Conceptual Specification of an E-Portfolio System for Enterprise Trainee Programmes

In today’s knowledge economy, highly educated and skilled workers are essential for the success of enterprises. In order to attract talented graduates and to train future professionals, companies increasingly invest in trainee programs. In this context, an e-Portfolio can create value with benefits for both trainee and employer. E-Portfolios are growingly used in higher education for a variety of purposes regarding the digital-based handling of learning achievements. However, the use of e-Portfolios in enterprise contexts has attracted little attention in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed to examine how the unutilized potential of e-Portfolios for enterprises can be exploited. Focusing on enterprise trainee programs in German-speaking Switzerland, the context and needs of trainee programs with regard to corresponding purposes and functionalities of e-Portfolios were investigated.Building upon recent research on trainee programs and on e-Portfolio applications in related fields, the study’s research plan consisted of three phases:§ First, a survey clarified open questions regarding the context of trainee programs and offered indication of the functions needed related to a potential use of an e-Portfolio. The questionnaire was answered by 37 (59.7%) of 62 companies offering a trainee program in German-speaking Switzerland.§ Second, semi-structured interviews with four purposively selected trainee program managers allowed getting a deeper understanding of the context and the companies’ requirements as well as exploring new thoughts. In addition, selected questions of the first research phase were again investigated and compared with the results of the questionnaire. Based on these results, a first draft of a conceptual specification for the intended e-Portfolio systems was established. Finally, two additional semi-structured interviews with experienced e-Portfolio experts helped to validate and complement the draft conceptual specification of the second research phase, particularly regarding technical aspects....