CASE STUDY

What is Case Study?

The collection and presentation of detailed information about a particular participant or
small group, frequently including the accounts of subjects themselves.
Steps in conducting Case study:
1. Identify Problem
-the first concern in a case study is what to ask? Which begin “How” or “Why”.
2. Construct a study protocol/ Determine mode of Data collection
- A protocol contains the procedures to be used in the study and also includes the data
gathering instrument or instruments.
o Documents
o Archival records
o Interviews
o Direct observation
o Participant Observation
o Artifacts
- A good case study protocol contains the procedures necessary for gaining access to a
particular person or organization and methods for accessing records
3. Collect Data
- At least five sources can be used in case studies.
4. Data Analysis
- Pattern Matching
o This technique compares an empirically based pattern with a predicted one.
- Explanation Building
o It is an iterative process that begins with a theoretical statement, refines it,
revises the proposition, and repeating this process from the beginning. This is
known to be a technique that is fraught with problems for the investigate. As we
can say it as part of a hypothesis-generating process.

- Time Series
o In this analytic strategy, the researcher tries to compare a series of data points
to some theoretic trend that was predicted before the research, or some rival
trend. Time to time conducted data and after analyze it.
5. Write-Up/ Report Writing
- Parts of Write- Up
I. Title
This explains what is the case study all about.
i. Introduction
Introduction serves as a roadmap for the readers to ascertain the scope
and purpose of your study. The introduction to a case study research
 paper, however, should not only describe the research problem and its
significance, but you should also succinctly describe why the case is being
used and how it relates to addressing the problem.
ii. Background of the study
The Background of the Study is focused on providing background
information and enabling historical interpretation of the subject of analysis
in relation to the research problem the case is intended to address
iii. Statement of the problem
The problem statement should be a clear, concise statement of exactly what
needs to be addressed. In the remaining paragraphs, you should describe the
problem, trying to be as succinct as possible. Your description should include
consequences/potential consequences of the problem and a statement to
convince the reader why this problem is important, particularly from the
perspective of the organization.

iv. Analysis of Data / Discussion

Identify alternative solutions to the problem(s) more likely to be more than one
solution per problem.

v. Recommended Solutions
Choose which of the alternative solutions should be adopted and briefly justify
your choice explaining how it will solve the major problem(s).
vi. Implementation
Explain what should be done, by whom and by when

ECE BOARD EXAM

Statement of the Problem
The rapid growth of technology has given an increase in demand for people practicing the
electronics engineering profession. In the Philippine setting, students pursuing the electronics
engineering (ECE) course must pass first the ECE Board Exam in order to get their license to be
recognized as a registered electronics engineer (RECE) and be able to practice the ECE
professions according to Article III, Section 13 of RA 9292. However, the national passing rate of
ECE from the years 2007-2019 is fluctuating from 21% to 53.55 %, wherein the national passing
rate reached above 50% passing rate in the year of 2012, which is still unsatisfactory. This is
also faced by many educational institutions / colleges / universities in the Philippines, one of
which is Saint Louis University (SLU) of Baguio City, with a passing rate fluctuating from 23.23%
to 55. 32% on the years 2007 to 2019. From the year 2007-2019, only the year of
2012,2017,2018 and 2019 has recorded above 50 % school’s passing rate.
Background of the Study
The Licensure Examination for Engineers is a tool that measures and ensures the quality of engineers who
would join the workforce of various manufacturing industries in the Philippines and abroad. In the Philippine
setting, students pursuing the electronics engineering (ECE) course must first pass the ECE Board Exam in
order to get their license to be recognized as a registered electronics engineer (RECE) and be able to practice
the ECE professions according to Article III, Section 13 of RA 9292.The examination is conducted by the Board of
Electronic Engineering under the supervision of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC). The test is
scheduled twice a year in the months of April and October and is conducted for 2 consecutive days.

This examination is intended to prove the graduates’ knowledge, progress, skills and qualification in a
particular profession. In an academic setting, it is the responsibility and accountability of the members in the
academic system to ensure the success of their graduates. The performance of the student in every institution
plays a very important role in determining the quality of education, which eventually guarantees the efficiency and
effectiveness in application in a chosen profession or career. It suggests a higher standard of performance of the
instructional system. The performance of the student in the licensure examination reflects the institution’s
efficiency as well as the intellectual capacity of the student.

According to Article I, Section 2 of RA 9292, The State recognizes the importance of

electronics engineering in nation-building and development. The State shall therefore develop
and nurture competent, virtuous, productive and well-rounded Professional Electronics
Engineers, Electronics Engineers and Electronics Technicians whose standards of practice and
service shall be excellent, qualitative, world-class and globally competitive through inviolable,
honest, effective and credible licensure examinations and through regulatory measures,
programs and activities that foster their integrity, continuing professional education, development
and growth .This law gave the provisions needed in conducting the board exam as well as the
reason why graduates of BSECE take the board exam (RA 9292, Article III, Sections 14, 15, 16).

However, in the past years, the passing rate of ECE board exam here at SLU is very low.
This issue is very alarming not only to the takers who wish to be an electronics engineer but also
to the instructors of ECE who teach and guide these takers, the universities who offer the ECE
program, the review centers that specialize in ECE Board Exam Preparation Services, and to
the nation that needs manpower to contribute to the development of the country.

October 2019 Board Exam Schedule

 As the schedule shows, PRC allotted 2 days for the ECE board exam with a coverage on 4
areas: Mathematics, Electronics Engineering, General Engineering and Applied Sciences
(GEAS) and Electronics Systems and Technologies. Math and GEAS takes 4 hours while
Electronics Engineering and Electronics Systems and Technologies takes 5 hours. Each area
has their own weight on the result of the exam: 20% for Mathematics and General Engineering
and Applied Sciences while 30% for Electronics Engineering and Electronics Systems and
Technologies.

SYLLABI FOR THE ELECTRONICS ENGINEER (ECE) LICENSURE EXAMINATION

I. MATHEMATICS (20%)
1. Algebra & General Mathematics
2. Geometry
3. Trigonometry
4. Calculus
5. Mathematics Laws, Terms and Theories

II. GENERAL ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIENCES (20%)

1. Engineering Mechanics
2. Strength of Materials
3. College Physics
4. General Chemistry
5. Thermodynamics
6. Engineering Materials
7. Engineering Economics
8. Engineering Management
9. Laws and Ethics

III. ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING (30%)

1. Electricity/ Magnetism Fundamentals
2. Electrical Circuit
 3. Solid State Devices/Circuits
4. Power Generator/ Sources/ Principles/Applications
5. Electronic (Audio/RF) Circuit/Analysis/Design Cells and batteries
6. Tests and Measurements
7. Microelectronics
8. Industrial Electronics Principles/Applications
9. Computer Principles

IV. ELECTRONICS SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES (30%)

1. Radio Communication
System
a. Transmission
Fundamentals
b. Acoustics
c. Modulation
d. Noise
e. Radiation and Wave Propagation
f. Antennas
g. Wire and Wireless Communications System
h. Microwave Communications and Principles
i. Basic Principles of various electronics systems
2. Digital and Data Communications Systems
a. Digital Communication Networks
b. Fiber Optics
3. Satellite, Broadcasting and Cable TV Systems
a. Satellite System
b. Broadcasting and Cable TV system

As stated in RA 9292, Section 14, paragraph c, one requirement for an individual in

order to take the ECE Board Examinations is that he/she must be a holder of the degree
Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering or Electronics
Engineering. With such requirement, it is therefore imperative that aspiring Electronics
Engineers complete the program required by the Commission on Higher Education as it
is the governing body of the Philippine government in charge of designing curriculums
to guarantee a certain breadth of knowledge through a set of courses (CHED MO No.
24, Series of 2008, Article V, Section 7).

Analysis of the data/Discussion

 ECE BOARD EXAM- NATIONAL PASSING RATE

49.43%
2019
48.92%

49.49%
2018
45.36%

46.72%
2017
41.27%

40.36%
2016
36.95%

39.94%
2015
34.95%

34.58%
2014
35.24%

34.51%
2013
37%

51.57%
2012
53.55%

36.87%
2011
44.97%

21%
2010
27%

29%
2009
24%

36%
2008
35%

30%
2007
35%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
OCTOBER 30% 36% 29% 21% 36.87% 51.57% 34.51% 34.58% 39.94% 40.36% 46.72% 49.49% 49.43%
APRIL 35% 35% 24% 27% 44.97% 53.55% 37% 35.24% 34.95% 36.95% 41.27% 45.36% 48.92%
OCTOBER APRIL
 ECE BOARD EXAM- SLU PASSING RATE
55.32%
2019
43.53%

50.94%
2018
47.73%

55.36%
2017
40.00%

44.85%
2016
30.08%

31.06%
2015
23.23%

33.15%
2014
29.60%

38.50%
2013
32%

53.67%
2012
47.58%

44.57%
2011
36.36%

23%
2010
27%

26%
2009
24%

36%
2008
35%

30%
2007
35%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
OCTOBER 30% 36% 26% 23% 44.57% 53.67% 38.50% 33.15% 31.06% 44.85% 55.36% 50.94% 55.32%
APRIL 35% 35% 24% 27% 36.36% 47.58% 32% 29.60% 23.23% 30.08% 40.00% 47.73% 43.53%

OCTOBER APRIL
Possible Factors:
The possible factors that can be considered that resulted to the low passing rate of the
ECE board exam, especially in SLU, are the following in reference to CMO 24, S. 2008,
Article V, Section 7,8:

1. CHED Memorandum regarding the track system of ECE

With this memorandum, the CHED recommended track of electives that HEIs may
adopt or develop. These electives made the students choose their specialization,
however the board exam does not segregate students according to these tracks. (CMO
24, S. 2008, Article V, Sec. 7)

2. SLU’s Curriculum
SLU’s Curriculum can also be considered as a factor since the curriculum of a
program determines the subject that a student must undertake to be able to graduate
and obtain a baccalaureate degree which enables the alumna to take the boards. The
tables below will show the comparison between the CHED’s curriculum (CMO 24, S.
2008, Article V, Sec. 8) vs. SLU’s (SLU ECE Curriculum Effective 2009-2010).

Third Year – First Semester

Unit Units
CHED Subjects SLU Subjects
s
Computer Aided Drafting 1 3rd yr- 2nd sem
Circuits 1 4 Circuits 1 4
Electronic Devices and Electronic Devices and 6
4
Circuits Circuits
Vector Analysis 3 Vector Analysis 3
Differential Equations 3 Differential Equations 3
Statics of Rigid Bodies 3 Statics of Rigid Bodies 3
Humanities 3 3 Literature of PH 3
Discrete Mathematics 3
Total 21 25

Third Year – Second Semester

CHED Subjects units SLU Subjects Units

Dynamics of Rigid Bodies 2 Dynamics of Rigid Bodies 2
Mechanics of Deformable 3
3 Strength of Materials
Bodies
Advanced Engineering Advanced Engineering
3 3
Mathematics for ECE Mathematics for ECE
Electromagnetics 3 Electromagnetics 3
Circuits 2 4 Circuits 2 4
 Electronic Circuit Analysis Electronic Circuit Analysis and 6
4
and Design Design
Environmental Engineering 2 5th yr – 2nd sem
Safety Management 1 4th yr – 1st sem
Technical Writing 3
Signals, Spectra, Signal 4
Processing
CADD 2 2
Total 22 30

Fourth Year – First Semester

Subjects Units Subjects Units

Signals, Spectra, Signal
4 3rd yr – 2nd sem
Processing
Principles of Communications 4 Principles of Communications 6
Energy Conversion 4 Energy Conversion 4
Basic Thermodynamics 2 Basic Thermodynamics 3
Engineering Economy 3 4th yr – 2nd Sem
ECE Elective 1(Tracks) 3 ECE Elective 1(Tracks) 4
Logic Circuit and Switching 6
Theory
Material Science and 3
Engineering
Total 20 26

Fourth Year- Second Semester

CHED Subjects units SLU Subjects Units

Engineering Management 3 5th yr – 1st sem
Digital Communications 4 5th yr – 1sy sem
Industrial Electronics 4 Industrial Electronics 4
Logic Circuits and Switching
4 4th yr – 1st sem
Theory
Numerical Methods 4 Numerical Methods 4
ECE Elective 2 (Track) 3 ECE Elective 2 (Track) 4
Feedback and Control
4
Systems
Safety Management 3
Transmission Media and
4
Antenna Systems
Total 22 23
 Fifth Year- First Semester

CHED Subjects units SLU Subjects Units

Feedback and Control Systems 4 4th yr – 2nd sem
Transmission Media and
4 4th yr – 2nd sem
Antenna Systems
Microprocessor Systems 4 Microprocessor Systems 4
Practicum/ Thesis 1 1 Practicum/ Thesis 1 2
ECE Elective 3 (Track) 3 ECE Elective 3 (Track) 4
ECE Laws, Contracts and ECE Laws, Contracts and
3 3
Ethics Ethics
Digital Communication 4
Telephony 3
Intro to Digital Signal
4
Processing
Eng’g Management 3
Total 19 22

Fifth Year- Second Semester

CHED Subjects units SLU Subjects Units

Seminars and Field Trips 1 Seminars/ Plant Visit/ OJT 2
Data Communications 4 Data Communications 4
ECE Elective 4 (Track) 3 ECE Elective 4 (Track) 4
Practicum/Thesis 2 1 Practicum/Thesis 2 1
Microwaves 3
Medical and Bio Electronics 3
Envi Eng’g 3
Total 9 19
 3. Instructors Factor
The instructors of the universities are considered as a factor since the things
learned by the students in the universities are taught by them. The teacher’s teaching
style, skills, capability, attitude and personality can affect the student’s understanding
of the lessons.There are a lot of teaching styles that an instructor can use, but there
are also a lot of students with different preferences. Therefore, it is not wrong for the
instructor to stick to his/her teaching style but he/she must be flexible enough to
accommodate the students for them to be able to understand the lesson more.
This also includes the instructor’s activities for the class or students such as the
projects, homeworks, quizzes and exams. (Ome, 2017).

Additionally, hired instructors may be competent engineers but lack teaching

proficiency. No matter how intelligent or smart the instructor is, it is not enough if the
instructor cannot effectively pass his/her knowledge to his/her students. Also, a
subject that is taught by two different instructors on two different classes is a problem.
The teaching style of these two instructors is not the same thus some students find it
unfair if the other class learns more than they do or when the other class is given less
challenging activities (Malis, 2017).

4. Students/Takers Factor
The student life of the ECE board examinee is also very critical in the taker’s
possibility of passing because majority of the items in the board exam are taught in
school and the student’s ability to understand those concepts and techniques can
surely help him/her in the board exam. As a student, he/she must take the
responsibility of learning as much as possible in the university. Students must not be
complacent in passing the subjects but must also be able to attain new information
and knowledge regarding the matters taught in that particular subject. After
graduating, the ECE board examinee’s attitude can also affect his/her chance of
passing (Adais, 2017).

5. Review Center Factor

Review centers are of great help for ECE Board Exam takers but some ECE
Board Exam takers take the board exam for granted and only depends on what the
review center teaches (Adais, 2017).

Review centers, just like instructors, have different teaching methods. This is a
problem for ECE Board Exam takers especially since switching to another review
center will be very expensive when the ECE board exam taker dislikes the teaching
style of his/her review center. When the teaching style of the review center does not
fit to the likings of the ECE Board Exam taker, the examinee will have a hard time
understanding the concepts and thus it may lead to him/her failing the ECE Board
Exam (Pelayo, 2017).
 6. Laboratory Equipment and Facilities Factor
Lack of laboratory equipment and facilities can affect the board exam taker's
chance of passing because the board exam may include certain equipment that the
taker has not heard of. Chances are, the board exam might ask questions regarding
some kind of equipment used on the field or for the academic purposes. The number
of equipment is also a factor because the less number of equipment the more
members in a group that will share in a single device so the others might not have the
chance to use the device for personal learning in case. (Go, 2017)

7. Unpreparedness
After graduating, a lot of us want to have their license as fast as possible and as
easy as possible. Referring to RA 9292, Article III, Section 15, the Board
Examinations for ECE should include at least the following subjects: Mathematics,
Applied Sciences, Engineering Economics, Laws and Ethics, Electronics,
Communications, Computers, and Information and Communications Technology. It
can be argued that this is a very wide coverage and with the power bestowed to the
ECE Board Members, according to the same section, they can even add subjects
that they deem necessary to be included in the ECE Board Exams thus, making the
already wide coverage even wider. Board exam schedules are usually given during
April and October of the year. If a student graduated on May or December, he/she
will only have 4-5 months to prepare for the exam (Layos, 2017).

8. Time Constraint

ECE board exam is time limited. For the Electronics subject, 100 questions are
given for 4 hours to answer them completely. That would translate to 2.4 minutes per
question. If it takes 5-10 minutes to remember something, the examinee would run
out of time and be unable to answer all the questions (Layos, 2017).

9. Grading Regulation
Referring to RA 9292, Article III, Section 16, in order to pass the licensure
examination, the examinees should obtain a passing rating of seventy percent (70%)
in each subject and only allowed to take removal examination if a candidate for
Electronics Engineer or Electronics Technician obtains a passing rating in the
majority of the subjects but obtains a rating in the other subject/s below seventy
percent (70%) but not lower than sixty percent (60%). Hence, board exam taker has
difficulty in achieving high passing rate in each subject.

10. Financial Status (Access to Resources and Review Centers)

Good preparation or training helps the board takers to pass their examination.
Also, having a good trainer or coach helps board takers to learn and understand the
necessary concepts. But in order to have proper review or training, board takers must
spend a lot of money to have access to review centers where proper review centers
 are conducted and to resources such as expensive ECE books and related ECE
review materials. Enrolling in review centers is also really expensive. There are
board-takers who cannot afford as such causing them to fail the examination.

11. Review session here at SLU not effective

Review session plays an important role in the development and performance or

the students since it serves as the preparation for taking the board exam (n.d.,
www2.le.ac.uk).

Based on the result of the previous board examination, it relays the message that
the review sessions here at SLU should adapt effective methods and ways to assess
the students if they are really learning. But some students are not taking the review
sessions seriously having a bearing on the effectivity of the review session.

12. ECE Department Factor

The ECE Department is responsible for planning, analyzing and implementing

system that is effective for the students to learn and understand the concepts needed
for the course enrolled. But it seems like that the ECE Department is lacking
specifically in the teaching methods of some faculties. Also, the skills which were
supposedly learned in laboratory subjects by the students were not practiced well
because of the equipment used in laboratory.
The lessons learned by the students is not enough under the ECE Department
and the scope in the board examination is wide. When the ECE student will graduate
in such environment, it will affect his/her result in board examination.

13. Environmental Factor

Environment refers to the setting and people around you. It also affects the board
taker to fail the examination. The setting of his review place may not be that conductive
in reviewing. Also, the people he/she is with might disturb them in reviewing. They might
also cause him/her to have emotional problems.