From Theory To Practice A Study On The Skills Gap In Management Graduates

Abstract

The persistent gap between academic training and industry expectations in management education continues to challenge graduate employability worldwide. While business schools often emphasize theoretical knowledge, employers increasingly demand graduates equipped with practical competencies—particularly in aptitude and reasoning skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and data interpretation. This study investigates the nature and causes of this skills mismatch, cognitive dimensions of employability. Drawing on literature, industry insights, and academic perspectives, the research examines the extent to which current curricula address reasoning-related capabilities and explores industry-academia collaboration in enhancing them.
Using a mixed-methods approach, a study incorporates qualitative interviews with faculty and industry professionals, as well survey data from management students and recent graduates. Findings reveal that aptitude and reasoning are critical yet underdeveloped areas in traditional management programs, largely due to insufficient experiential learning and limited exposure to real-world problem-solving scenarios. The study highlights successful models of collaboration—such as internships, case-based learning, and co-designed curricula—that effectively bridge the skills gap.
The paper concludes by recommending integrative strategies to embed aptitude development within academic frameworks, suggesting that sustainable, structured engagement between academia and industry is essential to produce graduates who is not only knowledgeable, but also reasoning-capable and job-ready.