Professional Competencies in Engineering Undergraduate Students: A case study at two Colombian Universities
Palabras clave:
Professional competencies, Engineering education, Technological tools, Academic managementResumen
In the 21st century, engineering education must respond to a highly technological and globalized environment, demanding professionals with strong technical competencies, innovation capacity, and problem-solving skills. Digital transformation and industrial evolution require engineers capable of handling advanced tools, working collaboratively, and managing resources efficiently. This study analyzes the level of professional competencies in engineering students from two Colombian universities as part of a broader research project (n=265). Technical, management, communication, and ethical competencies were assessed through a self-administered online questionnaire. The results reveal strengths in technical and management skills (M= 3.864; SD= 0.791) but significant deficiencies in English communication (M= 2.509; SD= 1.000). These findings highlight the need for pedagogical strategies that reinforce comprehensive education, ensuring the balanced development of all competencies. The study concludes that the type of institution influences training, while age and gender have a limited impact.
Citas
Aguirre-Álvarez, Y., Montoya-Peláez, M., Trujillo-Cabezas, R., & Hurtado, C. (2023). Competency Development in Industrial Engineering and Related Academic Programs Regarding the Optimization of Production and Logistics Processes: The Case of Medellín. Trilogía Ciencia Tecnología Sociedad. https://doi.org/10.22430/21457778.2717
Ahmad, N., & Qahmash, A. (2020). Implementing Fuzzy AHP and FUCOM to evaluate critical success factors for sustained academic quality assurance and ABET accreditation. PLoS ONE, 15. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0239140
Arias, A., Linares-Vásquez, M., & Rocío-Héndez, N. (2023). Undergraduate Dropout in Colombia: A Systematic Literature Review of Causes and Solutions. Journal of Latinos and Education, 23, 612 - 627. https://doi.org/10.1080/15348431.2023.2171042
Burbano, A. (2016). Integrated Curriculum Design for an Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Program in Latin America. https://doi.org/10.18260/p.25767
Caratozzolo, P., Lara-Prieto, V., Martinez-Leon, C., Rodríguez-Ruiz, J., Ponce, R., & Vázquez-Villegas, P. (2022). Developing Skills for Industry 4.0: Challenges and Opportunities in Engineering Education. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9962444
Casanova, J., Vasconcelos, R., Bernardo, A., & Almeida, L. (2021). University Dropout in Engineering: Motives and Student Trajectories.. Psicothema, 33 4, 595-601 . https://doi.org/10.7334/psicothema2020.363
Fomunyam, K. G. (2020). Globalization and Internationalization in Engineering Education in Africa. International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering (IJITEE, 9(12), 71-76. https://rediie.cl/wp-content/uploads/GLOBALISATIONANDINTERNATIONALISATIONINENG.pdf
Gabalán-Coello, J., Balcero-Molina, A., Rizo, F., Martínez-González, A., & Fonseca-Grandón, G. (2019). An Analysis of Accredited Colombian Universities, Based on Performance Variables Associated with Their Quality. Journal of Latinos and Education, 21, 379 - 387. https://doi.org/10.1080/15348431.2019.1665523
Gołuch, P., Stec, M., Gańczorz, P., Białek, K., & Kiljan, A. (2024). An Analysis of the Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Interdisciplinary Engineer of the 21st Century Based on the Concept of Industry 4.0. https://journals.prz.edu.pl/hss/article/download/1728/1308/
Greene, J. C., Caracelli, V. J., & Graham, W. F. (1989). Toward a Conceptual Framework for Mixed-Method Evaluation Designs. Educational Evaluation & Policy Analysis, 11, 255-274. https://doi.org/10.3102/01623737011003255
Hernández, R., & Goe, L. (2015). La formación dual en Colombia. El caso de la Fundación Universitaria de la Cámara de Comercio de Bogotá Uniempresarial: los desafíos actuales en la percepción de egresados y empresarios. , 13, 145-181. https://doi.org/10.21830/19006586.21
Higuera Martínez, Ó. I., Fernández Samacá, L., & Alvarado Fajardo, A. C. (2020). Fomento de la creatividad en estudiantes de primer año de ingeniería a través de proyectos. Encuentro Internacional de Educación en Ingeniería https://doi.org/10.26507/ponencia.719
Hissey, T. (2000). Education and careers 2000. Enhanced skills for engineers. Proceedings of the IEEE, 88, 1367-1370. https://doi.org/10.1109/5.880089
Jiang, D., Dahl, B., & Du, X. (2023). A Systematic Review of Engineering Students in Intercultural Teamwork: Characteristics, Challenges, and Coping Strategies. Education Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13060540
Johnson, R. B., Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Turner, L. A. (2007). Toward a Definition of Mixed Methods Research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 1(2), 112-133. https://doi.org/10.1177/1558689806298224
Kassler, J., & Zeng, Q. (2024). Preface: 6th International Symposium on Education, Culture and Social Sciences (ECSS 2024). Transactions on Social Science, Education and Humanities Research. https://doi.org/10.62051/4retr041
Li, Z. (2022). Research on the Path of Education Globalization in Engineering Universities of China. 2022 11th International Conference on Educational and Information Technology (ICEIT), 170-174. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICEIT54416.2022.9690727
Luna, A., Chong, M., & Djurica, D. (2023). Higher Education Internationalization: A Peruvian University Experience. 2023 IEEE World Engineering Education Conference (EDUNINE), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1109/EDUNINE57531.2023.10102851
Malik, H., Chaudhary, G., & Srivastava, S. (2021). Digital transformation through advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning. J. Intell. Fuzzy Syst., 42, 615-622. https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-189787
Munir, F. (2021). More than technical experts: Engineering professionals’ perspectives on the role of soft skills in their practice. Industry and Higher Education, 36, 294 - 305. https://doi.org/10.1177/09504222211034725
Ndubuisi, A., & Marzi, E. (2021). InVEST: Equipping Engineering Students with Professional Competencies and Interpersonal Skills. 10.1109/FIE49875.2021.9637174
Pertuz, A., González-Estrada, O., & Graciano, C. (2020). Investigación en ingeniería en Colombia (2020). Revista UIS Ingenierías, 19(1), pp. 7-10 Universidad Industrial de Santander Bucaramanga, Colombia. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10436232
Pulido, J., Rodriguez, D., & Rueda, W. (2024). Proposal to Characterize the Effectiveness of Engineering Education in Colombia. Proceedings of the 22nd LACCEI International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (LACCEI 2024): “Sustainable Engineering for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future at the Service of Education, Research, and Industry for a Society 5.0.”. https://doi.org/10.18687/laccei2024.1.1.1334
Quelhas, O., Lima, G., Ludolf, N., Meiriño, M., Abreu, C., Anholon, R., Neto, J., & Da Silva Goulart Rodrigues, L. (2019). Engineering education and the development of competencies for sustainability. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-07-2018-0125
Rawboon, K., Yamazaki, A., Wongsatanawarid, A., & Oda, S. (2021). Global Competencies for Engineering Program Graduates from an Industry Perspective. https//doi/10.18178/ijlt
Sangwan, D., Sangwan, K. S., & Raj, P. (2022). 21st-century competencies in engineering education: initiation, evolution, current, and now whither to. http://hdl.handle.net/2117/383631
Suárez-Landazábal, N., & Buendía, A. (2020). Effects of the evaluation and accreditation processes on academics. A case study of a Colombian higher education institution. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 28, 113. https://doi.org/10.14507/EPAA.28.5353
Šuligoj, V., Zavbi, R., & Avsec, S. (2020). Interdisciplinary critical and design thinking. International Journal of Engineering Education, 36, 84-95. https://www.ijee.ie/1atestissues/Vol36-1ª/07_ijee3858.pdf
Tossavainen, P. (2009). Institutionalising internationalisation strategies in engineering education. European Journal of Engineering Education, 34, 527 - 543. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043790903154457
Tsakalerou, M. (2019). Globalization and Engineering Education: The Pendulum Has Swung Again. https://doi.org/10.33422/2nd.educationconf.2019.11.795
Ulloa, G., Pachón, Á., & Arboleda, H. (2018). Active Learning and CDIO Implementation in Colombia. https://doi.org/10.1109/GLOCOMW.2011.6162378
Vera, F. (2020). Concepciones de docentes universitarios chilenos sobre el pensamiento crítico. Transformar, 1(1), 20–41. https://revistatransformar.cl/index.php/transformar/article/view/14
Vera, F. (2022). La perspectiva de docentes sobre la infusión de la sostenibilidad en el currículo de la educación superior. Transformar, 3(2), 17–37. https://www.revistatransformar.cl/index.php/transformar/article/view/57
Vera, F. (2023). Aprendizaje activo y pensamiento crítico: Impulsando el desarrollo estudiantil en una universidad privada chilena. Transformar, 4(3), 31–44. https://revistatransformar.cl/index.php/transformar/article/view/101
Vera, F. (2024a). Desarrollo de competencias genéricas en carreras de Ingeniería: Análisis crítico de propuestas formativas en Chile. Transformar, 5(1), 37–60. https://revistatransformar.cl/index.php/transformar/article/view/116
Vera, F. (2024b). Engineering Professional Competencies Questionnaire (EPCQ). Red International de Investigadores en Educación/International Education Researchers Network (REDIIE). https://rediie.cl/engineering-professional-competencies-questionnaire-epcq/
Vera, F., & Tejada, E. (2020). Developing soft skills in undergraduate students: A case at a Chilean private university. Transformar, 1(1), 57–67. https://revistatransformar.cl/index.php/transformar/article/view/12
Vera, F., Buyones-González, H., Parodi-Camaño, T., & Romero Torres, M. E. (2024). Perception of Construction Engineering Students concerning Professional Competencies at a Chilean Private University. Transformar, 5(4), 17–38. https://revistatransformar.cl/index.php/transformar/article/view/146
Zabaleta, J. M. O. & Rodríguez, C. M. A. (2023). Engineering in education, with an impact on the implementation of Agtech in the agricultural sector 2023 IEEE Colombian Caribbean Conference (C3), Barranquilla, Colombia, 2023, pp. 1-5. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10436232
Zhang, B. (2024). Cross-cultural Engineering Team Management in The Context of Globalization. Frontiers in Business, Economics and Management. https://doi.org/10.54097/61mpwd46
