A Systematic Framework for Designing and Implementing Outcome-Based Curriculum in Engineering Education: A Comprehensive Approach

Abstract

Higher educational institutions and Universities are facing challenges to produce skilled graduates capable of addressing anticipated industry needs. This is due to implementation of traditional curricula and adoption of teacher centric approach. Eventually, traditional curriculum creates a significant gap between the skills acquired by students through education and the skills needed at the workplace. To bridge the gap, national and international accreditation bodies are enforcing educational institutions to implement Outcome Based Education (OBE) in their educational processes. The OBE is a student-centric teaching and learning approach that focuses on skills anticipated by the industries. The implementation OBE in engineering education is driven by design and implementation OBE curriculum. In this context, the current article presents a systematic framework for designing, developing, and implementing outcome-based curriculum for engineering education. The framework comprises of six phases including identification of a new program, formulation of mission, vision, and educational objectives for the identified program, curriculum development, the procedure to outline course syllabus, and finally, implementation of developed curriculum. Furthermore, the framework ensures that students must acquire skills, competencies, and knowledge aligned with industry needs at the time of their graduation. Thus, the proposed framework aids institutions in designing, developing, and implementing OBE curriculum, leading to cater industry needs.