Business conditions and higher education in Georgia : a survey for ICAPP : Georgia's Intellectual Capital Partnership Program 1998 survey report

BUSINESS CONDITIONS AND HIGHER EDUCATION IN GEORGIA: A Survey for ICAPP: Georgia's Intellectual Capital Partnership Program

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

2

Introduction

3

Overview of Methodology

4

Georgia as a Location in Which to Conduct Business

5

The Quality of Education in Georgia

6

The Quality of Education in the University System

7

Graduate Skills and Employers Needs

8

Innovations in Public Service to the Private Sector

9

Innovations in Educational Instruction

10

The Vision of the University System

11

Appendix I: Responses to Individual Questions

12

Appendix II: Final Questionnaire

58

BUSINESS CONDITION AND HIGHER EDUCATION IN GEORGIA: A Survey for ICAPP: Georgia's Intellectual Capital Partnership Program
Executive Summary
In August 1998, The Chancellor of The University System of Georgia commissioned a survey of Georgia business leaders to assess the business climate of Georgia, the quality of education in Georgia, and the current and future role of the University System in economic and human resource development. In October 1998, a written survey was sent to a group of Georgia business leaders. The key findings of this survey are as follows.
Georgia is highly regarded as a location in which to conduct business. A favorable overall business climate, its status as a regional hub and the transportation system are Georgia's greatest assets. Business leaders also chose Georgia's business climate and its status as a regional hub as two of Georgia's greatest assets in the 1997 human resource survey, but designated labor cost rather than the transportation and road system as the third top asset. The preparation of its workforce and the quality of the primary and secondary school systems are considered its greatest weaknesses. There has been significant increase in the perception of the transportation and road system as a weakness.
The quality of education in Georgia receives mixed reviews. While the University System and DTAE are generally well regarded, the quality of primary and secondary schools is of some concern. The perceived of the quality of the University System has improved since the 1996 survey.
Employers of University System graduates give generally high marks to the employees' preparation and performance. The highest regard is for the graduates' oral communication skills and their ability to work in teams. Employer's overall rating of USG graduates has improved since the 1996 survey.
Employers identify oral communication and critical thinking skills as the qualities they most desire in their employees. The ability to work in teams and written communication skills also receive significant support. Respondents to the human resource professionals survey placed an even greater importance upon critical thinking skills than did respondents in the business leaders survey.
There is significant support for development of a database on continuing education programs available through the University System.
There is moderate support for proposals to develop databases on international expertise of faculty and internship programs. The database on internship programs received greater support from human resource executives than in the business leaders survey.
There is considerable support for non-traditional outlets for the University System instructional capacity. Both non-credit courses and certificate programs are regarded as useful foci for the University System. Respondents also indicate that they would be interested in "outsourcing" their educational programs to University System institutions preferably with these programs delivered at the business location. Finally, there is both interest and uncertainty about the utility of distance learning technology and internet-based courses.
The University System of Georgia needs to do a better job of articulating its mission. While business leaders applaud the University System's achievement in each of the three mission areas, there has been some uncertainty concerning the clarity of its vision. However, this perception has improved over the past two years.
2

BUSINESS CONDITIONS AND HIGHER EDUCATION IN GEORGIA: A Survey for ICAPP: Georgia's Intellectual Capital Partnership Program "The University System of Georgia will be characterized by . . . active partnerships with business and industry, cultural and social organizations, and government in order to analyze, project, and respond to changing state and regional needs, to support Georgia's economic and cultural development and to insure that its graduates are prepared for the future." --Access to Academic Excellence for the New Millennium, Board of Regents University System of Georgia Vision Statement, October 1994.
Background
At its November 1995 meeting, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) approved the report of a team of Mission Review consultants, which included a recommendation that the University System undertake a comprehensive assessment of human resource and employment needs for Georgia. The results of this assessment would form the basis for making decisions to approve new programs at University System institutions. In order to annually track perceptions of Georgia's business climate and progress of the USG, the ICAPP program of the Office of Development and Economic Services retained the Econometric Center at Kennesaw State University and the Ramsey Chair of Private Enterprise at Georgia State University to perform a survey of Georgia business leaders on the quality of higher education in Georgia, and the importance of the University System to the economic development of the state. Business leaders from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Industry Association, Community Bankers Association, and the Georgia Economic Developers Association were surveyed in June 1996, with study results presented to the Board of Regents in November, 1996. In 1997, a similar survey of Georgia's human resources professionals was conducted. ICAPP retained the Econometric Center and the Ramsey Chair of Private Enterprise again in 1998 to conduct a follow-up survey of the same population of business leaders. The results of the surveys provide benchmarks of how business executives and human resource professionals perceive Georgia's business climate and its University System. The same surveys will be repeated in alternate years to measure the effectiveness of the University System in preparing students for success beyond graduation, and serving as a key partner in Georgia's economic development.
3

Overview of Methodology For the current study, the survey instrument was refined with input from executive officers of several University System institutions and the leadership of the Office of the Chancellor. During the first week of October 1998, 1771 questionnaires were mailed to the Georgia business leaders. The population surveyed consists of the memberships of the Georgia Community Bankers Association, the Georgia Industry Association and the Georgia Economic Developer Association as well as the leadership of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. A letter of support from the Governor was sent to survey recipients prior to distribution of the survey. A total of 447 completed surveys were returned. This represents a response rate of nearly 27%, after adjusting for undeliverable questionnaires. Statistical tests suggest that non-response bias is unlikely. Twenty-five percent of the completed surveys were from goods-producing businesses, that is, firms who engage in manufacturing, construction, mining or agriculture. The remainder of the responses were from service-producing businesses such as finance, wholesale and retail trade, business services and transportation or public service. By comparison, goods-producing industries comprise approximately 23% of statewide employment. It should be noted that wholesale and retail trade, services and government are under represented relative to their statewide employment. Finance, insurance and real estate are over represented relative to their employment. Survey respondents represent 112 of Georgia's 159 counties. Thirty-seven percent of respondents report their business office to be urban while 32% considered it to be rural. Just over 40% of respondents report that their business office is in the 20-county Atlanta MSA. Approximately 40% of respondents report to have over 100 full-time employees. While some responses varied across respondent groups, there is considerable agreement on many questions. The relative size of the four professional associations participating in the survey changed between 1996 and 1998. Responses were weighted to adjust for changes in the distribution respondents across association. This weighting resulted in, at most, marginal changes in respondents' sentiments.
4

Georgia as a Location in Which to Conduct Business Finding: Georgia is highly regarded as a location in which to conduct business. A pro-business climate, its status as a regional hub and the transportation system are Georgia's greatest assets. Business leaders also chose Georgia's pro-business climate and its status as a regional hub as two of Georgia's greatest assets in the 1997 human resource survey, but designated labor cost rather than the transportation and road system as the third top asset. The preparation of its workforce and the quality of the primary and secondary school systems are considered its greatest weaknesses. There has been significant increased perception of the transportation and road system as a weakness ! Businesses believe that the state is a favorable climate in which to conduct business. Over 83% of respondents rated Georgia as an "excellent" or "very good" location for conducting business. This represents a significant improvement over the 1996 survey (74%). Sentiment is most favorable among serviceproducing businesses. Less than 4% of respondents rated the state as "fair" and none selected "poor" (see question 1). ! Over 81% of respondents rated Georgia as "much better than average" or "better than average" when compared with those states in which they could realistically conduct business (see question 2). ! The most frequently cited factors which make Georgia a desirable location for businesses are overall business climate, location as a regional hub and its transportation and road system (see question 3) In the 1997 human resource executives survey, labor cost had replaced transportation and road system as one of the most important factors. It is noted that human resource executives may be more sensitive to labor cost and less sensitive to distribution channels than would be a general business executive. ! The quality and preparation of the workforce and the quality of primary and secondary education are considered the two greatest drawbacks to the state. There is also significant concern over crime, economic incentives, state and local taxes, and the transportation and road system (see question 4). The proportion of respondent citing the transportation system as a weakness increased concern rose from 6% in 1996 to 19% in the 1998 survey. ! Over 11% of businesses report having transferred any of their Georgia operations out-of-state (see question 53). Businesses in goods-producing industries were most likely to transfer operations. Twelve percent reported transferring out-of-state operations into Georgia (see question 55). Large, good-producing firms were most likely to do so.
5

The Quality of Education in Georgia Finding: The quality of education in Georgia receives mixed reviews. While the University System and DTAE are generally well regarded, the quality of primary and secondary schools is of some concern. The perceived of the quality of the University System has improved since the 1996 survey. ! More than 23% of respondents rate Georgia's primary and secondary schools as "excellent", "very good", or "good". Less than 1% of respondents rated primary and secondary education as "excellent" (see question 5). ! Over 67% of respondents rate the state's technical and adult education institutions as "excellent", "very good" or "good". More than 5% of respondents rated technical and adult education as "excellent" (see question 6). ! Nearly 94% of Georgia's business leaders assess the quality of the University System as "excellent", "very good", or "good". Over 7% of respondents rated the quality of the University System as "excellent" (see question 7). The percentage of respondent saving the University System was "excellent" or "very good" increased from 41% in 1996 to 54% in 1998. The University System was rated more favorably by serviceproducing industries than by goods-producing industries. ! Seventy-five percent of business leaders report that the University System of Georgia would be considered an asset when deciding where to locate one's business (see question 8). This is a significant improvement from the 57% recorded in the 1996 survey ! Georgia's business leaders were asked to rate the performance of the University System in serving its three-fold mission of teaching, research and service. Over 85% rate the teaching mission of the University System as "excellent", "very good" or "good". (see question 9). The research and public service missions are judged "good" or higher by 79% and 72% of respondents respectively (see questions 10 and 11).
6

The Quality of Education in the University System Finding: Employers of University System graduates give generally high marks to the employees' preparation and performance. The highest regard is for the graduates' oral communication skills and their ability to work in teams. Employer's overall rating of USG graduates has improved since the 1996 survey. ! Over 91% percent of respondents have employed graduates of the University System of Georgia (see question 14). Those businesses were asked to rate the preparation of these employees in terms of oral communications, written communications, computer skills, quantitative skills, critical thinking, the ability to work in teams, and overall performance. ! Eighty-five percent of respondents rate USG graduates as "excellent", "very good", or "good" in terms of oral communication skills. Forty-six percent rate these graduates as "excellent" or "very good" (see question 15). ! Over 77% percent of respondents rate USG graduates as having "excellent", "very good", or "good" written communication skills. Over 35% rate these graduates as "excellent" or "very good" (see question 16). This is a significant increase from less than 27% in 1996. ! Nearly 82% of respondents rate USG graduates as "excellent", "very good", or "good" in terms of computer skills. Over 40% rate these graduates as "excellent" or "very good" (see question 17). ! Over 78% of respondents rate USG graduates as having "excellent", "very good", or "good" mathematical/quantitative skills. Nearly 37% rate these graduates as "excellent" or "very good". The highest ratings came from businesses in the service-producing industries, rural-based businesses and smaller businesses (see question 18). ! More than 77% of respondents rate USG graduates as "excellent", "very good", or "good" in terms of critical thinking skills. Nearly 30% rate these graduates as "excellent" or "very good" (see question 19). ! Over 87% of business leaders rate USG graduates as "excellent", "very good", or "good" in terms of the ability to work in teams. Forty-two percent rate these graduates as "excellent" or "very good" (see question 20). ! More than 87% of respondents rate USG graduates as "excellent", "very good", or "good" in terms of overall preparation. USG graduates are rated "excellent" or "very good" by 44.5% of the 1998 survey's respondents (see question 21). By contrast, less than 33% of the 1996 survey rated USG graduates as "excellent" or "very good."
7

Graduate Skills and Employers Needs Finding: Employers identify oral communication and critical thinking skills as the qualities they most desire in their employees. The ability to work in teams and written communication skills also receives significant support. The relative importance of these skills shows some variation across businesses. ! Business leaders were asked what three qualities they most valued in their employees. Oral communication skills (77%) and critical thinking skills (74%) are considered most important. The ability to work in teams (49%) and written communications skills (41%) were frequently cited. Computer skills (34%) and quantitative skills (23%) were less likely to be named (see question 22). ! Computer skills and oral communications skills are relatively more important in service-producing businesses. Quantitative skills and critical-thinking skills are relatively more highly-valued in goodsproducing business. ! Over 44% of business leaders report having looked outside Georgia to find employees with skills specific to their employment needs. This reading is higher than the 35% reporting to hire from outside Georgia in the survey of business leaders (see question 23).
8

Innovations in Public Service to the Private Sector Finding: There is significant support for development of a database on continuing education programs available through the University System. There is moderate support for proposals to develop databases on international expertise of faculty and internship programs. The database on internship programs received greater support from human resource executives than in the general business leaders survey (see questions 34, 35, and 36) ! Business leaders were asked to consider the utility of databases on (i) the international expertise and language skills of faculty, (ii) business internship programs and interested students and (iii) continuing education programs available through the University System institutions. ! Over 94% of businesses say that a database on continuing education programs available through the University System would be "very useful" or "somewhat useful" (see question 36). ! Over 70% of businesses report that a database on business internships would be "very useful" or "somewhat useful" (see question 35). ! Less than 37% of businesses believe that a database on international expertise and language skills of faculty would be "very useful" or "somewhat useful" (see question 34). This is a somewhat lower than the 45% recorded in the 1996 survey.
Finding: In addition to degree and non-degree programs, Georgia businesses utilize the institutions of the University System of Georgia for access to faculty expertise, libraries, institutional facilities and internship programs. ! Less than 25% of businesses have participated in internship programs at University System institutions (see question 24). Large, goods-producing companies were more likely to sponsor internship programs. ! Thirty-eight percent of businesses report utilizing faculty expertise. ! Nearly 26% of respondents have used the graduate placement service of a University System of Georgia institution. (see question 41). These placement services receive mixed evaluations (see question 42).
9

Innovations in Educational Instruction Finding: There is considerable support for non-traditional outlets for the University System instructional capacity. Both non-credit courses and certificate programs are regarded as useful foci for the University System. Respondents also indicate that they would be interested in "outsourcing" their educational programs to University System institutions preferably with these programs delivered at the business location. Finally, there is both interest and uncertainty about the utility of distance learning technology and internet-based courses. ! Over 73% of all businesses report that their employees have previously enrolled in non-credit courses or continuing education courses (see question 27). Over 48% have employees who have previously enrolled in certificate programs (see question 28). Eighty-five percent of respondents agree that such programs are a desirable focus for the University System (see question 29). ! Nearly 27% of human resource executives prefer to outsource educational programs to a college or university rather than to offer these programs internally (see question 30). ! Of businesses who would outsource educational programs, 49% prefer that these programs be delivered at their business location (see question 31). ! Programs that develop computer skills (67%) or leadership and team building skills (63%) are most often cited as the programs that would be outsourced. There is also support for programs that develop critical thinking and communication skills (see question 32). Small and service-producing business have a greater interest in courses that develop computer skills. ! Over 48% of businesses have had to look outside the University System to meet their continuing education needs (see question 33). ! Nearly 63% of businesses offer tuition reimbursement to their employees (see question 26). ! Seventy-seven percent of businesses believe that they could possibly benefit from distance learning technology (see question 38). Over 82% have some interest in courses taught over the internet (see question 37)
10

The Vision of the University System Finding: The University System of Georgia needs to do a better job of articulating its mission. While business leaders applaud the University System's achievement in each of the three mission areas, there has been some uncertainty concerning the clarity of its vision. However, this perception has improved over the past two years. ! Over 46% of respondents feel that the University System has a clearly-defined mission (see question 12). This is an increase from the 1996 survey in which less that 35% said that USG had a clearly-defined mission. ! Less than 4% of respondents say that the University System does not have a clear mission.
11

BUSINESS CONDITIONS AND HIGHER EDUCATION IN GEORGIA: A Survey for ICAPP: Georgia's Intellectual Capital Partnership Program
Appendix I: Responses to Individual Questions (Technical note: Due to multiple responses or omitted questions, disaggregated percentages may not sum to aggregate percentages)
12

Question 1: Overall, how would you rate Georgia as a location for a company such as yours to operate?

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Excellent Very Good Good

Fair

Poor

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Uncertain

Goods
20.0% 49.6% 20.9% 7.8% 0.0% 1.7%

Services
44.8% 43.3% 10.0% 1.9% 0.0% 0.0%

50 or less
43.4% 38.4% 14.6% 2.5% 0.0% 1.0%

51 or more
34.7% 49.3% 10.8% 5.2% 0.0% 0.0%

1998 Total
39.0% 44.0% 12.9% 3.6% 0.0% 0.6%

1996 Total
24.9% 49.0% 23.3% 2.7% 0.0% 0.0%

13

Question 2: Compared with other states in which you could realistically do business, is the Georgia business climate...

50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10%
5% 0%
Much better

Better

Average

Somew hat w orse

Worse

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Much better than average Better than average Average Somewhat better than average Much worse than average Uncertain

Goods Services 50 or less 51 or more 1998 Total 1996 Total

27.1% 37.1% 38.1%

33.6%

35.5%

32.4%

50.8% 45.1% 42.3%

47.7%

46.0%

46.1%

18.6% 12.5% 1.7% 0.0%

14.4% 0.0%

15.4% 0.9%

14.4% 0.4%

16.4% 1.2%

0.0% 1.7%

0.0% 5.3%

0.0% 5.2%

0.0% 2.3%

0.0% 3.7%

0.0% 3.9%

14

Question 3: Thinking about the factors which make a location desirable for conducting business, what do you consider to be Georgia's three greatest assets as a place to do business?

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0%

Overall climate Transportation Workforce Educ (K-12) Educ (vo-tech) Educ (college) Taxes Econ Incentives Regional hub Reg climate Labor cost Airport/port Govt services Crime Weather Other

Overall Climate Transportation system Quality of Workforce Education (K-12) Education (vocational & tech) Education (college & university) State & Local taxes Economic Incentives Regional hub Regulatory climate Labor cost Access to airport/port Government services Concern over crime Weather Other

Goods
63.2% 39.5% 3.5% 7.9% 3.5% 7.9% 11.3% 9.6% 50.9% 22.8% 29.8% 18.3% 2.6% 2.6% 25.4% 0.0%

Service
71.5% 45.4% 7.2% 8.1% 4.8% 8.1% 8.5% 8.5% 54.2% 11.1% 21.8% 24.7% 2.2% 0.0% 23.2% 0.0%

50 or less
68.2% 47.0% 3.6% 10.7% 5.1% 10.7% 9.1% 7.6% 54.5% 9.6% 27.3% 22.2% 2.5% 0.0% 24.2% 0.0%

51 or more
72.2% 39.2% 8.5% 8.0% 6.1% 8.0% 8.5% 9.9% 48.6% 18.4% 20.8% 24.5% 2.4% 1.4% 23.6% 0.0%

1998 Total
70.0% 42.5% 6.1% 1.6% 5.3% 9.5% 9.0% 8.8% 52.7% 13.9% 23.4% 24.2% 2.3% 0.7% 22.6% 0.0%

1996 Total
62.6% 47.3% 7.3% 1.9% 5.3% 8.0% 11.1% 8.8% 47.7% 14.1% 29.0% 21.8% 0.8% 1.5% 28.6% 1.9%

15

Question 4: What are Georgia's three greatest weaknesses as a place to do business?

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0%

Overall climate Transportation Workforce Educ (K-12) Educ (vo-tech) Educ (college) Taxes Econ Incentives Regional hub Reg climate Labor cost Airport/port Govt services Crime Weather Other

Overall Climate Transportation system Quality of Workforce Education (K-12) Education (vocational & tech) Education (college & university) State & Local taxes Economic Incentives Regional hub Regulatory climate Labor cost Airport/port Government services Concern over crime Weather Other

Goods
2.6% 15.8% 57.4% 71.3% 23.7% 2.6% 20.2% 20.2% 0.0% 12.3% 2.6% 4.3% 21.1% 27.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Services
0.4% 17.8% 54.1% 68.4% 17.0% 5.2% 26.7% 26.3% 0.7% 9.7% 6.3% 3.7% 18.1% 33.1% 0.7% 0.0%

50 or less
0.5% 20.9% 52.6% 66.3% 19.3% 3.1% 28.4% 25.9% 0.5% 10.2% 6.1% 4.6% 17.8% 34.0% 1.0% 0.0%

51 or more
1.9% 17.1% 54.0% 69.2% 18.4% 5.7% 20.3% 26.5% 0.9% 10.9% 3.3% 2.4% 20.4% 31.3% 0.0% 0.0%

1998 Total
1.1% 19.2% 53.3% 67.8% 18.1% 4.1% 23.7% 25.4% 0.8% 11.1% 4.6% 3.6% 19.2% 32.9% 0.3% 0.1%

1996 Total
1.1% 6.1% 58.0% 69.5% 17.6% 1.5% 23.7% 27.9% 1.9% 19.5% 2.7% 1.9% 17.6% 34.4% 0.0% 6.1%

16

Question 5: What is your overall impression about the quality of Georgia's primary and secondary schools (kindergarten through 12th grade)?

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Excellent Very Good Good

Fair

Poor

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Uncertain

Goods
0.0% 2.6% 13.8% 48.3% 35.3% 0.0%

Services
0.0% 5.2% 20.0% 42.6% 32.2% 0.0%

50 or less
0.0% 4.5% 21.0% 41.5% 33.0% 0.0%

51 or more
0.0% 4.7% 17.8% 45.5% 31.9% 0.0%

1998 Total
0.3% 4.4% 18.9% 44.7% 31.7% 0.0%

1996 Total
0.0% 2.7% 16.9% 46.7% 33.7% 0.0%

17

Question 6: What is your overall impression about the quality of Georgia's technical and adult education institutes (vocational and technical education)?

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Excellent Very Good Good

Fair

Poor

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Uncertain

Goods
3.5% 16.5% 41.7% 28.7% 5.2% 4.3%

Services
5.9% 22.0% 40.3% 24.9% 4.4% 2.6%

50 or less
6.0% 20.1% 39.2% 26.1% 3.5% 5.0%

51 or more
5.6% 20.1% 42.1% 23.4% 6.5% 2.3%

1998 Total
5.4% 20.9% 41.0% 24.7% 4.7% 3.5%

1996 Total
3.8% 20.3% 43.3% 24.5% 5.7% 2.3%

18

Question 7: What is your overall impression of the quality of the University System of Georgia?

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Excellent Very Good Good

Fair

Poor

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Uncertain

Goods
6.8% 40.2% 46.2% 5.1% 0.0% 1.7%

Services
6.3% 48.3% 38.7% 6.3% 0.4% 0.0%

50 or less
8.0% 46.8% 37.8% 6.5% 0.5% 1.0%

51 or more
7.6% 46.0% 40.8% 5.7% 0.0% 0.0%

1998 Total
7.3% 46.8% 39.8% 5.8% 0.3% 0.4%

1996 Total
4.3% 37.1% 51.6% 5.9% 0.4% 0.8%

19

Question 8: If you were considering where to locate your business, would the quality of the University System of Georgia be considered an asset or a liability?

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0%

Asset

No effect

Liability

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Asset No effect Liability Uncertain

Goods
70.4% 24.3% 1.7% 3.5%

Services
76.1% 19.1% 1.1% 3.7%

50 or less
79.0% 16.5% 1.0% 3.5%

51 or more
71.1% 24.6% 0.9% 3.3%

1998 Total
75.0% 20.3% 1.2% 3.5%

1996 Total
56.9% 41.2% 1.2% 0.8%

20

The University System of Georgia serves a three-fold mission of teaching, research and public service. The public service component of this mission includes a variety of continuing education programs and services as well as various outreach centers including the Georgia Extension Service, the Rural Development Center, the Economic Development Laboratory, and the Urban Life Center. The research component of the mission includes both applied and basic research. The teaching component includes instruction in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.
Question 9: Considering the three-fold mission of our University System, how would you rate the achievement of our system in teaching?

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Excellent Very Good Good

Fair

Poor

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Uncertain

Goods
2.6% 28.9% 47.4% 12.3% 0.0% 8.8%

Services
2.9% 35.2% 48.4% 9.5% 1.8% 2.2%

50 or less
4.0% 31.5% 52.0% 8.5% 2.0% 2.0%

51 or more
2.8% 37.3% 42.9% 10.4% 0.0% 6.6%

1998 Total
3.1% 35.3% 46.7% 9.7% 1.1% 4.1%

1996 Total
2.3% 31.8% 49.8% 7.3% 1.9% 7.3%

21

Question 10: Considering the three-fold mission of our University System, how would you rate the achievement of our system in research?

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Excellent Very Good Good

Fair

Poor

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Uncertain

Goods
9.5% 35.3% 30.4% 7.8% 0.0% 17.2%

Services
9.5% 36.3% 34.4% 10.3% 0.4% 9.2%

50 or less
8.0% 38.0% 35.0% 9.0% 0.5% 9.5%

51 or more
9.8% 36.0% 32.2% 7.9% 0.0% 14.0%

1998 Total
9.9% 36.5% 33.1% 8.7% 0.3% 11.5%

1996 Total
6.5% 33.1% 32.3% 9.6% 0.8% 17.7%

22

Question 11: Considering the three-fold mission of our University System, how would you rate the achievement of our system in public service?

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Excellent Very Good Good

Fair

Poor

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Uncertain

Goods
2.6% 20.2% 37.7% 21.1% 2.6% 15.8%

Services
4.4% 25.6% 45.1% 17.9% 1.5% 5.5%

50 or less
3.5% 26.0% 44.5% 19.0% 1.5% 5.5%

51 or more
3.8% 25.4% 39.9% 17.4% 1.9% 11.7%

1998 Total
3.9% 25.5% 42.6% 18.0% 1.7% 8.2%

1996 Total
3.8% 27.3% 39.2% 14.6% 4.6% 10.4%

23

Question 12: Does the University System of Georgia appear to have clear vision of its mission?

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Yes

Somewhat

No

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Yes Somewhat No Uncertain

Goods
37.6% 35.9% 4.3% 22.2%

Services
48.3% 31.6% 4.1% 16.0%

50 or less
47.7% 30.5% 3.6% 18.3%

51 or more
43.9% 35.4% 3.8% 17.0%

1998 Total
46.3% 32.7% 3.9% 17.1%

1996 Total
34.6% 31.9% 6.2% 27.3%

24

Question 13: Does the University System of Georgia appear to be serving that mission in an effective manner?

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Yes

Somewhat

No

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Yes Mixed No Uncertain

Goods
27.0% 40.0% 2.6% 30.4%

Services
40.5% 37.2% 2.2% 20.1%

50 or less
40.9% 33.8% 1.5% 23.7%

51 or more
34.0% 40.7% 2.9% 22.5%

1998 Total
37.8% 38.0% 2.4% 22.1%

1996 Total
30.6% 33.7% 5.0% 30.6%

25

Question 14: Has your firm ever employed graduates of the University System of Georgia?

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Yes

1998 1996

No

Uncertain

Business Leaders
Yes No Uncertain

Goods
90.6% 9.4% 0.0%

Services
92.7% 5.1% 2.2%

50 or less
86.0% 10.0% 4.0%

51 or more
96.3% 3.7% 0.0%

1998 Total
91.4% 6.5% 2.1%

1996 Total
90.7% 7.3% 1.9%

26

Question 15: How would you assess the preparation of these employees in oral communication?

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Excellent Very Good Good

Fair

Poor

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Uncertain

Goods
4.8% 39.0% 37.1% 17.1% 1.9% 0.0%

Services
6.9% 37.4% 42.3% 13.0% 0.0% 0.4%

50 or less
8.9% 36.7% 40.8% 13.6% 0.0% 0.0%

51 or more
7.0% 41.3% 36.8% 12.9% 1.0% 1.0%

1998 Total
7.8% 38.2% 39.4% 13.6% 0.5% 0.6%

1996 Total
6.6% 27.5% 49.8% 14.4% 0.9% 0.9%

27

Question 16: How would you assess the preparation of these employees in written communication?

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Excellent Very Good Good

Fair

Poor

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Uncertain

Goods
4.8% 29.5% 35.2% 22.9% 7.6% 0.0%

Services
4.1% 30.1% 45.1% 16.3% 4.1% 0.4%

50 or less
7.0% 31.0% 40.9% 15.8% 5.3% 0.0%

51 or more
4.0% 31.2% 40.7% 19.1% 4.0% 1.0%

1998 Total
5.0% 30.8% 41.8% 17.2% 4.6% 0.6%

1996 Total
5.2% 21.4% 45.4% 22.7% 3.9% 1.3%

28

Question 17: How would you assess the preparation of these employees in computer skills?

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Excellent Very Good Good

Fair

Poor

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Uncertain

Goods
4.8% 27.9% 50.0% 12.5% 2.9% 1.9%

Services
5.3% 34.4% 40.1% 14.2% 1.2% 4.9%

50 or less
7.1% 33.5% 37.1% 15.3% 2.4% 4.7%

51 or more
6.0% 33.8% 43.8% 10.4% 2.0% 4.0%

1998 Total
6.1% 34.0% 41.5% 12.3% 2.1% 4.0%

1996 Total
5.7% 22.8% 44.3% 18.4% 2.6% 6.1%

29

Question 18: How would you assess the preparation of these employees in quantitative/mathematical skills?

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Excellent Very Good Good

Fair

Poor

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Uncertain

Goods
4.8% 31.4% 41.9% 21.0% 0.0% 1.0%

Services
4.0% 29.8% 43.3% 15.8% 4.0% 3.2%

50 or less
4.7% 33.7% 42.6% 13.0% 4.1% 1.8%

51 or more
6.4% 29.2% 41.1% 18.3% 1.5% 3.5%

1998 Total
5.8% 31.1% 41.6% 16.0% 2.8% 2.7%

1996 Total
3.1% 25.3% 48.0% 17.5% 3.5% 2.6%

30

Question 19: How would you assess the preparation of these employees in critical thinking?

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Excellent Very Good Good

Fair

Poor

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Uncertain

Goods
4.8% 23.1% 50.0% 18.3% 3.8% 0.0%

Services
5.7% 21.5% 48.2% 18.6% 4.9% 1.2%

50 or less
5.8% 26.9% 46.2% 15.8% 4.1% 1.2%

51 or more
6.5% 21.9% 46.8% 19.4% 4.0% 1.5%

1998 Total
5.7% 24.4% 46.9% 17.6% 4.3% 1.2%

1996 Total
3.9% 24.0% 46.7% 21.4% 2.2% 1.7%

31

Question 20: How would you assess the preparation of these employees in the ability to work in teams?

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Excellent Very Good Good

Fair

Poor

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Uncertain

Goods
4.8% 39.0% 45.7% 8.6% 1.9% 0.0%

Services
4.5% 32.9% 50.0% 9.8% 1.6% 1.2%

50 or less
4.7% 39.8% 45.6% 7.6% 1.2% 1.2%

51 or more
6.5% 33.0% 46.0% 11.5% 2.0% 1.0%

1998 Total
5.3% 36.9% 45.2% 10.0% 1.5% 1.2%

1996 Total
4.4% 31.9% 50.7% 9.2% 1.7% 2.2%

32

Question 21: How would you assess the overall preparation of these employees?

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Excellent Very Good Good

Fair

Poor

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Uncertain

Goods
4.8% 33.7% 44.2% 17.3% 0.0% 0.0%

Services
3.3% 39.0% 46.3% 10.6% 0.4% 0.4%

50 or less
4.2% 45.8% 38.7% 10.7% 0.6% 0.0%

51 or more
5.0% 34.8% 46.8% 12.4% 0.0% 1.0%

1998 Total
4.5% 40.0% 42.9% 11.7% 0.3% 0.6%

1996 Total
3.9% 28.7% 55.2% 10.9% 0.4% 0.9%

33

Question 22: From the skills/qualities listed below, please select the three skills that you feel are the most desirable in your employees.

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0%

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Oral communication Written communication Computer skills Quantitative ability Critical thinking skills Ability to work in teams

Goods
74.1% 35.0% 17.1% 35.0% 81.2% 53.0%

Services
82.3% 39.0% 39.3% 17.0% 71.2% 48.2%

50 or less
79.8% 38.9% 40.9% 20.2% 73.2% 44.4%

51 or more
74.9% 40.5% 28.8% 26.5% 74.9% 51.2%

1998 Total
77.0% 40.6% 33.7% 22.7% 74.1% 48.9%

1996 Total
74.8% 48.1% 30.2% 18.7% 66.4% 55.3%

34

Question 23: Has your company ever had to look outside Georgia to find employees with skills specific to your employment needs?

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0% Yes

1998 1996

No

Uncertain

Business Leaders
Yes No Uncertain

Goods
61.9% 34.5% 3.5%

Services
33.5% 64.0% 2.6%

50 or less
23.2% 74.2% 2.5%

51 or more
62.0% 35.7% 2.3%

1998 Total
44.4% 53.0% 2.6%

1996 Total
35.1% 62.5% 2.3%

35

Question 24: In which of the following capacities has your business (you and/or your employees) utilized the institutions of the University System? (note: you may select more than one)

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0%

U ndergrad degree G raduate degree N on-degree program P rofessionaltraining Faculty expertise Institutionallibraries O therfacilities C ooperative education Internship program N eeds assess /C on Ed O ther

Business Leaders
Undergraduate degree Graduate degree Non-degree program Professional training Expertise of faculty Institutional libraries Other facilities Cooperative education Internship program Needs assessment or continuing education program Other

Goods 79.3% 45.0% 70.3% 50.0% 36.4% 18.9% 12.6% 36.4% 31.5% 9.9%
0.0%

Services
80.1% 43.2% 66.1% 44.3% 37.6% 15.1% 15.1% 24.0% 18.5% 9.2%

50 or less
70.6% 33.3% 61.9% 42.6% 35.9% 16.9% 13.3% 20.0% 19.0% 8.7%

0.0%

0.0%

51 or more 85.4% 57.5% 69.3% 47.2% 40.1% 19.8% 15.6% 35.8% 28.3% 13.2%
0.0%

1998 Total 79.2% 47.7% 65.8% 45.2% 38.2% 17.8% 14.7% 28.6% 24.8% 10.7%
0.0%

1996 Total 76.3% 43.5% 57.6% 58.4% 41.2% 22.1% 22.9% 24.4% 19.5% na
2.7%

36

Question 25: What was your level of satisfaction with this service?

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0% Very satisfied

Somew hat satisfied

Not satisfied

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Not satisfied Uncertain

Goods
53.9% 41.5% 0.0% 4.3%

Services
54.4% 43.4% 0.4% 1.8%

50 or less
57.4% 41.1% 0.0% 1.5%

51 or more
53.5% 44.2% 0.0% 2.3%

1998 Total
55.0% 42.6% 0.3% 2.1%

1996 Total
49.8% 45.1% 1.6% 3.5%

37

Question 26: Does your firm offer tuition reimbursement to its employees?

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0% Yes

1998 1996

No

Uncertain

Business Leaders
Yes No Uncertain

Goods
70.7% 27.6% 1.7%

Services
61.0% 38.2% 0.7%

50 or less
50.8% 47.7% 1.5%

51 or more
72.4% 27.1% 0.5%

1998 Total
62.7% 36.1% 1.3%

1996 Total
63.1% 36.2% 0.8%

38

Our university system has become increasingly dedicated to the principle of "life-long learning". One component of "life-long learning" is the offering of non-credit courses. Another national trend is toward certificate programs in which participates obtain a competence in a specific skill or receive training specific to a selected industry. These programs are usually shorter in length than degree-granting programs.
Question 27: Have you or your employees enrolled in non-credit or continuing education courses before?

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0% Yes

1998 1996

No

Uncertain

Business Leaders
Yes No Uncertain

Goods
75.7% 15.7% 8.7%

Services
75.1% 16.1% 8.8%

50 or less
72.2% 18.2% 9.6%

51 or more
74.5% 16.7% 8.8%

1998 Total
73.2% 17.0% 9.8%

1996 Total
57.2% 26.3% 15.6%

39

Question 28: Have you or your employees attended certificate programs in the past?

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0% Yes

1998 1996

No

Uncertain

Business Leaders
Yes No Uncertain

Goods
49.1% 34.5% 16.4%

Services
50.4% 34.8% 14.8%

50 or less
43.7% 40.6% 15.7%

51 or more
52.3% 30.6% 17.1%

1998 Total
48.1% 34.6% 17.3%

1996 Total
51.9% 30.6% 17.4%

40

Question 29: Would you consider these programs to be a desirable focus for the university system? (referring to non-credit courses and certificate programs)

90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0% Yes

1998 1996

No

Uncertain

Business Leaders
Yes No Uncertain

Goods
81.9% 4.3% 13.8%

Services
88.2% 2.2% 9.6%

50 or less
86.5% 2.0% 11.5%

51 or more
83.6% 5.6% 10.8%

1998 Total
85.2% 3.8% 11.0%

1996 Total
84.0% 3.5% 12.5%

41

Question 30: If you had a choice, would you prefer to conduct training internally or to "outsource" it to a college, university or technical institute?

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0%

Offer internally

Outsource

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Offer internally Outsource Uncertain

Goods
31.6% 52.6% 15.8%

Services
26.2% 61.0% 12.7%

50 or less
23.1% 66.8% 10.1%

51 or more
31.2% 52.2% 16.6%

1998 Total
26.8% 59.3% 13.9%

1996 Total
27.6% 57.5% 15.0%

42

Question 31: If you would outsource the training, would you prefer to have it conducted at your facilities or at a University System institution?

50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10%
5% 0%

Your facilities

USG facilities

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Your facilities USG facilities Uncertain

Goods
50.9% 26.3% 22.8%

Services
47.7% 31.3% 21.1%

50 or less
39.4% 35.6% 25.0%

51 or more
58.5% 24.4% 17.1%

1998 Total
49.0% 29.1% 21.9%

1996 Total
46.8% 32.3% 21.0%

43

Question 32: What type of programs would you prefer to outsource?

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0%

Oral communication skills
Written communication skills
Computer skills
Quantitative/mathematical skills
Critical thinking skills
Leadership or team-building skills Legal / Ethical issues
Other

Business Leaders
Oral communication skills Written communication skills Computer skills Quantitative/mathematical skills Critical thinking skills Leadership or team-building skills Legal / Ethical issues Other

Goods
46.8% 47.3% 65.1% 37.3% 60.6% 70.6% 27.5% 0.9%

Services
58.6% 46.8% 76.1% 21.9% 55.4% 61.0% 20.8% 2.4%

50 or less
58.3% 47.6% 79.1% 25.1% 53.5% 62.0% 21.9% 1.1%

51 or more
54.6% 50.0% 66.5% 28.4% 57.2% 63.2% 26.3% 1.5%

1998 Total
55.4% 48.5% 72.1% 27.0% 56.6% 63.2% 23.2% 1.7%

44

Question 33: Has your company had to look to institutions outside the University System of Georgia to meet your continuing education needs?

50%

45%

40%

35%

Y es

30%

No

25%

U ncertain

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

Business Leaders
Yes No Uncertain

Goods
44.7% 50.0% 5.3%

Services
47.8% 46.7% 5.5%

50 or less
37.2% 55.3% 7.5%

51 or more
57.7% 39.4% 2.8%

1998 Total
48.0% 46.4% 5.7%

45

The University System is considering developing databases which would provide a centralized source of information on resources available to businesses. These databases could include information on international business, internship programs and continuing education programs.
Question 34: How useful would a database on international expertise and language skills of faculty be to your business?

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0% Very useful Somewhat useful

Not useful

Not applicable

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Very useful Somewhat useful Not useful Not applicable

Goods
6.8% 32.5% 49.6% 11.1%

Services
5.5% 25.5% 62.4% 6.6%

50 or less
5.0% 23.5% 64.0% 7.5%

51 or more
7.5% 32.2% 52.3% 7.9%

1998 Total
7.0% 29.5% 55.7% 7.8%

1996 Total
11.9% 33.1% 46.9% 8.1%

46

Question 35: How useful would a database on business internship programs and University System students interested in internships be to your business?

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0% Very useful Somewhat useful

Not useful

Not applicable

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Very useful Somewhat useful Not useful Not applicable

Goods
24.8% 46.2% 22.2% 6.8%

Services
14.2% 54.4% 24.8% 6.6%

50 or less
17.4% 42.8% 31.8% 8.0%

51 or more
18.7% 59.8% 17.3% 4.2%

1998 Total
18.7% 51.3% 23.8% 6.2%

1996 Total
17.2% 54.4% 21.1% 7.3%

47

Question 36: How useful would a database on continuing education programs available through the University System of Georgia be to your business?

70%

60%

50%

Very useful

Somewhat useful

40%

Not useful

30%

Not applicable

20%

10%

0%

Business Leaders
Very useful Somewhat useful Not useful Not applicable

Goods
25.4% 64.4% 5.1% 5.1%

Services
31.1% 61.5% 4.8% 2.6%

50 or less
25.4% 64.2% 7.0% 3.5%

51 or more
31.3% 62.6% 2.8% 3.3%

1998 Total
29.9% 61.8% 5.0% 3.3%

48

Question 37: Some educational institutions have begun offering courses and academic programs in which academic instruction is given over the internet. Would your company utilize or benefit from courses offered over the internet?

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0%

Business Leaders
Yes Possibly No Uncertain

Goods
22.9% 55.1% 8.5% 13.6%

Services
22.4% 61.4% 9.9% 6.3%

50 or less
22.5% 59.5% 12.0% 6.0%

51 or more
23.0% 58.7% 7.0% 11.3%

1998 Total
23.5% 58.6% 9.3% 8.3%

Yes Possibly No Uncertain

49

Question 38: Many educational institutions have begun adopting an educational technology known as Distance Learning in which telecommunications and satellite technology are used to deliver classes to remote locations. Would your company utilize or benefit from distance learning?

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0% Yes

Possibly

No

Uncertain

1998 1996

Business Leaders
Yes Possibly No Uncertain

Goods
19.7% 57.3% 16.3% 6.8%

Services
16.8% 60.1% 12.1% 11.0%

50 or less
17.9% 56.7% 13.9% 11.4%

51 or more
20.9% 57.8% 11.8% 9.5%

1998 Total
20.0% 56.7% 12.9% 10.5%

1996 Total
17.4% 46.2% 22.5% 13.6%

50

Question 39: What percent of your new positions are filled with recent college graduates?

40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10%
5% 0%

< 10% 10-25% 26-50% 51-75% 76-100%

< 10% 10-25% 26-50% 51-75% 76-100%

Business Leaders
28.3% 37.4% 20.6% 5.4% 8.3%

Human Resource
32.4% 40.8% 13.4% 6.7% 6.7%

Mean Median Mode

Business Leaders
26.7% 15.0% 10.0%

Human Resource
22.5% 10.0% 10.0%

51

Question 40: Do you request academic transcripts when hiring new employees?

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0%

Yes No Uncertain

Business Leaders
Yes No Uncertain

Goods
38.8% 56.9% 4.3%

Services
30.7% 61.1% 8.1%

50 or less
25.3% 68.7% 6.1%

51 or more
42.9% 49.5% 7.6%

1998 Total
36.0% 56.7% 7.4%

52

Question 41: Has your business ever used the graduate placement services of an institution in the University System of Georgia?

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0%

Yes No Uncertain

Business Leaders
Yes No Uncertain

Goods
35.0% 59.8% 5.1%

Services
19.9% 70.6% 9.6%

50 or less
11.9% 83.1% 5.0%

51 or more
37.6% 52.1% 10.3%

1998 Total
25.7% 65.3% 9.0%

53

Question 42: What was your level of satisfaction with this service (graduate placement services)?

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0%

Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Not satisfied Uncertain/NA

Business Leaders
Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Not satisfied Uncertain/NA

Goods
8.9% 30.0% 5.6% 55.6%

Services
10.9% 13.7% 4.9% 70.5%

50 or less
6.3% 10.9% 2.3% 80.5%

51 or more
16.2% 24.0% 7.8% 52.1%

1998 Total
11.4% 18.8% 5.4% 64.4%

54

Question 53: During the past five years, has your firm transferred any of its Georgia operations out-of-state?

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Yes

1998 1996

No

Uncertain

Business Leaders
Yes No Uncertain

Goods
18.8% 81.2% 0.0%

Services
7.1% 92.2% 0.7%

50 or less
2.5% 96.5% 1.0%

51 or more
15.8% 84.2% 0.0%

1998 Total
11.5% 87.9% 0.5%

1996 Total
6.7% 92.1% 1.2%

55

Question 55: During the past five years, has your firm transferred any of its out-of-state operations into Georgia?

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
0%

Yes No Uncertain

Business Leaders
Yes No Uncertain

Goods
21.7% 78.3% 0.0%

Services
6.9% 92.3% 0.8%

50 or less
3.7% 96.3% 0.0%

51 or more
15.7% 83.3% 1.0%

1998 Total
11.9% 87.4% 0.6%

56

Responses to Demographic Questions

In total, how many people does your company employ?

Full-time employees (median)

1998 Business Leaders
60.0

1996 Business Leaders
46.5

Human Resource
517.5

Is your company headquartered in Georgia?

Business Leaders
Yes No

Goods 67.5% 32.5%

Services 94.1% 5.9%

50 or less 95.0% 5.0%

51 or more 81.0% 19.0%

1998 Total 86.6% 13.4%

1996 Total 87.9% 12.1%

Do you consider your business office location to be urban, suburban or rural?

Business Leaders
Urban Suburban Rural

Goods
25.9% 35.3% 38.8%

Services
34.6% 29.4% 36.0%

50 or less
26.5% 30.0% 43.5%

51 or more
37.9% 33.6% 28.4%

1998 Total
33.4% 32.0% 34.6%

1996 Total
29.7% 32.8% 37.5%

57

BUSINESS CONDITIONS AND HIGHER EDUCATION IN GEORGIA: A Survey for ICAPP: Georgia's Intellectual Capital Partnership Program
Appendix II: Final Questionnaire
58

BUSINESS CONDITIONS AND HIGHER EDUCATION IN GEORGIA:
A Survey for ICAPP: Georgia's Intellectual Capital Partnership Program

We are interested in the opinions of Georgia's business leaders about the quality of public higher education and its implications for the overall business environment. In particular, we are interested in assessing how well the 34 institutions of the University System of Georgia serve their business constituency and how they could strengthen their service. Information from this survey will be shared with members of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, the Chancellor of the University System, presidents of Georgia's public colleges and universities and various business and civic leaders.

Please assist our efforts by completing the attached survey and returning it via FAX to (770)499-3209 or via mail with the enclosed postage-paid envelope by Friday, November 20, 1998. Your responses to this survey will be kept strictly confidential.

(1) Overall, how would you rate Georgia as a location for a company such as yours to operate?

! Excellent

! Very Good

! Good

! Fair

! Poor

! Uncertain

(2) Compared with other states in which you could realistically do business, is the Georgia business climate . . .

! Much better than average ! Somewhat better than average ! About average ! Somewhat worse than average ! Much worse than average ! Uncertain/don't know

(3) Thinking about the factors which make a location desirable for conducting business, what do you consider to be Georgia's THREE (3) greatest assets as a place to do business? (Please select three)

! Overall business climate ! Transportation and road system ! Quality and preparation of workforce ! Quality of education (kindergarten through 12th grade)" ! Quality of education (vocational and technical)" ! Quality of education (colleges and universities)" ! State and local taxes ! Economic incentives

! Location as a regional hub ! State and local regulatory climate ! Labor cost ! Access to international airport or port ! Availability/quality of government services ! Concern over crime ! Weather ! Other __________________

(4) What are Georgia's THREE (3) greatest weaknesses as a place to conduct business? (Please select three)

! Overall business climate ! Transportation and road system ! Quality and preparation of workforce ! Quality of education (kindergarten through 12th grade)" ! Quality of education (vocational and technical)" ! Quality of education (colleges and universities)" ! State and local taxes ! Economic incentives

! Location as a regional hub ! State and local regulatory climate ! Labor cost ! Access to international airport or port ! Availability/quality of government services ! Concern over crime ! Weather ! Other _________________

(5) Thinking about the various levels of education in Georgia, what is your overall impression about the quality of Georgia's

primary and secondary schools (kindergarten through 12th grade)?

! Excellent

! Very Good ! Good

! Fair

! Poor

! Uncertain

(6) What is your overall impression about the quality of Georgia's technical and adult education institutes (vocational and

technical education)?

! Excellent

! Very Good ! Good

! Fair

! Poor

! Uncertain

The University System of Georgia consists of the following 34 public colleges and universities: Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Medical College of Georgia, University of Georgia, Georgia Southern University, Valdosta State University, Albany State University, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Augusta State University, Clayton College & State University, Columbus State University, Fort Valley State University, Georgia College & State University, Georgia Southwestern State University, Kennesaw State University, North Georgia College & State University, Savannah State University, Southern Polytechnic State University, State University of West Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Atlanta Metropolitan College, Bainbridge College, Coastal Georgia Community College, Dalton College, Darton College, East Georgia College, Floyd College, Gainesville College, Georgia Perimeter College, Gordon College, Macon College, Middle Georgia College, South Georgia College, and Waycross College.

(7) What is your overall impression of the quality of the University System of Georgia?

! Excellent ! Very Good ! Good

! Fair

! Poor

! Uncertain

(8) If you were considering where to locate your business, would the quality of the University System of Georgia be considered

an "Asset" or a "Liability"?

! Asset

! No effect

! Liability

! Uncertain

The University System of Georgia serves a three-fold mission of teaching, research and public service. The public service component of this mission includes a variety of continuing education programs and services as well as various outreach centers including the Georgia Extension Service, the Rural Development Center, the Economic Development Institute and the Urban Life Center. The research component of the mission includes both applied and basic research. The teaching component includes instruction in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.

Considering the three-fold mission of our University System, how would you rate the achievement of our system in each of the three areas?

(9) Teaching ! Excellent

! Very Good

! Good

! Fair

! Poor

! Uncertain

(10) Research ! Excellent

! Very Good

! Good

! Fair

! Poor

! Uncertain

(11) Public Service ! Excellent

! Very Good

! Good

! Fair

! Poor

! Uncertain

(12) Does the University System of Georgia appear to have clear vision of its mission?

! Yes

! Mixed

! No

! Uncertain

(13) Does the University System of Georgia appear to be serving that mission in an effective manner?

! Yes

! Mixed

! No

! Uncertain

(14) Has your firm ever employed graduates of the University System of Georgia?

! Yes

! No

! Uncertain

If you answered "No" or "Uncertain" to question #14, please skip to question #22.

How would you assess the preparation of these employees in the following areas?

(15) oral communication

! Excellent

! Very Good

! Good

! Fair

! Poor

! Uncertain

(16) written communication

! Excellent

! Very Good

! Good

! Fair

! Poor

! Uncertain

(17) computer skills

! Excellent

! Very Good

! Good

! Fair

! Poor

! Uncertain

(18) quantitative/mathematical skills

! Excellent

! Very Good

! Good

! Fair

! Poor

! Uncertain

(19) critical thinking

! Excellent

! Very Good

! Good

! Fair

! Poor

! Uncertain

(20) ability to work in teams

! Excellent

! Very Good

! Good

! Fair

! Poor

! Uncertain

(21) overall performance

! Excellent

! Very Good

! Good

! Fair

! Poor

! Uncertain

(22) From the skills/qualities listed below, please select the three (3) skills which you feel are the most desirable in your

employees.

! oral communication skill

! written communication skills

! computer skills

! quantitative/mathematical skills

! critical thinking skills

! ability to work in teams

(23) Has your company had to look outside of Georgia to find employees with skills specific to your employment needs?

! Yes

! No

! Uncertain

(24) In which of the following capacities has your business (you and/or your employees) utilized the institutions of the University System of Georgia? (note: you may select more than one)
! to obtain an undergraduate degree ! to obtain a graduate degree ! to take courses in a continuing education or non-degree program ! to participate in professional training (including certificate programs) ! to call on the expertise of faculty for business needs ! to use institutional libraries for research ! to use physical facilities other than library ! to participate in cooperative education (co-op) programs ! to participate in internship programs ! to use institutional expertise on needs assessment or development of continuing education programs ! other ______________________________________

(25) What was your level of satisfaction with these services?

! Very satisfied

! Somewhat satisfied

! Not satisfied

! Not applicable/uncertain

(26) Does your firm offer tuition reimbursement to its employees?

! Yes

! No

! Uncertain

Our University System has become increasingly dedicated to the principle of "life-long learning." One component of "life-long learning" is the offering of non-credit courses. Another national trend is toward certificate programs in which participants obtain a competence in a specific skill or receive training specific to a selected industry. These programs are usually shorter in length than degree-granting programs.

(27) Have you or your employees attended non-credit or continuing education courses offered by an institution of the

University System of Georgia?

! Yes

! No

! Uncertain

(28) Have you or your employees attended a certificate program offered by an institution of the University System of Georgia?

! Yes

! No

! Uncertain

(29) Would you consider these programs to be a desirable focus for the University System?

! Yes

! No

! Uncertain

(30) If you had a choice, would you prefer to conduct training internally or to "outsource" it to a college, university or technical

institute?

! Offer Internally

! Outsource

! Uncertain

(31) If you would outsource the training, would you prefer to have it conducted at your facilities or at a University System

institution?

! My facilities

! University System

! Uncertain

(32) What type of programs would you prefer to outsource? ! programs which develop oral communication skills ! programs which develop written communication skills ! programs which develop computer skills ! programs which develop quantitative/mathematical skills ! programs which develop critical thinking skills ! programs which develop leadership or team-building skills ! program which address legal/ethical issues ! other _________________________________

(33) Has your company had to look to institutions outside the University System of Georgia to meet your continuing education

needs?

! Yes

! No

! Uncertain

The University System is considering developing databases that would provide a centralized source of information on resources available to businesses. These databases could include information on international business, internship programs, and continuing education programs.

(34) How useful would a database on international expertise and language skills of faculty be to your business?

! Very useful

! Somewhat useful

! Not useful

! Uncertain

(35) How useful would a database on business internship programs and University System students interested in

internships be to your business ?

! Very useful

! Somewhat useful

! Not useful

! Uncertain

(36) How useful would a database on continuing education programs available through the University System be to your

business?

! Very useful

! Somewhat useful

! Not useful

! Uncertain

(37) Some educational institutions have begun offering courses and academic programs in which instruction is given over the

internet. Would your company utilize or benefit from courses offered over the internet?

! Yes

! Possibly

! No

! Uncertain

(38) Some educational institutions have begun adopting an educational technology known as Distance Learning in which

telecommunications and satellite technology are used to deliver classes to remote locations. Would your company utilize or

benefit from distance learning?

! Yes

! Possibly

! No

! Uncertain

We are interested in how your business recruits new employees and fills job vacancies. This information is very helpful to the University System's graduate placement services.

(39) What percent of your new positions are filled with recent college graduates?

! Approximately _____ %

! Don't know/uncertain

(40) Do you request academic transcripts when hiring new employees?

! Yes

! No

! Uncertain

(41) Has your business ever used the graduate placement services of an institution in the University System of Georgia?

! Yes

! No

! Uncertain

(42) What was your level of satisfaction with this service?

! Very satisfied

! Somewhat satisfied

! Not satisfied

! Not applicable/uncertain

(43) What type of positions does your company or industry have the most trouble filling? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (44) What do you believe are the University System's strengths and weaknesses? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (45) Based on your current projected business challenges, what are three (3) actions that the University System could take to better meet your needs? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (46) What public service or outreach programs could the University System provide that would meet the needs of your business? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The following demographic information is collected for statistical purposes only.

(47) Which of the following industries best describes your business?

! Agriculture ! Finance, Real Estate & Insurance ! Mining ! Services or Government ! Wholesale Trade

! Construction ! Manufacturing ! Retail Trade ! Transportation and Public Utilities ! other ___________________________

(48) In total, how many people are employed by your company?

Full-time ___________

Part-time ______________

(49) In which county is your business office located?

County ______________________

(50) Is your business headquartered in Georgia? ! Yes

! No

(51) Is your business a "regional office" for a national corporation?

! Yes

! No

(52) Do you consider your business office location to be

! Urban

! Suburban

! Rural

(53) During the past five years, has your firm transferred any of its Georgia operations out-of-state?

! Yes

! No

! Uncertain

(54) If "yes", why were operations transferred out-of-state? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(55) During the past five years, has your firm transferred any of its out-of-state operations into Georgia?

! Yes

! No

! Uncertain

(56) If "yes", why were operations transferred into Georgia?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE RETURN THE COMPLETED SURVEY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE OR FAX TO (770)499-3209 BY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20th.
Thank you for your assistance with this survey

Econometric Center Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA 30144

Ramsey Chair of Private Enterprise School of Policy Studies Georgia State University Atlanta, GA 30303