Interdisciplinary approach proposed to tackle complex work challenges

By Emmanuel AKOMEA

Regional Manager, Organisational Effectiveness for Newmont, Africa, Georgina Bartels has highlighted the need for a more flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum to better prepare students for the complex challenges facing the world today.

According to her, there have been siloed academic disciplines, where students only study within their field, meanwhile, the reality of the world’s problems does not fit neatly into those boundaries.

Ms. Bartels suggested allowing students to take courses across different areas, such as combining economics and biology to gain a more holistic understanding of sustainability issues. Facilitating interdisciplinary student projects was also recommended to foster collaboration and learning from diverse perspectives.

Additionally, she emphasised the importance of leveraging tools and technologies beyond just a single discipline, stating “It shouldn’t only be the project management students who are exposed to those kinds of tools. Getting people from various backgrounds familiar with the latest technologies can benefit interdisciplinary work.”

She made these comments during a website lunch by Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) School of Business and Career Services at University in Kumasi.

The Website is a pioneering platform designed to enhance students’ professional journeys and foster meaningful partnerships with esteemed employers.

This cutting-edge platform has been carefully crafted to empower and guide the students toward successful and gratifying professional careers. The Career Services Website will serve as a holistic resource, offering useful tools, insights, and opportunities to bolster students’ employability skills and career development.

Recognising the invaluable role that employers play in shaping the professional landscape, the website aims to benefit employers by providing access to a pool of well-trained and talented university students and graduates. These individuals have undergone courses in essential career skills and are poised to deliver impactful results when given the opportunity.

Speaking on the launch, Director of NPI and Product Engineering at Dell Technologies, Jeffrey Moore, said the digital transformation presents a significant opportunity. He added that the university’s newly launched website, developed in partnership with Dell Technologies, aims to connect KNUST’s talented students with a global network of employers.

“This website is a magnificent leap forward for our students. It provides them access to a world of opportunities while showcasing KNUST’s exceptional talent to companies. It is a true testament to technology’s power to bridge gaps and create new possibilities,” he said.

Mr. Moore further explained that gone had been the days of manual, paper-based hiring processes. Dell Technologies, along with other forward-thinking organizations, is adopting a digital-first approach to recruitment, utilizing technology to connect with top-tier candidates.

“We are investing heavily in addressing the global tech talent gap through innovative recruiting practices. From case competitions and internships to virtual tours and video profiles, we are constantly exploring new ways to identify, engage, and nurture the talent that will drive our business forward,” he noted.

He noted that technology’s role in shaping the future of work is increasingly recognised. Organisations across various sectors are adapting to the digital era by harnessing tools like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics to streamline their operations and maintain a competitive edge, he added.

The importance of leveraging the comprehensive ecosystem of resources already in place to support risk-taking and creativity among the student body was emphasised.

This includes innovation centers and labs designed to help students develop the skills necessary to turn their ideas into viable ventures.

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