Status Quo of Human Resource Training Management at Vocational Colleges in Vietnam Toward the Development of Smart Agriculture

Keywords: Vocational colleges, Training management, Smart agriculture, CIPO–Logic Model, Vietnam

Abstract

This study examines the management of human resource training in vocational colleges under Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, focusing on the transition to smart agriculture. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining policy analysis, surveys at five colleges, and interviews with administrators and lecturers. Findings reveal that while elements of smart agriculture and digital transformation have entered training programs, integration remains fragmented. Curricula emphasize theory over practice, faculty have limited expertise in digital agriculture, and facilities lack modern technology. Weak industry collaboration further widens the gap between training and labor market demands. Using the integrated CIPO–Logic Model, the study identifies misalignments among context, inputs, processes, and outputs that reduce graduate employability and hinder sustainable farming practices. The results highlight the urgent need for comprehensive management reforms that update curricula, enhance faculty capacity, and foster school–industry partnerships. Strengthening these areas will help vocational colleges produce a workforce equipped for digital transformation and support Vietnam’s national agenda for smart, sustainable agriculture. The study provides evidence-based recommendations to guide policymakers, educational leaders, and practitioners in aligning vocational training with future agricultural development needs.

References

FAO, 2019, Digital Technologies in Agriculture and Rural Areas: Briefing Paper. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/ba78b670-0947-4e73-ad10-091009c0dfc3

World Bank, 2021, Vietnam: Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Competitiveness Through Digital Transformation. Washington, DC: World Bank Group.

MARD, 2021, Strategy for Digital Transformation of Agriculture and Rural Development Sector to 2030. Hanoi: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Jung I, 2005, Quality Assurance Survey of Mega Universities. In Perspectives on Distance Education: Lifelong Learning & Distance Higher Education. Commonwealth of Learning.

OECD, 2010, Learning for Jobs: OECD Reviews of Vocational Education and Training. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264087460-en

UNESCO, 2015, Recommendation Concerning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Paris: UNESCO.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation, 2004, Logic Model Development Guide. Battle Creek, MI: W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Creswell JW, Plano Clark VL, 2017, Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Kvale S, Brinkmann S, 2009, Interviews: Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Miles MB, Huberman AM, Saldana, J, 2014, Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

OECD, 2020, Digital Opportunities for Better Agricultural Policies. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/571a5f85-en

OECD, 2023, Building Future-Ready Vocational Education and Training Systems. Paris: OECD Publishing.

UNESCO-UNEVOC, 2020, Innovation in TVET: New Pedagogical Approaches and Digital Technology. Bonn: UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre.

Biggs J, 1996, Enhancing Teaching Through Constructive Alignment. Higher Education, 32(3): 347–364. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00138871

Deming WE, 1986, Out of the Crisis. MIT Press.

Harvey L, Green D, 1993, Defining Quality. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 18(1): 9–34. https://doi.org/10.1080/0260293930180102

Prince M, 2004, Does Active Learning Work? A Review of the Research. Journal of Engineering Education, 93(3): 223–231.

UNDP, 2009, Handbook on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluating for Development Results. New York: United Nations Development Programme.

World Bank, 2017, Designing Results Frameworks for Development Impact Evaluation. Washington, DC: World Bank.

Fitzpatrick JL, Sanders JR, Worthen BR, 2011, Program Evaluation: Alternative Approaches and Practical Guidelines (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

McLaughlin JA, Jordan GB, 1999, Logic Models: A Tool for Telling Your Program’s Performance Story. Evaluation and Program Planning, 22(1): 65–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0149-7189(98)00042-1

Hussain M, Ibrahim M, Roslan S, 2021, Work-Based Learning and Skill Development Among Agricultural Students: Evidence from Malaysia. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 13(2): 43–53.

Shoulders CW, Myers BE, 2012, Teachers’ Use of Agricultural Laboratories in Secondary Agricultural Education. Journal of Agricultural Education, 53(2): 124–138. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2012.02124

World Bank, 2018, The Future of Work in Agriculture. Washington, DC: World Bank.

FAO, 2021, Digital Agriculture Report: Rural Transformation Through Digitalization. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Darling-Hammond L, Bransford J, 2005, Preparing Teachers for a Changing World: What Teachers Should Learn and Be Able To Do. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

OECD, 2021, Teachers and Leaders in Vocational Education and Training. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/59d4fbb1-en

Solomonson JK, Wells T, Hainline MS, et al., 2022, Technical Agriculture Skills Teachers Need to Teach Courses in the Plant Systems Pathway. Journal of Agricultural Education, 63(3): 100–116.

Tam M, 2014, Outcomes-Based Approach to Quality Assessment and Curriculum Improvement in Higher Education. Quality Assurance in Education, 22(2): 158–168. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAE-09-2011-0059

UNESCO, 2018, Quality Assurance Guidelines for TVET Providers. Bonn: UNESCO-UNEVOC.

ETF, 2021, Work-Based Learning in Vocational Education and Training. Turin: European Training Foundation.

Cedefop, 2020, Vocational Education and Training in Europe, 1995–2035. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.

Published
2025-11-10