The Dichotomy in Business Education |
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| Abstract: | Abstract The basic aims of NVCQ are ones which can be fully endorsed. However, it has been envisaged that the notion of ‘competence’ will provide the required flexibility to enable NCVQ aims to be realised in the new vocational qualifications system. This is not so. In this paper, the distinction between ‘having NCVQ competences' and actually being competent is clearly drawn. For instance: -
1. Theoretical knowledge and understanding is essential to being competent. But scant attention is paid to this in the specification of NCVQ competences. The value of knowledge and understanding is reasserted in this paper. -
2. Being competent in the workplace usually involves the ability to engage fully in teamwork. But NCVQ actually adopts an individualistic orientation by emphasising personal competences. In fact, the required capacity for teamwork is hardly analysable in individual terms. -
3. Competences are based on a strictly behavioural analysis. While this looks attractive from the point of view of assessment, it tends to support both the biases above, being individualistic and ignoring relevant mental activity. |
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