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International Perspectives on Competence in the Workplace pp 67–83Cite as

The Changing Context of Business Education: Competency Requirements for the New Paradigm

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Abstract

This chapter reports on a study conducted in both Hong Kong and Australia. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the existing secondary business education curriculum and its role, in both Hong Kong and Australia, in order to determine future directions in light of perceived social, environmental, technological and political changes, and to make appropriate recommendations to policymakers in the respective countries. The results of this study demonstrated that the current secondary business education curriculum in Hong Kong and Australia has moved towards, but is not yet fully conversant with the need for, a paradigm shift from a predominantly skills based curriculum to a broader based curriculum. The notion of competence, and its origin are discussed. A move towards a more holistic perspective of competence, that is, an interpretative-relational perspective is proposed for business education; and illustrated. The introduction of competency standards for the clerical-administrative occupations in private industry tends to restrict the curriculum to the achievement of skills and outcomes, rather than move towards a broader base. It is recommended that: the aims of secondary business education be under constant review; there be increased opportunities for postgraduate business education for teachers; the image of business education be updated; there be an increased emphasis on vocational education; an increased provision of resources; and increased opportunities for professional development for business education teachers. Implications for research, policy and practice including a business education curriculum based upon an interpretative-relational model of competence are drawn.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Professional Studies Faculty of Education, University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia

    Christine Velde

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  1. Christine Velde
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  1. Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia

    Christine Velde

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Velde, C. (2001). The Changing Context of Business Education: Competency Requirements for the New Paradigm. In: Velde, C. (eds) International Perspectives on Competence in the Workplace. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-0742-9_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-0742-9_5

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-7923-6845-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-010-0742-9

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