Synthesizing AI-Embedded Soft Skills Set for Vocational Students in Tourism and Hotel Education Using Job Analysis
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Abstract
This study aimed to analyze work tasks and synthesize an AI-embedded soft skills set for vocational students in tourism and hotel education by applying job analysis based on the Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs) framework required for work performance. The data sources consisted of 29 relevant documents, entrepreneurs or workplace representatives from three hotels, and 10 higher vocational certificate students in tourism and hotel education, selected through purposive sampling. The research instruments included a document review form and semi-structured interview guidelines. Data were analyzed using content analysis under the concepts of job analysis, the KSAOs framework, and soft skills identified in relevant documents and research.
The findings revealed that the AI-embedded soft skills set for vocational students in tourism and hotel education consisted of six core skills, 24 behavioral indicators, and four levels of skill performance: basic, functional, proficient, and expert. The six core skills were: 1) critical thinking, 2) adaptability, 3) problem solving for decision-making, 4) communication and interaction, 5) creative collaboration, and
6) ethical professionalism. AI-related strands were integrated into the description of each skill to indicate the quality levels of the AI-embedded soft skills set. The findings highlight that soft skills in AI-era service work are not merely human skills in a general sense, but the capacity to apply human skills in conjunction with AI critically, appropriately, and responsibly in service contexts while maintaining ethics, service-mindedness, and human values. The findings can serve as a basis for developing measurement instruments, designing learning activities, and establishing guidelines to enhance AI-embedded soft skills for vocational students in tourism and hotel education in alignment with real service work situations.
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