Bridging the Digital Skills Gap: Evaluating ERPsim's Role in Developing SFIA Competencies in IS Students

This mixed-method study examines the efficacy of ERPsim, a business simulation, in enhancing the necessary skills of Australian Information Systems (IS) students, hence increasing their job readiness in the sector. The ERPsim learning outcomes were mapped with the Skill Framework for Information Age (SFIA) relevant skills and competencies. For the quantitative examination, pre and post-games surveys were conducted from postgraduate students which demonstrated significant improvements in industry-desired soft and hard skills, knowledge related to enterprise systems, and specific desirable behaviours such as a willingness to learn, creativity, and self-efficacy. The qualitative insights from ERPsim instructors’ interviews demonstrated improvements in professional skills, enterprise systems knowledge, and positive work-related behaviours. The findings accentuate the practical significance of ERPsim as an innovative teaching tool that successfully equips students with the required competencies to meet industry requirements and effectively tackle professional challenges.