Search

This paper investigates the perception of corporate managers regarding employability skills of management students undertaking summer internship with them. The study is divided into two parts wherein the first part consists of literature review and in-depth interviews of senior managers, and it is devoted to identifying critical parameters that affect employability of management students. The second part of research consists of a survey of 195 company supervisors who rated 405 intern students on the 22 items identified in the first part. The results indicate that intern students lacked in communication skills, problem solving ability, analytical skills and business understanding but fared well in the other parameters like self-management, using ICT efficiently, people relations and team spirit, innovative approach and critical thinking, self-confidence and assertiveness and drive to learn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ePortfolios are a collection of digital evidence demonstrating learning over time, and are a high-impact practice for students that can be curated for specific audiences. In multidisciplinary programs, such as agriculture/agribusiness, students often have nuanced learning journeys and graduate with a range of skills and work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences. It can be difficult for both students and potential employers to recognize the depth and breadth of the students' individual learning journey, and the skills that they possess. Integrating ePortfolios into an agriculture/agribusiness program has the potential to improve outcomes for student, institution and employer by providing an innovative solution to this tension. It can encourage students to develop technological and reflective skills, as well as highlight their specific WIL experiences, knowledge and understanding. However, while ePortfolios can be a powerful tool, there are challenges to successful implementation. These are addressed via a series of research-driven recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of extracurricular activities (ECA) on developing employability skills of higher education graduates in Tunisia. In this regard, we use a quantitative survey that has been distributed to 451 graduates. The results of the logistic regression model show that participation in extracurricular activities (ECA) is the main determinant of soft skills development. In addition, Spearman's correlation analysis demonstrates a positive one between the acquisition of soft skills and participation in extracurricular activities. Each of the activities develops specific skills. We found that participation in social groups helps to develop more soft skills.

This article explores Namibian students' perception of work-integrated learning (WIL) readiness skills developed from an offline and online business simulation course, pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the use of simulations to prepare students for WIL placements. The findings indicate that both versions of the business simulation were able to inculcate WIL readiness skill in the students and that students perceive learning tools, such as the business simulation course, appropriate in developing the skills needed for WIL. Skills including communication, professionalism, leadership, teamwork, analytical, problem solving, critical thinking, assertiveness, time management, willingness to learn, attention to detail, diversity and accountability were more significantly developed in the offline business simulation than in the online version. It is thus highlighted in the study that pedagogical and content related strategies that can enhance online business simulations be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the role of WIL in enhancing students’ employability skills in one comprehensive university in South Africa. It explored which employability skills graduates perceive to be enhanced as a result of participating in a WIL programme. This was achieved by utilizing a qualitative research approach in collecting data. Thirty recent graduates who completed a National Diploma in Small Business Management (ND: SBM) with a compulsory component of WIL at the end of 2015 were interviewed and two focus group discussions were conducted. While it has been reported that WIL is an important feature that assists learners to be work-ready when they complete their qualifications, there is paucity of published work that is based on students’ perspectives in this area. A lot of research on graduates’ employability based on the perceptions of employers and those of academics have been published. The present work attempts to fill that gap. All graduates interviewed believed their self-confidence, communication skills, teamwork skills, time management, and professionalism have improved significantly due to their participation in a WIL program. It is hoped that findings from this review will provide an opportunity for academics to understand the learning that has occurred during students’ WIL experience. This work is therefore related to Tourism and Hospitality as the students from these disciplines also undergo WIL. The findings are thus also relevant to them.