Problem Diagnosed

Assessment Tool Used

Remedy Implemented

Students need study area

Senior exit survey-facilities

Room 323 renovated to include teamwork area and socializing space. This was eventually changed to a research lab for graduate students and a conference room. Room 127 currently being renovated.

Computing labs not modern

Senior exit survey, facilities survey for all students

Investment in lab equipment and software (approximately $50,000) for general purpose labs and software for specific classes as well as SIE 453, SIE 305, SIE 431.

Modernize curriculum including data base experience

Senior exit survey,

SIE 495 debriefing, and

IAC meeting

Adjusted curriculum adding SIE 277 (OOMD) and modifying SIE 377 to include data base design.

Senior design course too short to get to implementation and do a good job

Outcome Metrics: Senior Design Reports and Client Reviews and Exit Exam-Design

2-semester sequence. Started 2003-2004. We received better client reviews. 2 projects were completed at initial scope and 2 were done at reduced scope.

Students are unclear of SE and IE differences and what SIEs do

SIE 495 debriefing

Add a sophomore seminar covering such topics in new curriculum. Added SIE 454a starting Fall 2001 as this is a required SE course.

Students have trouble deciding when to use simulation vs. analytical models

Outcome Metrics: Exit Exam- Modeling

Informed instructors to clarify modeling approaches and relevance, particularly in SIE 431. Modeling exam improvements in 2004 group after a failure in the 2003 group.

Need for modern tools

SIE 495 debriefing

Development of metrology lab (SIE 330) and introduction of SIE 277 and UML starting Fall 2001 in addition to computing lab upgrade.

Difficulty in linear programming

Outcome Metric: SIE 340 Grades

Textbook change has improved scores. Also a refocus of the course materials seem to improve the linear programming course metrics in the new 2003 system relative to what was happening in 2002.