Making the case for virtual competency-based education

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a competency-based curriculum design model based on a set of ten foundational professional competencies (PCs) that prepare college graduates to meet the needs of global businesses now and in the future.Design/methodology/approachThis phenomenological single-case study reviews literature on the foundational principles of competency-based education (CBE) and comparatively analyzes the results of qualitative interviews to create a set of ten PCs linking employee and business success.FindingsThis study presents a theoretical competency-based curriculum model (competency-based learning, performance and behavior (CBLPB)) designed for online education programs to enable a twenty-first century workforce to succeed. The curriculum design model is tested as applied by the researchers in various courses taught at an online university.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a conceptual model for testing in academic research settings in colleges and universities.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that higher education business curriculum should be designed using a CBE model to develop graduates with the foundational PCs that employers need and desire in educated working professionals.Originality/valueFrom the faculty perspective, the CBLPB curriculum design model can enhance the design and implementation of CBE in business programs.