A model of continuous feedback for aligning curriculum of bachelor of science degree programs with the changing needs of technical industries

Many university programs aim to prepare graduates for positions in technical fields. As technology is continuously changing and the focus of business enterprises has shifted to more of a global nature, institutions of higher education must develop a method of updating program curricula in order to most appropriately prepare graduates for entry-level positions. The purpose of this study was to develop a method of surveying industry experts to identify changes technical industries will face in the future for application in higher education curriculums. Specifically, this study was completed to determine current and future skills required of apparel designers for entry level positions.; Apparel design program administrators are continually faced with updating curriculum in order to most appropriately prepare graduates for careers in the apparel industry. The problem with identifying the skills currently required of entry-level designers is that the skills change as the apparel industry evolves. Therefore, in order for the changing needs of the apparel industry to be addressed by an apparel program, a method of surveying the apparel industry for current and future needs must be developed. This study involved surveying current apparel industry professionals via a Delphi study technique to identify current and future skills required of fashion designers in entry level positions. The Delphi Technique utilized to gather expert opinions employed 2 rounds of surveys all delivered and returned via Survey Monkey, an on-line survey tool. The first round requested that participants identify the current and future skill sets required of entry-level apparel designers, and identify potential changes the apparel industry will experience over the next seven years. The second round refined these skill sets and attempted to reach general agreement amongst the panelists. The identified current and future skill sets can be utilized by program administrators to maintain and update program quality. The projected changes the apparel industry will face over the next seven years can be used to develop appropriate curriculum content for the changing needs of the industry. The entire study is also a repeatable process to periodically survey industry professionals for continuous program quality improvements.