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Session 3460

Going Global – A Methodology for Shaping Students for the Global Workplace

Raymond E. Thompson, Ronald Sterkenburg Purdue University

Abstract

Many programs are seeking ways to become ‘global’. What does that really mean? How does a program become ‘global’ in nature? The Aviation Technology (AT) department at Purdue University is seeking the answers to those questions. Often, coursework in diversity or foreign language is suggested as a way to become global. The AT department felt that a more basic approach was needed to understand what it meant to be global. What traits make someone ‘global’? How is a program shaped to produce students for whom a global perspective is second nature? Should we be trying to make students global? In response, a committee of faculty and industrial members were gathered in June 2000 to begin answering those questions.

The group began by discussing what globalization meant to the industrial members. From these discussions, a Vision Goal emerged and four subset areas of further study were identified: Business Relationships, Technical, Education – Business and Cultural, and Regulatory. Next, a process for obtaining information from a number of locales pertinent to these subsets was laid out. First, a needs assessment of the aviation industry personnel would be conducted. Observation, survey, and interview methods are anticipated being used. A visitation template will be created to ensure consistent results. Second, structured visits to obtain the assessment information. Third, involve the AT Industrial Advisory Committee in a parallel process to provide input and feedback on suggested curriculum changes. Fourth, develop methods meeting the identified needs and working them into the academic curriculum.

Development of a visitation template and visitation areas is in progress. Grants and air carrier partners will provide travel support. Once the visits are completed, a specific set of performance objectives will be determined. Then, the AT department can provide curriculum and other opportunities for students to become global.

I. Introduction

“Going Global” is a popular term in both academia and industry today. What does that mean? Traditionally it has meant offering international study opportunities for students and faculty exchange. While this is still true, developing a program that is “global” entails much more than that. Feedback from the Aviation Technology Industrial Advisory Committee1 (ATIAC) indicates that they want students who are able to operate in the global marketplace. This includes understanding the world aerospace market, cultural differences, international rules and regulations, foreign government processes, foreign business practices, and foreign language. The ATIAC realizes that while producing a student competent in all those areas is unrealistic,

Proceedings of the 2001 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright  2001, American Society for Engineering Education

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Sterkenberg, R., & Thompson, R. (2001, June), Going Global – A Methodology For Shaping Students For The Global Workplace Paper presented at 2001 Annual Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 10.18260/1-2--9309