2007‐08 Planning and Review Committee Consultant Report · Degree: M.S. Technology Management · Program Director: Thomas Lacksonen PRC Consultant: Diane Klemme Date of Review: March 2008 Purpose of Review: The review was conducted to assess the quality of the M.S. Technology Management degree program as part of the ongoing seven‐year review cycle of every UW‐Stout program. Committee Findings: The committee recommends continuation of this program for the ongoing seven‐ year cycle, and that recommendations made by the Committee are implemented. · Abstract: The Master of Science in Technology Management provides students educational experiences that prepare graduates for management and staff positions in business and industry. The program combines a core of graduate‐only professional courses with other course work in leadership, research and a technical specialty. Students select a technical specialty area depending on their professional goals, educational background, and available faculty expertise. Technical specialties such as Production Operations, Quality Management, Graphic Communications, Packaging, ITM Systems, Industrial Engineering Technology, and Supply Chain Management may be developed. · Process followed for Current Review Following standard PRC procedure, information about the program was gathered from the program director, key instructors, students in the program, advisory committee members and placement data. A PRC consultant met with the program director to discuss the report’s progress. The program director presented his self study report to the full PRC at the March 28, 2008 meeting, and the consultant response was provided subsequently. · Previous Review Recommendations to the Program Director Encourage program faculty to engage in scholarly activity and to redevelop program curriculum for currency and, as appropriate, online offerings. Actions since last review Since last review on‐line courses have been developed and distance cohorts held in Twin Cities and Appleton/Wausau area. Data from students’ surveys for this report rated faculty 4.3 ( 5‐pt scale) on question “Instructors in my program provided current and relevant information.”
Continue planned efforts to ensure program course are not overlapped in schedule and to increase number of online and night/weekend courses to support the working professional students. Program was revised in 2005 Entire program can now be completed with evening courses Continue planned recruiting efforts to increase the Enrollment has increased from 30 student in 2001‐ number of working professionals in the program, 02 to 49 students in 2007‐08 which will in turn support the offering of more graduate‐only courses. Investigate the creation of cohort groups, with other graduate programs at UW‐Stout or other universities as additional support for such graduate‐only course work. Cohorts developed Develop a plan, including budget, for regular updating of software used in the program Plan not developed but no longer seems to be an issue Recommendations to the Department Chair Support key faculty’s professional development instructional technology. Explore incentives in areas of development time and budget to encourage key instructors to develop alternative course delivery formats. Recommendations to the Dean Support efforts of the program director to provide flexible delivery and scheduling of program courses to attract and support working students. PR noted chair and dean supported professional development for alternative course delivery formats See above As noted above support was given to develop on‐ line course Be open to increase the program director allocation from .25 to .50 position should proposed student recruitment program be successful. Budget cuts of 2002 and later cuts made it not possible to address this recommendation nor following recommendation Advocate for reinstatement of ESL services at UW‐ Stout. See above · Program Review
Program Strengths Alignment with the UW‐Stout polytechnic designation Data Source Program Director, Advisory Committee Balance of curriculum / current and relevant information provided /critical thinking skills enhanced by knowledgeable faculty Program Director, Student survey Convenient course offerings attract full‐time working adults Program Director Cost of program Program Director, Advisory Committee Diverse background of students Program Director, Advisory Committee Program Opportunities for Improvement Include coursework regarding financial management Data Source Program Director, Advisory Committee, Student Survey Include coursework with a global component Program Director, Advisory Committee Upgrade classroom facilities Student Survey Increase number of students to provide more timely course offerings Program Director, Advisory Committee Review course evaluations procedures Student Survey Recommendations for the Program Director 1. Pursue inclusion of a financial management course or integration with current coursework. 2. Seek opportunities to include global component/curriculum for program participants. 3. Continue efforts with established cohorts and develop plan to recruit additional students to program. 4. Seek classroom facilities with appropriate technology capacities and instructional flexibility. 5. Share students’ course evaluation concerns with faculty in the program. Recommendations for the Department Chair 1. Continue level of support for Technology Management Program. 2. Continue support of development of alternative course delivery. 3. Work with Dean to investigate the possibility of increasing program director allocation to allow more time for recruiting efforts and cohort oversight. Recommendations for the Dean
1. Continue level of support and communicate with relevant Departments/Colleges to assist in continued program success during the university’s reorganization transition and into the future. 2. Continue support of development of alternative course delivery. 3. Review program director allocation for possible increase to aid in recruiting and co‐hort oversight.