Continual improvement in outcome-based education (OBE) for industrial practicum training program / Sariwati Mohd Shariff , Shatina Saad

This paper aims to share the findings and continual improvements made to the curricular structure on
industrial practicum training program in the Faculty of Business Management of a local public
university based on a study carried out in 2005 – 2006. A total of 103 practicum students (25%)
responded to a quantitative survey using a 5-point Likert scale to determine the practicum training
effectiveness; followed by in-depth interviews on twelve purposive–selected trainees. Findings showed
that the factors that make the industrial practicum training effective were: host organizations, roles of
facilitators, roles of trainees and the training-learning curriculum in the practicum. The scope of study
encompassed final semester business management students who had completed practicum attachments in
various industries from multinational companies, national and local small-medium enterprises. The
practical implications of this study resulted in a change of curriculum structure for practicum programs,
improved administration and practicum evaluations on the students, and enhanced the universityindustrial
linkages.