Technology needs assessment model for follow-up studies in engineering technology

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a procedural model for conducting follow-up survey research which could meet the Accreditation Board of Engineering Technology guidelines and assess the technology needs of engineering technology curriculums. After a search of related literature, it was determined that no research literature was available in the field of engineering technology relating to either follow-up survey research or technology needs assessment research. Consequently, the development of this procedural model had to rely on research conducted in other related fields. It was determined through analyzing objectives that follow-up survey research and needs assessment research from the field of vocational education provided the most viable approach for developing research procedures in an engineering technology environment. Thus, research from vocational education provided a foundation from which a four phase procedural model for conducting follow-up survey research in an engineering technology environment evolved. The initial phase in this procedural model was the preparation phase which entailed a process for developing a valid and reliable survey questionnaire. The second phase of this procedural model was the data collection phase. This phase identified procedures for delimiting the survey population and conducting the follow-up survey campaign. The third phase of this procedural model was the data analysis and report preparation phase. This phase identified appropriate statistical procedures and detailed what information should be provided in various follow-up survey reports. The final phase of the procedural model was the dissemination of results phase which suggested a procedure for determining who should receive the results. A pilot study was incorporated into the study to determine how well the procedural model adapted to an engineering technology environment. Overall results of the pilot study confirmed the procedural model to be a successful approach. Upon completion of the pilot study, a critical analysis of the procedural model's performance was made and used to refine the procedural model. The final product of this study was a recommended procedural model which could be used for conducting a follow-up survey research and assessing the technology needs of an engineering technology department.