Factors affecting Industrial Attachment Programme: Measures of academic performance and efficiency in Zimbabwe: A Review

Abstract

Assessment of the Industrial Attachment Programme was deemed incomplete without reviewing measures of academic performance, efficiency, and the factors that affect performance and efficiency. The factors forming the basis for this review were found to human and system oriented. Academic performance of students has to be measured using examinations, tests, assignments and exercises. Data Envelope Analysis and Stochastic Frontier Analyst were the efficiency measures reviewed. Data Envelope Analysis was regarded appropriate for this study considering its ability to handle multiple inputs and outputs. Data Envelope Analysis estimates allocative, technical and economic efficiency which are key efficient measures. Some of the factors reviewed include financing, timing, evaluation and assessment methods of the programme. Linkage among students, tertiary education institutions, host organizations and various stake holders were other key factors. Courses covered before Industrial Attachment were noted as other key factors since the programme intends to marry theory learnt in the classroom with the practice. Industrial Attachment in Zimbabwe as with the Agricultural colleges and other institutions of tertiary education was also reviewed. The institutions use different approaches which will help much in the assessment of the programme. Measurement of performance and efficiency levels were found to be done with primary and secondary schools making reference to the academic side and not much was found to be done with agricultural colleges and the industrial attachment programme thereby forming the basis for this study.  Colleges have to adopt models which improve performance and efficiency of the programme.