Employers' Expectations of Graduates Technical and Managerial Competencies in the Digital Graphics and Print Media Industry: A Study of New England States Region

摘要

Over the past two decades, the printing (or print media or graphic communications or graphic arts) industry has undergone a revolution. Technologies, graphic workflow, management strategy, print market segments and customer expectations have changed. These changes have resulted in both opportunities and challenges and have created a need for college graduates who understand the entire graphics and print media process and possess the skills necessary to manage print and graphic manufacturing operations. The School of Engineering, Science, and Technology (SEST) at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) in New Britain, Connecticut (CT), now offers a bachelor of sciences (B.S.,) degree in Digital Printing & Graphics Technology. CCSU officially has begun offering this new degree program since spring 2014. The new program covers digital pre-media, cloud color management, digital print production, graphic management information systems (GMIS), digital graphics workflow management (DGWM), print/package supply chain management (SCM), application of radio frequency identification (RFID) into the print/package logistics, and post-press operations, as well as science and analytical mathematics and supplemental computer-related courses. Because of high costs and a lack of technological resources, few graphics and print media programs can afford a digital graphics workflow in their academic laboratories. Thanks to industry support, CCSU is the only institution in New England to house such a facility and the program. The graphics and print media industry is in a constant technological flux, and industry input is needed to make sound curricular decisions for technology-based educational programs to meet the employers' expectations and to increase graduates' technical competency levels. Greater technical competence and expertise is required to control and manage the technologies and resources used in the print and media industry. CCSU's degree program prepares graduates for careers in printing and associated industries, including commercial printing, on-demand digital printing, direct mail printing, package printing, graphic design, advertising/display graphics, new media and imaging. Printing Industries of New England States (PINE), the largest non-profit industry association, representing the New England States (NES) provides advocacy and educational support for industry and educational institutions. PINE represents graphics and print media companies in: Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. According to PINE, the graphics technology program at CCSU is the only program in New England States (NES) that prepares graduates for productive careers in the printing and associated industries. In NES graphic and print companies generate $11 billion in sales annually (PINE, 2016). Note: This manuscript was not received in time for publication in the 2018 TAGA Proceedings.