Management Competencies Research Articles

Research Data Management Competencies for Academic Libraries: Perspectives from Two Universities in South Africa

The rapid pace of technological change has significantly transformed the librarianship profession, impacting the required competencies for professionals working in library and information services (LIS). As new roles emerge within academic libraries, librarians need to assess their current knowledge and skills as well as identify additional knowledge and skills needed to adapt to evolving roles and responsibilities. This paper reports findings of a study conducted at two university libraries in South Africa. The objective of the study was to identify the competencies necessary for academic librarians in providing research data management services (RDM). While previous studies have explored the knowledge and skills required for academic librarians in Southern Africa and globally, there is a research gap concerning the specific competencies necessary for RDM. This study employed semi-structured interviews with librarians from two selected university libraries, using purposive sampling. The research also included document reviews and content analysis of relevant academic library job advertisements. The study’s findings highlight key competencies such as information and data management practices, repository management, data curation, data collection management, understanding funders’ policies, research Research Data Management Competencies for Academic Libraries: Perspectives from Two Universities in South Africa methods and processes, as well as ICT and digitization skills. The findings also highlight the importance of robust training and selfdevelopment through online courses, webinars, and freely available materials as strategies to support RDM.

The Tuscany Regional Network for rare diseases: from European Reference Networks’ experience to registry based organisation and management model for rare diseases

BackgroundIn the European Union, a disease is defined as rare when it affects fewer than 1 in 2000 people. Currently, there are up to 8000 described rare diseases (RDs), collectively affecting 30 million people in the European Union. In 2004 Tuscany region (Italy) established a Regional Network of hospital units to ensure highly specialised medical care in the field of RDs. Shortly after the Rare Diseases Registry of Tuscany (Registro Toscano Malattie Rare—RTMR) was implemented. Here we describe the analysis performed on RTMR data which has recently allowed to remap the Network based on European Reference Networks’ model.ResultsData analysis was performed on 60,367 cases registered in RTMR, regarding 628 RDs. Two-hundred and fifteen active presidia have been evaluated. The assignment of each RD to the suitable European Reference Network has been made considering not only the number of registered cases, certifications and treatment plans for each Regional Presidium but also the competence in multidisciplinary management of the patient, from diagnosis to treatment. This evaluation has led to the establishment of twenty-one Regional Coordination Centres. They aggregate and coordinate Hospital Units which diagnose and treat one or a group of related RDs. In case of wide groups of RDs, Clinical Subnets are instituted. Updated statistics regarding RDs in Tuscany, list of RDs and Coordination Centres, as well as information about single Presidia are published and freely available on a designated webpage. Regional Decrees are regularly updated according to the network evolution.ConclusionsThe Rare Diseases Regional Network in Tuscany, based on the ERN model, has played a pivotal role in enhancing RD management and research. The remapping has led to a dynamic system, following not only scientific research but also the development of Presidia’s expertise. By pooling resources and expertise, the network has improved the availability and accessibility of specialized care for patients with RDs. Collaborative efforts, data sharing, and standardized registries are crucial for advancing RD research, improving diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with RDs.

Managerial Competencies Engaged in Innovative Actions in Primary Health Care: A Qualitative Study of Brazilian Nurses

Aim. To explore the managerial competencies engaged in innovative actions among Brazilian nurses working in primary health care. Background. The mobilization of managerial competencies favors environments that are in transformation. There is a lack of studies that recognize the managerial skills which influence the implementation of innovative actions in PHC. Method. A qualitative exploratory descriptive approach was developed in the PHC of a municipality in Brazil. A total of 76 nurses who worked in management and care participated with a semistructured script being applied on innovative actions implemented in the service. The data were processed in IraMuTeQ 0.7 and later analyzed by descending hierarchical classification. Results. The managerial competencies that influenced the development of innovative actions implemented were as follows: communication and teamwork in planning innovative actions, continuing education for application and implementation, and leadership and people management. Conclusions. Managerial competencies were used as strategies by nurses to implement innovative actions and contribute to engagement and generating positive results, emphasizing autonomy and the role of nurses as agents of change. Implications for Nursing Management. The identified management competencies contribute to directing and sustaining innovative actions, as well as to identifying critical nodes that need support and innovation.

Meanings, materials and competences of area-wide weed management in cropping systems

CONTEXTArea-wide collaboration across private and public property boundaries can enhance the management of weeds and minimise the spread of herbicide resistance. Yet we know little about the practices individual land managers engage in to achieve area-wide weed management (AWWM). OBJECTIVEThis paper uses Social Practice Theory (SPT) as a framework to understand how cropping land managers engage with the practices of AWWM, and what the drivers and barriers are to their participation. METHODS30 qualitative interviews were undertaken with land managers in Australian cropping regions of the Darling Downs (Queensland), Gwydir (New South Wales), Riverina (New South Wales) and Sunraysia (Victoria). Thematic analysis of the interviews explored the three dimensions of SPT—meanings, materials, and competences—of AWWM and the interactions between these elements. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThere is a value-action gap between growers' desire to participate in AWWM practices and their capacity to do so. The analysis reveals that narrowing this gap requires interventions at the points where the SPT elements intersect. It recommends beginning by leveraging existing commonalities between growers who already have a desire to participate in AWWM then scaling out by encouraging trusted agronomist networks to link diverse growers to facilitate collaborative weed management practices. There is also a role for government in supporting the development of leadership capabilities among growers, providing an enabling environment for agronomists to act as systemic facilitators and leading by example on public land. SIGNIFICANCEMost of the research on collective management of weeds has focused on formal groups in grazing systems. This study provides new insights into how and why weeds are largely managed independently in cropping systems and proposes ways growers may be supported to adopt more collaborative practices to address this landscape-scale problem.

Crisis management competencies: A university stakeholder perspective

AbstractSouth African Universities faced an unforeseen crisis in the form of the #FeesMustFall (#FMF) movement. The Executive Management of the affected Universities was criticized for how the crisis was handled. Due to the significant cost (over R1 billion) to the higher education sector, not just in fiscal losses, but the loss of life, the investment into crisis management would be justified. Crisis management is a business action that includes planning and organising to prepare for and to respond to threats to business activities. Reviewing the literature identified a void regarding the crisis management competencies needed by the Executive Management as perceived by stakeholders. This exploratory study made use of a mixed methodology research design. A self‐administered questionnaire incorporating open‐ended questions was used to identify and explore the competencies perceived by the stakeholders as important during times of crisis. Simple descriptive statistics were used to identify the top management competencies needed in a time of crisis as perceived by the stakeholders. This was compared with the findings in the literature. The study identified 10 management competencies perceived by stakeholders of which eight competencies are consistent with crisis management competencies found in the literature.

Scorpion Sting Envenomation, a Neglected Tropical Disease: A Nationwide Survey Exploring Perspectives and Attitudes of Resident Doctors from India.

Scorpion sting envenomation (SSE) is a commonly encountered and a significant problem in the tropics, affecting rural and marginalized communities. However, it is not formally listed as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) by the WHO. We designed this cross-sectional study to explore medical graduates' and resident doctors' perspectives on SSE as an NTD and to assess their experiences, knowledge, and confidence in managing these patients. An online questionnaire was developed, validated, and administered to interns and resident doctors across India. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated for factors predicting high self-reported confidence scores for managing scorpion stings using multivariable logistic regression. The final questionnaire contained 26 items including participant background, perspectives about SSE being an NTD, experiences, knowledge, and skills needed to manage, and prevent stings effectively. Of 454 participants, 69% opined that SSE was an NTD, and >60% felt that SSE was inadequately addressed within undergraduate training. Predictors of high self-reported confidence scores in management competencies were residency in a clinical branch that commonly encountered SSE (internal/emergency medicine or pediatrics, P < 0.0001), having ever managed an SSE patient alone or as a part of a team (P < 0.0001), and attending a class or teaching session on SSE during undergraduate training (P = 0.048). Our results suggest that residents across India believe that there is an urgent need to declare SSE an NTD to increase its visibility, further paving the way for innovative multilevel cross-cutting solutions for mitigation. Designing authentic learning experiences can help produce competent and empathetic physicians in managing and preventing SSE.

The role of formal training in building healthcare management competencies

Background/Aims There has been a growing interest and need for formal competency-based professional education for enhancing both individual and organisational performance in hospital management in Nigeria. This study investigated the relationship between formal managerial education and measurable competencies among hospital managers. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 104 managers from 25 purposively selected hospitals. The survey assessed managerial competencies, with a score of ≥123 indicating overall managerial competence. The collected data were analysed using both descriptive (percentages, means and standard deviations) and inferential (Mann-Whitney U test) statistics, comparing participants who had received formal healthcare management training and those who had not. P&lt;0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference between scores. Results There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of developed abilities (P=0.072), planning skills (P=0.406), leadership skills (P=0.213), evaluation skills (P=0.543), organisational skills (P=0.805) or self-management skills (P=0.077). There was also no significant difference between the groups in terms of overall managerial skills (P=0.240). Conclusions Receiving formal professional training in healthcare management had no effect on hospital managers' managerial competencies. Improving the effectiveness of training programmes may require targeted healthcare management education training for the development of specific managerial competencies.

Teaching business leadership skills to professionals in healthcare cybersecurity, biodefense and biotechnology through experiential learning methods

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only reshaped the global economic landscape but also underscored the critical need for strategic leadership and management skills in organizations spanning diverse sectors. This paper delves into the compelling imperative of nurturing strategic leadership and management competencies among technical experts, with a particular focus on pivotal fields such as biodefense, healthcare cybersecurity, biotechnology, and healthcare operations management. It asserts that the post-COVID-19 era necessitates a profound shift in organizational priorities, urging a renewed commitment to fostering comprehensive leadership capabilities alongside technical proficiency within graduate and degree completion programs. To meet this imperative, the paper advocates for the adoption of innovative and student-centric pedagogical approaches. In today’s dynamic landscape, traditional methods fall short in preparing technical managers for the multifaceted challenges they face. Instead, the paper champions the utilization of experiential learning approaches, such as activity-based learning, problem-based learning, design thinking, and Learn-Teach-Do. These approaches go beyond theory, immersing students in collaborative, reflective, and integrative experiences that simulate real-world scenarios, thus equipping them with the leadership acumen needed to excel in technical healthcare roles.

Upaya Meningkatkan Kompetensi Pedagogik Guru Dalam Manajemen Kelas Melalui Supervisi Administrasi Kelas Di SMP Negeri 1 Simpang Teritip Kabupaten Bangka Barat Tahun Pelajaran 2022/2023

Indicators of improving the quality of education, in this case are the components of school principals and teachers, because in their hands school policy and management as well as the process of teaching and learning activities can be carried out well, synergy between school principals and teachers which is vertically instructive, a symbiotic mutualism, as well as communication and mutual complementing is an ideal condition for creating a good teaching and learning activity process. Indicators of improving the quality of education, in this case are the principal and teacher components, because in their hands the school policy and management as well as the teaching and learning activity process can be carried out well, the synergy between the school principal and teachers is Vertical instructiveness, symbiotic mutualism, as well as communication and complementarity are the ideal conditions for creating a good teaching and learning process. The problem that arises is whether through Class Administration Supervision can Teachers Improve Pedagogical Competence in Class Management at SMP Negeri 1 Simpang Teritip West Bangka Regency for the 2022/2023 Academic Year? The aim of this research is to improve teachers' pedagogical competence in classroom management through supervision of classroom administration at SMP Negeri 1 Simpang Teritip, West Bangka Regency, Academic Year 2022/2023. The number of pages in PTS is 31 pages. The results of the research showed that the results of the pre-cycle, cycle I, cycle II, the teacher's ability to manage and manage the class experienced an increase in percentage at each stage, from the new pre-cycle it reached 67% (fair), in the first cycle it reached 68% (good), and the first cycle II 88% (very good). Based on the results of the research above, it can be concluded that through academic supervision classes can improve Teacher Pedagogical Competence in Class Management at SMP Negeri 1 Simpang Teritip.

Enhancing the Family Physician Competency in Epidemic management through Continuous Medical Education and (CME) and Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Enhancing the Family Physician Competency in Epidemic management through Continuous Medical Education and (CME) and Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

STRATEGI PENDIDIKAN DASAR UNTUK MENCAPAI AKUNTABILITAS PENGELOLAAN PENDIDIKAN

Good education financing accountability will produce quality education output. Accountability must be applied in every aspect of financing to support activities, because cost is one of the most influential elements in an educational activity. This literature reviu aims to determine strategies in the management of basic education accountability. Data collection is based on a literature study of 7 literatures ranging from 2013 to 2020. The articles were obtained by reviuing the official Google Scholar website. The results of the study indicate that the strategies that can be carried out by a basic education organization to achieve education management accountability. Good governance, wealth management, school-based management (SBM), and principal competencies.

Effectiveness of an online training program for improving nurses’ competencies in disaster risk management

BackgroundNurses’ incompetency in disaster risk management can have many negative consequences during disasters, so it is important to prepare nurses and improve their competencies in disaster risk management. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of an online training program to improve competencies in disaster risk management.MethodThis interventional study was conducted on nurses working in a specialized trauma hospital affiliated with the Kerman University of Medical Sciences in southeastern Iran in 2023. Eighty-one nurses were randomly assigned into two interventions (n = 42) and control groups (n = 39). The intervention group received an online training program in four sessions, and both groups electronically completed the demographic questionnaire and the nurses’ perceptions of disaster core competencies scale (NPDCC) before and one month after the intervention.ResultsThe study results showed no significant difference in disaster competency scores between the two groups before the intervention (p < 0.51), but the NPDCC score in the intervention group was statistically significant after the intervention compared to before the intervention (p < 0.02) and no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups after the intervention (p < 0.16).ConclusionWhile the online training program was found to significantly improve the NPDCC score of nurses in the intervention group, this increase was not significant when compared to the control group. Therefore, we suggest continuous practical exercises and maneuvers to improve nurses’ perception of the competencies required for effective disaster management.

Perceived clinical competence and predictive role of time management in nursing students

Aim/objectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the association between perceived clinical competence and time management among nursing students. BackgroundGiven the close relationship between clinical competence and nursing care quality, it is important to investigate the nursing students' status in relation to the acquisition of nursing skills. Time management also as a framework for planning, setting goals, prioritizing goals and activities can be regarded as an important factor contributing to the clinical competence of nursing students. DesignA cross-sectional and correlational study Settings/ParticipantsThis study included 221 undergraduate nursing students in Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Iran in the 2022–2023 academic year. MethodThe data were collected online through a demographic information questionnaire, the clinical competency inventory, and the time management questionnaire. ResultsStudents’ mean scores for the clinical-competency, and time management were 120.38 ± 22.15, and 77.91 ± 15.15, respectively. Regression models showed that overall time management (β = 0.454, p < 0.001) and interest in the field of nursing (β = 0.171, p = 0.004) were predictors for overall clinical competence in nursing students. This model explained 25 % of the variance in clinical competence (F= 38.707, p < 0.001). ConclusionTime management can affect nursing students' competence in providing quality nursing care to patients. Therefore, it seems that holding training workshops on time management skills for nursing students can be an effective and pioneering step in improving these skills.

Development and Feasibility of a Primary Care Provider Training Intervention to Improve Atrial Fibrillation Management

The disparities in atrial fibrillation (AF) care are partially attributed to inadequate access to providers with specialized training in AF. Primary care providers (PCPs) are often the sole providers of AF care in under-resourced regions. As such, we sought to create a virtual education intervention for PCPs and to evaluate its impact on the use of stroke risk reduction strategies in patients with AF. A multidisciplinary team mentored PCPs on AF management over 6months using a virtual case-based training format. Surveys of participant knowledge and confidence in AF care were compared before and after the intervention. Hierarchical logistic regression modeling was used to evaluate change in oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy in the patients seen by participants before or after training. Of 41 participants trained, 49% worked in family medicine, 41% internal medicine, and 10% general cardiology. Participants attended a mean of 14 1-hour sessions. Overall, the appropriate use of OAC (for CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥1 man, ≥2 women) increased from 37% to 46% (p <0.001) comparing the patients seen before (n=1,739) versus after (n=610) intervention. The factors independently associated with appropriate OAC use included participant training (odds ratio [OR] 1.4, p=0.002) and participant competence in AF management. The factors associated with decreased OAC use included patient age (OR 0.8 per 10year, p=0.008) and nonwhite race (OR 0.7, p=0.028). Provider knowledge and confidence in AF care improved (p <0.001). In conclusion, we show that a virtual PCP training intervention improves the use of stroke risk reduction therapy in outpatients with AF and could be a widely scalable intervention to improve AF care in under-resourced communities.

Collaborative research competencies in supply chain management: the role of boundary spanning and reflexivity

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the competencies that researchers need to develop and employ for successful collaborative research.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a reflexive approach built on participant observation of six cases of collaborative research in public procurement and logistics.FindingsThe authors identify and explain two major competencies that are required for successful collaborative research. The first is boundary-spanning competence that represents the researchers' ability to move fluidly from the academic milieu to the practitioner's environment. The second is reflexivity competence that allows the researchers to learn from each collaborative research project they participate in and further improve their boundary-spanning competence.Originality/valueThis study goes beyond the list of skills for collaborative research reported in the literature to describe two major competencies that researchers should develop to perform successful collaborative research. This reflection may serve as a starting point for the development of a sociological understanding of the collaborative research field.

How online peer support affects management efficacy and mitigates difficulties of parents caring for children with type 1 diabetes

The proper management of pediatric type 1 diabetes depends substantially on the parents of affected children. Parental psychological traits specifically related to diabetes caregiving influence the quality of their care and management of the disease in their children. Parents often use Facebook groups as sources of peer support and information about diabetes care. The present study aimed to examine the influence of devices used in diabetes management, ascertain the impact of Facebook peer-support groups on parental perceptions of problems and probe parental self-efficacy. 318 parents of children with type 1 diabetes completed an online questionnaire on demographics, diabetes-related data, and diabetes care-related psychological characteristics. Data analysis revealed three variables that determined competence in diabetes management: the utility of information and suggestions offered in the Facebook groups on diabetes; the form of insulin administration and membership in Facebook groups. Our results underpin that peer-support groups on social media platforms can serve as sources of the necessary information, support, and feedback on diabetes management competence for parents of children living with type 1 diabetes, they may thus facilitate parental diabetes management capabilities.

A transnational student-led, rural-focussed inquiry: social work educational competency in disaster management

ABSTRACT Due to the impact of natural and human-caused disasters, for example, climate change, social workers are increasingly needed at the frontline of disaster management. However, some social workers feel unprepared for responding to the needs of vulnerable communities experiencing a disaster. Alongside this, many rural communities that experience disasters also live with social disadvantages, resulting in added layers of difficulty. In response to a gap in social work curricula, the authors residing in both Ireland and Australia decided to conduct a student-led, rural-focussed co-operative inquiry into the research question: How can social work curricula support emerging social workers in developing their competency for working in disaster-affected rural communities to enable resilience? In addressing this question, we propose that social work education include learning the four phases of disaster management (prevention, preparation, response and recovery) through the lens of social work ethics. We posit that social work students need to graduate with an awareness that disasters can exacerbate the issues of distance and social isolation, especially in rural communities. Further, students interested in rural practice would benefit from the cognizance of the factors that increase community vulnerability and the acquisition of strategies and skills associated with strengthening community resilience.

Experimental verification of the effectiveness of the pedagogical model of the formation of natural and scientific competence of future specialists in physical therapy and ergotherapy

The article presents the course and results of a formative experiment to test the effectiveness of a theoretically substantiated pedagogical model of forming the natural and scientific competence of future specialists in physical therapy and ergotherapy. The content, technologies, and mechanisms of the organization of the experimental study of natural and scientific training of future specialists are substantiated, an analysis of the effectiveness of the developed methodics at the relevant stages of natural and scientific training is conducted. The dynamics of quantitative and qualitative indicators of the formation of natural and scientific competence of future specialists in physical therapy and ergotherapy is analyzed on professional and orientative, fundamental professional and specialized professional stages of training. The concept of «competence of a physical therapist, ergotherapist», certified with a document on professional education, includes: competence in the field of theory in physical therapy and ergotherapy; competence in the field of modern rehabilitation technologies and methodics; competence in designing and rehabilitation systems; competence in professional interaction with participants of the rehabilitation process (members of the multidisciplinary team, patients, family members / caregivers of patients); competence in the field of theory and practice of research in the fields of physical therapy and ergotherapy; competence in medical innovations; competence in organization and management; competence in professional self-improvement.&#x0D; The effectiveness of the proposed model is verified through a system of criteria (personal and motivational, cognitive, integrative and substantial, informational and communicative, operational and activity orientated, health-keeping, and professional and reflexive); for each criterion, a number of indicators and levels (elementary, basic, sufficient and creative) of the formation of natural and scientific competence of future specialists are distinguished. Using statistical methods, the reliability of the obtained results and the correctness of the formulated hypothesis are confirmed.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT QUALIFICATION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS WORKING IN SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS

This research was conducted to determine the classroom management competencies of special education teachers working in special education schools. The study group of the research consists of 25 special education teachers working in three different types of special education schools in Üsküdar district of Istanbul. The participants of the study were determined by the maximum diversity method. The data were obtained with a semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher by taking expert opinion. The following questions were asked to the teachers: “As a teacher working in special education schools, what is your competence in managing the physical environment?” “As a teacher working in special education schools, what is your ability to carry out education and training in a healthy way?” “As a teacher working in special education schools, what is your ability to use time effectively and efficiently?” “As a teacher working in special education schools, what is your competence in communicating effectively with students?”, “What is your competence in managing student behavior as a teacher working in special education schools?” questions were posed. According to the research, it has been observed that the most important issue that teachers pay attention to while managing the physical environment is the characteristics such as the type of disability and behavioral problems of the students. It has been observed that the way for teachers to carry out education and training in a healthy way is to determine the performance of students, to prepare individualized education plans, activities and materials suitable for their performance and individual differences. It has been determined that teachers prepare lesson plans, activities, methods, techniques and materials in advance in order to use time effectively and efficiently while managing the classroom. It has been determined that the teachers determine the communication method according to the student's characteristics in terms of communicating effectively with the students. It has been observed that teachers prepare behavior change plans while managing student behaviors, use reinforcements for the continuity of positive behaviors, use methods such as ignoring to extinguish negative behaviors, and also determine the classroom rules. According to the findings, the most common problems in classroom management were determined as "student's behavior problems", "inadequate physical conditions of the classroom", "program density", "different learning levels of the students ", "lack of family support". In the classroom management process, the physical conditions of the classrooms should be improved, equipment deficiencies should be eliminated, and material diversity should be increased. Teachers should be supported, and the content and number of in-service trainings should be increased for the development of teachers.

Student Competencies in Supply Chain Management: Expectations and Reality

Student Competencies in Supply Chain Management: Expectations and Reality