| Title: |
Industry Members' Perceptions About ABET-Based Accreditation: An Exploratory Study in a Developing Country |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
V. Sanchez Padilla (ORCID 0000-0003-3205-388X); Albert Espinal (ORCID 0000-0003-2619-2752); Jennifer M. Case (ORCID 0000-0002-0186-9803); Jose Cordova-Garcia (ORCID 0000-0003-1624-8521); Homero Murzi (ORCID 0000-0003-3849-2947) |
| Source: |
IEEE Transactions on Education. 2024 67(5):689-698. |
| Availability: |
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Tel: 732-981-0060; Web site: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=13 |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
10 |
| Publication Date: |
2024 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Higher Education; Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Foreign Countries; Higher Education; Public Colleges; Engineering Education; Accreditation (Institutions); Program Attitudes |
| Geographic Terms: |
Ecuador |
| DOI: |
10.1109/TE.2024.3410996 |
| ISSN: |
0018-9359; 1557-9638 |
| Abstract: |
Contribution: This study explores industry members' perceptions about the ABET-based accreditation in a developing country, using the case study of a program in a publicly funded polytechnic university in Ecuador. Background: Engineering programs often seek international accreditations to enhance the education quality, align with the global standards or gain academic reputation. ABET-based accreditation originates in United States, and thus presents some challenges for institutions in developing countries. Intended Outcomes: This study aimed to investigate the significance of international academic accreditation, as seen through the perspective of industry members. It focused on identifying fundamental competencies valued by employers and aimed to provide insights for institutions in similar contexts. Application Design: The research employed an approach informed by a qualitative methodology, involving in-depth interviews with five industry members who had served on the advisory committee board of an engineering program from a higher education institution in Ecuador. Findings: The findings identified three main areas of competencies that the industry members value: communication skills for teamwork, a problem-solving orientation, and an ability for effective task planning. The study also showed that these industry members value international accreditation as a means for enhancing education quality and ensuring graduates develop the necessary skills and competencies, yet the overall awareness with their peers remains relatively low. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2024 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1442455 |
| Database: |
ERIC |