Scaling workforce development: using MOOCs to reduce costs and narrow the skills gap

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this article is to examine both benefits and managers’ perceptions of open, online educational courses, as compared to more traditional means of employee training and development both to better engage workforce personnel as well as a cost reduction tool. Design/methodology/approach Using empirical survey data along with supporting background literature, the authors use a qualitative and practical approach to recommend best practices in the OD and training field. Findings Antiquated in-house training and development programs are costly and may not meet the needs of the 21st century workforce. Managers must be open to online, free-sourced training options as a way to reduce T&D budgets and attract and retain top talent. Originality/value While MOOCs continue to receive academic attention, this article is novel insofar as it analyzes the value of non-traditional educational options mainly from the organizational and management perspective. By surveying hiring managers and offering specific implementation steps, the depth of field in this body of literature is rightfully expanded.

Research for Rural Development 2022 : annual 28th International scientific conference proceedings

“…Employability aspects of graduates from vocational education schools (Mishra, Alseddiqi, & Pislaru, 2009) are on researchers agenda. Efficiency of realisation of college and career readiness program (Detgen et al, 2021) in work-based learning has been recognised as valuable bridge to employment and competitiveness in labour market and scaling of competitive workforce development by using MOOCs to reduce several costs by different stakeholders and narrow the skills gap required by entrepreneurs (Rosendale & Wilkie, 2021; as an important part of vocational education organisation and realisation in compliance of labour market needs. Researchers in investigation of mediating effects of school engagement between high school on-time completion which sometimes is a problem, career development and technical education realisation (Xing & Gordon, 2021;Esmond & Atkins, 2020) stressing the importance of work-based learning where public administration attitude is important , on analysis of matching vocational training and labour market demands with investigation of the opinion of public administrations on different levels -state and municipality (Buligina & Sloka, 2013), importance of marketing tools (Salkovska et al, 2020; and ergonomic aspects (Kalkis, Andza, & Roja, 2021) and perceptions and practical realisation on the role of practical and simulated learning in promoting successful entrepreneurship start and realisation (Lose, 2021) having importance also in work-based learning.…”

Role of Cooperation with Stakeholders in WorkBased Learning Realization

“…The approach was needed to have closed cooperation of vocational education and companies, and researchers have investigated all aspects of such an approach (Thurgate, 2021). In order to prepare recommendations for practical policy implications for the successful organization of work-based learning, it is significant to pay attention to all aspects for work-based learning organization and realization, including teaching staff (Rooney-Kron & Dymond, 2021), organization of the teaching process (Siebert et al, 2021;Bezerra et al, 2021) and organization of study process (Rosendale & Wilkie, 2021). Successful organization of all involved parties is of great importance (Wall et al, 2017).…”

Improving Students’ Retention Using Machine Learning: Impacts and Implications

“…COVID-19 pandemic is often known as the coronavirus recession which has casted a severe impression on education as well and without improvements in education to address the requirements of the workforce, the skill gap in our workforce will only expand. Today's professions require greater technical skills and higher degrees than in previous generations, [1]. Today's industries need greater technical skills and higher degrees than in previous generations.…”