MBA graduates perception of business competencies gained during an MBA and business competencies sought by employers
Authors
Ososanwo, Abisoye
Issue Date
2020
Degree
MBA in Human Resource Management
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
Aim: The aim of this research investigates the perception of MBA graduates on business competencies gained during the MBA program and business competencies sought by employers in the labour market. Method: Post-positivist deductive-survey research approach and strategy was used for the study. The participants comprised 400 MBA graduates of Dublin Business School (DBS), Ireland. A sample size of 200 was obtained using the Taro Yamane and Israel sample size determination formular. Convenience sampling technique was used to select the participants for the study. A structured and validated questionnaire copies were administered online through LinkedIn to the participants, the MBA graduates felt comfortable to discuss their experiences and express their opinions freely in an environment they were used to. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics on SPSS. Results: The analysis showed that the level of business competencies of MBA graduates was considered high across all the dimensions measured (competencies related to strategic thinking and decision-making=4.09; context analysis competencies=3.97; interpersonal competencies=3.8 and research and information integration competency=3.67) and attainment of business competence (mean=3.89). Employers’ expectation on business competencies of MBA graduates was also high across all the dimensions measured (competencies related to strategic thinking and decision-making=4.14; interpersonal competencies=4.09; context analysis competencies=4.02; and research and information integration competency=3.91) and expectation of business competence (mean=4.04). Also, there was a significant correlation between business competencies gained by MBA graduates and business competencies sought by employers in the labour market place (r (198) = 0.314, p <.05). Conclusion/Recommendation: This finding becomes crucial in informing stakeholders in the business industry on the need for education that equips management graduates for 21st job demands. The study recommended that the National and political bodies should increase the budgets and subventions of university education to aid the improvement of MBA curriculum.