Development of a competency assessment model and instrument for future graphic design graduates in Malaysia

<p>The criteria for measuring the competency levels of graphic design (GD) graduates</p><p>have continuously been shaped by the changing context of practice. However, previous</p><p>studies provide little evidence on the existence...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Wong, Shaw Chiang
Format: thesis
Language:eng
Published: 2021
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ir.upsi.edu.my/detailsg.php?det=7116
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Summary:<p>The criteria for measuring the competency levels of graphic design (GD) graduates</p><p>have continuously been shaped by the changing context of practice. However, previous</p><p>studies provide little evidence on the existence of an effective competency assessment</p><p>tool for GD graduates. This study aims to develop a model and an instrument to measure</p><p>the competency levels of future GD graduates in Malaysia. Sequential exploratory</p><p>research design approach was used. In the first phase, a two-round modified Delphi</p><p>technique was employed with a group of 32 GD experts to gain their consensus on the</p><p>desired competencies. In the second phase, a survey questionnaire was constructed to</p><p>collect quantitative data with 207 final year GD degree students. The data was analysed</p><p>using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Cronbachs reliability test. The results of</p><p>EFA suggested that the instrument consists of 12 constructs and 59 items under five</p><p>competency dimensions (CDs). In specific, cognitive CD is a two-factor structure</p><p>(commercial awareness and integrated design knowledge) composes eight items;</p><p>functional CD is a three-factor structure (operational design process management skills,</p><p>software skills, and graphic print production skills) consists of 14 items; personal CD</p><p>is a two-factor structure (personal intelligence and aesthetic and visual sensitivity)</p><p>constitutes 13 items; ethical CD is a three-factor structure (professional expertise,</p><p>professional behaviours, and professional values) composes 11 items; and meta-CD is</p><p>a two-factor structure (analytical and creative problem-solving skills and</p><p>interdisciplinary collaboration skills) contains 13 items. All 12 constructs yielded high</p><p>internal consistency values, ranging between .723 and .914. Theoretically, the proposed</p><p>model and instrument contributed to a new body of knowledge to the competency</p><p>assessment of GD graduates in Malaysia. Practically, the findings provided relevant</p><p>stakeholders with prescribed standards of performance and appropriate tools to assess</p><p>the competency levels of new entrants to the GD profession.</p>