IDEF0 methodology in electronic engineering education: an integrated approach in CDIO projects
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26507/paper.4177Keywords:
IDEF0, CDIO Projects, Process Modeling, SkillsAbstract
The dynamics of the IDEF0 (Integration Definition for Function Modeling) methodology have provided significant benefits, from process modeling, in the academic courses of the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) projects of the Electronic Engineering program at the Universidad del Quindío, integrating aspects of planning and execution of medium and high complexity projects, as well as communication skills and other essential engineering skills, along with the learning outcomes specific to these subjects. The implementation of IDEF0 has ensured compliance with the technical metrics established in the design of systems or products, with customer feedback; in addition, it has allowed achieving goals related to development time and the costs planned for production. Likewise, the approach to identifying and solving environmental problems, with the involvement of users or clients, allows for full compliance with standard 5 of the CDIO approach (Design-Implementation Experiences).
In the conception and design phases of a product, IDEF0 acts as a catalyst to structure and clarify ideas, by breaking down the system or product into its basic functions, clarifying interactions and dependencies within a project, and thus facilitating the definition of functional and non-functional requirements. During the implementation phase, IDEF0 allows for the decomposition of complex processes into subsystems and specific tasks, with which each work team ensures the organization and systematic consideration of all components identified for product development. IDEF0 diagrams provide a common language, supporting communication processes and informed decision-making. These diagrams provide a clear guide for the operation and maintenance of the product, considering the construction of documentation for future users and technical staff.
The use of IDEF0 in engineering projects oriented towards product development reinforces skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical capacity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This strategy has been applied since 2023 in the academic spaces of CDIO Project II and CDIO Project III of the Electronic Engineering Program at the Universidad del Quindío, considering scenarios of integration of multiple disciplines into the projects that have been developed. Furthermore, in the application of the model, professional recommendations, the relevant legal framework, technical regulations, resources, manufacturing, operation, and verification aspects are integrated. By involving these aspects as control elements, inputs and criteria for the execution and monitoring of a project are materialized, which precisely defines the scenarios for the development of the learning outcomes planned for the CDIO Project courses.
Among the successful experiences in the Electronic Engineering Program at the Universidad del Quindío, projects with significant impact in the regional context stand out, such as "Transport system for coffee beans" and "Dosage system for pigs at the Granja Bengala of the Universidad del Quindío."
Author Biography
Jorge Aldana Gutiérrez, Universidad del Quindío
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References
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