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Evaluation of International Accreditation Achievements and Shortcomings for Engineering and Technology Programs and Their Economic and Social Impacts.

Abstract

Globalization of corporate economics is not just a passing phenomenon but becoming the norm. World economy has become vastly more interdependent as work and job move rapidly and frequently from one country to another. Globalization, especially in the information technology (IT), automotive and manufacturing industries has already begun to change the way engineers work. Modern engineers must possess cross-cultural communication skills, team management skills, and the ability to perform on geographically distributed team. Today’s strong believe is that the recent engineering and technology graduates can expect to work at some point of their careers, on teams with members from varied culture and linguistic background. As the stake is very high, it will be rewarding to develop a technically literate work force with international exposure in order to maintain the technological leadership of the United States. This paper contributes towards the understanding of achievements and shortcomings of international accreditation to date.

ABET’s EC 2000 criteria has stressed the importance of international experience, awareness of global issues, cultural diversity awareness as desirable traits of new-hire engineers. Substantial equivalency of ABET applies to international accreditation systems and recognizes the subsequent equivalency of the two systems with respect to the preparation of the graduates to begin professional practices at the entry level. The author has found out that enough concentration has not been given to Indian subcontinent countries which normally supply a considerable amount of undergraduate and graduate students to the universities of the United States. This paper will point out the benefits USA will get if we can bring these countries under the umbrella of international accreditation. Companies which are out sourcing jobs to those countries are paying the price for not having the international accreditation in their curriculum. The end result will provide a mutual recognition between ABET and the accreditation boards of those countries who are still not an active participant in the international accreditation process. It will definitely have a positive and long lasting impact on the overall health of the economy and the society.

Introduction

High quality engineering and technology education is a necessary requirement for developing countries to enhance their human, institutional and infrastructure capacity. Improvement in the quality of engineering and technology graduates is considered as a major indigenous technological base upon which economic growth in the world can be achieved. As a result, a base of competent technical workforce will facilitate the investment of foreign capital through the multinational companies. The qualified engineers and technologists not only utilize the foreign aid funds effectively towards infrastructure projects but also start up small businesses1.

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Islam, R. (2007, June), Evaluation Of International Accreditation Achievements And Shortcomings For Engineering And Technology Programs And Their Economic And Social Impacts. Paper presented at 2007 Annual Conference & Exposition, Honolulu, Hawaii. 10.18260/1-2--1907