Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Publication
    Leading towards the students’ career development and career intentions through using multidimensional soft skills in the digital age
    (Emerald Publishing Ltd., 2023)
    Naimatullah Shah
    ;
    Safia Bano
    ;
    ;
    Nadia A. Abdelmegeed Abdelwahed
    ;
    Bahadur Ali Soomro
    Purpose: In the digital age, the development of students’ career intentions requires serious concentration since these are associated with the students’ future employment and, ultimately, their survival. This study attempted to demonstrate in Pakistan’s Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) the role of soft skills towards the students' career development (CD) and their future career intentions (CI). Design/methodology/approach: In this study, the researchers used a quantitative approach and a questionnaire to collect the data from the surveyed participants. Finally, the researchers based this study’s findings on 392 useable samples. Findings: By employing the structural equation model (SEM), this study’s findings show that soft skills, such as Creative Self-Efficacy (CSE), Problem-Solving Confidence (PSC) and Teamwork (TW) have a positive and significant effect on CD and CI. However, while Critical thinking and Creativity (CRC) has a positive and significant effect on CD, it has no effect on CI. In addition, this study’s findings confirm, also, that CD has a positive and significant effect on CI. Practical implications: This study’s findings assist policymakers and university administrators to understand the importance of soft skills in creating CD and CI. These promote the development of employability skills and fulfill its part in preparing graduates for the unpredictable job market. This study’s findings help, also, to develop logical reasoning in making decisions and in dealing with complex organizational issues. Originality/value: In a practical way, in Pakistan, this study’s findings confirm the role of soft skills towards students' CD and CI.
  • Publication
    The influence of self-efficacy, soft skills, personality, and emotional intelligence on graduate employability in Malaysian Technical University Network Institutions
    ( 2024-12)
    Reynold Wong
    ;
    This conceptual study examines the influence of self-efficacy, soft skills, and personality traits on graduate employability among final-year students in Malaysian Technical University Network institutions, with emotional intelligence as a moderating factor. Employability is conceptualized as the capacity to secure, maintain, and adapt to employment in dynamic workplace environments. The research adopts a quantitative approach, leveraging Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to explore direct and moderating effects within a proposed framework. Data from a sample of 370 undergraduate students across four Malaysian Technical University Network institutions were analyzed, incorporating descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing. The framework positions emotional intelligence—defined as the ability to recognize, understand, and regulate emotions—as a critical moderator that enhances the impact of core attributes on perceived employability. Findings are anticipated to highlight the key competencies that drive employability, offering actionable insights for curriculum development and targeted educational interventions. This study aims to inform policies and practices in higher education, ensuring graduates are better equipped to meet labor market demands and succeed in their professional careers.
      17  7
  • Publication
    The mediating role of career adaptability on graduate employability among students in the Malaysian Technical University Networks (MTUN)
    ( 2024-12)
    Reynold Wong
    ;
    This study aims to evaluate the relationship between self-efficacy (SE), soft skills, and personality traits on perceived graduate employability (GE) among final-year students in Malaysian Technical University Networks (MTUN), with career adaptability (CA) serving as a mediating variable. The research will employ a quantitative approach by analyzing the collected data using the Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Data will be collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to a sample of 370 undergraduate students from various MTUN universities. The questionnaire will assess students' perceptions of SE, soft skills, personality traits, CA, and perceived GE. Statistical analysis will be used to determine the relationships between these factors. Additionally, the mediating role of CA will be tested in this study. By identifying key factors that contribute to employability, the research aims to inform educational strategies, leading to more effective training programs, enhanced career services, and targeted interventions. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute to the broader goal of improving GE and ensuring that higher education institutions produce graduates who are well-equipped to succeed in their careers.
      2  12