EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS DEFINITIONS
Skill
Cognitive skills of critical thinking
Effective problem solving and
decision making
Effective communication, oral and
in writing
Numeracy and quantitative skills
Effective self-management
Effective performance within a
team environment
Interpersonal skills
Ability to conduct research (in to
business & management /
economics issues)
Self-reflection and criticality
IT skills
Definition/key words
Analysis and synthesis, identify assumptions, evaluate statements in
terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit
values, define terms adequately, generalise appropriately. Appraise
your own and others work. Provide constructive criticism.
Appropriate quantitative/qualitative skills for identifying, formulating
and solving business problems. The ability to create, analyse, evaluate
and assess a range of options. Capacity to apply ideas and knowledge
to a range of situations. Independent thinking to develop ideas and to
find solutions to issues. Abstract reasoning - solve problems and
process information in a complex and intangible way.
Ability to interact in intellectual debate, to discuss issues with
peers/supervisors, and to express a viewpoint clearly and concisely in
words / in writing. Using a range of media for communication (which
are widely used in business, such as for business reporting).
Understand mathematical concepts. Data analysis, interpretation and
extrapolation.
The use of models for business problems and phenomena.
Time management, planning, organisation and efficiency. The ability
to meet deadlines.
Self-starting, individual initiative and enterprise. Autonomy and
independent learning.
Being adaptable to changing circumstances.
Team building, influencing and project management skills. The ability
to be a constructive team member, contributing positively to a group’s
success. The ability to make decisions, motivate and manage people,
and handle a range of tasks simultaneously.
Effective listening, negotiating, persuasion and presentation. Ability to
relate well to others, and work successfully with them in a team or as
their leader.
Ability to conduct research individually or as part of a team. Requiring
familiarity with and an evaluative approach to a range of business
data, sources of information and appropriate methodologies, which
inform the overall learning process.
Sensitivity to diversity (cultures, ethical dilemmas, business and
management issues).
Principles of moral values and right conduct.
Learning to learn and developing a continuing appetite for learning.
Reflective, adaptive and collaborative learning.
Self-awareness - an understanding of one’s self (e.g. behaviours and
reactions to others).
Using technology to access information, for analysing and interpreting
data and/or research. Using technology to present work in a suitable
format and for communication.
Use of specialist software. Development of IT management systems.