Assessment of soft skills development in economics students
https://doi.org/10.17853/1994-5639-2025-5-168-190
Abstract
Introduction. In the current labour market, employees must not only acquire specific professional knowledge but also develop essential soft skills such as teamwork, assertiveness, problem-solving, and decision-making. However, there exists a gap between employer expectations and the level of soft skills development among graduates. This discrepancy can be attributed to the fact that university curricula are inadequately designed to foster the development of these vital soft skills.
Aim. The aim of this research is to assess the development of soft skills among bachelor’s students, using the example of the Faculty of Economics at Lomonosov Moscow State University (Management profile), by analysing their results over a two-year period.
Methodology and research methods. The evaluators’ assessments were utilised to gauge the development of soft skills. This evaluation measured the level of competencies including leadership, teamwork, analytical thinking, persuasion and influence, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving. The list of competencies under study was established during a strategic session that included representatives from partner companies of the faculty.
Results and scientific novelty. The research indicates that the development of soft skills related to leadership, analytics, and problem-solving significantly declined during the pandemic. The only competency that demonstrated consistent growth over the two-year period was interpersonal communication. A significant correlation was identified between the level of competency development upon entering the university and in the third year of study. No differences were found between the competency levels of male and female students.
Practical significance. The study outlines various approaches that can be employed to enhance the development of students’ soft skills during the learning process.
About the Authors
A. G. Mirzoyan
Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ashot G. Mirzoyan – Senior Lecturer, Department of Innovation Economics, Faculty of Economics
Moscow
L. A. Mikhailova
Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Liudmila A. Mikhailova – Cand. Sci. (Economics), Associate Professor, Department of Innovation Economics, Faculty of Economics
Moscow
I. P. Suslova
Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Irina P. Suslova – Lecturer, Department of Innovation Economics, Faculty of Economics
Moscow
P. I. Obukhova
Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Polina I. Obukhova – Laboratory Worker, Educational and Scientific Laboratory “Project MAX”
Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Mirzoyan A.G., Mikhailova L.A., Suslova I.P., Obukhova P.I. Assessment of soft skills development in economics students. The Education and science journal. 2025;27(5):168-190. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.17853/1994-5639-2025-5-168-190
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