The aspects of competency in the context of education situation in Latvia

Abstract

Competency approach is a useful tool for various organisations and, in particular, academic institutions in order to develop qualitative education programme based on the up-to-date skills and behaviours that are currently required from employees. The goal of the research was to identify the main aspects of competencies in the field of higher education in Latvia as a result of which it would be possible to determine the possibilities for competency approach development. The research methods used are as follows: literary review, document analysis, data processing methods, statistical analysis and case study. The results of the analysis showed that competency-based approaches evolve in academic environment, the development of competency approach influenced significantly the form of study programmes at the University of Latvia, Faculty of Business, Management and Economics. On average, problem solving, communication and information skills of people in Latvia are at an appropriate level while digital and software skills are averagely lower than average in the EU. The results of the research can be applied in the academic field by developing educational programmes that would be based on today’s crucial key competencies. It was concluded that regardless of current difficulties in the field of education, knowledge of foreign languages is a competitive advantage of people of Latvia. Support should be provided to the digital and software skills. As well it is essential that institutions of higher education understand the aspects of competency, because they have to adapt their study process implementation according to new legislation related to competency approach.