Diversity dynamics modeled as a complex system in institutional contexts

Matilde Sanchez-Pena, Corey Schimpf, Juan M. Cruz

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The purpose of this work-in-progress paper is to identify barriers and drivers occurring in academic institutions aiming to diversify their engineering faculty. We recognize that institutions of higher education are complex systems driven by a multitude of internal and external forces that play a role when trying to enact institutional change. Examples of these factors are limited resources, conflicting needs of multiple stakeholders, and different academic cultures. To better understand how these factors affect change, we consider engineering education as a complex system. In this early-stage project, we are using literature, existing theories, and ASEE data to identify causal loops that illustrate a particular space of institutional change related to faculty diversification in terms of gender, through the evaluation of the effect of ADVANCE initiatives. The goal is to explore the feasibility of using the complexity theory method of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to identify leverage points and persistent barriers to change. We will summarize the potential of QCA as a methodology to explore the challenge of faculty diversification in STEM, and other intricate problems in higher education.

Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publication2022 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE 2022
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781665462440
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes
Event2022 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE 2022 - Uppsala, Sweden
Duration: Oct 8 2022Oct 11 2022

Publication series

NameProceedings - Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE
Volume2022-October

Conference

Conference2022 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE 2022
Country/TerritorySweden
CityUppsala
Period10/8/2210/11/22

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Education
  • Computer Science Applications

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