In many institutions, the evaluation of faculty performance in graduate programs is carried out using instruments designed for undergraduate programs or with an exclusive focus on research, which limits the effectiveness and objectivity of the evaluation in the classroom. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a specific instrument to assess teaching in the graduate context, one that facilitates effective feedback and promotes continuous improvement in the teaching-learning process. This work presents the development of a methodology based on the Design Science Research model and an agile approach using Scrum, applied to create a teaching evaluation instrument for graduate programs. The methodological process was structured in two phases: the first phase involved an analysis of the state of the art, while the second adopted an iterative approach in three stages. During each sprint, the instrument was refined through feedback from students, faculty, and administration, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation to the needs of the context. The applied methodology resulted in an effective tool, adapted to the academic environment, that significantly contributes to the improvement of educational management and teaching quality in graduate-level programs.

The rapid advancement of information technology (IT) is transforming the field of higher education. This paper examines how using Learning Management System (LMS), Student Information System (SIS) and Hostel Management System (HMS) in higher education can make education and administration easier. It discusses how LMS helps with online learning, SIS tracks student progress and HMS manages student accommodations. It also shows how these systems can support global sustainability goals (SDGs) in education. Adopting these technologies can enhance operational efficiency, improve the student experience and create a more connected and sustainable educational environment.

This study explores the significance of practical experimentation in the teaching of life and earth sciences (LES), particularly in the context of studying microorganisms. The research focuses on identifying key challenges that hinder the effective use of experiments in science classrooms and highlights the potential role of simulation as a remedial tool. A mixed-method approach was employed, including interviews with teachers and surveys targeting both teachers and students. Two main issues were identified: inadequate infrastructure for practical work in two educational institutions (a middle school and a high school) and varied student perceptions regarding experimental activities. The findings revealed that, under current conditions, the laboratories at these institutions fail to support active learning and scientific knowledge development. Most scientific activities are conducted in a theoretical context due to poor laboratory facilities and management. Additionally, students expressed a lack of motivation, partly due to their awareness of the poor laboratory conditions and the unengaging teaching methods employed. This research underscores the potential of simulations as a valuable tool to address these challenges and improve the LES teaching-learning process, without replacing traditional experiments. The study emphasizes the need for improving both the infrastructure and the pedagogical approaches to enhance the educational experience in the sciences.

Gécamines, through its Central Panda Workshops with the acronym ACP, manufactures several items using natural and synthetic rubber. These materials are used to absorb shocks in structures such as tarpaulins, channels, pump volutes, and others, and to limit the abrasion of metallic materials that would occur due to pulp particles. Other properties linked to the application must be taken into account in the formulation of these materials, including breaking resistance, elongation, aging, and so on. Generally speaking, the composition of these rubber materials is made with a reinforcing clay filler such as kaolin imported from London. Since clay materials are abundant in our environment, we set out to study the impact of replacing this kaolin with a local clay mechanically transformed into fine powders (KALUBWE clay) on the modification of the mechanical properties required for these rubber articles. We note from our experiments conducted according to a Gécamines workshop formula named P 760 based on natural rubber and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber that the substitution of imported kaolin by KALUBWE clay prepared according to our experimental conditions is possible with a reduction in its share in the rubber, since it tends to increase the mechanical properties of vulcanizates.

Structural components are the least studied in the literature because of their properties that vary from one design to another, which explains the scarcity of statistical data on them. The objective of this work is to determine the Weibull parameters of the reliability laws of the structural components of a spillway using the Condition Index method. To this end, the partial Top-Down Structural Analysis of a spillway was presented. A structural fault tree served as a starting point for the determination of the Weibull parameters of the corresponding component reliability laws. Then, the state condition tables associated with each element were drawn from the analyses carried out by the experts during the dam inspections. The determination of the Condition Indices was carried out by following a succession of steps developed in detail in this paper. After a variable change and a linear regression on the empirical data, a first approximation of the Weibull parameters of each component was performed. Then, the parameters obtained were optimized using the generalized gradient reduction nonlinear solver of the Excel software, on points of distinct reliability, and starting from the previous approximations. The resulting reliability models are very close to discrete data, and generally conservative. Finally, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov conformity test performed in each case validates the law and the determined parameters with a confidence interval greater than 95%. They can be used as a basis for determining the structural reliability of spillways.