Exploring the effects of technology and innovation on changing market requirements and the evolving maritime curriculum: A Jamaican perspective

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine, through the lenses of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the imperative of curricular re-structuring in maritime education and training (MET) and the use of market needs analysis to prevent misalignment between training and ultimate job market need.

Design/methodology/approach

Peer-reviewed material was analyzed, and this examination was undertaken by looking at the literature on curriculum design, curriculum planning and curriculum evaluation. Attention was then given as to how these elements of curriculum should be applied to the discipline of MET and its didactics. This was twinned with an examination of the industry needs met by the delivery of the MET content.

Findings

The study found that the MET sector must respond to change to remain relevant and viable. This imperative of evolution in response to change is equally a truism for the business of shipping (to include the merchant marine industry, cruise tourism and hospitality) as it is for the business of higher education (HE), specifically MET.

Practical implications

The review saw where in 2017 the President of Rolls Royce Marine declared that “Autonomous shipping is the future of the maritime industry”. With this innovation, market needs for skills will shift from the able-bodied seafarer to a robust knowledge base in cyber-physical systems (CPSs). Just as the internet transformed how humans interact with one another, CPSs will transform how we interact with the physical world around us. This reality will necessitate change in instruction, curriculum planning and outcome in MET.

Social implications

Many educational institutions which are stuck in traditional didactics are on the cusp of closure because technology-enhanced learning has overtaken and outstripped the old ways. Indeed, technology and innovation are sounding the death knell for traditional didactics in MET.

Originality/value

The paper examines the discipline of MET as unique and robust area of specialized HE. MET focuses on the equipping of the human element in shipping. It is the engine behind a multi-billion-dollar industry that is driven by the global trade that is facilitated by ships and ports. This trade extends to the maritime tourism and hospitality business. This paper is of value to maritime educators and trainers in the cruise and hospitality industry. Herein is the significance of this review.

Citation

Smith Johnson, E.M. (2020), "Exploring the effects of technology and innovation on changing market requirements and the evolving maritime curriculum: A Jamaican perspective", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 69-79. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-10-2019-0065