Assessing the impact of digital education and the role of the big data analytics course to enhance the skills and employability of engineering students

Abstract

This study aims to explore the role of digital education in the development of skills and employability for engineering students through researching the role of big data analytics courses. The empirical study proposes the hypothesis that both soft and hard skills have positive effects on human capital, individual attributes, and the career development dimensions of engineering students. This is achieved through constructing a framework of three dimensions of engineering students’ employability and two competency development dimensions of big data analytics courses. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 155 college engineering students and a structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. The results found that courses on big data analytics have a positive impact on engineering students’ abilities in both hard skills (p < 0.01) and soft skills (p < 0.001) dimensions, while soft skills have a more significant impact on engineering students’ employability. The study has practical and theoretical implications that further enriches the knowledge base on engineering education and broadens our understanding of the role of digitalization in enhancing the skills and employability of engineering students.

Understanding the role of peer pressure on engineering students' learning behavior: A TPB perspective

“…Many studies have shown that cooperative learning improves engineering students' academic performance to a greater extent than traditional individual learning, and that a positive peer atmosphere plays an important role in developing engineering skills learning plans, reaching agreements, project division, and cooperation (61). In addition, a cooperative learning atmosphere motivates engineering students to spend more time on learning various engineering expertise and employability skills (62,63). In such an atmosphere, those who procrastinate on their study tasks and are unwilling to carry out their studies and will be reprimanded and ostracized by their peers, and based on this positive peer pressure, engineering students maintain a proactive attitude toward learning and engage in their studies, thereby creating a strong learning atmosphere (64).…”

Fostering Digital Transformations in Military Engineering Education: Introduction of a Technology-Enhanced Learning Environment

“…Digital tools can collect and analyze the data on cadets' performance, engagement, and learning outcomes (Xu et al, 2022). Moreover, digitalization often reflects the tools and technologies used during professional or combat activities (Torichnyi & Bhinder, 2019).…”

The Role of Knowledge-Oriented Leadership in Fostering Innovation Capabilities: The Mediating Role of Data Analytics Maturity

“…Analytical skills are closely related to problem-solving abilities. Data analytics frequently involves the use of datadriven approaches to identify and resolve complex business problems [48]. Thus, analytical skills allow employees to break down complicated problems into more manageable components, construct hypotheses, and assess them using appropriate analytical techniques [48].…”

“…Data analytics frequently involves the use of datadriven approaches to identify and resolve complex business problems [48]. Thus, analytical skills allow employees to break down complicated problems into more manageable components, construct hypotheses, and assess them using appropriate analytical techniques [48]. Moreover, analytical skills empower employees to evaluate the effectiveness of data analytics initiatives, identify gaps in capabilities, and propose strategies to enhance data analytics maturity [27].…”

“…Moreover, analytical skills empower employees to evaluate the effectiveness of data analytics initiatives, identify gaps in capabilities, and propose strategies to enhance data analytics maturity [27]. Therefore, analytical skills play a crucial role in improving data analytics maturity as they facilitate recognizing opportunities, optimizing processes, and fostering innovation in organizations [48].…”