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Prioritizing Cross-Disciplinary Skills for STEM Technicians: An Industry Survey

Educators and industry representatives nationally have advocated incorporating knowledge and skills in Advanced Digital Literacy, Data Knowledge/Analysis, and Business Knowledge/Processes into technician preparation programs. Topics within these areas have been selected as essential to work of the future, across industry sectors. We’d like your input on the importance of specific skill sets in these three areas.  Minimal demographic information will be collected.
1.Skill Area: Advanced Digital Literacy
Understanding digital communications and networking, cybersecurity, machine learning, sensors, programming, and robotics at a higher than introductory level.

Please rate the following skill sets on a scale of 1 to 4, with 4 being most important and 1 being least important for entry-level technicians that will be hired by your company in the next 12-24 months.
Least important
(1)
(2)
(3)
Most important
(4)
Artificial intelligence/machine learning -- allows computers to imitate humans by using intelligent software capable of simulating reasoning, learning, and problem solving. Machine learning is a type of AI that uses mathematical models of data to help a computer learn without direct instruction.
Automation/robotics -- involves the design, construction, operation, and use of machines that can perform a variety of jobs traditionally accomplished by humans, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing.
Basic programming -- (e.g. Python) tells a computer what to do using a language (code) it understands. Basic programming is frequently used to operate programmable logic controllers (PLCs). One easy-to-learn programming language is Python. It uses open-source code that can run on a variety of computer systems.
Cloud literacy -- means understanding that the cloud consists of servers that are accessed over the internet and that store data remotely. This enables users to access and download data on any Internet-connected device.
Digital literacy/fluency -- a person’s ability to identify and use the appropriate digital tools and technologies to achieve a specific outcome.
Digital twins -- virtual replicas of physical machines or of non-physical processes. They use a combination of technologies — industrial internet of things (IIoT) technologies, machine learning, sensors attached to machines, and AI to create a software model that mimics the operation of a machine.
Edge computing -- the practice of processing data near the edge of a network, where the data is being generated, instead of sending it to the cloud. Edge computing allows data to be retrieved more quickly.
Function block diagram programming -- a computer language in which elements appear as blocks showing inputs and outputs. It is often used to run programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in an automated manufacturing environment.
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) -- a panel that allows a human to control a machine. The HMI software controls hardware that allows an operator to control machines in industrial environments.
Internet of Things (IoT) -- consists of physical devices that are connected to the Internet. Industrial IoT (IIOT) devices are a combination of sensors, software, and electronics that connect to a central location usually in the cloud.
Network architecture -- the physical organization and logical design of software, hardware, protocols, and transmission media (wired or wireless) for communicating information within the network.
Network communication -- the set of rules or protocols that allow two or more devices to communicate, either wired or wirelessly. TCP/IP is the most widely used communications protocol and is used to access the Internet.
Security controls -- include defenses or countermeasures to avoid, identify, prevent, or minimize security risks to hardware, data, or computer systems. 
2.Skill Area: Data Knowledge and Analysis
Manipulating and interpreting data to resolve issues and using Excel and other common software proficiently to accomplish tasks.

Please rate the following skill sets on a scale of 1 to 4, with 4 being most important and 1 being least important for entry-level technicians that will be hired by your company in the next 12-24 months.
Least Important
(1)
(2)
(3)
Most important
(4)
Analytics tools -- (such as Excel, R, SAS) enhance and automate data analysis. Business analytics takes trends and insights gained from data analysis to identify and anticipate outcomes for making smarter, data-driven business decisions
Computational thinking -- using problem-solving methods to turn a difficult problem into one that humans can solve using common computer science concepts. More broadly, computational thinking is sometimes described as systematic problem-solving, with no computer necessary. 
Data analysis -- the process in which data is organized for use in methods that help explain the past, predict the future, and answer research questions.
Data backup and restoration -- refers to the process of storing copies of data in case of loss and setting up systems that allow data to be recovered.
Database -- a collection of information that is organized so that it can be easily accessed, managed, and updated.
Data literacy/fluency -- is the ability to derive meaningful information from data and communicate about it clearly.
Data life cycle -- the stages that data goes through from initial generation or capture to eventual archiving or deletion at the end of its useful life.
Data management -- the practice of collecting, storing, and using data in a secure, efficient, and cost-effective way.
Data modeling -- the process of creating diagrams to map data storage, flow, and relationships. 
Data storage -- the ability to warehouse and retrieve data generated by a variety of computers, sensors, and other connected devices.
Data visualization -- uses software (e.g. MS Excel, Tableau) to represent information in the form of a chart, diagram, picture, or infographic to communicate complex and relational information to a variety of audiences.
Query language -- (e.g. SQL) a specialized computer language for requesting information from a database.
Spreadsheet -- (e.g. MS Excel) a tool which can be used to apply formulas to data stored in a grid of rows and columns. Spreadsheets include features to analyze data and create data visualizations.
Statistics -- a branch of mathematics dealing with the collection and analysis of numerical data used to formulate conclusions about large groups by examining small samples of the group.
3.Skill Area: Business Knowledge and Processes
Understanding the value chain and business practices of an enterprise and applying principles of ethical adoption of new technologies.

Please rate the following skill sets on a scale of 1 to 4, with 4 being most important and 1 being least important for entry-level technicians that will be hired by your company in the next 12-24 months.
Least important
(1)
(2)
(3)
Most important
(4)
Business cycles -- the “ups and downs” in economic activity (i.e. all activities that produce, trade, and consume goods and services) over a period of time.
Blockchain -- a digital, public database that records online transactions or movements of an item and stores this information in encrypted blocks. The records are kept in a distributed network to prevent falsification.
Communication -- how we give and receive information and convey our ideas and opinions to inform and persuade others through verbal, non-verbal and written means.
Continuous Process Improvement -- methods for regularly reviewing products, services and processes to identify opportunities for productive change and to then adopt new measures, gather data, analyze the outcomes and make adjustments.
Customer/stakeholder analysis -- a process for understanding the broad community of people that are affected by a company’s decisions. Internal customers include employees who need time and materials to perform their jobs. External customers include outsiders who purchase the company’s product or service.
Entrepreneurship -- the concept of developing and overseeing a new business or improving an existing product, service, or method of production for profit. Entrepreneurial thinking involves thinking creatively and recognizing opportunities as well as being flexible and comfortable with uncertainty or risk. It requires extra effort to yield potential process improvement.
Ethics -- the moral standards of right and wrong governing human behavior. In technology, ethics issues arise regarding copyrights, privacy, freedom, data protection, online behavior and more.
Lean processes -- strategies for maximizing customer value while using fewer resources and minimizing waste. Lean thinking means always considering how processes and products can be improved.
Supply chains -- the flow of a product through production from the raw materials up through finished product in a customer's hands.
Market trends -- patterns related to consumer purchasing. Market trends are used to forecast whether demand for a company’s products or services is going to increase or decrease.
Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) -- identifies the percentage of manufacturing time that is truly productive. An OEE score of 100% means that a company is manufacturing only good parts (a measure of quality), as quickly as possible (a measure of performance), and with no stop time (a measure of availability).
Return on Investment (ROI) -- the amount of money or benefit expected in response to spending on goods or a process.
Risk management -- involves understanding the full consequences of events and decisions on the company and stakeholders and making decisions that factor in those possible consequences and outcomes.
Supply and demand -- the relationship between the amount of goods and services, or labor available and the amount customers want.
Vertical and horizontal integration -- in the vertical integration business model, a company expands by gaining control of more of its supply chain. In a horizontal integration business model, a company acquires or merges with other companies that create the same type of product or offer the same services.
4.What are the primary areas of technology of your company?
5.Which best describes your company?
6.How does your company engage with community colleges? (Select all that apply.) 
My company:
7.How do you engage with community colleges? (Select all that apply)
8.How often are you involved in hiring technicians with a 2-year degree or 1-year certificate?
Never
Rarely
Occasionally 
Often 
Always
9.Which best describes your position at your company?
10.Your title and organization are requested to help us document the representation of our sample. Your name will not be attached to your responses to ensure your confidentiality. By providing your email, you’ll be entered to win a $150 Amazon gift card.