Análisis de la coherencia y pertinencia de los apoyos posgraduales otorgados en la Facultad de Ingeniería en la Universidad Francisco José de Caldas

Abstract

This study analyzes the coherence and relevance of postgraduate support granted through study leave commissions to faculty members of the Faculty of Engineering at Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas during the 2015-2024 period. A mixed-methods approach with a qualitative emphasis was employed, combining documentary review, analysis of thirteen doctoral training cases, semi-structured interviews with beneficiary faculty members, online questionnaires, and exploratory student surveys. The study assessed the alignment of these commissions with Agreement 009 of 2007, the Institutional Strategic Plan 2018-2030, and the Faculty Development Plan, considering dimensions of institutional coherence, academic relevance, and post-commission outcomes. The findings reveal that the commissions were formally aligned with institutional policies and focused on strategic areas related to research, innovation, and academic strengthening. Contributions were identified in academic production, research group development, supervision of academic projects, and the updating of teaching practices. However, post-commission outcomes were heterogeneous and influenced by factors such as return conditions, resource availability, administrative workload, and institutional monitoring mechanisms. The study concludes that study leave commissions represent a valuable strategy for faculty qualification and institutional strengthening; nevertheless, more systematic monitoring and evaluation processes are needed to comprehensively assess their academic and institutional impact.