JISC

Overview

The project deals with the study and synthesis for five Business and community Engagement pilot projects running in parallel. The project will draw on the experiences of Coventry University in partnership with KSA to spearhead employer engagement in HE and FE.

Aims and objectives

• To understand the dynamics of the trilateral relationship between the provider (university), the employer and the learner and the information flows between them
• To develop an understanding of how employer engagement activity in HE and FE is better enabled by key processes, systems and infrastructures within and across a range of institutional types
• To establish a multi-disciplinary ‘community of practice’ to evidence good practice and facilitate shared learning among the pilot projects
• Develop a case study for each of the pilot project that includes the process considerations, systems implications and the infrastructure needs
• To produce an interim and final report incorporating lessons learned and recommendations to extend project pilot initiatives

Project methodology

• Utilise a discussion framework for pilot project interviews and/or focus group discussions to underpin the development of incremental case studies – (Coventry University Team + KSA)
• Establish a website that would support the sharing of information and experiences among the pilot projects and support the development of a community of practice for key participants (Coventry University Team)
• Synthesise key findings and lessons learned from pilot project discussions and contributions on a developmental basis to produce an interim and final report (Coventry University Team + KSA)

Anticipated outputs and outcomes

Outputs

• A comprehensive review of the pilot projects and the lessons learnt from them.
• An overall report of findings from the SSP and process flow charts at different stages of research.
• Web page and a blog for communication and wider dissemination of data.
• Press releases and suitable conferences to support dissemination.
• Creation of pack of resources to support employer through systems and processes.

Outcomes

•  The synthesis of knowledge gained in the whole process.
•  Development of community of practice for five participating pilot projects.
•  Creation of ongoing opportunity to use and reuse the lessons learnt.