College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 75 Industry – Academia relationship explored in podcast In the second podcast, hosted by our research assistant Mr Norman Mafuratidze, Drs Pillay and Ward were invited to unpack their study, which sought to identify the degree of alignment between existing curricula at higher education institutions (HEIs) offering retail-related courses and the retail industry needs. Their research highlighted significant challenges in the retail sector, particularly the disconnect between academia and the industry’s evolving Mr. Sandile Maseko, the two students and Dr Pillay just after the Youth voices podcast landscape. Key issues included outdated curricula, new technologies, and high graduate unemployment rates. Effective collaboration between academia and industry is essential to equip students with future-ready skills. Workintegrated learning (WIL) was emphasised as crucial for providing practical experience. The researchers proposed practical initiatives such as stakeholder meetings, joint seminars, collaborative research projects, and open communication channels to foster collaboration and respect. As a result of their research, Drs. Semona and Ward shared several vital recommendations. This encompassed enhancing curriculum visibility, establishing industry-academia collaborations, and modernising assessment methods to better align with industry requirements. By implementing these recommendations, academia and the retail sector can work hand in hand to develop a dynamic and responsive education system. This podcast highlighted the crucial need to bridge the gap between academia and the retail sector. Their research serves as a clarion call for collaborative efforts to ensure that education and industry are aligned, enabling students to embark on successful careers within the retail industry.
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