An electronic data management and analysis application for ABET accreditation

TL;DR

This paper introduces an electronic application built with Microsoft Access to streamline the management, analysis, and documentation of assessment data for ABET accreditation, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

Contribution

It provides a specialized software tool for ABET assessment data management, addressing complex documentation needs with features for data analysis, reporting, and continuous improvement.

Findings

Facilitates systematic data management for ABET criteria 3 and 4

Enables efficient analysis and reporting of assessment data

Supports continuous program improvement through feedback management

Abstract

This article presents an application developed for electronically managing and analyzing assessment data for ABET accreditation purposes using Microsoft Access. It facilitates the data entry, analysis and record-keeping for criterion 3 and 4 of the ABET engineering accreditation guidelines, which are arguably the most important, documentation-intensive and complex requirements in the entire process. Users can systematically manage large amounts of assessment data, conveniently run various queries and reports using pre-specified filters, and use them in analyzing the strengths, weaknesses and critical areas of the educational program. For closing the assessment cycle loop, the electronic tool also provides the ability to manage verbal feedback and observations for planning remedial actions and continually improving the program. The use of the application is demonstrated through illustrative examples on data gathered over multiple academic terms. The program and its user guide are available to educators and evaluators.