Technology management degree programs: Meeting the needs of employers

Abstract

A profound need exists for employees with expertise in technology management in today's rapidly changing technologically-based environment. The competencies, skills, and abilities of graduates of technology management programs should reflect and meet the needs of the employers of these graduates. It is imperative that the design and development of technology management curricula consider the needs of business and industry, yet very little research has addressed this aspect. The author conducted a study using a purposive sample population of technology-managers from four industry sectors (business services, education, government, and manufacturing) in addition to economic developers. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the core curricular elements of effective undergraduate technology management academic programs. The relative perceived importance of each of the following eight core-competency areas were addressed in the study: (a) technology project management, (b) management of technological change, (c) information and knowledge management, (d) management of organizational change, (e) strategic management of technology, (f) assessment and evaluation of technology, (g) quality management of technology, and (h) innovation and product development. The results of this study demonstrated that inclusion of specific technology management core competencies in undergraduate technology management programs is essential in order to meet the needs of employers.