ERIC Number: EJ1444130
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0040-0912
EISSN: EISSN-1758-6127
Micro-Credentials through the Eyes of Employers: Benefits, Challenges and Enablers of Effectiveness
Education & Training, v66 n7 p948-963 2024
Purpose: This study explores the perceptions of Australian employers regarding the benefits and challenges of micro-credentials within higher education and enablers of their effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative approach that included 11 semi-structured interviews with employers affiliated with an Australian university was used. A deductive thematic approach was employed to analyse the data. Findings: Micro-credentials were generally seen to be beneficial for an array of people, including employees, employers, customers and communities -- stakeholders in all environmental layers of micro-credentials' ecological system. Findings also indicated that both challenges of micro-credentials and enablers of their effectiveness depended heavily on attributes of learners, employers and higher education providers. The conclusion is that, based on the evidence of this study, micro-credentials within higher education are worth trialling. Originality/value: Although research interest in micro-credentials is growing, few empirical studies haveĀ investigated micro-credentials' benefits, challenges and enablers of effectiveness, especially from the perspective of employers. The study carries practical and policy implications for those involved with micro-credential research and development.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Employers, Employer Attitudes, Microcredentials, Higher Education, Education Work Relationship, Program Effectiveness
Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A