To ensure that its graduate programs remain relevant to industry needs and prepare students for leadership roles in Human Resource Management, BiPSU’s School of Graduate Studies (SGS) hosted a Stakeholders’ Consultation Meeting on March 15 at the university’s Hyflex Audio Visual Center. 

The meeting centered on proposed curriculum changes for the Master of Management major in Human Resource Management and the Doctor of Management major in Human Resource Management programs.

Moreover, this revisions came in response to the recommendations from the CHED Central Office-OPSD and consultations with CHEDRO VIII and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Region VIII, ensuring that the programs meet current HR management demands and provide students with the skills required to excel in the field.

Dr. Susan S. Bentor, vice-president for Academic Affairs, explained the importance of the consultation. “This meeting is an important step in ensuring our programs remain in line with the needs of both the industry and our students,” she said. “The feedback we gather today will help refine our curriculum and ensure we continue to provide high-quality, industry-relevant education.”

MPM Chairperson Dr. Annel Ruth Celis explained  the rationale of the Masters in Management major in HRM program and discussed its structure, including the course distribution that include 9 units of foundation courses, 15 units of  major or professional courses, 6 units of cognate courses and 6 units for the thesis. She also emphasized that the program aims to prepare graduates for the global market.

Aside from anchoring the curriculum on PRIME HRM, SGS Faculty Dr. Claire Theresa Bentor also emphasized the integration of VUCAD (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity, and Digitalization) and Future’s Thinking based on curriculum comparisons with other institutions to respond to the competitive advantage.

Meanwhile, DM Chair Dr. Vicente Q. Solteo also presented the revised curriculum for the Master of Management major in HRM where he mentioned plans for the introduction of a BSBA-HRM program to serve as preparation for Master and Doctor in Management majoring in HRM. 

“The new curriculum reflects current industry trends and equips students with advanced knowledge and leadership skills critical to managing human resources,” Dr. Solteo noted. 

During the consultation, it was also proposed to include additional courses, such as a Bridging Course for non-BSBA graduates and Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) as a cognate course. 

Participants also raised important points about emerging HR trends, the integration of technology in HR management, and the need for a more global perspective in the curriculum. 

Dr. Analiza B. Calles, director of the Curriculum, Instruction, and Faculty Development (CIFD), expressed her gratitude to all participants for their active involvement.

"We are grateful for the thoughtful feedback we received today. It will guide us in fine-tuning the curriculum to meet both the needs of our students and the expectations of the industry," she said. “These discussions helped to clarify the direction of the proposed changes and provided further opportunities for collaboration.”

The consultation meeting concluded with an agreement to incorporate the feedback gathered into the final program revisions. Additionally, the revised Master of Management major in HRM and Doctor of Management major in HRM programs will be submitted for approval to the CHED, as a requirement for the issuance of the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC).

Present also during the consultation were Hon. Vennie Coton,faculty regent and SGS faculty member; School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) and SGS faculty members, representatives from the Biliran Chamber of Commerce, HR practitioners, alumni and students from the graduate school.

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No. 4: Quality Education.]