Article: Assessing laboratory designs in CDIO implementation for technology and engineering education via fuzzy TOPSIS approach: evidence in the Philippines Journal: International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning (IJCEELL) 2026 Vol.36 No.8 pp.1 - 20 Abstract: The implementation of the conceive, design, implement and operate (CDIO) approach in higher education requires laboratories that effectively support hands-on, experiential learning. Although various laboratory configurations have been documented, a structured and comparative decision support framework remains limited for evaluating which designs best enhance student learning, performance, and satisfaction, particularly for evidence-informed curriculum and infrastructure planning. This study applies fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) with bootstrap resampling to systematically aggregate expert judgments in evaluating four laboratory designs using five decision criteria, with weights derived from the assessments of eight domain experts. Uncertainty associated with subjective evaluations is addressed through fuzzy modelling and resampling techniques, extending existing applications of fuzzy multi-criteria decision making in CDIO laboratory assessment. The analysis is bounded by expert-based inputs and the set of evaluated laboratory designs, yet it provides practical guidance for academic administrators in selecting laboratory configurations that align with desired educational outcomes. Results indicate that virtual laboratories exhibit the highest overall impact. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Assessing laboratory designs in CDIO implementation for technology and engineering education via fuzzy TOPSIS approach: evidence in the Philippines

Authors: Ryan H. Teo; Rideen M. Sardual; Harvey F. Pangandoyon; Manuel D. Arranguez Jr.; Joanna Hel P. Lim; Francis E. Villamor; Noel P. Burgos; Melanie M. Himang

Addresses: College of Technology and Engineering, Cebu Technological University, Argao Campus, Argao, Cebu, Philippines ' College of Technology and Engineering, Cebu Technological University, Argao Campus, Argao, Cebu, Philippines ' College of Technology and Engineering, Cebu Technological University, Argao Campus, Argao, Cebu, Philippines ' College of Technology and Engineering, Cebu Technological University, Argao Campus, Argao, Cebu, Philippines ' College of Technology and Engineering, Cebu Technological University, Argao Campus, Argao, Cebu, Philippines ' College of Technology and Engineering, Cebu Technological University, Argao Campus, Argao, Cebu, Philippines ' College of Computer, Information and Communications Technology, Cebu Technological University, Main Campus, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines ' College of Computer, Information and Communications Technology, Cebu Technological University, Main Campus, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines

Abstract: The implementation of the conceive, design, implement and operate (CDIO) approach in higher education requires laboratories that effectively support hands-on, experiential learning. Although various laboratory configurations have been documented, a structured and comparative decision support framework remains limited for evaluating which designs best enhance student learning, performance, and satisfaction, particularly for evidence-informed curriculum and infrastructure planning. This study applies fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) with bootstrap resampling to systematically aggregate expert judgments in evaluating four laboratory designs using five decision criteria, with weights derived from the assessments of eight domain experts. Uncertainty associated with subjective evaluations is addressed through fuzzy modelling and resampling techniques, extending existing applications of fuzzy multi-criteria decision making in CDIO laboratory assessment. The analysis is bounded by expert-based inputs and the set of evaluated laboratory designs, yet it provides practical guidance for academic administrators in selecting laboratory configurations that align with desired educational outcomes. Results indicate that virtual laboratories exhibit the highest overall impact.

Keywords: CDIO framework; fuzzy TOPSIS; state university; laboratory designs; virtual laboratory; Philippines.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2026.153061

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2026 Vol.36 No.8, pp.1 - 20

Received: 18 Dec 2024
Accepted: 09 Mar 2026
Published online: 20 Apr 2026 *

Title: Assessing laboratory designs in CDIO implementation for technology and engineering education via fuzzy TOPSIS approach: evidence in the Philippines

Keep up-to-date