Benchmarking for Industry Centre of Excellence (ICoE) at Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions

Abstract

The term “Center of Excellence” (CoE) varies by country, even though the functions and operational models are identical. Numerous organisations have established a Centre of Excellence (CoE) to accelerate technological advancement, promote research and innovation within their organisation, and increase the participation of experts in a specific focus area to conduct the centre’s special projects. CoE are accountable for demonstrating an organisation’s accomplishments and success, as well as for branding and public acceptance. Therefore, this paper will assess the suitability of benchmarking criteria based on the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) excellence model for use in MARA Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions prior to the establishment of the Industry Centre of Excellence (ICoE). There are nine (9) top criteria and 32 sub-criteria in EFQM that ensure ICoE’s business excellence. Based on the Systematic Literature Review (SLR), it is found that top five sub-criteria in three criteria can be adopted at TVET institutions. This article discovered that while establishing an ICoE, the primary criteria for building the benchmarking for the quality matrix are people, partnership and resources, and business results. Sub-criteria include the following: business results are measured using centre-specific performance indicators; people’s knowledge and capabilities are developed; people are rewarded, recognised, and cared for; partners and suppliers are managed for long-term benefit; and finances are managed to ensure long-term success. The EFQM is found to be suitable as indicators for developing the benchmarking for quality matrix and is discussed with the parties involved in the ICoE, namely institutions and industries, to assess each benchmarking sub-criteria to be applied prior to establishing the centre.