Using Continuous Improvement in Online Program Design: DMAIC as a Tool for Assurance of Learning Assessments

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe integration of technology into education has forced radical innovations to traditional instructional delivery models. Given its prevalence, a thorough understanding of pedagogical best practices associated with the design and implementation of such programs is critical. Furthermore, the need for an institutional commitment to assessment and a framework to objectively measure student performance against a program's learning goals and objectives is also necessary. The impetus behind this study is to suggest that applying the principles of continuous improvement (CI) to pedagogical assessments can foster institutional commitment and enhance the process by which universities assess student performance. This study applies CI to an Assurance of Learning assessment of two courses in an entirely online supply chain management program by implementing DMAIC as a tool to improve program‐level outcomes. The results show how the course content and program can be continuously improved to enhance student learning and the related outcome measures.