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STRATA: A Spreadsheet Tool for Multidimensional Analysis of Operations Research/Management Science Assessment Test Data

Author

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  • Susan W. Palocsay

    (Department of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics, College of Business, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801)

  • Scott P. Stevens

    (Department of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics, College of Business, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801)

  • Luis J. Novoa

    (Department of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics, College of Business, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801)

Abstract

Accrediting organizations in higher education have shifted emphasis from indirect measures such as student course evaluations, focus-group interviews, and employer surveys to direct measurement of student performance using appropriate assessment instruments. In response, we developed a spreadsheet tool for reports and analysis of test assessments (STRATA) to document and evaluate quantitative data from test questions linked to learning objectives in an introductory undergraduate management science (MS) course. STRATA automatically generates a variety of tables and charts that allow us to examine our students’ achievement at three different levels: individual question item, MS topic (subsets of items), and total score. It also tracks test results over time and produces summary reports. In this paper, we discuss STRATA’s features, its usefulness in meeting accreditation requirements, and how it can provide faculty with valuable feedback in ways that encourage meaningful conversations about course content and pedagogy.

Suggested Citation

  • Susan W. Palocsay & Scott P. Stevens & Luis J. Novoa, 2020. "STRATA: A Spreadsheet Tool for Multidimensional Analysis of Operations Research/Management Science Assessment Test Data," INFORMS Transactions on Education, INFORMS, vol. 21(1), pages 41-56, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:orited:v:21:y:2020:i:1:p:41-56
    DOI: 10.1287/ited.2019.0229
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Scott P. Stevens & Susan W. Palocsay, 2004. "A Translation Approach To Teaching Linear Program Formulation," INFORMS Transactions on Education, INFORMS, vol. 4(3), pages 38-54, May.
    2. Beate Klingenberg, 2012. "Teaching Note ---Learning Outcome Assessment Using an Integrative Assignment on Location Decision Making," INFORMS Transactions on Education, INFORMS, vol. 12(3), pages 140-146, May.
    3. Matthew J. Liberatore & Wenhong Luo, 2010. "The Analytics Movement: Implications for Operations Research," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 40(4), pages 313-324, August.
    4. Scott P. Stevens & Susan W. Palocsay, 2012. "Identifying Addressable Impediments to Student Learning in an Introductory Statistics Course," INFORMS Transactions on Education, INFORMS, vol. 12(3), pages 124-139, May.
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    1. Scott P. Stevens & Susan W. Palocsay & Luis J. Novoa, 2023. "Practical Guidance for Writing Multiple-Choice Test Questions in Introductory Analytics Courses," INFORMS Transactions on Education, INFORMS, vol. 24(1), pages 51-69, September.

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