Relevance of Computing Programmes to Industry Needs in Jordan's Higher Education Institutes

Abstract

This chapter aims to articulate the concerns and issues surrounding the relevance of computing programmes of higher education institutes in Jordan to market/employer needs. The information technology (IT) industry in Jordan has directed many criticisms to Jordanian institutes of higher education regarding the structure and content of programmes offered by IT faculties and departments, despite relentless effort to fulfilling shortages in the local and regional markets for adequate IT graduates. The chapter presents the findings of a local survey to assess the relevance of computing programmes to market/employer needs in Jordan. The survey identifies many of the skill gaps that exist and in acute need to be covered by a new breed of computing curricula in Jordanian institutes of higher education. Also, the survey emphasises the three most relevant areas of knowledge in computing programmes to industries’ needs: (1) systems/software development/engineering and management; (2) electronic business development and management; and (3) system/software development tools and languages.