Perception of Managers and Chemistry Graduates on Competencies Acquisition of Chemical-Based Industry Employees Implications for Chemistry Higher Education

Abstract

For an effective feedback mechanism, there should be regular consultations with
employers and alumni of higher institutions for the purpose of reviewing curricula
to meet the needs of industry and society. This study was carried out with this
perspective. Adopting a descriptive survey design, twelve (12) managers and 103
chemistry graduates from twenty (20) chemical-based industries were used. The
managers were interviewed to determine their perspective on competencies
(knowledge, skills and attitude) acquisition of the chemistry graduate employees
in the various industries while questionnaire was administered to the graduate
employees to determine their level of skill acquisition. The responses of the
managers were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using simple descriptive
statistics while those of the employees were analysed using paired sampled t-test.
The results showed that chemistry graduates working in chemical-based
industries acquired adequate theoretical knowledge from the university; they
however acquired inadequate skills especially in the use of instruments,
production, reporting and management. Many of the managers also claimed that
graduates are deficient in the development of a scientific attitude. All the
managers agreed that they train their new employees. The findings of the research
showed that there is the need for restructuring of the university chemistry
curriculum in the area of skill and scientific attitude development, and a need for
collaboration between town and gown.