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INDUSTRY-ACADEMIA COLLABORATION: MEETING UNDERGRADUATE ENGINEERS’ EMPLOYMENT NEEDS
Corresponding Author(s) : Indra Devi S.
Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews,
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2019): March
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The aim of this study is to investigate undergraduate engineers’ perceptions on the industrial collaboration program.
Methodology: This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis. Based on purposive sampling, 150 undergraduate engineers were selected and were required to complete a questionnaire and participate in focus group interviews. Numerical data obtained using the questionnaire were tabulated based on frequencies and percentages. Thematic analysis was performed to identify patterns that emerged from the focus group interview transcripts.
Main findings: Study findings indicate a positive trend in students’ perceptions on the benefits of the program besides indicating a gap in their ability and competency. Thematic analysis based on the focus group interviews reveal three emerging themes which indicate that the respondents found the program to have boosted their confidence, besides being useful and meaningful.
Applications of this study: This study contributes to the design of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) curriculum, specifically for engineers. ESP curriculum design as well as teaching and learning should include industry leaders’ intervention.
Novelty/Originality of this study: This study will be the entry point for employer engagement in teaching and learning as well as in ESP curriculum development for engineers in the context of a technical university.
Keywords
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- Abbas, A., Avdic, A., Xiaobao, P., Hasan, M. M., & Ming, W. (2019). University-government collaboration for the generation and commercialization of new knowledge for use in industry. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 4(1), 23-31. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2018.03.002
- American Society for Engineering Education. (2012). PRISM, www.prism-magazine.org/summer12/
- Ankrah, S., & AL-Tabbaa, O. (2015). Universities–industry collaboration: A systematic review. Scandinavian Journal of Management 31, no.3, 387-408. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scaman.2015.02.003
- Atkinson, H., & Martin, P. (2012). Unemployment of Engineering graduates: the key issues. Engineering Education, 7, no.2, 7-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11120/ened.2012.07020007
- Baharun, R., & Ebi Shahrin, S. (2009). The employers’ perceptions of what makes graduates marketable. Academia. Edu, 1-17.
- Basri, H., Azami, Z., Mohd Zaidi, O., & M. Y. Yuzainee. (2012). Performance of Engineering graduates as perceived by employers: Past and present. In Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON), IEEE, 1-5. IEEE. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/EDUCON.2012.6201116
- Bellucci, A., Pennacchio, L.(2016). University knowledge and firm innovation: evidence from European countries. Journal of Technology Transfer, 41 (4), 730-752.v DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-015-9408-9
- Brown, H. D. (2000). Principles of language learning and teaching (4th. ed.). Englewood Cliffs NJ: Prentice Hall.
- Chamadia, S. & Shahid, M. (2018). Skilling for the future: Evaluating post-reform status of “Skilling Pakistan†and identifying success factors for TVET improvements in the region. Journal of Technical Education and Training (JTET), 10 (1), 1-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30880/jtet.2018.10.01.001
- Coll, R. K., & Mark L. (2001). Using trial interviews to enhance student self-efficacy towards pre-placement interviews. Journal of Cooperative Education, 36, no.3, 25-36.
- Dasgupta, A. (2017). Finding the right fit in academia and industry collaboration. Geospatial World.
- Davos, K. (2014). Matching skills and labour market needs: Building social partnership for better skills and better jobs. World Economic forum, Switzerland, 22-25.
- Edmondson, G., Valigra, L., Kenward, M., Hudson, R. L., & Belfield, H. (2012). Making industry-university partnerships work: Lessons from successful collaborations, Business Innovation Board AISBL.
- Edwards, D., & McMillan, J. (2015). Industry-university collaboration in the STEM curriculum: exploring work integrated learning in practice. Camberwell, VIC: Australian Council for Educational Research, December, 2015.
- Elicker. (2012). Students rise to the mock job interview challenge. Florida International University.
- Ferns, S., Russell, L., & Kay, J. (2016). Enhancing industry engagement with work-integrated learning: Capacity building for industry partners. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 17(4), 363-375.
- Gentelli, L. (2015). Using industry professionals in undergraduate teaching: Effects on student learning. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 12(4), 4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.53761/1.12.4.4
- Guimón, J. (2013). Promoting university-industry collaboration in developing countries. Policy Brief. The Innovation Policy Platform, 1, no.3, 1-12.
- Indra Devi, S., & Teh Zanariah Raus. (2011). A course on English for Professional Communication for Engineering undergraduates in a technical university in Malaysia: A needs survey. (Paper presented at the conference of Teaching and Learning, Curtin University, Miri, Sarawak).
- Jackson, D., David, R., Sonia, F., & Diane M. (2017). Employer understanding of work-integrated learning and the challenges of engaging in work placement opportunities. Studies in Continuing Education, 39, no.1, 35-51. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0158037X.2016.1228624
- Jensen, E. (2011). Perceptions and experiences of employer engagement amongst university staff: a case study. Networks, 14.
- Jiang, F. (2013). Discourse analysis of job interview conversation: what and how to proceed in interaction. English for Specific Purposes World, 14, no.41.
- Kaushal, U. (2016). Empowering Engineering students through employability skills. Higher Learning Research Communications, 6, no.4, 1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18870/hlrc.v6i4.358
- Learndirect. (2014). Jobseekers don’t know what employers want. Retrieved from https://www.learndirect.com/.../2012...2012/jobseekers-dont-.
- Lowden, K., Stuart, H., Dely, E., & Jon, L. (2011). Employers’ perceptions of the employability skills of new graduates. London: Edge Foundation.
- Malaysian Economic Monitor. (2014). Boosting trade competitiveness, June, 22-31
- Ministry of Education. (2015). Malaysia Education Blueprint (Higher Education) 2015–2025, Putrajaya: Ministry of Education Malaysia.
- Nancy. (1994). Communication skills in the workplace–Employers talk back. Wake Technical Community College. Retrieved from http://www.sandhills.edu/academic-departments/english/teaching/comskills.html
- Omar, Nik H., Azmi A. M., Rusyda, H. M., Arena C. K., & Khairani A. A. (2012). Graduates’ employability skills based on current job demand through electronic advertisement. Asian Social Science, 8, no.9, 103. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/ass.v8n9p103
- O'Sullivan, A. D., & Cochrane, T. A. (2009). Preparing better engineers: compulsory undergraduate research projects that benefit universities and the profession. Paper presented at the American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition (ASEE 2009), 14-17 June, USA.
- Pillai, S. (2009). Enhancing graduate employability through university-industry partnerships. University Industry Partnership-ASAIHL, Sri Lanka.
- Redfield, M. R., Bill, F., & David, L. (2009). University technology students integrative and instrumental motivation (Special Issue of the Faculty of Information Management; Studies Presented to Prof. Yoshiharu Matsumoto on his Retirement), 59, 149-156.
- Singh, G. K. G., & Sharan, K. G. S. (2008). Malaysian graduates’ employability skills. UNITAR e-Journal , 4, no.1, 15-45.
- TalentCorp Malaysia. (2016) Industry-Academia collaboration for GBS sector launched on 26 September.
- Vega-Jurado, J., Kask, S., & Manjarrés-Henriquez, L. (2017). University industry links and product innovation: cooperate or contract?. Journal of technology management & innovation, 12(3), 1-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-27242017000300001
- Wilkins, L., & Stevens, S. (2001). Communications chapter 16 in Management for Engineers ed. D. Samson Pearson Education Australia, 608-655.
References
Abbas, A., Avdic, A., Xiaobao, P., Hasan, M. M., & Ming, W. (2019). University-government collaboration for the generation and commercialization of new knowledge for use in industry. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 4(1), 23-31. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2018.03.002
American Society for Engineering Education. (2012). PRISM, www.prism-magazine.org/summer12/
Ankrah, S., & AL-Tabbaa, O. (2015). Universities–industry collaboration: A systematic review. Scandinavian Journal of Management 31, no.3, 387-408. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scaman.2015.02.003
Atkinson, H., & Martin, P. (2012). Unemployment of Engineering graduates: the key issues. Engineering Education, 7, no.2, 7-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11120/ened.2012.07020007
Baharun, R., & Ebi Shahrin, S. (2009). The employers’ perceptions of what makes graduates marketable. Academia. Edu, 1-17.
Basri, H., Azami, Z., Mohd Zaidi, O., & M. Y. Yuzainee. (2012). Performance of Engineering graduates as perceived by employers: Past and present. In Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON), IEEE, 1-5. IEEE. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/EDUCON.2012.6201116
Bellucci, A., Pennacchio, L.(2016). University knowledge and firm innovation: evidence from European countries. Journal of Technology Transfer, 41 (4), 730-752.v DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-015-9408-9
Brown, H. D. (2000). Principles of language learning and teaching (4th. ed.). Englewood Cliffs NJ: Prentice Hall.
Chamadia, S. & Shahid, M. (2018). Skilling for the future: Evaluating post-reform status of “Skilling Pakistan†and identifying success factors for TVET improvements in the region. Journal of Technical Education and Training (JTET), 10 (1), 1-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30880/jtet.2018.10.01.001
Coll, R. K., & Mark L. (2001). Using trial interviews to enhance student self-efficacy towards pre-placement interviews. Journal of Cooperative Education, 36, no.3, 25-36.
Dasgupta, A. (2017). Finding the right fit in academia and industry collaboration. Geospatial World.
Davos, K. (2014). Matching skills and labour market needs: Building social partnership for better skills and better jobs. World Economic forum, Switzerland, 22-25.
Edmondson, G., Valigra, L., Kenward, M., Hudson, R. L., & Belfield, H. (2012). Making industry-university partnerships work: Lessons from successful collaborations, Business Innovation Board AISBL.
Edwards, D., & McMillan, J. (2015). Industry-university collaboration in the STEM curriculum: exploring work integrated learning in practice. Camberwell, VIC: Australian Council for Educational Research, December, 2015.
Elicker. (2012). Students rise to the mock job interview challenge. Florida International University.
Ferns, S., Russell, L., & Kay, J. (2016). Enhancing industry engagement with work-integrated learning: Capacity building for industry partners. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 17(4), 363-375.
Gentelli, L. (2015). Using industry professionals in undergraduate teaching: Effects on student learning. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 12(4), 4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.53761/1.12.4.4
Guimón, J. (2013). Promoting university-industry collaboration in developing countries. Policy Brief. The Innovation Policy Platform, 1, no.3, 1-12.
Indra Devi, S., & Teh Zanariah Raus. (2011). A course on English for Professional Communication for Engineering undergraduates in a technical university in Malaysia: A needs survey. (Paper presented at the conference of Teaching and Learning, Curtin University, Miri, Sarawak).
Jackson, D., David, R., Sonia, F., & Diane M. (2017). Employer understanding of work-integrated learning and the challenges of engaging in work placement opportunities. Studies in Continuing Education, 39, no.1, 35-51. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0158037X.2016.1228624
Jensen, E. (2011). Perceptions and experiences of employer engagement amongst university staff: a case study. Networks, 14.
Jiang, F. (2013). Discourse analysis of job interview conversation: what and how to proceed in interaction. English for Specific Purposes World, 14, no.41.
Kaushal, U. (2016). Empowering Engineering students through employability skills. Higher Learning Research Communications, 6, no.4, 1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18870/hlrc.v6i4.358
Learndirect. (2014). Jobseekers don’t know what employers want. Retrieved from https://www.learndirect.com/.../2012...2012/jobseekers-dont-.
Lowden, K., Stuart, H., Dely, E., & Jon, L. (2011). Employers’ perceptions of the employability skills of new graduates. London: Edge Foundation.
Malaysian Economic Monitor. (2014). Boosting trade competitiveness, June, 22-31
Ministry of Education. (2015). Malaysia Education Blueprint (Higher Education) 2015–2025, Putrajaya: Ministry of Education Malaysia.
Nancy. (1994). Communication skills in the workplace–Employers talk back. Wake Technical Community College. Retrieved from http://www.sandhills.edu/academic-departments/english/teaching/comskills.html
Omar, Nik H., Azmi A. M., Rusyda, H. M., Arena C. K., & Khairani A. A. (2012). Graduates’ employability skills based on current job demand through electronic advertisement. Asian Social Science, 8, no.9, 103. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/ass.v8n9p103
O'Sullivan, A. D., & Cochrane, T. A. (2009). Preparing better engineers: compulsory undergraduate research projects that benefit universities and the profession. Paper presented at the American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition (ASEE 2009), 14-17 June, USA.
Pillai, S. (2009). Enhancing graduate employability through university-industry partnerships. University Industry Partnership-ASAIHL, Sri Lanka.
Redfield, M. R., Bill, F., & David, L. (2009). University technology students integrative and instrumental motivation (Special Issue of the Faculty of Information Management; Studies Presented to Prof. Yoshiharu Matsumoto on his Retirement), 59, 149-156.
Singh, G. K. G., & Sharan, K. G. S. (2008). Malaysian graduates’ employability skills. UNITAR e-Journal , 4, no.1, 15-45.
TalentCorp Malaysia. (2016) Industry-Academia collaboration for GBS sector launched on 26 September.
Vega-Jurado, J., Kask, S., & Manjarrés-Henriquez, L. (2017). University industry links and product innovation: cooperate or contract?. Journal of technology management & innovation, 12(3), 1-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-27242017000300001
Wilkins, L., & Stevens, S. (2001). Communications chapter 16 in Management for Engineers ed. D. Samson Pearson Education Australia, 608-655.