IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v17y2025i14p6455-d1701722.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Developing a Competency-Based Transition Education Framework for Marine Superintendents: A DACUM-Integrated Approach in the Context of Eco-Digital Maritime Transformation

Author

Listed:
  • Yung-Ung Yu

    (College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, Republic of Korea)

  • Chang-Hee Lee

    (Division of Navigation Convergence Studies, College of Maritime Sciences, National Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea)

  • Young-Joong Ahn

    (Division of Navigation Convergence Studies, College of Maritime Sciences, National Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

Amid structural changes driven by the greening and digital transformation of the maritime industry, the demand for career transitions of seafarers with onboard experience to shore-based positions—particularly ship superintendents—is steadily increasing. However, the current lack of a systematic education and career development framework to support such transitions poses a critical challenge for shipping companies seeking to secure sustainable human resources. The aim of this study was to develop a competency-based training program that facilitates the effective transition of seafarers to shore-based ship superintendent roles. We integrated a developing a curriculum (DACUM) analysis with competency-based job analysis to achieve this aim. The core competencies required for ship superintendent duties were identified through three expert consultations. In addition, social network analysis (SNA) was used to quantitatively assess the structure and priority of the training content. The analysis revealed that convergent competencies, such as digital technology literacy, responsiveness to environmental regulations, multicultural organizational management, and interpretation of global maritime regulations, are essential for a successful career shift. Based on these findings, a modular training curriculum comprising both common foundational courses and specialized advanced modules tailored to job categories was designed. The proposed curriculum integrated theoretical instruction, practical training, and reflective learning to enhance both applied understanding and onsite implementation capabilities. Furthermore, the concept of a Seafarer Success Support Platform was proposed to support a lifecycle-based career development pathway that enables rotational mobility between sea and shore positions. This digital learning platform was designed to offer personalized success pathways aligned with the career stages and competency needs of maritime personnel. Its cyclical structure, comprising career transition, competency development, field application, and performance evaluation, enables seamless career integration between shipboard- and shore-based roles. Therefore, the platform has the potential to evolve into a practical educational model that integrates training, career development, and policies. This study contributes to maritime human resource development by integrating the DACUM method with a competency-based framework and applying social network analysis (SNA) to quantitatively prioritize training content. It further proposes the Seafarer Success Support Platform as an innovative model to support structured career transitions from shipboard roles to shore-based supervisory positions.

Suggested Citation

  • Yung-Ung Yu & Chang-Hee Lee & Young-Joong Ahn, 2025. "Developing a Competency-Based Transition Education Framework for Marine Superintendents: A DACUM-Integrated Approach in the Context of Eco-Digital Maritime Transformation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-24, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6455-:d:1701722
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/14/6455/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/14/6455/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Cardy, Robert L. & Selvarajan, T.T., 2006. "Competencies: Alternative frameworks for competitive advantage," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 49(3), pages 235-245.
    2. Tran Thi Nguyet Minh & Hanh-Thi Hong Hoang & Hyung Sik Nam & Anas S. Alamoush & Phan Anh Duong, 2025. "Revisiting Port Decarbonization for Advancing a Sustainable Maritime Industry: Insights from Bibliometric Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-36, May.
    3. Ioannis N. Theotokas & Ioannis N. Lagoudis & Konstantina Raftopoulou, 2024. "Challenges of maritime human resource management for the transition to shipping digitalization," Journal of Shipping and Trade, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 1-23, December.
    4. Pettit, S.J. & Gardner, B.M. & Marlow, P.B. & Naim, M.M. & Nair, R., 2005. "Ex-seafarers shore-based employment: the current UK situation," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 29(6), pages 521-531, November.
    5. Dilyan Dimitranov & Blagovest Belev, 2024. "Sustainable Shipping Requires Sustainable Education and Training," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-16, December.
    6. Livingstone Divine Caesar, 2023. "Emerging Dynamics of Training, Recruiting and Retaining a Sustainable Maritime Workforce: A Skill Resilience Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-20, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Rafael Morales-Sánchez & Carmen Cabello-Medina, 2013. "The Role of Four Universal Moral Competencies in Ethical Decision-Making," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 116(4), pages 717-734, September.
    2. Mohsen Khabir & Gholam Reza Emad & Mehrangiz Shahbakhsh & Maxim A. Dulebenets, 2025. "A Strategic Pathway to Green Digital Shipping," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-33, May.
    3. Himawan Hatmanto & Agung Yuniarinto & Surachman, 2022. "The influence of resource flexibility and product complexity on operational performance moderated by employee competence in Indonesian defense industry," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 11(3), pages 33-43, April.
    4. Syed Ali Fazal & Abdullah Al Mamun & Ghazali Bin Ahmad & Muhammad Mehedi Masud, 2022. "Entrepreneurs’ Competencies and Competitive Advantages: A Study on Malaysian Microenterprises," Global Business Review, International Management Institute, vol. 23(1), pages 61-74, February.
    5. Admkew Haile Mengesha, 2021. "Effects Of Employee'S Competencies On Customer Satisfaction: Study On Private Sector In Eastern Ethiopia," Working papers 2021-37-07, Voice of Research.
    6. Boyd, Britta & Hollensen, Svend, 2012. "Strategic management of a family-owned airline: Analysing the absorptive capacity of Cimber Sterling Group A/S," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 3(2), pages 70-78.
    7. Pichler, Shaun & Kohli, Chiranjeev & Granitz, Neil, 2021. "DITTO for Gen Z: A framework for leveraging the uniqueness of the new generation," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 64(5), pages 599-610.
    8. Kelly Gerakoudi & Georgios Kokosalakis & Peter J. Stavroulakis, 2024. "A machine learning approach towards reviewing the role of ‘Internet of Things’ in the shipping industry," Journal of Shipping and Trade, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 1-29, December.
    9. Bardha Mulhaxha & Berim Ramosaj, 2025. "The Impact of Managerial Educational Level and Experience on Organizational Efficiency and Effectiveness (Case Study in Large Enterprises in Kosovo)," Economic Studies journal, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute, issue 1, pages 174-188.
    10. Ching-Fang Wei & Peirchyi Lii, 2022. "Evaluation of an occupational competency-based curriculum and its impacts on learning outcomes," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 32(1), pages 157-183, June.
    11. repec:pab:wpbsad:12.03 is not listed on IDEAS
    12. Mir Hadi Moazen Jamshidi & Gassem Farajpour & Peymaneh Gassemi Pour Sabet, 2014. "Cognitive Styles and HR Competencies in Iranian Universities," International Journal of Asian Social Science, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 4(8), pages 898-911, August.
    13. Mohammad Salman & Imran Saleem & Showkat Ahmad Ganie, 2023. "Human Resource Management Practices as Antecedents of Employee Competencies: Empirical Evidence from the Banking Industry," Management and Labour Studies, XLRI Jamshedpur, School of Business Management & Human Resources, vol. 48(3), pages 381-398, August.
    14. Audenaert, Mieke & Vanderstraeten, Alex & Buyens, Dirk & Sebastian Desmidt, 2014. "Does alignment elicit competency-based HRM? A systematic review," management revue. Socio-economic Studies, Rainer Hampp Verlag, vol. 25(1), pages 5-26.
    15. Portman, Michelle E. & Jin, Di & Thunberg, Eric, 2009. "Waterfront land use change and marine resource conditions: The case of New Bedford and Fairhaven, Massachusetts," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 68(8-9), pages 2354-2362, June.
    16. D. N. Shariff & Dahlan Abdullah & Azita Aboo Bakar & Mohd Rizaimy Shaharudin & Anderson Ngelambong, 2024. "Analysing Halal Integrity and Sustainability Nexus in an Emerging Halal Supply Chain Ecosystem (HSCE)," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(7), pages 1489-1504, July.
    17. Arsalan Mujahid Ghouri & Naveed R. Khan & Omar B. Abdul Kareem & Muhammad Shahbaz, 2018. "Religiosity Effects on Employees in SMEs: An Islamic Country Perspective," Journal of Enterprising Culture (JEC), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 26(01), pages 85-111, March.
    18. Vinh Van Thai & Dong Mai Tran & Lien Thi Ngoc Nguyen & Thao Kim Nguyen & Thanh-Thuy Nguyen, 2024. "Revisiting the Role of Supply Chain Managerial Competence in Firm Logistics Performance: Do Experience and Education Matter?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-26, November.
    19. Karan Bhanot & Valeria Martinez & Palani-Rajan Kadapakkam & Sinan Yildirim, 2008. "Trading Profits in Closed-End Fund Tender Offers," Working Papers 0048, College of Business, University of Texas at San Antonio.
    20. Hossein Mombeini & Abdolreza Yazdani-Chamzini & Dalia Streimikiene & Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas, 2018. "New fuzzy logic approach for the capability assessment of renewable energy technologies: Case of Iran," Energy & Environment, , vol. 29(4), pages 511-532, June.
    21. Rafael Morales & Carmen Cabello, 2012. "Improving Ethical Decision-Making in Organizations through Ethical Competencies," Working Papers 12.02, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Department of Business Organization and Marketing (former Department of Business Administration).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6455-:d:1701722. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.