Employability skills for MICE management in the context of ICTs

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) applications have become a vital part for MICE industry. MICE higher education is expected to provide their graduates with essential management knowledge and ICTs operational skills to meet the industry demands on the rise. This empirical study investigates the perceptions of employability skills for MICE management in the context of ICTs. Based on the questionnaire (n = 95), an initial 16 employability skills are proposed and the underlying dimensions are explored. The skills of communication, innovation, organizing and coordinating, market promotion, planning, project implementing, crisis management, proficiency in English and operation management are perceived as of great importance. Four categories of employability skills are analysed: Core Generic skills (CGS), Communicative Expression Skills (CES), Practical Hands-on Skills (PHS) and MICE Professional Skills (MPS). This study is crucial as it helps to identify the level of importance and dimension of employability skills for MICE management. For both academia and industry, the results of this study are useful to provide critical skills for multi-skilled and competitive employees for their future success.