Do industry collaborative projects enhance students’ learning? Available to Purchase

This paper discusses the experiences of three stakeholders involved in live projects (live projects are part of an industry and education partnership to provide level 2 students with an opportunity to work with “real life” business problem situations). In particular the paper examines the expectations and perceptions of industry partners, tutors and students involved in a live project experience at Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies (BCFTCS). From a comparison of these stakeholder perspectives it can be suggested that although a more self‐managed approach to student learning is desirable, it is not always achievable with large student groups and time‐constrained activities. Despite this, the students appeared to have further developed the desired skills of communication, teamwork, problem solving and research, as well as the personal attributes of greater self‐confidence and leadership.