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<p>The persistent misalignment between higher education outcomes and labor market demands undermines graduate employability and economic growth. This study develops and applies a transformative framework based on lean principles and Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to redesign academic curricula, using an Industrial Engineering program in Saudi Arabia as a case study. Analysis of the Current State VSM revealed significant inefficiencies, with a total graduation time of 242&#xa0;weeks but only 23&#xa0;weeks of value-added learning. The Future State VSM introduced a level-based structure of five competency-driven levels, each lasting eight weeks, reducing graduation time to 85&#xa0;weeks and increasing value-added contact time to 10.1&#xa0;weeks. Beyond operational efficiency, the findings demonstrate the strategic value of VSM as a tool for aligning academic programs with evolving labor market needs. For universities, the framework provides a mechanism to restructure curricula around modular learning, takt-time pacing, and continuous feedback loops with industry stakeholders, enhancing the adaptability of graduates. For policymakers, it offers a data-driven model for competency-based reform that addresses systemic skill gaps and supports sustainable career ecosystems. For industries, closer collaboration with higher education ensures a steady pipeline of workforce-ready professionals, reducing onboarding costs and accelerating innovation. This work contributes to lean higher education literature by extending VSM from institutional process improvement to systemic labor market alignment. The approach is scalable across disciplines, positioning higher education as a proactive enabler of economic resilience and long-term graduate career sustainability.</p>

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Engineering curriculum redesign for sustainable careers: a process mapping approach in higher education

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月23日

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  • Ageel Abdulaziz Alogla

摘要

The persistent misalignment between higher education outcomes and labor market demands undermines graduate employability and economic growth. This study develops and applies a transformative framework based on lean principles and Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to redesign academic curricula, using an Industrial Engineering program in Saudi Arabia as a case study. Analysis of the Current State VSM revealed significant inefficiencies, with a total graduation time of 242 weeks but only 23 weeks of value-added learning. The Future State VSM introduced a level-based structure of five competency-driven levels, each lasting eight weeks, reducing graduation time to 85 weeks and increasing value-added contact time to 10.1 weeks. Beyond operational efficiency, the findings demonstrate the strategic value of VSM as a tool for aligning academic programs with evolving labor market needs. For universities, the framework provides a mechanism to restructure curricula around modular learning, takt-time pacing, and continuous feedback loops with industry stakeholders, enhancing the adaptability of graduates. For policymakers, it offers a data-driven model for competency-based reform that addresses systemic skill gaps and supports sustainable career ecosystems. For industries, closer collaboration with higher education ensures a steady pipeline of workforce-ready professionals, reducing onboarding costs and accelerating innovation. This work contributes to lean higher education literature by extending VSM from institutional process improvement to systemic labor market alignment. The approach is scalable across disciplines, positioning higher education as a proactive enabler of economic resilience and long-term graduate career sustainability.