Assurance of Learning (AoL) is a systematic process we use to ensure our students achieve the Competency Goals defined for each program. We set clear goals at the program level, assess student performance in selected courses, and use the results to continuously improve our curricula. This process helps us ensure our graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the professional world.

Competency Goals

Competency Goals articulate the key, long-term abilities that students are expected to develop by the time they complete their program.

At the JKU Business School, we have established three Core Competency Goals applying consistently across all Business School programs.

In addition, each program has defined one Program-Specific Competency Goal that highlights the unique focus or distinctive strengths of the program.

1. Set Competency Goals – Define broad, long-term abilities that students should develop by the end of their program. These goals align with the JKU Business School’s mission and values.
2. Define Learning Objectives – Break down each competency goal into measurable learning objectives, clarifying what students should know or be able to do.
3. Develop Rubrics – Create standardized assessment tools (rubrics) to collect data in selected courses. These rubrics ensure consistency in evaluating student performance.
4. Collect and Analyze Data – Gather performance data from assignments, presentations, projects, and exams to assess how well students are achieving the learning objectives.
5. Identify Improvements & Implement Changes – Based on the data analysis, identify areas for improvement and take targeted actions (e.g., revising curricula, modifying assessment tools).
6. Reassess ("Closing the Loop") – After implementing changes, collect new data to measure and reassess learning objectives, determining whether the improvements have been effective. This "closing the loop" step ensures that the AoL process is not just about collecting data but actively using it to enhance the program.

Once the cycle is complete, the process begins again—fostering a culture of continuous improvement at the JKU Business School.

Additional details for JKU Business School faculty and staff are available here, opens an external URL in a new window. (Access requires an AK number.)