Search Results

Purpose: Given the exponential and massive technological disruption in work that Industry 4.0 will lead to, nowadays, authors and practitioners within the field of education and training are witnessing increased attention on the features of and threats to employability and integration in current labor transformations. The purpose of this paper is to address current education and training challenges as related to the fourth industrial revolution by investigating which skills and competences will be crucial for the 4.0 era. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative field study with semi-structured interviews has been conducted. Qualitative data on a sample of N = 16 vocational training experts has been analyzed via the grounded theory approach for a bottom-up perspective on Industry 4.0 competences.

Findings: Data analysis revealed a partial consensus between current scientific literature and practitioners' views on skills and competences for Industry 4.0. Indeed, practioners support the need for a mix of competences comprising the broad group of disciplines of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), technical skills and transversal competences. Moreover, the perspective of practitioners supports a multilevel comprehension of the needs of Industry 4.0 for education and training. Drawing on these findings, an evaluation tool for an applied field intervention for inclusion in the labor market is proposed. Originality/value: The paper advances current knowledge within the field of education and training by proposing a novel perspective to address market integration as a means to tackle the risk of technological disruption.

Published abstract. Show less

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence of two types of underachieving students (n=246) (active failing (AF) and passive failing (PF)) in Brunei vocational and technical education (VTE) institutions and their patterns of coping. Design/methodology/approach: The field survey method was used to directly reach many participants, administer the instruments and collect the required data. Findings: The authors found 20 AFs (14 males) and 16 PFs (five females) across the VTE courses. More-able and average students scored relatively higher on all six productive coping strategies (e.g. confronting the stressor), while the AFs and PFs scored lower on these attributes. The AFs and PFs scored relatively higher on both dysfunctional coping styles (e.g. distancing) than more-able and average students. Furthermore, the AFs also scored lower on seeking social support (possible reason for not performing well). Internet connection and students' financial support need to be improved in Brunei VTE institutions.

Research limitations/implications: The study would have been strengthened by the inclusion of an interview component to probe supplement/complement findings from the quantitative survey and the open-ended qualitative instrument (both self-reports). Practical implications: The study had practical significance in that its findings could be used by instructors and policy makers to improve the achievement of VTE students in Brunei and elsewhere. Originality/value: This is the first time the phenomena of AF and PF were investigated in Brunei VTE students. Further qualitative research was recommended to gain additional insights and solutions.

Published abstract. Show less

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 [Coronavirus Disease 2019] 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.

Published abstract. Show less

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to introduce a case of an increasingly popular enterprise education programme in Hong Kong called the Teen Entrepreneurs Competition (TEC) and to examine its sustainability in different dimensions. Design/methodology/approach - Post-activity evaluation feedback was obtained from the participants and the stakeholders of the activity. Three systematic research studies were also conducted for investigating the impact of entrepreneurial characteristics and social interaction on the participants throughout TEC. Findings - Participants and stakeholders generally provided positive feedback towards TEC. The research findings also showed that TEC was able to draw a positive impact on developing the participants' entrepreneurial characters and in turn made TEC sustainable on the provision of an enterprise education programme in the local community. Research limitations/implications - It is suggested that the sustainability of TEC is attributed to three dimensions, namely, opportunities for individual comprehensive understanding, context for collaborative learning, and network for institutional support. Practical implications - Suggestions on how to further strengthen the sustainability of enterprise education programmes through these three dimensions are provided, for example, maximising individuals' practical experience, improving the quality of collaboration and developing a closer working relationship with various stakeholders. Originality/value - Enterprise education is recognised to have a significant influence on the development of entrepreneurial knowledge, skills and attitudes for youths. In order to widen the impact of enterprise education in society, it is necessary to sustain such enterprise education programmes over an extended period of time.

Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner. Show less

Purpose: In the digital age, the development of students' career intentions requires serious concentration since these are associated with the students' future employment and, ultimately, their survival. This study attempted to demonstrate in Pakistan's Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) the role of soft skills towards the students' career development (CD) and their future career intentions (CI). Design/methodology/approach: In this study, the researchers used a quantitative approach and a questionnaire to collect the data from the surveyed participants. Finally, the researchers based this study's findings on 392 useable samples.

Findings: By employing the structural equation model (SEM), this study's findings show that soft skills, such as Creative Self-Efficacy (CSE), Problem-Solving Confidence (PSC) and Teamwork (TW) have a positive and significant effect on CD and CI. However, while Critical thinking and Creativity (CRC) has a positive and significant effect on CD, it has no effect on CI. In addition, this study's findings confirm, also, that CD has a positive and significant effect on CI. Practical implications: This study's findings assist policymakers and university administrators to understand the importance of soft skills in creating CD and CI. These promote the development of employability skills and fulfill its part in preparing graduates for the unpredictable job market. This study's findings help, also, to develop logical reasoning in making decisions and in dealing with complex organizational issues. Originality/value: In a practical way, in Pakistan, this study's findings confirm the role of soft skills towards students' CD and CI.

Published abstract. Show less

Purpose: Despite the institutional calls to include the development of non-technical skills as objectives in accounting curriculum and the attempts to do so, a gap between the level of skills exhibited by graduates and those needed to succeed as a professional is still perceived. One of the possible causes could be students' overconfidence, defined as a very optimistic assessment of their own abilities. The main objective of the paper is to assess the existence of overconfidence. Design/methodology/approach: Two samples, students and employers were surveyed regarding the exhibited level of accounting graduates in a set of 22 non-technical skills, highlighted as relevant in the literature. This enabled a comparison of the opinions of employers with the perceptions of students concerning the demonstrated level of such skills.

Findings: The results of this study support the existence of students' overconfidence. In all the skills students score their ability higher than employers do with those differences being statistically significant in 21 out of 22 skills. Employers who are in closer contact with entry level accountants perceive even lower exhibited skills levels in graduates. Research limitations/implications: Overconfident students would be less motivated to actively participate in activities designed to improve skills resulting in underachievement and in lower performance. This low performance in highly valued skills could potentially harm their employability. Originality/value: Although the literature focussing on non-technical skills in accounting is prolific there are few papers comparing the views of employers and students, and there are no previous studies focussing on overconfidence.

Published abstract. Show less

Purpose: The research aims to discuss technical and vocational students' long-term and complete evaluation of learning effectiveness under school-wide thematic teaching design. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopted a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach to measure the learning effectiveness of thematic teaching in technical vocational schools using the Kirkpatrick model. Qualitative research conducted in-depth interviews with 32 interviewees, including students, parents, teachers, graduate alumni and the supervisors of off-campus internship units. Quantitative research conducted a questionnaire survey on vocational students. A total of 221 valid questionnaires were collected. In addition, this research conducts another quantitative survey on cooperative enterprises to compare the actual effect of the implementation of the school-wide thematic teaching students with the others, and a total of 35 valid questionnaires were collected.

Findings: The results of the research found that the effectiveness of thematic teaching method can achieve the expected goals of each level of Kirkpatrick model. The students taking thematic teaching are significantly better and fitting in the industry expects. Therefore, this research suggests the comprehensive introduction of school-wide thematic teaching to other school operators. Originality/value: This research is the first study used the Kirkpatrick model to evaluate the effectiveness of school-wide thematic teaching design in hospitality education and providing a practical case for schools. This research combined qualitative and quantitative research methods to investigate the effectiveness of the teaching method through multiple perspectives. Through the feedback from supervisors of the hospitality industry, the school-wide thematic teaching design provides a good foundation for technical and vocational graduates.

Published abstract. Show less

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse and explain the high rates of employability of one group of Middle East youth by focussing on liberal arts and soft skills education as an integral part of quality higher education. Design/methodology/approach: This paper employs the survey research method using questionnaires, focus groups and interviews to understand the labour market dynamics in Lebanon and explore factors that correlate positively with gainful employment with a special focus on the graduates of an institution that emphasises the liberal arts and soft skills training.

Findings: The paper finds that quality higher education - particularly with a focus on soft skills and internships - boosts the potential of graduates to secure their first jobs after graduation. Research limitations/implications: Reliable data on higher education, employability and youth are scarce in Lebanon and the region. The paper is based on one labour market study in Lebanon while seeking to extrapolate to Lebanese youth as a whole as well as reflect on employability and youth in the Middle East region.

Practical implications: The paper demonstrates support for improving quality in higher education as well as making soft skills training and the liberal arts critical components for increased employability of youth in Lebanon and the Middle East. Originality/value: The paper is innovative in its reliance on primary data from a labour market survey as such data are scarce in Lebanon. In addition, advocacy for soft skills training and the liberal arts in the midst of focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics and other professional education at the university level is rare in the Middle East.

Published abstract. Show less

Purpose - This paper seeks to provide a case study of the mentoring process within Kentz Engineers & Constructors. Design/methodology/approach - The paper reflects the experiences of those leading the mentoring process within Kentz with insights extracted from a process of action, reflection and live experimentation. Findings - The paper concludes that mentoring is effective in the early stages of careers, but that care needs to be taken to ensure that organization-wide mentoring programmes achieve their objectives. Research limitations/implications - Findings are based on the experiences of one company and further research would be needed in order to generalize from these findings. Originality/value - The mentoring process analysed is unique to Kentz Engineers & Constructors, drawing on lessons from the broader literature. Published papers from the construction industry are rare in comparison with other market sectors.

Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner. Show less

Purpose - Although there is increasing evidence that the creative industries are essential to national economic growth as well as social and cultural well-being, creative graduates often find it difficult to become established professionally. This study aims to investigate the value of career management competence and intrinsic career motivations (as elements of 'protean career orientation') in predicting positive graduate outcomes. Design/methodology/approach - Self-report surveys were administered to 208 creative industries graduates from two Australian universities at two points in time: at course completion, and one year later. Findings - The paper finds that individual career management competence and intrinsic work motivations, measured at course completion, were significant predictors of early career success, using both subjective and objective measures, measured one year later. Practical implications - This study suggests that an emphasis on student development beyond the traditional 'key' employability skills may well be worthwhile. The paper also suggests a broad learning and teaching approach by which universities can encourage the development of student career identity, and thus engender student intrinsic career motivations and career self management skills and behaviours. Originality/value - This is one of the first studies to demonstrate empirically a link between a particular set of skills and graduate outcomes. In addition, it provides insights into the role of student career motivations in positive transitions to the world of work in the creative industries.

Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner. Show less