Department of Business Assessment

In May 2008, Maranatha’s Department of Business completed an intense process of self-assessment. The Department’s learning outcomes incorporate knowledge, problem-solving, communications, and technology capabilities that graduates may apply as they begin their careers or pursue advanced education. Faculty members assessing student achievement seek to identify strengths and weaknesses in the Department’s quest to prepare Christian business professionals well for superior service in their homes, churches, and vocations.

The students exceeded most business knowledge objectives. Among 447 business schools (2006-2007 participants), national standardized business test (ETS Business Test) results placed Maranatha’s accounting management majors in the top 25 percent in eight business disciplines including accounting (top 5%). Business management majors were in the top 25 percent in seven disciplines including management (top 20%). Marketing management majors were in the top 25 percent in six disciplines including marketing. Further, business interns exceeded employment supervisors’ expectations related to their general business knowledge.

The ability to solve management problems demands strong critical thinking skills. The College collects freshmen and senior test results for the college-level critical thinking skills component of the national Measures of Academic Proficiency and Progress (MAPP) test. Critical thinking scores increased significantly during business students’ four-year programs from 112.1 as freshmen to 114.9 as seniors (p < .10 for the statistically minded). And while employers of interns gave students high marks for their general business knowledge, they rated their problem-solving skills even higher (p < .10).

Business leaders value communication skills possessed by both their seasoned professionals and their college recruits. Department faculty members press their students to excel in their writing abilities. Maranatha’s 2007-2008 seniors from all programs of study received MAPP writing scores in the top 17% among U.S. college seniors. While freshmen business students’ writing scores on the test are significantly below the average for all freshmen entering the College (p < .10), they are virtually equal when they conclude as seniors—an excellent reflection on the quality of their development. While generally more subjective in nature, assessment of business graduates’ oral communication skills revealed high-level skills in both prepared presentations and extemporaneous speaking opportunities.

Business professionals of the 21st Century become experts in using technology. Five-year averages for Maranatha business students on the ETS Business Test place them in the top 50% in each of nine disciplines. Beginning in 2006, the test designers initiated a new section specifically assessing information systems knowledge. Cumulative results through May 2008 identified information systems as Maranatha business seniors’ strongest overall discipline with national rankings in the top 15% among more than 37,000 students from other institutions (2006-2007 participants). Internship employment supervisors rated interns’ skills using spreadsheet, word processing, database, and presentation software as exceptional.

Business knowledge and skills in problem-solving, communication and technology prepare graduates to succeed in their careers and in pursuit of advanced education. Of the 25 business graduates in May 2008, 23 have gained or are pursuing employment in their fields of study; two are pursuing law enforcement careers that typically require completion of a college degree. Exit surveys received from the graduates report a confident assurance that the men and women of the class of 2008 believe they have gained the necessary educational training required to enter both their business vocations and their graduate education programs.