Uplifting the Function of Maintenance Management towards Sustainable Performance of Laboratory and Workshop in TVET Institutions

Strengthening of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is one of the Malaysian government's efforts in producing a skilled and semi-skilled workforce towards meeting the requirement from domestic industry. Under TVET education, the graduates will undergo a various of skills and technical training in either laboratories or workshops (L&W). Of significance, the equipment in L&W plays a vital role in the realization of the roles of TVET. It demand effective management tool and necessity to be in 100 percent availability. However, the literature portrays that there are some risen issues related to maintenance management of L&W, particularly related to resources such as inappropriate budget allocated for maintenance activity, unskilled staff, poor monitoring technique and utilization of conventional maintenance management technique. Hence, this study is aimed at exploring the uncovered issue related to maintenance management of L& W at the selected TVET institutions. Qualitative research methodology will be adopted in the study. Data will be collected at three TVET institutions from different region of peninsular Malaysia. The main concern of this study is three fold, first is to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) in managing the equipment of L&W in the TVET institution. The second part of this study will examine how the MM of L&W can be optimized and embraced the digital age. The study will taking into account the complex interplay between equipment or system in the L&W and the digital systems. In the third and final part of this study, those identified CSFs will be integrated towards a holistic framework to manage the L&W of TVET institution. The framework is beneficial for all stakeholders that directly or indirectly involve in managing, uplifting and sustaining the L&W of TVET institution.