COGAF: A MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES ASSESSMENT

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to introduce COGAF (a Common Graduate Attributes management Framework), an end-to-end framework that can be used by Canadian higher-level education institutions for integrating and managing the assessment of CEAB (Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board) graduate attributes in a systematic manner. COGAF is designed around four components: Governance, People, Process, and Technology (GPPT). The governance component consists of a set of artifacts to guide the execution of a graduate attributes assessment project. It addresses the ‘what should be done and why’ questions. The PPT components address the ‘how’ and ‘when’. The people component focuses on setting the right conditions to select, train, motivate, and retain the people who will operate COGAF. The process component focuses on the activities that need be carried out during the assessment project, whereas the technology component looks at tools (e.g., software applications) and technological platforms to support smooth execution of the assessment project.COGAF relies on strong management practices. It is meant to be a turn-key solution to be used by any institution that wishes to engage in integrating graduate attributes in their programs. COGAF is easily customizable to fit the needs of small and large institutions.