Assessment of industry partners: Inputs for partnership improvement and selection of host training establishments

Abstract

Industry partners such as energy providers (in electric Power Systems for example) are critical in the successful implementation of the University's internship program and attainment of objectives. Thus, it is important that the University adhere to the criteria and requirements outlined by the Commission on Higher Education for selection of reputable host training establishments. This study aims to provide additional guidelines for the Business Administration program in considering prospective industry partners for internship by incorporating the students' assessment of industry partners. Using independent samples t-test, the researcher found that the profile of the industry partner has no significant effect on the level of implementation, the students' feedback, attainment of objectives and the seriousness of problems encountered during internship. Through independent samples t-test and One-Way ANOVA, it was found that the students' profile also has no effect on the perceived seriousness of problems encountered during the training. However, using Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, it was found that the level of implementation of the internship program within the industry partner has a relationship with the students' feedback, level of attainment of internship objectives, and the seriousness of problems encountered. The level of implementation positively impacts the level of attainment of objectives and the seriousness of problems encountered. While the relationship with feedback was generally positive, it was found that the level of implementation negatively impacts the students' feedback of industry partners in terms of decision making and empowerment.