Enhancing Entrepreneurship Education in a Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering: A Project-Based Learning Approach

Enrique Arias,Rafael Casado,Virginia Barba-Sánchez,Carmen Carrión

doi:10.3390/admsci8040058

Enrique Arias, Rafael Casado + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci8040058

Copy DOI

Journal: Administrative Sciences	Publication Date: Oct 4, 2018
Citations: 24	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Castilla-La Mancha

Abstract

New master’s degrees in computer engineering, designed according to Spanish government requirements, include both technical and business subjects to provide advanced knowledge compared to undergraduate studies. In spite of acquiring this advanced knowledge, our students are not always aware of the significant added value and the positive elements the master’s degree provides for their future professional careers. Moreover, we have observed that students regard the different subjects as isolated blocks of knowledge. To tackle these problems, we have carried out a learning experience based on the creation of a technology-based enterprise (TBE) through the development of a common project (CP). Drawing on project-based learning (PBL) methodology, the CP consists of the identification, development, and final oral presentation of a business model. It aims to utilize sensor data and analysis in different domains. The experience has been highly positive, reducing the gap between studies and business practice, and increasing coordination among teachers. A key issue is that all the subjects of the master’s degree are involved in this learning experience. In addition, results show a high level of satisfaction with the master’s degree, compared to other similar courses.

Highlights

The process of adapting the Spanish Higher Education System to the European Higher EducationArea (EHEA) has had unforeseen consequences (Haug 2015)
The students valued very positively the efforts made by the teachers in order to provide content, methods or useful tools for the achievement of the common project (CP), utilizing previously designed content for each subject to work on the creation of a technology-based enterprise (TBE)
Bearing in mind that this is the first time project-based learning (PBL) methodology has been implemented to undertake a CP involving the coordination of all the subjects, the results have been, from the point of view of both students and teachers, highly satisfactory

Summary

Introduction

Area (EHEA) has had unforeseen consequences (Haug 2015) Among them, it is the false perception of the official master’s degree as a mere continuation of an undergraduate degree or an obligatory step for access to doctoral studies. In the context of computer engineering, the low number of students enrolled in official master’s degree courses in computer engineering at national level is a common complaint among the Directors of Schools of Computer Engineering (CODDII 2017) Considering these enrollment rates, the continuity of these programs in many Spanish universities may be at risk. Faced with this problem, Haug proposes (without providing specific solutions) the internal strengthening of master’s degrees, making them independent programs with their own purpose, relating them to the wider community and employability of the graduates. Authors such as Hall et al (2010) or Nabi et al (2010)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion