Journal of Engineering Education Transformations

Abstract

Abstract—The objective of this study is to conceptualize a Total Interpretive Structural Model (TISM) of factors leading to low employability of graduate engineers, at entry level, in context to Indian IT Industry. The paper focuses on factors emerging due to lack or low participation of IT Industry in overall academic activities contributing to low employability. Authors have developed Total Interpretive Structural Model (TISM) to understand the interplay of industry induced factors, leading to low employability of graduate engineers. Factors considered are limited to the role of IT industry in academia. Qualitative Semi Structured interviews & survey inputs gathered from academic experts including Senior Faculties, Heads of the Departments, Principals and Training and Placement officers from 10 engineering colleges in Maharashtra (India), are considered to arrive at factors highlighting the wanting contribution of IT industry. Total interpretive structural model has been developed for the factors leading to low employability. This model provides a hierarchical structure to the identified factors at four different levels based on their driving power and dependence. The model also portrays factor’s interplay with the help of direct and transitive linkages. Based on the research authors recommend key initiatives at fundamental factors which can have a cascading impact on other dependent factors. This research has implications for IT Industry, academia and academic governing authorities. The study provides an indicative list of strategic factors and the synergistic effect created by their interplay. The relationships amongst these factors are being modeled providing an insight, in terms of cause and effect relationship, prioritizing the areas to be addressed on priority. The proposed model, examining the factors of low employability due to IT industry’s wanting role in academic context is a fresh approach & pioneering one. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that analyzes the factors of low employability of graduate engineers using TISM approach, focusing on IT industry and not on academia, as being done historically.

Keywords—Total Interpretive Structure Modeling Employability; Factors; IT Industry