A competency mapping framework for programme appraisal and accreditation : the concept and its application

A recent RICS study investigating views on both industry and academia concluded that there are significant levels of dissatisfaction with the quality of quantity surveying (QS) graduates. It identified the root cause of the issue as graduates produced from different RICS accredited degree programmes having significantly different competency levels, often far below what the industry expects. This research following from the recommendations of the above study, aims at developing a competency mapping framework (CMF) for programme appraisal and accreditation, using a four staged research strategy. A literature review of competencies was carried out to identify the RICS QS competencies, and two industry and academic experts were used to iteratively develop and modify a competency mapping template (CMT). Secondly, four leading RICS accredited QS degree programmes were analysed and mapped to competencies using the CMT, to produce a competency mapping record (CMR) for each case study. Descriptive statistical analysis was then used to develop a conceptual competency benchmark using these four case studies. Thirdly, an expert forum with 15 industry experts was established to modify the conceptual benchmark. A two staged Delphi process was used to harmonise the views of the experts to produce the final graduate competency threshold benchmark (GCTB), which is the central construct in the CMF. The final stage of the research involved reviewing existing programme development and validation process using document review and interviews of programme directors to develop a methodology to incorporate the GCTB. In conclusion, this research introduces CMF, as a system for maintaining and improving quality and professional standards of degree programmes accredited by the RICS. It is recommended that the CMF be made an essential part of the RICS – University partnership agreement. This way it provides a mechanism to ensure that all RICS accredited programmes meet the minimum threshold defined by the GCTB