Project Abstract

Economic Education and Graduate Employability in Developing Countries This project aims to investigate the relationship between economic education and graduate employability in developing countries. In an increasingly globalized and competitive job market, equipping graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the workforce has become a critical challenge for higher education institutions in developing nations. This study seeks to explore the role of economic education in shaping the employability of graduates, with the goal of informing policy and curriculum development to enhance the labor market outcomes of graduates. The rationale for this project lies in the recognition that economic education plays a pivotal role in developing the analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills essential for successful career trajectories. In many developing countries, however, the alignment between the academic curriculum and the evolving demands of the labor market is often suboptimal, leading to a skills mismatch and the underemployment of graduates. By examining the linkages between economic education and graduate employability, this project aims to generate insights that can guide educational reforms and strengthen the interface between academia and industry. The project will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Initially, a comprehensive literature review will be conducted to establish the current state of knowledge on the topic and identify key themes and trends. This will be followed by a survey of graduates from various higher education institutions in selected developing countries, gathering data on their educational backgrounds, skill sets, and employment outcomes. The survey will be complemented by in-depth interviews with employers, policymakers, and academics to gain a multifaceted understanding of the challenges and opportunities surrounding graduate employability. The data collected will be analyzed using statistical techniques and thematic analysis to uncover the critical factors that influence the employability of graduates with an economic education. Particular attention will be paid to the role of curriculum design, teaching pedagogies, internship programs, and industry-academia collaborations in shaping the labor market outcomes of graduates. The findings of this project are expected to have significant implications for policymakers, higher education institutions, and employers in developing countries. The research will provide evidence-based insights to guide the development of economic education curricula that are responsive to the needs of the labor market. Additionally, the project will offer recommendations for strengthening the collaborations between academia and industry, facilitating the transition of graduates into the workforce and enhancing their long-term career prospects. Furthermore, the project aims to contribute to the wider discourse on graduate employability in developing countries, highlighting the unique challenges and contextual factors that shape this issue. By disseminating the research findings through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, and stakeholder workshops, the project will seek to inform and influence the policymaking and educational reform processes in the target regions. In conclusion, this project on the intersection of economic education and graduate employability in developing countries holds the potential to significantly impact the lives of graduates and the broader socio-economic development of these nations. By bridging the gap between academic learning and labor market demands, the project aspires to empower graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the evolving global economy.

Project Overview