Governing Industry-Integrated Project-Based Learning in Transnational Education: A Framework for Quality, Employability and Cross-Border Consistency

Research context & significance

Research questions & objectives

• How can universities govern industry-integrated project-based learning across borders while supporting local relevance, graduate employability and consistent academic quality?
• The study aims to develop a practical governance framework.

Research approach

1. A · Input / Context

   Transnational programs with industry-integrated projects; course and assessment documents; perspectives from academic staff, industry partners and students.

2. B · Method / Process

   A qualitative multiple-case study using document analysis, semi-structured interviews and student focus groups.

3. C · Evaluation / Validation

   Compare cases to identify governance challenges and workable practices. Seek stakeholder feedback on the proposed framework and, if feasible, test it through a pilot.

Expected outcome

A refined PBL–TNE governance framework with practical guidance for maintaining quality while adapting projects to local industry needs.

Progress since last update

• Defined the central governance challenge: balancing locally relevant industry projects with consistent academic standards across TNE locations.
• Developed a qualitative multiple-case study design and an initial PBL–TNE governance framework.

Tangible outputs & evidence

• Draft research questions, preliminary case-study design and initial governance framework
• Identified six areas for further literature review and drafted five research questions.

Key result

What should we notice?

• The study focuses on how industry-integrated PBL is governed across delivery locations.
• The initial framework connects local project design with assessment and academic oversight.
• Literature review and case-study evidence are still needed to test and refine the framework.

Next steps

1. 1

   Complete a focused literature review to test the proposed research gaps and narrow the scope of the study.

   10 Oct 2026

2. 2

   Shortlist potential TNE cases using criteria such as industry involvement, delivery model and access to participants.

   24 Oct 2026

3. 3

   Refine the research questions, case-study design and draft interview guide for supervisor feedback.

   30 Nov 2026

Success by next forum: A clearer research scope, case shortlist and draft interview guide.

Risks & blockers

• The study may become too broad if it covers too many governance processes or delivery contexts.
• Access to suitable programs, industry partners, staff and students may limit case selection.
• The proposed research gaps and framework still need support from a more focused literature review.

Support needed

• Supervisor feedback on which governance processes to prioritise and which cases would provide a useful comparison. Guidance on potential case access would also help shape a feasible research design.

Questions for discussion

• Which governance processes should form the core of the study?
• What makes a case suitable for inclusion?
• Is a pilot realistic within the proposed research timeline?