Development Practitioners Research Articles

Make your future job matter: A career calling intervention for college students

AbstractIn recent years, career development scholars and practitioners are increasingly interested in the concept of career calling. However, the psychological mechanisms underlying the process of its discernment remain obscure, and intervention research is scarce. In this study, we implemented a quasi‐experimental pretest–posttest design with intervention (n = 42) and control group (n = 66) to test a 9‐week elective course designed to help college students find their callings. The course included an investigation of strengths, values, and interests, followed by their integration into personal mission and finding occupations that allowed to implement that mission in real life (potential callings). The study was conducted in a major Russian university located in Moscow. Be the end of the course, the participants had a stronger sense of calling, perceived more meaning, and felt more authentic. The results of this study can be used by university career services, as well as private counselors.

Can European foreign aid motivate people to stay in Africa? The root causes policy debate and irregular migration

AbstractMotivationIn European policy debate, conflict, economic crisis, lack of development, population growth, and climate change are often seen as the root causes of migration from Africa. To deter irregular migration to Europe, aid has thus been directed towards these perceived causes. This seems, however, not to deter irregular migration.PurposeWe explore the discrepancy between the official discourse of root causes and insights from research on migration decisions; and how discourse and evidence relate to aid. We ask what kind of policy change is needed if aid is possibly used to influence irregular migration. We focus on the motivations and drivers of migration and how development co‐operation may influence these.Methods and approachConsidering African migration to Europe, we examine the official European discourse on root causes of irregular migration, highlight recent developments in the academic understanding of migration aspirations and drivers, and investigate various attempts to analyse the impact of foreign aid on assumed “root causes” and migration.FindingsMigration is influenced by drivers that differ according to the specific context in which potential migrants decide to migrate or not. Aid to influence migration must be thoroughly adapted to the circumstances of potential migrants. Addressing so‐called root causes may be irrelevant to many potential migrants and will require long‐term change to have any impact. It may even increase migration in the short term. Foreign aid that adopts a blueprint regardless of context is unlikely to deter irregular migration in the short or medium term.Policy implicationsIf irregular African migration to Europe is to be deterred through development co‐operation, European policy‐makers and development practitioners need to elaborate and differentiate between aid‐supported activities through careful understanding of the migration dynamics specific to individual localities and societies.

Profile Characteristics of Khasi Tribal Farmers Engaging in Collection and Management of Non-Timber Forest Products in Meghalaya, India

Tribal farmers belong to indigenous communities and engage in agricultural activities, agroforestry or even non-timber forest product harvesting as their primary livelihood. These farmers are part of ethnic groups with distinct traditions, languages and social structures. Therefore, studying the profile characteristics of these farmers is essential for understanding their unique socio-economic and cultural contexts. This study was conducted on 160 tribal farmers from East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya, primarily engaged in the collection and management of non-timber forest products. The research, utilized an ex post facto design. Findings revealed that most respondents were young or middle aged, with diverse educational backgrounds. Housing was mainly wooden or concrete with asbestos sheets. Material possession ranged from low to medium, and family sizes were typically medium to large, with nuclear families prevailing. Social and political participation varied, while income distribution skewed towards the low to medium range. Local and regional markets were preferred by over two-thirds of respondents. Livestock ownership, landholding sizes and indebtedness patterns demonstrated diversity. Engagement with mass media, cosmopoliteness, extension contact, participation and opinion leadership varied, with many falling into low to medium categories. Awareness of development schemes was significant, indicating a connection to broader societal initiatives. Tribal farmers displayed diverse levels of scientific orientation, risk and economic motivation, market orientation, and fatalistic attitudes. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, researchers and development practitioners, facilitating tailored interventions to address the unique needs and aspirations of this farming community.

How Implementing a Digital Competency Management System Reduced Nurse Training Cost and Improved NPD Practitioner Satisfaction in a Pediatric Hospital.

Traditional competency evaluations and manual tracking created a problem within one organization. Subjective competency assessments and inconsistent recordkeeping resulted in increased organizational costs. These factors increased the workload of nursing professional development (NPD) practitioners, leading to job dissatisfaction and turnover. The project lead evaluated how implementing a digital competency management system (CMS) affected nurse training costs and assessed NPD practitioners' satisfaction after the digital CMS conversion. A cost analysis compared training costs before and after implementation of a digital CMS. A pre- and postsurvey compared NPD practitioners' satisfaction before and after digital implementation. A digital CMS provided a centralized repository and educational platform, which saved $500,000 in training costs and increased NPD practitioners' job satisfaction by decreasing workload and creating meaningful mechanisms to accurately assess staff knowledge and skills. The NPD practitioners showed tangible outcome measures and return on investment by combining adult learning and technology. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(5):239-245.].

Supporting Nurse Professional Development Practitioners Through an Academic-Practice Pilot Initiative.

Nurse professional development practitioners (NPDPs) support licensed nurses as they transition into practice. The NPDPs themselves benefit from opportunities to grow professionally in their role as educators. A nursing school and hospital leadership pilot initiative was conducted to support staff development for NPDPs at a Midwestern health system. Four sessions were developed by academic educators and presented to NPDPs: educational theory, backward curricular design, active learning strategies, and assessment and evaluation principles. The NPDPs who attended the seminar indicated that the program objectives were met and identified at least one change they planned to make in planning, course design, or evaluation. In addition, they requested future professional development opportunities. Planning and implementation of this pilot educational seminar provided valuable content for NPDPs. This pilot model can strengthen academic-practice partnerships and support ongoing staff development. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(5):253-256.].

Retooling local economies: Practitioners’ experiences with and perspectives on plant closures in Ontario

ABSTRACT Since the early 2000s, plant closures have been a significant concern in Ontario, Canada. Scholars and policymakers alike aim to investigate the causes of plant closures and determine how to mitigate their impacts. Despite the large body of literature on plant closures, local economic development practitioners’ perspectives and experiences have been neglected. To fill this gap, this paper interviewed twenty-two practitioners from various cities in Ontario to understand how practitioners perceive and respond to plant closures. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of the various dynamics of plant closures. Also, based on the findings, seven policy recommendations are presented.

Be a Champion! An Approach to Medical Emergency Response In Situ Simulations in the Outpatient Setting.

Results from a needs assessment conducted by nursing professional development practitioners across several clinics in the Midwest showed current educational methods to prepare for medical emergencies were insufficient. A champion model was used to complete in situ medical emergency response simulations. This proved to be an effective method for staff preparation when resources were limited and identified opportunities for practice improvement.

Trauma-Informed Professional Development: An Intervention Mapping Study.

Nurses are disproportionately affected by mental and physical health problems that are a result of exposure to traumatic events in the workplace. The purpose of this study was to use intervention mapping strategies to construct interventions to address traumatic stress in nurses through trauma-informed professional development (TIPD) in a rehabilitation hospital. This study used a community-based participatory research design with an intervention mapping approach. Logic models were created through input from theory, evidence from the literature, and feedback from 12 focus groups with leaders, nursing professional development practitioners, and direct-care nurses. Major themes in the logic models included safety, empowerment, peer support, and awareness. These findings were used to create specific TIPD interventions to be used with nurses in a rehabilitation hospital.

Creation of a Common Framework to Evaluate Initial Registered Nurse Role Competency.

Assessment of initial nursing competency is essential to safe nursing practice yet often focuses on psychomotor skill acquisition. A multistate health system created a competency strategy based on a comprehensive conceptualization of competency using the American Nursing Association scope and standards of nursing practice. This approach allows for the broad application of a standard competency assessment tool across diverse nursing specialties and provides a framework for nursing professional development practitioners to implement in their organizations.

Impact of the Pandemic on Newly Licensed Nurses' Role Transition Experiences.

This study examined differences in newly licensed nurses' role transition experiences while enrolled in a nurse residency program before and during the pandemic. The Casey-Fink Graduate Nurse Experience Survey measured baseline, 6-month, and 12-month program outcomes. The prepandemic cohort had higher subscale scores at baseline. Both cohort groups showed significant increases in role confidence, patient safety, communication/leadership, and job satisfaction. Despite the pandemic, nurse residency program completion rates remained stable. Implications for nursing professional development practitioners are presented.

Perceived effects of COVID-19 on smallholder farmers’ agricultural production practices in Ethiopia

This study analyzed the perceived effects of COVID-19 on smallholder farmers’ agricultural production practices in the South Wollo and Oromo Administrative Zones of Ethiopia. Data were collected from 270 randomly selected respondents from September 5 to October 10, 2020. Data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The severity of problems is analyzed using a four-point Likert scale. The quantitative data were analyzed using mean and one sample t-test, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The one sample t-test result revealed that the respondents' level of agreement is statistically and significantly different from neutral in all cases at the 95 and 99% levels of confidence. These immediate problems caused the smallholder farmers to develop concerns about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Smallholder farmers in Jige faced challenges like a lack of markets, collaboration issues, delayed agricultural activities, spoilage of produce, labour issues, and increased input prices. The government and development practitioners should prioritize timely agricultural input delivery through cooperative unions, transfer of information and advisory services, and the marketing of agricultural products using alternative strategies. This research contributes evidence-based information for decision-makers to devise appropriate and locally adaptable policy documents for the given policy recommendations.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN STARTUPSTHROUGH GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND ASSISTANCE

The world of entrepreneurship has undergone a dramatic transition with the development of female-led start-ups. Governments and banks worldwide have recognized the potential of women entrepreneurs as key contributors to economic growth and are taking significant strides to empower them through financial lending initiatives. Therefore, the study examines the impact of such initiatives and assesses their efficacy using quantitative data analysis. The study has chosen to use the purposive sampling method. The findings of the study aim to contribute valuable insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and other stakeholders to devise more inclusive and effective policies that will help in nurturing a more inclusive and prosperous economy.

Implementing a Senior Community Care Model: An Italian Top‐Down Cohousing Project and Nursing Home

Not ageing in place is an increasing reality for many older Europeans. For several decades societies have applied different care models in developing initiatives to provide safe and age-friendly spaces. This article presents the community care model implemented by the Italian service provider ISRAA in Treviso (Italy) in one of its nursing homes and senior cohousing projects. The aim of our study was to analyse this senior community care model and find out how residents have responded to it. Participants were both the older adult residents in the two ISRAA facilities and professionals responsible for their social attention. A qualitative methodology was used: questionnaire, interviews, and focus groups with professionals and care facility residents. Results reveal the care philosophy implemented, residents’ experiences, the main barriers to creating a community, and how this model could be improved by following community development principles, with the older people’s help, participation, and engagement. The conclusions highlight the importance of applying principles of self-determination and social inclusion in a preventive care model for the senior community. In addition, a key factor in promoting community development is for professionals to act as community development practitioners and to allow older adults to be part of the change.

Early childhood practitioners’ awareness of gross motor milestone acquisition and movement guidelines

Background: Early childhood development (ECD) practitioners are essential in governing foundational aspects, such as gross motor development and participation in physical movement.Aim: This study aimed to determine ECD practitioners in Vanderbijlpark’s awareness of gross motor milestone acquisition and movement guidelines for children birth to 4 years. Associations between these ECD practitioners’ demographic aspects and their determined awareness were also explored.Setting: This study included 50 ECD practitioners (M = 36.9 years) from nine ECD Centres (ECDCs) in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa.Methods: A descriptive quantitative, cross-sectional design was followed. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and associations between practitioners’ demographic aspects and their awareness of gross motor milestone acquisition and movement guidelines.Results: Correct awareness of gross motor milestone acquisition was mainly observed for milestones acquired during the first year of life. Participants’ awareness of screen time guidelines was relatively good, while their awareness of movement and sleep guidelines was poor. Having children, as well as the age of these children, respectively, correlated significantly with practitioners’ knowledge of standing alone (p = 0.007) and jumping 2 feet (p = 0.046). Participants’ work experience or training was not significantly associated with their determined awareness.Conclusion: The sample of ECD practitioners in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa, did not have adequate awareness of gross motor milestones and recommended movement guidelines for children birth to 4 years.Contribution: Limited awareness of gross motor milestone acquisition and movement guidelines amongst ECD practitioners’ warrants development of knowledge through ECD-related training, CPD opportunities, and short courses.

The Principle of Accountability in Human Rights-Based Approaches to Development: Towards a New Understanding

Abstract Human rights-based approaches to development (HRBADs) have been pointed out as the most accomplished form of integration of human rights in development. Despite the growing talks among development practitioners on the need for human rights-based approaches to development policies and practices, it remains unclear what exactly the human right principle of accountability at the heart of these approaches consists of. This article seeks to unravel some of the difficulties. What does the principle of accountability mean? Who is accountable and to whom? What does it mean for current development practice? Reflecting on these questions, this article critically delves into policy, guidance, operational documents, evaluations, and other analyses by a selected number of bilateral development agencies. This desk-based research is in some cases backed by semi-structured interviews designed to provide a review of the current approaches to applying the principle of accountability. The article sheds light on how the principle of accountability is understood and applied by those agencies, and notes challenges and inconsistencies. It argues that the principle of accountability should be made fit for purpose so as not to become mere political rhetoric without practical meaning in development practice. It is thus contended that development agencies and state donors should move beyond understanding the principle of accountability as one that is grounded in internal accountability mechanisms and systems of evaluation and aim for holding all stakeholders, including themselves, accountable to the rights-holders of their development programmes and projects.

From empowering women to being empowered by women: A gendered social innovation framework for tourism-led development initiatives

Female entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in fostering tourism-led development (TLD). However, TLD narratives often focus on individual women's empowerment while overlooking underlying gender inequalities. They also neglect broader societal changes needed. To address this, we examine the interplay between empowerment and gendered social innovation in the context of a TLD project aimed at women entrepreneurs. Using a qualitative approach, this research involved in-depth semi-structured interviews with 32 women tourism entrepreneurs from Ecuador and México; and dialogues with 7 project team members. Results shed light on the intricate connection between individual and relational empowerment and gendered social innovation. This study's original contribution is a multiangled framework of gendered social innovation as an ongoing process of social change attached to female tourism entrepreneurship, empowerment, and evolving social practices of working with and among women tourism entrepreneurs as local partners. Theoretical and practical implications for policymakers and tourism-led development practitioners are discussed.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF POULTRY FARMING IN NORTHERN MALAYSIA: A CASE STUDY ON RURAL COMMUNITY IN KEDAH

The rural agriculture sector in Malaysia is vital to the economy because it employs many. Agriculture employs 3.5 million Malaysians and amounts for 9.1% of GDP, according to Statistics Malaysia (2019). Malaysian poultry farming is vital to rural income and jobs. Poultry farmers must grasp market dynamics and prepare strategically to succeed in animal production. A socioeconomically challenged group was used to evaluate rural Malaysian chicken raising practices. The case study demonstrated how these principles apply pragmatically to similar groups. The study collected qualitative data via in-person interviews. Interview covered poultry producers' issues and data was analyzed accordingly. Results indicated that lack of extension agents, technical expertise, budgetary constraints, and communication infrastructure hinder poultry breeding farmers. These challenges drove them to forsake their poultry farm and focused on rubber tapping as the main source of income. The latter strategy is less profitable but less laborious and cheaper. The study analyzed how community empowerment sustains rural development. To enhance rural areas, policymakers and development practitioners must understand community-led activities and create focused policies. Further research should study how government agencies might boost rural economic activity and supply chain efficiency.

‘Take my Child and May She Love You’: ‘Opting In’ to Orphan Status in Central Kenya, 1860 to present

ABSTRACT Development scholars and practitioners have identified a practice in which Africans seek out social services intended for orphans, even when the child in question has involved parents and in the face of stigma associated with orphanhood. Invoking orphanhood is not a new phenomenon, however. Case studies from Kenya illustrate that the practice I define as ‘opting in’ to orphanhood has pre-colonial roots not well understood by the Western philanthropic industry. The changing nature of Africans’ claims to the often-disempowering language of missionaries, colonisers and development officials around the question of orphanhood reshapes understandings of contemporary orphan status and care.

Income-Generating Activities and Economic Empowerment of Rural Women in the Mion District, Ghana: A Phenomenological Study

The economic empowerment of rural women is pivotal to sustainable development, particularly in areas where traditional gender roles and limited access to resources impede their economic participation. This phenomenological study investigates the lived experiences of rural women in the Mion District of Ghana, focusing on their engagement in income-generating activities (IGAs) and the associated challenges and opportunities. Employing qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, the study reveals that these women predominantly engage in farming, trading shea butter and dawadawa, and charcoal production. Despite their significant contributions to household incomes and the local economy, these women face substantial barriers such as inadequate access to education and training, insufficient infrastructure, and restrictive cultural norms. The findings underscore the critical role of intergenerational knowledge transfer, with many participants learning their skills from their mothers. However, the lack of formal training and support from governmental and non-governmental organizations limits their ability to enhance productivity and profitability. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to improve access to modern agricultural techniques, business management skills, and financial resources. Additionally, policy reforms promoting gender equality in economic activities are essential to creating an enabling environment for these women. This research contributes to the broader discourse on rural development and gender equity by highlighting the resilience and adaptability of rural women and the necessity for inclusive policies and support mechanisms. The insights gained from this study offer valuable implications for policymakers, development practitioners, and stakeholders committed to fostering the economic empowerment of rural women, ultimately contributing to sustainable development goals. Future research should continue to explore and address the unique challenges faced by rural women, ensuring their active participation in the economic landscape and enhancing their socio-economic well-being.

Factors Influencing ICT Accessibility among the Farming Community of Odisha

In the dynamic agrarian landscape, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) herald a transformative era for agricultural services, providing a realistic and efficient platform essential for adapting to constant change and optimizing agricultural productivity. A study was conducted in the year 2023 to delineate the accessibility of ICTs in two purposively selected districts of Odisha, having the highest numbers of farmers using ICTs i.e. Khurda and Bargarh, constituting randomly selected 200 respondents. The study categorizes accessibility of ICTs among farmers into high (30%), medium (41.5%), and low (28.5%) levels. The significant predictors were ICT accessibility, with educational qualification (b = 0.133, p < 0.01), annual income (b = 0.068, p < 0.01), social participation (b = 0.0341, p < 0.01), and media exposure (b = 0.478, p < 0.01) exhibiting positive regression coefficients. Conversely, age (b = -0.888, p < 0.01) demonstrated a negative association with ICT accessibility. By prioritizing equitable access to resources and tailored interventions, policymakers and development practitioners can contribute to inclusive agricultural development and digital empowerment in Odisha, thereby fostering sustainable growth and resilience in the agricultural sector.