NEED ANALYSIS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A FRAMEWORK FOR INTEGRATION OF EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS INTO OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT CURRICULUM IN NIGERIAN POLYTECHNICS

Abstract

This paper discussed the need analysis of a framework for integration of employability skills into Office Technology and Management OTM curriculum in Nigerian polytechnics in order to enhance the employability of OTM graduates and to bridge their employability skills gap. The theoretical research originates from an aspiration to update and improve the OTM programme of study. The review of literature indicates that learners’ need will have to be addressed if the course is to be successful. The literature suggests important principles for investigating OTM students’ needs, specifying that attempts should be made to meet those needs in actual teaching and learning situations, which further involve attention to curriculum development. The need analysis for a framework development described in this paper is to determine the supply and demand of employability skills required in the labour market which include technical and soft skills as well as reviewing literature on processes of need analysis that include: situational analysis, planning learning outcomes, course organisation, choosing and preparing teaching materials, providing for effective teaching methodologies and evaluation which are all integrally interconnected. This is done to provide a guide for integration of employability skills into the OTM curriculum, and if well implemented can help in integration of employability skills and improve OTM curriculum. Evaluation can be done while the course is underway to establish if learner needs have been met. By thoroughly reviewing literature on need analysis for framework development and validation, it can prove useful for OTM teaching and learning contexts and subsequently enhance the acquisition of these skills.