COMPETENCE BASED CURRICULA DESIGN FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

The main objective of the research is to improve the quality of graduates' education through better correlation of the curricula with employers needs. Prior work: the paper continues the work as part of "Techniques of Comparative Evaluation of University Qualifications in Romania" PN2 Contract number 91/047/2007 coordinated by ASE Bucharest. Design: Data was collected based on semi-structured interviews through direct discussions, over the phone and e-mail. The sample consists of 22 professors from two Faculties (that teach both technical and economic subjects), and 23 employers. Results: based on interviews content analysis we identified the competences perceived by the professors and required by employers. Most of the employers carefully select competent graduates that exhibit both attitude and will to get involved in the organization. During the apprenticeship period, these candidates are trained by the organization on specific tasks and procedures. Implications: the comparative analysis revealed a series of differences and the need to harmonize and adapt the curricula to market requirement through the development of existing collaborative and cooperation mechanisms between University and Industry. Value: the paper highlights the main differences between the competences perceived by the professors, required by employers, and proposes a series of recommendations towards the harmonization of such discrepancies to the academic staff and top management of Faculties and University.