Utilization of a Modified Delphi Method for Needs Assessment and Curriculum Revision of a Senior-Level Beef Systems Management Course
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Iowa State University Extension and Outreach helps carry Iowa State’s land-grant mission beyond campus, to be the university that best serves the citizens of Iowa. With Iowa State University, we embrace the land-grant philosophy of:
- access to high-quality education
- research applied to the needs of Iowa, the nation, and world
- extending knowledge to strengthen Iowa’s economy and citizens’ quality of life
The Department of Animal Science originally concerned itself with teaching the selection, breeding, feeding and care of livestock. Today it continues this study of the symbiotic relationship between animals and humans, with practical focuses on agribusiness, science, and animal management.
History
The Department of Animal Husbandry was established in 1898. The name of the department was changed to the Department of Animal Science in 1962. The Department of Poultry Science was merged into the department in 1971.
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- Department of Animal Husbandry (1898–1962)
- College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (parent college)
- Department of Poultry Science (merged with, 1971)
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Since 1905, the Department of Agricultural Engineering, now the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), has been a leader in providing engineering solutions to agricultural problems in the United States and the world. The department’s original mission was to mechanize agriculture. That mission has evolved to encompass a global view of the entire food production system–the wise management of natural resources in the production, processing, storage, handling, and use of food fiber and other biological products.
History
In 1905 Agricultural Engineering was recognized as a subdivision of the Department of Agronomy, and in 1907 it was recognized as a unique department. It was renamed the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in 1990. The department merged with the Department of Industrial Education and Technology in 2004.
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1905–present
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- Department of Agricultural Engineering (1907–1990)
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- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (parent college)
- College of Engineering (parent college)
- Department of Industrial Education and Technology, (merged, 2004)
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Abstract
New instructorship of the senior-level beef systems management course at Iowa State University presented the opportunity for curriculum revision. The objective was to conduct a critical course evaluation and update course objectives and student outcomes. Fifteen industry stakeholders were invited to aid in an assessment of course objectives and student preparation for various beef industry careers. Stakeholders participated in a series of surveys patterned after the Delphi process designed to rank the importance of various beef industry aspects that students need to understand prior to entering the industry. The result was a list of industry-determined student outcomes. During Round I, stakeholders anonymously listed outcomes and objectives considered paramount to the course. Results were compiled, and stakeholders individually ranked outcomes by importance during Round II. Round III involved a group discussion on Round II rankings to develop a stakeholder-ranking of course objectives and outcomes. Rankings were condensed into main categories with a composite mean, median, and standard deviation calculated for each category. Final rankings were used to assess and re-design the curriculum as results recommended an increased emphasis should be placed on business management and financial principles. Surveying stakeholders with this Delphi-style method proved to be an effective protocol for instructors to critically evaluate and update course objectives and outcomes relevant to industry needs.
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This article is published as Lundy, Erika L., Claire E. Andresen, Steven A. Freeman, Daniel D. Loy, and Patrick J. Gunn. "Utilization of a modified Delphi method for needs assessment and curriculum revision of a senior-level beef systems management course." NACTA Journal 61, no. 3 (2017): 193-196. Posted with permission.