Loading...
Investigating the effectiveness of using an integrated project to improve transferability of IT skills to the workplace
Author(s)
Allie, Faiza
Date Issued
2003
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Peninsula Technikon
Abstract
This study was initiated following an investigation into using an Integrated Project
(IP) as a learning experience to improve the skills of students at Peninsula Technikon.
The literature reviewed indicated a variety of skills required for IT staff in general, but no
importance was indicated for the various skills.
The objectives of the study were:
To identify the critical skills from literature and industry for entry-level software
developers;
2 To determine from the lecturing staff's perspective, which skills they regard as the
critical skills for entry-level software developers;
3 To determine from the students' perspective, whether the IP had equipped them
with skills needed to be effective in the workplace; and
4 From the findings of the study to identify the components of a potentially effective
lP.
To fulfill the objectives, data was gathered by means of various questionnaires
completed by industry representatives, lecturers and students. The results of the study
revealed that a mismatch existed between the skill importance rating of companies and
the skill ratings of students, especially with regard to their Programming and Database
skills.
The study further revealed that the JP did not contribute more to the skills
competence of students than the other forms of learning experiences. The JP should
provide the vehicle to increase students' skill competency levels and deeper
understanding. by including the critical skills required by industry. The key skills
identified from this study for an entry level software developer to be productive in
industry namely, Debugging/Error Trapping, Teamwork! Group work, General
Programming, Database Relationships, Data-Access and Written Communications should
be included in the JP. It is possible that a well designed JP can narrow the gap between
industry expectations and student performance.
(IP) as a learning experience to improve the skills of students at Peninsula Technikon.
The literature reviewed indicated a variety of skills required for IT staff in general, but no
importance was indicated for the various skills.
The objectives of the study were:
To identify the critical skills from literature and industry for entry-level software
developers;
2 To determine from the lecturing staff's perspective, which skills they regard as the
critical skills for entry-level software developers;
3 To determine from the students' perspective, whether the IP had equipped them
with skills needed to be effective in the workplace; and
4 From the findings of the study to identify the components of a potentially effective
lP.
To fulfill the objectives, data was gathered by means of various questionnaires
completed by industry representatives, lecturers and students. The results of the study
revealed that a mismatch existed between the skill importance rating of companies and
the skill ratings of students, especially with regard to their Programming and Database
skills.
The study further revealed that the JP did not contribute more to the skills
competence of students than the other forms of learning experiences. The JP should
provide the vehicle to increase students' skill competency levels and deeper
understanding. by including the critical skills required by industry. The key skills
identified from this study for an entry level software developer to be productive in
industry namely, Debugging/Error Trapping, Teamwork! Group work, General
Programming, Database Relationships, Data-Access and Written Communications should
be included in the JP. It is possible that a well designed JP can narrow the gap between
industry expectations and student performance.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Peninsula Technikon, 2003
Subjects
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Loading...
Name
Allie_f_MTech_IT_fid_2003
Size
25.64 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum
(MD5):eebf251139f8e849aff49efc1915eb3b