Quality Management System (QMS)

Quality Management System (QMS) is a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality products or services while complying with relevant regulations and standards. It encompasses various processes, procedures, and documentation to establish quality objectives, monitor performance, and drive continuous improvement.

i. Internal/External Audit:

Internal audits are an integral part of a QMS. They involve the systematic examination of processes, procedures, and records within an organization to assess compliance with established standards, identify areas for improvement, and ensure effectiveness. Internal audits are typically conducted by trained personnel from within the organization. External audits, on the other hand, are conducted by independent third-party organizations or certification bodies. These audits verify the organization's adherence to external standards, such as ISO 9001, and provide an unbiased assessment of its QMS. Successful external audits result in certification, demonstrating to customers and stakeholders that the organization meets stringent quality requirements.

ii. Documentation and Quality Activity:

Document control is a critical element of a QMS. It involves establishing procedures for creating, reviewing, approving, and managing various types of documents, such as policies, procedures, work instructions, and records. These documents define the organization's quality objectives, outline processes, and serve as references for employees to ensure consistency and compliance. Quality activities within a QMS encompass a range of practices, including risk assessment, non-conformance management, corrective and preventive actions, and customer feedback management. These activities aim to identify and mitigate potential risks, address deviations from quality standards, and continuously improve processes to enhance overall performance.

iii. Shariah Implementation:

The implementation of Shariah principles within the QMS is essential. Shariah compliance involves aligning business practices with Islamic ethical and moral guidelines, ensuring products and services are halal (permissible) and free from riba (interest) or haram (forbidden) elements. Shariah implementation may include the establishment of dedicated committees, consultation with Shariah scholars, and adherence to specific certification standards.

iv. Auditor Training:

Auditors play a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness of a QMS. Therefore, it is vital to provide comprehensive training to auditors to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge. Auditor training programs focus on understanding quality management principles, relevant standards and regulations, audit techniques, and reporting requirements. These programs aim to develop auditors' competence, objectivity, and proficiency in conducting thorough assessments of the QMS.

Program Accreditation Unit

The Program Accreditation Unit is a part of the Quality Advancement Centre (QAC) at Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN). The unit is responsible for ensuring that all academic programs offered by the university meet the highest standards of quality and excellence. The Program Accreditation Unit works closely with academic departments to ensure that all program outcomes and learning objectives are aligned with national and international accreditation standards.

The primary focus of the Program Accreditation Unit is to ensure that the University's programs are accredited by Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA). Accreditation is a process of external quality review that evaluates the quality of higher education institutions and their programs against established standards. Accreditation is essential for ensuring that programs offered by the university meet the expectations of students, employers, and other stakeholders.

The Program Accreditation Unit provides support and guidance to academic departments to prepare for accreditation visits. The unit assists in developing and implementing program improvement plans to ensure that the university's programs continue to meet the highest standards of quality and relevance. The Program Accreditation Unit also coordinates with external accreditation bodies to ensure that the university's programs meet their requirements.