Measuring the value of graduate information technology education for Marine Officers: a proof of concept study

Abstract

This research examines a process to estimate the value of graduate education. Moreover, it demonstrates an approach to measuring the use of graduate education within organizations. Marine Corps officers who graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School's Information System Technology curriculum are studied. The study used a web-based survey for data collection and a Knowledge Value Added method to objectively estimate the value of education topics across different Marine Corps processes. Results indicate that the Information System Technology curriculum is designed and implemented to successfully meet sponsor requirements. It reveals that the education is highly valued and frequently used in post graduation billets. The most valued aspect of the education is theoretical knowledge. However, the research showed how practical information technology skills and social relationships that developed during the resident education were also highly valued and frequently used. The results go on to show that personal interest in education topics often corresponded to greater perceived value. Lastly, a proof of concept demonstrates a method to measure and compare the use on graduate education in subsequent organizational processes. The Knowledge Value Added method provides the ability to compare education use between different topics, across different jobs, and between different people.