IUPUI Mechanical Engineering Technology Senior Assessment

Paul Yearling; Tim Anderson; Robert J. Durkin

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Conference: 2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Publication Date: June 24, 2017
Start Date: June 24, 2017
End Date: June 28, 2017
Conference Session: ETD Accreditation and Assessment
Tagged Division: Engineering Technology
Page Count: 12
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--28596
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/28596
Download Count: 652

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Paper Authors

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Paul Yearling P.E. Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis

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Paul Yearling
Education: PhD. Major: Mechanical Engineering, Minor: Applied Mathematics
Professional Engineer License
Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Current Position: Associate Chair Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology Program Director

Industrial Experience

Over 20 years of industrial experience initially as a Royal Naval Dockyard indentured craftsman machinist and Design Draftsman and project manager on Leander class Steam Turbine Naval frigates and diesel electric submarines. Most recently includes 12 years in Research and Development and Lean Six Sigma process improvement experience troubleshooting process issues in the Paper, Chemical, and Converting Industries.

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Tim Anderson Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis

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Robert J. Durkin Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis

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Mr. Durkin teaches courses in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Technology; including the capstone design and independent study projects. He serves as a Faculty Senator, and earned the 2013 Outstanding Teacher Award and the 2017 Trustees Teaching Award.
He has over 25 years of engineering and manufacturing experience including; design, project management, and various engineering, research and manufacturing leadership roles. He has been awarded two US patents.
He is an alumnus of Indiana Institute of Technology, and the University of Notre Dame; where he graduated Magna cum Laude.

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Abstract

IUPUI Mechanical Engineering Technology Senior Assessment

This paper discusses the statistical analysis of several years of Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) senior assessment examination data providing insight and support for future MET program process improvements. The examination is designed to cover all subject areas of the MET program and is used to pinpoint the course and subject material that needs improvement. Previous reports on the subject had identified MET 111 (Applied Statics), MET 213 (Dynamics), and MET 348 (Engineering Materials) as courses in need of potential improvement. This paper will discuss the statistical tools used in the analysis and determine if these areas are still the key focus for improvement or if the focus should be shifted to other courses. In an ever developing industry, the engineering job market needs not only qualified graduates, but graduates who are capable of fully implementing not only what they learned from their courses, but also apply their own individual style and creativity. In order to meet these industry needs, assessments of engineering education have become an essential tool. One such assessment is the Senior Assessment Exam implemented by the department of Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). However, one mere assessment does not simply cover the issue, as continuous assessment and improvement are key fundamentals of the engineering disciplines. The Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET) is an organization that ensures universities and institutions like IUPUI meet certain accreditation requirements, including the need for continuous improvement. The MET department at IUPUI has been accredited by ABET for three periods spanning from 2000 to 2018 combined. The MET department can meet ABET criteria for accreditation through the creation of a process map. The process map is a compilation of student materials, employer surveys, and course evaluations used to help with the continuous improvement of the program. The Senior Assessment Exam is an important tool in the process improvement methodology. Rennels, 2003, analyzed the senior assessment examination results for three semesters, and this paper will bring his work up to date. Correlations between exam performance and students’ GPA, as well as exam performance and program duration were observed during this study. His conclusions suggest validating the exam results to subject areas and individual question.

Citation
Format

Yearling, P., & Anderson, T., & Durkin, R. J. (2017, June), IUPUI Mechanical Engineering Technology Senior Assessment Paper presented at 2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Columbus, Ohio. 10.18260/1-2--28596

TY - CPAPER
AB - IUPUI Mechanical Engineering Technology Senior Assessment

This paper discusses the statistical analysis of several years of Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) senior assessment examination data providing insight and support for future MET program process improvements. The examination is designed to cover all subject areas of the MET program and is used to pinpoint the course and subject material that needs improvement. Previous reports on the subject had identified MET 111 (Applied Statics), MET 213 (Dynamics), and MET 348 (Engineering Materials) as courses in need of potential improvement. This paper will discuss the statistical tools used in the analysis and determine if these areas are still the key focus for improvement or if the focus should be shifted to other courses.
In an ever developing industry, the engineering job market needs not only qualified graduates, but graduates who are capable of fully implementing not only what they learned from their courses, but also apply their own individual style and creativity. In order to meet these industry needs, assessments of engineering education have become an essential tool. One such assessment is the Senior Assessment Exam implemented by the department of Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). However, one mere assessment does not simply cover the issue, as continuous assessment and improvement are key fundamentals of the engineering disciplines.
The Accreditation Board for Engineering &amp; Technology (ABET) is an organization that ensures universities and institutions like IUPUI meet certain accreditation requirements, including the need for continuous improvement. The MET department at IUPUI has been accredited by ABET for three periods spanning from 2000 to 2018 combined. The MET department can meet ABET criteria for accreditation through the creation of a process map. The process map is a compilation of student materials, employer surveys, and course evaluations used to help with the continuous improvement of the program. The Senior Assessment Exam is an important tool in the process improvement methodology. Rennels, 2003, analyzed the senior assessment examination results for three semesters, and this paper will bring his work up to date. Correlations between exam performance and students’ GPA, as well as exam performance and program duration were observed during this study. His conclusions suggest validating the exam results to subject areas and individual question.

AU - Paul Yearling P.E.
AU - Tim Anderson
AU - Robert J. Durkin
CY - Columbus, Ohio
DA - 2017/06/24
PB - ASEE Conferences
TI - IUPUI Mechanical Engineering Technology Senior Assessment
UR - https://peer.asee.org/28596
DO - 10.18260/1-2--28596
ER -