Abstract:

When designing their institutional strategies, higher education institutions (HEIs) may consider, as major input, the development of second cycle through sustainable Master study programmes. In this respect, focusing these programmes on internationalization and cooperation within the Knowledge Triangle (integrating higher education, research & technology, business), it is expected to have a strong impact on enhancing the HE’s quality and international visibility. On the other hand, irrespective of how HEIs develop Master programmes and market them, Bachelor graduates wishing to continue education may find difficult to choose their career path as they will assess the extent to which their expectations before enrolling were met only after their graduation or after finding the proper job in the field they studied (process lasting more than 2 years). Graduates satisfaction increases HEI’s visibility, attractiveness and prestige on both educational and labour markets.

In this regard, the present paper analyses how HEIs may develop and market their Master academic programmes by developing a method of assessing such programmes so as to help Bachelor graduates to make the best choice under certainty conditions. The analysis is centred on the European Classification of Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) that the European Union (EU) developed within its Europe 2020 strategy with the aim of identifying and categorizing skills, competences, qualifications and occupations relevant for the EU labour market, education and training (key parts within the Knowledge Triangle). In order to exemplify, Master programmes in Logistics existing in Romanian HEIs are analysed. Based on the outcomes and experience gained through the Erasmus+ KA2 project "European Framework for Knowledge Triangle in the Logistics Sector (FRAMELOG)", this article is also focused on investigating this HEI’s opportunity for developing a sustainable Master programme in Logistics.

Keywords:

ESCO, Erasmus+, HEIs, Master programmes, Knowledge Triangle in Logistics, Framelog.