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Article
Publication date: 19 April 2024

Samson Onyeluka Chukwuedo, Anthony Osinachi Okorafor, Ikechukwu Chidiebere Odogwu and Francisca Nebechi Nnajiofor

Within the umbrella of technology and vocational education (TVET), technology or technical education in higher institutions of learning is obligated to produce the required…

Abstract

Purpose

Within the umbrella of technology and vocational education (TVET), technology or technical education in higher institutions of learning is obligated to produce the required manpower needed in the industry. Thus, it is pertinent to explore the interaction between the industry and higher education students. Drawing on the tenets of theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study offers valuable insights into the nomological networks of work-integrated learning (WIL), perceived behavioral control (PBC), subjective norm (SBN), personal attitude (PAT) and job search intention (JSI).

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a structurally hypothesized model that was drawn from the TPB to collect data for the constructs. Using a cross-sectional survey after the WIL experiences of the students, we collected data from technology education undergraduates (N = 214) in their final academic year from universities in Nigeria.

Findings

With structural equation modeling, the study found that WIL is directly associated with JSI, PBC, SBN and PAT. In line with the tenets of the TPB, simple mediation models were supported about the influence of WIL on JSI via PBC and PAT discretely but not via SBN. Further, the results support two paths of serial mediation models, indicating sequential indirect links between WIL and JSI via SBN and PBC, as well as via SBN and PAT.

Research limitations/implications

Our findings have implications for higher education practitioners, industry experts and employers of labor.

Originality/value

Although extant literature has relatively shown that WIL impacts employability skills, this study has remarkably shown the WIL-JSI nexuses within the variables of TPB.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2023

Esther Asiedu, Ebenezer Malcalm, Afia Nyarko Boakye and Cornelius Kwarkoh Kwarkoh Amoah

The purpose of this study is to examine the moderating effect of the reflective practice of business students on how it helps to develop their employability skills through various…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the moderating effect of the reflective practice of business students on how it helps to develop their employability skills through various university strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a simple random sample to select undergraduate level 400 students from the Universities under study (the University of Ghana, University of Professional Studies Ghana, Lancaster University Ghana and Webster University Ghana). Only final-year students with an informed judgement on the reflective practice and various institutional practices to acquire graduate employability skills were participated. The independent variables of the study are institutional strategies (curriculum design, extra curriculum, work-integrated learning, career development centre, university collaboration with the industry, student engagement, internship job placement), the moderator is the reflective practice and the dependent variable of the study is graduate employability.

Findings

The study found that the moderation role of reflective practice had a significant effect on institutional strategies (extracurriculum, career development centre, university collaboration with the industry, student engagement and internship job placement) and graduate employability.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to only undergraduate business students from four universities ignoring other disciplines and postgraduate students.

Practical implications

The practical implication is that reflective practice must be an integral tool for various universities if they want students to use their strategies to sharpen their employability skills.

Social implications

The social implications of the study emphasise the reflective practice of graduate students in universities. This implies that firms and other institutions must consider reflective practice for the maximum output of their employees.

Originality/value

The concept of employability is a bit complex as it concerns many stakeholders of the educational process; the students, academic staff, employers, policymakers and higher education; the private sector; and the government. Although examining students' employability development skills is of great importance, students' reflective practice tends to be overlooked in most studies. Therefore, the focus of this study examines how the reflective practice of graduate students promotes employability through the various university strategies, which had not been considered.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 October 2023

Salman Butt, Ahmed Raza, Rabia Siddiqui, Yasir Saleem, Bill Cook and Habib Khan

This literature review aims to assess the current research on healthcare job availability and skilled professionals. The objective of this research is to identify challenges…

Abstract

Purpose

This literature review aims to assess the current research on healthcare job availability and skilled professionals. The objective of this research is to identify challenges caused by the imbalance between healthcare service demand and qualified professionals and propose potential solutions and future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method was employed as the guiding framework for conducting this review. A qualitative research design analyzed 38 peer-reviewed, evidence-based research works from 50 journal publications. Inclusion criteria focused on empirical studies, observational research and comprehensive reviews published within the last ten years. Thematic and discourse analysis categorized themes and factors explored in selected publications.

Findings

The findings highlight significant challenges in the healthcare sector regarding job availability and skilled professionals. Developed countries face understaffed healthcare facilities, resulting in increased workloads and compromised care. Developing countries experience high rates of unemployment among healthcare graduates due to limited resources and mentorship.

Practical implications

Improving educational infrastructure, expanding training opportunities and increasing healthcare investments are crucial for nurturing a skilled workforce. Implementing effective retention policies, fostering international collaborations and addressing socioeconomic determinants can create a sustainable job market.

Originality/value

The healthcare sector faces critical challenges in balancing job availability and skilled professionals. Strategic solutions are proposed to create a sustainable and equitable healthcare workforce. By implementing recommendations and conducting further research, access to quality healthcare and global public health outcomes can be improved.

Details

Journal of Work-Applied Management, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2205-2062

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 15 April 2024

Adriana AnaMaria Davidescu, Eduard Mihai Manta and Maria Ruxandra Cojocaru

Purpose: Students’ transition from education to employment is influenced by factors like the length and calibre of their education, demography, labour market conditions, and the…

Abstract

Purpose: Students’ transition from education to employment is influenced by factors like the length and calibre of their education, demography, labour market conditions, and the general state of the economy. Regardless of the economy, education systems should seek to ensure that students have the skills required for the labour market. This will help them better transition from school to work. This study examines the work skills that companies require for entry-level positions in Romania.

Need for Study: Previously, text analysis studies treated the job market only for the IT industry in Romania. To understand the demand-side opportunities and restrictions, assessing the employment opportunities for young people in the Romanian labour market is necessary.

Methodology: A text mining approach from 842 unstructured data of the existing job positions in October 2022 for fresh graduates or students is used in this chapter. The study uses data from LinkedIn job descriptions in the Romanian job market. The methodology involved is focused on text retrieval, text-pre-processing, word cloud analysis, network analysis, and topic modelling.

Findings: The empirical findings revealed that the most common words in job descriptions are experience, team, work, skills, development, knowledge, support, data, business, and software. The correlation network revealed that the most correlated pairs of words are gender–sexual–race–religion–origin–diversity–age–identity–orientation–colour–equal–marital.

Practical Implications: This study looked at the job market and used text analytics to extract a space of skill and qualification dimensions from job announcements relevant to the Romanian employment market instead of depending on subjective knowledge.

Details

Contemporary Challenges in Social Science Management: Skills Gaps and Shortages in the Labour Market
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-170-7

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 December 2022

Bahadur Ali Soomro, Nadia A. Abdelmegeed Abdelwahed and Naimatullah Shah

The current environment is unhelpful to female entrepreneurs, and they need to overcome numerous barriers when starting their own businesses. In this study, the researchers…

Abstract

Purpose

The current environment is unhelpful to female entrepreneurs, and they need to overcome numerous barriers when starting their own businesses. In this study, the researchers investigated the significant barriers that Pakistani female entrepreneurs require to overcome in this respect.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the researchers used a quantitative study and they used a questionnaire to survey the respondents and collect cross-sectional data. The researchers targeted female students who were undertaking bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in different Pakistani public and private sector universities. Accordingly, the researchers based this study’s findings on the usable samples received from 498 Pakistani female students.

Findings

The researchers used a structural equation model (SEM) in this study and its findings highlight that aversion to risk (ATR) has an insignificant impact on entrepreneurial inclinations (EI). In addition, fear of failure (FoF), lack of resources (LoR), aversion to hard work and stress (ASH) and the lack of social networking (LSN) have negative and insignificant effects on EI. The ATR factor has an insignificant effect on entrepreneurial success (ES), whereas FoF, LoR, ASH and LSN are negative and insignificant predictors of Pakistani female students’ ES.

Practical implications

This study’s findings may help Pakistani women to overcome the barriers to ES. In this respect, the researchers recommend that the Pakistan Government and policymakers develop significant strategies to provide the conducive business environment and to financially support Pakistani women to start their own businesses. Furthermore, this study’s findings contribute greatly to the vast amount of current literature and help to overcome the entrepreneurial conditions and barriers that potential entrepreneurs from advanced and developing countries experience frequently.

Originality/value

This study’s findings provide empirical evidence of EI and ES in Pakistan.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 October 2023

Oke Hendra, Benny Kurnianto and Ika Endrawijaya

This study aimed to develop an adapted collaborative governance model for aviation human resource development in Indonesia's approved training organisations (ATO), considering the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to develop an adapted collaborative governance model for aviation human resource development in Indonesia's approved training organisations (ATO), considering the expected changes in the industry due to advanced technologies. The model, based on Ansell and Gash's approach, emphasizes multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure workforce development aligns with industry and regulatory standards and accommodates technological advancements.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methods, such as in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, were employed to collect and analyse data.

Findings

The results indicated that collaborative governance is a valuable tool for cultivating competent human resources and facilitating industry improvement in the face of rapid technological change.

Originality/value

The proposed model contributes significantly to the field by promoting inclusive and effective human resource development through the Centre for Aviation Human Resource Development (CAHRD), thereby preparing the Indonesian aviation industry for the impact of advanced technologies. Furthermore, this study contributes to the enhancement of Ansell and Gash's collaborative governance theoretical framework by effectively addressing its empirical gaps concerning vocational education and training challenges within Indonesia's air transportation sector.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 April 2024

Roberth Andres Villazon Montalvan, Annibal Affonso Neto and Clóvis Neumann

In today’s highly competitive global business environment, there is a growing demand for professionals who possess well-developed soft skills. Such abilities include flexibility…

Abstract

Purpose

In today’s highly competitive global business environment, there is a growing demand for professionals who possess well-developed soft skills. Such abilities include flexibility, effective communication and other skills. Soft skills are personal attributes and qualities that are more closely related to the emotional side of human beings. Individuals must cultivate and hone soft skills during their undergraduate studies. These skills, also known as interpersonal or non-technical skills, are essential to complement hard skills and pave the way for a thriving career trajectory. Soft skills are developed over the course of one’s career and are indispensable in establishing a strong, professional presence in the corporate or academic realm. The field of engineering is no exception in this regard, and the business approach during the engineering course is of significant relevance. By acquiring soft skills, engineering graduates will become competitive and adaptable professionals capable of handling the current and future challenges of the job market. The purpose of this study is to investigate the soft skills that students perceive as being better developed during their business classrooms in the engineering course and identify areas for improvement in the business education process.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method consisted in four different phases from variables identification to statistical analyses. Then, as part of this approach a structured questionnaire was administered at the end of the engineering course, where students rated their perception of the degree of development of each of the soft skills covered in the course on a scale of zero to ten. The collected data were analysed using multivariate analysis techniques, including factorial analysis.

Findings

The results of the study demonstrate that the set of skills acquired by individuals in business classrooms pursuing a degree in industrial engineering is in high demand by potential employers. Such skills are deemed essential for the successful operation of businesses in modern-day industries. The findings of this research validate the significant role that industrial engineering students play in fulfilling the requirements of the job market and pave the way to meaningful insights on how to approach this topic during the business education process in engineering courses.

Practical implications

The findings bring about significant insights for national educational councils and ministries, universities and educational stakeholders in the process of updating, rethinking and implementing new curricula criteria in higher education, particularly in the Latin American context.

Originality/value

This paper enriches the literature by assessing the development of soft skills of engineering students in the Latin American context. The research reinforces the importance of developing soft skills aligned with those required for the context of current and future labour markets.

Details

Journal of International Education in Business, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-469X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 April 2024

Ahmet Maslakci, Lütfi Sürücü and Harun Şeşen

To encourage entrepreneurship, which accelerates economic growth by increasing employment opportunities and competitiveness, stakeholders must conduct studies and develop policies…

Abstract

Purpose

To encourage entrepreneurship, which accelerates economic growth by increasing employment opportunities and competitiveness, stakeholders must conduct studies and develop policies that consider both the current situation and future expectations. This study aims to examine the environmental and personal factors that influence students’ entrepreneurial intentions (EIs), using a model based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and social cognitive theories (SCT).

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposed an institutional framework demonstrating contextual features to achieve this objective. This theoretical framework is evaluated using a sample of 375 university students in Türkiye.

Findings

The empirical findings can help policymakers develop effective policies to encourage entrepreneurship.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on EIs; it is possible that even if a participant indicated a high EI in the survey, they will ultimately pursue a completely different career path.

Practical implications

The study also contributes to entrepreneurship literature studies investigating the relationships between the TPB and SCT.

Social implications

By testing specific hypotheses for Türkiye, this study contributes to the demand for entrepreneurship research in countries that are major global players but have vastly different sociocultural contexts than Western countries.

Originality/value

The study draws a theoretical model that explains the factors affecting the EIs of university students and attempts to explain the EIs of university students with and without business education within this model.

Details

Journal of International Education in Business, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-469X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 March 2024

Ruth Elias

The study examines the influence of family social capital on prospective university graduates' entrepreneurial intentions in Tanzania. The study also looks at the way…

Abstract

Purpose

The study examines the influence of family social capital on prospective university graduates' entrepreneurial intentions in Tanzania. The study also looks at the way entrepreneurial education amplifies the primary link between the study variables.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional data were gathered at a specific period from potential graduates in Tanzanian universities using structured questionnaires under the quantitative approach. The links between family social capital, entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intention were examined using the PROCESS macro.

Findings

Family social capital significantly influences the entrepreneurial intention of prospective Tanzanian university graduates. The entrepreneurial intentions of prospective graduates from Tanzanian universities are positively and significantly impacted by entrepreneurship education. The relationship between family social capital and the entrepreneurial intention of prospective graduates from Tanzanian universities is positively and significantly moderated by entrepreneurship education, and as a result, the positive impact of family social capital is amplified with increased entrepreneurship education.

Research limitations/implications

This study examines the impact of family social capital on the entrepreneurial intention of the prospective graduates from Tanzanian Universities. Other studies may look at the impact of family social capital on entrepreneurial intention when controlled with social capital acquired after university life. This is to check if the entrepreneurial intention has changed in any way.

Practical implications

Universities should stress the importance of offering entrepreneurship education as a way to complement and amplify the influence of family support on encouraging people to intend to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. This is because the presence of entrepreneurship education increases the positive impact of family social capital on entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, families should have the culture of having good relationship that brings strong family social capital which are necessary for the intention to pursue entrepreneurship opportunities.

Originality/value

The study advances the literature on analysing the entrepreneurial intention of prospective graduates in Tanzanian universities by giving empirical evidence from Tanzania. The report also identifies entrepreneurship education as a crucial programme to enhance the impact of family social capital and entrepreneurial intention on aspiring graduates in Tanzanian universities. Furthermore, the study shows the importance of family social capital on the prospective graduate’s intention to pursue entrepreneurship opportunities.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 6 May 2024

Channoufi Sabrine

This chapter examines the influence of external public borrowing resources on economic progress in Tunisia. The study focuses on two stages: First, the influence is studied in a…

Abstract

This chapter examines the influence of external public borrowing resources on economic progress in Tunisia. The study focuses on two stages: First, the influence is studied in a direct sense and then in an indirect sense, i.e., through a transmission channel of this influence. By applying the autoregressive distributed technique with staggered lags (ARDL), over a period ranging from 1986 to 2019, the results showed that the influence of external borrowing resources on growth seems to be unfavorable in the short term but positive in the long term, hence the importance of the empirical technique chosen. Second, three interaction variables were tested, namely total government expenditure, government investment expenditure, and the real effective exchange rate. The results obtained call for better attention to the channels identified to maximize the positive influence of external public debt on the country's economic progress.

Details

The Emerald Handbook of Ethical Finance and Corporate Social Responsibility
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-406-7

Keywords

1 – 10 of 108