Research based solution for linking higher learning institutions students to relevant companies for field attachment

Work-based learning is what equips students with practical skills. All higher learning institutions (HLIs) have a specified period of time for students to carry out field based practices in companies which are relevant to their fields of study. As the number of students in Tanzanian HLIs become larger, coordination and allocation of students to relevant companies is becoming tougher. This study therefore intended to examine a better method to facilitate coordination and allocation of students to relevant companies through development of an online computer system. The research study to determine systems’ requirements was conducted in Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions by involving 62 HLI students, 3 HLIs and 5 companies. Data were collected using key informant interviews, observation and workshop. Both informative and descriptive information regarding current practices and desired features were collected and analyzed. It was found that, a platform for registering students’ profiles and companies’ information has advantages to all three main stakeholders who are HLIs, students and companies. Prior to actual implementation, collaborative prototype was designed using pencil software and shared to 5 users from each group of stakeholders to evaluate the tasks. Responses from users were used to refine the requirements and design the final prototype. The final prototype design was used to develop a Field Attachment Management System (FAMS). FAMS indicated to have improved access of students to relevant companies, reports generation, students’ assessment and follow-up conducted by HLIs to their students.