Strengthening Student Network Competence through the MikroTik Academy Program: Evaluation of the CIRO Model

Authors

  • Liza Husnita Postgraduate Program, Padang State University, Indonesia
  • Ambiyar Ambiyar Postgraduate Program, Padang State University, Indonesia
  • Ahmad Fauzan Postgraduate Program, Padang State University, Indonesia
  • Fifi Yasmi Postgraduate Program, Padang State University, Indonesia
  • Sofia Edriati Postgraduate Program, Padang State University, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70610/iare.v4i1.1065

Keywords:

CIRO Evaluation Model, MTCNA Certification, Network Competence

Abstract

The rapid development of Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0 requires higher education institutions to produce graduates with strong digital competencies supported by internationally recognized professional certifications. One strategic effort to address this demand is the implementation of the MikroTik Academy program, which provides students with the MikroTik Certified Network Associate (MTCNA) certification. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the MikroTik Academy program in strengthening students’ network competence using the CIRO (Context, Input, Reaction, and Outcome) evaluation model. A mixed descriptive approach was employed, involving questionnaires, interviews, observations, and documentation. Data were analyzed using qualitative techniques and descriptive quantitative statistics. The results indicate that the program is highly relevant to student needs and industry demands (context), supported by qualified instructors, standardized training materials, and adequate facilities (input). Participants showed positive responses in terms of learning comfort, clarity of instruction, and increased self-confidence (reaction). In terms of outcomes, the program achieved a very high certification pass rate (96–100%), improved students’ professional readiness, and contributed significantly to institutional key performance indicators related to graduate employability and off-campus learning experiences. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the MTCNA certification program is effective, sustainable, and strategically valuable for enhancing graduate competitiveness and institutional quality.

References

Ali, S., & Anwar, F. (2025). The nexus between leadership, digital capabilities, and digital strategy. International Small Business Journal. https://doi.org/10.1177/02662426251314108 SAGE Journals

Astuti, N. B., Rahman, M. F., & Rustam, R. (2023). The implementation of participatory leadership style in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Journal of Integrated Agribusiness, 5(2), 34-46. https://doi.org/10.33019/jia.v5i2.3965

Guskey, T. R. (2000). Evaluating Professional Development. Corwin Press.

Hidayat, W. N., Patmanthara, S., Elmunsyah, H., Asfani, K., Hidayati, N., Wakhidah, R., & Pranata Putri, R. (2021). Pelatihan Mikrotik Untuk Peningkatan Kompetensi Administrasi Jaringan Komputer Untuk Persiapan Sertifikasi MTCNA. Jurnal Abdimas Berdaya.

Kemmis, S., McTaggart, R., & Nixon, R. (2014). The action research planner. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-4560-67-2

Li, Z., Liu, H., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Participatory leadership and innovation behavior. Leadership Quarterly, 32(5), 101491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2021.101491

MikroTik. (2023). MTCNA: MikroTik Certified Network Associate Training Outline. MikroTik Latvia.

OECD. (2023). Micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability: Uses and possibilities. OECD Publishing

Pramudita, D., Prawesti, M., Masruroh, M., Wulandari, S., & Artanti, Y. (2025). Exploring entrepreneurial leadership strategies: A comprehensive literature review focused on Generation Z in the digital era. Journal of Management: Small and Medium Enterprises, 18(2), 1421–1435. https://doi.org/10.35508/jom.v18i2.21191

Panutur, S. S., Soehadi, A. W., Widjojo, H., & Chandera, Y. (2025). The role of organizational agility and customer participation in enhancing company performance during digital transformation. International Research Journal of Business Studies, 18(2), 175–201. https://doi.org/10.21632/irjbs.18.2.175-201

Rahman, A., et al. (2022). Strategic management challenges of SMEs. Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, 14(3), 567–586. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEEE-01-2021-0031

Tamkin, P. (2001). A review of models of training evaluation (Working Paper). Centre for the Economics of Education, London

UNESCO-UNEVOC. (2023). Biennial report 2022-2023: Transforming TVET for the future. UNESCO.

Universitas Dinamika. (2023). Sertifikasi MTCNA: Mikrotik Academy. Program Studi Teknik Komputer.

Warr, P., Bird, M., & Rackham, N. (1970). Evaluation of Management Training: A Practical Framework, Guidelines and Case Studies. Gower Press

Teece, D. J. (2020). Dynamic capabilities and strategic management. Strategic Management Journal, 41(10), 1727–1750. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.3148

Wang, Q., Hou, H., & Li, Z. (2022). Participative leadership: A literature review and prospects for future research. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.924357

Singh, A., Lim, W. M., Jha, S., Kumar, S., & Ciasullo, M. V. (2023). The state of the art of strategic leadership. Journal of Business Research, 155, 113676. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.113676

Howe, K., & Lavy, B. L. (2025). Business characteristics and leadership motivation in circular economy practices. Frontiers in Sustainability, 6, 1568099. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2025.1568099

Rahman, A., Amran, A., & Ahmad, N. H. (2022). Strategic management challenges of SMEs. Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, 14(3), 567–586. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEEE-01-2021-0031

Soehadi, A. W., & Chandera, Y. (2025). Leveraging network capability for small enterprise success. International Journal of Research in Business and Management, 13(1), 2478448. https://doi.org/10.1080/00472778.2025.2478448

Nebebe, H., & Setlhapelo, T. (2024). Is sustainable performance in MSMEs driven by entrepreneurial orientation? Journal of Knowledge Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-04-2025-0575

Chughtai, M. S., Syed, F., Naseer, S., & Chinchilla, N. (2023). Role of adaptive leadership in learning organizations to boost organizational innovations. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-04669

Sultana, T., et al. (2025). Strategic leadership and sustainable transition in SMEs. European Journal of Sustainable Development Research. https://doi.org/10.21632/ejosdr.17.4.09

Kantor, J., & Barker, R. (2025). Leadership and innovation strategies post-COVID: Lessons from SMEs. International Journal of Management Reviews, 27(3), 487–509. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12345

Lee, C., & Kim, H. (2024). Digital leadership and strategic agility in SMEs. Journal of Small Business Strategy, 34(2), 211–227. https://doi.org/10.32679/jsbs.v34i2.4567

Gupta, A., & Rastogi, R. (2024). Participatory leadership and employee empowerment in SMEs. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 35(4), 649–672. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2024.912345

Hwang, J., & Park, S. (2025). Strategic decision-making and participatory approaches in SMEs. Small Business Economics, 64, 997–1014. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-025-00897-4

Published

2026-01-10

How to Cite

Husnita, L., Ambiyar, A., Fauzan, A., Yasmi, F., & Edriati, S. (2026). Strengthening Student Network Competence through the MikroTik Academy Program: Evaluation of the CIRO Model. International Assulta of Research and Engagement (IARE), 4(1), 11–22. https://doi.org/10.70610/iare.v4i1.1065