Hard Skills Research Articles

Evaluation of effect of person role fitness on mastery of soft skills among interns in Nakuru County Government, Kenya

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of person role fitness on mastery of soft skills among interns in Nakuru County Government, Kenya. The curriculum that most college graduates are exposed to largely offer hard skills, but important soft skills that would make them well-prepared for the work environment are lacking. The study used a descriptive research design. The study's population consisted of 1300 interns stationed at the Nakuru County Government during the month of August. A stratified random selection technique was employed to choose a sample of 102 interns, and data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to examine the data and obtain both descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson's product-moment correlation was used as an inferential statistic to determine the direction and strength of linear associations. Simple and multiple regression analyses were employed to assess the relationship between the variables. The study indicated that person role fitness substantially affected soft skills proficiency in Nakuru County Government (? = 1.139, Sig. < 0.05). Thus, it was concluded that person role fitness is a significant factor of internship, which affects soft skills mastery among interns in the county. The study recommends that colleges operate in conjunction with the organisations or industries where the students are sent for their internship programs to ensure that the interns are well placed as per their professions in order to enhance soft skills mastery among the interns, as was evidenced by Nakuru County Government, Kenya.

Bibliometric analysis on the factors that affect the cycle of formulation, evaluation, and management of social project

Background Projects enable the resolution of problems and alter societal realities, assuming they represent the optimal choices to modify living conditions positively. If projects are deemed intelligent solutions to problems, why do they fail? This question will be addressed in this article through bibliometric analysis. Methods A bibliometric analysis was conducted on the success or failure factors influencing social investment projects, through a descriptive study with search equations, utilizing a comparative matrix to analyze 32 articles from Scopus and 22 from Web of Science. Results As a result, the number of publications, the themes addressed, and their origins between 2018 and 2023 were identified. The VOSviewer software allowed for identifying keywords and their relationships; with this input, a review of scientific production was conducted to subsequently identify the factors influencing projects and how they have been addressed within their contexts. Conclusions In conclusion, it was found that both the factors influencing success or failure in projects are permeated by the environment and the impact of political, social, and economic factors, in addition to the interaction of elements related to soft and hard skills.

Quality of Service in the Preparation of Population and Civil Registration Administration Documents at the Cirebon Regency Population and Civil Registration Office

Public Service Procurement is a task for the government in creating community welfare, for the creation of welfare in the community it is necessary to have quality in the implementation of these services, in this era of digitalization the government is expected to be able to implement technological advances by utilizing digitalization as an effort to improve services with easy access for the community. This study is aimed at finding out how the quality in the implementation of public services at the Cirebon Regency Population and Civil Registration Office, measuring the level of public satisfaction with the Cirebon Regency Population and Civil Registration Office, and finding out how to Improve the Quality of Public Services at the Cirebon Regency Population and Civil Registration Office. The research method used is a Qualitative Research Method with Questionnaire data collection techniques that are disseminated to the community in Cirebon Regency through Google Forms, Interviews with employees of the Cirebon Regency Population and Civil Registration Office, and Location Observation which is a place of service located at the Cirebon Regency Population and Civil Registration Office. Research shows that the quality of administrative document loading services at the Cirebon Regency Population and Civil Registration Office has not been maximized, improvements are needed to improve the quality of service. a) improving Facilities and Infrastructure that are Facilities in the Service process; b) hard skills training is needed in the implementation of E-Governance; c) There is a need for training on excellent service so that they know how to behave well and appropriately to maximize service to the community

Entrepreneurial Value Proposition Proficiency Diagnosis: A KAP Model Dimension

The persistently high attrition rates of small, medium, and micro enterprises in most economies globally hinges significantly on challenges stemming from lack of business dynamism and intense competition. This study explores the entrepreneurial proficiency of entrepreneurs in value proposition skills, a pivotal resource in mitigating homogeneity-related business failures. Using the KAP framework, variables within knowledge (awareness, comprehension and competence), attitudes (perception, intention and consistency) and practices (target audience, differential offerings, customer value) were scrutinised across cohorts (gender, location, and support status). Through a non-parametric analysis on a data structure obtained from conducting a 5-Likert type scale survey with 648 entrepreneurs, the findings explains that while awareness of the value proposition is notably high across respondents, supported entrepreneurs outshine their unsupported counterparts. Comprehension and competence, however, exhibit comparatively lower values, particularly among unsupported entrepreneurs, and despite a positive perception, the intention and consistency levels regarding the value proposition concept are sub-par across all groups. In terms of practice, factors such as target audience and differential offerings are below average, emphasizing the need for strategic and pragmatic interventions. The result indicates an overall deficiency in value proposition proficiency, stressing targeted soft and hard entrepreneurial skills interventions to foster not only value proposition acumen but market positioning, entrepreneurial resilience, and enterprises efficacy in the competitive business landscape.

WHAT SKILLS DO EMPLOYERS WANT FROM RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATES?

Currently, it is not enough for university graduates to acquire only occupation-specific academic knowledge to find a job. Graduates are also expected to possess an additional set of skills called employability skills. In this study, job vacancies were analyzed to determine the skills employers want from new graduates. In this study, 178 job posts for new graduates on an online job search platform (Kariyer. net) were analyzed using content analysis. According to the findings of the study, fewer hard skills and more soft skills were demanded by recent university graduates. The most demanded skills for both associate degree and bachelor's degree graduates were skills in social and communication groups. When examined in detail, the highest-demanded soft skills include "strong communication skills,” "predisposition to teamwork,” "planning and organization skills,” "effective written and oral communication skills.” In addition, "mastery of MS Office applications, knowledge of foreign languages and "knowledge of computer programs related to the field" are among the technical skills that graduates require. This research is expected to guide new graduates in terms of which skills they should develop and educational institutions in terms of updating their curricula in line with the demand for skills.

Https://www.innovativehumancapital.com/article/the-modern-manager-navigating-a-complex-role-in-today-s-organizations

The role of the manager has become increasingly complex due to forces such as globalization, technology disruption, and changing worker expectations, requiring proficiency across strategic planning, leading others, communicating, developing talent, and other diverse hard and soft skills to navigate today's volatile business environment successfully. While leading organizations recognize high-quality managers as a strategic asset, attracting and developing top management talent presents ongoing challenges, as younger professionals are less interested in management careers due to workload demands, a skills gap exists between required competencies and what new or promoted managers possess, and traditional training methods often provide inadequate preparation, resulting in few managers being truly ready for senior roles. To address these issues, experts recommend a strategic, multifaceted approach including updating manager job profiles and career paths, establishing formal mentoring and coaching, deploying strategic stretch assignments, implementing blended leadership training programs, and utilizing 360-degree performance evaluations to gain competitive advantages in hiring, retention, and leadership development.

Enhancing digital health competencies: insights from european human resources for health

Abstract Background Mixed-skills for digital health transformation are critical for human resources for health (HRH). This study aimed to inform the design of new training programmes that address soft, hard and digital health skills. Methods Using a mixed-methods design science approach, focus groups were conducted by invitation and with informed consent, online or in-person. A script was prepared with key questions for orientation and facilitation, addressing the topics of current situation, desired situation, desired skills, practical and organisational needs to implement continuous training in healthcare. The collected data were analysed using Nvivo. Results Focus groups (14) had 87 participants (Norway, Latvia, Belgium, Italy and Portugal): 26 healthcare professionals (nurses, midwives, nutritionists, pharmacists, assistants and doctors); 27 managers or directors of hospitals and care centres; 34 experts (digital health specialists, researchers, technical officers, members of professional societies and national authorities). Real needs were identified, with 2 direct sub-themes that were best related to each other (Pearson coefficient, p > 0.40 - cluster analysis): 1. ‘Current situation’: Cybersecurity (eg. privacy, law and ethics); Time (work time versus private time, p = 0.69); Type (informal versus formal training, p = 0.32); Programmes (graduation, continuing education and post-graduation levels). 2. ‘Desired situation: Desired skills (eg. digital - basic ICT, data analysis, soft - communication, emotional intelligence, and hard skills - medication administration, catheters, ECG, vital signs, telehealth - digital stethoscope); Learning design and objectives (eg. collective learning, simulations, location - peer-to-peer and hybrid); Emergency care and the link between primary and secondary levels of care were considered important. Conclusions These findings of convergence among HRH inform Program design process to support the training programs and course syllabus design. Key messages • The identified needs and priorities inform Program design further to support Digital Health Transformation training programs and course syllabus design. • Real needs points to Current and Desired situation, where HRH give important insights that need to be considered to engage people to perform training courses.

It’s a Woman’s World: Exploring the Role of Female Qualities in the Evolving 21st Century Workplace

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR/Industry 4.0) continues to be realised through technological advances and social shifts, it has become evident that the future job market remains unpredictable and will continuously evolve. To accommodate the inevitable changes future generations will experience, teaching and learning environments are adapting their approaches. Instead of purely focusing on hard skills, the importance of conveying soft skills is increasingly recognised. Pedagogical experts have pulled the 4 C’s into focus as important 21st-century skills: critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. The connection between these soft skills, lateral, right-brain thinking, and female qualities is often drawn. This study's methodology explored and synthesised literature across various fields to map key concepts, establish new connections, and explore whether women may inherently possess skills aligned with future workplace demands shaped by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Digital native characteristics are examined through Generational Theory, highlighting the benefits that soft skills will have for future generations. Additionally, literature on 21st-century skills is examined, and the differences between left and right brain characteristics are analysed to assess the importance of right-brain thinking in future workplaces. Lastly, gender-related qualities are evaluated to determine whether women may have an advantage in the evolving job market. By connecting these perspectives, the study aims to evaluate whether or not women may have the upper hand in the future working world. The study finds no concrete evidence that women inherently possess superior traits for future workplace demands, though the 4IR's emphasis on soft skills and inclusivity could enhance female participation. However, challenges like the lack of role models and digital echo chambers may still impede progress.

Competence Level of Graduates on Procurement Strategies for Digital Supply Chains in Tanzania

Strategic procurement enables companies to develop and enhance their advantage over its competitors –both by cost advantage or differentiation advantage. Accordingly, modern and future procurement is highly strategic in comparison to traditional and e-procurement practices. However, the extent to which the graduates are prepared on procurement strategies for digital supply chains is scarcely known in Tanzania. In other words, very little is known on the competence level of graduates on digital supply chain management. Therefore, this study evaluated the competence level of graduates on procurement strategies for digital supply chains in Tanzania. It specifically determined the level of awareness of graduates on procurement strategies for digital supply chains; the extent to which the graduates are prepared on procurement strategies for digital supply chains while at educational institutions studying, and ranking of skills on digital supply chains acquired by the graduates in relation to hard and soft supply chain skills. This study used quantitative approach with descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The data were collected from 500 graduates of Procurement and Supply in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Mwanza and Dodoma who were sampled using multi-stage sampling techniques. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that, majority of the graduates had low level of awareness on procurement strategies for digital supply chains. In addition, the majority of graduates were prepared on procurement strategies for digital supply chains to the very small extent. Moreover, skills on digital and soft supply chains were ranked thirdly/low in acquisition when at the education institutions compare to hard supply chain skills. The graduates acquired digital and soft supply chain skills in lower rate (rank) compare to hard supply chain skills acquired in moderate rate. It is generally concluded that, the graduates had low level of competence on procurement strategies for digital supply chains in Tanzania. This study advocates for serious engagement of both private and public stakeholders in collaborating with colleges/institutes in training on procurement strategies for digital supply chains in Tanzania in order to produce competent labour force for the digital world of work.

The SEMinal impact of contemporary science: integrated authentic science design and students’ self-efficacy and career aspirations

ABSTRACT Authentic science learning has a significant potential for contributing to students’ self-efficacy (SE) and science career aspirations (SCA) by introducing contemporary science. However, the design of authentic learning remains challenging due to the elusive and subjective nature of experiencing authenticity and the interdisciplinarity and complexity of contemporary science. This study aimed to transform these challenges into opportunities by integrating theoretical frameworks of authentic design with a unique setting, including: (a) authentic pedagogy highlighting social experiences, (b) authentic scientific equipment including hands-on operation of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) situated in a research institute, (c) contemporary science theme (biomineralization). This integrated design was investigated by collecting data from 70 secondary science students on their perceived-authenticity, SE, and SCA using pre–post Likert-type questionnaires. After discovering that authenticity was intensely perceived, we used inferential statistics to examine the relationships between different authentic aspects related to both hard and soft science skills and SE and SCA. We identified a significant connection between students’ experience of acquiring authentic knowledge (i.e. hard skills) and their SCA, as well as between the social experience (i.e. soft skills) and students’ SE. This study contributes to understanding the design and impact of authentic science activities in research institutes.

Архитектура создания самообучающегося колледжа

The competence approach has firmly gained its place in the world educational paradigm, distinguishing rigid (professional) and flexible (supra professional) skills. But the high speed of technological changes will significantly transform the landscape of the modern labor market, when within the next decades up to a quarter of traditional professions will disappear, and hard skills will be significantly transformed after them. The most important competitive advantage will be the speed of perception and translation of new knowledge, as well as competencies formed on their basis. The key competences for continuous development will be flexible competences (soft skills), some of which will be enriched with basic hard skills. The traditional conservatism of the educational system, the long period of formation of educational standards of training becomes a certain brake on the training of specialists of the future. If rigid skills can be formed based on the existing production base (jobs of the future, which do not exist yet), flexible skills can be formed now. This actualizes the idea of creating self-learning spaces in secondary vocational education institutions. Copying Chris Argyris' idea will not find a positive response, given our realities and the specifics of the Millennial generation, Z generation and later α generation, it will be a good idea to create self-learning spaces in secondary vocational education institutions. The author's developments on the implementation of approaches to the formation of the model of a self-learning college in the institution of secondary vocational education are presented. This approach can be useful for secondary vocational education organizations developing educational, managerial and financial strategies in order to unpack the expertise of the teaching community.

What else do we Train when we Teach Medical Students? Medical Humanities in the Encores

Medical education is known for its competitive and highly demanding environment. Medical students are required a solid set of hard skills on the one hand, but they are also expected to proficiently master soft skills. This article focuses on the 21st century skills, narrowing down the perspective to communication and creativity in the current medical education field. Empathy as a key concept in patient-centred medical communication has proven to be difficult to define, difficult to assess, and challenging to achieve, especially since studies show a decrease of empathy in medical students in their clinical years of formation. Investigation of appliable solution has been included in terms of curriculum disciplines and extra curriculum programs that could highly contribute to enhancing the required 21st century skills in the case of medical students.

PYTHON IN ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS LEARNING

Using software in mathematics learning can improve students' soft and hard mathematics skills at the high school and college levels. Therefore, using software in the learning process is important, including in learning Differential Equations. This research examines the use of the Python programming language with Jupyter Lab software and the SymPy library in solving ordinary differential equation problems symbolically in the Differential Equations course. The use of the Python programming language in Differential Equations learning includes solving linear ordinary differential equations of first-order, second-order, higher-order, and the Laplace transform. This research also examines the effect of using Python on the learning outcomes of differential equations of Mathematics Education Study Program students, Study Program Outside the Main Campus, Pattimura University. The population in this quantitative research is all students who programmed differential equations courses in the even semester of the 2023-2024 academic year as many as 19 students. The Python programming language can be used to solve differential equation problems symbolically easily, quickly, and accurately. In addition, using Jupyter Lab makes the process of solving differential equation problems easier and more interactive. Furthermore, t-test results show that the use of Python in learning differential equations can improve students' learning activities and learning outcomes. Using the Python programming language with Jupyter Lab software and the SymPy library can be developed to create teaching materials, textbooks, and reference books for Differential Equations courses.

PEMBINAAN REMAJA KARANG TARUNA DESA MEDALKRISNA MELALUI PELATIHAN PENGELASAN SMAW DI KECAMATAN BOJONGMANGU

The problems faced by the youth organization of Medalkrisna village include activities held by the youth organization that have not yet increased the skills or skills of its members, there is no business opportunity that will be run as a source of activities and management of the youth organization. One of the welding methods is SMAW (Shield Metal Arc Welding) welding, which is welding using electric electrodes. The purpose of this activity is of course to increase knowledge and skills to youth coral cadets of Medalkrisna Village, Bojongmangu District, adding special skills in the form of welding expertise. The benefits of this training are of course providing knowledge and training welding skills which are certainly needed by youth youth to improve hard skills and soft skills so that they can be used for personal self-development and social benefits in society. Welding training is very much needed including entrepreneurship, industry and in projects. The success of this service activity has a good impact on helping the difficulties of youth organizations in the Medalkrisna Village area in an effort to increase their skills in the field of SMAW welding (Shield Metal Arc Welding).

Unified Effort: Developing a Mixed Reality Serious Game for Collaborative Crisis Management Training

Abstract: Crises and disasters include both predictable and unpredictable events. In a turbulent world that has recently experienced a pandemic and wars, and is increasingly affected by climate change, there is a growing need to develop effective public crisis management capabilities. Emergency preparedness is a critical foundation for crisis management. Training and exercises are essential components of preparedness and are becoming increasingly relevant for a wide range of organisations in society. To achieve a unified response to threatening events, a wide range of actors - with different backgrounds, objectives, competencies and organisational frameworks - must overcome the challenges of working together. To address this complex situation, forums for knowledge sharing and learning are required. Serious games in mixed reality can be used as a platform for collaborative training and serve as such a forum. Mixed reality systems connect virtual and physical reality, providing users with a sense of immersion, engagement and interaction in both environments. The aim of this paper is to design a short, serious game for collaboration training with two command levels in a mixed reality. Theories of crisis management, along with related research on serious games design, create the framework for the game. The game content was further developed in a co-design process with selected professionals. This paper describes the development of the “Unified Effort” game. The serious game is designed for basic training of municipalities and county offices in soft skills such as communication, situational awareness and group decision making. The game is not intended to replace hard skills such as procedural training and field drills, but can be used as a supplement to this type of training.

Critical soft skill competencies that clinical nurse educators consider important to evaluate in nurses.

Guided by Benner's framework, From Novice to Expert, this study aimed to identify (1) critical soft skills to be evaluated in nurses and (2) levels of nursing behaviour indicating achievement of soft skills to provide a framework for developing a soft skills rubric. Nurse shortages are often attributable to high turnover rates among nurses. To improve this situation, healthcare facilities implement transition programmes and continuing education with a primary focus on developing and maintaining nurses' knowledge and performance (hard skills). However, balancing hard and soft skills (beliefs, values and attitudes) is key to nurses' quality of care and ultimately to their retention. Despite the importance of soft skills, their intangible nature creates problems in evaluating nurses' attainment of these skills and in providing constructive feedback to help them set concrete goals for improving their practice. This qualitative descriptive study described critical soft skills in the nursing context. A purposeful sampling strategy was used to enrol 13 clinical nurse educators from multiple hospital units; each had more than 2 years of clinical nurse educator experience and had completed preceptor training. One-to-one interviews with these individuals were audio recorded, transcribed and subjected to direct content analysis using NVivo 12. The study follows the Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines for qualitative studies. Five main competencies, comprising 20 subcompetencies, were identified: personal growth, effective interactions, professionalism, teamwork and the caring role. For each subcompetency, four skill levels were delineated using clinical indicators. This study's findings can enhance understanding of clinical nurse educators' perceptions regarding soft skills required of nurses. The soft skills identified can be incorporated into a rubric to be used by clinical nurse educators to evaluate and guide nurses' professional development and contribute to improving quality of care. No patient or public contribution is required for this study.

Revealing the Independent Campus Learning Program (MB-KM) in Sustainable on Increasing The Competency of Geography Education Students

Abstract Quality education is one of the SDG targets, especially the development of student affairs programs in universities. Through the independent campus independent learning curriculum or called ”Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka” (MB-KM), study programs have more freedom to design and carry out implementation both on campus and outside campus. This research aims to analyze the implementation of the MB-KM program in geography education study programs in Indonesia. The approach used is quantitative with a survey design. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling techniques and collected data through questionnaires from the heads of geography education study programs who are members of the professional association of geography educators (P3GI). The research results show that the MB-KM program is running effectively in 17 Geography Education Study Programs throughout Indonesia. The effectiveness can be seen from various advantages and is effective in soft and hard skill activities carried out to improve the competency of geography education students during the implementation of MB-KM. Students have the freedom to choose activities that are in accordance with the linearity and ability to support the achievements of graduates of the study program.

Evaluating the Impact of the Kampus Mengajar Program on Problem-Solving Skills in Primary School Teacher Education Students

Problem-solving is an essential skill for students, necessary for both acquiring knowledge and preparing for future challenges. The Kampus Mengajar Program, part of the MBKM (Independent Learning Independent Campus) initiative by the Directorate General of Higher Education, aims to enhance students’ soft and hard skills, including problem-solving abilities. This study investigates the impact of the Kampus Mengajar Program on the problem-solving skills of Primary School Teacher Education students. This qualitative research focused on students from the Primary School Teacher Education program at Riau University who participated in the Kampus Mengajar Program Batch 3. Data were collected through case studies, with participants' problem-solving abilities being the primary focus. Descriptive analysis was used to present the findings. The findings revealed that the Kampus Mengajar Program had a positive impact on students' problem-solving skills. Through this program, students were able to develop their soft skills, particularly problem-solving, by engaging in real-world teaching experiences and addressing challenges in primary school education. The Kampus Mengajar Program provided a practical platform for students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, thereby enhancing their ability to analyze and solve problems. This hands-on experience proved effective in improving the students' problem-solving abilities, making it a valuable component of their teacher education. The Kampus Mengajar Program significantly contributed to the development of problem-solving skills in Primary School Teacher Education students, offering an effective approach to enhance both their soft and hard skills through practical, real-world engagement.

Speak Up: Stepping up "show and tell" to enhance EFL students' speaking and communication skills

As the world has shifted dramatically, university graduates must possess hard and soft skills to compete in the job market and thrive in the competitive era of 5.0. Strong communication skills, encompassing speaking, listening, observing, and empathizing, are essential for success in this competitive environment. This paper aims to elaborate on implementing a simple classroom activity called "Show and Tell" to encourage students to communicate freely. The show-and-tell activity was modified to meet the needs of university-level students. The study involved 120 students from the civil engineering, law, and architecture departments of Musamus University of Merauke, with 53 female and 67 male students. This research utilized a qualitative approach to understand the learners' development better. The data collection methods in the field included field notes, audio-video recordings, and interviews with the learners. The results indicate that while students' English competencies were generally at a beginner level, the "show and tell" activity significantly enhanced their confidence and communication skills. Participants reported feeling more at ease when speaking in front of their peers, leading to improved articulation and organization of thoughts. Simultaneously, the activity also fostered empathy and a supportive learning environment, as students connected emotionally with their classmates.

Turnip hoeing matches in Aberdeenshire, 1840–1940: Material practice and cultural impact

Abstract This article explores the competitive hoeing matches, which were a significant feature of certain parts of Scottish rural life in the period 1840 to 1940. An analysis of newspaper reports shows how important such matches were in Aberdeenshire, attracting significant numbers of both competitors and spectators. By contrast, similar reports for the rest of Scotland show only a small number of such matches outside the northeast. Reasons for the differences are attributed to both material factors, such as the visibility of cultivation, and the social structure of the areas. In Aberdeenshire, a culture valorising hard work and skill was set in a social structure of small farmers and farm servants, which led to self-sustaining organisational forms. By contrast, elsewhere a top-down form of organisation prioritising the needs of farm productivity meant that competitive hoeing matches failed to kindle much enthusiasm. The value of a focus on taken-for-granted practices is the way it can shed light on such contrasts.