PhD VIVA VOCE

Abstract:

This study investigated the linkages between industry and technical institutions in improving practical skills training of trainees from technical institutions offering engineering and allied sciences related extractive industry in Tanzania.  The study had four objectives: (1) Examine patterns of existing linkages between selected industry and technical training institutions as a strategy of improving practical skills training;.(2) Identify constraints facing the existing relationship between industry and technical training institutions in the realization of relevance practical skills training;. (3) Explore external environmental factors influencing the existing linkages between industry and technical training institutions;.(4) establish the requisite interventions strategies for development and maintenance of effective linkages between technical training institutions and industry.  The study employed qualitative research methods using multiple embedded case study design.  Data were collected using documentary reviews, interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD).  A total of 52 respondents that included trainees, trainers from the selected technical institutions and other officials from organizational firms, regulatory authority for TET as well as industrial association in Tanzania mainland participated in the study.  The analysis was performed using hermeneutic approach and qualitative content analysis as described in Miles and Huberman’s (2008) Framework. The findings revealed that the pattern of linkages of linkages in all the selected technical institutions were similar in organisation practices, structure and forms of linkages due to mimetic and normative processes rather than improving technical activities including practical skills training.  The constraints facing linkages were bounded around organizational capability and willingness to work together with other organization.  The environmental factors influenced linkages included presence of regulatory agency for TET, economic status, policies on local contents, expansion of enrolments of trainees and lack of legal coercions.  The finding further revealed intervention strategies that were to reduce constraints, raising awareness and strengthening regulatory bodies supporting linkages.  On the basis of the findings, the study recommends alignment of technical activities in technical institutions with the ceremonial activities for improving practical skills training.