Date of Submission

7-16-2024

Document Type

DiP

Degree

Doctor of Education

Department

Education

Keywords

skill certification, BBA program, curriculum, transformational leadership, shared leadership, employability

Abstract

Employers are increasingly facing a skills gap with university graduates, where there is a mismatch between the skills imparted by academic institutions and those required in the workforce. This gap primarily concerns a lack of practical, hands-on experience, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological advancements and changing business models demand continuous upskilling, which traditional academic curricula may not adequately address. This dissertation-in-practice focuses on a problem of practice (PoP) within the Bachelor of Business Administration program at National University (NU; a pseudonym), which is a skills gap between the program’s offerings and the demands of the modern business environment. I discuss the contextual factors influencing the PoP, potential solutions, a dual approach of transformational leadership and shared leadership, and a detailed implementation plan. The goal is to adapt the current curriculum and pedagogical approach to include skill certification within a program consisting of mainly international students to help enhance employability for a population who struggle to find meaningful employment. This plan provides a roadmap for NU to enhance its BBA program’s value proposition, thereby improving its graduates’ employability in the competitive job market.

Download

Share

COinS