Assessing Questionnaire Validity and Reliability on Learning Environment, School-Enterprise Cooperation, Motivation, and Employment Competitiveness

Graduate employment outcomes are increasingly regarded as a primary indicator for assessing both the quality and the social value of higher education. With shifting labor market expectations, applied universities in China have placed greater priority on strengthening students’ employability. This research investigates how the learning environment, collaboration between universities and enterprises, and student motivation collectively influence the employment competitiveness of undergraduates at Qingdao Hengxing University. A quantitative strategy rooted in a positivist paradigm was employed, and data were obtained through stratified random sampling with standardized questionnaires tailored to local academic and cultural contexts. A central focus of this study was the validation of the measurement tool. The process involved expert appraisal, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and assessments of internal consistency using Cronbach’s Alpha. Findings verified the robustness of the 97-item scale, providing strong support for both reliability and construct validity. By offering a validated and contextually relevant instrument, this study advances empirical research on the determinants of employability in applied universities. The results highlight the essential roles of supportive learning environments, university–enterprise partnerships, and student motivation in enhancing employment readiness. This validated framework can guide further investigations and inform practical interventions that align educational practices with labor market demands, thereby improving the competitiveness of graduates in China’s evolving higher education sector.