Shaping the Competencies of the Future

The Importance of Developing Soft Skills in Higher Education

Authors

  • Olha Zadorina State institution “South Ukrainian National Pedagogical university named after K. D. Ushinsky”
  • Liana Burchak Dovzhenko Hlukhiv National Pedagogical University
  • Olena Panas Lviv State University of Life Safety
  • Olena Ardelian Volodymyr Vynnychenko Central Ukrainian State University
  • Hanna Apalat Volodymyr Vynnychenko Central Ukrainian State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14571/brajets.v16.n2.361-371

Keywords:

soft skill, university, VUCA, BANI, experiental learning

Abstract

The article explores the significance of soft skills in the contemporary job market, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring successful participation in the work process, enhancing productivity, and their relevance across various professions. Soft skills are portrayed as versatile competencies not tied to specific subject areas, encompassing the ability to approach problems from multiple perspectives, employ creative problem-solving methods, and adapt algorithms for analysis and synthesis. This study employs a precise methodological approach, including content analysis, systemic analysis, and structural-logical analysis, to deeply explore the dynamics and importance of soft skills in today's contexts. The article underscores the shifting demands of the modern labor market, particularly in the transition from a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) state to a BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) state, highlighting the increased turbulence and unpredictability of the work environment. In response to this evolving landscape, the article suggests a paradigm shift in the design and implementation of higher education courses and programs. It advocates for a greater emphasis on experiential learning methods and the cultivation of emotional intelligence. The article proposes the development of additional training programs aimed at nurturing personal qualities encompassing all aspects of soft skills. The findings of this research are deemed valuable for enhancing university training programs, better equipping young professionals to excel in the competitive and ever-evolving BANI-environment. The article contributes to a deeper understanding of the pivotal role soft skills play in shaping successful career trajectories for emerging specialists.

References

Asefer, A., & Abidin, Z. (2021). Soft skills and graduates employability in the 21st century from employers’ perspectives: A review of literature. International Journal of Infrastructure Research and Management, 9(2), 44-59.

Budhai, S., & Taddei, L. (2015). Teaching the 4Cs with technology: How do I use 21st century tools to teach 21st century skills? ASCD.

Buzzelli, M., & Asafo-Adjei, E. (2023). Experiential learning and the university’s host community: rapid growth, contested mission and policy challenge. Higher Education, 85, 521-538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-022-00849-1

Dell’Aquilla, E., Marocco, D., Pontocorvo, M., Di Ferdinando, A., Schembri, M., & Miglino, O. (2017). Educational games for soft-skills training in digital environments: New perspectives. Springer.

Facemire, B. (2022). Experiential learning: A treatise on education. Koehler Books.

Fernández-Sanz L., Villalba M. T., Medina J. A., & Misra S. (2017). A study on the key soft skills for successful participation of students in multinational engineering education. International Journal of Engineering Education, 33(6), 2061-2070.

Flynn, K., Wahnstrom, E., Popa, M. E., Ruiz-Bejarano, B., & Quintas, M. (2013). Ideal skills for European food scientists and technologists: Identifying the most desired knowledge, skills and competencies. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies, 18, 246-255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifset.2012.09.004.

Garcia, I., Pacheco, C., Méndez, F., & Calvo-Manzano, J. A. (2020). The effects of game-based learning in the acquisition of “soft skills” on undergraduate software engineering courses: A systematic literature review. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 28(5), 1327-1354.

Kok, J. (2019). Leading in a VUCA world. Springer.

Lamri, J. (2019). The 21st century skills: How soft skills can make the difference in the digital era. GRIN Verlag.

Melser, N. (2018). Teaching soft skills in a hard world: Skills for beginning teachers. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

Mwita, K., Kinunda, S., Obwolo, S., & Mwilongo, N. (2023). Soft skills development in higher education institutions: Students’ perceived role of universities and students’ self-initiatives in bridging the soft skills gap. International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science, 12(3), 505-513. https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v12i3.2435.

Nagarajan, S., & Mohanasundaram, R. (2020). Innovations and technologies for soft skill development and learning. Information Science Reference.

Nghia, T. (2019). Building soft skills for employability: Challenges and practices in Vietnam. Routledge.

Nghia, T. (2021). Building soft skills for employability. Routledge.

Pons, D. (2016). Relative importance of professional practice and engineering management competencies. European Journal of Engineering Education. 41(5), 530-547.

Qizi, K. (2020). Soft skills development in higher education. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(5), 1916-1925.

Rao, M. (2012). Soft skills for students: Classroom to corporate. Aadi Publications.

Scheerens, J., van der Werf, G., & de Boer, H. (2020). Soft skills in education: Putting the evidence in perspective. Springer.

Suri, P., Sharma, S., & Kamboj, N. (2023). Reimaging and redefining business in BANI world. Integrity Education India.

Sutin, S. E., & Jacob, W. J. (2016). Strategic transformation of higher education: Challenges and solutions in a global economy. Boston, MA: Rowman & Littlefield.

Taguma, M., & Gabriel, F. (2018). Future of education and skills 2030: Curriculum analysis. OECD.

Transparency Market Research (2023). Soft skills training market. https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/soft-skills-training-market.html.

Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological bulletin, 63(6), 384.

Villarroel, V., Benavente, M., Chuecas, M. J., & Bruna, D. (2020). Experiential learning in higher education. A student-centered teaching method that improves perceived learning. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 17(5), 1-17.

Wadhwa, R. (2016). New phase of internationalization of higher education and institutional change. Higher Education for the Future, 3(2), 227-246.

Waller, R., Lemoine, P., Mense, E., Garretson, C., & Richardson, M. (2019). Global higher education in a VUCA world: Concerns and projections. Journal of Education and Development, 3(2), 73-83.

Zakhaov, Y. (2022). Comparable analysis of approaches to world concepts: SPOD society, VUCA society and BANI society. Social Economics, 64, 149-158.

Downloads

Published

2023-06-23

Issue

Section

The global development of innovative technologies and their impact on the educat