The challenge of change : a case study of the institutionalization of employability skills at Guilford Technical Community College
- WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Tanya Holt Davis (Creator)
- Institution
- Western Carolina University (WCU )
- Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
- Advisor
- Ann Alexander
Abstract: Characteristics of a knowledge economy have been extensively documented in the
literature. Rapid change resulting from increased technologies and globalization has
triggered an unprecedented urgency for all citizens to possess high-level workplace
employability skills in order for the U.S. to maintain economic vitality and global
competitiveness. Community colleges are primary providers of workplace skills,
therefore, faculty are expected to teach high-level workplace skills to students. The
purpose of this research was to examine the impact of Guilford Technical Community
College’s SACS Quality Enhancement Plan on faculty commitment to economic
development and teaching high-level workplace employability skills. Additionally, the
study described the implementation of the QEP as a large-scale strategic change at
GTCC. A thorough review of the literature confirmed the significance of the need to
examine institutional implementation of employability skills and faculty commitment to
economic development and delivering high-level workplace employability skills to
students. The study was conducted at GTCC utilizing a qualitative case study
methodology. The dynamics of naturalistic inquiry provided rich insight of the implications for faculty commitment to economic and workforce development, and
institutional change surrounding implementation. Data were amassed through interviews,
documents, studies, surveys, and other relevant texts obtained from GTCC. Themes and
patterns that emerged during the data collection to produce findings were used to address
the following research questions:
1. What has been the impact of Guilford Technical Community College’s (GTCCs)
QEP on commitment of faculty to incorporating high-level workplace
employability skills in the curriculum?
2. What has been the impact of GTCCs QEP on commitment of faculty to economic
development?
3. How did GTCCs administration facilitate the implementation of the QEP?
4. What were barriers to implementation of the QEP?
5. How did Guilford Technical Community College overcome barriers to
implementation of the QEP?
The research was rooted in Conner’s theory of the Stages of Change Commitment, and
existing literature related to the topic. The study revealed that teaching employability
skills to students was institutionalized by GTCC faculty participants; and hence, was a
significant part of the college’s philosophy and culture. The findings of the study further
addressed how GTCC administrators implemented the campus-wide strategic initiative,
barriers to implementation of employability skills, and how GTCC overcame barriers.
The challenge of change : a case study of the institutionalization of employability skills at Guilford Technical Community College
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Created on 10/1/2009
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2009
- Keywords
- economic development, strategic change, workforce development
- Subjects
- Guilford Technical Community College
- Guilford Technical Community College -- Planning
- Vocational education -- North Carolina -- Guilford County
- Technical education -- North Carolina -- Guilford County
- Technical education -- Planning