Work Experience Research Articles

The collaborative project "Personalized medicine for oncology" (PM4Onco) as part of the Medical Informatics Initiative (MII)

The collaborative project Personalized Medicine for Oncology (PM4Onco) was launched in 2023 as part of the National Decade against Cancer (NKD) and is executed within the Medical Informatics Initiative (MII). Its aim is to establish asustainable infrastructure for the integration and use of data from clinical and biomedical research and therefore combines the experience and preliminary work of all four consortia of the MII and the leading oncology centers in Germany. The data provided by PM4Onco will be prepared in asuitable form to support decision making in molecular tumor boards. This concept and infrastructure will be extended to 23 participating partner sites and thus improve access to targeted therapies based on clinical information and analysis of molecular genetic alterations in tumors at different stages of the disease. This will help to improve the treatment and prognosis of tumor diseases.Clinical cancer registries are involved in the project to improve data quality through standardized documentation routines. Clinical experts advise on the expansion of the core datasets for personalized medicine (PM). Information on quality of life and treatment outcomes reported by patients in questionnaires, which is rarely collected outside of clinical trials, will make asignificant contribution. Patient representatives are involved from the onset to ensure that the important perspective of patients is taken into account in the decision-making process. PM4Onco thus creates an alliance between the MII, oncological centers of excellence, clinical cancer registries, young scientists, patients, and citizens to strengthen and advance PM in cancer therapy.

Analisis Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Lama Mencari Kerja Perempuan Lulusan S1 Prodi Ekonomi Pembangunan FEB Universitas Riau

There are various factors that cause women to experience difficulties in getting work, even though they already have a bachelor's degree. Some of them are influenced by age, salary, work experience and GPA. Therefore, researchers conducted an analysis of the factors that influence the length of time looking for work for women graduates of the Development Economics Study Program, FEB, Riau University, which aims to determine the influence of age, wages and work experience on the length of looking for work for educated female workers who graduated from the FEB Development Economics Study Program. Riau University. The analytical model used in this research is multiple linear regression data. The sample used was 78 students from a total population of 781 female students who graduated from the S1 Development Economics Study Program, Riau University from 2013 to 2018. The results of this research show that the most influential thing is the length of time looking for work for women who graduated from the Development Economics Study Program, FEB Riau University. is choosing too many jobs with the desired wage standard. Meanwhile, the factors of age, work experience and GPA have a significant influence.

Evidence-based healthcare competence of social- and healthcare educators: A cross-sectional study.

The purpose of the study was to describe social and healthcare educators' evidence-based healthcare competence and explore the associated factors. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out. The research spanned 5 universities, 19 universities of applied sciences, and 10 vocational colleges in Finland from September to December 2022. Social and healthcare educators (n = 256), of which 21 worked at universities, 176 worked at universities of applied sciences, and 49 worked at vocational colleges. Data collection employed a self-assessed instrument that was designed to measure evidence-based healthcare competence based on the JBI Model of Evidence-based Healthcare. Competence profiles were formed using K-cluster grouping analysis. The educators' self-evaluations of their level of evidence-based healthcare competence were generally at a satisfactory level, with subsequent analyses identifying four distinct profiles of evidence-based healthcare competence. The profiles demonstrated statistically significant differences in terms of evidence synthesis and evidence transfer competencies. The factors associated with evidence-based healthcare competence included level of education, the year in which a professional had obtained their highest degree, current organization of employment, and participation in continuing education. Educators require various types of support for developing high levels of evidence-based healthcare competence. The identification of distinct competence profiles can be pivotal to providing educators with training that is tailored to their exact needs to provide an individualized learning path. WHAT PROBLEM DID THE STUDY ADDRESS?: Educators value the role of evidence in teaching, which reinforces the need to integrate aspects of the JBI Model of evidence-based healthcare into educators' competencies. Aspects of the JBI Model of evidence-based healthcare have not been holistically measured, with only certain components of the model considered separately. Educators need to better understand the global healthcare environment so they can identify research gaps and subsequently develop healthcare systems through their educational role. Higher academic education, work experience, organizational support, and continuous education play essential roles in the development of educators' evidence-based healthcare competence. WHAT WERE THE MAIN FINDINGS?: Educators generally have high levels of competence in evidence-based healthcare. Educators have mastered the different components of the JBI model of evidence-based healthcare but need to improve in areas such as the transfer and implementation of evidence. WHERE AND ON WHOM WILL THE RESEARCH HAVE AN IMPACT?: Determining evidence-based healthcare competence profiles for educators can be used to provide individualized learning paths for the development of evidence-based healthcare competence. Educators need to further develop their competence in evidence-based healthcare to ensure successful implementation and high-quality education in the future. No patient or public contribution.

Implementasi Intelejen Bisnis dengan Visualisasi Data Gaji dan Algoritma Linear Regresion

To understand these employment dynamics, it is important to explore how long Data Scientists typically work in this field and what sectors they are more likely to be involved in. This information is very important for companies looking to recruit Data Scientists or determine the average salary of their employees. With this activity, managers can more clearly know the employee's salary range based on their work experience and area of specialization. This gives managers a more precise tool for assessing compensation appropriate to the level of experience and expertise possessed by employees. Nowadays, the concept of Business Intelligence can be applied by all industrial sectors, as long as the industry has a database system to develop its business. Business Intelligence processes and analyzes large amounts of raw data and then displays it in a business report with interactive visuals, namely a dashboard. This research aims to contribute to the understanding of average salary predictions and provide valuable information for business owners to make informed decisions. The results show that linear regression is accurate and forms a linear regression model with an R-square result of 0.263429. The salary prediction calculation process is carried out by considering influencing factors, and the results are then presented visually using Power BI to provide business owners with more interactive information.

Empowering Women Employees’ Safety through Artificial Intelligence – An Empirical Study

Now a day it is very common human collaboration with machine. Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Business Analytics are the important terms in technology. Top business companies through the world have started concentrating on Artificial Intelligence and machines. In present era, machines have started to act like human. Artificial intelligence has been adopted in various sectors since this technology, improves productivity, decreases costs, and quickly resolves challenging issues. It has been predicted that one of the most promising technologies of the future will be artificial intelligence. As one of the latest modern technologies, AI is influencing developments throughout a number of industries and societal safety norms. In this paper has an attempt to know women employee safety level through Artificial Intelligence and to identify the factors which are influencing for women empowerment safety through AI. An online survey was conducted and circulated through emails to collected the data, to study the status and level of empowerment among women safety through Artificial Intelligence. The status of women empowerment was evaluated using questionnaire. The information like age, educational qualification, occupation, marital status, work experience, city of residence was collected and analysed with five-point Likert scale. The questionnaire was administrated and circulated on a sample of 120 women associated with various email groups. The questionnaire was response rate was 42%, as 50 women respondents retuned fully filled, usable questionnaire. Data collected for this study were evaluated using Multiple Regression and ANOVA in SPSS statistical package. Empowering women employees’ safety through AI involved a combination of technology, regulations, policies and a supportive working environment. It is very essential to implement AI systems that respect privacy and maintain ethical standards while enhancing safety

Nurses’ characteristics and spiritual care knowledge in hospital setting: A cross-sectional study

Background: The low awareness among nurses regarding the provision of spiritual services in healthcare settings results in unmet spiritual needs among patients, leading hospitals to be perceived solely as centers focusing on physical aspects. This stems from nurses’ low competence in providing spiritual care services. Objective: This study aims to analyze the correlation between nurses’ characteristics and their knowledge of spiritual care in a hospital setting. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, with respondents recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Inclusion criteria included nurses working in hospitals who directly care for patients. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis (frequency and percentage) and bivariate analysis using Fisher’s exact test. Result: A total of 117 nurses participated in this study, of whom 59.8% were female, 63.25% were aged <31 years old, 77.8% were permanent workers, 57.2% had work experience < 5 years, 91.5% were Muslim, 55.6% attended workshops/seminars, and 76.9% had moderate knowledge. Workshops/seminars had a positive correlation with knowledge and were statistically significant. Conclusion: Spiritual workshops/seminars have a positive correlation and are statistically significant in enhancing nurses’ knowledge of spiritual care in a hospital setting. Therefore, there is a need to improve nurses’ spiritual care knowledge through continuing education, such as training, seminars, or workshops.

Approaches for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services during coronavirus disease 2019

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there was a reduction in access to prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) services globally, yet this programme is critical for reducing paediatric HIV incidence. To minimise the impact of COVID-19 and prevent disruptions to the PMTCT service provision, innovative strategies had to be developed and implemented.Aim: The study aimed to describe the approaches that were developed and utilised during the COVID-19 pandemic in enhancing PMTCT services in Tshwane primary healthcare facilities.Settings: Three primary healthcare facilities that were providing PMTCT services during the COVID-19 pandemic located in the Tshwane district, Gauteng province, South Africa.Methods: The study is part of a larger study that focused on the experiences of healthcare workers who were rendering PMTCT services during the COVID-19 pandemic. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) design was employed to gain insight into the experiences of 16 purposively sampled healthcare workers who were providing PMTCT services during the pandemic in Tshwane district facilities. In-depth individual audio-recorded interviews were conducted with study participants, following a semi-structured interview guide. Data analysis was performed using an IPA framework.Results: Three superordinate themes emerged: strategies utilised for providing care, community-based initiatives, and support systems to enhance the PMTCT service access.Conclusion: Strengthening community-based initiatives and support systems is important for the enhancement of the PMTCT programme during and beyond the pandemic.Contribution: Community-based initiatives are critical in continuity of PMTCT services, reducing HIV incidence, under-five child morbidity and mortality particularly during emergency situations.

Self-Leadership in a Remote Work Environment: Emerging Trends and Implications for Occupational Well-Being

When individuals are given the freedom to work remotely, self-discipline and self-motivation become more crucial. Remote work can present challenges to self-leadership as employees are required to independently prioritise their work, make decisions, and hold themselves accountable for meeting deadlines. In this study, structural equation modelling was used to analyse data from 206 employees with remote work experience. The study found that remote work characteristics have implications for occupational well-being and that they influence the effectiveness of leadership and the perception of work roles. It is important that managers ensure employees working remotely enjoy flexible work hours, autonomy, communication and collaboration for improved occupational well-being. This study contributes novel insights into self-leadership and psychological empowerment within the remote work context, emphasising their interconnectedness and implications for occupational well-being.

Hurdles and Challenges Perceived by Women Scientists in India

Women constitute a high percentage of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) graduates in India but this is not well reflected at the professional level. It is believed that women face numerous challenges, affecting not only their choice of STEM as a career but also their professional and personal lives. Thus, it is essential to understand the underlying causes. The study aims to explore the hurdles faced by women in CSIR laboratories. A primary survey, using questionnaires, was conducted to gain a realistic and holistic view of their experiences of working and the differences they come across in the work environment compared to the other gender. Data was collected from 582 women scientists, technical staff, and students. The survey explored the role of personal, institutional, and social factors responsible for promotions/ hindrances in the scientific career. Analyses were conducted using both quantitative and qualitative data. Insights and suggestions were also sought from the respondents to enhance further understanding and remedial measures. Suitable policies could be framed based on the recommendations for gender equality in STEM.

Predictive factors of occupational stress among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in Kashan, Iran

BackgroundConsidering the severe and sudden changes in the job conditions of nurses during the covid-19 pandemic, the increase in job tensions during this critical period and its consequences on the quantity and quality of nursing care, this study aims to investigate the job stress of nurses during the covid-19 pandemic and its predictors in Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 nurses in ‘Kashan’, Iran, who were randomly selected using stratified sampling. Data were collected using two questionnaires on occupational stress and potential related factors. The data were analyzed in SPSS version 16.ResultsThe results showed that the occupational stress of nurses in Iran was at a medium to high level with a mean and standard deviation of 103.773 ± 15.742 (scale of 34–136). Factors such as satisfaction with physical health, quality of work life, satisfaction with the availability of facilities, sense of coherence, education level, work experience, job burnout, male gender, being native, and workplace were predictors of occupational stress and explained 23.3% of the variance in occupational stress score. The highest contribution was related to satisfaction with physical health.ConclusionConsidering the consequences of occupational stress for nurses, it is crucial for health and nursing authorities to take these factors into consideration in policy-making and planning.

The Career of Scribes of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Factors That influenced It according to the 1566–1623 Lithuanian Metrics Data

The article examines what influence the number of signed documents had on the careers of GDL scribes. In order to do this, a statistical method is used in this article. The statistical data (see appendices no. 2 and 3) lead to the conclusion that persons who were active in their daily work were more successful in climbing the career ladder. These are Leonas Sapiega, Gabrielius Vaina, Eustachijus Valavičius (the future bishop of Vilnius) and Aleksandras Gosievskis. These individuals have one thing in common – they all started working in the office at a relatively young age. The conducted research allows to see a connection between a person’s education, his professional activity and a more successful career. However, it is important not to forget the informavo influence as well. For example, M. Vaina was one of the most active scribes of the LDK office, but he did not have an impressive career. The importance and influence of education on the career of a scribe is also illustrated by the case of Valavičius brothers. E. Valavičius surpassed his older brother Jeronimas with having a better education, being more active in the chancellery which allowed him to reach the post of chancellor sooner. This case shows that it didn’t matter how long a person had worked in the office before moving up the career ladder. Consequently, education, activity and the ability to maintain good relations with the social environment were more important for the career of a scribe than the work experience.

Extraction of Natural Food Color from Tomato, Carrot and Turmeric

The demand for natural and healthier food products has increased dramatically in recent years due to growing consumer awareness of the impact food has on health as well as evidence of adverse effects from various ingredients, including some additives. This study evaluates the extraction method, solvent effects, precipitation, identification, purification, and lycopene, carotene, and curcumin content from turmeric, carrot, and tomato. Along-side, tomato, carrot, and turmeric samples were subjected to two different extraction and purification processes: solvent extraction for lycopene and carotene, and alkalization for curcumin. The samples were extracted and purified at room temperature (30ºC) and chilled (4ºC) for a period of three weeks. Tomato extracts had lycopene contents ranging from 0.0153 to 0.0362 mg/100g. obtained carotene content, which was then extracted using a solvent in the range of 61.43 to 81.72 mg/100g. The alkalization process produced a curcumin concentration of 91.17 to 110.41 mg/100g. Comparing the ethyl acetate extraction technique to the anti-solvent method, a greater amount of lycopene (red) and carotene (orange) precipitation was obtained. The maximum amount of curcumin precipitation obtained in lower pH solution. Lower pH is important to maintain the stability of curcumin precipitation. The experience of this research work suggested that lycopene from tomatoes, carotene from carrots, and curcumin from turmeric might be an excellent source to meet the increasing need for natural colorants.

Knowledge, perception, attitude, and practice of complementary and alternative medicine by health care workers in Garki hospital Abuja, Nigeria

BackgroundHealthcare workers are currently making efforts to offer services that cater to the holistic care needs of their patients. Previous studies have shown that some healthcare workers encounter challenges when advising patients about Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), even though its use is widespread. Many health care workers may not have received formal education or training in CAM and consequently are unable to address their patients’ questions about it. This study explored the knowledge, perception, attitude and practice of CAM by healthcare workers in Garki Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.MethodsThis was an institution-based cross-sectional study, design and a convergent parallel, mixed methods design was used for data collection. Five (5) healthcare workers were purposively selected as participants for the key informant interviews, while two hundred and fifty (250) selected using a simple random sampling method completed the questionnaire. The data collection instruments used were a key informant interview guide and a 35-item self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge was assessed with a 4-item scale with a maximum score of 8. Perceptions and attitudes were assessed using Likert scales with a maximum score of 45 and 20, respectively. Practice was assessed with a 6-item scale with a maximum score of 18. Qualitative data was analysed using framework analysis. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Data acquired from both methods were integrated to form the findings.ResultsThe average age of respondents for the quantitative study was 34.0 ± 7.8 years, and they were predominantly females (61.2%) with one to ten years of work experience (68.8%). The mean knowledge, perception and attitude scores were 1.94 ± 1.39, 13.08 ± 2.34 and 32.68 ± 6.28, respectively. Multiple linear regression result showed that knowledge (t = 2.025, p = 0.044) and attitude (t = 5.961, p = 0.000) had statistically significant effects on the practice of CAM. Qualitative data revealed that the majority of the participants perceive CAM favourably, provided it is properly introduced into mainstream medicine with evidence of safety and research to prove its efficacy.ConclusionThe study has shown the gaps in knowledge and the practices of CAM by conventional medical practitioners. This has implications for their ability to counsel and refer patients who may require CAM therapies. Policy, research and programmatic initiatives that seek to enhance their knowledge of CAM, and improve collaboration with CAM practitioners are recommended.

Underpaid, undervalued, and overworked: The working conditions of cooks in India's school lunch programme

AbstractMotivationSchool feeding programmes employ more than 4 million people globally and have the potential to contribute to the realization of multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including decent work and reducing inequalities. However, the working conditions and experiences of workers in these programmes have received little attention from academics and policy‐makers alike. Consequently, it is currently unclear what the impacts of the employment generated are and whether this employment reduces or perpetuates inequalities.PurposeThis article examines the extent to which school feeding programmes can generate beneficial employment by examining the experiences of cooks in the world's largest school lunch programme, India's Midday Meal Scheme. The article focuses on five key areas: who is employed; their pay; their workload; their access to social protection; and the effects of privatization.Approach and methodsTo examine these five areas, data from three sources are combined: primary data collected in Rajasthan; state‐level secondary data; and the analysis of national‐level documents.FindingsThe findings show that national policy creates a system in which cooks in the Midday Meal Scheme are underpaid, undervalued, and overworked. These working conditions are underpinned by a series of assumptions and narratives which are all too common in perceptions of care work: that the work is unskilled, not time consuming, and motivated by altruism. The state's lack of regard for these workers is evident in the growing privatization of the scheme.Policy implicationsOverall, the findings show that policy on school feeding programmes, including those in India, needs to ensure that those working in the scheme are treated as employees and receive sufficient pay and benefits. Providing decent work in these programmes has the potential to not only reduce poverty and inequalities but also to improve the implementation of school feeding programmes.

Influence of Clinician-Related Factors on Adherence to the American Heart Association Guidelines for Acute Coronary Syndrome among Clinicians at Kenya Ports Authority Clinics in Mombasa, Kenya

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess influence of clinician-related factors on adherence to the American heart association guidelines for acute coronary syndrome among clinicians at Kenya Ports Authority clinics in Mombasa, Kenya. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving quantitative methods of data collection was adopted. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The study was carried out in Kenya Ports Authority clinics in Mombasa, Kenya. The target population was 106 clinicians attending to patients who present with Acute Coronary Syndrome at the KPA clinics in Mombasa. A census method was used to determine the study participants. The sample size was made up of a hundred and six participants. The clinicians who consented to participate in the study were included while those who were on sick off, leave or who recently joined the clinic were excluded. Pretesting of the study tool was done at the Kenya Pipeline Clinic Mombasa. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 and presented via tables. Findings: The study results showed that at 95% level of confidence (ρ-value = 0.05%), there was a significant association between gender (ᾳ=0.025), work experience (ᾳ=0.016), job cadre (ᾳ=0.014) and training received (ᾳ=0.022) on adherence to the American Heart Association Guidelines for Acute Coronary Syndrome among clinicians at Kenya Ports Authority clinics in Mombasa, Kenya. The association was insignificant between age (ᾳ=0.178), education level (ᾳ=0.439) and specialization (ᾳ=0.489) on adherence to the AHA guidelines. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that the KPA management should increase the medical budget to ensure availability of adequate resources for ACS patient management. These resources include adequate staffing, medication, equipment, and staff training costs. The clinic management should ensure that medications such as aspirin, morphine and nitroglycerine are readily available and accessible at patients care points. The KPA clinic management to formulate a simple algorithm that outlines the steps to be taken when managing ACS patients. The study recommends that the clinics should assess their equipment reqularly for maintenance controls to ensure efficiency. The study further recommends random assessments and post care audits to assess the adherence to ACS guidelines among clinicians. Training associated with adherence to the AHA guidelines and as such, KPA should continue offering training and education on the latest AHA guidelines for ACS to ensure updated guidelines for practice.

Understanding Australia’s teacher shortage: the importance of psychosocial working conditions to turnover intentions

AbstractAustralian policymakers are currently attempting to address an ‘unprecedented teacher shortage’. Through a survey of 905 teachers in Australian government schools, this paper examines some of the key factors influencing the career intentions of teachers in Australian government schools. Drawing upon the concept of the psychosocial work environment from the field of occupational health, this analysis examines the relationship between key workplace demands, workplace resources, teachers’ experiences and attitudes towards work, teachers’ mental health outcomes, and their intentions to either remain in or leave their roles. The results reveal significant relationships between teachers’ intentions to leave their roles and challenging working conditions, adverse work experiences, as well as heightened levels of stress, burnout, and depressive symptoms. In contrast, remaining in their role was associated with factors indicative of a supportive psychosocial work environment, such as job recognition, trust in management, organisational justice, positive work experiences, and lower levels of mental health difficulties. The study underscores the urgent need to understand and assess the psychosocial work environments of teachers, and for multi-level strategies that address both protective and risk factors.

The role of gender in shaping mayoral grant-seeking behaviours

ABSTRACT Research suggests that women face anticipated stereotypes and voter penalisations in their pursuit of political office. To overcome these challenges women have to be better than men in terms of their experience, candidate quality, and political work. We test the hypothesis that women politicians exert more effort compared to men by analysing grant applications submitted by towns in Slovakia between 2016 and 2021. We investigate municipalities in a Slovak region where local governments apply for subsidies in two policy areas, one stereotypically feminine and one masculine. We test whether women apply more often for grants in the realm of the feminine policy compared to masculine policy. We find that municipalities led by women mayors are more active than those led by men mayors in the number of grant applications regardless of the area of policy. Our analysis confirms that once in political office, women show higher effort compared to men.

The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among emergency medical services personnel in Saudi Red Crescent Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundDetermining the prevalence of PTSD and contributing variables among (EMS) specialists was the goal of the current investigation. Furthermore, limited evidence exists regarding the application of PCL-5 for EMT practitioners, and the incidence of PTSD among different age groups and genders in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis cross-sectional descriptive study includes 211 prehospital care providers of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority stations in Riyadh. The randomization was done using Google Forms into subgroups according to participants’ gender, years of experience, occupations, and average working hours. The presence and severity of PTSD symptoms were evaluated using the 20-item PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) self-report questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The reliability statistics were calculated using Cronbach’s Alpha for the 20-survey questionnaire.ResultsThe comparison of PCL-5 total scores indicated more PTSD symptomatology among females (1.61 + 0.799) as compared to male workers (1.13 + 0.642). The total score of PTSD demonstrated no statistically significant (P=0.79) differences between our age group classifications. In terms of the participants’ city (Riyadh), the total PTSD score was less than the cutoff point which is 31. PTSD total score may not be affected by working experience as indicated by the non-significant difference in prevalence among EMT practitioners having <5 years, 5-10 years and above 10 years of working experience (P=0.215 with X2 = 3.076). PTSD incidence is affected by the type of occupation as statistically significant differences between groups (P=0.001) were recorded depending on the position and responsibilities of EMS practitioners. PTSD is also affected by average working hours per week, and there were statistically significant differences between groups (P=0.001).ConclusionThe total score of PTSD in the case of emergency service practitioners was found to be 33.7% among all the research participants, which may be regarded as a high prevalence when compared to the general population. Our investigations would contribute to a better understanding of the underlying factors of mental stress in EMS specialists in Saudi Arabia and to the development of adequate mental health practices.

Making It Work—Experiences of Women Who Engage in Technological Making at Home

Abstract This paper presents the results of a 5-month diary study into the practices and routines that develop around technological making in the home, particularly focused on the experiences of women, as they continue to be an underrepresented group in the maker community. In this study, we provided participants with an entry-level electronics making kit. Over the course of twenty weeks, the participants documented their making activities via photos, videos, text messages and taking part in interviews. By means of interpretative phenomenological analysis, we identified six core themes related to women’s experiences with technological making in the home. These experiences ranged from positive—feeling challenged, proud of accomplishments, inspired; to negative—feeling frustrated, guilty due to lack of progress or confused and overwhelmed. These experiences are discussed and contextualized by aspects related to hurdles experienced by the participants, and success factors that contribute to proactive engagement with making in the home. Research Highlights Twenty-week photo diary study and interpretative phenomenological analysis. Identification of six core themes based on empirical data on experiences with technological making in the home context. Discourse around thresholds to engage women in technological making and the maker community. Design and research directions to reduce barriers in technological making.

Australia’s FinTech leaders: Education, work experience, and eagerness of self-employment

In recent years, many FinTech start-up firms have poured into the FinTech landscape. Since FinTech leaders (including founders and chief executive officers (CEOs)) have a major impact on the performance of their respective firms, research studies on FinTech leaders are indispensable. This paper discusses our study to investigate three major dimensions (education, work experience, and eagerness of self-employment) of FinTech leaders in an Australian context. We also compare these dimensions between FinTech founders and CEOs. Overall, we found that: (a) The majority of FinTech leaders are degree holders and one-third of them have a master’s degree. (b) Only about one-third of leaders with a master’s degree hold an MBA. (c) Only 19.4% and 11.1% of degree-holding leaders were graduated from the IT and finance discipline, respectively. (d) Only 19.0% of leaders have previous IT work experience and the mean years of such experience is only 2.0. (e) 54.8% of leaders have previous finance work experience and the mean years of such experience is 6.7. (f) When compared with CEOs, founders are more likely to hold a master’s degree and are more eager to be self-employed.