Changing skills required by industries: Perceptions of what makes business graduates employable

Abstract

This study relates to employers assessment of graduates’ skills as deemed required by industries. The need for accelerated performance levels in businesses have induced a corresponding need for rapid change in the skills required of university graduates. This changing environment with resultant organizational restructuring means graduates now find jobs more demanding as businesses become more competitive. In the past, managerial competence went hand in hand with specific skills and abilities, today however, it involves much more. Empirical evidence from this research suggests that respondents share a basic commitment to the development of common skills within the context of a business and management studies programme. It is evident that employers participating in this study placed greater emphasis on major subjects on management and business and less on elective subjects. In terms of key skills in management and business programmes, verbal and written communication skills were ranked higher than numeracy skills. This finding is supported by findings in the programme structure, where importance on communication subjects must be emphasized in designing management and business syllabus or curriculum. In academic and intellectual skills, employers placed the ability to be independent and to solve business problems as the most important skills. In line with that, employers also hope that graduates will be able to carry out responsibilities assigned to them and always be on time or can keep appointments. Key words: Skills, perceptions, business graduates, employability, Malaysia.