Abstract
Abstract : Work integrated learning (WIL) is an integral part of the curriculum in tertiary educational institutions. WIL project leaders require a strategy to evaluate the success of WIL projects. This paper reports on evaluation criteria used in assessing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) identified in WIL projects. This multi-qualitative research was conducted to determine and confirm the SWOT criteria deemed significant for WIL project evaluation. Feedback was collated from 12 WIL specialists, representing the major higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa. The Delphi technique and inductive content analysis formed the basis of the research method. The key finding revealed that the strengths of WIL projects should be evaluated by measuring how well the WIL project maintains a competitive advantage and has a strong financial budget. Major weaknesses of a WIL project are a lack of strategic direction and the HEI’s lack of sound academic offerings and reputation.