Using MaxDiff Analysis to Measure Employer Satisfaction with Engineering Graduates

The purpose of this study was to evaluate employers´ perception considering some aspects to improve related to engineering college graduates´ general and specific competencies. The MaxDiff statistical technique, which uses the attribute competency, was applied to better understand the relative order and importance of such competency. The sample consisted of 54 employers and the instruments used were worked at a 95% confidence level. Results show that the top competencies valued by the employers are the graduates´ problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills. With respect to the specific competencies, results show that graduates are well qualified for their professional comments and their ability to allign their studies experience in college with their experience of working in a company. It is concluded that the MaxDiff approach could be used to obtain valuable information from employers about graduates’ competencies and their approaches in university curriculum.