GAC audits FIM UMPSA Project Management Programme

GAMBANG, 22 November 2024 – The Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC) visited the Faculty of Industrial Management (FIM), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), to conduct an audit for the Project Management programme as part of the accreditation renewal process from 20 to 22 November 2024.

The accreditation signifies that the Project Management programme is developed and implemented in compliance with the standards set by international professional bodies.

According to the Head of the Project Management Programme at FIM UMPSA, Dr Nurhaizan Mohd Zainudin, the audit was led by a team of experienced auditors from Malaysia, Australia, and Doha under the Project Management Institute (PMI) GAC.

“GAC is a specialised accreditation body that recognises degree programmes related to project, programme, and portfolio management at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral (PhD) levels.

“This body was established in 2001 by PMI with the primary aim of fostering excellence, promoting continuous improvement, and ensuring that every academic programme in the field of project management meets the required quality and standards.

“The Project Management Programme at FIM successfully received recognition from GAC for a five-year period starting from 1 May 2019 to 30 April 2024,” she said.

She added that the visit was conducted to renew the programme’s accreditation.

According to the Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Management, Dr Mohd Hanafiah Ahmad, the Project Management programme equips students with the skills needed to excel in their professional careers.

“This programme provides students with valuable experiences, enabling them to build strong networks and make well-informed decisions.

“They will be better prepared at least two years before graduating and entering their chosen professions.

“Therefore, this accreditation renewal is crucial for the programme’s continued success,” he said.

The audit team was led by Derek Poon from Malaysia, with support from Dr Sandeep Mathur from Australia and Dr Shaligram Pokharel from Doha, who conducted the online audit.

Constructive discussions were held with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Lt. Col. Dato’ Professor Ir. Ts. Dr Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, the Dean of the Faculty of Industrial Management, Dr Mohd Hanafiah Ahmad, Deputy Deans, and the programme coordinator on 20 November 2024 at the Grand Darul Makmur Hotel, Kuantan.

The presence of auditors from diverse backgrounds underscores the global significance of this accreditation renewal process.

By: Kalpana A/P Ramachandran, Faculty of Industrial Management (FIM)

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)