Alignment of critical business competencies and MBA programs

In a time with rapid technology development and changing economical landscapes, the need for educational institutions to align with company needs for different skills in their employees becomes more central. Our educational institutions must be ready to identify and adapt these changes into their programs to make sure the students possess the skills needed, and in-demand for the competitive labor market.

The purpose of the Universities of Applied Sciences is regulated in section 4 of the University of Applied Sciences Act (Finlex, 14.11.2014/932, 2014). According to this law, the main task of the Universities of Applied Sciences is to offer university education for vocationally oriented expert tasks.

This teaching must be based on the demands and development of working life. This is why I, in my research, wanted to find out what competencies are valued by companies in the Ostrobothnia region in Finland and how well they align with the MBA Program in Digital Business and Management at Novia University of Applied Sciences. Through in-depth interviews with local companies, my research aimed to understand which competencies are valued, and identify gaps between the educational program at Novia and industry requirements, with a focus on competence development, recruitment challenges and future skill needs.

An important finding from my research is the critical importance of continuous skill development among current employees. Employers emphasized the need for continuous skills improvement, particularly in leadership. This focus on lifelong learning and continuous improvement is consistent with theoretical perspectives that emphasize the importance of current and updated skills for business success. Employees who regularly update their skills are also seen as a valuable competitive advantage for the company.

My research found that the organizations interviewed have implemented structured approaches to skills development, including personal development plans and online learning platforms. These modern approaches emphasize the importance of accessibility and flexibility in learning. Such strategies reflect a wider trend where companies are proactively upskilling their employees to stay competitive.

My research revealed that project management skills, leadership skills, data knowledge and AI competencies are highly valued in the labor market. Novia's MBA program includes relevant courses such as digital project management, financial decision-making, and data analysis. However, the research indicated that potential areas for development could be within communication, leadership, and AI.

Leadership skills emerged as a top priority. Employers emphasized the need for competent leaders who can inspire and guide their teams. Modern leadership practices, such as coaching leadership, were particularly valued but are currently missing from the MBA program at Novia University of Applied Sciences. Including courses on coaching leadership and other contemporary leadership theories would better prepare students for different leadership roles.
The interviews showed that project management skills are an asset to the employee. Projects are a common way of working method in most organizations today and therefor important. General understanding on project management methods, from smaller projects to large-scaled projects would be beneficial to incorporate into the MBA program.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another area with potential for improvement. Including courses on AI would provide students with an understanding of how to leverage AI in various business contexts. Communication skills were also identified as important, with an emphasis on understanding how to communicate effectively in different situations, particularly for leaders. Currently, the MBA program covers digital tools for communication, but it could be beneficial to focus even more on communication styles and strategies in challenging contexts. Strengthening this aspect could better prepare students for leadership roles.

Based on these insights from the interviews, the following recommendations were made to improve the MBA program in digital Business and Leadership at Novia University of Applied Sciences:

• Strengthen communication training: Add courses that focus on communication styles and leadership communication, especially in difficult situations.
• Include AI training: Introduce courses on AI integration and its applications in business processes.
• Expand the leadership curriculum: Include modern leadership methods, such as coaching leadership, to better prepare students for leadership roles.
• Reallocate marketing courses: Consider de-emphasizing marketing and graphic design, given the lower priority of these skills among employers.

One conclusion of the research is the need for continuous skills development among current employees, especially in areas such as leadership, communication, and data-driven decision-making. By offering relevant and up-to-date education, Novia University of Applied Sciences can play an active role in supporting companies' growth and innovation.

This research has contributed to the understanding of the skills gap between Novia University of Applied Sciences' MBA program in Digital Business and Leadership and the industry's needs. By reviewing and analyzing interviews with local companies, the research was able to identify important insights and recommendations to strengthen the connection between education and working life. By improving the areas identified in the gap analysis, the education program can become even more adapted to the needs of the industry and prepare students for successful careers in the business world. This research emphasizes the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and companies to ensure that educational programs remain relevant and responsive to the needs of working life. With an active dialogue and cooperation with local companies, Novia University of Applied Sciences can continue to deliver high-quality education that meets today's and tomorrow's challenges.

Finlex. (2014, 11 14). 14.11.2014/932. Retrieved 12 29, 2023, from Finlex: https://www.finlex.fi/sv/laki/ajantasa/2014/20140932?search[type]=pika&search[pika]=Yrkesh%C3%B6gskolelag