A research on causes of underemployment of engineering graduates through quality control (QC) tool - Affinity diagram (KJ method)

Abstract

More than unemployment, the issue faced by the youth in India is debated to be underemployment. The objective of the study is to identify the causes for underemployment as perceived by the Under Graduate (UG) Engineering and Technology (E&T) students. The methodology involves collecting data on the causes of underemployment from UG E&T students at the verge of graduation and grouping the thus collected data. The Quality Control (QC) Tool-Affinity Diagram has been used in this study to collect data as it is an approach that enables data collection by protecting the identity of the data giver. The first phase of using the tool involves collecting data as experienced and perceived by the data giver. The second phase, involves grouping of the data collected in phase one of the methodology and assigning a relevant group title. It has been concluded that such data grouped under relevant heads when provided to aspirants of UG E&T programs will enable the aspirants to: 1. Better understand the causes for underemployment and 2. Guide them to take actions at the optimal time during their student hood to attain the needful attributes to be employable immediately after graduation.