Analytics for Enhancing Employability of MBA Graduates Using Predictive Modelling

Employers in developing countries face a growing skills gap, limiting innovation. According to the India Skill Report (ISR) 2023, only 60.1% of MBA graduates are employable, and Karnataka has consistently ranked outside the top three states for employable talent over the past nine years. Despite efforts by management institutions to enhance employability, challenges remain. This study develops and tests a theoretical model to explain the effects of career-related social support (CRSS) and employability opportunities/activities (EOQ) on perceived employability (PE), with literacies for life (LFL) as a mediator. A survey was conducted with 1,117 final-year MBA students (2020-2022) from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) affiliated colleges in Karnataka. Colleges were grouped into four regions: Belagavi, Bengaluru, Kalaburgi, and Mysuru. The sample size, based on 7,018 students, ensured a 95% confidence level and 5% margin of error. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) via SMART PLS.