Abstract:
Equipping themselves with Higher Order Cognitive Skills (HOCS) is essential for the
IT professionals in the accelerating digital transformation across industries. This
study investigates the gap between academic training and industry expectations
related essential HOCS with entry-level IT professionals. Main objective is to
determine the industry’s expectations for HOCS among entry-level IT professionals
in Sri Lanka and translate these expectations into actionable guidance for universities
and training providers. The research maps the critical HOCS IT professionals by
using quantitative survey data from 30 IT industry experts. Findings reveal that
analytical reasoning, adaptive problem-solving, and critical thinking are top priorities
for entry-level professionals in the IT sector. Based on the expertise idea, only 34%
of students had the threshold considered “proficient” in HOCS. 45% of newly joined
IT graduates demonstrated weaker problem-solving skills when handling complex IT
problems. However, over 60% of IT employees exhibited limited ability to analyse
complex problems, evaluate alternatives, or justify decisions with logical reasoning.
Industry experts underlined that the capacity to synthesise complex information,
evaluate alternative solutions, and adapt swiftly to technological changes are
distinguishing characteristic features of high-performing IT professionals, while
technical proficiency remains foundational. These perceptions provide a new idea to
reform the framework for academia to realign curricula to emphasise industry high
prioritised HOCS development, ensuring graduate readiness for dynamic IT careers.
Finally, this study discoursed on insufficient understanding of industry-defined
priorities of HOCS.
