Current Skills Gap Research Articles

Higher education student engagement, leadership potential and self-perceived employability in the United Arab Emirates

ABSTRACT Higher education student engagement (HESE) is increasingly essential for developing employability and leadership potential. While several academic institutions worldwide have underscored the importance of fostering leadership skills, there remains an evident gap in the UAE’s understanding of the impact of student engagement on leadership potential and perceived employability. Thus, by adopting a quantitative research approach, this study validates the HESE scale and examines its associations with leadership potential (LP) and self-perceived employability (SPE) among undergraduate students in the UAE. The results reveal that increased student engagement significantly enhances LP and is positively associated with SPE. In addition, a higher level of HESE notably strengthens the relationship between LP and SPE. Universities in the UAE can leverage these findings to refine their activities to improve student engagement initiatives, which could bridge the current skills gap and boost student readiness for the competitive labour market. The research recommends integrating comprehensive student engagement strategies in higher education to develop essential leadership skills and confidence in employability among students, aligning academic preparation with market demands.

The Impact of Training on Career Satisfaction

The aim of the current study is to investigate the impact of training on career satisfaction among employees in the Sulaymaniyah General Directorate of Health. The study is a quantitative study, a survey based on a questionnaire. A survey involving 256 employees was conducted to gather data, and the analysis revealed a significant positive effect of training on career satisfaction on one variable (training) on another (career satisfaction). The findings suggest that training plays a significant role in enhancing career satisfaction among employees in the health sector. This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of training programs in improving employee job satisfaction and overall performance in healthcare organizations. As a recommendation, we recommend that organizations design training programs that are tailored to the specific needs of the organization and the individual employees, considering the current skills gaps and future requirements of the workforce.

Razvoj veština kao indikator napretka digitalizacije srpskog turizma

In the tourism and hospitality sector, digital skills become one of the critical factors as they enable organizations and professionals to effectively utilize and adapt to the latest technological developments, improving the overall travel experience and/or operational efficiency of service providers. Based on the previous, this paper aims to evaluate the digital skills of supply-side stakeholders in Serbia's tourism and hospitality sector and to determine the main factors that influence their level of proficiency. By analyzing primary data from 418 respondents, the findings indicate a notable gap in advanced digital skills, which is particularly emphasized among administrative officers, primarily tourist inspectors. Additionally, multinomial logistic regression shows that the education and employment sector (catering, tourism agencies, tourism guides, tourism organizations, tourism inspectors and administrative officers) are factors associated with the level of digital skills. The results allow stakeholders to review the possibilities for improving skills, especially in the public sector, to address current skills gaps and prepare the workforce for future technological developments to ensure the sector's resilience and competitiveness in the global market.

University film schools at the heart of creative collaborations with industry: a case study

ABSTRACT This paper is a detailed case study of how the Bond University Film and Television School collaborated with external production companies to actively participate in, and support, the production of the $1.5 million feature film The Fear of Darkness as a means of providing a unique student learning and industry networking experience. Students were able to take genuine on-set production roles for the duration of the production, rather than conventional short-term internships and work experience, which, upon their graduation, has contributed towards meeting the industry’s current skills gap. Furthermore, this case study also shows how the production provided a significant opportunity for academic staff to have senior production roles to further their professional development. Additionally, this collaboration supports the notion that academic staff with significant prior industry experience can function as a useful conduit between film schools and industry.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Workers’ Skills: Upskilling and Reskilling in Organisations

Aim/Purpose: This paper examines the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on professional skills in organizations and explores strategies to address the resulting challenges. Background: The rapid integration of AI across various sectors is automating tasks and reducing cognitive workload, leading to increased productivity but also raising concerns about job displacement. Successfully adapting to this transformation requires organizations to implement new working models and develop strategies for upskilling and reskilling their workforce. Methodology: This review analyzes recent research and practice on AI's impact on human skills in organizations. We identify key trends in how AI is reshaping professional competencies and highlight the crucial role of transversal skills in this evolving landscape. The paper also discusses effective strategies to support organizations and guide workers through upskilling and reskilling processes. Contribution: The paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by examining recent trends in AI's impact on professional skills and workplaces. It emphasizes the importance of transversal skills and identifies strategies to support organizations and workers in meeting upskilling and reskilling challenges. Our findings suggest that investing in workforce development is crucial for ensuring that the benefits of AI are equitably distributed among all stakeholders. Findings: Our findings indicate that organizations must employ a proactive approach to navigate the AI-driven transformation of the workplace. This approach involves mapping the transversal skills needed to address current skill gaps, helping workers identify and develop skills required for effective AI adoption, and implementing processes to support workers through targeted training and development opportunities. These strategies are essential for ensuring that workers' attitudes and mental models towards AI are adaptable and prepared for the changing labor market. Recommendation for Researchers: We emphasize the need for researchers to adopt a transdisciplinary approach when studying AI's impact on the workplace. Given AI's complexity and its far-reaching implications across various fields including computer science, mathematics, engineering, and behavioral and social sciences, integrating diverse perspectives is crucial for a holistic understanding of AI's applications and consequences. Future Research: Looking ahead, further research is needed to deepen our understanding of AI's impact on human skills, particularly the role of soft skills in AI adoption within organizations. Future studies should also address the challenges posed by Industry 5.0, which is expected to bring about even more extensive integration of new technologies and automation.

Balancing skills in the digital transformation era: The future of jobs and the role of higher education

Developing human resources and matching job profiles are essential tasks to promote economic and social growth. The technology-related job market has undergone significant changes over recent years, mainly due to technological advances that have pushed industry toward new demands for skilled professionals. This change in required skills and competencies has led to a gap between what companies need and the professional profiles that are available in the job market. Technology companies are often unable to find an employee who meets the required profile, resulting in financial loss and extra training expenses. It is therefore essential that higher education in technology is reconsidered to address job market demands. Thus the goal of this work is to evaluate the relationship between the professional profile required by information technology (IT) companies and what students are taught on IT-related programs in higher education institutions (HEIs). The authors adopt a systemic perspective in three different qualitative approaches. They cross-check and link data on educational curricula acquired from interviews with IT human resource managers (HRMs) and student focus groups. The analysis reveals that HEIs must go beyond the transfer of knowledge and technical qualification in IT, promoting a comprehensive education that incorporates personal development goals, with a focus on developing social and emotional skills. The study focuses on the emerging economy of Brazil and presents findings from which other developing countries can learn. The results reveal the critical role of soft skills in the professional development and employability of students and the associated challenge for technical education. In conclusion, the authors also highlight the importance of partnerships between HEIs and HRMs as a fundamental strategy to fulfill the current skills gap.

Point-of-care diagnostic lung ultrasound is highly applicable to the practice of medicine in Saudi Arabia but the current skills gap limits its use.

CONTEXT:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has put a spotlight on point-of-care diagnostic lung ultrasound (POCDLUS). However, the spectra of respiratory disease and resources available for investigation vary internationally. The applicability of POCDLUS to internal medicine (IM) practice in Saudi Arabia and the current use by Saudi physicians are unknown.AIMS:The aim of the present study was to determine the applicability of POCDLUS to IM practice in Saudi Arabia and quantify the residents' current skills, accreditation, and use of POCDLUS.METHODS:A questionnaire was distributed to the IM residents at our institution to assess their knowledge, use of POCDLUS, and their perceptions of its applicability in IM.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:Standard descriptive statistical techniques were used. Categorical data, presented as frequency, were compared using the Chi-squared test. The Likert scale responses, presented as mean ± standard deviation, were compared with a Student's t-test.RESULTS:In total, 100 residents participated (response rate 92.6%) and reported that POCDLUS was applicable to their practice. Identifying pleural effusions was most applicable. A small proportion (n = 7) had received training, nine used POCDLUS regularly, none were accredited and the overall self-reported level of knowledge was poor.CONCLUSIONS:Whilst POCDLUS is applicable to IM practice in Saudi Arabia, the significant skills gap preclude the provision of a POCDLUS service. As COVID-19 can cause an interstitial syndrome, our pandemic preparation response should include POCDLUS training. The current study is supported by a similar Canadian study and the international standardisation of POCDLUS training may be feasible. The findings of the current study may facilitate the development of POCDLUS training programs for internists throughout Saudi Arabia.

Design Assessment in Virtual and Mixed Reality Environments: Comparison of Novices and Experts

The construction industry is facing a severe shortage of skilled workforce. Higher education is challenged to develop innovative strategies to help college students develop career-specific competency and accelerate the transition from novice to expert. Technology innovations such as virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) have been successfully integrated into learning and training programs to create authentic learning experiences within simulated virtual learning environments to facilitate tacit knowledge acquisition and workplace expertise development, which traditionally takes years of empirical experience and apprenticeship training. This study aims to explore potential VR and MR interventions in construction education and workforce development. It is directed at enhancing understanding of key differences between novices and experts and how VR and MR may facilitate tacit knowledge acquisition and expertise development to address the current skills gap in the construction industry. A simulation of accessibility design review and assessment for a tiny house was conducted via VR and MR mock-ups with the participation of both student novices and professional experts to collect behavioral and perceptual data using instruments that included a think-aloud protocol, a pair of pre- and postsurvey questionnaires, and audio/video recordings. Comparative analyses were conducted, and the results indicated that student novices, despite their lack of expertise, demonstrated comparable patterns of behaviors and achieved design review outcomes similar to those of professional experts with the VR and MR mock-ups. The findings of this study contribute to the body of knowledge by providing preliminary evidence of learning affordances of VR and MR in bridging experience-related gaps and suggesting opportunities for accelerating workplace expertise development among college students via technology intervention. These findings also have the potential to inform instructional design and pedagogical approaches that integrate VR and MR technology in undergraduate construction and engineering curricula.

The current skills gaps in analytical sciences are failing industry: debate at the 21st International Reid Bioanalytical Forum.

21st International Reid Bioanalytical Forum,University of Surrey, Guildford, UK,7-10 September 2015 The 21st International Reid Bioanalytical Forum held between 7 and 10 September 2015, brought together over 100 scientists from around the world, representing industry, academia and vendors, for 4days of engaging science at the University of Surrey in Guildford, UK. The scientific program consisted of 43 podium and 23 poster presentations from key opinion leaders and those just setting out on their scientific career. The latter being the focus of the meeting. One of the highlights of the forum was the debate. An expert panel helped spark off an active discussion among a passionate audience on the topic of 'The Current Skills Gaps in Analytical Sciences are Failing Industry.'

Workplace training and generic and technical skill development in the Australian construction industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current skills gap in both generic and skill areas within the construction industry in Queensland, Australia. Design/methodology/approach – An internet-based survey was administered to collect the opinions of construction employees about the workplace-training environment and their perceptions towards training. The survey intended to address the following research questions, specifically in relation to the construction industry. Findings – The survey results reveal that whilst overall participation in workplace training is high, the current workplace training environments do not foster balanced skill development. The study reveals that in the current absence of a formal and well-balanced training mechanism, construction workers generally resort to their own informal self-development initiatives to develop the needed role-specific theoretical knowledge. Research limitations/implications – The findings of the research are based on the data primarily collected in the construction industry in Queensland, Australia. The data are limited to a single Tier 2 construction company. Practical implications – The findings of this study can be utilised to suggest improvements in the current (or develop new) workplace training initiatives. Social implications – The research suggests that workplace training has positive relationship with career growth. The results suggest that in the construction industry, employees are generally well aware of the importance of workplace training in their career development and they largely appreciate training as being a critical factor for developing their capacity to perform their roles successfully, and to maintain their employability. Originality/value – This paper is unique as it investigates the current skills gap in both generic and skill areas within the construction industry in Queensland, Australia. So far no work has been undertaken to identify and discusses the main method of workplace learning within the Tier 2 industry in the context of Queensland Australia.

Higher Technical and Vocational Education and Training Programmes and Its Impact on the Libyan Manufacturing Industry

Rapid developments in technology and manufacturing industry have made many occupations and trades, such as turners, machinists and grinders, and draftsmen- obsolete, while others need to be modified. Manufacturing industry in Libya has suffered from a shortage of skilled and semi-skilled manpower. In the 1990s, a network of Higher Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges was introduced in Libya to enhance the supply of skilled manpower. This paper presents initial results from a survey of students at TVET colleges. It explores their perception regarding TVET programmes as well as workrelated issues in Libya. The main aim of this research is to investigate the current skills gaps in manufacturing sector. To achieve this goal a questionnaire has been designed, and distributed to students at higher education to explore their views in this regard. The study indicated a direct relationship between the needs of the industrial sector and technical disciplines, where education is the output of the most important technical inputs to the manufacturing industry. The results also indicated how to improve technical programmes which will help serve the community by providing students with adequate technical information.

Development of a UK Centre for Efficient and Renewable Energy in Buildings (CEREB)

Abstract CEREB, the Centre for Efficient and Renewable Energy in Buildings, is a pioneering new facility at London South Bank University. Created in partnership with City and Kingston Universities, CEREB is a unique resource for the teaching, research and demonstration of low carbon energy technologies in the built environment. The three partners are leaders in training and research in the built environment and the centre is at the forefront of low carbon building design. CEREB provides a high quality teaching resource in sustainable energy technology and building design, construction and management. It also offers facilities to conduct research and to demonstrate specific sustainable energy technologies. CEREB is a unique urban based showcase for low carbon energy technologies including photovoltaics, solar thermal, ground source heat pumps and wind power. Developed as a specially designed walk-through demonstration facility at roof level on LSBU’s new K2 building, CEREB will provide a focus for work on improving skills in building services and energy. The new Centre will help fill the current skills gap on renewable and energy efficient technologies in order to meet the challenging carbon reduction targets set down in UK legislation.

Organisational Cultures: Progression and Retention Barriers to Women in the UK Construction Industry

AbstractThe UK construction industry employs over two million people and is the country’s top employer. However, at present the UK is facing a massive shortfall of available skilled workers and this shortage is predicted to continue for the foreseeable future (ConstructionSkills, 2008). Within this commercial climate, the numbers of women employees has remained relatively unchanged for the past decade and women consist of just 10.1 per cent of the available workforce. This lack of diversity serves to both limit the availability of skilled talent that can be drawn upon and further exacerbates the current skills gap. Research into the issues surrounding organisational cultures and their impact upon the successful entry, retention and progression of women into the sector is limited. The Women and Work Sector Pathways Initiative (W&WSPI) project, funded by ConstructionSkills (2008), is providing a proactive approach to aiding in the progression and retention of women into the sector alongside analysing the role of organisational cultures and their impact upon preventing women from entering the construction industry. Findings gathered from a series of focus groups and semi-structured questionnaires are analysed and discussed within this paper. These findings have led to the development of a framework of recommendations that serve to both inform current project strategy and highlight areas of future research.