Why students avoid sandwich placements

Morgan, H

Abstract

This paper outlines research undertaken to identify factors that dissuade accounting degree students at the University of Salford from taking a year’s work placement. Interviews with key staff and purposively-selected students were transcribed and analysed using grounded theory. A questionnaire, based on emerging factors, was completed by students; with factor analysis triangulating and enhancing the interviews’ findings. Key factors identified are: awareness of the placement scheme, links with local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and better descriptions of job opportunities illustrating the placement’s quality. In conclusion, further research is recommended using a shorter questionnaire focussing on these and other emerging factors, such as the students’ socio-economic status and pre-entry levels (UCAS points), which require validation. Cross-discipline research opportunities exist.

Citation

Morgan, H. (2006, January). Why students avoid sandwich placements. Presented at Education in a Changing Environment, University of Salford, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: Education in a Changing Environment
• Conference Location: University of Salford, UK
• Start Date: Jan 12, 2006
• End Date: Jan 13, 2006
• Deposit Date: Jun 1, 2009
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 1, 2009
• Publisher URL: http://www.ece.salford.ac.uk/proceedings/papers/hm_06.rtf
• Additional Information: Additional Information : ISBN: 9781905732074; Event Type : Conference