ABSTRACT

This study explored whether the teaching environment of six universities across Finland, United Kingdom, and South Africa are currently producing the competencies required by the industry. It also assessed the effects of university-industry collaboration activities on students’ work readiness and employability. The research adopted mixed method approach to data collection. Structured questionnaire survey was used to collect quantitative data from students, and semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data from lecturers and industry representatives. Findings from the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) were compared with findings from the other universities in South Africa. UNIZULU students had the highest ratings compared to the students from the other universities across the dimensions of career preparation, desirable graduate competencies and work readiness. In contrast, UNIZULU students had the lowest ratings in terms of industry engagement and student engagement, for which this study provided management implications.

摘要

这项研究探讨了芬兰、英国和南非六所大学的教学环境目前是否能够培养行业所需的能力。它还评估了大学与行业合作活动对学生工作准备和就业能力的影响。该研究采用混合方法进行数据收集。采用结构化问卷调查向学生收集定量数据，采用半结构化访谈向讲师和行业代表收集定性数据。将祖鲁兰大学 (UNIZULU) 的研究结果与南非其他大学的研究结果进行了比较。与其他大学的学生相比，UNIZULU 学生在职业准备方面的评分最高，理想的毕业生能力和工作准备。相比之下，UNIZULU 学生在行业参与度和学生参与度方面的评分最低，本研究为此提供了管理启示。