Title: A quantitate approach to mapping modules outcome to competencies identified through training needs analysis

Authors: Sarim Al-Zubaidy; Deepthi Peiris

Addresses: Military Technological College, 111, P.O. Box 262, Muscat, Oman ' Military Technological College, 111, P.O. Box 262, Muscat, Oman

Abstract: Training needs analysis (TNA), conducted prior to establishing academic programs, had identified the competencies that students from military technological college (MTC) should acquire before their graduation. A detailed study of situational analysis, scoping study, competency generation, equipment selection and the training gap analysis formed the basis of MTC TNA process. Two types of competencies, general and specific, were identified and documented in competency descriptors. Students develop these competencies through core academic modules, supplemented by practical-oriented modules specifically designed to meet TNA-identified competencies. This paper suggests a quantitative approach to map progressive competency achievements of students to different subject domains objectively. The model presented is extendable to measure these achievements well into the workplace after their graduation as well as a tool to gauge the status of readiness of the college in its journey to achieve its final goals of becoming a centre of excellence.

Keywords: competency descriptors; competency generation; general competencies; module outcome maps; quantitative approach; specific competencies; training gap analysis; training needs analysis; situational analysis; scoping study; equipment selection; Oman; military technological colleges; higher education; student learning; student experiences.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIIE.2016.083347

International Journal of Innovation in Education, 2016 Vol.3 No.4, pp.189 - 199

Received: 08 Jan 2016
Accepted: 14 Mar 2016
Published online: 24 Mar 2017 *

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