Achieving Professional Qualifications Using Micro-Credentials: A Case of Small Packages and Big Challenges In Higher Education
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| Title: | Achieving Professional Qualifications Using Micro-Credentials: A Case of Small Packages and Big Challenges In Higher Education |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Rohit Raj (ORCID |
| Source: | International Journal of Educational Management. 2024 38(4):916-947. |
| Availability: | Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 32 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Microcredentials, Employment Qualifications, Higher Education, Program Implementation, Barriers, Professional Recognition, Certification, Employment Potential, Credibility, Institutional Characteristics, Reputation, Expertise, Student Attitudes, Employer Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Faculty, Employers, College Students, Institutional Role, Educational Quality, Educational Assessment |
| DOI: | 10.1108/IJEM-01-2023-0028 |
| ISSN: | 0951-354X 1758-6518 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study examined the factors impeding the implementation of micro-credentials and accepting it as a credible source of earning professional qualifications and certifications necessary for pursuing higher education or other career goals. Design/methodology/approach: The factors were identified by reflecting on the recent literature and Internet resources coupled with in-depth brainstorming with experts in the field of micro-credentials including educators, learners and employers. Two ranking methods, namely Preference Ranking for Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) and multi-objective optimization based on ratio analysis (MOORA), are used together to rank the major challenges. Findings: The results of this study present that lack of clear definitions, ambiguous course descriptions, lack of accreditation and quality assurance, unclear remuneration policies, lack of coordination between learning hours and learning outcomes, the inadequate volume of learning, and lack of acceptance by individuals and organizations are the top-ranked and the most significant barriers in the implementation of micro-credentials. Research limitations/implications: The findings can be used by educational institutions, organizations and policymakers to better understand the issues and develop strategies to address them, making micro-credentials a more recognized form of education and qualifications. Originality/value: The novelty of this study is to identify the primary factors influencing the implementation of micro-credentials from the educators', students' and employers' perspectives and to prioritize those using ranking methods such as PROMETHEE and MOORA. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1463864 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study examined the factors impeding the implementation of micro-credentials and accepting it as a credible source of earning professional qualifications and certifications necessary for pursuing higher education or other career goals. Design/methodology/approach: The factors were identified by reflecting on the recent literature and Internet resources coupled with in-depth brainstorming with experts in the field of micro-credentials including educators, learners and employers. Two ranking methods, namely Preference Ranking for Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) and multi-objective optimization based on ratio analysis (MOORA), are used together to rank the major challenges. Findings: The results of this study present that lack of clear definitions, ambiguous course descriptions, lack of accreditation and quality assurance, unclear remuneration policies, lack of coordination between learning hours and learning outcomes, the inadequate volume of learning, and lack of acceptance by individuals and organizations are the top-ranked and the most significant barriers in the implementation of micro-credentials. Research limitations/implications: The findings can be used by educational institutions, organizations and policymakers to better understand the issues and develop strategies to address them, making micro-credentials a more recognized form of education and qualifications. Originality/value: The novelty of this study is to identify the primary factors influencing the implementation of micro-credentials from the educators', students' and employers' perspectives and to prioritize those using ranking methods such as PROMETHEE and MOORA. |
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| ISSN: | 0951-354X 1758-6518 |
| DOI: | 10.1108/IJEM-01-2023-0028 |
