Dimensions Of Competence Research Articles

Communication competence of future early childhood teachers - a report on a study in Poland

ObjectivesCommunication competence of future early childhood teachers - a report on a study in polandMaterial and methodsThe research was based on a quantitative paradigm. To determine the level of communication competence we used the Self-assessment of Communication Competence Scale (SPCC), stress was examined with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and dispositional optimism was tested with the Life Orientation Test (LOT-R).ResultsThe analyses showed that prospective early childhood teachers obtained average scores in communication competence. At the same time, they reported high levels of stress and low levels of dispositional optimism. In addition, stress levels correlated negatively with all dimensions of communication competence, meaning that the higher the stress level, the lower the level of communication competence in all the measured dimensions. In contrast, dispositional optimism correlated positively with all dimensions of communication competence, indicating that all dimensions of communication competence increased as dispositional optimism increased.ConclusionsBased on the analyses, we suggest enriching education programs for early childhood teachers with issues related to communication competence, coping with public speaking, and preventive activities related to stress management.

Impact of In-service Promotion linked training on Developing the Professional Competencies of Pedagogy of Subject Specialists in Punjab

This study aims to investigate the impact of in-service promotion-linked training from subject specialists BS-17 to BS-18 on the development of professional competencies in pedagogy among subject specialist teachers in Punjab, Pakistan. The questionnaire assessed the perceived impact of the training on various dimensions of pedagogical competencies, including instructional strategies, assessment techniques, classroom management, and student engagement. To explore the effectiveness of this training program in enhancing teachers' pedagogical knowledge and skills, as well as its influence on their teaching practices. The research employed a sequential explanatory design, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. Data were collected from 20 (12 male and 08 female) training participants in the quantitative phase, and a survey questionnaire was administered to a sample of subject specialist teachers who had undergone the in-service promotion-linked training program. SPSS software was used for qualitative data analysis. The study anticipates that the in-service promotion-linked training program positively impacts the development of subject specialist teachers' pedagogical competencies. Ultimately, the research aims to foster a more proficient and competent teaching workforce, which will positively influence student learning outcomes and contribute to the overall advancement of the education system in Punjab.

Predicting depression based on dimensions of social-emotional competence among gifted students

Background: The current study aimed to explore the correlation between depression and various aspects of social-emotional competence in gifted students. The study’s statistical population comprised all gifted students enrolled in the National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents, with the sample consisting of gifted students from this organization in Tehran during the 2020/2021 academic year. Methods: The statistical population of the current study comprised all gifted students studying in the National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents, with the sample consisting of gifted students from this organization in Tehran during the 2020/2021 academic year. The Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) and the Social Emotional Competence Questionnaire (SECQ) were utilized as research tools. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression methods. Results: The findings indicate a significant negative correlation between self-awareness and depression, as well as between responsible decision-making and depression among gifted students. Conclusion: Given the correlation between emotional intelligence, social-emotional competence, and depression, it can be inferred that self-awareness and responsible decision-making are predictive factors for depression among gifted students.

Community Enterprise Flexibility Competency Affecting Firm Survival in the Product Manufacturing Sector in Northeast Thailand Via New Product Creation, Market Fulfillment Efficiency, and Product Advantage

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between community enterprise flexibility competency and firm survival of the product manufacturing sector in northeast Thailand in terms of new product creation, market fulfillment efficiency, and product advantage.We postulated five dimensions of community enterprise flexibility competency (i.e., continuous process improvement, product research and development orientation, dynamic learning capability, intensive knowledge-based operation, and proactive operation mindset). The data were collected from 380 community enterprise CEO working in the product manufacturing sector in northeast Thailand using a self-reported questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multiple correlations and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the community enterprise flexibility competency in the aspects of continuous process improvement, intensive knowledge-based operation, and proactive operation mindset were positively associated with new product creation and market fulfillment efficiency significance level test 0.01. New product creation and market fulfillment efficiency were positively associated with product advantage and firm survival significance level test 0.01. Product advantage was positively associated with firm survival significance level test 0.01. Firm experience above 5 years has positive relate to product advantage significance level test 0.01. Community enterprise flexibility competency in terms of product research and development orientation and dynamic learning capability demonstrated non-association with new product creation and market fulfillment efficiency. Firm reword has not relate to new product creation, market fulfillment efficiency, product advantage, and firm survival.

Current Situation and Practical Path of Cultivating Students’ Core Literacy in the Context of the New Era

Abstract In this paper, Bayesian estimation and Coleman filtering are used to compose a multidimensional data fusion algorithm to study the cultivation of students’ personalized core literacy. A Trans E model is constructed based on the calculation of students’ specific course ratings using collaborative filtering algorithms. Combining the knowledge graph and collaborative filtering methods, the similarities between the course and user ratings are calculated respectively. The user’s rating situation can be predicted by combining similarity. Through the empirical analysis method, the overall and specific competency dimensions of students’ core literacy and the effect of core literacy cultivation, as well as students’ satisfaction, were analyzed, and the corresponding practice paths were proposed based on the analysis results. The mean value of students’ core literacy test is 46.25, and the number of students scoring between 50-60 points is the largest, but the number of excellent students is 0, which is poor in the cultivation of core literacy. The analysis of the effect of core literacy cultivation shows that in the correlation analysis of teaching effect and teaching support, the p-value is less than 0.01, but most of the correlation coefficients are less than 0.35, and there exists a weak relationship between the two, and the school authorities should strengthen the teaching support of core literacy.

Cultivation of e-commerce management talents based on F2C model in the context of scientific and technological development of agriculture

Abstract Based on the LISEREL model and the characteristics of ordered categorical variables, this paper establishes a structural equation model with ordered categorical variables to study the cultivation effect of e-commerce management talents under F2C mode. The measurement model and structural model are constructed using the content and cultivation effect of e-commerce management talent training and e-commerce sales performance, and the degrees of freedom of exogenous observation variables, endogenous observation variables and parameters in the model are estimated. Path analysis was utilized to determine the degree of influence of the F2C talent cultivation model on e-commerce management talent competency and management performance, as well as the effect size. The results show that all the dimensions of e-commerce talent competence under F2C talent cultivation mode are between 3.5 and 4.5, and the relationship between F2C talent cultivation mode on e-commerce talent sales performance is significant at the level of P-value 0.001, and the path coefficients of talent cultivation and sales performance are between 0.1-0.3, and that the F2C cultivation mode is beneficial for the enhancement of e-commerce managerial talent competence.

‘Warming up’ to populist leaders: A comparative analysis of Argentina and Spain

What makes populist leaders, responsible for many episodes of democratic backsliding, especially appealing to a significant part of the electorate? In the following pages we argue that the effect of perceptions regarding leaders’ ‘warmth’ causes them to be perceived as having good intentions toward and even being part of ‘the people,’ resulting in a more positive overall evaluation among citizens with more critical views of democratic representativeness (external political efficacy). We test this hypothesis in two very different political systems, Argentina and Spain, using data from original surveys that contain batteries of questions on warmth and competence trait dimensions for multiple leaders in both countries. The results show that while perceptions of traits along both warmth and competence dimensions are important for the evaluation of all leaders in democratic systems, the interactive effect between external political efficacy and perceptions of warmth is important for explaining more positive evaluations of populist leaders.

Ranking Competencies of Managers with the Combined Method of Dimtel and Network Analysis (Case study: Public Hospitals of Yazd Province)

Background: The success of any organization depends on the expertise and competence of human resources, especially its managers. Competence is defined as the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a job. The current study aimed to rank the competencies of managers based on the competence model of Dolewis and Higgs (2005), which was carried out using multi-criteria decision-making techniques (combined method of Dimtel and network analysis) in public hospitals of Yazd province.
 Methods: This inductive approach research was carried out quantitatively during 2021 to 2022 in public hospitals of Yazd province. In this study, multi-criteria decision-making techniques were used including the combined method of Dimtel and network analysis. The statistical population was a group of human resources experts and senior managers of public hospitals in Yazd province. Sampling was done first by judgment and then by snowball method and through the introduction of experts and based on the possibility of access to them, and 15 experts were selected as a sample. After extracting the data from the experts' questionnaires, Dimtel method was used to evaluate the relationships between the indicators.
 Results: In the current study, according to the experts’ opinions, the competence model of Doleviz and Higgs (2005) was considered, which included three managerial, personal, and intellectual dimensions. The dimension of managerial competence included components of success, empowerment, development, engaging and effective communication, resource management. The dimension of intellectual competence included components of judgment and critical analysis, perspective and foresight of strategic views. The dimension of personal competence included components of self-awareness and emotional resilience, intuitive understanding, interpersonal sensitivity, influence, motivation, and conscience. Based on the results of the super matrix of network analysis, the weights of competence in order of priority included managerial, intellectual, and personal competence. In managerial competence, the component of resource management, in personal competence, the influence component, and in intellectual competence, the components of foresight and perspective were more important.
 Conclusion: In order to be more successful in achieving future goals and perspective, hospital managers should strive to strengthen their competencies, since improving the competence of managers helps them in effective use of resources, better response to clients, and achieving goals, in accordance with the accreditation standards of public hospitals in Yazd province

Building student loyalty in higher education: the role of corporate reputation

Background Reputation is a vital asset for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as it constitutes a source of competitive advantage because it works as a quality sign for the stakeholders. Because of globalisation, decreasing funding and the changing environment in the Mozambican higher education market, HEIs need to build a favourable reputation to stay relevant. This research aims to study how a university’s reputation can influence student loyalty. Methods Utilizing a descriptive and analytical methodology, a quantitative investigation was carried out by surveying 402 students enrolled in higher education institution (HEI) courses in Mozambique. The research employed a survey questionnaire to directly collect information from the study participants. Results The study concluded that university reputation affects student loyalty, as the relationship between both variables is statistically significant. All dimensions of HEIs reputation, namely, academic competence, social attractiveness, and responsible management, positively impact student loyalty. Although, the latter variable did not have a statistically significant impact, contradicting the current theoretical framework. Conclusions The study’s findings suggest that corporate reputation has a favorable impact on student loyalty, demonstrating a significant relationship between the two factors. Therefore,improve student retention, HEIs should seek to enhance their academic competence and social attractiveness. Furure research The study suggests future research should address sample composition issues by increasing representation from underrepresented groups. It recommends a more in-depth exploration of the responsible management construct, advocating for the inclusion of context-specific indicators. Furthermore, the study proposes investigating additional factors to enhance the understanding of the relationship between university reputation and student loyalty.

Exploring parental competences in Spanish fathers and mothers of children aged 0–3: relationship with socio-familial and child characteristics

ABSTRACT According to the Ecological Model, positive parenting depends on three factors: psychosocial context, the children's needs and parental competences. This cross-sectional study analyzes parental competences, perception of efficacy and parenting satisfaction, among Spanish fathers and mothers with young children aged 0–3 years, and examines their relationship with socio-familial variables (parents' age, gender, and education level) and children's characteristics (age, gender, disability, chronic illness, premature birth, and early care). Participants included 868 parents. Results show that all dimensions of parental competences were associated with socio-familial variables and/or the children's characteristics. Among others, mothers had significantly higher scores than fathers in most of the competences, with the exception monitoring of their parental activity, self-care and parental satisfaction. Regression analyses showed that the variables analyzed in this study explained 25% of the variance in the total parental competence score. Specifically, the associated variables were being a mother, younger age, having fewer children, male gender of the children, satisfaction, and sense of parenting efficacy. These results reinforce the need to offer preventive and supportive strategies for positive parenting in Spanish families, taking into consideration their socio-familial characteristics and those of their children.

Developing symbolic competence for intercultural learning of advanced EFL learners through critical incidents

ABSTRACT Symbolic competence is integral to intercultural teaching and learning, but limited research and teaching guidance exist in foreign language classrooms. This paper explores the use of critical incidents in developing the symbolic competence of advanced-level English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners at a Chinese university. Mixed methods analyses of critical incidents written by students reveal all dimensions of symbolic competence, with prominent themes of diversified intercultural understanding, effective narrative control depicting a positive self-image, and growing perspective-taking awareness though limited evidence of exercising symbolic power. The study thus highlights the symbolic value of intercultural language teaching and suggests the potential benefits of critical incident writing for developing the symbolic dimension of intercultural competence.

A review of studies on digital competence in teaching English as a foreign language

This review aims to highlight how digital competence and English as a foreign language were addressed in research and how the integration of digital tools in the teaching and learning process was reflected in the pertinent research area. For that purpose, it examines the studies published in notable journals between 2017 and 2022. Criteria-based review approach was used to search the relevant articles. Following this approach, review of 24 articles was categorized under five main themes; a) article distribution into years, and according to the contexts, b) target groups as participants in the studies, c) focal points of the relevant research, d) methodological tendencies in the studies and e) implications drawn from studies. As a result of the analysis of the papers, the review suggests that digital competence needs being inspected from different perspectives relating it to psychological constraints. Further, longitudinal studies and action research can yield more fruitful results to understand the dimensions of teacher digital competence.

Job Competence of Agricultural Extension Officers in Telangana State

The research was conducted in the Nalgonda district of Telangana state with the aim of assessing the job competence and job satisfaction of Agricultural Extension Officers. A total of 120 Agricultural Extension Officers were selected for the study from different Mandals within Nalgonda district. Data was collected to analyse the profile and job competence levels of agricultural extension officers. Two rating techniques were employed in evaluating the job competence level of agricultural extension officers which were Self-rating and Superior rating. The study results revealed that 55.84% of Agricultural Extension Officers rated themselves that they had a medium level of job competence, while in case of superior rating, 57.50% of Agricultural Extension Officers had medium level of competence at a similar level. The overall finding on job competence indicated that 65% of agricultural extension officers were at a medium level of competence. In terms of Self-rating, agricultural extension officers demonstrated higher competence in communicative ability, initiative, empathy, and technical knowledge dimensions with a mean index. On the other hand, according to Superior rating, agriculture extension officers exhibited greater competence in initiative, communicative ability, empathy, and judgement dimensions with the mean index. The study emphasizes exploring job competence levels, various competence dimensions, and the relationship of independent variables with job competence among agricultural extension officers.

The assessment of the halo-effect in a questionnaire rating dimensions of coaches’ competence

ABSTRACTThe halo-effect describes the phenomenon that an individual’s general impression of a person influences how other attributes of the same person are evaluated. This phenomenon might be reflected in the finding that in a questionnaire assessing different competence dimensions of coaches, a bi-factor model (i.e., including an additional global factor besides the three competence dimensions) showed the best model fit (Strauch et al. [2023]. Erfassung der Handlungskompetenzen von Übungsleitenden. Entwicklung und Analyse der Reliabilität und Validität eines Fragebogens [Assessment of the competencies of coaches. Development and analysis of the reliability and validity of a questionnaire]. Zeitschrift für Sportpsychologie. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1026/1612-5010/a000376). Based on the stereotype content model, the purpose of the present study was to assess whether the two universal dimensions warmth and general competence may explain a significant part of this additional global factor. To this end, 222 participants (72 female; Mage = 27.38) took part in this cross-sectional study. They completed a coach competence questionnaire with the three subscales motivational, adaptive, and organisational competence. Moreover, they completed the two subscales affect and professional respect of the Leader-Member Exchange Scale to measure the universal dimensions of warmth and general competence. The results showed that a bi-factor model had the best model fit compared to (a) when the items loaded only on their corresponding factor, and (b) when all items loaded only on a global factor. Moreover, the results showed that warmth and general competence could explain more than half of the variance in this additional global factor. In summary, the results support the existence of an underlying global factor in questionnaires assessing specific dimensions of coaches’ competence, with also providing preliminary evidence that the two universal dimensions, warmth and general competence, can partly explain this factor.

IMPACT OF CORE COMPETENCIES ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF INDUSTRIAL GOODS FIRMS IN NIGERIA

The study examined the impact of core competencies on organizational performance in Nigeria. It empirically investigated whether industrial goods firms in Nigeria enjoy sustained success by focusing on core competencies like their counterparts in developed economies as documented in some prior literature. Specifically, the study determined whether strong brand name, strong sales force, innovation, agility, and strong creative thinking as dimensions of core competencies impact on organizational performance. To address this objective, primary data was collected using structured questionnaire measured on Likert summated rating scale. A sample size of 200 employees drawn from selected industrial goods firms was used for the study. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were used to illuminate the data and test hypotheses. The results revealed that strong brand name, strong sales force, and strong creative thinking positively and significantly impact on organizational performance. Though innovation and agility have positive influence, but were not significant. Against this backdrop, it was recommended that management of industrial goods firms should leverage on core competencies to remain competitive in the global market space.
 Keywords: Agility, Creative thinking, Innovation, Strong brand name, Strong sales force.
 JEL Classification: L25 M10 O14

Exploring the Dimensions of Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) in English Learning: Insights from EFL Students

Exploring the Dimensions of Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) in English Learning: Insights from EFL Students

Exploring the link between basic ICT competence beliefs and technology use for student teachers and teachers: A use of bifactor exploratory structural equation models

Basic ICT competence beliefs consist of a range of competence dimensions, including communication and collaboration and safety and security. Yet, unclear is if (student) teachers need to overall feel competence in using technology, or is feeling competent in specific competence dimensions sufficient for the use of technology. This study addressed this research lack and examined (a) basic ICT competence beliefs and technology use in different stages of teacher education and (b) the association between basic ICT competence beliefs and various hardware and software used. Data included 338 teachers and 343 student teachers from Germany and were analyzed using bifactor exploratory structural equation models. These models allow us to simultaneously account for general basic ICT competence beliefs (G-Factor) and specific basic ICT competence beliefs (S-Factors). The study found that teachers, on average, reported higher basic ICT competence beliefs than student teachers. For both student teachers and teachers, the use of wikis and forum was linked to higher general ICT competence beliefs. The use of LMS was linked to basic ICT competence beliefs in safety and security and problem solving. The study also identified unique links in both groups, such as wiki and weblog use being linked to higher general ICT competence beliefs for teachers. In various teacher education phases, we can emphasize the need to promote basic ICT competence beliefs to empower teachers in the digital transformation. By interpreting these results, however, it should be noted that our analysis only focused on utilizing particular hardware and software; replications of findings are also needed.

Opportunities to develop student’s math-related agency in primary education: the role of teacher beliefs

Teacher beliefs and practices related to them could provide varying opportunities for students to develop their agency related to learning math. The aim of the current paper is to explore how different math teacher beliefs (concerning the nature of mathematics, constructivist beliefs, and self-efficacy) relate to different dimensions of student agency in primary education. A two-level multilevel model was analyzed to find out to what extent selected teacher beliefs are associated with student math competence and agency dimensions. The study was conducted in Estonia and data from 3rd and 4th grade students (N = 1557) and their teachers (N = 121) was included in the analysis. The results showed that teacher self-efficacy beliefs, constructivist beliefs, and static views on the nature of mathematics were related to students’ agency dimensions. Possible explanations and directions for further studies are discussed.

Building student loyalty in higher education: the role of corporate reputation.

Reputation is a vital asset for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as it constitutes a source of competitive advantage because it works as a quality sign for the stakeholders. Because of globalisation, decreasing funding and the changing environment in the Mozambican higher education market, HEIs need to build a favourable reputation to stay relevant. This research aims to study how a university's reputation can influence student loyalty. Utilizing a descriptive and analytical methodology, a quantitative investigation was carried out by surveying 402 students enrolled in higher education institution (HEI) courses in Mozambique. The research employed a survey questionnaire to directly collect information from the study participants. The study concluded that university reputation affects student loyalty, as the relationship between both variables is statistically significant. All dimensions of HEIs reputation, namely, academic competence, social attractiveness, and responsible management, positively impact student loyalty. Although, the latter variable did not have a statistically significant impact, contradicting the current theoretical framework. The study's findings suggest that corporate reputation has a favorable impact on student loyalty, demonstrating a significant relationship between the two factors. Therefore,improve student retention, HEIs should seek to enhance their academic competence and social attractiveness. The study suggests future research should address sample composition issues by increasing representation from underrepresented groups. It recommends a more in-depth exploration of the responsible management construct, advocating for the inclusion of context-specific indicators. Furthermore, the study proposes investigating additional factors to enhance the understanding of the relationship between university reputation and student loyalty.

Development and validation of teachers’ psychological empowerment scale in Ethiopian context

The low motivations of teachers in Ethiopia reflect the psychological deempowerment of teachers. Thus, developing a scale is required to know exactly the empowerment level of teachers. Therefore, this study aimed at developing and validating a psychological empowerment scale in the Ethiopian context. The data were gathered from two different groups of 720 teachers (300+420) from 83 schools using a questionnaire. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) results discovered four dimensions with a total variance of 69.685%. To know the fitness of the instrument in this study, the researcher carried out confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with the LISREL 8.7 program with 420 participants. RMSEA (RootMean Square Error of Approximation) = .065 level, GFI (Goodness of Fit Index) = .93, adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI) = .90, incremental fit index (IFI) = .98, relative fit index (RFI) = .96, non-normed fit index (NNFI) = .98 and comparative fit index (CFI) = .98. These values depict the good fitness of the model. Regading reliability, Cronbach’s alpha for goal internalization. Meaning, influence, and competence dimensions were 0.87, 0.842, 0.777, and 0.789, respectively. Total Cronbach’s alpha was .904. For this scale, the Average Variance Extracted and Combined Reliability are more than .7. Thus, the findings revealed that the psychological empowerment Scale, consisting of four dimensions and 15 items, was a valid and reliable instrument in Ethiopian school settings.