A Mixed-Methods Data Approach Integrating Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) in Applied Talent Cultivation

Abstract

This study endeavors to establish an assessment framework for cultivating undergraduate applied talent, specifically emphasizing data science competencies, in alignment with the development of China's regional economy. A mixed-methods approach, integrating focus group interviews and questionnaire surveys conducted over three rounds of data collection, was employed. The collected data underwent rigorous reliability and validity analyses utilizing SPSS software. An Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) was executed to construct a performance chart, evaluating the effectiveness of a 24-item framework designed to encompass key aspects of data science education. The initial internal consistency α coefficients for Questionnaire 2 and Questionnaire 3 were found to be .892 and .913, respectively, surpassing the 0.7 threshold, indicating a high level of reliability for all items related to data science competencies. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measurements approaching approximately 0.9 affirmed the efficiency of the questionnaire, specifically designed to gauge the relevance and effectiveness of data science-related indicators in the context of applied talent cultivation and regional economic development. Furthermore, the study underscores the significance of indicators such as teamwork, regional market research, and business opportunity identification within the domain of data science. It identifies gaps between key indicators and lower-performing indicators, proposing strategic improvement measures to enhance the alignment of applied talent cultivation objectives with the evolving needs of regional economic development, particularly in the data science landscape. The research findings not only contribute to a foundational understanding of data science competencies in applied talent cultivation but also lay the groundwork for innovative reforms in future talent cultivation models. By clarifying objectives and better aligning them with the dynamic demands of regional economic development, this study sets the stage for transformative advancements in the field of applied talent cultivation, particularly within the realm of data science.