Employers feedback (every five year)
Employers are involved in the development of the curricula and take part in the study process.
Please describe the case in detail
In particular please consider (a)Objectives of the intervention; (b) Tools used to achieve the project goals; (c) Methodologies applied;
Employer feedback is part of the quality management system of the College. Employer feedback is collected every five year. The system is managed by a quality management team. The questionnaire is updated by the members of the quality team.
Every department has their own list of employers, supervisors and partners. Employers feedback on their workplaces and career is collected every second year by the alumni survey. The college has updated data about graduates workplaces and career. More than 70% of our graduates are working during their studies and the work is connected with their field of studies.
Study department has a specialist who is responsible for the procedures of the survey and who analyses the data and write reports. All reports and action plans are being published on the college webpage. All functions and fields of the college have their own small teams who analyse the results of the survey and create action plans to improve the services and processes.
Employers are asked to assess the graduates knowledge and practical skills from the following aspects:
• Professional theoretical and practical knowledge,
• Skills to apply theoretical skills in practice,
• Professional foreign language skills,
• Decision making and independent working skills,
• Skills to use modern ICT,
• General preparation for working in the speciality,
• Economic and managerial preparation,
• The biggest shortcomings in the preparation of the graduates,
• In which field is the level of the knowledge and skills of the graduates the best,
• How the level of preparation of the graduates has changed during the past years,
• The future needs of the WoW,
• The needs for continuing training,
• Interest to cooperation with the college in different fields.
Results of survey are presented to all members of the college and employers. Special workshops help to define and understand the areas which need to be improved. It is a public debate and all interested groups are involved.
It increases the commitment to strong cooperation and helps better satisfy the needs of labour market.
What resources are required for the case?
Consider human resources, financial resources, infrastructure, in-kind resources and any other type required.
We have strong database for every curriculum e.g. employers, alumni, supervisors, etc. Every department has their own list of employers, potential supervisors and partners. The activities are supported by the budget of the college, where every curriculum and department has their own sub-budget.
The quality team, all departments, members of the curricula council, members of the rectorate, alumni, students etc. are included in the process of feedback collection.
The survey is conducted electronically using program Google.
What are the enabling factors making this case successful?
Consider institutional support, environmental/social/political factors, etc.
Employer’s feedback provides possibility to be informed about WoW interests and needs and about the trends in the field of education we provide. In turn, our employers are informed about activities of the College. It is a good way to define and fill in gaps in the preparation of graduates. All this guarantees effective quality management in the organization, increases the commitment to provide quality services and effectiveness and guarantees good cooperation between the college and WoW.
Why do you consider this case to be good/best practice?
Please consider that a best practice must (a) have a clearly defined objective to increase the connection with the World of Work, (b) address the target groups of the project, (c) be replicable and sustainable, (d) have clearly demonstrated evidence of effectiveness in increasing the connection with the World of Work
Employers’ feedback has been collected for years and the system has proved is usefulness and effectiveness. It is a good practice to share with other institutions that do not have strong feedback system.
