Stakeholder perceptions of university-industry collaboration on tourism and business students’ employability in two continents

ABSTRACT This study explored whether the teaching environment of six universities across Finland, United Kingdom, and South Africa are currently producing the competencies required by the industry. It also assessed the effects of university-industry collaboration activities on students’ work readiness and employability. The research adopted mixed method approach to data collection. Structured questionnaire survey was used to collect quantitative data from students, and semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data from lecturers and industry representatives. Findings from the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) were compared with findings from the other universities in South Africa. UNIZULU students had the highest ratings compared to the students from the other universities across the dimensions of career preparation, desirable graduate competencies and work readiness. In contrast, UNIZULU students had the lowest ratings in terms of industry engagement and student engagement, for which this study provided management implications.