Application of Soft Systems Methodology in Defining Professional Communication Skills for Malaysian Graduates.

Ahmad-Tajuddin Azza Jauhar; Ganakumaran Subramaniam

doi:10.24297/ijrem.v6i3.3869

Authors

Ahmad-Tajuddin Azza Jauhar Centre of Fundamental and Liberal Studies, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu.
Ganakumaran Subramaniam School of Education, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Broga Rd, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24297/ijrem.v6i3.3869

Keywords:

Soft systems methodology, professional communication skills in English, employability, English in higher education.

Abstract

This paper investigates the usage of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as an assessment tool for improving teaching and learning English in Malaysian higher education institutions (HEIs). In this study, the Malaysian stakeholders industries, government agencies of Malaysia and HEIs are the interveners who create the best solutions of the problematic situation of poor professional communication skills amongst the graduates. By using SSM, it is anticipated that stakeholders involved would reach a common ground in defining Professional Communication Skills (PCS), which will decrease the problem of skill mismatches. It is discovered thatSSM was able to examine the requirement from all parties by offering them a proper and equal stage to voice out their opinion. It is believed that SSM can help instructors and policy makers of Malaysian HEIs in making a sound judgement in teaching PCS in classrooms, and help to develop our graduates potential to bemore marketable employees.