An Effective Approach for Improving a Program Curriculum at an Undergraduate Level Utilizing the Importance-Performance Analysis Paradigm

Higher education institutions have emphasized ever more their position in developing the skills and knowledge of their graduates, the more knowledge and skills individuals have the greater their chances of success. As a result of this major role of higher education system in supporting the nation�s development and in developing graduates� attributes, many in academia, industry, and administrations have given a great concern to higher education programs. In higher education, quality enables the nation to achieve sustainable development through providing a high level of learning and accordingly ensures graduates acquiring those competencies which enable them to perform at the required level and compete with their peers. The university�s curricula are aiming at preparing graduates for success in the workplace focusing on the specific program competencies required to employ in service, research, and development that serve the society. This study is aiming at improving a program curriculum utilizing importance-performance analysis which is characterized by its ease of measuring the performance of providing competencies to students, recognizing the potentials problematic areas, and facilitating the process of improving the program curriculum.