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Undergraduate Competences as Labour Market Mechanism for Curriculum Alignment in Ghana: Case of University of Cape Coast School of Business

Author

Listed:
  • Anthony Akwesi Owusu

    (Principal Research Assistant, Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education, University of cape coast,)

  • Edward Marfo-Yiadom

    (Associate Professor and Dean, School of Business, University of Cape Coast,)

  • Georgina Asi Owusu (Mrs.)

    (Faculty Officer, School of Business, University of Cape Coast,)

Abstract

The increasing graduate unemployment rate in Ghana is a matter of concern not only to government but also to stakeholders in education. In an era of globalisation, the issue has culminated in discourses about curriculum planning and alignment. Using a concurrent mixed method, the study purposely focused on exploring graduate competences as a labour market mechanism for curriculum alignment. In this regard, 63 participants comprising alumni, Human Resource Managers and lecturers were sampled using multiple procedures. In the end, the study showed that employers’ highly ranked integrated curriculum and their responses favoured an amalgamation of education and practical training tailored to promote organisational growth. A significant difference was found between responses of lecturers and alumni regarding their preference for graduate competences as the basis for curriculum alignment. The study finally advocated, among other things, for competency-based curriculum philosophy as the underpinning variable to underlie Business Education curriculum in Ghana.

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony Akwesi Owusu & Edward Marfo-Yiadom & Georgina Asi Owusu (Mrs.), 2014. "Undergraduate Competences as Labour Market Mechanism for Curriculum Alignment in Ghana: Case of University of Cape Coast School of Business," International Journal of Business and Social Research, MIR Center for Socio-Economic Research, vol. 4(9), pages 27-42, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:mir:mirbus:v:4:y:2014:i:9:p:27-42
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Heijke, J.A.M. & Meng, C.M., 2006. "Discipline-specific and academic competencies of the higher educated: their value in the labour market and their acquisition in education," ROA Working Paper 9E, Maastricht University, Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA).
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