Title: Project based learning for quality and Six Sigma education

Authors: Dinesh Kanigolla; Elizabeth A. Cudney; Steven M. Corns; V.A. Samaranayake

Addresses: Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, 65409, USA ' Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, 65409, USA ' Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, 65409, USA ' Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, 65409, USA

Abstract: Practical application of theoretical knowledge is essential for engineering students, which means students must know when, where, and how to apply concepts. Project based learning was introduced in two engineering courses; Quality, undergraduate level, and Six Sigma, graduate level. The goal of this research was to determine the impact of project based learning on students' knowledge in both courses where practical application of theoretical knowledge is necessary. Student teams were given hands-on collaborative projects conducted with local companies. After project completion, a student evaluation survey was distributed and analysed to determine the impact of the project on students' knowledge. The analysis used a Chi-Square test to examine how similar the students received knowledge from the use of the semester project. Results showed the semester project had a positive impact on the students' knowledge in learning course concepts and the students were able to apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems.

Keywords: quality education; six sigma; project based learning; PBL; chi-square test; engineering education; higher education; collaborative projects; local companies; student evaluation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCA.2013.059777

International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2013 Vol.8 No.1, pp.51 - 68

Received: 10 May 2013
Accepted: 08 Jan 2014
Published online: 03 Mar 2015 *

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