Weber State University   

Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering Technology

Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Results of Assessment

2002-2003 (submitted 11/14/03)

Outcomes Assessed

As required by our ABET accreditation,  all criterion outcomes (A- K) were assessed using Alumni and Employer Satisfaction Surveys,  Program and Course Level Loop Action, Senior Project ,  the SME Certified Manufacturing Technologist  (CMfgT) Exam, feed back from the MFET Industrial Advisory Committee and an ABET  program accreditation review.

Data Gathered

In the spring of 2003, all ABET outcomes were assessed using the Alumni and Employer survey.  Five out of ten alumni surveyed responded.  Only three out ten employers responded.   All of the alumni and employers that responded  to the survey indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with the MFET program.

In addition to surveys, All ABET (A through K) criteria are addressed on an on-going basis through program level and course level loop actions. The majority of MFET courses have now implemented improvements highlighted through the course level closed loop action. The program level and course-level loop action instruments are maintained by the program coordinator.

As a capstone experience, Senior Project continues to be one of our best assessment tools of the overall MFET program.  This year MFET students successfully completed four projects that demonstrated a wide variety of knowledge and skills.   These projects included the building of 26 Stirling Hot Air Engines, equipment for Parker Hannifin, a Roll Mold machine for the department, and three Hydraulic Test Benches for the department. 

Fifteen MFET seniors took the CMfgT Exam.   Ten out of fifteen students passed the exam.    As a faculty we are analyzing the areas of the exam where students appeared weak.

The were several items discussed during our Industrial Advisory Committee (IAC)  meeting.  The most notable discussion item and recommendation was to pursue incorporating the welding program from USU into our MFET bachelor degree as an emphasis.    The IAC thought that there were several advantages in creating an emphasis rather than creating a separate program.  The main advantage in their view was that graduates would be more well rounded in the knowledge and skills and would therefore have more job opportunities.

An ABET team visited the Weber State campus in October for a general review of the MFET program.  The preliminary findings were outlined in an exit interview with the full report to follow in the coming months.  The results were positive and the visiting team gave the program value feedback.  The preliminary results were divided into the two main categories of strengths and weaknesses.  Strengths are self explanatory .  Weakness are listed under three levels of severity. These are as follows:     

• Deficiencies:  Items that fail to meet a criterion, and corrective action is required.
• Weakness:  Items that approximately meet a criterion but lacks strength, and improvement is required.
• Concern:  Items where criteria is satisfied, but action is needed for continued compliance.
• Observations:  Suggestions given to improve programs.

ABET requires that institutions or programs respond to deficiencies and weakness.  No response is required for concerns or observations.

The visiting team highlighted three Strengths:  Exceptional Faculty, Outstanding facilities and laboratories, and the use of SME’s Certified Manufacturing Technologist exam as an assessment tool.  There were no Deficiencies or Weaknesses cited.  The visiting team did highlight three Concerns.  The first dealt with communications.  The visiting commented on the fact that major strides had been made since the last general review, but felt there were still inconsistencies between courses in report requirements and grading procedures.  Second, the visiting team acknowledged that a continuous improvement and assessment plan had been implemented but felt that there was a lack of evidence that the plan had been fully implemented in all of the required technical courses.  Third, the visiting team felt that there was a lack of evidence that the MFET 1210/L and the MFET 3610/L courses were being taught at the appropriate level.  They felt that the text, other material and teaching methods were closer to vocational training than Engineering Technology.  This will be a discussion item at our next Industrial Advisory Committee meeting.

Changes Implemented/To Be Implemented

As an improvement to Senior Project, we now require students to create all review presentations in MS Power Point and all documentation, including the presentations, be recorded on a CD for distribution.

This was the first year that students have been required to attend MFET 4995 where they prepare and take the CMfgT Exam.   Since students are not required to pass the exam in order to pass the course, some students did not take the exam seriously.  As a remedy, graded practice exams will be given that will affect the students’ grade for the course.

Outcomes To Be Assessed During 2003 – 2004

All eleven ABET outcomes will continue to be assessed using the instruments outlined above.

Mission Statement / Student Learning Outcomes / Curriculum Grid /  Assessment  Plan / Contact Person