Competence Matters More than Knowledge

Abstract

This paper develops a general framework for assessment and management of competence. It then illustrates a case study demonstrating how to pragmatically assist engineers and managers to confirm their competence, knowledge and understanding against occupational standards without placing undue pressure on their time. It proposes a form of continuous assessment over a 3‑6 month period using electronic evidence provided by the candidate in response to a set of focussed emailed questions to build up a paperless portfolio. It also briefly looks how the process can be extended to maintain and update competence and possible future steps to quantify the assessed competence based on weighted performance measures.