Ming Chi University of Technology Successfully Holds “Faculty-Supported Institutional Research Project Results Presentation” on December 5

The Institutional Research Center of Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT) successfully hosted the “Faculty-Supported Institutional Research Project Results Presentation” on December 5. The event featured special guests, including Director Lin Hung-Ming from Chang Gung University of Science and Technology and Executive Secretary Lin Wei-Chao from Chang Gung University, who served as advisory committee members. The session was chaired by Professor Yang Chao-Ming, Director of the Institutional Research Center, who introduced the attendees and outlined the agenda. President Liu Tzu-Hua of MCUT also attended the event, delivering remarks that highlighted his strong support for the development of institutional research.

Highlights of the Presentation

1. Professor Yu Pang-Hsiang from the Department of Business and Management
   Professor Yu led the session with his research analyzing pre- and post-course survey results and qualitative observations from students across three colleges enrolled in the "Design Thinking" course during the 2022 academic year. The findings revealed significant improvements in students' soft skills, including teamwork, interdisciplinary learning, and creative thinking. However, variations were observed between colleges, with the College of Management and Design showing distinct patterns compared to the College of Science. The qualitative analysis emphasized the need for more detailed pre-course communication to enhance implementation and maximize the course’s benefits, which students recognized in areas like observational learning and design thinking.

2. Professor Chen Shih-Min from the Department of Business and Management
   Professor Chen applied Maslow's hierarchy of needs to analyze the university's unique characteristics and initiatives. Using in-depth interviews, he collected data on decision-making processes, information sources, and key factors influencing indigenous students' enrollment choices. His findings aim to enhance the university's communication with prospective indigenous students through new media campaigns and branding strategies, fostering greater alignment with the MCUT brand. Future efforts will validate these strategies' effectiveness in recruitment pipelines.

3. Professor Chien Liang-Jung from the Department of Chemical Engineering
   Professor Chien’s research focused on the impact of practical training in the Energy and Battery Technology Credit Program on student learning outcomes. Evaluation results showed significant improvements in students' professional skills, particularly in areas like logical integration, lithium battery preparation processes, and oral communication. While the course effectively met its primary goals, it also highlighted areas for improvement, such as the need to assess students' intangible skills, including persistence, initiative, critical thinking, and teamwork. These insights will guide future curriculum enhancements.

4. Professor Kao Ching-Han from the Department of Industrial Design
   Professor Kao’s study compared domestic and international students’ competency requirements for the Applied Color Science course using focus group discussions. The research aims to refine course objectives, align color science with other design courses, and address industry needs. It also seeks to determine the appropriate balance between theoretical and practical instruction, fulfilling DAC accreditation standards while establishing the course's distinctive "hands-on and theoretical integration" teaching approach.

5. Professor Lai Yi-Ting from the Department of Materials Engineering
   Professor Lai explored the learning outcomes of MCUT’s "Sandwich Program" for high-achieving vocational students in environmental practices. A survey of third-year internship students revealed that supervisors’ multidimensional benevolent leadership had a complex yet positive impact on interns’ career adaptability, professional identity, internship satisfaction, and performance. Future research will examine students' willingness to serve in public-funded positions after graduation.

In-Depth Exchanges and Future Directions

Guided by the advisory committee and session chair, the presentations facilitated in-depth discussions. Faculty members showcased impressive achievements and provided practical recommendations to drive institutional decision-making and educational development. These research outcomes are expected to be integrated into institutional improvements, propelling MCUT toward further progress and innovation.