Engagement Program Research Articles

Exploring student community engagement in higher education: A bibliometric analysis on the path to sustainable development

Higher education institutions have seen significant growth in student community engagement initiatives, which act as engines for fostering social justice and fostering civic responsibility. By conducting a thorough bibliometric analysis of the literature on student community engagement programmes in higher education and focusing specifically on exploring the opportunities and challenges associated with sustainable practises, this study seeks to add to the body of knowledge already in existence. Data were taken from the Scopus database and analysed using a variety of bibliometric indicators and network visualisation tools. The analysis's findings provide insight into a number of facets of the field, including publication output, frequently used author keywords, prestigious journals, influential institutions, prolific authors, and national contributions. The study sheds important light on the scholarly work surrounding student community participation programmes in higher education by looking at these factors. The results of this study also highlight the opportunities and issues that must be resolved in order to implement sustainable practices in student community engagement programmes. To ensure such programmes' sustained success and impact, it is important to strengthen interdisciplinary research efforts, cultivate strong community connections, and create long-term sustainability strategies. This study contributes to understanding student community engagement programmes in higher education by exploring the literature through a bibliometric lens, revealing knowledge gaps, highlighting areas for further investigation, and highlighting opportunities for advancement.

Increasing the Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Congenital Rubella Syndrome: A Mixed-methods Study

Background: Rubella infection during the first trimester of pregnancy is a significant cause of fetal malformation syndrome, known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). The most prevalent abnormalities associated with CRS are hearing loss, vision impairment (primarily congenital cataracts), congenital heart disease, and global developmental delay affecting the children's quality of life (QoL). A Community Engagement Program was arranged collaboratively to increase the QoL of children with CRS and enhance parents' skills and knowledge to better care for their children with CRS.Methods: A mixed-method descriptive study was conducted to assess the QoL improvement in children with CRS and to determine parents' knowledge about CRS. Children's QoL data were obtained using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)TM 4.0 Generic Core Scales and analyzed with paired T-tests. A survey and focus group discussion (FGD) were used to gather parents' knowledge about CRS.Results: We involved ten members willing to participate voluntarily in the PedsQL assessment and FGD. The result was an increase in patients' QoL in the Physical Function domain that was statistically significant: pre-test and post-test physical health summary (490 (±261) vs. 510 (±251); p=0.022), social (322 (±126) vs. 337 (±113); p=0.217), emotional (370 (±105) vs. 397 (±105); p=0.065), and school (342 (±94) vs. 355 (±97); p=0.586). From the survey and the FGD, the parents had diverse experiences and understanding of CRS-supporting examinations and treatments needed. Parents felt the children's growth and development, social and school functions were the common burdens. In order to help CRS prevention, the parents suggested a more comprehensive premarital program and antenatal care.Conclusions: The Community Engagement Program helps to increase the patients’ QoL in the Physical Function domain. Comprehensive multidiscipline management is needed to support children's growth, social function, and educational function. Periodic evaluations are required to monitor the QoL of children with CRS.

Community-Based Kitchen Wastewater Management: Assessing Knowledge and Attitudes towards Simple Eco-Friendly Grease Trap (GASTDAR) Design - A Case Study along Bincau Irrigation Embankment

Kitchen wastewater management near Bincau Irrigation Embankment is a major environmental issue. To address this concern, we held a community engagement program to teach wastewater management and install a floating, four-chamber Simple Grease Trap (GASTDAR). Fats, oils, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and Chemical Oxygen Demand were measured before and after GASTDAR deployment to assess water quality. GASTDAR decreased lipids and oils 64.3%, TSS 53.7%, and COD 55.7%. Restaurant owners and employees' wastewater management knowledge and attitudes increased dramatically. Finally, GASTAR's unique design reduced the environmental impact of kitchen wastewater, improving the water ecosystem near the Bincau Irrigation Embankment.

User Involvement on Air Quality in Incubation Rooms in Banten-Indonesia

Constructing middle-income housing in urban areas can be an effective means of optimizing the environment's carrying capacity and reducing land use. The air quality in Jakarta is an ongoing concern, and it can have significant health implications for those living in housing developments. In high-rise housing structures, air conditioning units are essential for regulating air circulation and minimizing indoor pollutants that can impact neighboring units' comfort levels. This research aims to evaluate the occupants' involvement in implementing indoor air quality (IAQ) sustainability practices in middle-income housing in Jakarta and how it impacts the community. The study identifies the occupants' characteristics, including managers and residents, explores their interactions in adopting healthy living habits, and analyzes their participatory roles in optimizing indoor air quality. The research uses the partial least squares method via SmartPLS for analysis. The findings indicate that both residents and managers must be involved in promoting healthy lifestyles and IAQ in middle-income housing units. As a result, the Jakarta local government should make community engagement programs a mandatory requirement for middle-income housing development regulations to support administrative, technical, and ecological requirements for health sustainability.

Pendampingan Pemberdayaan Wanita Melalui Wirausaha Kain Batik Ecoprint di Wilayah Limo Depok

Empowering women and local economic development are crucial focal points in achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth. A community engagement program with a focus on ecoprint batik training in Limo, Depok, employs a comprehensive approach encompassing outreach, training, mentoring, evaluation, and follow-up. By implementing these methods, it is expected that this community engagement program can attain its established goals. The objective of this community engagement initiative is to enhance the empowerment of women in the development of ecoprint batik enterprises. Through the application of outreach, training, mentoring, evaluation, and follow-up, participants are enabled to enhance product competitiveness and achieve economic self-sufficiency. The community engagement program in the Limo area of Depok has successfully achieved its goals of empowering women and promoting local economic development through the ecoprint batik enterprise. This program significantly contributes to the growth of the creative economy and the empowerment of women through home-based creative industry entrepreneurship. The outcomes of this program are expected to serve as a foundation for the development of similar initiatives in the future, aimed at further strengthening women's empowerment and fostering the growth of the creative industry in the region.

English for Tourism : Peningkatan Kemampuan Komunikasi Bahasa Inggris Bagi Anggota Geopark Youth Forum Kabupaten Lebak

Improving English language communication skills is crucial for members of the Geopark Youth Forum (GYF) in Kabupaten Lebak to face the growing tourism sector. This study aims to conduct a community engagement program entitled "English for Tourism: Enhancing English Communication Skills for Members of the Geopark Youth Forum Kabupaten Lebak" to enhance the quality of tourism services through improved English language proficiency. The community engagement program includes an "English for Tourism" workshop that covers tourism-related vocabulary, daily conversations with tourists, and presentation of tourist attraction Geopark Bayah Dome. The implementation method involves needs analysis, curriculum development, facilitator training, pre-test, and post-test evaluation to measure the participants' progress in language proficiency. The results of the community engagement program indicate a significant improvement in the English language communication skills of GYF participants in Kabupaten Lebak. Pre-test and post-test scores show an average increase of 30 points in English language proficiency, showing the workshop's success in enhancing language skills. Participant evaluations also indicate that the workshop provides tangible benefits, boosting their confidence in speaking English and enhancing their understanding of tourism-related terms. This community engagement program is expected to make a positive contribution to the development of the tourism sector in the region of Kabupaten Lebak. As English communication skills of the participants improved, GYF members can provide better services to foreign tourists, elevate tourists' experiences in the region, and support the development of tourism potential. Furthermore, the successful implementation of this program emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the university and stakeholders in supporting community development and the tourism sector in Kabupaten Lebak.

Preliminary Findings of an Active Multicomponent Lifestyle Intervention for People with Dementia and Their Carers: Mixed Methods Study

There is a need for integrated and effective postdiagnostic rehabilitation programs for community-dwelling people with dementia and their carers to promote their quality of life and management of dementia. Here, we report on preliminary findings of the Sustainable Personalised Interventions for Cognition, Care, and Engagement (SPICE) Program conducted in Canberra, Australia. Over twelve weeks, six people with dementia and their carers completed five hours of weekly small group activities and separate individual appointments. SPICE is an active therapeutic intervention with five components delivered by allied health professionals: (1) cognitive stimulation therapy; (2) carer education, support, and capacity building; (3) physical activity; (4) Care Of People with dementia in their Environments (COPE) program; and (5) dietary assessment and advice. Participants completed questionnaires pre- and post-intervention and a program evaluation interview which was analysed by qualitative thematic analysis. The program demonstrated high program satisfaction ratings and program adherence (94% people with dementia and 92% carers) which supports intervention feasibility. The results of quantitative outcome measures suggest positive effects, but inferences cannot be drawn due to small sample size. Qualitative themes from participant experiences highlighted the following: (1) social connection, engagement, and interaction were key drivers of the success of the program; (2) clinicians fostered a positive and respectful culture; (3) carers were supported with strategies and skills to reframe dementia; and (4) reablement can be fun. The new combination of evidence-based interventions was feasible and considered valuable. Further results are required to confirm these findings and support a longer-term trial.

Diaspora engagement and return migration for educational purposes in Estonia and Kazakhstan

Purpose This study examines diaspora engagement and return migration programs aimed at providing diaspora youth with an opportunity to obtain higher education in Estonia and Kazakhstan. In particular, the authors sought to identify the main motivations, benefits and challenges of the programs, as well as understand how the programs contribute to the ethnic identity formation of diaspora students.Design/methodology/approach The paper employed a qualitative multiple-case study research design. In both countries, data were collected by means of 26 semi-structured interviews with return migrant students and experts involved in implementing the programs.Findings The study findings suggest that the primary motivations for diaspora youth to return to their homelands are tuition-free higher education, financial support and repatriation prospects in both countries. In Estonia, the scholarship holders struggled with language requirements for university admissions, the cost of living insufficiently covered by the monthly stipend and limited integration opportunities. In Kazakhstan, the students had to face the Russian language barrier and socio-cultural marginalization in their everyday life. It was also found that the return migrant students in Estonia and Kazakhstan develop hybrid identities to integrate into their domestic society. They reinforce their ethnic identities and negotiate their diasporic identities to make sense of their own background and cultural heritage and acclimatize to life in the new context.Originality/value The study provides practical implications for policy implementers and policymakers in Estonia and Kazakhstan. It can also be useful for the worldwide research community interested in exploring education-oriented diaspora engagement and return migration programs and their influence on the ethnic identity of diaspora students.

Enhancing Accounting Students' Competence through Information Technology-based Financial Reporting: A Community Engagement Initiative in Sidoarjo


 
 
 
 
 
 In this digital era, the demands for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have led to the increasing need for accounting students to acquire additional hard skills in operating simple accounting programs like spreadsheets. To address this need, a community engagement program was conducted in partnership with a vocational school in Sidoarjo to provide training on information technology-based financial reporting. The methods included surveys, discussions, problem formulation, planning, demonstrations, and learning evaluation. The program aimed to enhance students' basic knowledge and expertise in accounting, enabling them to compete in the Industrial Revolution era. The outcome of the program showed significant improvement in students' ability to utilize spreadsheets for data processing and financial statement preparation. The success of this initiative highlights the importance of incorporating technology in accounting education to equip students with relevant skills for the modern job market.
 Highlight:
 
 Integration of Information Technology: The study highlights the increasing demand for accounting students to possess skills in utilizing information technology, particularly spreadsheets, for data processing and financial reporting.
 Community Engagement Approach: The research employs a community engagement initiative to address partners' problems, including surveys, counseling, and providing solutions to enhance students' competencies.
 Benefits for Accounting Students: The program's main benefit is the enhancement of basic knowledge and expertise of accounting students in Sidoarjo, empowering them to compete effectively in the modern era.
 
 Keyword: Information Technology, Accounting Education, Spreadsheet, Financial Reporting, Industrial Revolution
 
 
 
 
 

How Concordia University built a virtual alumni programme that creates broad and deep constituent engagement

This paper discusses the strategic planning and implementation of Concordia University's #CUatHome digital alumni engagement programme. Taking the form of a case study focusing on The Alumni Career Services' (ACS) portfolio, the programme is an engine to mobilise and engage alumni, support students, build partnerships and, ultimately, fundraise for the university. In 2021, the CU at Home programme received excellence awards from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE)1 and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE D1)2 in recognition of its success in increasing alumni participation and building constituent affinity.

Optimizing Organizational Performance: A Human Resource Management Approach in Higher Education

This paper aims to analyze organizational performance optimization through human resource management at one of the tertiary institutions in Banjarmasin. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were obtained from the results of interviews, observation, and documentation. The data analysis was carried out in stages, starting with data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The study results show that optimizing organizational performance through human resource management at UNISKA Banjarmasin is carried out using; a focus on achieving vision and mission targets, competitive recruitment and selection policies, employee career development, sustainable performance appraisal policies, monitoring, and evaluation. This research has implications that there are various challenges in implementing human resource management in tertiary institutions, such as limited human resources, differences in culture and values, and difficulties in flexibility. Therefore, several solutions are needed to deal with these problems, such as using technology and automation, increasing awareness of values and culture, and developing employee engagement programs.

The Level of Social Engagement in the Success of the Elderly Posyandu Program in Indonesia

The elderly population is an inevitable stage of life that everyone will experience. In Indonesia, the health issues faced by the elderly require the attention and readiness of society, experts, and the government. This research aims to analyze the level of social engagement in the success of the elderly Posyandu program in Indonesia. Qualitative and library research methods are employed. The narrative method is used to analyze the literature, with secondary data collected from databases such as Scientific Direct and Scholar. Results: Initially, 2700 research studies and articles were identified from the databases. After screening for publication year, duplicate titles, and abstracts, 10 research studies were selected. The criteria for the articles or journals focused on social engagement, elderly, and healthcare services. The findings of the research highlight three main points: (1) supporting factors in implementing the elderly Posyandu program, such as community outreach and ensuring adequate facilities, (2) involvement of various services including preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and promotive programs, and (3) the importance of social engagement, which involves active participation of the elderly and receiving emotional and social support from family and the community. Social engagement programs for elderly Posyandu in major cities have shown positive outcomes. Active involvement of the elderly, support from family and the community, improved accessibility, information and education, and emotional support are key factors contributing to the program's success. Based on these successful outcomes, this study recommends the participation of Posyandu in social engagement program activities in other major cities.

Fostering Digital Life Skills Through Social Media With Adolescents in 6 German States: Protocol for an Accessibility Study According to the RE-AIM Framework.

Social media is essential in the lives of adolescents, with 97% of US teenagers engaging daily. While it facilitates communication, learning, and identity development, it also poses risks like harmful content exposure and psychological distress, particularly for adolescents in their critical developmental stage. Teaching digital life skills innovatively counters these risks, adapting traditional competencies such as decision-making, problem-solving, creative and critical thinking, communication, interpersonal skills, self-awareness, empathy, and emotional and stress management to digital challenges. This study evaluates the accessibility of the "leduin" program, a novel intervention designed to impart digital life skills through Instagram. The program aims to leverage social media's educational potential, focusing on effective strategies to engage adolescents. Emphasizing accessibility is crucial, as it determines the program's overall impact. The leduin program, developed through intervention mapping, applies behavior change techniques via social media for 9th and 10th graders. It is a 14-week spaced learning curriculum with daily sessions <5 minutes. Emphasizing the "reach" aspect of the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) model, the recruitment targets diverse educational settings across 6 German states, aiming for inclusivity. Recruitment will involve schools, youth centers, and therapeutic facilities. The study seeks at least 128 participants, a calculated minimum to detect medium-sized effects in the quasi-experimental design and explore varying engagement levels and program responses. Data collection includes preintervention, postintervention, and 6-month follow-up surveys, using multilevel regression, latent growth models, and qualitative analysis to extensively assess reach and gain first insights on effectiveness, acceptance, implementation, and maintenance. The study aims to reveal key factors influencing program participation and interaction; a detailed analysis of engagement patterns will reveal the effectiveness of the recruitment strategies and barriers to participation. Additionally, initial indications of the program's impact on life skills, social media-related skills, health status, risk behaviors, and academic performance will be analyzed. Recruitment was planned from May 2023 until the beginning of the leduin program in October 2023. As of March 2024, we have recruited 283 participants. The leduin program stands as an innovative and essential initiative in adolescent health promotion, harnessing the power of social media to teach important digital life skills. This study highlights the critical role of accessibility in the success of social media interventions. Effective adolescent engagement strategies are imperative, as they dictate the overall impact of such interventions. The insights gained from this study will be instrumental in shaping future programs, laying groundwork for a subsequent, more comprehensive cluster-randomized controlled trial. The study's design acknowledges the limitations of the current quasi-experimental approach, including the anticipated sample size and the absence of a control group, and aims to provide a foundational understanding for future research in this field. Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien DRKS00032308; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00032308. PRR1-10.2196/51085.

Fostering Entrepreneurial Spirit: The Impact of the 'Kantin Kejujuran' Program on OSIS Members in SMP YBPK Kota Kediri

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; This scientific article presents the results and implications of the "Kantin Kejujuran" community engagement program, aimed at cultivating entrepreneurial values among members of the Student Intra-School Organization (OSIS) in SMP YBPK Kota Kediri. The study utilized a three-stage methodological approach, beginning with the creation of a workplan to ensure the program's smooth execution without disrupting regular school activities. Subsequently, the program included a seminar on entrepreneurship specifically designed for OSIS members. Finally, a monitoring and evaluation process was conducted to assess the program's effectiveness. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in the entrepreneurship capabilities of OSIS members, as indicated by pretest and posttest data. Through practical involvement in the "Kantin Kejujuran," students engaged in activities such as planning, inventory management, and customer interaction, fostering their entrepreneurial skills, risk-taking, creativity, innovation, leadership, and responsibility. The program emphasized the importance of ethical conduct and social responsibility in business, offering students the opportunity to run a business with principles of honesty, fairness, and transparency. Beyond honing entrepreneurial skills, the program also enhanced students' independence, self-confidence, and interpersonal abilities. Encountering decision-making processes, challenges, and learning from mistakes promoted a positive attitude towards failure and resilience. Overall, this article highlights the effectiveness of the "Kantin Kejujuran" program in nurturing entrepreneurial spirit among OSIS members, with implications for educators and policymakers seeking to foster entrepreneurial development in schools worldwide.&#x0D; Highlight:&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Significant impact on OSIS members: The "Kantin Kejujuran" program effectively fosters entrepreneurial spirit among OSIS members at SMP YBPK Kota Kediri, demonstrated by significant improvements in their entrepreneurship capabilities from pretest to posttest.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Practical business learning: Through the kiosk, students engage in practical business management, learning essential skills such as planning, inventory management, and customer interaction, while also developing qualities like risk-taking, creativity, innovation, leadership, and responsibility.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Fostering positive attitudes: The program not only enhances entrepreneurial skills but also promotes positive attitudes towards failure, resilience, and decision-making, providing students with the confidence and independence to pursue their business ideas in the future.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Keyword: Honesty Canteen, Entrepreneurship, Business Management, Honesty Values, Junior High School Students&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Fostering Entrepreneurial Spirit: The Impact of the 'Kantin Kejujuran' Program on OSIS Members in SMP YBPK Kota Kediri

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; This scientific article presents the results and implications of the "Kantin Kejujuran" community engagement program, aimed at cultivating entrepreneurial values among members of the Student Intra-School Organization (OSIS) in SMP YBPK Kota Kediri. The study utilized a three-stage methodological approach, beginning with the creation of a workplan to ensure the program's smooth execution without disrupting regular school activities. Subsequently, the program included a seminar on entrepreneurship specifically designed for OSIS members. Finally, a monitoring and evaluation process was conducted to assess the program's effectiveness. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in the entrepreneurship capabilities of OSIS members, as indicated by pretest and posttest data. Through practical involvement in the "Kantin Kejujuran," students engaged in activities such as planning, inventory management, and customer interaction, fostering their entrepreneurial skills, risk-taking, creativity, innovation, leadership, and responsibility. The program emphasized the importance of ethical conduct and social responsibility in business, offering students the opportunity to run a business with principles of honesty, fairness, and transparency. Beyond honing entrepreneurial skills, the program also enhanced students' independence, self-confidence, and interpersonal abilities. Encountering decision-making processes, challenges, and learning from mistakes promoted a positive attitude towards failure and resilience. Overall, this article highlights the effectiveness of the "Kantin Kejujuran" program in nurturing entrepreneurial spirit among OSIS members, with implications for educators and policymakers seeking to foster entrepreneurial development in schools worldwide.&#x0D; Highlight:&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Significant impact on OSIS members: The "Kantin Kejujuran" program effectively fosters entrepreneurial spirit among OSIS members at SMP YBPK Kota Kediri, demonstrated by significant improvements in their entrepreneurship capabilities from pretest to posttest.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Practical business learning: Through the kiosk, students engage in practical business management, learning essential skills such as planning, inventory management, and customer interaction, while also developing qualities like risk-taking, creativity, innovation, leadership, and responsibility.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Fostering positive attitudes: The program not only enhances entrepreneurial skills but also promotes positive attitudes towards failure, resilience, and decision-making, providing students with the confidence and independence to pursue their business ideas in the future.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Keyword: Honesty Canteen, Entrepreneurship, Business Management, Honesty Values, Junior High School Students&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Social and economic wellbeing of seafarers across coastal Nigeria amidst Corona virus disease

One of the industries hit hard by the Corona Virus is the shipping industry. This is because there was serious paucity in the movement of people and goods. This also affected not only the social but also the economic well-being of seafarers. Therefore, this study assessed the social and economic well-being of seafarers across coastal Nigeria, amidst COVID. A cross-sectional research design was deployed, and data was generated through questionnaire administration. Analysis was done using Mann Kendal correlation and K-Wallis tests. Findings indicated COVID-19-induced social challenges included fatigue; and sleeping disorders. Mann Kendal correlation analysis indicated a relationship between COVID-19 and social challenges. Among COVID-19-induced economic challenges were unemployment, sacking, and salary slash. The Kendal relationship between COVID-19 and economic challenges was significant, implying, social challenges encountered by seafarers were related to COVID-19. K-Wallis test outcome for the spatial difference in economic challenges encountered by seafarers was significant. Implying a significant difference in the economic challenges posed by COVID-19 on seafarers in the study area. Based on the findings herein, social engagement programs, and poverty alleviation schemes are among the recommendations advanced for seafarers.

E-cigarette Use Among Community-Recruited Adults with a History of Asthma in North Central Florida.

Use of e-cigarettes have become an important public health concern in the US, particularly among those with health issues like asthma, which has remained high over the last decade. We examined associations between lifetime e-cigarette use and traditional cigarette use, cannabis use, and related health factors among community members with a history of asthma in North Central Florida. Data came from HealthStreet, a University of Florida community engagement program. Adults with a history of asthma (n = 1,475) were interviewed between 2014 and 2021. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine differences between participants with and without a history of lifetime e-cigarette use. In this sample, lifetime prevalence of e-cigarette use was 19.9%. Over half of the sample reported ever smoking traditional cigarettes (54.4%) or cannabis (55.4%). Compared to those who identified as White, those who identified as Black/African American had lower odds for lifetime e-cigarette use (aOR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.42). Those reporting lifetime traditional cigarette use (aOR = 10.60, 95% CI: 6.93, 16.68) or cannabis use (aOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.27, 2.61) had higher odds for reporting lifetime e-cigarette use. Overall, among a community sample of adults with a history of asthma, nearly a fifth reported lifetime e-cigarette use. The use of e-cigarettes was most common among those with lifetime traditional cigarette use and cannabis use. Findings can inform prevention and intervention efforts in this population.

Fostering empowerment and building capacities of rural women through community-based agroindustry: A case study in Donowarih Village, Indonesia

Donowarih village, located in Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia, is closed to the Universitas Brawijaya’s Educational Forest (known as UB Forest). The village has various potential local commodities such as orange fruits and batik. During harvesting season, the price of orange fruits declined, and inadequate storage system has led to a rapid deterioration of orange fruits. Furthermore, various problems faced by the community, such as poverty and lack of knowledge/skills, are becoming the major challenges to be tackled. On the other hand, orange fruits and batik are potential to be diversified into high value-added products, which can be done through the introduction of post-harvesting technology and trainings for skills improvement. Furthermore, the Indonesian Government program of one village one product (OVOP) is becoming key drivers to any community engagement program in Indonesia.

Multifaceted programs targeting women in fragile settings: Evidence from the Democratic Republic of Congo

We study the impact of a multifaceted program for ultra-poor women in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We cross-randomized the primary treatment – a holistic set of services and financial support – with a 16-week men’s engagement program (MEP) for spouses and male household members. The core treatment has large effects on consumption, employment and finances, women’s empowerment, and health, with most effects still significant two years after the program start. We find heterogeneous effects on intimate partner violence, which decreased for women at high risk of violence but increased for women at low risk. The MEP yields no lasting additional impacts for women. Multifaceted programs targeting women can be an effective way to lift people out of poverty and increase women’s empowerment, although care is needed to minimize backlash.

Continuous Professional Training in the Banking of the Future

Abstract This article analyzes the situation of human resources in Romanian banks, in the context of the implementation of the "remote" bank. With the acceleration of digitalisation, financial and banking institutions are going through a complex transformation process. Most of the recurring customer operations have been taken over by internet banking platforms. Banking 4.0 and the exclusively digital banking experience is becoming the desire of financial-banking institutions in our country, as well. In the context in which the "job description" of bankers is changing substantially, the question of their future arises. Therefore, digitalisation draws attention to the need for continuous retraining and continuous professional training of employees in this sector so that they can face the demands of the banking of the future. With the help of in-depth interviews conducted with 8 managers or experts from the financial-banking field, we tried to analyze whether Romanian banks are preparing for the full digitalisation of retail services through the professional training of employees. The study shows us interesting insights about the effectiveness of HR departments in banks. Also, a relevant result comes from branch employees where there is a solid concern about losing their job in the future. In addition, the research gives us some direction on the skills needed to design the banker of the future. The article shows us that, in the context of digitalisation, the qualification of human resources in the sector becomes essential and the efficiency of professional training and engagement programs turns into a strategic objective for organizations.