A Delphi study to identify fundamental competency areas for certification testing of Manufacturing Technologists and entry-level Manufacturing Engineers
Abstract
An initial pool of 504 U.S. manufacturing managers, manufacturing educators, and Manufacturing Engineers and Technologists was formed by a stratified random sampling of the subscription list of Manufacturing Engineering magazine. The group was then screened by means of a pre-Delphi survey, in order to select 51 experts to serve on a Delphi panel. The panel experts were consulted, using a mailed questionnaire Delphi methodology, to help identify the fundamental competency areas to be used as a basis for the development of a new version of the Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT) examination. Through three iterations of Delphi questionnaires (which had response rates of 92%, 96%, and 96%), the panel experts (1) rated the importance of the listed competency areas for testing by the certification examination, (2) provided suggestions for additional competency areas to be added to the list, (3) offered specific comments concerning the nature of individual competency areas, and (4) submitted general comments concerning the focus of the certification examination and the process of the study. The numerous comments enhanced consideration of panel members' views, encouraged reflective judgement by panelists for ratings, and provided direction for the administration of the study. The results of the study, a prioritized and categorized list of competency areas and a large number of guiding comments, were presented to the Society of Manufacturing Engineers' (SME) Manufacturing Engineering Certification Institute (MECI). This information was to be used by the CMfgT examination Rewrite Committee as a basis for the construction of new examination questions. Many of the experts who served on the panel felt that the study was very valuable, and that the results were a good indicator of what competencies should be tested for certification of Manufacturing Technologists and entry-level Manufacturing Engineers. The results may be useful for educators who wish to help students prepare for the CMfgT examination, and may be an aspect for consideration for manufacturing education curriculum development.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Buren, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Inservice training
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