Generic skills requirements (KSA model) towards future mechanical engineers using discriminant analysis

Abstract

Generic Skills is a basic requirement that engineers need to master in all areas of Engineering. This study was conducted throughout the peninsular Malaysia involving small, medium and heavy industries using the KSA Model. The objectives of this study are studying the level of requirement of Generic Skills that need to be mastered in order to become a competitive Mechanical Engineer and identifying the most dominant Generic Skills required by the industry/employer towards the future of the Mechanical Engineer. The set of questionnaires distributed to respondents was analyzed using software XLSTAT2014 software to obtain Descriptive Statistics and Discriminant Analysis (DA) as required to achieve the objective of the study. This study will guide all future engineers, especially in the field of Mechanical Engineering in Malaysia to penetrate the job market according to the current market needs.

Keywords: generic skills; KSA model; mechanical engineers; discriminant analysis