Level Of Digital Skills Research Articles

Challenges in Digital Transformation of Microenterprises in Nueva Ecija: A Basis for Risk Management Plan

Digital transformation (DT) has attracted the attention of management and organizational scholars in the past decade. It has become an important factor for the competitiveness of businesses especially with the microenterprises. The use of technology has been the goal of many microenterprises to push forward in the competition and provide better quality products and services to its customers and improve the customer experience through IT innovation. This paper presents the challenges encountered by the microenterprises in Nueva Ecija both on the business and its employees in relation to digital transformation. A structured questionnaire was given to the 359 respondents representing microenterprises in Nueva Ecija, which showed that majority of the respondents were females at an average age of 43 years old. The objective of the study is to determine the challenges in digital transformation of microenterprises in Nueva Ecija. The sample size of 359 respondents answered questionnaires based on the factors like the level of digital skills, degree of digital transformation acceptance, level of technological adoption, implementation of digital transformation, and the challenges encountered in the process of digital transformation. The level of digital skills especially in the management level and employees appears to be high. On the degree of digital transformation acceptance, the microenterprises showed positive or good acceptance on the digital transformation. In the level of technological adoption, the result showed that majority of the microenterprises are moderately applying digital transformation or willing to apply technology in their business. While in the factor of implementing digital transformation in the business, a very small number of microenterprises implement digital technologies in their operation. Most of the microenterprises experienced difficulties in the digital transformation due factors like financial constraints, resistance to change, skills gap and others. The study recommends that microenterprises in Nueva Ecija should conduct regular training to its management and staff for skills development and acquire the necessary technologies as part of its risk management plan. It is also recommended that owners secure funds to digitally transform its businesses to stay competitive. This paper may be of help to the microenterprises owners and future researchers on the topic of digital transformation of microenterprises.

Insight into the demand for digital skills at the workplaces of agricultural engineering graduates in Vietnam

This study aimed to investigate the demand for digital skills in the workplaces of agricultural graduates to shed light on the specific requirements of digital skills in their jobs. The study employed a qualitative approach and conducted a total of eight semi-structured interviews with graduates from two departments of an agricultural university in Vietnam. The obtained data, processed through thematic coding techniques, successfully revealed insights into digital skills’ demand in the jobs of selected participants. Firstly, digital skills were found to be compulsory requirements for jobs for agricultural graduates, although the specific requirements for digital skills varied from job to job. Secondly, the findings revealed that different jobs require different types and levels of digital skills. Thirdly, the performance of digital skills depends on the availability and management of workplaces’ digital technology. The study also found that graduates may have the opportunity to obtain jobs that are not directly related to their learning programmes but require digital skills associated with their speciality. The study recommends applying the findings to multiple stakeholders, including government policymakers, higher education policymakers, employers, and higher education students, to bridge the gap between the higher education supply and the market demand for digital skills.

Visualization of students’ cognitive knowledge in digital concept mapping

<span lang="EN-US">Meaningful learning through the creation a digital concept map is the easiest way to gain cognitive knowledge, new information, and possibility how to expand among learners. Only a few empirical studies have been conducted in the field of nursing regarding learning through concept mapping to achieve higher levels of knowledge and digital skills. The study evaluated the student’s ability to visualize cognitive knowledge by creating a digital concept map. The objectives were to identify the perception using digital technologies and conceptual mapping, differences and relationships between gender, age, years of study, and branches. We used the ContextMinds program map creation. There were 92 Slovak students of nursing, public health and physiotherapy participated in the study. Data were collected and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Perception of learning using digital concept mapping strategy was assessed using descriptive statistics, where paired t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-square were used. The study found a positive perception of creating the digital concept map, but a low level of digital skills. First-year students took one or more weeks to submit the final version of the concept map in comparison to third-year students who took one or more hours. For second-year students, a creation of a concept map was less problematic than for first-year students. Students prefer standard teaching and learning methods. Healthcare absolvents are required to be proficient in digital literacy. Applying cognitive knowledge to create a digital concept map is a challenging strategy procedure.</span>

Razvoj veština kao indikator napretka digitalizacije srpskog turizma

In the tourism and hospitality sector, digital skills become one of the critical factors as they enable organizations and professionals to effectively utilize and adapt to the latest technological developments, improving the overall travel experience and/or operational efficiency of service providers. Based on the previous, this paper aims to evaluate the digital skills of supply-side stakeholders in Serbia's tourism and hospitality sector and to determine the main factors that influence their level of proficiency. By analyzing primary data from 418 respondents, the findings indicate a notable gap in advanced digital skills, which is particularly emphasized among administrative officers, primarily tourist inspectors. Additionally, multinomial logistic regression shows that the education and employment sector (catering, tourism agencies, tourism guides, tourism organizations, tourism inspectors and administrative officers) are factors associated with the level of digital skills. The results allow stakeholders to review the possibilities for improving skills, especially in the public sector, to address current skills gaps and prepare the workforce for future technological developments to ensure the sector's resilience and competitiveness in the global market.

АКТУАЛЬНІ ПРОБЛЕМИ МЕНЕДЖМЕНТУ ТА БЕЗПЕКОВОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ В УМОВАХ СУЧАСНОСТІ

The article deals with the current problems of management and security activities in modern conditions. Therefore, wartime management requires a unique set of skills and approaches that differ from conventional crisis management. The ability to make quick decisions, adapt to changing circumstances and maintain transparent communication channels with the team are critical to success. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, following the fundamental principles allows leaders to navigate the war and steer their organizations toward resilience and success. The article proves that wartime management involves careful navigation in conditions of numerous changes, which requires adaptability, foresight and strategic planning. The stages of development of scientific concepts of management were studied and the need for management and working personnel of a specific level of digital skills and abilities was proven, which indicates the constant need for training and personal development of management. Modern challenges in the field of management include a number of topical problems that affect the effectiveness and development of organizations in war conditions: digital transformation; globalization and international management; human capital and talent management; constant changes and agility; strategic innovation management; diversity and inclusion; stability and efficiency of management processes; logistical difficulties and occupational safety. These problems require constant study, analysis and implementation of new strategies and approaches to achieve successful management in the modern business environment. Therefore, wartime management requires a unique set of skills and approaches that differ from conventional crisis management. The ability to make quick decisions, adapt to changing circumstances and maintain transparent communication channels with the team are critical to success. While there is no onesize-fits-all solution, following the fundamental principles allows leaders to navigate the war and steer their organizations toward resilience and success. Thus, wartime management involves careful navigation in conditions of numerous changes, which requires adaptability, foresight, and strategic planning.

The role of digital skills in the self-employment intentions of young rural labor

This research primarily focuses on assessing the impact of digital skills on the future career decisions of young rural laborers, a group typically at a disadvantage concerning skills and professional qualifications when compared to their urban counterparts. To conduct this study, a probit probability regression model was employed, and data was collected through a survey involving 398 young rural laborers from the Northern Midlands and Mountains region of Vietnam. The findings of this study unequivocally illustrate the multifaceted influence of specific digital skills on decisions related to self-employment. Digital operational skills and digital creative skills were found to be associated with the choice of formal, wage-earning employment, whereas digital social skills correlated with a higher likelihood of pursuing self-employment. This highlights the imperative need to establish specific and diverse policies to cater to the distinct requirements of various labor market segments. Furthermore, in light of the currently limited digital skill levels, laborers should place particular emphasis on enhancing their skill sets to ensure their ability to seek or maintain employment with competitive incomes or to prepare for entrepreneurial opportunities. It is equally important to scrutinize social safety policies designed for self-employed laborers to guarantee the sustainability of the self-employment model.

Digital Knowledge, Skills and Application among Librarians and Library Staff of MUNPARLAS Library Association, Incorporated

Objective. The study aimed to identify and assess a level of digital knowledge, a level of digital skills, and a level of digital application of the librarians and library staff who are members of MUNPARLAS Library Association, Inc. Methods. Descriptive-correlational research design was used in this study to provide static pictures of situations as well as to establish the relationship between different variables. The respondents of this study are 60 Librarians and Library Personnel who are members of MUNPARLAS Library Association, Inc. Results. Findings revealed that the respondents' level of digital knowledge was very high, with an average weighted mean of 3.39. The respondents' level of digital skills was also very high, with an average weighted mean of 3.25. Additionally, the respondents' level of digital application was very high, with an average weighted mean of 3.52. There was a significant relationship between the respondents' digital knowledge and digital skills, as indicated by a p-value of 0.000, which was lower than the Pearson r-value of 0.812. Similarly, there was a significant relationship between the respondents' digital skills and digital application, with a p-value of 0.000, lower than the Pearson r-value of 0.712. Lastly, there was also a significant relationship between the respondents' digital knowledge and digital application, with a p-value of 0.000, lower than the Pearson r-value of 0.649. Therefore, it is necessary to propose an action plan to sustain the digital knowledge, skills, and application among librarians and library staff at MLAI. Conclusions. The findings of this study underscore the importance of digital literacy in the field of librarianship. MLAI should continue to prioritize the cultivation of digital knowledge, skills, and application among its staff to adapt to the evolving needs of its users and to stay ahead in the digital age.

Digital capabilities of health workers to use electronic medical records: Digital maturity self-assessment in Indonesian hospitals

Digital skills influence the successful implementation of information systems and electronic medical records (EMR) in health care facilities. The Ministry of Health measures digital maturity levels to identify gaps in improving digital transformation, including the digital skill of health workers in hospitals in 2022. The digital maturity in all hospitals in Indonesia was measured quantitatively based on the 7 components of Hospital Information Systems Maturity Model (HISMM). The low response rate was anticipated with a number of efforts such as outreach, capacity building and a circular letter from the Ministry of Health. Internal and external consistency was conducted to ensure the quality of the self-assessment. Specifically, the level of digital skills was analysed by calculating the average score of one components of digital maturity, namely Human Resources, Skills and Use of Hospital Information Systems. There are 11 parameters for assessing the level of digital literacy, perceived usefulness and encouragement to use RME in hospitals. All parameters were assessed using a 5-point scale and were analysed quantitatively. The response rate was 31.9% (973 out of 3,052 hospitals) where overall average of digital maturity level was 2.6. Hospital type A, higher accreditation status and located in Jawa-Bali has relatively high maturity level compare to others. The digital skills of health workers in hospitals are relatively high, with the majority already using the hospital information system. This was align with the perception of the ease of use and usefulness of using a hospital information system. Even though there have been several digital health champions in the hospital, health workers have not been fully involved in the process of developing information systems in hospitals and not many hospitals have utilized HIS to assess the performance of health workers. It is clearly that health workers in hospitals are capable and quite aware of the use of digital technology. However, their role needs to be increased to support the development of appropriate digital technology.

DIGITAL SKILLS – AN ASSET FOR FUTURE ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONALS. ANALYSIS OF ROMANIA’S POSITIONING WITHIN THE EU MEMBER STATES

Globalisation, digitisation and technological advances describe the present and future of accounting. In order for accounting professionals to remain always connected to the present and prepared for the future, they constantly need to update their knowledge and skills acquired to date and not hinder their continuous learning process. The focus of this paper is on the digital skills of accounting professionals, which are an imperative in a digital economy. This paper is based on the analysis over time, using mathematical calculation methods, of 5 indicators, which describe the level of information and communication technology skills of the European population. The aim of this analysis is to determine the level of digital skills of the Romanian population in comparison with other EU member countries. Romania, in terms of the 5 indicators, ranks lower in the European ranking. This analysis shows that Romanians, compared to other European populations, use basic digital technologies, are more adaptable in their use, but do not use technologies in a competitive way and do not use them in a more efficient way. For Romania’s population to achieve an advanced level of digitisation, they need to develop digital and information skills, digital problem-solving skills, digital communication skills and cybercrime safety skills. These skills must be mandatory in the knowledge portfolio of accounting professionals. These are the most current requirements of financial jobs. Accounting professionals must comply with the new requirements of the digital economy which is extending to all fields of activity, such as social relations, health, public administration.

Digital Skills: Academic Performance and Attitude towards Science of the STE Learners in Subic National High School in the New Normal

The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of digital skills in enhancing the academic performance and attitudes towards Science of the Grade 9 and 10 STE Learners in Subic National High School in the New Normal. The study utilized the descriptive correlational method and pre-experimental research with a survey questionnaire, instrument was conducted during the second grading period of the school year 2021-2022. The grade 9 and 10 STE Learners who chose online classes mode of learning delivery modality for the school year 2021-2022 of Subic National High School were the respondents. The data was obtained using an attitudinal test questionnaire, the validated teacher-made test, and the digital skills questionnaire. The findings and conclusions of the study will be as follows. The level of digital skills in Grade 10 STE learners was higher in all categorical areas compared to Grade 9 STE Learners; The level of academic performance in Grade 9 STE learners had outperformed Grade 10 STE learners in Science subjects: The level of attitude towards science of Grade 10 STE Learners the change in attitude was higher than the level of Grade 9 STE Learners in the New Normal; There was a significant difference among the digital skills, academic performance, and attitude towards science of Grade 9 and 10 Ste Learners when grouped according to the profile variables, thus the null hypothesis was rejected. The study recommended that Parents should seriously look into their children’s academic performance while using gadgets in the digital mode of learning in their studies to obtain higher results in academic performance.

Promoting educational materials in digital fashion

Specialized fashion software, as a technological instrument for virtual modelling, has a critical role in reducing the length of the design process and time to market, simplifying communication with other departments and improving the quality of the creative process. This paper presents a survey of the modelling technologies used in Romanian clothing companies as a critical starting point for outlining a new methodology in teaching digital fashion. As part of the larger European survey in the framework of the Erasmus+ Digital Fashion Project, collected data from Romanian textile companies present their current needs for clothing designed with computer technologies and 3D software for virtual prototyping. According to the sampled companies, most have high (over 42%) and medium (over 33%) levels of digital skills. The most needed occupational profile was the 3D Designer, and the age expectation was between 25–40 years. The ability to design clothing patterns using virtual prototyping was the most selected preference when asked about future development requirements. The survey results are valuable both in establishing the new methodological framework for teaching digital fashion and in identifying the needs for the other project outcomes, such as the textile database, the virtual training platform, and the new curricula.

The diffusion of digital skills across EU regions: structural drivers and polarisation dynamics

ABSTRACT The digital transformation is an important driver of long-run productivity growth and, as such, it has the potential to promote a more inclusive and sustainable growth. However, digital capabilities, crucial to develop and govern new digital technologies, are unevenly distributed across European regions, increasing the risk of divergence and polarisation. By taking advantage of a set of original indicators capturing the level of digital skills in the regional workforce, this work analyses the factors shaping the process of digital skill accumulation in the EU over the period 2011–2018. Relying on transition probability matrices and dynamic random effects probit models, we provide evidence of a strong and persistent regional polarisation in the adoption and deployment of digital skills. Further, we investigate whether structural factors and European funds (European Regional Development Fund, Cohesion Funds and European Social Funds) are capable of shaping the digitalisation process and favouring regional convergence.

Patient perspectives on digital health and physical activity in Parkinson’ disease: a brief research report

Background People living with Parkinson’s disease (PwP) typically have lower levels of physical activity (PA) which predisposes them to heart disease, reduced bone density and low exercise tolerance. Digital health has been shown to be effective at promoting PA in several clinical cohorts and monitoring PA in PwP. In addition, PwP have reported positive experiences with using digital health modalities such as smartwatches and telehealth. However, the perspectives of PwP on how best to use digital health to promote PA has yet to be investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate current levels of digital skills in PwP and the perspectives and opinions of PwP on the use of digital health for PA interventions. Methods Eighty-nine PwP living in Ireland completed a cross-sectional questionnaire looking at current levels of PA and self-reported levels of digital skills. Results The majority of participants believed that PA was beneficial for PwP and had a moderate to high level of digital skills. Important factors to consider when constructing a digital health PA intervention included ease of access, low cost, variety of exercises and physical activity options and a feedback function. Conclusion PwP have a moderate to high level of self-reported digital skills. This study provides useful information on factors that should be considered when constructing a digital PA intervention for PwP

Jobless and Burnt Out: Digital Inequality and Online Access to the Labor Market

This article examines how inequalities in digital skills shape the outcomes of online job‐seeking processes. Building on a representative survey of Spanish job seekers, we show that people with high digital skill levels have a greater probability of securing a job online, because of their ability to create a coherent profile and make their application visible. Additionally, it is less probable that they will experience burnout during this process than job seekers with low digital skill levels. Given the concentration of digital skills amongst people with high levels of material and digital resources, we conclude that the internet enforces existing material and health inequalities.

Web-Service Security and The Digital Skills of Users: An Exploratory Study of Countries in Europe

This study explores the impact of internet users’ and web owners’ knowledge, measured by the level of digital skills, on the number of insecure websites based on a survey of the internet. The influence of the affordability of internet access to the web space on the vulnerability of a particular European country is also considered. The study introduces a quantifiable index for assessing the insecurity of websites that is incorporated into a newly developed tool that scans websites and identifies the vulnerability in the Web Content Management System (WCMS). The collected vulnerability data and the digital skills are analyzed with statistical methods for finding the interdependences and relationships. Higher levels of digital skills and lower fixed-internet-access costs contribute to a smaller number of insecure websites. The vulnerability of the websites for different economic sectors is explored as well. The paper discusses the differences in the digital development pathways and governmental policies applied in European countries that have been affected by user knowledge and digital skills. The study brings original results and findings, as there are no similar studies addressing the impact of the knowledge of a country’s population on the level of insecurity found in the WCMS, including plug-ins.

Physiotherapists’ perceptions of the use of digital health to promote physical activity in people living with Parkinson’s disease

Aim To investigate the perceptions of physiotherapists on the use of digital health to promote physical activity (PA) in Parkinson’s disease. Methods A cross sectional survey focusing on demographics, current use of technology and digital skills, digital health delivery of PA interventions, advantages and barriers to digital health. Members of the gerontology and neurology clinical interest group of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists were invited to participate. Survey responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and inductive content analysis. Results A response rate of 65% was achieved (139/215). Respondents were confident in using digital health to promote PA and reported a moderate-high level of digital skills. The advantages of digital health included ease of access, easier monitoring of symptoms and increased patient self-efficacy. Barriers included lack of digital skills, poor internet access, lack of access to technology and lack of personal contact. Respondents suggested that a blended approach of initial face to face assessment with digital health follow up would be the best approach to using digital health in this patient group. Conclusion This study illustrates Irish physiotherapists’ perceptions of the use of digital health interventions and perceived barriers and motivators for the use of digital health among PwP. This study offers useful perspectives on how to use digital health to promote PA in PwP.

Self-reflection proposal on digital competence for regular primary education teachers: the Selfie For Teachers model

Expansion of Digital Information and Communication Technologies (DICT) applied to education requires increasingly prepared educators to interact and produce knowledge, thus avoiding the mere transposition of analogue information to digital. Accordingly, analysis of the digital competence of teachers through self-reflection is a necessity in the face of the contradictions that the 21st century experiences, primarily with the Covid-19 challenges. The purpose of this study is to analyze the importance of the Selfie for Teachers model in the construction/improvement processes of digital competences of educators in primary education, providing them with a self-reflection on their level of digital skills. To this end, we opted for the methodological strategy of an exploratory and descriptive study, using bibliographic research on the subject as data source. The article concludes that the theoretical Selfie for Teachers model encourages teachers and suggests, through real-time returns, possibilities to constantly build on and improve their digital competence.

Existing Situation of Digital Pedagogy in the Mathematics Classroom

This article examines the existing situation of digital pedagogy in mathematics classrooms at Tribhuvan University, focusing on the skills and activities of mathematics teachers. Digital pedagogy, the integration of ICT tools and techniques in teaching, can potentially enhance teaching and learning activities. However, there are challenges in implementing digital pedagogy, such as limited access to technology and inadequate teacher preparation programs. This study utilized a cross-sectional research design with quantitative methodology. Data were collected from mathematics teachers of constituent campuses at Tribhuvan University using self-constructed closed-structure questionnaires. The results indicated that mathematics teachers possess varying levels of digital skills, with proficiency in producing documents and using emails but lower proficiency in developing questions and mathematical documents using Latex. The teachers frequently use the Internet to collect information and employ digital presentation tools. However, the usage of online resources and platforms for learning materials and homework posting was occasional. The findings underscore the importance of targeted training and resource provision to enhance digital skills among mathematics teachers. Tribhuvan University should prioritize technology access, improve teacher preparation programs, and promote digital literacy. By addressing these challenges, Tribhuvan University can effectively integrate digital pedagogy in mathematics classrooms, leading to enhanced teaching and learning experiences and improved student outcomes.

DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTER-BASED DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT SYSTEM: CASE STUDY OF EQUIVALENCE OF PAPER-AND-PENCIL AND COMPUTER-BASED TESTING

In the last two decades computer-based assessment has become an important part in support of teaching and learning. It is seen as a solution to implement assessment for learning in school and provide immediate feedback on students’ performance in real-time. Research literature on computer-based assessment suggests that every measurement instrument developer before implementation of a test has to provide evidence that computer-based and paper-based versions are equivalent and provide consistent measures. There is a risk that properties of computer-based assessment including unfamiliarity with the system and proficiency level of digital skills can seriously affect students’ performance. This paper focuses on computer-based diagnostic assessment system designed to support numeracy and literacy teaching and learning. The aim of this study is to confirm that literacy and numeracy learning measurement instruments elaborated in diagnostic assessment system provide consistent results as paper-based versions of both instruments. Data were collected administering four tests. Two of the assessments were computer-based literacy and numeracy diagnostic assessments and two were paper-based versions. By analyzing both versions of assessments using various statistical techniques we explore differences in students’ performance. Our results showed that at this development phase of the computer-based diagnostic assessment system the students who completed computer-based test versions showed similar or better performance than their counterparts who completed paper-based versions.

Digitale Kompetenzen der Staatsbehörden

In this article, one of the attempts is made to consider the problem of digital literacy of civil servants as an essential factor in the full exercise of information rights and freedoms of Russian citizens, optimization of administrative procedures and the realization of national interests in the information sphere of modern scientific literature. The interpretation of the term «digital competence»is presented, the current state of public service in Russia is characterized as the basis of its development, the main aspects of digital competence of state bodies are analyzed. A modern civil servant of any level should be ready every hour, every minute for a situation of mobile, competent response to the appeals of citizens, society, which implies professionalism and a high level of digital literacy. Perhaps it seems self-evident that all government agencies, regardless of their age and level of activity, have a sufficient level of digital skills. There should be enough trained personnel to work on the Internet in ministries and departments, other institutions of state power. Thus, an adequate level of digital competence is relevant today.