The Impact of Digitalization on Industrial Engineering Students’ Training from the Perspective of Their Insertion in the Labor Market in a Sustainable Economy: A Students’ Opinions Survey

The paper presents the results of a survey conducted among a total of 155 industrial engineering students from a Romanian public university to assess their awareness and concern about the facts and challenges imposed by the ongoing digital transformation. The study is based on a statistical analysis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sustainability 2024-09, Vol.16 (17), p.7499
Main Authors: Raveica, Ionel Crinel, Olaru, Ionel, Herghelegiu, Eugen, Tampu, Nicolae Catalin, Radu, Maria-Crina, Chirita, Bogdan Alexandru, Schnakovszky, Carol, Ciubotariu, Vlad Andrei
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Artificial intelligence
Automation
Digital technology
Distance learning
Economic growth
GDP
Gross Domestic Product
Higher education
Industrial engineering
Infrastructure
Innovations
Labor market
Labor shortages
Pandemics
Skilled workers
Skills
Students
Sustainable development
Workforce
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Summary:The paper presents the results of a survey conducted among a total of 155 industrial engineering students from a Romanian public university to assess their awareness and concern about the facts and challenges imposed by the ongoing digital transformation. The study is based on a statistical analysis of the answers obtained from a questionnaire that contained closed-ended questions with predefined answers and open-ended questions where the respondents could express a personal point of view. Understanding the students’ needs and expectations, as well as the impact of the digital transition on their professional training and integration in a sustainable economy, will serve as a background upon which the quality of study programs can be improved by implementing appropriate measures. The results highlighted the necessity to supplement the curriculum with specialized courses in emerging technologies, to intensify students’ counseling on the digital transition, to upgrade the university’s infrastructure with equipment and software in the field of emerging technologies, to assist students with insufficient resources, and to stimulate women to participate in skilling, upskilling, and reskilling programs in STEM fields. These changes will expand the sustainable development principles in formal university education, ensure competency-centered learning, and increase access to inclusive and quality education.
ISSN:2071-1050
2071-1050
DOI:10.3390/su16177499