SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES REQUIREMENTS IN INDUSTRY 4.0 FOR ENTRY-LEVEL PROJECT MANAGEMENT POSITIONS: AN INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

There are very few studies done pertaining to the skills required in Industry 4.0 for Project Management (PM) employees, and no studies explicitly focused on entry-level skills requirement for PM graduates in the advent of Industry 4.0 especially from the industry perspective. The aim of the study is to investigate the required skills of project management graduates for entry-level project management positions in various Industries. It also highlights the current skills and competencies that are of high value to organisations in Industry 4.0. This research employed a qualitative research method, gathering information from 13 experienced respondents in the Sultanate of Oman in various positions and sectors. The study found that there is indeed a significant skill gap between what the graduates have and the requirements of the organisation. The researchers have emphasised that there must be an endeavour to pour more resources into fixing these skill gaps. The findings of this study have shown linkages with past research. The study has proposed strategies for the stakeholders to ensure that fresh graduates meet the demands of Industry 4.0 and might help the universities/colleges develop a curriculum that suits the industry's needs and requirements. The study had practical applicability and contributed to the body of research.