Date of Award

Spring 1-28-2017

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Philip Pendley, Chair

Second Advisor

Dr. Geri Abracosa

Third Advisor

Dr. Andrew Shean

Abstract

Purpose: It was the purpose of this study to identify the important competencies necessary in the workplace for graduates from a competency based education (CBE) program for the bachelor of business administration (BBA) degree, and the learning activities that best support the teaching of those competencies as perceived by human resource (HR) experts working in business.

Methodology: This study used a modified policy Delphi design to identify the competencies needed for a CBE BBA program. HR professionals completed three rounds of surveys to identify and prioritize competencies, and then offered suggestions for learning activities to contribute to CBE BBA students mastering those competencies.

Findings: Findings were derived from the data collected. Round 1 resulted in the identification of 10 competencies, primarily comprised of soft skills. In Round 2, the competencies were rated and narrowed to the top five, which focused on collaboration, interpersonal skills, written communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. Round 3 enumerated learning activities to support these competencies.

Conclusions and Recommendations: Graduates of a CBE BBA program need skills that will help them excel in business. Soft skills were identified as competencies needed in the workforce. A variety of learning activities were detailed by the HR professionals to assist in developing these competencies.

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