretely an investigation and ethically communicates its solution to the problem or its decision, to the concerned person, committee or unit.
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 34 of 61
Section Five: Operational Plan Results
GOAL 1: We will provide excellent governance and administration with transparency and adherence to ethical principles
Sub-Goals
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Results
Continual Improvement
Indicator
Measure
Target
Actual Results
Brief
Description of the Basis of
Results
Level of
Achievement (Please tick the right box)
F P N
1.1 To achieve
efficient operation of
the management of
the College
1.1.a
Comprehensive
evaluation of
the performance
of CC, depts.
and centres
Stakeholder
satisfaction with
the effective
performance of
the CC, depts. and
centres.
≥ 4 satisfaction rating
on a 5-point scale
The Department / Center Management Evaluation Survey by the staff shows an overall result of 3.91whcih corresponds to the description, “Good”. It is however noteworthy to mention that the student evaluation of transparency of management in the College has a result equivalent to 3.04. The statistical
The Department / Center Management Evaluation Survey prepared by the QAC was used in collecting the data which was done through on-line evaluation. It is important to note that the number of respondents is only 39 out of 112 which gives a percentage of 33.90%
A better mechanism in collecting the data should be used to ensure that all the expected respondents will actively participate in the evaluation. Nevertheless, the answer to the open ended questions should be reviewed by the management and do an honest to goodness action.
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 35 of 61
reliability and validity of the result can be considered to be very low because out of 11,865 expected respondents, only 48 students responded. Seven (7) of the 48 respondents are from the Department of Applied Sciences
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 36 of 61
1.1.b
Availability,
awareness of,
and compliance
with the
communication
policy
Stakeholder
satisfaction with
the availability
and awareness
Compliance with
the policy
≥ 4 on a 5-point scale
100% Compliance
Since there is no Communication
Policy, no
evaluation as to its implementation has been conducted.
There is no Communication Policy formulated by the Policy Management Committee (PMC). Despite the absence of Communication Policy, the department through its HoD encouraged the use of e-mail and the DAS webpage for information dissemination and as a medium for transparent governance. The DAS Council will continue to adopt and maintain such mechanism until a College Communication Policy is designed and approved. This mechanism of
√ The Policy Management System of the College needs to consider the Communication Policy as one of its priorities.
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 37 of 61
* However as to the result of staff satisfaction on the dissemination of information, the result is 3.4 in a scale of 1 to 5
communication or information dissemination adopted by the department is commended by the auditors during the College Internal Audit and the QAD audit / visit. Based on the result of a subsection in Staff Satisfaction Survey which was conducted through on-line.
Percentage of Fully Achieved/Partly Achieved/Not Addressed Targets in Sub-Goal 1.1 0 100 0
1.2 To establish clear
and sustainable
planning and
management systems
ensuring adherence
to ethical principles
(transparent and
informed decision
making)
1.2.a Feedback
on PMS
implementation
Staff and student
satisfaction with
PMS
≥ 4 on a 5-point scale
There was no evaluation of Policy Management System because the College policies have just been recently approved and disseminated to the staff
The evaluation of the PMS could have been integrated in the student and staff satisfaction surveys. However, The Department of Applied Sciences has initially taken a
The Policy Management Committee needs to heighten the information dissemination and implementation of the recently approved and existing policies
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 38 of 61
step in collecting feedback upon the approval of its HoD by formulating a feedback form and disseminated to the staff through e-mail and uploading in the department’s webpage.
of the College. The Department of Applied Sciences will monitor if the implementation of the “Open” feedback form is effective in collecting feedback from stakeholder, if not, a new template and user-friendly form will be designed and developed.
1.2.b
Contingency
plan
Number of risks
identified and
mitigated
At least 90%
mitigation of
identified risks
The following mechanisms have been adopted and implemented by the department as measures to mitigate the risk associated with staff leaving the department: 1) Course
Coordinator’s
Files which
The narrative of the actual result is based on the action plan of DAS on QAD recommenda-tions regarding risk management
The DAS Council must include in their annual planning the identification of possible risk and the mitigating measures that must be undertaken to prevent or reduce the occurrence of the risks.
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 39 of 61
contain copies of the salient or most important contents of the Lecturer’s Course files are kept in the HoSs / HoU Offices and are regularly checked by the course coordinator. The course coordinator is also required to update the file at the end of each academic year so that it will be ready before the start of the next academic
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 40 of 61
year. 2) A common
PowerPoint slides are prepared by the lecturers who are teaching the same course. Such PowerPoint slides are uploaded in the e-learning and the soft copy is filed by the course coordinator.
3) Soft and as well as hard copies of handout are filed in the HoS Office.
4) Assessments are properly marked and returned to the students (except the
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final exam) for three obvious reasons, a) for students to use as a review material b) for students to know their academic standing c) the marked test paper serves as an evidence for the mark of the student in case the lecturer leaves his / her post without an official leave of absence or resignation.
5) Attendance of staff is closely
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monitored and the attendance records are weekly signed by the HoS and HoD. In case unusual absences are detected, this signals the DAS Council to do management
investigation and remediation for classes that are affected.
1.2.c
Staff
satisfaction with
financial
management
systems
Satisfaction level
≥ 3.5 on a 5-point
scale
Result of Staff satisfaction survey shows a 3.42 result on this particular aspect of the evaluation
The result of on-line Staff Satisfaction Survey prepared by QAC and administered by the ETC specifically, Section G3 which is labeled
The department, in particular and the college, in general, must continue their effort to make the process of financial planning and management
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 43 of 61
as “Financial Planning and Management”, was used as basis for the actual result. The data also shows that 61 of the 130 DAS staff members (management included) responded / participated in the staff satisfaction survey.
more systematic and transparent.
1.2.d
Stakeholder
satisfaction with
the H&S
arrangements in
the College
Satisfaction level ≥ 3 on a 5-point scale The health and safety section of the staff satisfaction survey received a result of 3.38 (in a scale of 1 to 5), which is greater than the required result of 3.0
The actual result is based on Section G.2 of Staff satisfaction Survey. The said section has seven questions which are intended to evaluate the health and safety in the college.
The H & S committee of the department must continue its effort to improve the health and safety in the department through meaningful trainings, monitoring, proper and strict implementation of the provisions of the
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department’s quality assurance sub manual and the conduct of a semi - annual audit.
1.2.e
Existence of an
annual college
wise Self-
Assessment
Report (SAR)
Improvements
identified and
addressed
80% of identified
improvements are
addressed
Five (5) out of the 11 (45%) recommendations and opportunities of improvement that can be addressed within the department which are stipulated in the 2012 -2013 SAR of DAS were achieved.
This result is based on the Management Review of the implementation of the key areas of improvement in the departmental level which are included in the DAS Self-Assessment Report for A.Y 2012 -2013.
The implementation of the recommendation specified in the SAR should be reviewed by the management every after a semester (2 times in an academic year)
Percentage of Fully Achieved/Partly Achieved/Not Addressed Targets in Sub-Goal 1.2 20 80 0
1.3 To achieve an
effective human
resources
management system
1.3.a
Availability,
awareness of,
and compliance
with the Staff
Affairs policy.
Stakeholder
satisfaction with
the availability
and awareness
Compliance with
the policy
≥ 4 on a 5-point scale
100% Compliance
There is no existing Staff Affairs Policy. The Staff Affairs Policy that was designed and developed by PMC is still on the process of being reviewed by CAB for possible approval.
The Staff Affairs Policy which addresses the non academic concerns of staff and helps protect their right as employees should also be given priority by
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 45 of 61
Nevertheless, Section C of the Staff satisfaction Survey shows a result of 3.40 which is lower than the required > 4.0 in a scale of 1 to 5
Section C which is labeled as, “Staff Affairs” is one of the sections in the on-line Staff Satisfaction Survey.
the Policy Management Committee of the College for its finalization and approval
1.3.b
Existence of a
transparent staff
grievance
system
Number of
(appeals,
Complaints and
issues) raised
and addressed
At least 80% of raised
issues are addressed
No documented result
There is no official staff grievance system that is being implemented in the College.
√ The top management needs to seriously look into this aspect to translate “Transparent and Fair Management and Governance” into reality
Percentage of Fully Achieved/Partly Achieved/Not Addressed Targets in Sub-Goal 1.3 0 50 50
Goal 1 Overall Percentage of Achievement 7 77 16
GOAL 2: We will offer all students high quality teaching, learning and training opportunities through continuous market analysis and curriculum
review process and using recent technology
Sub-Goals
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Results
Continual Improvement
Indicator
Measure
Target
Actual Results
Brief Description
of the Basis of Results
Level of
Achievement (Please
tick the right box)
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 46 of 61
F P N
2.1 To enhance the
quality of
teaching and
learning
2.1.a
Use of student-
centered
methods in
teaching,
learning and
training
activities.
Stakeholder
satisfaction with
the student-
centred
approaches
≥ 4 on a 5 point scale
No documented result
No study or evaluation has been conducted on the implementation of student-centered approach in the different courses. In spite of the absence of clear cut directive as to its full implementation, the DAS has been implementing the said teaching approach in most of its courses as shown in the result of a management review of the use of student-centered approaches in the different courses of the department.
√ A study on the effectiveness of student-centered approaches should be conducted after piloting its implementation in some courses of the Colleges of Technology. This should be followed-up by a review of the result and a decision whether to implement, modify or not to implement the student-centered approach in the College’s of Technology
2.1.b
utilization of the
e-learning portal
Number of active
courses on e-
learning portal
100% of courses
uploaded in the e-
learning portal
96% (80 out 0f 83) courses are active in the e-learning portal.
The actual result is based on the Semester Activity Report
More efforts should be exerted by the e-learning
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 47 of 61
AC 2013 – 2014 (JAN 04, 2014 to APR 24, 2014) provided by ETC
coordinator with the support of the DAS Council in implementing a 100% maximization of the use of the e-learning portal by all the courses in DAS
2.1.c
Stakeholder
satisfaction with
teaching
Satisfaction level
Average rating of 3.5
on a 5-point scale
Based on the results of manual evaluation of the performance of some lecturers, the average results of the three components of the Staff Appraisal namely, Student Evaluation of the Lecturer, Management Evaluation of the Lecturer in class and the General Performance Evaluation of the Lecturer, is 3.5 in a scale of 1 to 5.
The three evaluation tools used in the appraisal of lecturers were designed and developed by the QAC. Only the results of the manual evaluation conducted by the department are considered in this aspect because of the poor turn-out of the online student appraisal of the lecturer in spite of the information dissemination and encouragement done by the
√ Instead of using the e-mail as a the tool in the on-line evaluation of the students of their lecturers, students should be brought to the computer laboratory by their lecturers based on a schedule prepared by each academic section / unit in order to capture a higher number of student respondents. The Department of Applied Sciences should
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 48 of 61
department. coordinate with ETC on the schedule of evaluation and the use of the computer laboratories. The other components of the staff appraisal namely, Management Evaluation of Lecturer in class and Lecturer’s General Performance Evaluation should also be done online by the concerned respondents.
2.1.d
Existence of
established
partnerships
Number of
programs
benchmarked
At least 80% of
programs
benchmarked
[20% of programs
benchmarked - Each
year]
100% As a common practice and as a part of the design and development protocol of program -curriculum in the Department of Applied Sciences, academic programs are to
The College through the Policy Management Committee (PMC) must design a standardized procedure on how to do formal
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 49 of 61
be benchmarked with other colleges and universities in the region and international by downloading their curriculum from the net and use them as one of the bases and references in the design and development of academic programs in the department.
benchmarking as discussed and decided upon by the CAB.
2.1.e
Stakeholder
satisfaction with
programs and
courses
Satisfaction level
Average rating of 3.5
on a 5-point scale
Applied Biology Program = 4.34 Applied Chemistry Program = 3.62
Results show a rating which is higher than the required 3.5 rating. However, the reliability and validity of the results cannot be considered statistically valid and reliable considering the fact that the number of respondents is 2 out of 49 for Biology Program
A better mechanism of gathering data for Program evaluation should be decided upon by the top management in order to get a more reliable and valid result.
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and 9 out of 119 for Chemistry Program.
2.1.f
Curriculum
review reports
sent to
Specialization
Committees
Changes
approved by the
Specialization
Committees
100% of approved
changes are
implemented
Since the Department of Applied Sciences is also the specialization committee (by default), it is safe to conclude that the changes in the curriculum is deliberated upon and approved by the Specialization Committee members
Applied Sciences programs are offered only in Higher College of Technology of all the 7 Colleges of Technology. Mandate from the Ministry of Manpower has been issued which gives the Department of Applied Sciences the authority to act as the Specialization Committee for Applied Sciences programs.
The Curriculum Development and Review Framework for Colleges of Technology which is issued by the Ministry of Manpower Directorate General of Technological Education should be fully and strictly implemented.
Percentage of Fully Achieved/Partly Achieved/Not Addressed Targets in Sub-Goal 2.1 50 50 0
2.2 To enhance the
practical training
offered to students
2.2.a
Review reports
percentage of
changes
incorporated in
the training
programs
90% of changes are
implemented
No documented result
No review and evaluation of the practical aspect of the courses of Applied Sciences has been conducted. The practical aspect of the courses in the department is
A review of the percentage or weight distribution for the assessments of the courses should be conducted in order to see the possibility of
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 51 of 61
given a very little percentage in the assessment scheme hence the students do not consider “Practical” as an essential component of the teaching –learning process.
increasing the percentage weight given to the practical component of the course.
2.2.b
Stakeholder
satisfaction
Satisfaction level
Average rating of 3.5
on a 5-point scale
No survey has been conducted on this regard
-- Relevant questions pertaining to the practical aspect of the course should be incorporated in the course and program evaluation instruments.
Percentage of Fully Achieved/Partly Achieved/Not Addressed Targets in Sub-Goal 2.2 0 0 100
Goal 2 Overall Percentage of Achievement 25 25 50
GOAL 3: We will offer quality programs that promote entrepreneurial skills and respond to the changing market needs and
developments in technology. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Results
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 52 of 61
Sub-Goals
Indicator
Measure
Target
Actual Results
Brief
Description of the Basis of
Results
Level of
Achievement (Please tick the right box)
Continual Improvement
F P N
3.1 To promote
entrepreneurial
culture.
3.1.a
HCT graduates
becoming
entrepreneurs
through College
support systems.
Number of HCT
students
becoming
entrepreneurs
Creating 20
entrepreneurs
[5 entrepreneurs each
year]
Not applicable to the department
--
3.1.b
Involvement of
external
companies/
entrepreneurs in
College
activities for
promoting entrepreneurship
Number of
companies from
the private sector
involved in
promoting
entrepreneurship
culture
At least 5
distinguished
entrepreneurs
/companies are
involved
[At least 1
distinguished
entrepreneur/company
each year]
Not Applicable to the department
--
3.1.c
Stakeholder
(current
graduates and
alumni)
satisfaction with
the activities
Satisfaction level At least 70%
Not Applicable to the department
--
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 53 of 61
Percentage of Fully Achieved/Partly Achieved/Not Addressed Targets in Sub-Goal 3.1 0 0 100
Goal 3 Overall Percentage of Achievement 0 0 100
Goal 4: We will ensure that our graduates develop into responsible citizens by enriching their values and attributes to
positively affect the socio economic development
Sub-Goals
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Results
Continual Improvement
Indicator
Measure
Target
Actual Results
Brief
Description of the Basis of
Results
Level of
Achievement (Please tick the right box)
F P N
4.1 To provide the
students with
opportunities for
personal
development and
acquisition of values
and work ethics
4.1.a student
satisfaction
Satisfaction level
≥ 3 on a 5-point scale >3.in a scale of 1 to 5
The result is based on the student evaluation of the training / event through random verbal interview
An annual activity plan should be prepared by the student leaders of the department with the guidance and supervision of the student activity coordinator. The plan should be submitted to the DAS Council for approval and support of its implementation.
4.1.b Student
participation in
outreach
activities
%age of students
who participate in
the outreach
activities
At least 10% >10% of DAS students participated (approximate)
No. of attendees in the Open Day activities
4.1.c Events and
activities
managed by
students
Number of events
and activities
managed by
students
At least 4 activities
per year
1 activity (Open Day)
Student Activity Coordinator Report for 2013 - 2014
Percentage of Fully Achieved/Partly Achieved/Not Addressed Targets in Sub-Goal 4.1 67 33 0
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Goal 4 Overall Percentage of Achievement 67 33 0
Goal 5: We will develop staff by offering opportunities for professional and personal development, rewarding hard work and
innovative thinking
Sub-Goals
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Results
Continual Improvement
Indicator
Measure
Target
Actual Results
Brief
Description of the Basis of
Results
Level of
Achievement (Please tick the right box)
F P N
5.1 To offer
opportunities for
professional and
personal
development of
College Staff
5.1.a Provision
of quality
training to staff
Satisfaction with
the training
provided
≥ 4 on a 5-point scale
4.3 in a scale of 1 to 5 (attended and participated in by an average 63% of the DAS staff)
The evaluation tool entitled Feedback on Training / Event which was designed and developed by QAC was used in gathering the feedback of staff on the training or activities participated in or attended by the staff.
√ The staff activity coordinator should prepare the staff annual activity plan based on the result of Staff Appraisal and training needs analysis.
5.1.b
Participation of
staff in external
Percentage of
staff participating
≥ 4 on a 5-point scale
3.09 in a scale of 1 – 5 where 5 is the highest and 1
This result is based on the result of staff
There should also be provision of including
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 55 of 61
training events
is the lowest satisfaction survey, particularly section J which is on training program
expat in the selection of staff who must attend external trainings.
Percentage of Fully Achieved/Partly Achieved/Not Addressed Targets in Sub-Goal 5.1 50 50 0
5.2 To implement a
system for
recognition and
incentives
5.2.a Staff
satisfaction with
the rewards and
incentives
system
Satisfaction level ≥ 3 on a 5-point scale 2.95 in a scale of 1 to 5
The result is based on Section C labeled as Staff Affairs, question number 14 of the Staff Satisfaction Survey. The number of respondents = 61 (11.11%)
As stipulated in one of the comments of the staff, there should be a clearer and transparent system in giving staff awards both in the department and in the College
Percentage of Fully Achieved/Partly Achieved/Not Addressed Targets in Sub-Goal 5.2 0 100 0
Goal 5 Overall Percentage of Achievement 25 75 0
Goal 6: We will encourage opportunities for applied research and consultancy
Sub-Goals
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Results
Continual Improvement
Indicator
Measure
Target
Actual Results
Brief
Description of the Basis of
Results
Level of
Achievement (Please tick the right box)
F P N
6.1 To support
applied research and
6.1.a Joint
research and
Number of joint
research and
≥ 5 joint research and
consultancy projects
< 5 joint research The result is based on the
A scheme of reducing
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 56 of 61
consultancy by staff consultancy
projects
consultancy
projects
[≥1 joint research and
consultancy, each
year]
number of researches that are collaboratively done by the department with other colleges or universities like Sultan Qaboos University
teaching load should be designed by the DAS council for those lecturers and lab technicians who are conducting research/es that are approved and funded by the TRC of Oman. This can encourage and motivate lecturers and technicians to get involved or conduct quality and meaningful researches.
6.1.b staff
participation in
research
oriented events
Number of staff
participating
≥ 5 staff participating
[≥1 staff participating
each year]
< 5 staff The seminar was sponsored by The Research Council (TRC) that was conducted at HCT
The College should continue to encourage the staff to conduct research or collaborate with students in conducting publishable researches.
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 57 of 61
6.1.c Staff
satisfaction with
training
provided
Satisfaction level
Average rating of 3.5
on a 5-point scale
No evaluation was conducted
- - Should the top management decides to consider research as one of the vital academic activities in the College despite its being a teaching college, training of staff on the conduct and publication of research should be conducted.
Percentage of Fully Achieved/Partly Achieved/Not Addressed Targets in Sub-Goal 6.1 0 67 33
Goal 6 Overall Percentage of Achievement 0 67 33
Goal 7: We will foster mutually beneficial constructive partnership with various public and private sector organizations,
professional bodies, and local and international communities that benefit the community at large.
Sub-Goals
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Results
Continual Improvement
Indicator
Measure
Target
Actual Results
Brief
Description of the Basis of
Results
Level of
Achievement (Please tick the right box)
F P N
7.1 To enhance
engagement with the
7.1.a
stakeholder
Satisfaction level ≥ 3 on a 5-point scale No evaluation was conducted
-- Community engagement
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 58 of 61
industry and the
Community at large satisfaction should be
considered in the planning of staff and student activities.
7.1.b Public
Relations and
Marketing Plan
Number of PRM
initiatives/projects
≥ 1 PRM
initiatives/projects
No Public
Relations and
Marketing Plan
--
7.1.c
Conferences
organized
Number of
Conferences held
≥ 1 Conference held
annually
No conference organized
--
7.1.d Events
conducted in
collaboration
with the
community
Number of events
organized and
conducted jointly
At least one event
annually
No events organized or conducted
--
Percentage of Fully Achieved/Partly Achieved/Not Addressed Targets in Sub-Goal 7.1 0 0 100
7.2 To establish and
maintain effective
relationships with
national/internationa
l professional bodies
7.2.a Staff and
student
membership in
professional
bodies
Number of staff
and student
memberships in
professional
bodies
≥ 5% staff and ≥ 2%
of students are
members in
professional bodies
>5% of the staff are members of professional bodies. <2% of the students have membership to professional bodies
The result is based on the list prepared by the different sections in the department
A more aggressive campaign and encouragement should be undertaken by the department to encourage or motivate staff and students to become members of professional bodies.
Percentage of Fully Achieved/Partly Achieved/Not Addressed Targets in Sub-Goal 7.2 0 100 0
Goal 7 Overall Percentage of Achievement 0 50 50
Goal 8: We will provide facilities and learning resources that are effectively utilized and well-managed to ensure efficient
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 59 of 61
student and staff services.
Sub-Goals
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Results
Continual Improvement
Indicator
Measure
Target
Actual Results
Brief
Description of the Basis of
Results
Level of
Achievement (Please tick the right box)
F P N
8.2To improve
student support
services towards
enriching their
learning experiences
8.2.a Student
satisfaction(incl.
training
programs,
advising and
counselling)
Satisfaction level ≥ 3.5 on a 5-point
scale
3.28 in a scale of 1 to 5
The result is based on Section C of the Student Satisfaction Survey
Training on advising should be one of the important highlights and aspects of staff induction in the different department.
Percentage of Fully Achieved/Partly Achieved/Not Addressed Targets in Sub-Goal 8.2 0 100 0
Goal 8 Overall Percentage of Achievement 0 100 0
F: Fully Achieved P: Partly Achieved N: Not Addressed
Sub-Goal Percentage of Achievement is calculated by dividing the number of targets Fully/Partly/Not Addressed by the total number of targets identified for the same Sub- Goal, multiplied by 100.
Goal Overall Percentage of Achievement is calculated by summing up the Sub-Goal Percentages of Achievement and then dividing the total by the number of Sub-Goals identified for that Goal.
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 60 of 61
This table should be replicated for each and every Goal included in the Operational Plan of a Unit.
For ease of reference, information about the types of evidence used, assessment instruments, sampling, data collection and data analysis should be reported for each KPI in the “Brief Description of the Basis of Results” column next to the “Actual Results”.
Department of Applied Sciences_May/2014_Ver4 Page 61 of 61
Appendices (Please see attachments)