Investment In Training Programs Research Articles

Effectiveness evaluation indicators of organizational E-learning courses

Many organizations have turned to e-learning courses to train their employees, as a result of which the evaluation of the effectiveness of these courses has become an important issue in organizations. The study aims to design a construct that evaluates the effectiveness of e-learning courses in the industry. Effectiveness can be evaluated with measurable indicators specific to this type of training and it can investigate the results of organizational managers' investment in training programs. Data were collected in three consecutive stages; first, using a mixed methods systematic review, the effectiveness evaluation dimensions were identified; second, the effectiveness evaluation indicators were determined by using semi-structured interviews with three groups including trainees in the industry, instructors of e-learning courses in the industry, and university professors; third, the indicators were validated by using a quantitative method. Finally, 46 measurable indicators from 6 main dimensions including content, instructor, learner, organization, assessment, and technical system were identified as effective evaluation indicators of e-learning courses in the industry. In evaluating the effectiveness of e-learning courses, different aspects of different dimensions were identified that managers of organizational training can use in evaluating organizational e-learning courses. It is similar to a system that includes input, process, output, and all factors together affect the effectiveness of these courses.

Data sharing and reuse in clinical research: Are we there yet? A cross-sectional study on progress, challenges and opportunities in LMICs.

Data sharing holds promise to accelerate innovative discoveries through artificial intelligence (AI) and traditional analytics. However, it remains unclear whether these prospects translate into tangible benefits in improving health care and scientific progress. In this cross-sectional study, we investigate current data reuse practices and explore ways to enhance the use of existing data in clinical research, focusing on low- and middle-income countries. 643 clinical researchers and data professionals participated in the study. 55.5% analysed clinical trial data. 75.3% of data users analysed data from observational studies obtained mainly through personal requests or downloads from publicly available sources. Data was mainly used to influence the design of new studies or in pooled and individual patient-level data meta-analyses. Key benefits realised were career progression and academic qualification, with more gains reported by users affiliated with high-income and upper-middle-income countries (p = 0.046, chi = 8.0). Scientific progress through publications and collaborations was associated with gender (p = 0.012, chi = 10.9), with males more likely to contribute. Benefits to the public although minimal, were associated with career seniority (p = 0.001, chi = 18.8), with works by senior researchers being more likely to influence health policy or treatment guidelines. Although 54% of the respondents accessed at least 3 datasets in the past 5 years, 79.4% of data users encountered difficulty finding relevant data for planned analyses. Researchers affiliated with low and middle income institutions reported more difficulty interpreting data (p = 0.012, chi = 25.7), while challenges with language were regionally influenced (p = 0.000, chi = 51.3) and more commonly reported by researchers in Latin America and South and East Asia institutions. While the utilisation of shared data is lower than expected, focused efforts to enrich existing data with extensive metadata using standard terminologies can enhance data findability. Investment in training programmes, building professional networks, and mentorship in data science may improve the quality of data generated and increase researchers' ability to use existing datasets.

Implementation of Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) Standards in Service Sector Companies

This research is entitled Implementation of Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) Standards in the Service Sector Companies. Sustainability reporting, aligned with global standards like the GRI Standards, has become imperative for organizations worldwide. This study delves into the application and effectiveness of these standards in diverse sectors, specifically the financial and healthcare industries. Investigating eight companies—four from each sector—this research assesses how GRI Standards guide sustainability reporting practices. The study analyzes the extent of adherence to these standards in disclosing economic, environmental, and social topics. Employing qualitative comparative analysis, Sustainability Reports were meticulously reviewed. Findings unveiled varying degrees of GRI Standards implementation, indicating a need for heightened awareness and training, especially in specific reporting areas. The study recommends investment in training programs for organizations to enhance their grasp and application of GRI Standards. Moreover, collaboration between regulatory bodies and industry associations is vital to formulate sector-specific guidelines, ensuring consistency in sustainability reporting across diverse industries. However, it's crucial to note that the study's scope is limited to the financial and healthcare sectors, warranting further research for a broader understanding of GRI Standards implementation across industries.

Assessing the Impact of Training, Industry Partnerships, and Government Policies on the Success of Business Development Programs: A Case Study in Central Java Province

This research explores the multifaceted factors influencing the success of business development programs in Central Java Province. Specifically, it examines the impact of training initiatives, industrial partnerships, and government policies on the participation and effectiveness of development programs. A sample of 120 businesses and entrepreneurs in the region was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS) as the data analysis method. The results reveal significant relationships between the variables under investigation. Businesses perceiving favorable government policies are more likely to participate in development programs. Likewise, investments in training programs and engagement in industry partnerships are positively associated with participation in development initiatives. The goodness-of-fit analysis demonstrates that the Estimated Model adequately represents the data, affirming its validity and reliability. The research provides valuable insights into the interconnected nature of factors contributing to the success of business development programs in Central Java Province, highlighting the importance of collaboration, supportive government policies, and training initiatives. These findings can inform policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders in the region, aiding in the design and implementation of more effective development programs.

Cost Management and Strategic Decision Making: The Role of Managerial Accounting

This study investigates the integration of cost management and strategic decision-making, focusing on the role of managerial accounting. It aims to explore how advanced cost management techniques, particularly Activity-Based Costing (ABC), contribute to achieving competitive advantage and aligning with strategic objectives. The research employs a qualitative design, using case studies and interviews with senior managers and financial controllers in medium to large manufacturing firms. This approach provides detailed insights into the implementation and effectiveness of ABC and other cost management practices in strategic decision-making. The findings reveal that ABC enhances cost information accuracy, facilitating more informed strategic decisions regarding pricing, product mix, and process improvements. Top management support and a conducive organizational culture are crucial for successful ABC implementation. Firms that regularly update their cost management practices maintain accuracy and relevance in cost information. The balanced scorecard effectively aligns cost management with strategic objectives, improving strategic alignment and decision-making. Organizations should prioritize adopting ABC, ensure strong top management support, and foster a culture of innovation. Regular updates to cost management practices and investment in training programs enhance managerial competencies and decision-making. These findings provide valuable insights for practitioners and scholars, highlighting the strategic role of managerial accounting in driving competitive advantage.

Gestión del Talento Humano en Empresas Ecuatorianas: Perspectivas y Desafíos

Human talent management in Ecuadorian companies faces multiple challenges, including economic constraints, restrictive labor regulations, and a hierarchical organizational culture. Despite these obstacles, companies are adopting advanced technologies and promoting the development of specific competencies and more horizontal structures to improve competitiveness. Investments in training programs, although still insufficient, are beginning to show positive results in productivity and job satisfaction. In addition, labor flexibility and transformational leadership are emerging as key strategies for overcoming resistance to change and fostering an environment of innovation and continuous improvement. Improved internal communication and increased investment in training are essential to enhance talent development and retention. The implementation of public policies and institutional support that promote tax incentives, training programs and public-private partnerships is recommended to strengthen talent management in the country.

PRACTICE-ORIENTED FORMS OF TRAINING SPECIALISTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY OF THE REGION

The article examines the existing in Russia practice-oriented forms of training of specialists in the construction industry known for its high specialization. Currently, there is a growing need for people with practical skills and knowledge necessary for the design and construction of technically complex buildings and structures. To meet these needs, a number of techniques are used in the training of specialists for the construction sector, including internships, on-the-job training and vocational training. The article presents an expert assessment of the advantages and limitations of various approaches in training specialists in the construction industry in the regions of Russia. One of the solutions to the problems facing the construction industry and the need for constant innovation and investment in training programs is to create in the Novgorod region on the basis of the Novgorod Construction College a unique educational and production platform for training qualified personnel, taking into account the opinions of employers in the School–College–University–Enterprise paradigm. The article presents the prerequisites for creating a comprehensive training program for the construction industry in the Novgorod region, including such national and local challenges and directions as the need for early career guidance for school students, the gap between the requirements of the real labor market and training at school and institutions of secondary vocational education (colleges) in major subjects, increasing the number of students from the municipal districts of the region, etc. The authors have determined that the main target audiences of the program (school, institutions of secondary vocational education (colleges), university, employers) gain a number of synergistic effects that ultimately contribute to the growth of the well-being of the population and the development of the region's economy. The model for the development of the practice-oriented School–College–University–Enterprise program proposed by the authors has a number of strategic priorities for the regional economy, including the introduction of a system of educational, social and professional elevators for students, territorial attachment, guaranteed employment, etc.

Safety Climate Survey Among Employees in a Feminine Care Products Manufacturing Company

Manufacturing and construction companies are significant contributors to most accidents in Indonesia. Accident frequency rate (AFR) can be reduced by adopting an appropriate management system, technical approach, and safety culture at the workplace. Employees' perception of Work Safety culture is the key to success in minimizing AFR. A survey of employees' perception of safety can identify their reality concerning the Safety Climate at their workplace. The study aimed to observe Safety Climate through a survey of employees' perception on the dimensions of management commitment, safety communication, safety rules and procedures, supportive environment, personal safety involvement and needs, and safety training. The study discusses possible ways to improve the safety climate in their organization and provides feedback to maintain and improve it. A mixed-methods descriptive design was used for this study. The sample size was determined using the Slovin formula and the sample selection using the Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling method. The survey was conducted on 156 employees using a questionnaire model with a personal approach to all levels of employees in a feminine care products manufacturing company. The survey result was analyzed quantitatively through assessments on questionnaires and qualitatively through employees' comments. The study found employees' perception of safety climate to be at a reasonable level. The management commitment dimension in this study has the best assessment result. The analysis results showed that the active role of the leadership, strong safety values to build employee interaction, employee involvement and investment in training programs for employees were critical keys to the successful implementation of Occupational Safety.

337 Barriers to Laparoscopic Surgical Training for Abdominal Conditions in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICS): A Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction Resource-deprived low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) can benefit from the reduced perioperative morbidity of laparoscopic surgery. However, utilisation is low, partly due to paucity of appropriately trained staff. This study aims to explore the barriers to the training of healthcare professionals in laparoscopic techniques in LMICs. Method Medline, Embase, Global Health and Web of Science databases were searched, using the key terms ‘LMIC’, ‘Laparoscopy’ and ‘Training’. Eligible papers were in English, focused on abdominal laparoscopy and addressed barriers to training qualified health professionals. Papers focusing on advanced surgeries, paediatrics, and training in high-income countries were excluded. PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. Results Funding was the first of seven key barriers identified, but feasible low-cost methods have been developed in some settings. Equipment limitations and lack of local trainers were highlighted, and expatriates may provide limited quality training opportunities. Stakeholder dynamics can create barriers, as can lack of knowledge on effective training curricula. Surgical departmental structure can limit the practical opportunities of trainees. Conclusions Themes are apparent across LMICs, but local factors reduce their generalisability, highlighting the need for larger-scale studies focusing on specific barriers. National investment in training programmes with research-backed curriculums and increased availability of local trainers and equipment is needed.

Well begun is half done: Toward an understanding of predictors for initial training transfer

As organizations face a rapidly changing marketing environment, they have an increased investment in training programs that aim to improve employees’ hard skills to successfully execute tasks and soft skills for healthy social relationships. Although managers question the transfer problem in hard- and soft-skills training, researchers have limited knowledge on this topic. This study focuses on improving the initial training transfer, an essential phase of the transfer process. Specifically, drawing on signaling theory, we introduce training characteristics (i.e., training content validity and transfer design) as the antecedents. This study also assesses the potential underlying mechanisms by examining the roles of training engagement and training criticality. Using a sample of 182 employees enrolled in a typical hard- and soft-skills training program (i.e., quality management training), we test a mediation model. As expected, the results indicate that both training content validity and transfer design positively impact initial training transfer. Furthermore, the links between training characteristics and initial training transfer are mediated by training engagement and training criticality. This study contributes to the research on initial training transfer by exploring training characteristics as the antecedents and integrating the research on transfer and personal attitudes under hard- and soft-skills training.

Factors that Influence the Quality of the Study Process: the Attitude of Klaipėda University and 1 December 1918 University Students of Pedagogical Studies

The article analyzes the factors that influence the quality of the study. Quality of study and its assurance are priority tasks in the European higher education area. The key provisions of the Bologna Process focus on the paradigm shift in higher education. The Berlin Communique (2003) identifies the need for quality assurance at institutional, national and European level as well as for the development of common quality assurance criteria and methodologies. The Bergen Communiqué (2005) emphasized the importance of research for the improvement of studies, and endorsed the European qualifications framework for higher education based on learning outcomes. They are defined by the Dublin Descriptors (2005), which describe knowledge and understanding specific to each cycle, the application of knowledge and understanding, as well as decision-making, communication and learning to learn skills (2014-2020 Case Study of the Suitability and Compatibility of European Union Funds Investment in Training Programs, 2018). The Leuven Communique (2009) emphasizes student-centered studies, which remain a priority in the European Higher Education Area Quality Assurance Regulations and Guidelines (2015). The article analyzes the attitude of students of pedagogical studies towards the factors that influence the quality of studies. Students from Lithuanian and Romanian regional universities (Klaipėda University and 1 Decembrie 1918 University) participated in the study, 553 persons studying in various forms, undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The study was conducted with the aim of increasing internationalization and developing partnerships with European Union universities. Close collaboration in research helps to disseminate best practice in improving the quality of studies. This international study is theoretically and empirically based on the research methodology and statistical methods have identified the most important factors that determine the quality of the study process. It is researched how students’ attitudes towards individual study process quality factors depend on their study evaluation, learning motivation, age and other parameters. The dissemination of the research results will help the academic community of the universities to carry out similar research and to improve the quality of studies on this basis.

Laboratory organisation and management of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Niger, West Africa.

BackgroundAs the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic unfolds, laboratory services have been identified as key to its containment. This article outlines the laboratory organisation and management and control interventions in Niger.InterventionThe capitol city of Niger, Niamey, adopted a ‘National COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan’ to strengthen the preparedness of the country for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. Laboratory training and diagnostic capacity building were supported by existing active clinical and research laboratories for more rapid and practicable responses. The National Reference Laboratory for Respiratory Viruses located at the Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire was designated as the reference centre for COVID-19 testing. The national plan for COVID-19 testing is being gradually adopted in other regions of the country in response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 emergency and to ensure a more rapid turn-around time.Lessons learntAfter the decentralisation of COVID-19 testing to other regions of the country, turn-around times were reduced from 48–72 h to 12–24 h. Reducing turn-around times allowed Niger to reduce the length of patients’ stays in hospitals and isolation facilities. Shortages in testing capacity must be anticipated and addressed. In an effort to reduce risk of shortages and increase availability of reagents and consumables, Niamey diversified real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction kits for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 detection.RecommendationsContinued investment in training programmes and laboratory strategy is needed in order to strengthen Niger’s laboratory capacity against the outbreak.

A formação do gestor educacional e os desafios da atuação profissional

Este estudo objetiva analisar a formação dos gestores escolares e as principais necessidades formativas para o enfrentamento dos desafios da profissão. A pesquisa define-se como exploratória-descritiva. Como campo empírico, selecionou-se uma rede particular de ensino do estado de São Paulo. Os dados foram obtidos mediante um questionário online elaborado com o apoio da plataforma Survio. Os dados da realidade pesquisada revelam alguns desafios relacionados à formação dos gestores, tais como a insatisfação com a graduação; diretores que assumem a profissão sem experiência prévia ou ainda, com formação fora da área educacional; predomínio da concepção técnico-científica de gestão; dentre outros, sinalizando para dois direcionamentos importantes: o investimento em programas de formação para gestores iniciantes e programas para o desenvolvimento contínuo ao longo da carreira. Ressalta-se a importância de novas pesquisas que possibilitem ampliar o entendimento e os olhares para a formação dos gestores.

Perceived Socio-economic, Socio-ecological and Socio-cultural Impacts of the Caribbean’s Tourism Sector

A self-administered questionnaire was administered to participants attending the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 2010 Sustainable Tourism Conference held on Barbados to assess their motivation to attend the conference, their satisfaction with the contribution and impact of region’s tourism sector, and the level of involvement of the youth in sector. The results of the analysis point to a strong interest in the annual Sustainable Tourism Conferences. Over 70% of participants were motivated to attend for the purposes of broadening their tourism knowledge base or for networking. The overall impacts of tourism at the community, national and regional levels seem to be acceptable to participants, but close to 15% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction. There was concern however about the level of involvement of the youth and the extent to which they benefited from the rewards of the tourism sector. This environment of concern may be an opportune time for the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) to consider mechanisms and strategies to attract and engage more youth to the sector. Indeed, there is a need for enhanced cooperation and coordination among CTO member governments, regional and international organizations, the private sector, and civil society actors, to harness the potential of youth for the benefit of the tourism sector. In this regard a few specific initiatives such as a Youth Tourism Ambassador Program and a Youth Tourism Mentors Program have been proposed. The need for more directed and deliberate investments in training programs targeted at the youth should also be considered. The practical implications of the study are discussed, as well as its limitations and scope for future research.

Practical approaches to limit turnover nurses

Turnover of health care professionals in our country is particularly topical issue in modern conditions. There is a need for a new attitude to management turnover at medical professionals, analyze and refine their professional development. The aim of the study is to investigate the opinion of nursing leaders and health care sectors of intensive work and offer practical approaches to limit turnover. The most of managers are convinced that adequate material compensation is the basis on which must be built motivational incentive for staff retention (65.80%). The introduction of a modern system of appraisal is among the strategic objectives of 39.00%, while investments in training programs and qualification support and apply only in 36.60% of managers in health care. Self-developed and proposed - Model corrective policy management turnover and Model professional managerial governance and Approach to identifying problems and limiting turnover.

Wide Variations in Compliance with Tuberculosis Screening Guidelines and Tuberculosis Incidence between Antiretroviral Therapy Facilities - Côte d'Ivoire.

BackgroundIn Côte d’Ivoire, tuberculosis (TB) is a common cause of death among HIV-infected antiretroviral therapy (ART) enrollees. Ivorian guidelines recommend screening for TB and initiation of TB treatment before ART initiation. Compliance with these guidelines can help reduce TB-related mortality during ART and possibly nosocomial TB transmission.Methods and FindingsIn a retrospective cohort study among 3,682 randomly selected adults (≥15 years old) starting ART during 2004–2007 at 34 randomly selected facilities, documentation of TB screening completion, prevalence of active TB at ART initiation, and incidence of TB during ART were evaluated. At ART initiation, median age was 36 years, 67% were female, and median CD4 count was 135 cells/μL. Among all 3,682 enrollees, 73 (2%) were on TB treatment at the time of referral to the ART facility. Among the 3,609 not on TB treatment, 1,263 (36%) were documented to receive some TB screening before ART initiation; 21% were screened for cough, 21% for weight loss, 18% for fever, 18% for TB contacts, and 12% for night sweats. Among the 1,263 screened, 111 (11%) were diagnosed with TB and started TB treatment before ART. No associations between patient characteristics and probability of being screened were noted. However, documentation of TB screening completion before ART varied widely by ART facility from 0–100%. TB incidence during ART was 3.0 per 100 person-years but varied widely by ART facility from 0/100 person-year to 13.1/100 person-years.ConclusionsScreening for TB before ART initiation was poorly documented. Facility-level variations in TB screening documentation suggest facility-level factors, such as investment in training programs, might determine documentation practices. Targeting under-performing ART facilities with improvement activities is needed. Variations among facilities in TB incidence warrant further research. These incidence variations could reflect differences between facilities in TB screening, diagnostic tests, documentation practices, or TB risk possibly related to infection control practices or local community TB incidence.

Ecotourism development in China: prospects for expanded roles for non-governmental organisations

China's flourishing economy is contributing to rapid development throughout the country, but prosperity is not evenly distributed and rural communities are experiencing social and ecological problems. Ecotourism has potential to foster both local economic development and environmental conservation. Capacity to promote and deliver ecotourism services is, however, poorly developed at present, particularly at the level of rural communities. We assess such capacity through an institutional analysis, focusing on interactions among public agencies, businesses, and civil society actors. Specifically, we study the roles and potential of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as an emerging class of development actors within China's civil society. We present a case study of an ecotourism demonstration project in the Laojunshan area of northwestern Yunnan Province in western China. A review of project documents and field interviews supported analysis of Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats that the relevant actors perceive as constraining and enabling the ecotourism enterprise. NGOs served unique coordination functions across institutional sectors and mobilised critical resources for conservation and development. Recommendations for NGOs engaged in ecotourism in China include investment in training programmes with local people and community-based organisations, facilitating collaborations between businesses and communities, working directly with businesses, and promoting cooperatives.

Adaptation to climate change in urban areas: Climate-greening London, Rotterdam, and Toronto

This article aims to gain insight into the governance capacity of cities to adapt to climate change through urban green planning, which we will refer to as climate-greening. The use of green space is considered a no-regrets adaptation strategy, since it not only absorbs rainfall and moderates temperature, but simultaneously can contribute to the sustainable development of urban areas. However, green space competes with other socio-economic interests that also require space. Urban planning can mediate among competing demands for land use, and, as such, is potentially useful for the governance of adaptation. Through an in-depth case study of three frontrunners in adaptation planning (London, Rotterdam, and Toronto), the governance capacity for climate-greening urban areas is analysed and compared. The framework we have developed utilizes five sub-capacities: legal, managerial, political, resource, and learning. The overall conclusion from the case studies is that the legal and political subcapacities are the strongest. The resource and learning sub-capacities are relatively weak, but offer considerable growth potential. The managerial sub-capacity is constrained by compartmentalization and institutional fragmentation, two key barriers to governance capacity. These are effectively blocking the mainstreaming of adaptation in urban planning. The biggest opportunities to enhance governance capacity lie in the integration of adaptation considerations into urban-planning processes, the establishment of links between adaptation and mitigation policies, investment in training programmes for staff and stakeholders in adaptation planning, and providing infrastructure for learning processes.

Adaptation to climate change in urban areas: Climate-greening London, Rotterdam, and Toronto

This article aims to gain insight into the governance capacity of cities to adapt to climate change through urban green planning, which we will refer to as climate-greening. The use of green space is considered a no-regrets adaptation strategy, since it not only absorbs rainfall and moderates temperature, but simultaneously can contribute to the sustainable development of urban areas. However, green space competes with other socio-economic interests that also require space. Urban planning can mediate among competing demands for land use, and, as such, is potentially useful for the governance of adaptation. Through an in-depth case study of three frontrunners in adaptation planning (London, Rotterdam, and Toronto), the governance capacity for climate-greening urban areas is analysed and compared. The framework we have developed utilizes five sub-capacities: legal, managerial, political, resource, and learning. The overall conclusion from the case studies is that the legal and political subcapacities are the strongest. The resource and learning sub-capacities are relatively weak, but offer considerable growth potential. The managerial sub-capacity is constrained by compartmentalization and institutional fragmentation, two key barriers to governance capacity. These are effectively blocking the mainstreaming of adaptation in urban planning. The biggest opportunities to enhance governance capacity lie in the integration of adaptation considerations into urban-planning processes, the establishment of links between adaptation and mitigation policies, investment in training programmes for staff and stakeholders in adaptation planning, and providing infrastructure for learning processes.

Measuring the ROI of Management Development: An Application of the Stochastic Rewards Valuation Model

There is growing recognition that the core economic resources of the current era are human and intellectual capital, rather than physical assets such as inventories, plant, and equipment. Given the increasing importance of human capital and intellectual property as determinants of economic success at both the macroeconomic and enterprise levels, it is clear that the nature of investments made by firms need to shift to reflect the new economic realities. Specifically, if human capital is a key determinant of organizational success, then investments in training and development of people also become critical. In turn, there is a need to develop concepts and tools for monitoring and evaluating management development programs in terms of their impact, results, and value or return on investment. The specific objective of this article is to draw upon the concepts and measurement approaches of the field that has come to be known as “human resource accounting” and show how they, specifically the stochastic rewards valuation model, can be used as tools for the measurement of the value of investments in training programs designed to increase the value of human capital.