Comparison of industrial engineering programs in Colombia based on standardized test results

• Published in: Evaluation and program planning 2024-04, Vol.103, p.102415, Article 102415
• Main Authors: Mendoza-Mendoza, Adel, Mendoza-Casseres, Daniel, De La Hoz-Domíngez, Enrique
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Academic performance; Analysis of variance; Comparison of means; Standardized test
• ISSN: 0149-7189
• DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2024.102415

This study aims to evaluate the performance of industrial engineering programs across various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Colombia, focusing on the SaberPRO test outcomes from 2016 to 2018. The evaluation considers three primary dimensions: the type of funding (public vs. private HEIs), geographical region, and program accreditation status. The methodology involved gathering and analyzing Saber Pro test results from students enrolled in industrial engineering programs at 82 Colombian HEIs during the specified period. In Colombia, the SaberPRO Exam, administered by the Colombian Institute for the Evaluation of Education (ICFES), is a critical measure for assessing the quality of future industrial engineering graduates. This research employs an analytical framework that includes Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and hypothesis testing for mean comparisons to scrutinize the performance of these programs. Findings reveal notable disparities in performance between public and private institutions and between accredited and non-accredited programs. Additionally, through Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA), the study identifies the competencies with the highest discriminative capacity, recognizing 15 exemplary programs out of the 82 evaluated. •This study is one of the first to make a comparison of standardized test results industrial engineering programs in Colombia.•This study can be a contribution for a better application of educational quality policies in higher education institutions.•Application of ANOVA for comparison of standardized tests.