ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Educ., 23 January 2025

Sec. Digital Learning Innovations

Volume 9 - 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1485273

The development of modern-day competences in education, in the context of an agile approach

  • Óbuda University, Budapest, Hungary

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Abstract

Our daily lives are undergoing a major transformation before our eyes. Digitalisation and digital content, social media platforms, the unlimited amount of information available on the internet, require a whole new set of people and knowledge. We need new competences to thrive that our parents and grandparents of the previous generation did not even know about. A different dimension of awareness has emerged, raising many questions from the digital, financial, consumer and sustainability perspectives. The messages and lessons from various studies and articles suggest that many individuals are not adequately prepared for these challenges, for a variety of reasons. Inherited patterns, lack of awareness-raising, some aspects of exclusion are all factors working against the process, which is also influenced by the openness, receptiveness and willingness of individuals to embrace new things. The emergence of awareness as a competence is clearly an expectation of the 21st century, without which we become very vulnerable in our challenging lives and our ability to succeed is therefore questionable. Agility as an individual competence is also a child of the 21st century. A few years ago, agility was understood more at an organisational level, but for an organisation to become agile, it needs to have agile people. Many education, training and training courses are trying to develop this approach, but the education system can also do a lot to achieve this. In this study, we analysed the generational characteristics of identification with the agile approach by processing 5,067 evaluable questionnaires in a quantitative primary research. The research found that Generation X identifies most with the agile approach. Generations Y and Z, although they have a positive view of agility, are willing and able to identify with it, but in their case there is still a strong lack of concrete knowledge and understanding. The aim of our study is to present the state of competences in modern times, including the different dimensions of awareness through the ability to be agile, in order to highlight the differences and identities in different generational, educational and other aspects, based on the results of a primary research conducted in Hungary. The literature used for this study will help to evaluate the research findings and to understand the relationship between education, agility and competences. They also help to understand why the study links these three areas, illustrate the cause and effect relationship, and in all cases studies are closely linked to the interpretation of these three areas and their impact on each other.

Introduction

There is little need to prove or disprove that the world around us and our times are full of changes, both large and small. Adapting to change, adapting to it and staying relevant requires having certain qualities, skills, knowledge or some special (even distinctive) ‘thing’. Education is an essential place for the development of competences. It also needs to adapt rapidly to changes in the labour market and place a strong emphasis on the development of modern-day competences (Bouland-van Dam et al., 2022). The rise in the value of modern-day competences is also explained by our fast-paced, turbulent business environment. The faster our environment changes, the faster we need to respond to changing conditions. But only those with the ability to change quickly can do this. What is modern-day competence? Skills that have been made necessary by the trends and changes of the present age. We need only think, for example, of the rise of digitalisation, or the technological and innovation trends that have shaped our lives in recent years. These changes (trends) have given rise to new competences and necessitated new skills, and education clearly needs to adapt to this. It has to keep pace with technological, social and economic changes (Webb et al., 2021). And the accelerating world has made competences such as agile thinking even more important, as we can best adapt to change if we do so quickly, dynamically, with a planned approach and preferably with little resistance. Agility as a competence is a combination of several things. It is a combination of variability, flexibility, openness and agility, which means the ability to react and adapt dynamically to change. Agility can be an individual competence as well as an organisational one. Education must be prepared to train agile professionals who are able to meet the above (Milenković, 2022). Modern-day competences include skills, abilities and knowledge that enable workers to successfully navigate a complex, dynamic and digitalised world (Pulakos et al., 2019). These competences include digital literacy (Kim et al., 2018; Tzafilkou et al., 2022), creative thinking, critical thinking, appropriate problem-solving skills, teamwork, emotional intelligence, people-centredness, communication skills, acceptance and understanding of change, etc. As can be seen from the list (which is not exhaustive), education must be able to build not only professional (lexical) knowledge in individuals, but also develop certain competencies for successful change management and implementation (Kotter, 1996). Education needs to move away from lexical teaching to a more practical, problem-oriented direction (Mursalin et al., 2024), where learners and students can actually develop the basic competencies that will enable them to become more agile or champions of change themselves. They need to be able to work independently, to apply the knowledge they have acquired in practice (Fjeldheim et al., 2024) and to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. Education has a huge responsibility in this regard (Webb et al., 2021), because if we do not develop the competences in the present that will enable the next generations to successfully enter the world of work, we will leave them with a full individual competitiveness gap that will have an aggregate impact on overall economic performance. Today’s world is characterised by trends such as artificial intelligence, globalisation, intercultural change, green transformation, automation and robotisation. These increasingly require skills and competences that go beyond traditional knowledge. Digital skills are no longer only important in the labour market (Patwardhan et al., 2023), as digitalisation is now present in some form in almost every aspect of our lives. And critical thinking, problem-solving skills or creativity would help learners not only to adapt to changing conditions but also to be able to generate and generate change themselves. Agility, competences and education are indeed closely linked. Education must develop competences (this is its fundamental mission), among which the ability to be agile can help to better meet the challenges of the modern age (Silalahi et al., 2020; Figure 1).

Figure 1

It is worthwhile and necessary to develop an agile approach, but it is no longer limited to work. We also benefit in our daily lives by adapting flexibly and quickly, by detecting changes and opportunities, and by seeking to take advantage of them ourselves (Wijayanti et al., 2021). Developing modern-day competences can also contribute to individual well-being and social inclusion. Not to mention that people with agile competences can also achieve better performance, and thus better pay, through their skills (Dai et al., 2013). Developing the ability to be agile can enhance and improve flexibility, faster execution, teamwork, continuous feedback and communication (Chonko and Jones, 2005). At the same time, education can best achieve high standards of training agile professionals if it itself becomes agile. This means that learners and students themselves become real participants in the learning process, project-based learning emerges (Setemen et al., 2023). It enables students to encounter and solve problems in the learning process, to work together in teams, while they can continuously monitor their own progress and track their own development. In addition, creativity, collective thinking and collaborative skills need to develop. If we think about it, these are golden competences for a future job or working in a project team, but we can say the same about implementing change projects and processes. The development of competencies and an agile approach should appear almost hand in hand in education (Vinesian et al., 2023). Developing the right competencies is the key to success, while agility provides the right framework and approach for the effective application of competencies. The present study seeks to confirm the significant role of education in enhancing competences and to demonstrate that agility is now an essential, one might say key competence (Ahmad et al., 2023). It draws the attention of educational stakeholders to the fact that the development of appropriate competences is a fundamental condition, or even a key to the competitiveness of a country or society, and that it is therefore necessary to review from time to time the competences that a nation wishes to develop in its society. The importance and necessity of agility has been amply demonstrated by the changes of recent years, and agility and an agile approach have their place among the basic (key) competences of the 21st century. Educational institutions have a responsibility to create an environment where learners can enter the world equipped with state-of-the-art competences and an agile mindset. This paper aims to demonstrate and strengthen the link between education, competences and an agile mindset, drawing not only on the literature but also on primary research. The latter also answers how the study addresses individual and organisational competences. The survey sought respondents’ views on their perceptions of agile and what they perceived to be the most important competences required for an agile approach. We wanted to see what level of these competences they have and whether it is indeed necessary for education to develop competences that would enable individuals to become more agile in their daily lives. The primary research, which is closely linked to the literature, has been of considerable help in answering this question. A fundamental research question is the relationship between competences, agility and education and the closeness of this relationship. In addition to the research question, the hypotheses will be stated, which will be explained in the material and method section. In addition to the literature analysis and methodology, the own research results will be presented, and the paper will conclude with conclusions, recommendations and a short summary.

Literature background

In our fast-changing world, adaptation has become an essential condition for staying competitive. And to compete, factors such as innovation, research and development, education and training, quality, etc. are the best tools to mitigate the effects of the crisis (Girod et al., 2023). However, one must also understand that becoming innovative does not come out of nowhere, just as development does not come out of a vacuum. There are certain inputs that need to be created in individuals in order for them to become a breeding ground for innovation or development. The right competences and agility are increasingly important in organisations and should become increasingly important in education (Peng et al., 2022). In which areas should competences be developed? Examples include business intelligence applications, supply chains, agility, the development of which influences the extent to which an organisation develops rapid adaptability and flexibility in response to its changing environment (Wijayanti et al., 2021). The primary focus is on organisational agility, as it is clearly demonstrable to what extent a business organisation adapts to or tracks change. However, agility is not only a competence, but indeed an attitude, a way of thinking and behaving (de Carvalho, 2023). The latter can be characterised at the firm level, but also at the individual level (Lim et al., 2017). In general, an agile organisation ultimately requires a large number of agile individuals (employees) with the basic competences for agility. The latter have either been acquired and developed by individuals in the education system, or have been developed by the enterprise itself in its people. Either way, agile attitudes and competences can only be developed through conscious development in organisations and individuals (Santoso, 2021), which require targeted investment in human resources (Ferguson and Reio, 2010). However, being agile is rewarding and worthwhile (Buffone, 2021), so it is worthwhile to develop the competences that facilitate it in a meaningful way. Competency development has always proven to be a key factor in building the competitiveness of organisations (Weinert, 2001). Basically, we can distinguish between key and distinctive competencies, between which we can identify a significant difference. A key competence encompasses all the skills, attributes and aptitudes that are necessary for an organisation to carry out its core activities and meet customer needs (Prahalad and Hamel, 1990). However, a distinctive competence goes beyond this. It is what can differentiate competitors from each other that can result in the real differences between two competing economic agents. Those who can acquire or develop such competences more quickly than their competitors, and who can put them to good use, can expect to gain competitive advantages (Weinert, 2001). A competitive advantage is any capability or capacity to satisfy consumer needs at a higher level than before. These particular competences cannot be acquired or built up by everyone, and therefore not everyone performs or achieves the same results in competition (Deming, 2018). If a competence is missing, it must be created, built up or attracted. The education system can also help with this (Kaya, 2023). The emergence of agility in education does not only mean that students can learn about its meaning or content. That is where a successful education system would begin, one that would undertake to train and employ individuals with a more agile approach, fostering their active and autonomous problem solving, proactive thinking and positive receptiveness to change (Lombardo and Eichinger, 2001). They need to be able to change quickly and adapt to changing conditions (AlNuaimi et al., 2022). Educational institutions and actors need to provide an environment in which young people can learn how to become true team players, become resilient and become champions of change. Education can shape individuals’ mindsets and agile attitudes from the primary level (Dai and De Meuse, 2021). Most importantly, curricula, courses and training themselves should aim to develop agile competences. The curriculum should also include: developing complex thinking, developing problem-solving skills (Kek and Huijser, 2017), developing teamwork, developing collaboration, developing communication, developing digital skills, green thinking, etc. A shift in the direction of not only acquiring lexical knowledge but also applying it in creative and innovative ways would be crucial. For this to happen, the educational system and processes themselves must be flexible, with space and time for creativity, brainstorming and teamwork. The experience gained here could be put to good use later on, for example in project implementation and management. A debate can arise when it comes to whether agility is now a core or a distinctive competence. The correct answer in this case is that it should be essential for everyone, but not everyone has yet managed to adopt an agile approach. While some actors are more receptive and open to the subject, others are less so, so agility will always be a distinctive competence. While some can become agile and adapt better, others cannot, so competitive advantages are not shared to the same extent (and profits even less). Agile education also provides insight into what the labour market needs, what competences future employers want to include (Tessarini and Saltorato, 2021). It also shows the trends that are strongly influencing the development of the global economy today. Digitalisation or the green transition can be seen here as a key trend. These already require competences that were less important 15–20 years ago. The world is therefore changing faster and with shorter cycle times, so agility has perhaps never been more important than it is today (Pangestu, 2024). It is not enough to know the essence of agility, you have to act like it, you have to become truly agile. What does it mean to have agility skills? They develop better adaptability, respond more effectively to challenges, increase their value in the labour market, understand the essence of change, learn new technology more easily (Lai et al., 2021), deal better with challenges and conflicts, and communicate better. Individuals with agile competencies are often more creative, innovative and also able to take a leadership role in managing change (they can be agents or champions of change), which can lead to sustainable success for the whole firm in the long term (Eghbal and Hoveida, 2021). Agility can provide deep roots for organisational innovation. Agility is a talent that can both create new things (Dalcher, 2021) and make you more reactive to change. It requires being extremely open-minded, not being averse to new things and being receptive to change. Where individuals have high levels of uncertainty, are afraid of new things or have difficulty accepting change, agile functioning is more difficult to develop. For this reason, one of the most important tasks of education is to teach individuals to be open, receptive and to recognise the opportunities for agility. The ability to be agile must therefore be developed in individuals first, and then organisations can further invest in their people to create an even more agile business environment for themselves (Meyer et al., 2021). Business agility, according to this interpretation, goes beyond organisational analysis, it requires not only an analysis of organisational culture, but also the behaviour and attitudes of individuals (Muduli and Pandya, 2018). An organisation with an agile approach is created when it is made up of a large number of employees with an agile approach (Storme et al., 2020). Therefore, it is first and foremost the people as individuals that need to be addressed and developed in this direction. Primary research is trying to find answers to the extent to which these can be discovered at the level of individuals and different generations.

Materials and methods

In a primary research study, quantitative data collection was carried out using non-random sampling procedures and the arbitrary sampling technique. No filter condition was applied in the selection of subjects. The arbitrary sampling method is not a probability sampling method, nor did we aim to achieve a sample representative of any population. Our aim was to select the elements of the population that were considered typical, average and the most accessible. The reason for this was that there were no financial resources available to conduct the research, so this procedure was chosen in order to meet the research objectives. The stratified technique was used within the arbitrary sampling, where the stratifying criterion was generational affiliation. The aim of stratified random sampling was to successfully recruit from each generation in a simple and cost-effective manner. Nevertheless, the sampling technique does not represent any population. Given the limitations of the technique, the results obtained from the sample are not representative despite the large number of items. Thus, the findings and results presented in this study are valid for the sample. Among the survey methods, the online form was chosen, resulting in 5,067 evaluable questionnaires. The sample was 51% male and 49% female respondents. The age distribution of the sample was as follows: Baby Boomer generation: 5.2%; Generation X: 20.5%; Generation Y: 19.9%, Generation Z: 51.6%; Generation Alpha: 2.9%. 13.6% of the respondents live in the capital, 21.6% in a large rural city, 24.8% in a small town and 39.9% in a village. 7.5% of the sample have a primary education, 55.6% have a secondary education, 23.6% have a higher education (BSc) and 13.4% have an MSc. The research tool was a pre-tested standardised questionnaire, which covered the topics of knowledge and perception of agile approach, characteristics and utilisation of agile approach, perception of competences needed for agile approach. The questionnaire used closed questions in the form of nominal (single-choice, multiple-choice selective, ranking questions) and metric measurement levels (Likert and semantic differential scales). Scaling questions were based on a scale of 1 to 4. One reason for this is the individual scale preference of Hungarian respondents: due to the school grading system, our Hungarian respondents are most stable in interpreting a scale of up to five grades as opposed to scales of 1–7, 1–9, or 1–10. The even scale was chosen because the middle value (3) for the odd (1–5) scale is an escape route for respondents and the presence and possible overrepresentation of “indifferent” consumers choosing the middle value complicates the segmentation process from both a statistical and a professional point of view. Therefore, we opted for an even scale, which, by excluding the middle value, will lead the respondent to take a more rigorous stance, thus contributing more to the successful conduct of the segmentation. In addition to the conclusions drawn from the literature, the results of a qualitative study were used to develop the standardised questionnaire. This involved conducting individual interviews with the help of a semi-structured interview guide, with an arbitrary selection of 5–5 people from each generation. During the evaluation of the qualitative research results, the traditional content analysis methodology was applied, and the final structure and response alternatives of the standardised questionnaire were developed in the light of the qualitative results and feedback received. In the framework of the primary research described in this paper, our research objective was to analyse the generation-specific characteristics of identification with the agile approach using a quantitative research method. Based on the literature, we focus on the following hypotheses:

  • Awareness of the agile approach differs across generations (H1)

  • The perception of agile management philosophy is differentiated across generations (H2).

  • The implications of the practical application of the agile approach are perceived differently across generations (H3).

Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to process the quantitative results and test the hypotheses using SPSS 26.0 software. To examine the correlation of the results measured on the metric scale, the analysis of variance method was used, including the one-way ANOVA method for comparing multiple sample means. The mean of a metric dependent variable was compared between more than two groups. The post-hoc test was used to determine which pairs of groups were significantly different. In doing so, significance values were used to determine the existence of correlations (sig < = 0.05). Internal correlations were analysed along the comparison of group means using the F-statistic, i.e., the coefficient of variance of the means within samples. For the correlation tests described in this study, where the significance value according to the ANOVA table was below 0.05, a statistical relationship between the two variables was confirmed. The Pearson’s Khi-square significance values were used for the correlation analysis at nominal measurement levels, and the absolute values of the Adjusted Residual (Adj.R) were used for the establishment and analysis of the internal correlations.

Results

For the first time, we analysed knowledge and awareness of the agile approach in relation to each generation (Table 1). The results of the correlation test proved that there is a correlation between knowledge of agile approach and generational affiliation (Perason’s Khi-square = 0.000; H1 confirmed).

Table 1

Knowledge of Agile approach/belonging to a generationWhich generation are you in, based on your age?Total
Baby boomerGeneration XGeneration YGeneration ZAlpha generation
How familiar are you with the agile approachI’ve never heard of it, I do not know what it meansCount77181159782521.251
% within how familiar you are with the agile approach6.2%14.5%12.7%62.5%4.2%100.0%
Adjusted Residual1.8−6.1−7.38.93.0
I’ve heard this expression before, but I do not know what it meansCount3213115557032920
% within how familiar you are with the agile approach3.5%14.2%16.8%62.0%3.5%100.0%
Adjusted Residual−2.6−5.2−2.57.01.1
I’ve heard of it, and I know roughly what it meansCount54281242606241.207
% within how familiar you are with the agile approach4.5%23.3%20.0%50.2%2.0%100.0%
Adjusted Residual−1.32.80.2−1.1−2.2
I know what it means in theory, but I have not used it in practiceCount3413816731619674
% within how familiar you are with the agile approach5.0%20.5%24.8%46.9%2.8%100.0%
Adjusted Residual−0.20.03.4−2.6−0.2
I know what it means and I have used it in my workCount3419015219912587
% within how familiar you are with the agile approach5.8%32.4%25.9%33.9%2.0%100.0%
Adjusted Residual0.77.63.9−9.1−1,3
I currently work in a place where I am employed (almost) every dayCount311171311409428
% within how familiar you are with the agile approach7.2%27.3%30.6%32.7%2.1%100.0%
Adjusted Residual2.03.75.8−8.2−1.1
TotalCount2621.0381.0062.6131485.067
% within how familiar you are with the agile approach5.2%20.5%19.9%51.6%2.9%100.0%

Analysis of the correlation between generational affiliation and knowledge of agile approaches.

Source: own editing based on independent research.

We then examined the degree of identification with the agile approach in the sample in a generation-specific way (Table 2). We were able to confirm a statistical correlation between the two variables (sig = 0.000; H2 confirmed) and internal analyses showed that members of Generation X and Y are the most likely to identify with this approach.

Table 2

How well can you identify with the agile approach? (where, 1 = not at all, 4 = fully)
GenerationsNMeanStd. deviation
Baby boomer2622.591.038
Generation X1.0382.930.917
Generation Y1.0062.870.910
Generation Z2.6132.710.907
Alpha generation1482.501.027
Total5.0672.770.927

Degree of identification with the agile approach in a cross-generational context.

Source: own editing based on independent research.

The consequences of the practical benefits and application of the agile approach were also perceived differently by each generation (Table 3). In this case, too, we were able to confirm that there is a correlation between generational affiliation and the perception of the practical benefits of the agile approach (sig < =0.05, H3 confirmed).

Table 3

A practical view of the agile approachNMeanStd. deviationSig
Helps reduce time to marketBaby boomer2622.321.4370.000
Generation X1.0382.691.232
Generation Y1.0062.461.283
Generation Z2.6132.471.195
Alpha generation1482.001.309
Total5.0672.491.243
Helps strengthen its market roleBaby boomer2622.401.3910.000
Generation X1.0382.901.186
Generation Y1.0062.721.243
Generation Z2.6132.751.111
Alpha generation1482.061.361
Total5.0672.741.187
Helps improve qualityBaby boomer2622.451.3350.000
Generation X1.0382.871.148
Generation Y1.0062.821.172
Generation Z2.6132.781.131
Alpha generation1482.291.268
Total5.0672.781.164
Contribute to more successful projectsBaby boomer2622.481.3470.000
Generation X1.0382.991.171
Generation Y1.0062.901.170
Generation Z2.6132.921.141
Alpha generation1482.311.309
Total5.0672.891.178
Helps increase competitivenessBaby boomer2622.551.3850.000
Generation X1.0382.971.208
Generation Y1.0062.851.235
Generation Z2.6132.891.150
Alpha generation1482.091.225
Total5.0672.861.205
Supports digitisationBaby boomer2622.391.4030.000
Generation X1.0382.791.235
Generation Y1.0062.771.249
Generation Z2.6132.731.200
Alpha generation1482.241.269
Total5.0672.721.236
Supports innovationBaby boomer2622.531.3970.000
Generation X1.0382.981.213
Generation Y1.0062.891.239
Generation Z2.6132.881.175
Alpha generation1482.281.303
Total5.0672.871.219
Helps you adapt to the changing market environmentBaby boomer2622.591.4000.000
Generation X1.0383.031.154
Generation Y1.0062.931.217
Generation Z2.6132.841.172
Alpha generation1482.341.286
Total5.0672.871.201
Generally helps to respond more quickly to changeBaby boomer2622.611.4120.000
Generation X1.0383.021.186
Generation Y1.0062.931.223
Generation Z2.6132.891.160
Alpha generation1482.281.329
Total5.0672.891.205
Helps you better understand customer needsBaby boomer2622.451.4180.000
Generation X1.0382.811.193
Generation Y1.0062.751.202
Generation Z2.6132.721.132
Alpha generation1482.171.296
Total5.0672.711.186
Helps increase customer satisfactionBaby boomer2622.511.3610.000
Generation X1.0382.851.207
Generation Y1.0062.771.219
Generation Z2.6132.791.139
Alpha generation1482.201.299
Total5.0672.771.192
Helps create real valueBaby boomer2622.411.3490.000
Generation X1.0382.791.190
Generation Y1.0062.661.192
Generation Z2.6132.621.166
Alpha generation1482.091.367
Total5.0672.641.199
Helps to make cooperation between partner areas more effectiveBaby boomer2622.391.3710.000
Generation X1.0382.861.225
Generation Y1.0062.831.186
Generation Z2.6132.801.170
Alpha generation1481.981.358
Total5.0672.771.212
Helps better planningBaby boomer2622.411.3330.000
Generation X1.0382.801.206
Generation Y1.0062.761.195
Generation Z2.6132.741.143
Alpha generation1482.071.398
Total5.0672.721.193
Increase predictabilityBaby boomer2622.311.3010.000
Generation X1.0382.711.185
Generation Y1.0062.651.177
Generation Z2.6132.531.160
Alpha generation1481.951.269
Total5.0672.561.187
Changes the general mindset of workersBaby boomer2622.391.3620.000
Generation X1.0382.871.158
Generation Y1.0062.761.203
Generation Z2.6132.731.154
Alpha generation1482.251.428
Total5.0672.731.192
Increases employee engagementBaby boomer2622.361.3310.000
Generation X1.0382.581.223
Generation Y1.0062.501.228
Generation Z2.6132.571.170
Alpha generation1482.041.329
Total5.0672.531.210
Reduces the frequency of conflictsBaby boomer2622.311.2960.005
Generation X1.0382.511.157
Generation Y1.0062.421.216
Generation Z2.6132.481.162
Alpha generation1482.201.364
Total5.0672.461.186
Helps manage risks promptly and effectivelyBaby boomer2622.501.3330.000
Generation X1.0382.811.180
Generation Y1.0062.761.191
Generation Z2.6132.751.172
Alpha generation1482.091.396
Total5.0672.731.200
Increases the chances of project successBaby boomer2622.481.3800.000
Generation X1.0382.911.227
Generation Y1.0062.831.169
Generation Z2.6132.811.150
Alpha generation1482.101.318
Total5.0672.801.197
Reduces organisational and operational risksBaby boomer2622.351.2840.000
Generation X1.0382.621.175
Generation Y1.0062.641.169
Generation Z2.6132.591.135
Alpha generation1482.161.371
Total5.0672.581.169
Increases information security risksBaby boomer2622.161.3780.000
Generation X1.0382.471.245
Generation Y1.0062.441.233
Generation Z2.6132.471.189
Alpha generation1482.061.346
Total5.0672.431.227
Should be known to everyoneBaby boomer2622.381.3920.000
Generation X1.0382.831.239
Generation Y1.0062.741.256
Generation Z2.6132.681.226
Alpha generation1482.271.358
Total5.0672.691.253

Perception of agility use and generational affiliation.

Source: own editing based on independent research.

For the competencies, knowledge and attitudes required for an agile approach, we also found a correlation between the perceived importance of these competencies, knowledge and attitudes and generational affiliation (sig < =0.05; Table 4). In other words, the perception of the importance of the knowledge and competences required for an agile approach differs between generations. This can be a major source of generational conflict in a workplace if the difference between individuals is not taken into account by an employer.

Table 4

Assessing the competences required for an agile approachNMeanStd. deviationSig
Flexibility. adaptabilityBaby boomer2622.771.3820.000
Generation X1.0383.171.197
Generation Y1.0063.101.197
Generation Z2.6133.041.188
Alpha generation1482.061.366
Total5.0673.041.222
Team gameBaby boomer2622.671.3280.000
Generation X1.0383.091.169
Generation Y1.0063.081.110
Generation Z2.6133.001.084
Alpha generation1482.241.358
Total5.0672.991.140
Working independentlyBaby boomer2622.571.3450.000
Generation X1.0382.931.156
Generation Y1.0062.901.138
Generation Z2.6132.741.080
Alpha generation1482.121.324
Total5.0672.781.140
Accuracy. precisionBaby boomer2622.631.3690.000
Generation X1.0383.031.155
Generation Y1.0062.991.151
Generation Z2.6132.951.097
Alpha generation1482.201.447
Total5.0672.941.156
LiabilityBaby boomer2622.601.3850.000
Generation X1.0383.081.180
Generation Y1.0063.011.182
Generation Z2.6132.971.144
Alpha generation1482.201.438
Total5.0672.961.193
TrustBaby boomer2622.771.2840.000
Generation X1.0383.021.210
Generation Y1.0063.011.180
Generation Z2.6132.991.169
Alpha generation1482.181.427
Total5.0672.961.203
ProactivityBaby boomer2622.531.3630.000
Generation X1.0382.931.275
Generation Y1.0062.981.205
Generation Z2.6132.841.199
Alpha generation1482.241.398
Total5.0672.851.239
CommitmentBaby boomer2622.641.3340.000
Generation X1.0382.991.182
Generation Y1.0062.881.190
Generation Z2.6132.891.128
Alpha generation1482.261.381
Total5.0672.881.178
Focused attentionBaby boomer2622.641.3020.000
Generation X1.0382.981.202
Generation Y1.0062.931.159
Generation Z2.6132.921.139
Alpha generation1482.171.372
Total5.0672.901.181
OpennessBaby boomer2622.771.2940.000
Generation X1.0383.081.202
Generation Y1.0063.011.257
Generation Z2.6133.031.151
Alpha generation1482.321.360
Total5.0673.001.204
GreetingsBaby boomer2622.581.3750.000
Generation X1.0382.901.201
Generation Y1.0062.841.195
Generation Z2.6132.901.151
Alpha generation1482.301.363
Total5.0672.861.195
CourageBaby boomer2622.531.3180.000
Generation X1.0382.951.170
Generation Y1.0062.771.207
Generation Z2.6132.831.139
Alpha generation1482.301.417
Total5.0672.811.184
EfficiencyBaby boomer2622.651.3300.000
Generation X1.0383.071.219
Generation Y1.0063.061.158
Generation Z2.6132.971.149
Alpha generation1482.161.408
Total5.0672.971.195
Solution centricityBaby boomer2622.771.3330.000
Generation X1.0383.131.223
Generation Y1.0063.071.202
Generation Z2.6133.041.140
Alpha generation1482.161.344
Total5.0673.021.198
Striving for simplicityBaby boomer2622.591.2940.000
Generation X1.0382.801.169
Generation Y1.0062.801.190
Generation Z2.6132.681.149
Alpha generation1482.201.318
Total5.0672.711.179
Open and clear communicationBaby boomer2622.711.3830.000
Generation X1.0383.081.215
Generation Y1.0062.991.234
Generation Z2.6133.031.136
Alpha generation1482.201.350
Total5.0672.991.202
Striving for substance in communicationBaby boomer2622.731.3560.000
Generation X1.0383.091.229
Generation Y1.0063.011.221
Generation Z2.6132.961.172
Alpha generation1482.231.262
Total5.0672.961.215
Detailed documentationBaby boomer2622.611.2870.000
Generation X1.0382.911.103
Generation Y1.0062.951.080
Generation Z2.6132.851.080
Alpha generation1482.161.334
Total5.0672.851.113
Methodologies and toolsBaby boomer2622.591.2120.000
Generation X1.0382.931.042
Generation Y1.0062.911.040
Generation Z2.6132.900.988
Alpha generation1482.201.302
Total5.0672.871.041
Follow plans to the letterBaby boomer2622.791.2270.000
Generation X1.0383.021.032
Generation Y1.0062.971.050
Generation Z2.6132.920.978
Alpha generation1482.211.336
Total5.0672.921.038
Close cooperation with the clientBaby boomer2622.791.3030.000
Generation X1.0383.191.067
Generation Y1.0063.121.053
Generation Z2.6133.051.031
Alpha generation1482.381.362
Total5.0673.061.079
Personal communication between team membersBaby boomer2622.921.2810.000
Generation X1.0383.271.094
Generation Y1.0063.181.135
Generation Z2.6133.141.071
Alpha generation1482.061.476
Total5.0673.131.131
Contractual agreementBaby boomer2622.631.2670.000
Generation X1.0382.941.122
Generation Y1.0062.971.099
Generation Z2.6132.881.094
Alpha generation1482.311.389
Total5.0672.881.126
Managing change effectivelyBaby boomer2622.931.2650.000
Generation X1.0383.261.084
Generation Y1.0063.241.040
Generation Z2.6133.131.056
Alpha generation1482.321.405
Total5.0673.141.094
Adequate. working end resultBaby boomer2622.941.3510.000
Generation X1.0383.301.099
Generation Y1.0063.241.068
Generation Z2.6133.191.084
Alpha generation1482.141.355
Total5.0673.181.124

Perception of competences needed for an agile approach and intergenerational correlation.

Source: own editing based on independent research.

Conclusions and summary

In the course of the research, you can clearly demonstrate that there is a statistically verifiable difference between the generations in this respect by examining the level of knowledge and identification with the agile approach. What we have seen in the light of the results is that there is a higher than expected proportion of Generation X and Generation Y members who are familiar with the agile approach or who are already using it in practice. Generation Alpha and Generation Z had a higher proportion of people who were not familiar with agile, which is not surprising as this generation is typically still in the early stages of their working life or career and therefore does not have much practical experience with agile (Table 1). In terms of identification with the agile approach, we have seen that Generation X is the most open to the approach and can identify most with its philosophy, which is not surprising given that they are the most familiar with it and apply it in practice. Generations Y and Z, however, also have a positive view of agility and are willing and able to identify with the approach, although in their case they lack specific knowledge and skills. We believe that this should be addressed in education, by introducing agile methodologies that will enable the generations to get to know the ways and characteristics of this management and project approach as soon as possible (Table 2). Generation X was the generation most aware of the practical benefits and aspects of the application of the agile approach. They were the most appreciative of the benefits of an agile approach. In addition to Generation X, Generation Y and in many cases Generation Z also had an above-average appreciation of the practical benefits of an agile approach, which reflects a positive attitude towards the philosophy (Table 3). Similar results were found for the competences and knowledge required for an agile approach, with Generation X rating the importance of the knowledge required for this approach the highest, but in this case it was also true that Generation Y and, even more so, Generation Z recognised the importance of a number of competences (Table 4). The awareness of the agile approach, the degree of identification with it, its practical usefulness and the importance of the competences required for it were all rated differently by each generation. The results suggest that for generations Y and Z, the focus should be on the cognitive elements of education, and for the attitude towards agile, the focus should be on the cognitive elements. We believe that higher education in particular has a major role and responsibility in this respect, as these two generations are dominant among the users of higher education, and therefore it is through the involvement of higher education institutions that the agile approach can be successfully implemented and understood by these two target groups. Project-based education and methodology, based on practice and market knowledge, and involving market players, would be more in line with the expectations of these generations in terms of content and didactic elements. In our opinion, this could be beneficial for many companies and enterprises, as it would allow them to employ employees who are familiar with the given approach in practice and can apply it, which would also be a major advantage in terms of recruitment and successful retention.

Statements

Data availability statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Ethics statement

Ethical approval was not required for the study involving human samples in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements. Written informed consent for participation in this study was provided by the participants’ legal guardians/next of kin.

Author contributions

JV: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Project administration, Resources, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. AC-K: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Project administration, Resources, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. MG-F: Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Methodology, Software, Supervision, Validation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.

Funding

The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Project no. 2021-1.2.4-TÉT-2021-00042 has been implemented with the support provided by the Ministry of Culture and Innovation of Hungary from the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund, financed under the 2021-1.2.4 TÉT funding scheme.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Summary

Keywords

project orientation, agility, agile thinking, education, competences

Citation

Varga J, Csiszárik-Kocsir Á and Garai-Fodor M (2025) The development of modern-day competences in education, in the context of an agile approach. Front. Educ. 9:1485273. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2024.1485273

Received

23 August 2024

Accepted

09 December 2024

Published

23 January 2025

Volume

9 - 2024

Edited by

Lóránt Dénes Dávid, John von Neumann University, Hungary

Reviewed by

M. Dolores Ramirez, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain

Norbert Beták, Constantine the Philosopher University, Slovakia

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Agnes Csiszárik-Kocsir,

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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