Linking program outcomes to the courses outcomes: A top-down approach

In outcome-based education (OBE), the achievement of the program outcomes is very important as it is the yardstick by which the program achievement is measured. However, the program outcomes can only be achieved if they are properly linked to the courses outcomes. In this paper, a top-down approach that links the program outcomes to the courses outcomes is presented. The approach is based on analysis of set theory between the program and the courses outcomes sets. It also examines the level of details that can be used when linking the program and the courses outcomes. The main features of this approach are: Each program outcome is analyzed to determine the components that make that outcome. Each course or course outcome can only contribute to one program outcome thus, eliminating the need for the weights matrix. In addition, this approach ensures that all the program outcomes can be measured by appropriately linking them or embedding them in the appropriate courses or courses outcomes. This method has an added advantage whereby the outcomes for a given course can be evaluated in terms of their contribution to the program outcome.