Using Quality Function Deployment to Select the Courses and Topics that Enhance Program Effectiveness

Department

Civil Engineering

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Engineering Education

ISSN

2168-9830

Volume

91

Issue

2

DOI

10.1002/j.2168-9830.2002.tb00696.x

First Page

231

Last Page

238

Publication Date

4-1-2002

Abstract

Decision science methods can be effective tools for enhancing organizational participation during strategic and complex decision processes. This involvement promotes development of group consensus for issues as difficult as relating organizational goals and the best methods to achieve them. In an academic context, such a process supports and enhances collegial participation. This paper describes an application of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) decision model to prioritize both courses and course content based on degree of impact on program objectives. The model was developed to quantify curricular decisions involved in restructuring a Masters of Engineering Management degree program. QFD supports selection of the courses and the curricular content that has the highest impact on program goals. The model provides a practical and quantitative methodology for developing faculty consensus in the selection of curricular topics based on a strategic program focus.

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