The use of fuzzy delphi method in developing soft skills of industrial revolution 4.0 in pdpc at Malaysian institute of teacher education

• Main Authors: Nor, Mubin Md, Ilias, Kamaruddin, Abd Hamid, Munirah, Siraj, Saedah, Abdullah, Mohd Hassan, Yaakob, Muhammad Nidzam, Norafandi, Nor Aiman Dzafran
• Format: Article
• Published: Association Res Militaris 2022
• Subjects: L Education (General); LC Special aspects of education
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/43880/

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) is based on simulation technology, industrial Internet of Things (IoT), systems integration, cybersecurity, cloud computing, additive manufacturing, reality augmentation systems, big data analytics, and robotic process automation. All these technologies are responsible for replacing human tasks via machines and robotic augmentations. However, the implementation of IR4.0 is hindered by various issues, such as the soft skills gap among the employees, the lack of job marketability and soft skills competency that are in line with the job scopes required for IR4.0 as well as the lack of readiness to embrace changes. All these confounding factors also resulted in graduate unemployment. On top of that, the effectiveness of soft skills implementation in PdPc through the classroom setting can be brushed up. Another implication, as stated by the industrial employers, is the unsatisfactory performances and quality of graduates, and also deflation. As a consequence, these implications affect the country’s economic development as a whole. Therefore, this study aims to develop the soft skills of graduates for IR4.0 through Teaching and Facilitating (PdPc) at the Malaysian Institute of Teacher Education (IPGM). The study was conducted by using the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) to obtain experts consensus on the proposed dimensions. The study sample was selected by sampling that involves 17 field experts from various institutions. The data obtained were analysed according to the steps and. conditions set out by the FDM. This study confirmed the expert consensus on the key dimensions, including interpersonal relationship, creativity, decision-making, and leadership skills, in the development of soft skills for Industrial Revolution 4.0 in PdPc at IPGM. The findings of the study could help in designing the enhancement of soft skills specific for IR4.0 in PdPc at the IPGM, improving the national education system, supporting the Malaysian Education Blueprint (2013-2025), with the primary objective of reaching towards the National Transformation 2050 (2021-2050), and National Policy on Industry 4.0 that is the country’s Industrial Revolution 4.0 Policy, in order to overcome unemployment issues and to improve the country’s economy. © 2022, Association Res Militaris. All rights reserved.