Total Quality Management Applied to Engineering Education

Abstract

A methodology demonstration using Quality Function Deployment (QFD) as a tool to explore some key elements of higher education. QFD is most commonly applied in industrial settings where products are manufactured. This research applies QFD to a service, specifically engineering education. The goal of this research is, therefore, twofold. While exploring the quality of engineering education in a university setting, a new application of QFD was tried and tested. Considering the university students as the primary customers, the results of a nominal group technique session, along with interviews of faculty members and administrators were used to define “the voice of the customer”. QFD procedures and forms were used to analyse and scrutinize the specific areas of advising and teaching within the university. Recommendations were devised which range from a comprehensive instructor‐training programme to self‐help and mentor programmes by student groups.

Embracing the future of engineering education in Nigeria: teaching and learning challenges

“…This conclusion was based on the responses obtained from 615 engineering students from the University of Ilorin and Kwara state University, Nigeria, among which 92% affirmed that none of their lectures mentioned any new invention or discovery as a result of attending a conference during any of their lectures. The problem of changing existing curriculum is not only peculiar to Nigeria but across the globe to include countries like USA, UK and Australia [8,28]. This is because the global problem with engineering education has to do with the challenges of the 21 st -century workplace and the permeating nature of product and services provided by engineers.…”

“…Furthermore,, lack of basic infrastructure, lack of necessary support from non-academic staff, poor access to internet services, irregular power supply, lack of good leadership and mentoring schemes are among other challenges identified in [6,12,13]. Jaraiedi and Ritz [8] also pointed out that the system of education in Nigeria today is more of socialising with less emphasis on hard work both on the part of the students and the lecturers. These challenges are having a significant impact on the quality of Education in Nigeria as discussed in the examined literature.…”

“…This leads to the call for improvement of the existing classical course delivery methods toward meeting the labour market needs. However, over the years, extensive information technology, cutting edge technological ideas and developmental initiative are happening in the world as a result of engineering innovations, however, there are no major changes in the engineering education, lecturing style, and attitude within the same time frame in Nigeria [8,9]. Despite these challenges, some Nigerians are still arguing that the system is not as bad because some engineering students are still managing to record some level of success both at home and outside the country, while, working or in pursuit of a higher education.…”

“…Furthermore, the test to students must be challenging but fair. According to [8], Knowledge is the database of an engineer, skills are the tools used to manipulate the knowledge to meet a goal dictated or strongly influence by attitude.…”

On Quality Assurance Mechanisms in Engineering Education: A Case Study of Purdue University

“…[7][8] In addition, research articles tried to introduce quality assurance philosophy to the research of engineering education. [9][10][11] Finally, there are some research articles which compared EC2000 and ISO9000. [12][13][14] During the mid-1990s, the new accreditation criteria (EC2000) required the program define what the graduates should be able to do, and have continuous improvement process based on program outcome.…”