Employability Skills Research Articles

Skill Education under NEP 2020: A Pathway to Enhanced Employability and Economic Growth

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a pivotal shift in the Indian education system by integrating skill education to boost student employability and foster economic growth. This study evaluates the impact of NEP 2020's skill education strategies on job readiness and their broader economic implications. Through policy document analysis, educational frameworks, and empirical data, this research reveals how NEP 2020 aligns educational outcomes with industry requirements. Findings suggest that the policy’s emphasis on vocational training, experiential learning, and competency-based education effectively enhances graduate employability. Additionally, NEP 2020’s focus on lifelong learning and adaptability prepares students for a dynamic job market, contributing to economic development. This paper underscores NEP 2020's role in reshaping India's educational landscape and cultivating a workforce ready for the 21st-century economy. Keywords: NEP 2020, Skill Education, Employability Skills, Hands-on Practice, Transformation, NCERT, NCVT

Out-Sourcing and Organizational Performance of Seroma Limited in Uganda

This study examines the outsourcing and organizational performance of Seroma LTD in Uganda. A sample of 66 respondents both female and male employees out of the target population of 70 of the company were used for the study. The study employed case study research. The study findings showed that the company does carry ·out outsourcing of services from third-party service providers as shown by the greater majority of respondents. The findings also showed that when it came to outsourcing management, the company was effective and thusconcluded that factors that were considered by the company before outsourcing were cost restructuring, quality appraisal, and current employee skills. Appraisal process and legal issues, stalling issues, and risk management. The study recommended that the company should carry out an appraisal of the outsourcing model that it is using which should also take into consideration the relationship the company has with the respective service providers. More so, the company should carry out a strict and vigorous appraisal process when selecting a potential outsourcing partner. This should be done in line with establishing reliability, post-transaction, service guarantees, and warranties as well as legal cover. Finally, the company should restructure its outsourcing strategy to take into account the need for productivity in Seroma since productivity is pivotal to organizational performance. Keywords: Organizational performance, Outsourced services, Outsourcing, Productivity, Strategic management

Graduate employability: A bibliometric analysis

AbstractIn today's highly competitive job market, the employability of graduates holds paramount significance. Employers increasingly demand fundamental competencies and diverse employability skills from the current graduates. Studies have highlighted a noticeable gap between the skills employers seek and graduates’ skills upon the completion of their studies. This gap in employability skills significantly impacts graduates, impeding their prospects of securing suitable employment opportunities. The disparities in skills and knowledge have sparked a debate on graduate employability, necessitating further research in this domain. Addressing that, the current study explored research trends, directions, and opportunities related to graduate employability. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on a dataset comprising 2335 journal articles on graduate employability published between 1981 and 2023 in Scopus and Web of Science databases. The results of bibliometric analysis revealed the most influential journal articles based on their publications, citations, and significance in the intellectual network. Through content analysis, this study shed light on the subject's intellectual structure, characterized by four major thematic clusters: (1) the attribution of broader skills to career enhancement; (2) the significance of generic skills (interpersonal, problem‐solving, and communication skills); (3) the need for work‐related training and employer engagement; and (4) the need for improved curriculum design to build adequate human capital. The study concluded with a discussion of practical policy implications, limitations of study, and recommendations for future research.

Easement Reform and Employment Transfer of Forest Farmers: Evidence from China’s National Parks

The easement reform of collective forest land (ERCFL) is an important part of national park system construction, which plays an important role in promoting the employment transfer of forest farmers. On the basis of survey data from forest farmers in Qianjiangyuan–Baishanzu National Park in Zhejiang Province, this paper uses the propensity score matching-difference in differences model to empirically analyze the impact of ERCFL on the transfer employment behavior and employment quality of forest farmers to provide experience for promoting the employment transfer of forest farmers and improving the ERCFL in national parks. This research shows the following: (1) The ERCFL in national parks has significantly promoted the employment transfer and improved the employment quality of forest farmers. This effect remains significant when controlling for possible endogeneity issues. (2) Three mechanisms of the ERCFL affect forest farmers’ transfer of employment, namely improving non-agricultural employment skills, expanding the scope of non-agricultural employment, and increasing non-agricultural employment opportunities. (3) Significant gender, age, and education differences exist in terms of the impact of the ERCFL on the employment transfer of forest farmers. The impact on men, middle-aged and elderly groups, and low-education groups is more significant. Finally, this paper proposed forward countermeasures and suggestions to promote the employment transfer of forest farmers.

Managing Employability Challenges among Graduates: The Role of Curricula Reforms

This study examined how curricula reforms address employability challenges among graduates in Tanzania. A mixed method approach was used and data was collected through questionnaires and interviews from 243 participants. The research found that curricula reforms significantly enhance employability skills of graduates. It also showed that curricula reforms deal with employability challenges by ensuring that education is relevant to the needs of the labour market, respond to 21st century demands and expectations, give relevant skills, and promote global competences. Thus, it was concluded that effective needs assessment is the basis for designing curricula reforms to align educational practices with the real job market requirements. Regular curricula reforms are recommended to ensure relevance and quality, adapting to changing demands and priorities of the nation and the labour market. The study suggests the establishment of a competence framework that ensures consistent alignment of education with relevant employability skills.

Enhancing Workplace Skills through Work-Based Learning in Engineering Education

The industry's modern workplace is rapidly evolving due to the energy transition. This transformation focuses on advanced technology, and solutions to energy- related challenges. Aligning the skills taught in higher education with the demands of the workplace is a critical challenge for academia and industry. In today's job market, being innovative is a crucial skill for university graduates to enhance their employability. One effective approach to achieving this is through work-based learning (WBL) opportunities integrated into engineering education. WBL is essential for integrating education and workplace skills. Oil and gas companies are working with higher education institutions to develop an effective WBL framework that enhances competences. The paper introduces successful WBL pedagogical models integrated into engineering education to meet industry requirements. These models have utilised technology to expand Merrill's instructional principles and developed blended learning corporate programmes to enhance learning outcomes, engineering skills, innovativeness, and employability skills. WBL enables students to gain practical experience in a real-world work environment, applying the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to actual projects and challenges. This hands- on experience not only enhances students' technical skills but also helps them cultivate essential 4C soft skills (collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication) and prepares them for future success. WBL is a valuable tool that enhances workplaces, increases productivity, and introduces innovative work methods. It equips engineering students for successful careers by enhancing their employability. Partner organisations have experienced enhanced technical and economic value by integrating WBL engineering education models into industry projects. This has led to innovative products, solutions to technical challenges, employee skill development, career advancement, and increased access to higher education opportunities.

Analyzing Managerial Skills for Employability in Graduate Students in Economics, Administration and Accounting Sciences

The study analyzes how graduate students in economics, administration and accounting perceive their managerial skills for employability, with the aim of determining its associated variables to improve the educational processes of future managerial leaders. It focuses on the importance of developing transferable skills that meet current and future job demands. To measure the perception of skills, a structured and duly validated questionnaire (Employability Skills 2000+) was used, answered by 225 graduate students in Economics, Administrative and Accounting Sciences in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The data obtained from the application were analyzed using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) method with the FACTOR software. The CFA generated an adaptation of the original scale with 21 variables. The resulting scale determined three predominant factors: personal management skills, fundamental skills and teamwork skills, which presented good consistency and validity, allowing us to make conclusions regarding employability skills in the context studied. The findings show the existence of a correlation between fundamental skills and variables such as work experience, employment status and gender, as well as a high correlation between teamwork skills, work experience and employability conditions.

Exploring Paulinian’s Demonstrated Competencies in Selected Industries: Basis for Enhancement of Outcomes-Based Education of St. Paul University Surigao

This study evaluated the employability skills of graduates across various academic programs at St. Paul University Surigao using a mixed-method explanatory design, wherein the study focused on the effectiveness of their Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) strategies. The findings revealed that SPUS programs generally equipped their graduates with strong technical competencies essential for their respective fields. However, there exists a need for continuous enhancement in employability skills across all programs to ensure that the graduates are prepared to meet the evolving demands of various industries. For the Nursing program, while their graduates excelled in clinical skills, improvements in communication abilities were found necessary to better align with healthcare industry requirements. Similarly, it was found that the Criminology program prepared its graduates well for law enforcement roles, however, they need to strengthen their research capabilities. Moreover, the Secondary Education Major in English program effectively integrated technological proficiency and ethical standards but there were opportunities for enhancing the graduates’ linguistic and literary knowledge. Additionally, the Mining Engineering program equipped its graduates with critical technical competencies but required further development in problem-solving skills and industry trend awareness. Likewise, the Information Technology program imparted robust technical skills, however, it should increase focus on the communication and teamwork abilities of its graduates. With this, SPUS should prioritize regular curriculum reviews and updates based on industry feedback. In addition, practical skills development such as hands-on learning experiences and workshops is crucial for enhancing employability skills across all disciplines concerned in this study.

Exploring Paulinian’s Demonstrated Competencies in Selected Industries: Basis for Enhancement of Outcomes-Based Education of St. Paul University Surigao

This study evaluated the employability skills of graduates across various academic programs at St. Paul University Surigao using a mixed-method explanatory design, wherein the study focused on the effectiveness of their Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) strategies. The findings revealed that SPUS programs generally equipped their graduates with strong technical competencies essential for their respective fields. However, there exists a need for continuous enhancement in employability skills across all programs to ensure that the graduates are prepared to meet the evolving demands of various industries. For the Nursing program, while their graduates excelled in clinical skills, improvements in communication abilities were found necessary to better align with healthcare industry requirements. Similarly, it was found that the Criminology program prepared its graduates well for law enforcement roles, however, they need to strengthen their research capabilities. Moreover, the Secondary Education Major in English program effectively integrated technological proficiency and ethical standards but there were opportunities for enhancing the graduates’ linguistic and literary knowledge. Additionally, the Mining Engineering program equipped its graduates with critical technical competencies but required further development in problem-solving skills and industry trend awareness. Likewise, the Information Technology program imparted robust technical skills, however, it should increase focus on the communication and teamwork abilities of its graduates. With this, SPUS should prioritize regular curriculum reviews and updates based on industry feedback. In addition, practical skills development such as hands-on learning experiences and workshops is crucial for enhancing employability skills across all disciplines concerned in this study.

From the pitch to the job market: a scoping review of sport-for-employability programmes

ABSTRACT Rationale There has been growing recognition of the potential for sport to contribute to development, and employability has emerged as one of the core thematic areas of sport for development (SFD). However, we have a limited overview of SFD programmes and their contributions to employability. As such, the following review seeks to summarise current literature on the topic and answer three related questions: (1) who delivers programmes and what groups are targeted?; (2) what sport and non-sport activities are used?; and (3) what competencies are developed or targeted through these programmes? Methods A Scoping Review following Arksey and O’Malley [Scoping studies: Towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8(1), 19–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/1364557032000119616] is conducted to locate and synthesise literature on sport-for-employability programmes. Results Programmes rely on a mix of sport activities and workshops to develop a sub-set of social and personal competencies and support the acquisition of general employment skills as well as some formal qualifications in sport or service-related professions. Implications To provide meaningful, sustainable employability, there is a need to offer deeper qualifications while also proactively working to improve the external factors driving employability for their participants.

Implementasi Reformasi Birokrasi Dalam Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia Aparatur Di Dinas Koperasi Usaha Kecil Menengah dan Perdagangan Kabupaten Dharmasraya

This research aims to find out how bureaucratic reform is implemented in developing human resources for the apparatus at the Dharmasraya Regency Small and Medium Enterprises Cooperatives and Trade Service. Researchers conducted qualitative research using descriptive methods. The research was conducted at the Dharmasraya Regency Small and Medium Enterprises Cooperatives and Trade Service. To select informants using purposive sampling. The data sources for this research are primary and secondary data, which were collected through interviews and documentation. However, triangulation of methods and sources is used to test the validity of the data. Data analysis consists of four stages: data collection, data reduction, data delivery and conclusions. The research results show that the implementation of bureaucratic reform in the development of human resources for the apparatus has gone well, although not optimally. employee skills are still lacking, thus explaining the importance of providing training to State Civil Servants who need it. The Dharmasraya Regency Small and Medium Enterprises Cooperatives and Trade Service has implemented bureaucratic reform in the aspect of human resource development. There are three indicators in human resource development according to Lijan Poltak Sinambela (2016), namely (1) Training and development of human resources such as training for civil servants (Laksa), career advancement training, (2) Compensation (3) Career development. Meanwhile, in the Regulation of the Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform of the Republic of Indonesia Number 18 of 2021 concerning the Road Map for Bureaucratic Reform of the Ministry of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform for 2020-2024, there are seven indicators of success in developing human resources, namely (1) Planning employee needs (2 ) Employee recruitment (3) Employee development (4) Promotion, transfer and rotation of employees (5) Implementation of employee performance assessments (6) Enforcement of employee code of ethics (7) Developing a personnel information system. However, in implementing bureaucratic reform, the Dharmasraya Regency Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Trade Service experienced obstacles, such as a lack of infrastructure, a lack of budget, and a lack of training provision for ASN. Efforts made by the Dharmasraya Regency Small and Medium Enterprises Cooperatives and Trade Service are (1) Development through Training (2) Increasing human resource capacity in the region (3) Human resource training system

Developing commercial awareness and digital video interview skills in second-year life sciences students

Employers are increasingly using video interviews in the application process, highlighting the need for graduates to adapt to digital technologies. To ensure graduates are adequately prepared, a Year 2 skills module was redeveloped, replacing face-to-face interviews with asynchronous video interviews using ShortlistMe. Aligning the assessment to a careers event allowed students to engage with employers and develop commercial awareness. Out of 430 students, 395 completed the video interview, and 329 connected with employers during the careers event (a 63% increase compared to the previous year). A survey explored student perceptions of the video interview (n= 39). Student confidence in completing a video interview increased by 44.6%, and in demonstrating commercial awareness by 30%. This model effectively connected employers with the curriculum at scale, fostering digital fluency, commercial awareness, and enhancing employability skills. This adaptable approach could benefit any discipline, equipping students for success in a dynamic job market. This article was published open access under a CC BY-NC-ND licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ .

Innovate by Involving Low Skilled Employees, Case of a Care Service Company

Innovate by Involving Low Skilled Employees, Case of a Care Service Company

Nexus of public organization, transparency, and accountability in Indonesia's digital governance

This study examined uniting public organization, transparency, and accountability theories for a holistic understanding of digital government service implementation in Indonesia. This study used a survey data collection method with 424 respondents for employees in four local governments. Questionnaires were generated using a Likert scale. Structural equation modeling‐partial least squares was used to assess the validity and reliability of the data and to test hypotheses and regression models. Following the testing of hypotheses and regression analysis, this study found that variables of employee skills, leadership, regulation, infrastructure, information and communication technology, transparency, and accountability had a positive and significant effect on the variable of digital government service implementation with p‐values of 0.034, 0.025, 0.014, 0.031, 0.009, 0.005, and 0.010, respectively. In contrast, variables of budgeting and bureaucratic structure do not positively and significantly impact the variable of digital government service implementation with p‐values of 0.210 and 0.311, respectively. The influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable was strong (R‐square = 0.834). The limitations and implications of these findings are discussed in the conclusion.

Analysis of the Adequacy of Employees’ Skills for the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Central and Eastern European Countries

Analysis of the Adequacy of Employees’ Skills for the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Central and Eastern European Countries

Peran Divisi Human Capital dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Karyawan Corporate Social

The role of Human Capital Division is very influential in improving the employee performance Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Head Office PT ANTAM Tbk South Jakarta. These significant results are based on investment in increasing employee skills, knowledge and experience which makes employees the capital or assets of a company which is the focus of improving employee performance. The purpose of this research is to find out the role of Human Capital Division in improving the employee performance Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Head Office PT ANTAM Tbk South Jakarta. In this research, the author used a qualitative descriptive research method to develop a theory that was built when obtaining data in the field using data collection techniques in the form of observation, interviews and documentation. The research results show that increasing employee performance is a significant result of the role of the human capital division based on aspects of work quality, work quantity, task implementation and responsibility which are the focus of improving employee performance. The author's findings show that the emphasis on skills achieved through the recruitment process is the main thing. The human capital division ensures that the employees recruited have the skills necessary to make maximum contributions to the programs implemented by CSR. Increasing employee performance is achieved through various factors related to the role of the human capital division of PT ANTAM Tbk South Jakarta Head Office, such as providing training that is relevant to employee duties and responsibilities, not only increasing an employee's competency but also forming a strong foundation for increasing productivity. Regular evaluation also has a positive impact on improving employee performance, where there will be input and encouragement for each employee. This also makes employees open to each other so that communication is established well and loyalty is created between employees. Overall, this thesis confirms that the human capital division has an important role in improving employee performance. This is also formed from employees who are competent and willing to continue to improve their abilities and skills.

Employability Skills Requirements in the Professional Services Sector: An In-depth Analysis of Graduates

In today’s competitive job market, the gap between academic preparation and industry expectations has become increasingly evident, highlighting the urgency of identifying the key employability skills required by graduates. This study evaluates the essential employability skills of graduates in the professional services sector. Using a descriptive research design, a questionnaire was administered to 282 respondents in the Philippines. The sample size was determined using Slovin's formula and a stratified random sampling technique. Data analysis involved frequency percentage distribution, weighted mean, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings reveal a significant proportion of respondents as team leaders, holding bachelor’s degrees, and working in professional services firms with more than 151 employees. Effective communication skills emerged as the foremost requirement, complemented by leadership skills that foster enthusiasm and commitment within organizations. Notably, disparities in employability skills were found when respondents were categorized based on organizations’ sizes. Concurrently, respondents reported challenges in articulating well-defined career objectives and demonstrating adaptability. These findings underscore the imperative for higher institutions to emphasize curricula that enhance graduates’ employability skills, particularly in communication, leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Universities should tailor their academic programs to strengthen these crucial skills, benefiting both graduates and the professional services industry. Furthermore, continuous professional development and industry-academic partnerships are recommended to keep curricula aligned with evolving industry needs, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for the dynamic job market.

Performance Assessment through Work Gamification: Investigating Engagement

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate, investigate and assess the impact of gamification on the performance of online transportation drivers via social values, motivation and participatory engagement.Design/methodology/approach: This quantitative study is based on primary data from 110 online transportation drivers in five cities in the Central Java Province region: Semarang, Pekalongan, Kudus, Purwokerto and Solo. Partial least squares (PLS) method is used to analyse and evaluate data.Findings/results: The research results show that job gamification positively and significantly influences driver performance through social value, motivation and participatory engagement.Practical implications: The findings can be applied to increase employee performance in a business or organisation that supports a sustainable, friendly company. They also offer practical basics to make decisions in increased employee engagement, enhanced productivity, improved learning and skill development, social value and collaboration.Originality/value: While the study establishes a positive relationship between gamification and driver performance through the mediating factors of social value, motivation and participatory engagement, future research could delve deeper into understanding the specific gamification techniques. Those design elements are also the most effective in the context of online transportation. Additionally, exploring potential moderating factors, such as the demographics of drivers or market conditions, could provide a more nuanced understanding of the gamification-performance relationship. This in-depth exploration could help transportation companies tailor their gamification strategies for maximum impact and address potential limitations in current research.

Peran Kampus Dalam Pengembangan Karir Dan Kewirausahaan

This study explores the role of universities in career development and entrepreneurship. It aims to examine how universities contribute to shaping students' career paths and fostering entrepreneurial initiatives. The research focuses on identifying the various initiatives and programs implemented by universities to support career development and entrepreneurship among students. Methodologically, the study employs qualitative interviews and surveys to gather insights from students, faculty members, and industry professionals. Empirical findings highlight the significant impact of university-led initiatives in enhancing students' employability skills and entrepreneurial competencies. These initiatives include career counseling services, internships, entrepreneurship courses, startup incubators, and networking events. The study underscores the importance of universities in bridging the gap between academia and industry, thereby preparing students for the dynamic demands of the job market and equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed as entrepreneurs

MANAGEMENT OF BUSINESS ECOSYSTEM DEVELOPMENT IN THE FORMATION OF ORGANIZED COMMODITY MARKETS

Modern business tends to cooperate and collaborate as the conditions of its functioning become increasingly complex and require new approaches to strategies, especially in wartime. These relationships align with the concept of business ecosystem management, which has attracted significant attention from researchers in recent years. In such interdependent structures, ways can be found to optimize performance, increase sustainability, and develop innovation, which is critical for the effective management and prosperity of business entities in today's unstable environment. The study focuses on elaborating the authors' opinions on the essence of the concepts of "business ecosystem" and "commodity market". Scholars have drawn attention to the different understandings of the "business ecosystem” concept. The authors also present their vision of the concept of "entrepreneurial business ecosystems", which is that they are diverse and interconnected dynamic groups of entrepreneurs based on the talents and skills of employees, long-term leadership, fair competition, and success in new ventures for greater mobility, growth of commodity markets and the ability to transform new ideas into innovations. The methodology for conducting a SWOT analysis of the impact of the business ecosystem on the formation of organized commodity markets is revealed. The strengths and weaknesses of the business ecosystem are identified and characterized, which positively or negatively affect their performance. For each component of the business ecosystem, the opportunities and threats that can both facilitate and impede their development in wartime are identified. An expert assessment of the interaction of strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats to the functioning of business ecosystems in the formation of organized commodity markets, is carried out. A SWOT analysis matrix of the strategy for organizing a business ecosystem in forming organized commodity markets is derived on this basis. Obtained results can be used to determine the strategic priorities for developing the business ecosystem and formulate directions for developing commodity markets.