Authors : S. M. Ariful Islam

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3mhj3erd

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/5n9anbn5

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr2052

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : The Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) necessitates a paradigm shift in managerial competencies to mitigate automation risks, which threaten up to 60% of employment in Bangladesh’s critical RMG and furniture sectors by 2041 (Asif Uddin Ahmed, Asad-Uz-Zaman, Sojib, & Rebecca Sultana, 2019). This study analytically assesses the misalignment between current management skillsets and the demands of disruptive technologies. Utilizing a descriptive research design, data were synthesized from a dual-perspective survey of 200 management professionals and 15 educators. Findings indicate a profound competency gap; while industry necessitates advanced proficiency in the Internet of Things (39.5%), Artificial Intelligence (35.8%), and Big Data analytics (35.8%), current professionals lack these technical foundations. Managerial requirements have shifted toward higher-order cognitive abilities, specifically Creativity and Innovation (48.9%) and Complex Problem-Solving (37.4%). Critically, a pedagogical disconnect exists: 80% of educators continue to employ traditional lecture-based instruction, despite 62.5% of professionals requiring blended learning environments and 45.8% favoring interactive, group-based delivery. The persistent reliance on foreign expertise for high-level positions underscores the failure of local academic infrastructure to transition from "Education 1.0" to "Education 4.0" (Manyika, et al., 2017). Addressing this requires systemic curriculum reform, international institutional alignment, and the integration of tech-based, skill-oriented instruction to ensure the long-term sustainability of Bangladesh’s manufacturing and service sectors.

References :

1. Armstrong, K., Parmelee, M., & Santifort, S. (2018). Preparing tomorrow's workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: A framework for action. Deloitte Global and the Global Business Coalition. doi:https://www.deloitte.com/content/dam/assets-shared/legacy/docs/research/2022/gx-preparing-tomorrow-workforce-for-4IR.pdf
2. Asif Uddin Ahmed, Asad-Uz-Zaman, Sojib, K. H., & Rebecca Sultana. (2019). Future Skills: finding emerging skills to tackle the challenges of automation in Bangladesh. A2i programme. doi:https://a2i.gov.bd/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/4IR.pdf
3. Bongomin, O., Ocen, G. G., Nganyi, E. O., Musinguzi, A., & Omara, T. (2020). Exponential disruptive technologies and the required skills of Industry 4.0. Journal of Engineering. 2020, 1-17. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/4280156
4. Glaeser, W. (2015-2024). VUCA World. Retrieved from https://www.vuca-world.org/
5. Gray, A. (2016, January 19). The 10 skills you need to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. doi:https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/the-10-skills-you-need-to-thrive-in-the-fourth-industrial-revolution/
6. Haleem, A., Javaid, M., & Singh, R. P. (2024). Perspective of leadership 4.0 in the era of fourth industrial revolution: A comprehensive view. Journal of Industrial Safety. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinse.2024.100006
7. Islam, P. M. (2014). Development of Agriculture Sector in Bangladesh: A Comparative Analysis. Al-Barkaat Journal of Finance & Management. Al-Barkaat Journal of Finance & Management 6(2). doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.5958/2229-4503.2014.00001.0
8. Kagermann, H., Anderl, R., Gausemeier, J., Schuh, G., & Wahlster, W. (2016). Industrie 4.0 in a Global Context: strategies for cooperating with international partners. Google Scholer. doi:https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=6BidDQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA5&dq=industrie+4.0+in+a+Global+Context:+strategies+for+cooperating+with+international+partners&ots=EzRHkmIjlZ&sig=YmJO_VaDxXYF4k4IIqYBT438NuA
9. Lašáková, A., Bajzíková, Ľ., & Dedze, I. (2016). Barriers and drivers of innovation in higher education: Case study-based evidence across Ten European Universities. International Journal of Educational Development, 69-79. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2017.06.002
10. Manyika, J., Lund, S., Chui, M., Bughin, J., Woetzel, L., Batra, P., Sanghvi, S. (2017). Jobs lost, jobs gained: What the future of work will mean for jobs, skills, and wages. McKinsey Global Institute. doi:https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/jobs-lost-jobs-gained-what-the-future-of-work-will-mean-for-jobs-skills-and-wages
11. Maria, M., Shahbodin, F., & Pee, N. C. (2018). Malaysian higher education system towards industry 4.0 – Current trends overview. PROCEEDINGS OF THE 3RD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (ICAST’18). Melaka. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.5055483
12. Petrie, N. (2011). Future Trends in Leadership Development. Creative Center for Leadership. doi:https://cclinnovation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/future-trends-in-leadership-development.pdf
13. Schumacher, A., Erol, S., & Sihna, W. (2016). A maturity model for assessing Industry 4.0 readiness and maturity of manufacturing enterprises. Elsevier B.V., 161-166. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2016.07.040
14. Schwab, K. (2016). The Fourth Industrial Revolution. Retrieved from World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/about/the-fourth-industrial-revolution-by-klaus-schwab/
15. Susilo, A. (2019). Equipping Our Students in Welcoming IR 4.0 Era. 4. doi:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332304882_Equipping_Our_Students_in_Welcoming_IR_40_Era