Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2016-job-skills-report/

Emphasizing the importance of Collaboration, Communication and Problem-solving, World Economic Forum (2015b) ‘New Vision for Education’ report says, “To thrive in the 21st century, students need more than traditional academic learning. They must be adept at collaboration, communication and problem-solving, which are some of the skills developed through social and emotional learning (SEL). Coupled with mastery of traditional skills, social and emotional proficiency will equip students to succeed in the swiftly evolving
digital economy.”

In a similar manner, McKinsey (2017) report titled ‘Future of Work’ says: “Policy makers working with education providers (traditional and non-traditional) could do more to improve basic STEM skills through the school systems, and put a new emphasis (in higher education) on creativity as well as critical and systems thinking, and foster adaptive and life-long learning.”

Some of the top Global B-schools have revamped their MBA Curriculum in last 5 years to align with changing trends and expectations. In 2012, leading global B-school Wharton, University of Pennsylvania, USA changed its curriculum. “Wharton’s curriculum has a unique structure, offering rigor and flexibility. The intensive, cross-functional core curriculum provides business fundamentals and the leadership, communication and analytical skills that are critical to your success.”

The core courses that cover nine traditional management disciplines (Accounting, Ethics, Finance, Macroeconomics, Marketing, Management, Microeconomics, Operations and Statistics) are divided into Fixed Core and Flexible Core. Fixed core courses are tightly coupled with the ‘must have’ skills to discharge managerial responsibilities; for each student these compulsory courses must be over in first semester. The flexible core courses that serve to build up knowledge and skills in ‘specialized area of choice’ can be taken up in first semester or any time thereafter. A student needs to choose courses to make up for the required credits.