A Model for Improving the Responsiveness of Technical and Community Colleges to the Training Needs of Industry [microform] / Maynard J. Iverson

A North Carolina project identified the elements influencing an institution's responsiveness to industry and developed a model to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of that response. Data were collected through structured interviews at each of 15 top-rated colleges and with representatives of two industries with whom the college had worked. Responsiveness models were generated using the findings, a literature review, and project advisory committee inputs. Major findings were presented at three regional dissemination workshops. Implementation strategies were discussed, and subjective evaluation of the models were secured from experienced personnel who attended. Nineteen elements affecting institutional responsiveness to industry were identified as being of "some" to"extreme" importance. The top six elements referred specifically to college commitment, policy, and/or activities that included reliability of the institution, strong personal commitment of the president to industry training, high quality of instruction provided, quick response and follow-through by the institution, tailoring of courses to meet specific industry needs, and flexibility of the institution. (Six figures show the participating colleges, weighted listing of elements, elements placed in six major factors, levels of responsiveness of institutions based on the factored elements and the services provided, and the combined responsiveness model.) (YLB)