Search results

1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 31 May 2024

Raúl González-Fernández, Eduardo García-Toledano Mayoral and Belinda Domingo-Gómez

The purpose of this study is to determine the perception of graduates from teaching degree programs in Early Childhood and Primary Education carried out in Spain in accordance…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the perception of graduates from teaching degree programs in Early Childhood and Primary Education carried out in Spain in accordance with the European Higher Education Area, who are currently working in classrooms, on their initial training in the educational treatment of diversity (ETD). In addition, potential differences were examined based on the teaching degree that was studied (Early Childhood or Primary).

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a mixed methodology including an ad hoc questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Participants were 140 working teachers who had previously earned their degree in Early Childhood or Primary Education programs. Data analysis was carried out from an integrative perspective, using a basic descriptive focus and content analysis.

Findings

The results reveal that the new teachers considered that their initial training in the area of ETD was not as extensive as it should have been and as required by their daily teaching needs. They felt that they had acquired better education in the theoretical content as compared to the practical component. They mentioned a lack of training to attend to students entering the system at a later stage as well as for those with high intellectual abilities, noting that the initial training in ETD focused excessively on deficits and not enough on potentialities and other student diversities.

Originality/value

This study may be useful as it offers an improved adaptation to the reality of early education in ETD classrooms of future teachers, both for the competent education administrations and universities. It may also serve as a starting point to adjust the permanent training offer for teachers to their specific needs, making up for the deficiencies of their initial training.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 November 2022

Aba Essanowa Afful, Joshua Ayarkwa, Godwin Kojo Kumi Acquah, Ama Antwi Darkwa Ossei Assibey and Dickson Osei-Asibey

The purpose of this study is to identify the capacity needs of building professionals to deliver environmentally sustainable buildings (ESBs) globally, from a unique systems…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the capacity needs of building professionals to deliver environmentally sustainable buildings (ESBs) globally, from a unique systems approach. Through a review of extant literature, this study contributes to knowledge of the global delivery of ESBs by identifying research trends and gaps that can be tackled in future research, and current hotspots in capacity building (CB) research within the built environment (BE). The adopted systems approach to CB postulates that the construction industry is systemized in nature, and thus, CB solutions within the industry should be approached from a systems approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature search was conducted using the Scopus search engine, augmented by Google Scholar and Web of Science, to produce 54 relevant articles for analysis. The scientometric analysis was undertaken with the use of VOSViewer to better understand the broad literature on CB in the construction industry which would not have been possible with traditional data analysis. The content analysis allowed, for a systematic review of selected articles, to reveal key themes in this study.

Findings

Through a content analysis, four levels of CB were identified within the construction industry; individual level, organizational level, industry level and state level. Nine sub-capacities were subsumed under the four identified levels adopted from Potter and Brough (2004), including but not limited to Performance capacity, Workload capacity, Supervisory capacity, Industry Role capacity and Systems capacity. Under each sub-capacity, key questions were posed to aid identify the capacity needs of BE professionals. A framework for identifying capacity needs in the BE is proposed.

Practical implications

The findings of this study serve as a useful reference for practitioners and policymakers to assess their level of commitment to CB efforts for ESB delivery. The findings of this study have revealed that building the capacities of BE professionals to deliver ESBs should be addressed as part of a broader framework, interdependent on the other levels of CB in the systemic construction industry.

Originality/value

As a review study identifying capacity needs for BE professionals to deliver ESBs, this study enhances knowledge of CB within the construction industry.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 22 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 September 2024

Michael Joseph Hosken and Sharon L. O'Sullivan

The a priori identification and development of army personnel competencies are necessary to enable effective and efficient responses to rapidly changing climate conditions…

Abstract

Purpose

The a priori identification and development of army personnel competencies are necessary to enable effective and efficient responses to rapidly changing climate conditions. Accordingly, this study aims to identify the performance requirements of a military flood responder and the competencies (knowledge, skills and abilities) required to perform it.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an abductive approach, the authors conducted both secondary and primary research to generate a validated framework of performance criteria and competencies for army personnel responding to floods. This literature review integrated both the peer-reviewed academic literature and public sector grey literature. Using the critical incident technique, the authors then conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who had previously been tasked with flood response operations. Participants were asked about the tasks required while conducting flood response operations. Interview transcripts were then content analysed to identify themes regarding those tasks, and the competencies needed to perform those tasks were then extracted and contrasted with the literature review findings. Inter-rater reliability for the analysis was established via iterative discussion between the two co-authors.

Findings

The primary data reinforced and expanded the list of performance expectations that the authors deductively identified from the integrated literature review, adding granularity to each. It also identified competencies (including both hard and soft skills) and highlighted previously neglected contextual antecedents of military flood response effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

though knowledge saturation was achieved from the 15 interviews conducted, further research with larger samples could more deeply ground the evidence discovered in this study. Nevertheless, the competencies identified in this paper could serve as a starting guide to staffing and/or training interventions targeted at improving these competencies for personnel responding to flood scenarios.

Practical implications

The theoretical findings also have immediate practical relevance to training for flood response operations. In particular, the subtle challenges in competency crossover from military operations to flood response operations may facilitate not only more efficient, targeted training (that could improve the effectiveness of army personnel involved in humanitarian roles), but could be applied to the selection of army personnel as well. This study may also help provincial/municipal operators and emergency planners by better communicating the strengths and limitations of army personnel in addressing civilian military cooperation for humanitarian operations. Thus, the findings of this research study represent an important first step in prompting attention to the strategic human resource planning studies required to make all responders more efficient and effective in their respective division of labour within the humanitarian domain.

Social implications

Peering a little beyond these research findings, human-induced climate change is expected to continue increasing the frequency of such events (IPCC, 2021), and a timely, national force is likely to be increasingly required for Canadians impacted by major disasters stemming from natural hazards when local resources become overwhelmed. Yet, there is some concern from the CAF that increasing responsiveness to disaster operations will affect their military readiness (Leuprecht and Kasurak, 2020). One can indeed envision a paradox whereby the CAF is both a “force of last resort” while increasingly becoming a “first choice for domestic disaster and emergency assistance”. The practical implications from this research also suggest that military personnel, while fully capable of successfully conducting flood response operations, may become overburdened and less able to adopt yet greater capacity and training for other additional humanitarian work. Nevertheless, the competencies highlighted by participants can help inform the next flood response operation in Canada.

Originality/value

Most literature in the field of emergency response focuses on cooperation between civilian and military resources and other strategic-level themes. The findings address critical granularity missing at the operational and tactical levels of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief research. The authors also draw implications beyond the military context, including for local/regional governmental players (operators and emergency planners) as well as for volunteers in flood response roles.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6747

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 17 June 2024

Arushi Bathla, Ginni Chawla, Mahrane Hofaidhllaoui and Marina Dabic

Applying critical analysis as the methodological framework for assessing the literature, the review seeks to present a summary and evaluation of the existing body of knowledge…

Abstract

Purpose

Applying critical analysis as the methodological framework for assessing the literature, the review seeks to present a summary and evaluation of the existing body of knowledge. This approach helps to establish the basis for developing forthcoming recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

The articles were selected through a Systematic Literature Review following the PRISMA guidelines, and utilising Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and the Education Resources Information Center database. Field taxonomy is presented based on the outcomes.

Findings

Through a critical review, we offer narrative arguments that document the shortcomings in the existing literature by scrutinising study designs and highlighting suboptimal approaches. Finally, we issue a call to action for future research, envisioning its potential to reorient and reconstruct the field while enhancing the quality of future studies. This proactive stance aims to foster the development of more competent and insightful perspectives, theories, and policy recommendations within design thinking in management education and training.

Practical implications

The research in this field holds significant potential for providing valuable practical and policy insights, contingent upon the rigorous and thorough execution of studies.

Originality/value

This article presents a robust critical review of 57 state-of-the-art articles investigating design thinking in the context of management education and training.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 27 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 July 2024

Chunxiu Qin, Yulong Wang, XuBu Ma, Yaxi Liu and Jin Zhang

To address the shortcomings of existing academic user information needs identification methods, such as low efficiency and high subjectivity, this study aims to propose an…

Abstract

Purpose

To address the shortcomings of existing academic user information needs identification methods, such as low efficiency and high subjectivity, this study aims to propose an automated method of identifying online academic user information needs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study’s method consists of two main parts: the first is the automatic classification of academic user information needs based on the bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) model. The second is the key content extraction of academic user information needs based on the improved MDERank key phrase extraction (KPE) algorithm. Finally, the applicability and effectiveness of the method are verified by an example of identifying the information needs of academic users in the field of materials science.

Findings

Experimental results show that the BERT-based information needs classification model achieved the highest weighted average F1 score of 91.61%. The improved MDERank KPE algorithm achieves the highest F1 score of 61%. The empirical analysis results reveal that the information needs of the categories “methods,” “experimental phenomena” and “experimental materials” are relatively high in the materials science field.

Originality/value

This study provides a solution for automated identification of academic user information needs. It helps online academic resource platforms to better understand their users’ information needs, which in turn facilitates the platform’s academic resource organization and services.

Details

The Electronic Library , vol. 42 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 August 2024

Riikka Harikkala-Laihinen, Sanna Fäldt and Erik Bäckman

This paper aims to explore how a new type of workplace training program can be created that truly enables participants to move from words to action. Recognizing the need to…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how a new type of workplace training program can be created that truly enables participants to move from words to action. Recognizing the need to understand trainee–work environment dynamics the authors criticize training efforts that center on targeted learning events, instead highlighting the role of preparation and following up. In doing so, the authors tackle the lack of guidance practitioners experience when designing and implementing workplace training programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present action research on a pilot workplace training program focused on wellbeing in an academic work setting. The data collection draws from the case study tradition. The authors collect data through interviews (21), field notes of participant observation (3 occasions), participant-produced written materials and a feedback survey.

Findings

The authors find that restorative practices, workplace mediation and reteaming enhance the participants’ perceptions of self-efficacy and agency. Throughout the training program, facilitators observe the dynamics of the situation and take part in discussions to encourage exploration and reflection. Thus, facilitators likely need a coaching mindset.

Originality/value

The theoretical contribution stems from an in-depth exploration of trainee–work environment dynamics and novel insights brought to workplace training from adjacent fields of research. The authors introduce a framework for planning participatory workplace training and organizational development programs, which answers a call from practitioners.

Details

Journal of Workplace Learning, vol. 36 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-5626

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 September 2024

Asmaa Abu Qaadan, Faten Hamad and Hussam Fakhouri

This study examines the digital accessibility of information services for students with disabilities at the University of Jordan. Despite advancements in disability rights and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the digital accessibility of information services for students with disabilities at the University of Jordan. Despite advancements in disability rights and technology, academic libraries often lag in providing fully accessible digital services.

Design/methodology/approach

The mixed-methods research involved quantitative surveys from 173 students with disabilities and a qualitative interview with the head of the information application department, in addition to a focus group interview with 10 students with disabilities. Quantitative analysis included means, standard deviations and four-way ANOVA to identify significant differences in perceptions. Qualitative insights highlighted specific issues and recurring themes, revealing significant gaps in digital accessibility.

Findings

The results revealed a weak level of digital accessibility of students with disabilities to information services in academic libraries in Jordan is very low. The findings indicate a need for improvements in library infrastructure, staff training and policy development. The study also offers insights into challenges in a developing country context and provides recommendations for enhancing library inclusivity and support structures, emphasizing the importance of aligning services with international accessibility standards.

Practical implications

The findings will primarily be beneficial for library managers to understand their library’s deficiencies and responsibility towards the local community and the enhancement of digital inclusion. This understanding will aid in planning training programs and workshops for employees on supporting students with disabilities. Additionally, it serves as a valuable resource for collaboration between libraries and educators to organize educational sessions for academic librarians in Jordan and other developing nations.

Originality/value

It serves as a valuable resource for collaboration between libraries and educators to organize educational sessions for academic librarians in Jordan and other developing nations. This research adds value to existing literature by highlighting the context in one developing country.

Details

Library Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 20 August 2024

Shanmukh Devarapali, Ashley Manske, Razieh Khayamim, Edwina Jacobs, Bokang Li, Zeinab Elmi and Maxim A. Dulebenets

This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of electric tugboat deployment in maritime transportation, including an in-depth assessment of its advantages and disadvantages…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of electric tugboat deployment in maritime transportation, including an in-depth assessment of its advantages and disadvantages. Along with the identification of advantages and disadvantages of electric tugboat deployment, the present research also aims to provide managerial insights into the economic viability of different tugboat alternatives that can guide future investments in the following years.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed literature review was conducted, aiming to gain broad insights into tugboat operations and focusing on different aspects, including tugboat accidents and safety issues, scheduling and berthing of tugboats, life cycle assessment of diesel tugboats and their alternatives, operations of electric and hybrid tugboats, environmental impacts and others. Moreover, a set of interviews was conducted with the leading experts in the electric tugboat industry, including DAMEN Shipyards and the Port of Auckland. Econometric analyses were performed as well to evaluate the financial viability and economic performance of electric tugboats and their alternatives (i.e. conventional tugboats and hybrid tugboats).

Findings

The advantages of electric tugboats encompass decreased emissions, reduced operating expenses, improved energy efficiency, lower noise levels and potential for digital transformation through automation and data analytics. However, high initial costs, infrastructure limitations, training requirements and restricted range need to be addressed. The electric tugboat alternative seems to be the best option for scenarios with low interest rate values as increasing interest values negatively impact the salvage value of electric tugboats. It is expected that for long-term planning, the electric and hybrid tugboat alternatives will become preferential since they have lower annual costs than conventional diesel tugboats.

Practical implications

The outcomes of this research provide managerial insights into the practical deployment of electric tugboats and point to future research needs, including battery improvements, cost reduction, infrastructure development, legislative and regulatory changes and alternative energy sources. The advancement of battery technology has the potential to significantly impact the cost dynamics associated with electric tugboats. It is essential to do further research to monitor the advancements in battery technology and analyze their corresponding financial ramifications. It is essential to closely monitor the industry’s shift toward electric tugboats as their prices become more affordable.

Originality/value

The maritime industry is rapidly transforming and facing pressing challenges related to sustainability and digitization. Electric tugboats represent a promising and innovative solution that could address some of these challenges through zero-emission operations, enhanced energy efficiency and integration of digital technologies. Considering the potential of electric tugboats, the present study provides a comprehensive review of the advantages and disadvantages of electric tugboats in maritime transportation, extensive evaluation of the relevant literature, interviews with industry experts and supporting econometric analyses. The outcomes of this research will benefit governmental agencies, policymakers and other relevant maritime transportation stakeholders.

Details

Maritime Business Review, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2397-3757

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2024

Reza Salehi, Iravan Masoudi-Asl, Hassan Abolghasem Gorji and Hojatolah Gharaee

A healthcare unit's effectiveness largely depends on how well its interprofessional teams work together. Unfortunately, the strategies used to improve these teams often lack…

Abstract

Purpose

A healthcare unit's effectiveness largely depends on how well its interprofessional teams work together. Unfortunately, the strategies used to improve these teams often lack substance. This study analyzed these strategies and found a performance gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This study took a unique mixed-method approach, systematically reviewing both qualitative and quantitative studies that identified strategies to enhance interprofessional teams in healthcare units. To gauge the effectiveness of these strategies, the researcher utilized an Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) in four specialized clinical training centers in Hamadan province, Iran. The analysis of the IPA involved 35 experts from these centers as the statistical population.

Findings

Based on a systematic review, there are seven categories: contextual, strategic, communication, organizational, individual, Human Resources Management (HRM), and environmental for promoting interprofessional teams with a total of 36 sub-indicator. Based on the IPA, the HRM aspect shows the most extensive performance gap. The individual and organizational aspects fall under resource wastage, and the environmental aspect is within the indifferent zone. Also, some critical sub-indicators, such as incentives/rewards, roles and responsibilities, financial resources, team-initiated innovation, the culture of respect, partner resources, humility, data availability, set expectations, and team availability, are in the weak areas.

Practical implications

This research has identified critical areas for improvement in promoting teamwork in clinical training centers through a comprehensive gap analysis. It also presents practical policy solutions to address these weak points, providing a clear roadmap for enhancing interprofessional teams in healthcare units.

Originality/value

Improving teamwork in healthcare can be challenging, but it is possible with proper strategies and tools. One of the highlights of the recent study was the combination of systematic review studies with IPA to identify areas for improving interprofessional teamwork in clinical training centers.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 38 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2024

Mira Schwarz, Lara Greta Müller and Bernhard Schmitz

It is inherent in human nature to pursue a fulfilling life. The art-of-living approach provides strategies to help individuals attain higher well-being. Based on current research…

Abstract

Purpose

It is inherent in human nature to pursue a fulfilling life. The art-of-living approach provides strategies to help individuals attain higher well-being. Based on current research approaches on the art-of-living, we aimed to develop, implement and evaluate an online training that enhances art-of-living and well-being scores of flight attendants.

Design/methodology/approach

The training focused on six art-of-living components – self-knowledge, savoring, bodily care, coping with events, positive attitude toward life and serenity. In total, 94 participants were randomly assigned to 3-day (n = 34) or 9-day (n = 30) training groups or to 2 corresponding control groups (CGs) (n = 30). Art-of-living and well-being were measured using self-reported questionnaires at pre-intervention, post-intervention and two-week follow-up.

Findings

Results showed significant pre-post differences in art-of-living and well-being scores in both experimental groups, while scores for the CGs remained stable across assessments. Intervention effects were sustained over the two-week follow-up period. We found no significant differences in efficacy between the shorter and longer training, suggesting that brief training can be effective.

Practical implications

These results demonstrate that well-being can be enhanced through online art-of-living training, which is promising in terms of the practical implementation of such training in resource-constrained work environments.

Originality/value

The presented, conducted and evaluated work intervention represents the first study to apply the multi-component approach of “art-of-living” in an online setting, comparing two trainings of varying durations. This approach offers a framework perfectly suited for future implementation in flight attendants’ work settings to increase well-being and a possible subsequent implementation in other professional groups that would benefit from online training (e.g. in a hybrid work context).

Details

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8351

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 1000