Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Oct 2002

Using Corporate-Based Methods to Assess Technical Communication Programs

Brenton Faber Clarkson University ; Linn Bekins ; Bill Karis Clarkson University

Abstract

Assessment continues to be an important issue for technical communicators in both practitioner and academic contexts. In this article, we investigate methods of program assessment used by corporate learning sites and we profile value add methods as a new way to both construct and evaluate academic programs in technical communication. Our goal is to introduce value added assessment methods as one way to supplement and expand current methods of program assessment. The article initially reviews Return on Investment (ROI) indicators as a widely used model for assessing programs. However, we are critical of these indicators, suggesting that they are biased against technical communication in both practitioner and academic contexts. The article then examines and critiques assessment methods from corporate training environments. These include methods employed by corporate universities and value added process-based assessment methods. The second half of the article profiles value added methods by applying them in a brief assessment of a technical communications certificate program. We conclude that while the program uses ROI indicators as a marketing device, the value the program brings and adds to its university is the “portal” it creates for university and business community collaboration. This value cannot be fully demonstrated solely through the use of ROI indicators. The article then discusses the kinds of programmatic negotiations value added processes require within university contexts that may impose non-value added activities on departments and programs. The article concludes by critically examining the appropriateness of corporate assessment methods for academic contexts.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2002-10-01
DOI
10.2190/t2hc-kxtd-7yfk-4pfv
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Closed
Topics
collaborative writing assessment technical communication
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

  1. Tham et al. (2022)
    Extending Design Thinking, Content Strategy, and Artificial Intelligence into T…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  2. Chong et al. (2021)
    Student Recruitment in Technical and Professional Communication Programs
    Technical Communication Quarterly

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CrossRef global citation count: 2 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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