Preparing Students for Careers in the Global Apparel Industry: Experiential Learning in a Virtual Multinational Team-Based Collaborative Project
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Elena Karpova, Putman & Hayes Distinguished Professor (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Abstract: The study investigated the learning experiences and outcomes of students participating in a virtual team-based multinational collaboration project. The participants in the project were 172 undergraduate students enrolled in three apparel programs located in three different countries: Australia, South Africa, and the United States. To explore student learning experiences and outcomes, 66 anonymous reflective essays were analyzed. As a result of the interpretive analysis, the three topical areas emerged: Discovering New Knowledge, Acquiring New Skills, and Personal Development. Results indicate that participation in the unique learning experience helped students acquire new knowledge and skills, become more mature, and, ultimately, feel better prepared to enter the global apparel industry. Based on our findings, we propose three components that are necessary for a successful preparation of students for the careers in the global apparel industry: (a) obtaining both general and industry-specific knowledge, (b) acquiring professional skills, and (c) personality growth and development.
Preparing Students for Careers in the Global Apparel Industry: Experiential Learning in a Virtual Multinational Team-Based Collaborative Project
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Created on 9/16/2021
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 29(4), 298-313
- Language: English
- Date: 2012
- Keywords
- teamwork, cultural values, computer-mediated communication, virtual collaboration, multinational, teamwork