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The interdisciplinary curriculum alignment to enhance graduates' employability and universities’ sustainability

Akhtar, Pervaiz, Moazzam, Muhammad, Ashraf, Aniqa, Khan, Muhammad Naveed (2024) The interdisciplinary curriculum alignment to enhance graduates' employability and universities’ sustainability. The International Journal of Management Education, 22 (3). p. 101037. ISSN 1472-8117. (doi:10.1016/j.ijme.2024.101037) (KAR id:106751)

Abstract

Employability of university graduates mainly depends upon the skillset they acquire through curriculum, subject specializations, and pedagogical practice. Contemporary analytical, big data- driven, and IT-based skills are imperative for supply chain graduates and business schools’ sustainability. This study aims to provide directions and guidelines on the curriculum framework that offers an equilibrium of qualitative and quantitative skills for supply chain management graduates’ employment and relative sustainability for universities. We utilized a three-pronged methodology to identify analytical, big data-driven, and IT-based skills. First, literature review was used to identify 18 criteria organized into 3 themes. Second, we conducted interpretive content analysis of the curricula of 38 Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited supply chain management programs across the world. Third, in-depth interviews with 16 leading academics and industry experts were conducted to conclude the study and draw meaningful insights. Specific solutions aimed at combating the contemporary challenges and the implications of redesigning interdisciplinary curricula for students in specialized business programs – such as supply chains, logistics, and operations – are also offered. This research provides new insights to continuously improve interdisciplinary curricula, enhancing students’ employability and contributing to universities’ financial sustainability.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.ijme.2024.101037
Uncontrolled keywords: Supply Chain Management; Interdisciplinary Curriculum Alignment; Graduates’ Employability; Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence; Data-driven Skills; Universities’ Sustainability
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5351 Business
Divisions: Divisions > Kent Business School - Division > Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and International Business
Funders: University of Kent (https://ror.org/00xkeyj56)
Depositing User: Muhammad Khan
Date Deposited: 31 Jul 2024 19:02 UTC
Last Modified: 05 Nov 2024 13:12 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/106751 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Akhtar, Pervaiz.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Khan, Muhammad Naveed.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3718-9292
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