Third level institutions need to improve the teaching they are giving to business students, if they are to properly prepare them for industry.

The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association is criticising the main universities for what it describes as their poor teaching methods, dry academic content and the lack of relevance to real business life their courses demonstrate.

ISME says business leaders are telling them that graduates are ill-prepared for the working world.

The business body says is in order to guarantee success, a practical approach to business subjects and an exposure to entrepreneurship should be given.

The Chief Executive of ISME, Mark Fielding explains:

Pictured, ISME Chief Executive Mark Fielding