Linking Quality Assurance Initiatives to Achievement of Strategic Goals at Universiti Putra Malaysia

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Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)'s mission is for the university to be a leading centre of learning and research towards human advancement and discovery of knowledge. UPM strives to achieve its eight (8) strategic goals by adapting several major strategies, one of which is emphasizing quality in all aspects of the university’s activities. Relevant top management of the university champions each of the eight strategic goals. This paper will address the structure and governance, process, policies and strategies to enhance the quality dimensions in achieving the strategic goals.

In its teaching and learning activities, UPM requires its entire curriculum to be up-dated and relevant by appointing external assessors, linking with the industry’s requirements, and identifying the programs and course learning objectives. Internationalization process is a major focus and the establishment of the Centre of Co-Curriculum at UPM is a manifestation of UPM’s focus on producing quality graduates with the important knowledge and skills for success. UPM also emphasizes quality in terms of achieving international standards and accreditations. Almost all schools and faculties in UPM are ISO 9001:2000 certified while others are actively pursuing them. Being a research intensified university, UPM’s research activities are monitored closely by the Research Management Centre. All aspects of research process, from the initial soliciting of research grants to publishing in top journals are done with quality given top priority.

Quality assurance initiatives at the university cannot be effective without support and commitment from all levels at the university. The paper will conclude with an integrated framework depicting the inter-relationship among all the different sections of the university as well as with other stakeholders.

Stream: University Administration

Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

Prof. Datuk Dr. Nik Mustapha R. Abdullah gained his PhD and Master in Agriculture and Resource Economics from the Oregon State University. He specialized in Fisheries and Recreational Economics. He was a former Dean of Faculty of Economics dan Management and is currently Vice Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia

Prof Dr. Samsinar Md. Sidin is a Professor in Department of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Putra Malaysia and currently attached to Corporate Planning Division as a Director . She teaches Consumer Behaviour, Business and Organization Management, Marketing Strategy, Marketing Management and Marketing Theory and has published both in the local and international journals. She is also an active member of Academy of Marketing Science, Asian Academy of Management, Case Writers Association and University of Arkansas Alumni Malaysian Chapter.

Ridzuan Muhammad is an administrative officer in Corporate Planning Division at Universiti Putra Malaysia. He has 10 years of experience working in quality management and related fields. He received his Bachelor of Science from University of Malaya and currently persuing his Master of Human Resource Development.