Activities Of Higher Education Institutions Research Articles

FACTORS AFFECTING RESEARCH PRODUCTIVITY OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

In the context of knowledge production and knowledge-based economy leading to current global competition among universities of the world, the research activity of universities is of particular importance in terms of creating, disseminating and using new knowledge for the benefits of society. From this point of view, it is considered appropriate to determine the factors having an influence on the research productivity of universities, and to study deeper the issues of proper organization, planning and management of the future research activity. In addition, as new educational policies prioritize the research activities of higher education institutions and encourage the establishment of research universities, it is of particular importance to investigate individual and institutional factors affecting research productivity.

On some Aspects of the Work of the Faculty of Higher Education

The article is devoted to the issue of attracting teachers to carry out professional activities in higher educational institutions. Reform and optimization of higher education affects nature and conditions of employment of teachers of Russian universities. There is a decrease in the status and prestige of teaching. Legislative changes do not always contribute to increasing the prestige of the profession, as well as the desire of practitioners to transfer their experience to the younger generation in educational organizations. An important role in this is played by the requirements for persons applying for the positions of faculty of higher education. If you look at other problematic aspects of the legal regulation of the labor of education workers, taking into account the optimization of the labor process by the employer, then the status of a teacher of higher education does not become one of the goals of a future career for young professionals. It seems that a more thoughtful approach is needed to establish the requirements for the teaching staff of the university. To achieve the main task of vocational training, an effective system of replacing teaching positions should be established, taking into account the realities of our time.

FOSTERING KEY VALUES OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY THROUGH THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS AT POLTAVA STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

Academic integrity serves as the cornerstone of an individual's moral character and their approach to scholarly endeavors. It reflects the moral values that students bring with them to higher education institutions, aiming to enhance and refine them throughout their academic journey and beyond. This article aims to explore the principles underlying the development of academic integrity among teachers, lecturers, and its implementation in the scholarly and educational activities of higher education institutions. Lecturers serve as the primary examples of academic integrity for students. Their commitment to ethical standards, honesty, and openness in discussing ethical issues can influence students and serve as a model for their behavior. At Poltava State Medical University (PSMU), a repository has been established as a platform for showcasing teachers' scientific achievements, publications, research, and other academic accomplishments. Additionally, a bioethics commission oversees adherence to data collection and processing rules, animal experimentation, and the use of new technologies, fostering a conducive atmosphere in line with the ethical standards of academic integrity at PSMU. The patent department at PSMU oversees research ethics, citation rules, and plagiarism prevention, providing educational support, consultation, and assistance in developing intellectual property standards. The university's website offers online resources that encourage teachers to take greater responsibility for their actions and achievements. By making achievements publicly accessible, PSMU promotes adherence to ethical and quality standards among faculty members. Thus, fostering a virtuous academic environment requires a comprehensive approach that includes proper regulatory and legal frameworks, as well as organizational and preventive-educational measures. Establishing an educational environment based on academic integrity for future professionals enables high-quality outcomes, thereby shaping competitive specialists in the global market of social services.

Совершенствование системы инновационной деятельности в вузах Китайской Народной Республики в условиях развития цифровой экономики

целью исследования является анализ путей совершенствования системы инновационной деятельности в ВУЗах Китайской Народной Республики в условиях развития цифровой экономики. Методы: в процессе проведения исследования использовались методы аналитического и логического анализа, метод статистическо-экономического анализа и графический метод. Результаты: в исследовании систематизированы современные ключевые подходы совершенствования системы вузовской инновационной деятельности в рамках реализации стратегии «Четырех направлений». Проведен анализ динамики показателей развития науки и технологий в Китае и выявлены мировые лидеры среди агломераций в сфере патентных вузовских заявок на изобретения, определены объемы бюджетного финансирования системы китайских университетов мирового класса. Выводы: выявлено, что инновационная деятельность китайских ВУЗов в условиях развития цифровой экономики выступает в роли связующего звена между университетскими исследованиями и рыночной экономикой Китая и оказывает прямое влияние на повышение уровня конкурентоспособности китайской экономики в целом, поэтому развитие университетских научных исследований в рамках стратегии инновационного развития «Четырех направлений» требует от правительства Китайской Народной Республики – реализации активных мер по укреплению инновационной вузовской системы путем проведения масштабных институциональных реформ. the purpose of the study is to analyze ways to improve the system of innovation activity in higher education institutions of the People's Republic of China in the conditions of digital economy development. Methods: the methods of analytical and logical analysis, the method of statistical and economic analysis and the graphical method were used in the research process. Results: the study systematizes modern key approaches to improving the system of university innovation activity within the framework of the Four Directions strategy. The dynamics of science and technology development indicators in China has been analyzed and the world leaders among agglomerations in the field of patent applications for inventions have been identified, the volumes of budget financing of the system of world-class Chinese universities have been determined. Conclusions: it is revealed that innovation activity of Chinese universities in the conditions of digital economy development acts as a link between university research and market economy of China and has a direct impact on increasing the level of competitiveness of the Chinese economy as a whole, therefore, the development of university scientific research in the framework of the strategy of innovation development "Four Directions" requires from the government of the People's Republic of China – the realization of active measures to strengthen the innovation higher education system through extensive institutional reforms.

Increasing the patent activity of higher education institutions: problems and prospects

Increasing the patent activity of higher education institutions: problems and prospects

Penyuluhan Pencegahan Penularan Penyakit Malaria kepada Masyarakat di Desa Kampung Baru Kelurahan Galang Baru Kota Batam

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium. It targets erythrocytes and manifests with symptoms such as fever, chills, anemia, and splenomegaly, either acutely or chronically, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria remains a public health problem in many areas, including Kampung Baru Village, Galang Baru Subdistrict, Batam City. In order to fulfill the mission of community service, we have designed a comprehensive and sustainable education program to increase awareness and knowledge of the community about malaria. This program not only focuses on educating about the prevention and management of the disease but also directly involves active participation of the community in the learning and implementation process. Through collaboration with various parties, such as community leaders, health workers, and local leaders, we aim to create an environment that supports sustainable behavioral change in malaria prevention efforts. Additionally, we integrate a multidisciplinary approach in this program by addressing specific challenges faced in the local context, such as limited access to healthcare services, environmental conditions conducive to the breeding of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, and socio-economic factors influencing prevention and treatment efforts. Thus, this education program aims not only to reduce the burden of malaria in Kampung Baru Village and its surroundings but also serves as a tangible contribution to fulfilling the tri dharma activities of higher education institutions in the field of community service.

Education of purposefulness in youth students in the process of physical and health activities

The article reveals the content of education of purposefulness in student youth in the process of physical culture and health activities. For this purpose, the state of investigation of the problem of education of the purposefulness of student youth was highlighted and it was found that teachers of higher education institutions do not pay enough attention to this phenomenon and do not have thorough knowledge about the education of moral and volitional qualities of student youth. The meaning of physical culture and health activities in higher education institutions is revealed. It has been established that the skillful application in higher education institutions of pedagogical conditions, content, forms and methods aimed at the education of moral-willed and physical qualities of the individual contributes to the increase in student youth's physical fitness, education levels of purposefulness, self-confidence and other important qualities. With the help of the analysis of modern psychological and pedagogical literature, it was established that insufficient attention is paid by scientists to the education of purposefulness of student youth in the process of physical culture and health activities, which actualizes the research of this category. It was also found out that the research is necessary, since among student youth there is a decrease in the interest in physical culture and health activities, training in sports sections and at the place of residence, they lack the desire to show moral and volitional qualities (purposefulness, determination, perseverance, confidence in self, independence, etc.), to bring the started business to a logical goal. Emphasis is placed on the effectiveness of physical culture and health activities as an effective means of fostering the purposefulness of student youth.
 It is highlighted that during the organization of the process of education of purposefulness of student youth, it is important to take into account their age characteristics; the effectiveness of physical culture and health activities; development of processes of self-awareness and self-determination.

REFLEXIVE ACTIVITY AS A TOOL FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION

The article examines the problem of the quality of education in the open society, which is gaining new momentum. After all, quality education is currently the key to determining competition in the domestic and foreign markets on the path to creating a New Kazakhstan. It also reveals the importance of reflective activities to improve the strategy for developing the quality of education in the conditions of creating a new Kazakhstan. The study of reflexive activity based on the concept of a “listening state” allows us to analyze the educational activities of higher educational institutions in accordance with the interests of the individual, society and the state. The article, based on quantitative and qualitative analysis of the results of reflective reports of students of higher educational institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, identifies such indicators as methods of motivating teachers, methods of stimulating professional growth, cognitive aspects, emotional mood and pleasure, and also structures students’ opinions regarding the actions and attitudes of teachers. It is noted that students' opinions about the quality of education largely depend on themselves, their perceptions and ability to reflect on their actions. Therefore, we can say with confidence that reflective activity is the main factor not only in personal development, but also in improving the quality of education

CURRENT PRACTICES OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF TEACHERS IN FINNISH UNIVERSITIES

The work is devoted to the study of the issue of the peculiarities of the higher education system of Finland from the point of view of professional training of teaching staff in Finnish universities. It is noted that becoming a teacher in Finland is a very competitive process. It is shown that the concept of professional training of teachers in Finland is comprehensive and continuous, covering all stages of the teaching career. It is highlighted that there is no detailed “curriculum of teacher education” in Finnish universities, however, there are principles and general features that all universities follow in the field of education. It is also highlighted that Finnish universities offer opportunities for individual course selection, allowing students to adapt their studies to their interests and career goals. It is shown the main methods, on which current system of professional training of teaching staff in Finland is based. Our recommendations, which are important from our point of view to become the aspects for the implementation of the successful Finnish experience in training teaching staff in the activities of higher education institutions of Ukraine, are presented. Some results of the empirical research of the peculiarities of the training of teaching staff in the higher education system of Finland through the prism of the experience of students of Ivan Franko Lviv National University – participants of international academic mobility in the University of Turku and the University of Jyväskylä under the Erasmus+ program as well as the experience of students of the University of Turku and the University of Jyväskylä are also presented.

Evaluation of the efficiency of agricultural higher education institutions of Ukraine and the dynamics of its change by data envelopment analysis

Presently, the process of assessing the effectiveness of higher education institutions and analysing the dynamics of its change needs to be improved, which determines the relevance of this study. The purpose of this study was to improve the assessment of the efficiency of agricultural higher education institutions of Ukraine in the scientific and journalistic context, as well as to investigate the changes in dynamics using the non-parametric method of assessing the relative efficiency of data envelopment analysis. The study used methods of statistical processing and data analysis, linear programming, computer computing to solve research problems, and logical and analytical methods to determine the purpose of the study, the means of achieving it, substantiate the findings of the study, and formulate conclusions. To evaluate the effectiveness of scientific and publishing activities of these higher education institutions, the input-oriented model of variable returns to scale of the data envelopment analysis method was applied. Using statistical data for 2020- 2022, the net technical efficiency of scientific and publishing activities of 37 agricultural higher education institutions of Ukraine was assessed. Based on the results of the assessment, a rating of agricultural higher education institutions in Ukraine was compiled. It was found that in 2021 and 2022, 27% of the surveyed higher education institutions were 100% effective. The average net technical efficiency in 2021 and 2022 was 0.91. In 2021-2022, 27% of agricultural higher education institutions increased the efficiency of scientific and publishing activities, 59% did not change, and 14% decreased. On average, there was a 1% increase in the use of educational resources in the field of agricultural higher education. Thus, the scientific and publication activities of agricultural higher education institutions during the study period are progressive. The findings of this study can be used for a reasonable ranking of higher education institutions according to the efficiency of scientific and publishing activities, analysis of the dynamics of changes in efficiency.

Integration of ICT in Higher Education: teaching and learning in Kazakhstan

Relevance. The development of ICT in Kazakhstan is a long-term process characteristic of all spheres of state activity. The relevance of these technologies is due to globalization, namely the spread of digital technologies, as well as computer technologies dominating in various spheres of social life. The educational process also underwent certain changes, taking into account the introduction of ICT into it.Purpose. The purpose of the scientific research is to analyze the ways of using ICT in the implementation of activities of higher educational institutions of Kazakhstan.Methodology. The work uses the methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, deduction and abstraction.Results. As a result, it was possible to prove that ICT development in Kazakhstan is currently incomplete. ICT has both positive and negative features in the educational environment. At the same time, the former prevails over the latter, as they allow organizing the educational process in accordance with modern requirements. This allows universities training real specialists who will successfully compete in the labor market. As a result, the level of social well-being in the state will increase. Therefore, ICT is a promising direction for the development of higher education, namely its modernization.Conclusions. The practical value of scientific research lies in the possibility of implementing its results into work both by officials in the development of state programs aimed at the implementation of ICT, and by subjects of educational activity to improve the educational process.

Cognitive and psycholinguistic concept of students' speech activity

Relevance. The research is relevant because methodological science has advanced to a new degree, at which point the particulars of the sociocultural state of society at the time the research was conducted become significant. All of this leads to new standards of educational excellence and an increase in students' speech activity. In addition, communicative activity helps in professional self-realization and creates an opportunity for full-fledged cultural and spiritual development of the individual. Purpose. The article's objective is to identify and diagnose the formation and implementation of cognitive and psycholinguistic approaches to teaching speech activity in higher educational institutions. Methodology. Analysis, classification, generalization, induction, and comparison of approaches are the most effective methods of researching this problem, as they help to identify elements of speech culture and emphasize the main ways of forming students' communicative culture. Results. The article reveals approaches to the definition of the phenomenon of speech competence; presents the result of the development of cognitive and communicative activity of students, during which a new cognitive entity is generated – the concept of the target text. Approaches to the formation of speech activity are also demonstrated; ways to improve communicative culture are considered; literature analysis is made and the components of language culture are clarified. Additionally, students' communicative abilities are identified; future specialists' speech competence components are described; psycholinguistic aspects of the development of students' speech competence under the influence of contemporary educational reform are made known; and the degree to which students' speech cultures are being formed is identified. Conclusions. The content of the paper is important for both students and potential teachers who need to learn how to teach social norms of behavior; develop a respectful attitude to the participants of the dialogue, kindness, tact and delicacy; improve their communication skills, practical skills, personal qualities.

Integration of water and sanitation facilities programs for menstruation management: a focus on university planning and budgeting processes at Kyambogo University, Uganda

AbstractThis study investigated the integration of water and sanitation facilities' programs for menstruation management with a focus on university planning and budgeting processes at Kyambogo University. The study employed qualitative methods of data collection and analysis from students and members of the university's top management. Findings revealed that there is limited engagement of female and male students in the budgeting and planning of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management by the estates department; more so, the generic budget does not adequately cover all the requirements for menstruation management by female students, and female students perceive water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management as generally available but inaccessible and unacceptable in various ways. Thus, the study generates knowledge about the status of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management to enable female students to participate in academic activities in higher education institutions by recommending that the Directorate of Planning and Development at Kyambogo University should promote a participatory and gender‐equity inclusive plan and budget that ensures that water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management become an integral aspect in planning and budgeting processes of the estates department. The university should equitably improve the current status of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management by providing specific water in toilet rooms including changing rooms, replacement of broken doors to provide privacy, and other required facilities to enhance effective menstruation management.

Automated formation of university R&D teams based on the competence selection algorithm

The paper discusses the possibility of increasing the effectiveness of strategic management of research and development activities in higher education institutions. To achieve this goal, the authors proposed an algorithm for selecting competencies, which allows for the distribution of university employees and students among research and development teams in accordance with their individual competencies for carrying out research and development work. The paper covers the problem statement of competence selection, an overview of natural language processing methods for algorithm development, problematic areas of the algorithm, and prospects for its implementation in university management.

Interaction practices between pedagogical universities and regional educational systems: Indicators of scientific and educational effectiveness

Introduction. The paper raises the issue of interactions between pedagogical universities and regional educational systems (hereinafter – RES) in the context of improving the efficiency of universities. The purpose of the study was to identify and systematically describe the nature of the interaction between pedagogical universities and RES in its relationship with the indicators of scientific and educational effectiveness of universities. Materials and Methods. The theoretical and methodological framework of the study is based on the ecosystem approach and the concepts of the educational environment. The authors used a mixed design of the study; the characteristics of the interaction between 33 federal pedagogical universities and RES were analyzed. The information posted on the official websites of universities was subjected to content analysis and inductive thematic analysis. Quantitative indicators of universities that made up the sample of the study were also analyzed based on the results of monitoring the activities of higher educational institutions. The data obtained were subjected to frequency, comparative, cluster and factor analysis. Results. It is revealed that universities are more likely to implement practices of interaction with the RES, aimed to strengthen practical preparation of students and meet the employment needs of regions. The results of the cluster analysis made it possible to substantiate the provisions on four types of practices of interaction between universities and RES: "integration", "cooperation", "development" and "presence". It is shown that universities implementing integration and developing interaction practices demonstrate higher indicators of scientific and academic efficiency. The authors come to the conclusion that with the coincidence of the targets of federal universities and RES, there is a need to develop mechanisms for their interaction. Different practices of interaction between universities and RES are generated by different strategies of their construction, which determine the role of a pedagogical university in the educational space of the region. It is shown that scientific and academic excellence of the university is associated with the implementation of integration practices of interaction. Conclusions. According to the research finding, the nature of the interaction between federal pedagogical universities and RES is revealed and described, the key types of interaction practices reflecting the vectors of inclusion of the federal university in the regional educational space are determined.

Студентоцентрична спрямованість у медичному освітньому просторі України на прикладі Івано-Франківського національного медичного університету

The issues of student-centred learning are fundamental in the organisation of educational activities of higher education institutions in Europe and are covered in many final documents of the Ministerial Conferences of the European Higher Education Area. Student-centredness is the accumulation and concentration of efforts focused more on the needs of the student, based on the consideration of the individual qualities of students, the ability to form individual educational trajectories. The essence of student-centredness is to create a model of education development in which a student turns from an object into a subject of educational activity, i.e. an active participant in the educational process. Purpose - to analyse the peculiarities of student-centredness as a modern direction of organising the educational process in higher education institutions and to determine the peculiarities of implementing a student-centred approach in the training of students at Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University. On the example of Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, student-oriented/student-centred learning is one of the most effective pedagogical and methodological approaches. It is implemented by creating an individual educational trajectory in the first place. This is an individual way of realising the personal potential of each faculty applicant in educational activities, which is formed by determining and taking into account his/her personal abilities, own interests, educational and social needs, professional motivation, opportunities, and experience, based on the choice of types and forms of education of participants in the educational process and the proposed educational programmes, selected academic disciplines, their level of complexity, methods and means of teaching. An individual educational trajectory at the university is carried out through an individual curriculum, in particular, through the individual choice of disciplines, courses and educational programmes, the applicant’s research work, the development of spiritual potential and professional training. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

PECULIARITIES OF MANAGEMENT DIGITALISATION OF EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF A HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION

The article deals with the peculiarities of management digitalization of educational activities of a higher education institution. The author analyses key research and scientific publications related to preparation for professional activities, organization of educational and cognitive activities of participants in the educational process, management and development of theoretical and applied foundations of management of an educational institution. The practical application of software and digital technologies in the educational process and other aspects related to these issues are studied. It is noted that the solution to the problems of modernization of education begins with the professional training of teachers aimed at developing their skills to effectively manage the educational process. The author analyses the components that ensure the functioning of the process of digitalization of the management of educational activities of a higher education institution as a single cyclic system. The need to simplify and improve management functions, such as management, analysis, accounting, planning, forecasting, and continuous monitoring, is highlighted. The methods and principles that were applied in the process of implementing the model of digitalization of the management of educational activities of a higher education institution are described. The impact of digitalization on the management of educational activities in higher education institutions is considered. It is highlighted that the use of modern software tools and digitalization technologies leads to a complete transformation of the working conditions of all participants in the educational process. It is noted that the automation of various stages of information processes and management activities significantly increases the requirements for the quality and reliability of information, the variety of programmes, the spread of innovations and the democratization of the process of management, education, and training. It is proved that the introduction of a model of digitalization of the management of educational activities of a higher education institution forms the entire group of skills used by the head of the institution in professional activities. The main directions of improving the management of the educational process of a higher education institution are described. It is observed that digital technologies create effective conditions for self-realization and solving problems of training modern professional staff in accordance with the State standards. The research presented in the article is an important step in the study of the digital transformation of higher education and requires further research.

Modern models and methods of project management in higher education institutions

The article analyzes modern methods and models of management of educational projects in higher education institutions. The expediency of implementing a project approach to the management of educational activities of higher education institutions in order to successfully achieve the stated goals of educational projects is substantiated. The article analyzes modern theories and practices of managing various educational projects implemented in higher education institutions. The authors proposed detailing the role of information technologies in the management of educational projects in higher education institutions, which will allow project managers to simplify the task of digitalization of the educational industry. It was noted that the use of project-technological foundations in the organization of higher education management and informatization ensure the adoption of quality decisions starting from managerial (economic) activities and ending with the planning of the educational process, making strategic decisions on the development of higher education. It has been demonstrated that each type of activity of higher education institutions becomes much more effective and successful precisely when using modern information technologies and methodologies in management. It has been proven that the development and application of information technologies in the management of educational projects is an urgent task that is constantly changing under the influence of external and internal factors and is a priority direction of scientific research.

Innovative Approaches and Information Technologies in Organizational Support of Educational Activities

The aim of the article is to develop a new approach to organizing educational activities in higher education institutions that aligns with the goals and principles of the Bologna Process, specifically aiming to promote flexibility, mobility, and the improvement of the quality of higher education in accordance with the standards adopted in the European Higher Education Area. To address the set tasks, a complex of research approaches and methods was employed: the literature review method – to investigate literary sources and analyze previous studies on the use of business simulations, particularly in higher education, and their impact on the educational process; the abstraction method – to identify components of modern business simulations; "Lean Canvas Analysis" – to analyze key components of the IT application's business model. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the development of a concept for establishing active collaboration between higher education institutions and enterprises in the education process of learners using information technologies. Conclusions. The research highlighted the importance of transforming educational business simulations from a simple element of methodological support into a key tool for organizational support in higher education institutions. Considering these aspects, further research and development of business simulations in educational programs can significantly improve the quality of preparing learners for professional activities. Overall, the use of business simulations in education can contribute to more effectively implementing the principles of the Bologna Process, fostering the qualitative preparation of learners and their readiness for the challenges of the modern job market. The innovative approach proposed in the paper for forming an individual educational trajectory based on stakeholder proposals provides learners with the opportunity to acquire practical skills that meet real workplace needs. It also ensures that enterprises have access to highly qualified professionals with experience in their field. Keywords: organizational support of higher education institutions, informational support of higher education institutions, quality of education, Bologna Process.

Prospects and priorities of the cultural aspect in education

Relevance In modern conditions of world globalization, the issue of prospects and the search for priorities for the implementation of the cultural aspect in education in Kyrgyzstan has become one of the most important problems in improving its quality.Purpose. The purpose of the article is to substantiate and introduce a methodology for the formation of cultural competence of future teachers in higher educational institutions of Kyrgyzstan, as a guarantee of their readiness to carry out professional activities.Methodology. The basis of the methodological approach of the study is the substantiation and verification of the effectiveness of the methodology for the development of cultural competence in future teachers during their studies at a higher educational institution; empirical methods: analysis, comparison, systematization, survey, questioning, testing, modelling, and design; experiment � ascertaining and forming; methods of mathematical statistics: processing the final indicators of the formation of the level of readiness of teachers for the formation of cultural competence during their professional training in higher educational institutions.Results. The content of the concept �culturological competence of the future teacher� is determined; its signs and features are disclosed, a methodology for the development of cultural competence of future teachers in the context of professional training has been developed and implemented. During a pilot study, methodological tools have been developed to increase the readiness of future teachers for the formation of cultural competence during professional training, namely: the implementation of readiness components with selected methods for their formation and pedagogical conditions. After conducting an experimental study, promising directions for improving the methodology for developing the readiness of future teachers for professional activities were formed through the formation of cultural competence during preparation for professional activities in higher educational institutions of Kyrgyzstan.Conclusions. The practical value of the work lies in the development of a methodological system for improving the training of future teachers in Kyrgyzstan based on a competency-based approach.