Circular Economy-Related Competency Development in Industrial Engineering Education: Evidence from an Outcomes-Based Graduate Assessment

This study examined the extent to which Circular Economy (CE)-related competencies are embedded within Industrial Engineering (IE) education from an outcomes-based education perspective. A mixed conceptual–empirical approach was employed, combining conceptual mapping of six CE competency dimensions against the Industrial Engineering Body of Knowledge (IE BoK) with a survey of 168 Industrial Engineering graduates. The conceptual analysis assessed the alignment between CE dimensions and IE knowledge domains, while the empirical analysis evaluated graduates’ perceptions of CE-related competency development. The results indicate that all six CE competency dimensions are embedded within Industrial Engineering domains, demonstrating that CE principles are conceptually aligned with existing IE knowledge structures. Graduates generally perceived their CE-related competencies to be well developed, with the strongest attainment observed in competencies related to Industrial Engineering analytical tools, resource efficiency, and lifecycle-oriented thinking. Competencies associated with closed-loop systems, sustainability-oriented systems thinking, and Circular Economy decision-making demonstrated comparatively lower attainment levels. Although online-program graduates reported slightly higher competency attainment than regular-program graduates, the differences were not statistically significant. Reliability analysis confirmed strong internal consistency of the proposed competency assessment instrument. The findings suggest that Industrial Engineering education already provides substantial foundations for Circular Economy competency development. However, further curriculum enhancement is needed to strengthen systems-oriented and transformational CE competencies. This study contributes a conceptual mapping framework and a reliable assessment instrument that may support curriculum evaluation and competency development in Industrial Engineering education.