| dc.description.abstract | The primary purpose of this research was to develop a model for a
professional science master’s program combining biotechnology and business.
The objectives were to identify stakeholder preferences for various dimensions
of a professional science master’s program combining biotechnology and
business and to identify differences in priorities between subgroups. A
secondary purpose was to examine user preferences between Web-based and
traditional methods of conducting a Delphi study and the panelist’s impressions
of its usefulness for program development.
Prior to the first round, demographic data were collected on panelists
regarding their gender, age, years experience in their current field, position title
and education levels. Round 1 started with eight open-ended questions
designed to investigate (a) learning objectives, (b) internships, (c) thesis vs. nonthesis
degrees, (d) program focus (e) possible entry level positions, (f) roles for
the industry advisory board, (g) recommended hours of hands-on experience
and (h) other issues of importance. The final round ended with three questions
to assess the panelists’ perception of the usefulness of the Delphi for program
development in higher education. Twenty-four panelists started Round 1 and
participation in subsequent rounds varied from 17 in Round 2 to 11 in Round 4.
Education level varied and included all levels of education in science and
business.
Issues emerged early in the study regarding development of different
program tracks and the program goals, which were clarified in subsequent
rounds. Significant differences occurred between industry and academic
subgroups for two tracks, six skills designated for tracks, method of evaluating
the internship, and entry-level positions appropriate for new graduates. When
analyzed by level of confidence (high confidence vs. low confidence), significant
differences occurred for (a) the number of semesters of hands-on experience
students should have upon graduation, (b) skills recommended for core
curriculum, (c) skills recommended for tracks, (d) compensation level and (e)
entry level positions for new graduates. Perceived usefulness of the Delphi for
program development was varied with only 10 panelists responding--five in
favor, three undecided, and two against. | en |
