Search results

1 – 10 of over 65000
Article
Publication date: 4 June 2021

Alessandro Lo Presti, Assunta De Rosa and Enrico Viceconte

Constant and frequent technological changes within organizations call for further scholarly attention, as behavioural intentions need to be coupled also with future learning

Abstract

Purpose

Constant and frequent technological changes within organizations call for further scholarly attention, as behavioural intentions need to be coupled also with future learning intentions to predict the present and prospective individual adaptations and performance. This study, grounded on the technology acceptance model, aims to examine the association between training opportunities and behavioural and future learning intentions also taking into account the role of task–technology fit as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was carried out within a single organization in the water processing sector on a sample of 200 workers who recently experienced a technological change through the adoption of System Application and Product in data processing. A moderated–mediation model was estimated through regression analyses with bootstrapping.

Findings

The results were consistent with study hypotheses. In particular, task–technology fit amplified the positive association between perceived ease of use and training opportunities as well as the indirect effect of this latter on both behavioural and future learning intentions through perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. In sum, the hypothesized moderated–mediation model was confirmed.

Originality/value

Three novelty factors of this study can be stressed: it is among the few studies carried out on Italian workers in the realm of technology adoption, it expanded the technology acceptance model by including traditional behavioural intentions and future learning intentions as outcome variables and it integrated the task–technology fit perspective within the technology acceptance model.

Details

Journal of Workplace Learning, vol. 33 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-5626

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2022

Hanna Moon and Sungpyo Hong

This study aims at analyzing the impact of perceptions of the fourth industrial revolution (crisis and opportunity) in the relationship between workers’ career attitudes and future

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims at analyzing the impact of perceptions of the fourth industrial revolution (crisis and opportunity) in the relationship between workers’ career attitudes and future learning intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzed the multiple mediating effect of the perception of the fourth industrial revolution in the relationship between career attitudes and future learning intention using data of 305 Korean workers. As career attitude variables, boundaryless and protean career orientation variables were used, and perception of the fourth industrial revolution was analyzed (opportunity and crisis perception).

Findings

Both workers’ boundaryless career orientation and protean career orientation influenced future learning intention through the perception of opportunity for the fourth industrial revolution. This result suggested that flexible career attitudes positively recognized the changes of the fourth industrial revolution and had an effect on promoting attitude toward future learning.

Research limitations/implications

The study confirmed that workers’ flexible career attitudes could promote perception of opportunity rather than crisis in changing situation and strengthen their intention to prepare for the future by mediating this perception. These results suggest that lifelong learning and competency development can be reinforced by facilitating perception of an opportunities for external change for individual career development.

Originality/value

Insights for personal career development were provided by analyzing the relationship between flexible career attitudes, which are increasing in importance in the modern society, and perceptions of changes in external environment.

Details

European Journal of Training and Development, vol. 47 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-9012

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 March 2013

Eva Kyndt, Natalie Govaerts, Loes Keunen and Filip Dochy

While the professional learning of high‐qualified employees has received a lot of attention, research that focuses on low‐qualified employees is limited. The purpose of this study…

1500

Abstract

Purpose

While the professional learning of high‐qualified employees has received a lot of attention, research that focuses on low‐qualified employees is limited. The purpose of this study is to investigate the learning intention of low‐qualified employees as a proximal determinant of their actual participation in learning activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied a mixed method approach. The quantitative part of the section applied a cross‐sectional survey design. In total 673 low‐qualified participants completed the questionnaire. Regression and ANOVA analyses were calculated to answer the research questions. For the qualitative part of this study, 14 low‐qualified employees were interviewed. These interviews were transcribed and encoded by means of descriptive coding and open coding, and split up into different categories using NVivo 8 software.

Findings

The results show that self‐directedness in career processes and financial satisfaction are positively related to the learning intentions of low‐qualified employees. The qualitative part of the research shows that low‐qualified employees primarily relate learning to formal learning activities, and that learning has a negative connotation for them due to prior negative experiences related to school learning.

Research limitations/implications

The quantitative part of the research only considers formal learning, whereas the qualitative part of the research also allowed a discussion of informal learning experiences. Because of the negative connotation that low‐qualified employees attach to learning, it seems that semi‐structured interviews did not yield as much information as expected.

Originality/value

Besides investigating possible antecedents of low‐qualified employees' learning intentions, this research also explores what learning means for this group of employees, who traditionally have an educational background that is filled with negative experiences.

Details

Journal of Workplace Learning, vol. 25 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-5626

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 May 2011

Fernando Lourenço and Dilani Jayawarna

This study seeks to draw on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to explore the effects of a creativity‐enhancing training programme on the learning intentions of nascent…

3059

Abstract

Purpose

This study seeks to draw on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to explore the effects of a creativity‐enhancing training programme on the learning intentions of nascent entrepreneurs. The key focus is to evaluate the impact of the nascent entrepreneurs' perceived level of creativity on training outcomes, measured in terms of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and intention to exploit learning. Implications for theory and enterprise education policy are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on data from a cross sectional survey of two groups of trainees: final‐year business‐enterprise degree‐students, and participants from a leading UK enterprise programme, New Entrepreneur Scholarship (NES). The data from a total sample of 384 were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Data were subjected to essential validity and reliability tests prior to using in the SEM analysis.

Findings

The results supported the hypothesis that participants who perceive themselves as having higher perceptions of creativity will have higher tendencies to learn. There is also support for a full mediation role of new learning in explaining the relationship between creativity and intention to exploit learning. Creative individuals also rate other training outcomes as positive; both perceived usefulness and perceived ease‐of‐use received statistical support. Perceived usefulness acts as a strong mediator to the relationship between learning from creativity training and nascent entrepreneurs' intention to exploit their learning. On the whole, results largely agree with the TPB as applied to entrepreneurship and suggest trainees' perception of creativity as a driver for enhancing learning habits among nascent entrepreneurs.

Practical implications

The research has highlighted several issues that influence the learning behaviour of nascent entrepreneurs and so helps to inform entrepreneurship theory and enterprise policy related to enterprise and entrepreneurship education. As this is one of the first attempts to situate enterprise education within the theory of planned behaviour, this study will particularly be useful to frame questions for future research.

Originality/value

The study is useful as it proposes a new dimension to an already popular debate around learning and entrepreneurial potential. This paper emphasises that the development of enterprising skills should be spread and integrated into different aspects within an entrepreneurship programme, as opposed to small‐blocks of consecutive sessions, to avoid negative effects caused by the perception of creativity.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 June 2022

Nadia A. Abdelmegeed Abdelwahed and Bahadur Ali Soomro

Mobile learning has emerged as one of the main methods for training and academic activities in the present era. It is, also, highly relevant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic…

Abstract

Purpose

Mobile learning has emerged as one of the main methods for training and academic activities in the present era. It is, also, highly relevant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic whereupon digitization of mobile learning has made it possible for many students to continue with their education. This study investigated attitudes and intentions towards the adoption of mobile learning in vocational education.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative study based on cross-sectional empirical data. In targeting vocational students throughout Pakistan, the study used a survey questionnaire with a convenience sampling method. From the responses to the questionnaire, 320 samples were used to obtain the study outcomes.

Findings

The structural equation modeling’s (SEM) findings reveal that learning autonomy (LA), mobile device self-efficacy (MDSE), task-technology fit (TTF), perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PUS) and perceived enjoyment (PE) have a positive and significant effect on mobile usage attitudes (MUA) and intentions to adopt mobile learning (ITAML). Moreover, this study’s findings confirm, also, MUA’s predictive power on ITAML.

Practical implications

Further, this study’s findings encourage individuals to use mobile devices to properly promote knowledge in society. In addition, this study’s findings support vocational institutions’ operators’ and policymakers’ development of online education and training strategies to resist the complications arising from the transmission of COVID-19. Moreover, this study’s findings open new doors when conducting similar research studies on students’ perceptions and learning behaviors.

Originality/value

The empirical investigation of attitudes and intentions to adopt mobile learning in the context of COVID-19 helps potential adopters to test the likely behaviors.

Article
Publication date: 9 August 2011

Jos Sanders, Shirley Oomens, Roland W.B. Blonk and Astrid Hazelzet

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the discussion on how to increase lower educated workers' participation in training programs inside and outside the workplace through…

3292

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the discussion on how to increase lower educated workers' participation in training programs inside and outside the workplace through stimulating intentions with respect to training.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on data from the Study on Life Long Learning and Employment by TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research), a three‐wave longitudinal study among lower educated workers in three different companies in The Netherlands. Data from the baseline questionnaire on 213 workers who are not currently participating in training activities are used along with a multiple regression model to test whether subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, attitude/expected value, management support, coworker support, career orientation, job insecurity and prior participation in informal learning correlate with lower educated workers' intentions with respect to training.

Findings

This study shows that when stimulating lower educated workers' intentions with respect to training, one should focus on their attitude towards training participation, their subjective norms on training participation and their perceived behavioral control over participating in training. These aspects can be influenced through management support, coworker support and promoting career orientation. These factors contribute to the personal factors and thus, although indirectly, stimulate intentions with respect to training.

Originality/value

This article is the first to present clear ideas on ways to stimulate lower educated workers' intentions to participate in workplace learning activities and to develop interventions to strengthen their current and future labor market position. It also shows that in stimulating lower educated workers' intentions with respect to training the focus should be on individual, as well as organizational, or group factors.

Details

Journal of Workplace Learning, vol. 23 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-5626

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 July 2023

Shweta Devendra Shirolkar and Rajashri Kadam

The purpose of this study is to examine the factors influencing the adoption and utilization of the online examination portal (OEP) in Indian universities. This study combines the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the factors influencing the adoption and utilization of the online examination portal (OEP) in Indian universities. This study combines the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology (UTAUT) and Task Technology Fit (TTF) to explain the user's intention to use an OEP at an Indian University.

Design/methodology/approach

This study's methodology combines UTAUT as a theoretical framework with TTF. It is conceptualized that TTF has a moderating effect on UTAUT's primary construct. The authors collected the data from 182 graduate students from an Indian university. PLS-SEM is used to identify the causal relationship between the constructs using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique.

Findings

The findings will demonstrate the applicability of the constructs of performance expectancy, effort expectancy and facilitating conditions in influencing the usage intention and behavior of students towards OEP. The outcome will also demonstrate the moderating effect of TTF on the predictors of intention to use OEP at an Indian University.

Research limitations/implications

The sample respondents who participated in the study are students at the Indian University in Pune. The selection of samples was based on convenience sampling. Future research should be conducted at a variety of geographic locations, educational levels, undergraduate and graduate schools, as well as multiple universities. To increase the objectivity of sample selection, the probabilistic sampling method can be used to select samples. For future studies, larger sample sizes (more than 182) can be collected in order to increase the generalizability and applicability of the findings to other developing markets.

Practical implications

The study will aid Indian universities in enhancing the effectiveness of OEP. The study will also demonstrate the users' perception of the portal and their willingness to use it. It will also assist the university administration in finalizing the examination portal's implementation strategy.

Originality/value

Very few studies have been published on the factors influencing the acceptance and utilization of specific online examination systems. To address this underrepresentation, the current article investigates the factors and criteria that influence students' intent to use the OEP. The authors conceptualize the model using UTAUT as a theoretical foundation, which is absent from the published literature on the OEP. The study incorporated UTAUT and TTF to determine the impact on OEP usage and intent. In addition, the study contributes by testing the moderating effect of TTF on the UTAUT variables that influence the intention to use OEP.

Article
Publication date: 21 September 2012

Nelly Conte

The paper's aim is to describe the first experiences of, opinions and attitudes toward, continuing education using the internet of a group of Puerto Rican pharmacists after an…

637

Abstract

Purpose

The paper's aim is to describe the first experiences of, opinions and attitudes toward, continuing education using the internet of a group of Puerto Rican pharmacists after an online course.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a descriptive study using a focus group of practicing pharmacists who participated in continuing education using the internet for the first time.

Findings

The participants' descriptions and impressions with regard to online continuing education (CE) experiences were both emphatic and covered all aspects of the process, from accessing the CE site to selecting a topic to reading the content and answering the questions. Pharmacists recognized the importance and advantages of online CE, but demonstrated preference for live CE. Lack of technical skills is still a limitation, especially the lack of internet navigation skills.

Research limitations/implications

The recruiting methodology did not result in a sufficient number of participants for the two sessions that were planned which highlighted some of the cultural aspects of the process of inviting professionals to attend and participate in a focus group. Even though only one focus group was conducted, the systematic approach garnered detailed and valuable information.

Practical implications

Strong preferences for live CE, the need for socializing, and time‐management issues were identified as being barriers to participating in CE that educators, professional associations and CE providers can address. Continuing education designers and providers must carefully design their web pages and courses to increase its quality, to facilitate taking a CE, to increase satisfaction, and to increase recurrent use.

Originality/value

The paper presents the reactions of a group of adult professionals as they encounter a new learning experience by means of the internet.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 November 2011

Theresa Mercer, Andrew Kythreotis, Carol Lambert and Gill Hughes

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the significance of student‐led initiatives in PhD development.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the significance of student‐led initiatives in PhD development.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study is presented utilizing Kolb's model of learning from experience to identify with student‐led research training within the PhD process.

Findings

The experiential role of the student in the development of their personal doctoral training and the resultant social interactions thereof, remain as important as the more structured supervisor‐student relationship and other forms of doctoral training within the PhD research process.

Originality/value

This paper contributes new insights into the process of how PhD students can become more empowered by the process of “doing” a PhD, rather than being confined to their own specific discipline, whilst offering future recommendations for students embarking upon PhD research.

Details

International Journal for Researcher Development, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2048-8696

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 September 2020

Kirsti Melesk

While women in most European societies still carry the largest burden in caring for the family, there is also an important unrealised learning interest among women. This has an…

Abstract

Purpose

While women in most European societies still carry the largest burden in caring for the family, there is also an important unrealised learning interest among women. This has an impact on women's labour market and career opportunities. This paper aims at analysing empirically the role of family obligations in women's ability to realise their learning interests and how this differs across societal and institutional contexts across Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper makes use of the second wave of Adult Education Survey from 2011, including data from 22 European countries. The article focuses on women aged 25–55 – an age group most affected by parental obligations. Logistic regression models are used to compare the effect that children in the household have on women's learning barriers across country groups of different family policy arrangements.

Findings

The results confirm empirically the situational nature of family barriers to learning as they grow and decline depending on the age of children. However, the level of intensity and the period when family-related barriers remain relevant for women vary across European countries.

Originality/value

This paper provides new insights into how women's caring obligations shape their labour market and career opportunities, focussing on the ability to take up adult learning. Involving data from 22 countries, including Eastern European countries, provides a broad look into the differing contexts shaping women's opportunities across Europe.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 41 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 65000