Published 08 October 2024
Despite their growing importance in an innovation-driven global economy, standards often do not receive the necessary attention in higher education curricula, particularly within trade-related disciplines. By embracing standards education, universities can empower graduates with the skills needed to navigate modern industry complexities and drive sustainable business practices.
A primer for universities: Teaching standards and their importance for students
In a rapidly evolving world driven by innovation and technology, the establishment and adherence to standards play a pivotal role in ensuring product quality, process efficiency, and ethical conduct across industries. As universities prepare students for careers in diverse sectors, it becomes imperative to integrate education on standards into their curricula. This article explores why standards education is essential for students and how universities can better equip their graduates for the complexities of modern business and industry.
The evolution of standards
In contemporary society, standards are not merely technical specifications but comprehensive frameworks that govern product quality, process efficiency, and organizational behavior. These standards are developed by international bodies, industry associations, and national standards organizations, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the British Standards Institution (BSI), or in the case of Singapore, the Singapore Standards Council led by Enterprise Singapore. There are 172 signatories to ISO and the vast majority are national standards bodies. These entities collaborate to ensure that standards evolve in response to technological advancements, market needs, and societal expectations.
Standards: A missing element in higher education
Despite their critical importance, standards often do not receive the necessary attention in higher education curricula, particularly within trade-related disciplines. Universities typically prioritize theoretical knowledge and practical skills, yet fall short in emphasizing the practical application of standards in real-world scenarios. This oversight can lead to graduates being ill-equipped to navigate the intricate regulatory environments and industry-specific demands that they will inevitably encounter in their professional journeys.
As students transition into the workforce, they are often confronted with a multitude of systems, processes, behaviors, workflows, and specifications that serve to institutionalize discipline, promote ethical conduct, and facilitate continuous improvement. These guidelines and best practice standards are essential for effectively managing product quality, process efficiency, and behavioral integrity. It is crucial for educational institutions to bridge this gap by integrating a comprehensive understanding and application of standards into their curricula, ensuring that graduates possess the necessary skills to thrive in diverse and challenging work environments.
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How standards enhance students preparing for the real world
Integrating standards education into university curricula can significantly enhance students' readiness for the challenges of business and industry in multiple ways:
- Industry relevance:
Students understanding and applying standards relevant to their disciplines, such as ISO 9001 for Quality Management and ISO 14001 for Environmental Management, equips them with practical knowledge that directly aligns with industry expectations and regulatory compliance. - Risk management:
Familiarity with standards such as ISO 31000 for Risk Management and ISO 22301 Business Continuity helps students identify vulnerabilities in supply chains and organizational processes, enabling them to implement proactive risk mitigation strategies for operational continuity and resilience. - Ethical awareness:
Standards like ISO 37001 for Anti-Bribery Management Systems and ISO 37200 for Modern Slavery promote ethical business practices. Educating students on these standards fosters a commitment to corporate social responsibility and ethical conduct throughout their careers. - Innovation and sustainability:
Standards such as ISO 56002 for Innovation Management and ISO 59000 for Circular Economy encourage innovative thinking and sustainable practices. Students learn to integrate sustainability principles into business strategies, promoting long-term value creation and environmental stewardship.
- Global perspective:
Many standards are internationally recognized, facilitating global trade and collaboration. Exposure to standards education prepares students for global careers by ensuring they understand and comply with diverse regulatory requirements across different markets. - Ensuring product quality:
Standards are designed to ensure that products meet specific quality and safety requirements. By educating students on standards, universities can help future professionals understand the importance of quality control and compliance, ultimately contributing to the production of safer and more reliable products.
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- Enhancing process efficiency:
Standards often provide guidelines for efficient processes and practices. By teaching students about standards, universities can equip them with the knowledge needed to streamline operations, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency in various industries. - Fostering ethical conduct:
Standards also play a critical role in promoting ethical conduct within organizations. By educating students on ethical standards and codes of conduct, universities can instil important values related to integrity, transparency, and responsibility in future business leaders. - Facilitating global trade:
Adherence to international standards is essential for facilitating global trade in an interconnected world. By familiarizing students with international standards and regulations, universities can prepare them to navigate the complexities of doing business on a global scale.
Importance of standards across disciplines:
Standards are crucial across various fields and professions, including but not limited to:
- Business management, manufacturing and services, administration, and public policy
- Built environment, engineering, and architecture
- Information technology and data security
- Healthcare and medical devices
- Food and agriculture
- Sustainability and environmental management
- Supply chain pre-qualification
- Financial services, banking, fund management, and advisory
- Mobility – Automotive, aerospace, and transport
- Telecommunication
- Energy – Renewables, oil, and gas
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The table illustrates how relevant standards can be linked to different themes, sectors, or fields. Universities have the option to offer these courses to students as either required or optional.
The top five reasons for adopting certification to international standards are building trust, improving products and services, complying with regulations, reducing mistakes, and increasing competitive edge.
The Consumer Good Forum (CGF) is an organization of 400 retailers, manufacturers, and stakeholders across 70 countries with combined sales of 4.6 trillion euros. The members embrace the principals of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to ensure better lives through better business. The diagram below shows the key business priorities for the forum’s membership which are Product Data, Healthier Lives, Food Waste, Plastic Waste, Forest Positive, Net Zero, Human Rights, Sustainable Supply Chains, and Food Safety.
By equipping students with knowledge and skills related to standards in their respective disciplines, universities can promote best practices in quality, sustainability, and compliance with industry standards.
Practical considerations for students
In preparing students for the real world, universities should address the following key considerations:
- Relevance: Ensure that the curriculum includes standards relevant to specific disciplines and industries.
- Supplier requirements: Understand the standards applicable to Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers in supply chains to effectively mitigate risks.
- Vulnerability assessment: Identify weak links in supply chains vulnerable to risks such as cybersecurity threats, regulatory non-compliance, and ethical lapses.
Strategies to enhance student preparedness:
- Integrating standards education into relevant courses:
By incorporating discussions on standards, regulations, and quality management into relevant courses across various disciplines, universities can help students understand the practical implications of standards in their respective fields. - Offering specialized courses or workshops:
Providing specialized courses or workshops focused on standards education can equip students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills related to standards compliance and implementation. - Collaborating with industry partners:
Industry partnerships can offer students real-world insights into the importance of standards in various sectors, helping them grasp how standards are applied in practice and stay updated on industry best practices.
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By prioritizing standards education, universities can bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice, enhancing the employability and success of graduates in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Conclusion
Standards education is a cornerstone of preparing students for successful careers in today's interconnected and regulated global economy. By integrating comprehensive knowledge of standards into university curricula, institutions can empower graduates with the skills and awareness needed to navigate industry complexities, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive sustainable business practices. Embracing standards education not only enhances students' professional competencies but also fosters a culture of ethical responsibility and innovation, essential for addressing global challenges and creating lasting societal impact.
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Author
David Horlock
As a seasoned leader with over 40 years of extensive senior executive experience in the fields of assurance, governance, and organizational resilience, David Horlock has dedicated his career to serving manufacturers, brands, and retailers by ensuring compliance with standards, regulations, and quality requirements across various sectors.
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