Bringing Research Closer to the Solution of Real Cases: The Experience of a Peruvian University in the Education of Engineers

Molina J.; Montoya G.; Huamani J. · EDUNINE 2026 - 10th IEEE World Engineering Education Conference: The Role of Engineering and Computer Technology as Artificial Intelligence turns into Reality: A Challenge for Professional Education, Proceedings (2026) · DOI: 10.1109/edunine62390.2026.11546821

Resumen

This article describes the experience of a Peruvian university in Lima in reorienting undergraduate research in Industrial Engineering from pre-investment studies (based on secondary information) toward the solution of real problems in the students' environments. Initially, most theses focused on preinvestment studies (57.05% of 156 thesis plans) and lacked real impact. The reorientation is driven by linking students from the 'Beca 18' program-who come from poorer and more remote regions of the country-with problems in their regions of origin. This approach forces a transition toward applied and experimental research using primary data, generating high and direct social and business impact. The instructional design model known as Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) is implemented in key courses, supported by the use of appropriate AI prompts and active learning methodologies such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Project-Based Learning (PjBL), and Case-Based Learning (CBL). A successful pilot case extended the shelf life of avocado from 7 to 21 days. Expected benefits include an increase (from 3 to 7) in applied research projects developed in the students' regions of origin under the Beca 18 program, generating tangible benefits for local organizations, as well as an increase (from 4 to 10) in the number of students orienting their research projects toward technological innovation.

Instituciones: Universidad Antonio Ruiz de Montoya