Workforce Demand Research Articles

A hip and knee orthopaedic specialist triage service evaluation: comparing physiotherapists and chiropractors in an NHS pathway

Background: The burden of musculoskeletal pain and disability is a global problem; reducing waiting times and improving access to care is part of the solution. The need to widen the workforce to improve access is well documented. A possible solution could be chiropractors and allied health professionals working together in a multidisciplinary environment where workforce demands are high. Aims: This service evaluation sought to assess the outcomes of two groups of healthcare professionals in managing a hip and knee orthopaedic interface caseload. The two groups were physiotherapists and chiropractors. Methods: The two groups of healthcare professionals completed an internal competency programme based on national standards. They were evaluated based on outcomes from an interface service as part of a commissioned NHS pathway in a university setting for hip and knee complaints. A total of 810 contacts were achieved over a 7-month period in 2023. Findings: The two groups were comparable in the rate of imaging ordered (MRI, ultrasound and X-ray); while chiropractors ordered less Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and offered more self-management advice, the overall results were similar. NHS friends and family tests were also comparable and positive. Conclusions: Physiotherapists working with chiropractors produce similar outcomes within a musculoskeletal lower limb triage service.

The Impact of ICT on Fostering Creativity in Business Education Pre-service Teachers: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Creativity is a global issue in higher education in the 21st century since it has shifted teaching and learning into learner-centered approaches meant for skills development. Studies show that 21st century skills foster creativity through technology and change how teaching can be approached in higher education. Since the workforce demands that students be able to apply their creativity, higher education must recognize its critical role in helping students get ready for it. Despite the benefits of creativity to students, literature shows that there is a profound gap between the knowledge and skills that students learn in higher education and the knowledge and skills they need in 21st century community and workplaces. Hence, this study explores the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on fostering creativity in Business Education pre-service teachers as well as suggests the strategies that could assist students to develop creative skills. The study followed the systematic literature review method PRISMA in selecting studies to be included and excluded in the synthesis of the study. The process commenced by identifying the problem and screening studies to include and exclude in the study. Only 30 studies conducted between 2013 and 2023 were screened for inclusion. Based on the literature and the two-tier model of creativity, it was identified that creativity empowers learning through interactive learning tools; can be used for personalized learning; can also be used for global collaboration; and cultivates innovative minds. The paper also suggests strategies that can effectively foster creativity, such as pedagogical training and support, professional development, mentorship programs, resource accessibility, an ICT-infused curriculum, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and technology-enhanced assessment.

Methods for projecting health workforce planning in Ireland: a collaborative approach

Abstract Background Health workforce planning (HWFP) is the process of analysing, forecasting, and planning workforce supply and demand, assessing gaps, and determining target workforce to ensure that health systems are prepared for future demand. HWFP elicits recommendations that are ideally utilised by the health system to support medical workforce over a defined time. Methods The objective of this project is to inform intake for medical and surgical specialties in Ireland to reach the necessary consultant workforce by 2038. A literature search was conducted to help inform the methodology for this project. The most common approach was a needs-based model, and additional reviews discussed the integration of medical engagement into the modelling approach. Results This project will employ a collaborative approach, combining mathematical modelling and a combination of quantitative and qualitative inputs, including the following phases: 1. The research phase will estimate baseline supply and demand data across medical and surgical specialties in Ireland using statistical models; 2. The presentation phase will include input from clinical leads to allow for more accurate assumptions in the baseline of each model; 3. Review of projections will include feedback from the clinical leads to help clarify and improve the initial model; 4. Presentation of the revised projection will include further collaboration with clinical leads to finalise the model. Conclusions The robust methodology for this HWFP project will ideally inform medical and surgical specialities in Ireland through 2038. Specific and extensive predictions of health workforce supply and demand will enhance strategic preparation, which is a key priority for the Health Service Executive in Ireland. Key messages • A collaborative approach to HWFP is essential for health service preparation and improvement. • The project will be finalised by the end of 2024, and the methodology for conducting similar HWFP projects can be adapted by other EU states.

Forecasting the future demand on health workforce – the Austrian model

Abstract Background An aging population and upcoming retirements of health care professionals pose new challenges to the Austrian health care system. On the one hand the health care and nursing needs will increase while at the same time a shortage on health care personnel threatens adequate supply. We as the Austrian Public Health Institute estimate the risk of an undersupply with model-based health workforce forecasting and are therefore able to advise the federal states and the ministry of health on early measures. Methods We developed a forecasting model to estimate the future supply and demand. The main influencing factors are the demographic development as well as the upcoming retirements and graduates. Different environments and needs in different federal states (e.g. changing future skill mix) are considered and can be implemented as additional influencing factors. Usually a baseline scenario as a forward projection of the status quo is developed for defined professions and workplace settings. Then depending on the stakeholder needs additional scenarios are calculated and discussed. A usual forecast horizon is 10 to 15 years. Results Model output are time series of yearly workforce personnel numbers (heads and full-time equivalents) and demand in the defined settings. An analysis of possible gaps shows the need for action. Conclusions The Austrian health workforce model is a flexible tool to estimate future needs on health workforce based on different assumptions. But as assumptions and influencing factors must be represented as data, the data collection can be quite laborious. Comprehensive data is the basis for a comprehensive health workforce planning. Further work is needed to develop practical and evidence-based nursing-sensitive indicators for nursing workfoce reportings on a country level. In Austria the health professionals register forms the basis for the description of the nursing workforce structure, but that there is a need for data sources on care effectiveness. Key messages • Comprehensive data is the basis for a comprehensive health workforce planning. • An aging population and upcoming retirements of health care professionals pose new challenges to the Austrian health care system.

Bridging accelerated medical programmes and workforce demands: a critical evaluation of the four-year direct entry medical degree.

Bridging accelerated medical programmes and workforce demands: a critical evaluation of the four-year direct entry medical degree.

Exploring the effectiveness of the Career Guidance and Counseling Program on the perceived readiness for the job market: a lived experience among nursing students.

The current workforce demands that nursing graduates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform in complex clinical and professional environments. Career guidance can potentially improve students' job readiness by increasing their confidence in career pursuits, simplifying career decisions, and helping them address decision-making challenges. This phenomenological study aimed to explore nursing students and interns' perspectives on the effectiveness of the Career Guidance and Counseling Program (CGCP) and its impact on their readiness for the job market through their lived experiences while participating in the program. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 28 Saudi university students and continued until data saturation was reached. Thematic analysis was used for the data analysis. Seven themes emerged: personal experiences with the CGCP, the program's importance, effectiveness, benefits, strengths, and weaknesses, and recommendations for improvement. Overall, participants expressed gratitude for the CGCP and believed that it would positively impact their future career success. They also felt that the program provided them opportunities to share ideas, information, and concerns, thereby improving their career decision-making and adaptability. The results show that CGCP positively affected participants' lives by providing support, guidance, and resources for informed career decision-making, developing essential career-related skills, and navigating career transitions. These findings have practical implications for nursing colleges implementing similar programs for better integration into the curriculum and for the continuity of such vital programs to help students. Future studies should explore this topic in different colleges and specialties.

Integrating Digital Literacy into Curriculum for Enhancing Student Engagement in Higher Education

This article explores the integration of digital literacy into higher education curricula as a strategy for enhancing student engagement. With the increasing reliance on digital tools and platforms in both academic and professional environments, developing digital literacy skills has become essential for students. This study examines how embedding digital literacy into course design can foster interactive learning, improve critical thinking, and promote active participation in the classroom. Drawing on recent case studies and educational frameworks, the article highlights key practices for successfully integrating digital literacy into various disciplines. The findings suggest that when digital literacy is incorporated effectively, it enhances students' motivation, collaborative learning, and overall academic performance, preparing them for the demands of the modern workforce. The article concludes with recommendations for educators and institutions on how to implement digital literacy strategies within their curricula to better engage students in a digital age.

Determining Appropriate Number of Labors in Yellow Noodle SMEs Using K-Means Clustering Method: Meeting Demand While Minimizing Company Costs

Yellow noodle SMEs face the challenge of aligning their workforce with the fluctuating customer demand. Addressing this issue involves scaling up production staffing during peak yellow noodle demand. This study aimed to determine when and how much production labor should be added. Workforce expansion occurred through contractual arrangements during demand surges. This study used the K-Means clustering method to determine demand clusters. Each cluster underwent detailed analysis to calculate the precise number of required production workers. The study used the noodle sales in 2021–2022. Results showed that yellow noodle SMEs had eight permanent workers. Demand clusters were categorized into three classes. High-demand periods were observed in May and December, while moderate demand occurred in January, February, March, April, June, July, and August. September, October, and November constituted the low-demand cluster. Based on these findings, the study recommended adding one worker during high-demand and moderate-demand periods to maintain operational efficiency. Remarkably, no workforce additions were advised during the low-demand phase to optimize resource allocation and cost-effectiveness. In summary, this research addresses labor management challenges for yellow noodle SMEs. Leveraging data-driven approaches and cluster analysis offers SMEs a strategic framework to enhance workforce planning thereby improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Keywords: yellow noodle SMEs, workforce demand clustering, operational efficiency

A Comprehensive Review of the Integrated Program for Out-of-School Adolescents (IPOSA) in Tanzania

The purpose of this study was to analyze how the Integrated Program for Out-of-School Adolescents (IPOSA) addresses the educational challenges of out-of-school adolescents in Tanzania through its flexible, competency-based approach. The study also sought to provide insights for improving the program’s effectiveness and scalability. A descriptive and analytical design were employed, using existing data from official reports, program documentation and previous studies. The study draws on qualitative and quantitative data to assess the program’s development, structure and outcomes. Key documents analyzed include the 2015/2016 profiling study on out-of-school children, IPOSA administrative and real-time implementation reports, comprehensive reports from UNICEF and Tanzania’s national education strategies. Key study revealed that IPOSA is distinct from previous educational models due to its emphasis on flexibility, inclusivity and competence-based learning. It effectively addresses the diverse needs of out-of-school adolescents, equipping them with practical, real-world skills that align with workforce demands. The program’s design, which integrates literacy, life skills, vocational training and entrepreneurship, has demonstrated a significant impact on marginalized groups. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, along with the Institute of Adult Education, allocate additional resources to expand IPOSA’s reach, particularly in marginalized communities. Additionally, regular curriculum updates, enhanced collaboration between stakeholders and improved monitoring and evaluation systems are recommended to ensure the program’s continued success and scalability.

Market Capitalization and Economic Growth Nexus A Mediation Analysis for selected countries

The study examined the mediating role of market capitalization in the relationship between economic growth and macroeconomic variables in twenty countries, including foreign direct investment, gross fixed capital formation, government spending, and inflation. The study has used panel data of twenty countries from the period of 2002-2021. The selection of countries involves three criterions, first; the study selected three regions; Asia, Europe, and Mena region. Secondly, among those selected countries, the study tried to select all three categories, higher income countries, middle income countries, and upper middle-income countries. The selection of these countries follows the criteria of GDP growth rate of 2021. Thirdly, these economies are either emerging economies or the economies who have established the stock market and getting its benefits for sustained GDP growth rate e.g. Australia, China, and Germany etc. Panel regression results show that foreign direct investment, gross fixed capital formation, consumption expenditures, inflation, GDP per employed person, and education expenditures all contribute to economic growth in selected countries, whereas an increase in the real effective exchange rate reduces growth. Hayes (2022) employs a mediation analysis approach that confirms market capitalization as a partially mediating variable between the rate of economic growth and various control variables in case of selected 20 countries. Providing more favorable policies for investors and enterprises, such as special economic zones and free tax breaks. Furthermore, emphasis on the money supply and preserving the currency's balance between face and interior worth. Increased foreign direct investment raises the country's workforce demand.

International comparative analysis of the industry-education relationship in vocational education and training: From the perspective of economic sociology

The relationship between industry and education serves as a focal point in research on vocational education. Previous studies using rigid Weberian ideal types of behavior struggle to capture the complex realities and notable variations both within and across developing countries and often fail to consider the impact of educational systems and the connection between education and employment. This article endeavors to introduce a new framework for international comparative analysis through the lens of economic sociology. This analytical framework examines three key dimensions: the readiness and capacity of industries to engage in vocational education, the willingness of students to enroll in vocational education, and the influence of labor market and education institutions on both industries and students in relation to vocational education. Its purpose is to explore the relationships and critical factors that affect the interactions between industry and education in Germany, the US, and China. The findings can be summarized as follows: In the US, industry has a relatively low demand for a skilled workforce and a diminished inclination to invest in vocational education and training (VET), and the willingness of students to engage in VET is also relatively low. Certain characteristics of US labor market and education system also present significant challenges for the industry-education relationship in VET. In Germany, the industry has a relatively high demand for skilled workers, and there is an interest in investing in VET, and some students are willing to choose VET. The labor markets and education systems in each country also affect the involvement of stakeholders in VET. In China, a more mixed picture can be observed, with a closer similarity to the US in terms of the industry-education relationship in VET, with the exception that the government plays a more active role in this.

Implementation of Technical Communication Pedagogy in Higher Education Institutions: A Systematic Literature Review

One of the most significant needs in technical communication is to teach students how to communicate complex technical information. This paper systematically reviews the literature to map technical communication (TC) pedagogical strategies and theoretically underpinned approaches. The overall purpose is to illuminate patterns and trends in research that describe TC pedagogy, specifically learning objectives, method of delivery, content, assessment strategies, and theoretical frameworks. Following PRISMA guidelines, the study conducted detailed content analysis on 39 publications from 2017 to 2023 based on specific inclusion criteria.. Results show increasing trends in interdisciplinary, inclusive, and technology-driven approaches and recurrent themes of student-centered objectives, technology-based delivery, and diverse assessments, with Rhetorical Theory being the dominant theoretical framework in TC pedagogy research. Based on the findings, it is recommended that future research and practice in TC pedagogy prioritize the integration of comprehensive theoretical frameworks, such as social constructivism, genre theory, and rhetorical theory, to enhance the effectiveness of teaching strategies and better prepare students for the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

International perspectives on cultivating high-quality bachelor's degrees in vocational education: Insights, experiences, and practices from overseas universities

Cultivating high-quality technical and skilled professionals is essential for building a modern economic system and ensuring there is a balance between workforce supply and demand. Currently, there are various challenges associated with pilot programs offering undergraduate-level vocational education in China, including unbalanced training structures, limited curricular diversity, and inadequate systemic coordination. To address these issues, in this study, we employed a comparative case study methodology to examine the practices of several esteemed overseas universities in developing high-quality, undergraduate-level programs in vocational education. We systematically analyzed the training objectives, curriculum design, and support systems of these programs and categorized the associated practices as research-oriented, practice-oriented, and integration-oriented models. Drawing on the valuable insights revealed by this study will support China's goal of developing a skilled workforce that meets the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

Integrating Information Technology into Accounting Curriculum: A 43-year Review

Purpose – This study provides an analysis view of prior studies on the integration of ICT into accounting curriculum.Methodology – The method of document analysis is used to collect the data published from 1981 to 2023 in the fields of social science, specifically focused on the study of information technology and accounting curriculum.Scope of the study – This study revolves around the analysis of the past trends of publication years, the most influential countries, the most research-active institutions and the most highly cited articles in research studies exploring the integration of ICT into accounting curriculum. Findings –From 1981 to 2023, there has been a noticeable and significant increase in research focusing on integrating ICT into the accounting curriculum. This trend reflects the growing recognition of the pivotal role that technology plays in modern accounting education and practice. Practical Implications – The increasing research on integrating ICT into the accounting curriculum underscores the critical need for accounting programs to adopt advanced technologies, enhancing students' technical skills, job readiness, and alignment with industry standards, thereby maintaining educational institutions' relevance and competitive edge.Originality/ Value – This study lies in its comprehensive analysis of how technological advancements have been progressively adopted in accounting education. It uniquely documents the evolution of educational practices in response to ICT, providing a historical perspective that underscores the growing importance of digital competencies for accounting professionals. It also offers valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers, guiding future curriculum development to ensure accounting education remains relevant and prepares students for modern workforce demands.

Transitioning towards Tomorrow’s Workforce: Education 5.0 in the Landscape of Society 5.0: A Systematic Literature Review

Globalization and technology are presently impacting every aspect of life, with digital technologies helping to set the trend. Human-centricity and the ethical use of technology are integral components of Society 5.0, which emphasizes quality of life, productivity, social responsibility, and sustainability. The purpose of this study was to develop a deeper understanding of how Higher Education 5.0 empowers the future workforce in the landscape of Society 5.0. A systematic literature review was conducted using 18 full-text research papers from the Scopus database. It shows that the number of studies in this area is limited. The results revealed the critical role of education in cultivating the digital skills necessary for upcoming professionals. In order to transition from higher education to the workplace, fresh graduates need academic and practical readiness to meet the demands of a future-ready workforce. The contribution of the future workforce will also be crucial in building a harmonious human-centric society that will use technology to improve the quality of life towards sustainable living as envisioned by the United Nations’ SDGs. Additionally, we identify the current gaps in the research on Education 5.0 in the landscape of Society 5.0 and subsequently provide recommendations for the future.

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Work-Study Integration for Chinese Students

The rapid integration of technology into education and the workforce demands innovative approaches in order to the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience. This review paper analyses the growing role of technology in enhancing work-study integration for Chinese students, specifically focusing on virtual internships, online learning platforms, and AI-powered assessments. In the context of higher education, the integration of work and study is one of the key components, as a result of which the students not only study theoretical materials but also receive practical knowledge and first-hand experience. The Chinese students’ perception of technology is of paramount importance because apart from merely creating an integrated relationship between work and study, the latest technological advancements enable an individual to pursue new ways of learning, cooperation, and sharpening particular abilities. This paper reveals the complex nature of technology-related integration between work and in-school study for Chinese learners and contributes to the wider holistic view of education. The analysis of the existing research and successful initiatives coupled with how these technologies facilitate workplace learning, and develop essential skills is core to improving overall work-study experiences for Chinese students.

21st Century Skills Through STEAM Education: Analysis of School Leaders’ Perspectives

STEAM is an educational approach that strive for developing students’ STEAM skills to meet the demands of the global workforce. This research examined the role of STEAM education in developing 21st century skills, and the factors influencing the integration of STEAM education in the Pakistani education system. It was a descriptive research. A sample of 100 school leaders, 52 male and 48 female, using a simple random method was selected. Researchers made questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale was used for data collection after confirming its validity and reliability. The instrument's reliability (α =.87) was calculated. The collected data were analyzed it using SPSS (version 26). This study revealed that the majority of the school leaders agreed about developing 21st century skills through STEAM education such as technology and information literacies, problem solving, critical thinking, leadership, social and civic literacy and responsibility. Most of the leaders also agreed regarding the factors influencing the integration of STEAM education in the Pakistani education system, such as lack of resources and infrastructure, ineffective teacher training, traditional teaching methods, cultural barriers, lack of awareness, lack of budget, traditional testing system, limited collaboration with industry, language barriers, and lack of clear guidance in policy and curriculum. Both Male and female leaders were agreed equally regarding 21st century skills and factors influencing integration of STEAM education. This study recommends that Ministry of Education should minimize the aforementioned factors in order to ensure the effective integration of STEAM education in Pakistani education system and in order to develop 21st century skills among students.

How We Solved the Shortage of Cardiothoracic Surgeons: Train More or Work Longer

BackgroundIn the early 2000s, a significant shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons was predicted. We sought to evaluate our specialty’s progress and to update the predicted needs of cardiothoracic surgeons in the coming decades. MethodsTo assess the supply of cardiothoracic surgeons, the evolution of cardiothoracic surgery training was reviewed. The cardiothoracic surgery workforce and future supply and demand were obtained from the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis. Based on these data, predictions from the early 2000s were compared with the current status, and future supply of cardiothoracic surgeons was modeled. ResultsThe number of cardiothoracic surgery trainees increased from 230 in 2008-2009 to 519 in 2022-2023. In 2022-2023, 174 trainees underwent the American Board of Thoracic Surgery Certification Exam, with 129 certificates awarded. From 2005 to 2021, the total number of practicing cardiothoracic surgeons in the United States increased from 4000 to 5200, which contradicts all projections from the early 2000s. The average attrition of 31 cardiothoracic surgeons per year was significantly less than predictive models from the early 2000s. Predictive models project a need of 7000 cardiothoracic surgeons by 2050, which can be met if we continue to fill our available training spots with 173 graduates per year. ConclusionsThe predicted shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons by midcentury has been overcome by training more cardiothoracic surgeons as well as by a reduction in cardiothoracic surgeon attrition. Future increasing demand can be met by filling our available training positions. Continual assessment of cardiothoracic surgeon supply and demand will help achieve the optimal number of cardiothoracic surgery training positions.

Strengthening health systems during non-pandemic period: Toward universal health coverage in the pandemic agreement.

Reflecting the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global response was reviewed by the Independent Review Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response. Based on the panel reports, the World Health Organization (WHO) member states decided to establish the intergovernmental negotiating body for drafting a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, aiming for approval at the 77th World Health Assembly in 2024 (May 27- June 1). Amidst this process, the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Japan (NCGM), as a global health organization focusing on health system strengthening in low- and middle-income countries, from the perspective of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), provided technical inputs to the representatives of the Japanese government. This paper summarizes crucial aspects of the NCGM inputs, including maintaining essential health services delivery during a pandemic, responding to evolving demand of health workforce, and ensuring the equitable distribution of pandemic products. These aspects can contribute to not only strengthening health crisis response and preparedness, but also achieving UHC. Therefore, the concerted efforts focusing on UHC and health crisis could yield synergistic effects. In addition, another aspect stresses the importance of social protection systems beyond health sector to reach vulnerable populations experiencing hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the whole-of-government approach including social policies is covered in the draft pandemic agreement, it is hoped that the upcoming pandemic agreement will trigger each member state to expand the scope of health crisis management beyond the health sector.

TƯƠNG LAI CỦA GIÁO DỤC ĐẠI HỌC: MÔ HÌNH MỚI CHO THẾ KỶ 21

The 21st century has brought significant challenges to higher education, including rising tuition costs, limited accessibility, and curricula that often fail to prepare graduates for the demands of the modern workforce. This paper investigates these interconnected challenges through a comprehensive review and synthesis of existing literature and research findings. The study examines the financial burdens faced by students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, and critiques the limitations of traditional teaching methods and assessment practices. The research proposes a transformative roadmap for higher education, emphasizing affordability, accessibility, and the cultivation of essential skills. It highlights the potential of technology to enhance access and create engaging learning environments that foster active learning. The study also advocates for a curriculum redesign that incorporates interdisciplinary approaches, problem-based learning, simulations, and critical reflection, empowering graduates to navigate a complex and interconnected world. The paper concludes by stressing the importance of collaboration among diverse stakeholders to achieve a comprehensive transformation of higher education, ensuring it remains a powerful force for social mobility, economic advancement, and individual empowerment in the 21st century. Keywords: Active learning; curriculum redesign; higher education; skills development.