What do you think about this essay question?

Question

“Some Human Resource Managers complain that many students learn too much textbook theory at university, at the expense of what they perceive to be more important business skills such as original thought, creativity, and team-working. Consequently many graduates often have too high an estimation of their own abilities.”

Critically consider the validity of this perspective. To what extent should business organisations be able to exert greater influence and control over Universities?

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I'm not asking for the answers (before anyone says anything!), just our view on the question.. Do you agree? Are you in a job and seen the structure of your workplace change due to graduates? Are you manager, do you favour graduates on applications? Are you a university student or graduate, what do you think about the statement?

Thank you for reading my question, and thanks for all constructive answers.. Cheers x

Answer 1

Hello.
I've been on both ends.
I did a HR degree, now doing a post graduate diploma and I work in HR. My own personal experience is that I started alogside another graduate, but she did not do the 'sandwich' year (one years workplacement) and she has no practical experience in the field. I believe that the one years work experience stood me in good stead as I had more of a practical understanding on how and when theory was applied.

Since then, I have recruited graduates for our own graduate placement programme and have found many of them lacking the basic business instincts such as teamworking, realistic solutions to problems etc. I even found that many of them felt they 'deserved' the job as they had a 1st class honours or masters. I found that in most cases, the graduate that showed the most potential was the candidate who just happened to have a 2nd class degree or 3rd. Or those who have taken gap years or worked in between compared with those who went straight through the system. Its just an observation I made.

If I was giving advice to anyone who wanted to go through Uni, the first thing I would say before anything else is "is there an option of a gap year (if applicable), if so, do it" - but making sure its a worth while job or it'll be a waste of time.

Answer 2

I am a college student. I think businesses and universities both share the responsibility of communicating between eachother the needs of today's workplace, in whatever field of work.

Businesses should inform universities of current trends and skills they seek, but I don't think any party should have greater control over the other. One group employs, the other teaches. Both should work together so that today's public has the greatest chance of success in their preferred industry after receiving proper schooling.

Answer 3

Hi Maz

I would agree with the statement - managers have lost empathy and understanding with staff, are too clinical and treat people like pieces of paper - easily replaced - there is no loyalty to employee or vice versa, business skills involve getting the best out of staff, not railroading them into procedure guidelines - original thought is only original if your manager has it -otherwise you are treated with contempt and indignation from peers and management. Some of the best business minds are those who left school early and worked their backsides off - university has its place, but I think learning truly begins after graduation!

Answer 4

The question illustrates a difficulty universities have created for themselves by taking on board non-academic subjects such as "business studies".

This is fundamentially a practical subject (making money), not an academinc one (understanding ideas for their own sake), and by taking it on board universities are opening themselves up for this sort of criticism.

It would be better, therefore, if subjects such as business were dealt with outside the academic realm, in specialised business colleges, where there subjects could be taught free from academic pretentions.

Answer 5

In my humble opinion - for what it is worth...

Good "Head Knowledge" can only become effective if used by an individual who is willing to accept :-

TRUE Learning Starts after College/Uni Finishes.

One should be prepared to use God's gifts in the proportion they were given... 2 ears & 1 mouth...