Developing Competitive Intelligence Capabilities Through Project Management Training: A Structural Model for Future Skills and Employability
PDF (English)

Palabras clave

Competitive Intelligence
Project Management Training
Future Skills
Intelligence Capability Development
Employability

Cómo citar

Lei, A., Bamroongkhan, P., & Ponathong, C. (2026). Developing Competitive Intelligence Capabilities Through Project Management Training: A Structural Model for Future Skills and Employability . Journal of Sustainable Competitive Intelligence , 16, e0657. https://doi.org/10.37497/eagleSustainable.v16i.657

Resumen

Purpose: This study aims to develop and validate a Competitive Intelligence (CI)-oriented competency model by positioning project management (PM) training as a mechanism to enhance workforce intelligence capabilities, particularly in addressing the global skills mismatch crisis.

Methodology/approach: The study adopts a mixed-methods design conducted in Shaanxi Province, China. Data were collected through interviews, surveys (n = 380), expert validation, and a quasi-experimental intervention (n = 30). The conceptual framework integrates Project Management, Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), and Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to validate the measurement model.

Originality/Relevance: This research introduces a novel CI-oriented competency model that conceptualizes leadership, innovation, and problem-solving as micro-foundations of intelligence capability. It uniquely links project management training with the development of strategic intelligence skills, addressing employability challenges in dynamic work environments.

Key findings: The findings identify significant gaps in leadership, innovation, and problem-solving competencies, indicating deficiencies in intelligence readiness. Following a PM-based training intervention, substantial improvements were observed (Δ = 1.08–1.37; Cohen’s d = 1.931–2.456). Structural analysis confirms that these competencies significantly enhance employability by strengthening decision intelligence.

Theoretical/methodological contributions: The study advances a human capital–driven CI capability framework by integrating PM, SCCT, and SDT. Methodologically, it demonstrates the effectiveness of combining CFA with quasi-experimental design to validate competency development models and provides a scalable approach for embedding intelligence-oriented training in higher education.

https://doi.org/10.37497/eagleSustainable.v16i.657
PDF (English)

Citas

Afzal, F., & Tumpa, R. J. (2025). Project-based group work for enhancing students' learning in project management education: An action research. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 18(1), 189–208. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-06-2024-0150

An, L. (2024). Development of a training program to strengthen future skills using project management methodologies for higher education students at Shaanxi in China. Doctoral dissertation, Srinakharinwirot University.

Barachino, H., Timmermans, A., Venhorst, V. A., & van Dijk, J. (2025). Operationalization of graduate employability interventions in higher education: A systematic review. Education + Training, 67(10), 89–110. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-10-2024-0463

Bertoni, E., Cosgrove, J., Pouliakas, K., & Santangelo, G. (2024). What drives workers' participation in digital skills training? Joint Research Centre. https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC137073

Brown, P., & Davis, T. (2020). Project-based learning in higher education: Effects on student outcomes. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 17(1), 1–15.

Chen, Y., Flores, L. Y., Navarro, R. L., & Liao, H.-Y. (2024). Showing authentic examples of academic and career pathways: Effects on career exploration self-efficacy and intentions. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 155, Article 104017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2024.104017

Compare, C., Rivero, C., Vargas Moniz, M. J., & Albanesi, C. (2024). Autonomy, competence, and relatedness: Unpacking faculty motivation in service-learning. Higher Education Research & Development, 43(6), 1210–1226. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2024.2325152

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01

Duong, C. D., Tran, V. T., & St-Jean, E. (2024). Social cognitive career theory and higher education students' entrepreneurial intention: The role of perceived educational support and perceived entrepreneurial opportunity. Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation, 20(1), 86–102. https://doi.org/10.7341/20242015

Ehlers, U.-D. (2024). Towards a future skills framework for higher education. In U.-D. Ehlers & L. Eigbrecht (Eds.), Creating the university of the future: A global view on future skills and future higher education (pp. 21–60). Springer VS. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-42948-5_2

Esparza, A. M., McMurray, A., & Rambo-Hernandez, K. E. (2025). Changes within: How within-person changes on key social cognitive career theory constructs relate to first-year engineering student persistence intentions. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 161, Article 104141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2025.104141

Gregory, A. M., & Penela, D. (2023). Context-specific elective coursework and students' employability development: Application of social cognitive career theory in hospitality education. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 33, Article 100465. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhlste.2023.100465

Guerra-Macías, Y., & Tobón, S. (2025). Development of transversal skills in higher education programs in conjunction with online learning: Relationship between learning strategies, project-based pedagogical practices, e-learning platforms, and academic performance. Heliyon, 11, Article e41099. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41099

Gunawan, W., Glendon, A. I., & Creed, P. A. (2024). Young adults' perceived future employability: Testing a social cognitive career model. International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10775-024-09666-7

Kerzner, H. (2022). Modern project management: Trends, methodologies, and applications. John Wiley & Sons.

Khaled Gijón, M., Ávalos Ruiz, I., de Rueda Villén, B., & García de Quesada, M. (2025). Selecting and defining transversal competences for higher education training design. Frontiers in Education, 10, Article 1533505. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1533505

Kingdom, O. J., Ofori, D., & Adebiyi, S. (2026). Bridging digital skills gap: Perspectives from higher education and employers in business and health sectors. Journal of Education, Society & Behavioural Science, 39(3), 59–67.

Kirkpatrick, D. L., & Kirkpatrick, J. D. (2024). Evaluating training programs: The four levels (3rd ed.). Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

Koopmans, L. K., Van den Tooren, M. V., & Preenen, P. P. (2025). Long-term effects of on-the-job skills (mis)match on employee wellbeing and employability: A 7-wave longitudinal study. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, Article 1591769. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1591769

Kumar, R., & O'Donoghue, O. (2025). Skills development is critical to bridging the global digital talent gap. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/12/bridging-the-digital-talent-crisis/

Lent, R. W., & Brown, S. D. (2021). Social cognitive career theory: Recent advances and applications. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 68(2), 159–176. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000486

Ministry of Education of China. (2023). China higher education quality report 2022.

MyCOS Research Institute. (2025). 2025 China college student employment and competency development report.

Naseer, F., Tariq, R., Alshahrani, H. M., Alruwais, N., & Al-Wesabi, F. N. (2025). Project-based learning framework integrating industry collaboration to enhance student future readiness in higher education. Scientific Reports, 15, Article 24985. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-10385-4

Noguez, J., Ortega Gutiérrez, E., Neri, L., & Rubio, J. E. (2025). Acquisition of transversal competencies through a project-based learning model for computer systems engineering students. Frontiers in Education, 10, Article 1541117. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1541117

Novalia, R., Marini, A., Bintoro, T., & Muawanah, U. (2025). Project-based learning: For higher education students' learning independence. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, Article 101530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101530

OECD. (2023). Skills for transition: A global framework for higher education reform. OECD Publishing.

OECD. (n.d.). Future of education and skills 2030/2040. Retrieved April 20, 2026, from https://www.oecd.org/en/about/projects/future-of-education-and-skills-2030.html

Project Management Institute. (2021). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK guide) (7th ed.). Project Management Institute.

Pouliakas, K., & Santangelo, G. (Eds.). (2026). Human-centred digital transitions and skill mismatches in European workplaces (Working Paper No. 28). Cedefop. https://doi.org/10.2801/9894877

Qi, A., & Li, Y. (2023). Deep integration of project management and undergraduate professional courses. Journal of Higher Education Research, 46(2), 92–98.

Rathee, V., & Mittal, P. (2024). Employability skills among work-ready professionals in higher education: Mapping the field through bibliometric analysis with R studio. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 14(6), 1314–1339. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-10-2023-0279

Ross, P. M., & Scanes, E. (2025). Using self-determination theory as a lens to create sustainable futures for teaching and education-focused academics in higher education in Australia. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 47(1), 90–107. https://doi.org/10.1080/1360080X.2024.2391600

Salm, E. J., & McKinney, C. C. (2024). Design and implementation of a project management training program to develop workforce-ready skills and career readiness in STEM PhD students and postdoctoral trainees. Frontiers in Education, 9, Article 1194678. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1194678

Shaanxi Provincial Department of Education. (2023). Shaanxi higher education and graduate employment development report 2023.

Siacor, K. H., Ng, B., & Liu, W. C. (2024). Fostering student motivation and engagement through teacher autonomy support: A self-determination theory perspective. International Journal of Instruction, 17(2), 583–598.

Spencer, L. M., & Spencer, S. M. (2022). Competence models for future workforce development. John Wiley & Sons.

Wang, Y., Zhao, Y., Zhang, J., Man, K., & Lu, J. (2025). Fostering autonomous motivation in first-year college students: A self-determination theory-based online intervention. Learning and Motivation, 90, Article 102118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lmot.2025.102118

World Bank. (2024). Skills mismatch and youth employability in transitional economies. World Bank Group.

World Bank. (2025). Digital progress and trends report 2025. World Bank Group.

World Economic Forum & Cognizant. (2025). Skills development is critical to bridging the global digital talent gap. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/12/bridging-the-digital-talent-crisis/

Yang, Y., Chen, J., & Zhuang, X. (2025). Self-determination theory and the influence of social support, self-regulated learning, and flow experience on student learning engagement in self-directed e-learning. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, Article 1545980. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1545980

Yao, C., & McWha-Hermann, I. (2025). Contextualizing career development: Cultural affordances as the missing link in social cognitive career theory. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 159, Article 104114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2025.104114

Zhaopin.com. (2023). 2023 Shaanxi graduate employment survey report [Report in Chinese]. Zhaopin.com.

Zhaopin.com. (2025). National college student competency and employment survey report. Zhaopin.com.

Zhong, B. L., & Wang, H. (2025). Student-centered competency training in higher education: A constructivist perspective. Educational Research, 46(4), 45–53.

Zhu, Y., Dolmans, D., Kusurkar, R. A., Köhler, S. E., Abidi, L., & Savelberg, H. (2024). Promoting students' autonomous motivation for the ongoing curriculum using a "Societal Impact Project" with basic psychological needs characteristics. Medical Teacher. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2024.2388804

Creative Commons License

Esta obra está bajo una licencia internacional Creative Commons Atribución 4.0.

Derechos de autor 2026 Journal of Sustainable Competitive Intelligence

Descargas

Los datos de descargas todavía no están disponibles.