A technology-enabled assessment and attainment of desirable competencies

Abstract

Engineering is an exciting field, offering exceptional career opportunities. Still, the success of an engineering graduate depends upon their knowledge, skills, and attitude. Accreditation agencies worldwide described these attributes as desirable competencies referred to as program outcomes (POs) by NBA, India. These POs are imparted during graduation and effectively implemented in the profession. Thus, continuous monitoring of each PO for an individual undergraduate during graduation becomes vital to initiate corrective action (if needed). This study proposes automation in the assessment process for POs. It has identified new assessment events and developed additional online assessment tools, feedback systems involving all stakeholders. To demonstrate the effect/impact of all these parameters, separate mathematical formulae are evolved to assess each PO. The authors claim that the developed system provides a more realistic attainment number due to comprehensive assessment and all-inclusive feedback instead of relying on sample data as in the conventional assessment process. It also helps in institutional accreditation.