Analysis of Generic Competencies Required for University Graduates: Perceptions of Agricultural Engineers and Mangers (Kermanshah Province)

Alibaygi, Amir Hossein; Barani, Shahrzad

doi:10.22059/ijaedr.2012.30449

Analysis of Generic Competencies Required for University Graduates: Perceptions of Agricultural Engineers and Mangers (Kermanshah Province)

Authors

Amir Hossein Alibaygi

Shahrzad Barani

10.22059/ijaedr.2012.30449

Abstract

This descriptive correlational research sought to examine generic competencies required for university graduates from the points of view of agricultural engineers and mangers in Kermanshah Province. The study concentrated on the population of public agricultural managers (N= 130) as well as Agricultural engineers (who were members of Agricultural Engineering System Organization) in Kermanshah Province (N= 416). A sample of 196 agricultural engineers was selected through Stratified Random Sampling. Census survey was utilized regarding agricultural managers. Data was collected through questionnaire, with its validity cross checked by a panel of experts in the field. The reliability of the instrument was established using Alpha Cronbach Coefficient. Based on the results, the most important generic competencies required for graduates from the views of managers are responsibility, endeavor, as well as professional ethics. The most important generic competencies as viewed from the view point of engineers are the acceptance responsibilities, self-confidence, and endeavor. There was a significant difference observed between the preveiling situation vs.the ideal one as regards the required generic competencies. Factor analysis revealed that professional ethics, informational, organizational, group work, along with the communicational competencies are the core competencies needed for agricultural university students.

Keywords

Agricultural engineer

Agricultural manager

Agricultural university student

Competency

employment