Literature Review on the Current State and Prospects of Human Resource Management and Supply Chain Management Education in Saudi Universities

Abstract

This review examines the current state of human resource management (HRM) and supply chain management (SCM) education in Saudi universities, focusing on curriculum development, faculty qualifications, industry collaboration, and technology integration. The findings from 26 articles suggest that while significant progress has been made in aligning university programs with industry needs, challenges persist, particularly in providing students with practical experience and ensuring faculty expertise. This review makes key recommendations, including enhancing partnerships between universities and industry to offer students more hands-on learning opportunities, developing faculty training programs to bridge the expertise gap, and incorporating digital tools and case-based learning into curricula to improve the relevance of the education provided. Future research should explore the impact of digital tools on HRM education and the integration of advanced supply chain technologies in university programs to ensure that the programs remain aligned with industry developments. Furthermore, a comparison of qualitative and quantitative research methods reveals that while qualitative approaches provide in-depth, context-rich insights into complex phenomena, the methods suffer from limited generalizability. Conversely, quantitative methods offer statistical relevance and broad applicability but may overlook nuanced, contextual issues. By addressing these challenges and incorporating these insights, Saudi universities can enhance their HRM and SCM programs, ensuring they equip graduates with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving global business landscape.