Bridging the Skills Gap: Identifying the Business Computing Graduate Competencies Needed to Enhance Organisational Performance through an IT Managers’ Lens

This study develops and validates a model elucidating the connection between the critical skills demanded of business computing graduates and organisational performance, considering the perspectives of IT managers as a key stakeholder group. Data collected from 232 managers were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-PM). The results indicate that project management skills strongly predict achievement of organisational objectives. Team effectiveness competencies also enhance project outcomes. However, and surprisingly, Arabic language ability does not relate significantly. Both design communication skills and IT operation skills are found to directly affect the achievement of organisational objectives and performance. In contrast, insufficient evidence was found to suggest that work sector-specific product management skills are a mediator. The findings imply that project-based methodologies should be integrated into computing curricula to equip graduates with the adaptable skillsets valued by employers, namely, efficient coordination, stakeholder engagement, and communication acumen, thereby benefiting workforce performance.