Evaluating the competency mismatch between Master of Engineering graduates and industry needs in China

Abstract

This study investigates the mismatch between the educational attainment of a graduate with a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree and the industry needs in China. A competency list for MEng graduates from the perspective of industry needs was constructed. And a survey was conducted among MEng graduate students, alumni, and employers to assess the listed items. The analysis of the survey data yielded five competencies. Mismatches were found for all five factors. Each discrepancy is discussed in detail in this paper.

Keywords:

• education quality
• engineering education
• evaluation of education
• graduate education
• scale development

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Ministry of Education Project of Humanities and Social Sciences (MOEPHSS; No.13YJC880050, 13YJA880020), the Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation (APNSF; No.1308085MG110), and the Anhui Provincial Teaching Research Project (APTRP; No. 2012jyxm019). The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of MOEPHSS, APNSF, and APTRP.