Dual studies as a response for the needs of the contemporary market

Abstract

Purpose: Dual studies, a modern educational programme combining conventional academic classes with professional work, they are enjoying a growing popularity among students and companies. Dual studies are an alternative form of obtaining employees by employers. Employers during the work placement they have the opportunity to offer to the students the internships and employment in their company. For the students it is a chance to gain the experience. The research presented in the article are referring to the dual studies at the Faculty of Organization and Management at the Silesian University of Technology in the field of Logistics 2nd rank. These studies began in February 2019 and it will take three terms. The purpose of the article is to answer for the questions if dual studies are the best answer for the requirements of the contemporary labor market and if dual studies are the optimal model of graduate education. The research will be conducted in 4 steps: after the 1st term and terminated work placement; after terminated internship; after the third term and after one year from the defense of the master's thesis. Design/methodology/approach: In this article were used the interview and questionnaire method. Interviews and questionnaire were conducted with both students and companies where the practice and internships taken place. Findings: Obtained results provide preliminary information regarding to the effects of the first term, usefulness of classes, use of the knowledge gained during the work placements and internships. The results of the research present the expectations of the employer towards graduates in scope to their competences: knowledge from the field which they are studying, and soft competences in the scope of teamwork or communication. Originality/value: Dual studies are a new form of education, having a practical nature and combining the acquisition of knowledge and experience at the same time. Students are theoretically prepared, thanks to which they can find themselves in the industry in practice. Dual studies are a source of potential benefits for various groups of stakeholders (universities, employers, students). Dual studies are presented in the article as a form of development of entrepreneurial attitudes and professional competences of students (including social competences highly valued in the labor market). These studies are a great opportunity to prepare for the requirements posed by the labor market for each graduate. Keywords: logistics, dual studies, modern educational model, trainings, market requirements. Category of the paper: general review.