In 2018, RMIT University introduced the Microcred program. Under this program, students were required to undertake small 2-3 hours mini courses that were geared towards developing their inter-personal and/or soft skills. Upon completing each of these mini courses, students were provided digital certificates/badges. To promote the usage of these certificates/ badges, RMIT informed students that these items on their LinkedIn profile can help them signal their soft-skills to their potential employers

a). Using concepts from labour market signaling, outline and explain under what conditions would the badges/certificates of this kind has signaling value?

b).Comment on whether the Microcred badges have any signaling value? Are there any other reasons for students to do Microcred courses?