INTEGRATING INTERNSHIP AND BUSINESS SIMULATION INTO THE MALAYSIAN BUSINESS STUDIES CURRICULUM

Abstract

This study looks into the perceptions of Business Studies curriculum stakeholders’ on the introduction of internship and business simulation into the Business Studies curriculum for Form Six students. The initial exploration of the present Business Studies curriculum showed school leavers lack business skills. Interviews were carried out on 51 stakeholders using the Modified Delphi method. Interviews showed that majority of the stakeholders place high importance on the acquisition of practical skills by students before joining the business world. Internship and business simulation were suggested. The result was further verified by 14 experts chosen from the stakeholders and consensus obtained showed that while internship was highly supported, the actual implementation would be difficult to carry out. Business Simulations, on the other hand, was found to be more acceptable. The practicality of the curriculum was tested via survey on teachers and results show the curriculum is highly acceptable by all.