Design Graphics in Idaho, A 1999 Industry and Academic Benchmark

Abstract

This paper is based in part on a 1998-99 benchmark study of Idaho industries that either design and manufacture products, or design and construct facilities.  It is also based in part on a concurrent study of engineering and technical graphics programs in Idaho.  These studies were sponsored by an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant.  Additionally, it is based on an independent, select national sampling of engineering, engineering technology, and technical graphics programs.  The purpose of the EDA sponsored studies was to develop a strategy for improving the computer-integrated design and manufacturing infrastructure for the state;s industries and higher-education institutions.  This paper focuses on those portions of the studies specifically relating to Engineering Design Graphics (EDG).  It compares what is being taught in Idaho's colleges and universities to what is being done in the state's industries.  Also, Idaho's academic programs are compared to a select national sampling of like programs.  Idaho's economy, which has traditionally been agrarian based, is now in an era of rapid high technology growth.  It's EDG education needs to respond to this change.  A set of recommendations is made for adjusting Idaho's EDG programs to better accommodate changing industry needs and to better reflect national trends in EDG education.