SYNERGY AND COLLABORATION OF INSTITUTION-INDUSTRY:A PANACEA TO DEVELOPMENT OF QUALITY OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT CURRICULUM IN POLYTECHNICS

Abstract

The study examined synergy and collaboration of institution-industry: a panacea to development of quality office technology and management curriculum in Polytechnics. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. A sample of 89 respondents made up of lecturers and managers of organizations was selected. Synergy and Collaboration between Institution-Industry Questionnaires (SCIQ) which was duly validated with a Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient of 0.77 was used to gather data for the study. 89 copies of the questionnaire administered were retrieved and used for the study. The data collected to answer the research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The study found among others that synergy and collaboration between institution-industry will contribute to shared resources for sustainability of educational programme over time as well as create a foundation for co-investing in facilities and equipment; it will provide common employability skills needed by employers to be taught to students and reinforced in the classroom; it will also enhance the quality of OTM graduates because they will be ready made branded for the world of work. Based on the findings, conclusion were made while the following were recommended among others; that institutions and local industries should collaborate to organize seminars and workshops where they will share information on the changing trends in industrial practices and how these changes can be incorporated into the curriculum of OTM, there is the need for institutions to be charged with oversight responsibilities by putting up structures, enabling environment and policies that will facilitate industrial-institutional links. This will enable OTM students as a matter of urgency to acquire skills and competences replicato what is required to function in the industry so that they can be relevant in the 21stcentury world of work.