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Article
Publication date: 31 August 2023

Neelam Bansal, Mala Tandon and Himangshu Das

The main purpose of the study to identify the importance of computer devices in vocational studies for person with disabilities (PwDs) are as follows: This study aims to observe…

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of the study to identify the importance of computer devices in vocational studies for person with disabilities (PwDs) are as follows: This study aims to observe the role of computer training in vocational training of a PwD. This study plays an important role in the vocational training of a PwD. With the help of ICT curriculum, effective vocational training is possible to help the trainee, the parents, the professional, the employer and the community easily. It builds awareness about career and employment options for individuals with disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The present investigation is descriptive research. The study has divided in to two phases such as—in the first phase of the study, the researcher has developed the tool for demographic data of PwDs. The tool is described as depth in following: There are two tools, the first tool had 16 different items related to demographic information of PwDs and the second one had 18 different items are related to computer skills and ability. The second questionnaire was a close-ended questionnaire. It was developed based upon the VAPS, BASAL-MR questionnaire developed by NIMH have questions on disability condition, management, policies, training and services available for PwDs. There are some basic areas in the tool are related to personal, academic, communication, vocational and recreational skills. The researcher had sent the questionnaire to the seven expert members related to disability for modifications. The researcher had modified and improved the tool as per expert advice. The role of the researcher in this research was to pose the research question and create conducive atmosphere to discourse, in order to encourage the participants to give the answer correctly. The researcher had prepared findings and a conclusion on the basis of the score obtained by PwDs. For the second phase of research, the researcher conducted interview with PwDs to assist the information related to computer skill training and importance in vocational potential for PwDs Participants: The sample selected for the study was 50 PwDs participants including 36 female and 14 male participants with benchmark disability (above 17 years of age) enrolled in the vocational unit in Uttar Pradesh. Purposive sampling was used for sample selection. Procedure: At the beginning, the investigator met with the concerned authority of the respective institutions for identifying the PwDs. And researcher had also contacted to parents and PwD for the present study. The data were also gathered by interviewing PwDs with help of their parents and PwDs. The investigator interviewed them by the help of self-made tools. On the whole, 50 individuals with disability were interview for present study.

Findings

The PwD mostly depends upon their family due to lack of job or livelihood skills. Anyone can obtain a job/business with help of vocational training or job training. In order to live an independent life, with social surroundings, basic vocational skills is desirable. PwDs is able to hold gainful employment or manage their daily financial activities with computer skills easily. ICT skills are very easy and useful to reading and writing, understand decision-making, logical thinking, problem-solving and so on.

Research limitations/implications

The future research may guide parents and service providers, belonging from different geographical areas how to train the PwD. The study will indicate researches to guide parents to select appropriate job options for a PwD. Resources related to computer training for PwDs are very limited. In future, the research may conducted in specific disability for better output.

Practical implications

This study plays an important role in the vocational training of a PwD. Computer-based training model is easily implementable, cost-effective and accessible all over India. With help of new technology, the vocational training becomes systematic and structured for PwDs. Individual and group guidance is available for large and small groups all over India for PwDs. Computer-based instructions are clear and easy instructions for PwDs, and it avoids the unnecessary confusion of parents regarding the vocational training programmes of their PwDs. Computer-based vocational training is helpful for better employment options for PwD.

Social implications

The attitudinal barrier will be reduced with computer training. The study will help in the training of the PwDs in different job roles. Computer training in the vocational curriculum will make the training part easy for trainers and PwDs as per his requirements. There are many organizational barriers to technology adoption are particularly problematic given the growing demands and perceived benefits among students about using technology to learn.

Originality/value

This paper adds new and significant information since it focuses on a specific group of persons who are disabled and the significance of using technology in learning. In conclusion, the findings in this study have valuable implications for PwDs, special educators and parents. This study creates effective in increasing positive atmosphere for PwDs in society and increases inclusion at vocational training centres. Therefore, it is important for technology base vocational training and education.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 September 2015

Naceur Jabnoun and Mohamed Khalifah

Quality awards played an important role in improving quality in private and public organizations. The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated four quadrant strategy…

Abstract

Purpose

Quality awards played an important role in improving quality in private and public organizations. The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated four quadrant strategy adopted by Sheikh Saqr Program for Government Excellence (SSPGE) for improving government performance in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaima (RAK) in the United Arab Emirates.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of this case is unusual as it mixes the experience of the authors with theory and literature. The first and second authors are, respectively, the senior consultant and the director general of SSPGE. The authors hereby present the integrated strategy developed and implemented by SSPGE in order to improve government performance in RAK. This paper first presents this improvement strategy along with the relevant literature, and then it outlines the results of its implementation.

Findings

The use of the four quadrant strategy helped government organizations in RAK achieve as successful launching of the government department award based on the EFQM excellence model. The average total score for all government departments was 311.0 in 2008. This indicates a huge improvement from the self-assessment score in 2007. It was also 106 points higher than the initially projected score for self-assessment in 2008. The average score consistently increased and reached 414 in 2012 indicating a 33 percent increase from 2008.

Practical implications

This paper outlines a four quadrant strategy that was successfully implemented by a government excellence program. This strategy can be used in other government excellence programs. It may also be adapted for use in large public and private organizations.

Originality/value

Most researchers focus on excellence strategies in organizations while this case addresses the strategy of an excellence program. This case also shows the importance of integration between the various awards categories, projects, and activities organized by the program. It also presents a successful case of linking activities of the program to the theoretical concepts of quality and excellence.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 32 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 May 2012

Jayanth Jayaram, Sanjay Ahire, Mariana Nicolae and Cigdem Ataseven

The purpose of this paper is to verify whether product orientation (make‐to‐order versus make‐to‐stock) affects how coordination mechanisms combine to influence quality…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify whether product orientation (make‐to‐order versus make‐to‐stock) affects how coordination mechanisms combine to influence quality performance in total quality management (TQM).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used survey response data from a large sample of single industry respondents (auto supplier industry) to test the research model.

Findings

The study found support for the idea that organizational and inter‐organizational coordination mechanisms influence product and process quality performance. Moreover, significance of many of these linkages varied according to whether the product orientation was make‐to‐order or make‐to‐stock. The study is one of the first to suggest that the influence of select coordination factors on performance can vary according to product orientation.

Research limitations/implications

The study suggests that plant managers may pursue different approaches to implement select coordination factors (not all) according to whether their product focus is make‐to‐stock or make‐to‐order.

Practical implications

The research isolates those select coordination mechanisms which have significantly different performance effects in one product orientation environment (make‐to‐order) versus another (make‐to‐stock). Managers interested in TQM implementation can gain insights into those select coordination mechanisms identified in this study that could positively enhance product quality and process quality performance.

Originality/value

To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first study that has examined the contextual influence of product orientation on the relationships between select coordination mechanisms in TQM implementation and their impact on process and product quality.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 February 2008

Anupam Das, Himangshu Paul and Fredric W. Swierczek

To provide reliable and valid constructs of total quality management (TQM) and a measurement instrument in the context of manufacturing industries in newly industrialized…

3320

Abstract

Purpose

To provide reliable and valid constructs of total quality management (TQM) and a measurement instrument in the context of manufacturing industries in newly industrialized countries for evaluating the TQM implementation process and to target improvement areas.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of TQM literature and expert opinions, ten TQM constructs (nine implementation constructs and one outcome construct) were identified. A detailed questionnaire was developed with the items for ten TQM constructs along with the questions on quality performance and information about the respondents. The questionnaire was then sent to randomly selected ISO 9000 certified manufacturing companies in Thailand. Out of 1,000 questionnaires sent, 275 usable samples were returned giving a response rate of 27.5 percent. Based on the data from the survey, exploratory factor analysis was done to ensure that items in each scale reflected sufficiently the scope of each construct. Internal consistency analysis was done to ensure the reliability of the constructs. Criterion‐related validity and construct validity were evaluated statistically to ensure that the set of measures correctly represents the constructs, and the degree to which they are free from any systematic or non‐random error.

Findings

This paper identified ten reliable and valid TQM constructs. Nine are implementation constructs and an outcome construct. These constructs have a total of 52 items, fewer compared to other instruments available in the TQM literature, with higher reliability compared to them.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to time and resource constraints, this study was conducted only in the manufacturing sector of Thailand and hence generalization is somewhat limited. This study could be extended to the service sector in Thailand and the same sector in other countries.

Practical implications

The instrument presented will provide Thailand's manufacturing companies with a practical understanding in the area of TQM implementation. Moreover, researchers and practitioners from other newly industrialized countries may be able to use these constructs in future TQM research. Compared to other instruments, this instrument will be easier to administer and the response rate may be better.

Originality/value

Quality/production managers will be able to use the instrument to evaluate their TQM implementation initiatives and identify problem areas requiring improvement. Researchers will be able to use this instrument to enhance understanding of the process and to develop applicable TQM theory.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

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