Dissertation
Theory of Skills Mismatch
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Theory of Skills MismatchThe Skills Gap Theory, also known as the Theory of Skills Mismatch, has been extensively discussed and debated in the academic literature. Various academics and researchers, including M. Ali et al., (2020); Brunello & Wruuck, (2019), and the World Economic Forum (2020), have proposed this theory. In the context of the engineering industry, the Skills Mismatch Theory is particularly applicable, as it serves to explain the fundamental causes of the digital skills gap. According to (Lythreatis et al., 2022), the skills divide can be caused by factors such as technological advancements, economic shifts, and changes in the character of labour. Rapid technological advancements have increased the demand for employees with digital skills, such as programming, data analysis, and artificial intelligence, in the engineering industry, while the traditional skills of mechanical engineers are becoming less relevant. This has contributed to the digital skills divide in the industry by creating a disparity between the skills possessed by graduates and those needed by employers. Several studies have applied the Skills Mismatch Theory to the engineering industry, underscoring the difficulties posed by disruptive technologies and the necessity of a skilled workforce to bridge the skills divide. Fernandes et al., (2021) for instance, analysed the skills gap in the Portuguese engineering industry and discovered that the lack of digital skills was a significant barrier to innovation and development. Similarly, Foroughi, (2020) a report identified the digital skills deficit as a significant challenge for the engineering industry and emphasised the need for new education and training programmes to resolve this problem. The Skills Mismatch Theory can inform the development of strategies to address the engineering industry's digital skills divide. By identifying the underlying causes of the skills gap, this theory can guide the development of training and education programmes that are tailored to suit the industry's evolving requirements. In conjunction with other theories, such as the Technology Acceptance Model and the Diffusion of Innovations Theory, the Skills Mismatch Theory can provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the challenges disruptive technologies pose for engineering education and training. Download 2.1 Mb. Share with your friends:
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