Islamic Double Degree Program: A New Human Resource Development Model for Islamic Banking Industry

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to introduce a new Islamic Double Degree Model that can be use in the longrun to overcome the challenges of qualified manpower for Islamic banking industry. A critical system of literature review with empirical evidences was adopted as a methodology to achieve our purpose. The paper found shortage of Shari'ah scholars as a challenge to the future survival of Islamic banking. Also, Islamic banking employees including senior managers that were recruited from conventional sources lacking the necessary knowledge of Shari'ah principles poses another similar threat. The current Islamic education system was found not sufficient enough to provide the needed supply of 'Islamic experts'. Islamic Double Degree is timely. Other methods and analysis of investigation to validate our findings is beyond the scope of this paper. Also, a comprehensive model with course contents and structure is not provided. The study is primarily beneficial to students of learning and academicians who can delve into further research to support and substantiate our findings. For the researcher, the paper contributes to the stream of existing literature.