The outcome of this research is a framework for the development and review of programmes of learning in the 3D animation and modelling segment of the creative industries.

The findings may encourage institutions, industry executives, students and graduates to collaborate more frequently in ways that share value with each other. The framework is a unique tool that allows those people most interested in graduate success and preparation for work in the industry to focus their efforts on the areas that matter most and able to improve the state-of-the-art. The three themes under which the empirical framework is organised are: Approach to Teaching & Learning, Technical Understanding, Knowledge & Skills and Career Preparation. Three areas were found to be most impactful and these were used as themes to group the results in an accessible way for educators. Basic statistical analysis and standard deviations were used to identify the aspects of programmes of learning that most assisted new graduates to become successful in the industry.

Industry supervisors were interviewed and recorded for transcription via Skype or Google Hangouts in multiple time zones this allowed the perspectives of large studio executives to be compared with smaller start-up-firm directors and experienced virtual managers.

The survey was hosted online using Google Forms, which allowed the responses to be captured directly to a spreadsheet for analysis to assist the development of questions for the semi-structured interviews with industry supervisors. Both surveys and semi-structured interviews were deployed using the snowball-effect, where invitations to participate where shared by creative industry professionals with their colleagues. This research sought feedback from graduates and industry supervisors in the 3D animation and modelling segment of the creative industries, regarding which aspects of learning programmes enabled graduates to be most successful when entering their profession. The creative industries are a growing economic contributor to many developed and developing economies, with the expert use of technology (hardware and software) being critical components.

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