New approach to information systems engineering study program to meet industry expectations

Abstract

© 2017 TEMPUS Publications. Information system engineering is a complex discipline which involves learning different skills, from both technical and organizational point of view. At the Faculty of Technical Sciences, Novi Sad, the initial information system engineering study program has been changed with the goal of improving knowledge quality of future engineers. The reformed information system engineering study program combines lessons and lectures, studying and usage of a world class information system, workshops and students practice in enterprises (internship). The work of the fifty newly employed engineers in five information technology companies has been assessed for the sake of exploring the benefits of the reformed study program. Half of them studied in accordance with the initial study program, while the other half studied according to the reformed one. Data have been gathered via the questionnaire consisted of eleven questions, which tested the employer's satisfaction with their work. The answers have been statistically analysed and subjected to data mining techniques in order to evaluate the improvement of the engineers' skills. Three out of eleven questions are in correlation with the reformed study program. The given answers indicate that the engineers' knowledge gained at this program is significantly better and, thus, put in better use within the company they work for.