Management Competencies Research Articles

Utilizing interactive visual multimedia to improve business capabilities and financial management competencies of women vegetable farmers

ABSTRACT This study examined the usefulness of interactive visual multimedia in improving business capabilities and financial management competencies of women vegetable farmers. The researchers utilized a quasi-experimental design and assigned participants to a training group (n = 270) and a no-training group (n-270). The result of the study showed a significant main effect of interactive visual multimedia and business capabilities and financial management competencies of women vegetable farmers. Additional results showed no interactive effect of cultivation characteristics such as the source of labour, farm size, years of cultivation and the season for vegetable cultivation. However, there was a significant contributing role of reason for the cultivation of vegetables. Women farmers who cultivate for commercial purposes were more influenced by the training than those who cultivate for consumption. Nonetheless, the training influenced 54% of those who cultivate vegetables for consumption to indicate their intention to commence commercial cultivation. When asked to indicate the pedagogical agents that influence the learning of business and financial management capabilities, 76% indicated a combination of co-learners and tutors. The researchers highlighted the implications of these results on empowerment and made suggestions on how to empower women farmers through skill acquisition using interactive learning engagements.

Artificial Intelligence Competencies in Logistics Management: An Empirical Insight from Bahrain

This research seeks to examine the artificial intelligence (AI) competencies in logistics management by reviewing its capabilities, challenges and benefits. To increase the use of AI in logistics management, this study addresses the issues of the current technology in AI adoption in logistics management. This goal was accomplished using a systematic methodology. First, a detailed review was conducted to look at the advantages, challenges and current AI competencies. Using a survey instrument and a simple random sampling technique, the required data was collected from 44 businesses which effectively use AI in their logistical operations. The collected data gave insightful information on how AI is currently being used in logistics management. The outcome of this study shows that AI significantly affects logistics management. The study reveals notable competencies, significant challenges and major advantages of AI in managing logistics activities through the systematic analysis and synthesis of the obtained data. These findings demonstrate how AI has the potential to improve operational effectiveness, resource allocation, decision-making processes and supply chain operations in logistics management. A potential recommendation is to establish strategies and guidelines for efficient implementation and integration of AI technologies in logistics management based on the observed technology gap and the research’s findings. This will minimise the current gap and optimise the advantages of the industry’s use of AI, resulting in higher performance, cost savings and increased competitiveness for logistics business organisations.

Improving Malaria Case Management and Referral Relationships at the Primary Care Level in Ghana: Evaluation of a Quality Assurance Internship.

In Ghana, Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds managed by trained nurses and midwives called community health officers (CHOs) play a major role in malaria service delivery. With heavy administrative burdens and minimal training in providing patient care, particularly for febrile illnesses, including malaria, CHOs struggle to comply with the World Health Organization's test, treat, and track initiative guidelines and appropriate referral practices. A clinical training and mentorship program was implemented for CHOs to prevent and manage uncomplicated malaria and offer appropriate pre-referral treatment and referrals to district hospitals. Medical officers, pharmacists, midwives, health information officers, and medical laboratory scientists at 52 district referral hospitals were trained as mentors; CHOs from 520 poorly performing CHPS compounds underwent a 5-day internship at their assigned district referral hospital to improve knowledge and clinical skills for malaria case management. Three months later, mentors conducted post-training mentoring visits to assess knowledge and skill retention and provide ongoing on-the-job guidance. Significant percentage-point increases were observed immediately post-internship for history taking (+12.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]=8.3, 15.1; P<.001); fever assessment (+24.9, 95% CI=20.9, 29.3; P<.001); severe malaria assessment and referral (+32.0, 95% CI=28.2, 35.8; P<.001); and knowledge assessment (+15.8, 95% CI=10.0, 21.3; P<.001). Three months later, a third assessment revealed these gains were largely maintained. Analysis of national health management information system data showed statistically significant improvements in testing, treatment, and referral indicators at intervention CHPS compounds after the intervention that were not observed in comparison CHPS compounds. This training and mentorship approach offers a replicable model to build primary care provider competencies in malaria prevention and management and demonstrates how developing relationships between primary care and first-level referral facilities benefits both providers and clients. More methodologically rigorous studies are needed to measure the impact of this approach.

Competencies and Capabilities for the Management of Sustainable Rural Development Projects in the Value Chain: Perception from Small and Medium-Sized Business Agents in Jauja, Peru

The guinea pig value chain in Jauja, Peru, has been developed through the application of productive projects, institutional strengthening, and implementation of the Principles of Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI). Given the smallholding conditions of the Jauja territory and the proliferation of commercial guinea pig breeding, the actors in this chain constitute a key human capital for development. To improve the performance of the actors in the sustainable rural development of the territory of Jauja, Peru, the research carried out an evaluation of the competencies and capabilities for project management in 46 actors linked to the business programme on the CFS-RAI Principles, representing 1094 people in the guinea pig value chain in Jauja, using the Working With People (WWP) model and empirical instruments based on the Octagon method, project management competence evaluation, performance evaluation carried out by experts, attitudinal evaluation. and the Business Model Canvas. The results have helped to structure the actors of the value chain, who show an intermediate mastery of project management competencies (2.73/5), institutional capabilities in development (2.89/7), and a growing organisational management performance (26.2/100). In addition, trust and proactivity have been generated among the actors in the chain, with an interest in continuing with the implementation of the CFS-RAI Principles in order to achieve sustainability in their productive projects with commercial innovation. The results have allowed us to generate the design of an innovative programme for the development of competencies, which balances the three dimensions of project management competencies (perspective, people, and practice), as defined by the International Project Management Association (IPMA), in connection with the CFS-RAI Principles. Both processes complement the strengthening of human capital in agrifood value chains through sustainable project management and contributing to sustainable development in the region.

Competence in managing workplace violence among nursing interns: Application of latent class analysis

AimTo identify subtypes of competence in managing workplace violence (WPV) among nursing interns and to assess between–group differences. BackgroundNursing interns are reported to be a vulnerable population for experiencing workplace violence during their clinical placement. Although WPV could have a negative impact on nursing interns' health and attitudes towards the nursing profession, little is known about nursing interns' competence in workplace violence management or its influencing factors. DesignA cross–sectional study. MethodsBetween March to April 2023, nursing interns at three tertiary general hospitals in Anhui Province, China, completed questionnaires including a general information questionnaire, the Management of Workplace Violence Competence Scale (MWVCS), the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES–9), the Emotional Labour Scale for Nurses (ELSN) and were classified into subtypes by latent class analysis. Subsequently, univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify the influencing factors by subtypes. ResultsA total of 264 questionnaires were valid and the overall mean age of the participants was 21.06 ±1.41 years. Four classes were identified: low competency group (15.5%), low cognition–low coping competency group (18.2%), low cognition–medium to high competency group (21.6%) and high competency group (44.7%). The results of multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that placement hospitals with a WPV management department, emotional control effort in profession dimension and emotional pretense by norms dimension in the Emotional Labour Scale for Nurses, pursuing further education and vigour dimension in the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale were influencing factors of the potential categories of WPV management competence. ConclusionsFour classes were identified and there was competence variability among nursing interns. More attention should be given to nursing interns who did not receive WPV–related training in their school or placement hospital.

Social imaginaries methods and socio-engineering competences in sustainable river management (a case study in the living lab Upper Citarum)

The Living Lab approach has become popular and developed in the past decade. It could provide a configuration to pursue a shared vision of integrated water resources management of the Citarum River in West Java - Indonesia. The multi-stakeholder situation and the growing recognition of interdependencies among stakeholders foster the complexity of addressing sustainable river management for the Upper Citarum River. To gain insights on essential competencies and adaptations in higher education curricula, the Environmental Engineering Department of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering-ITB, Telkom University Indonesia, and Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands, joined hands in a collaborative research project. This study aims to develop a socio-engineering aspect for sustainable river water quality management in the Environmental Engineering Field and Curricula. The methods used are social imaginaries of Participatory Mapping and a Poetry Route that allowed the involved river bank communities to activate their role and take positions in the living lab. Institutional stakeholders, acting in a facilitating role, learned to gain and share information from and with the community. The result concludes that social imaginaries methods enable a new perspective in developing community-based programs and advocate further exploring the socio-engineering competencies of environmental professionals.

Effects of Goat Breed Improvement Program on Climate Change Resilience Among Smallholder Farmers in Semi-Arid Zimbabwe

The goat breeding improvement program played a crucial role in addressing the challenges of climate change vulnerability among the smallholder farmers of climate change-vulnerable communities in Gokwe North district, Zimbabwe. Using cross-sectional data from 217 small-scale farmers in four randomly selected wards in the Gokwe North district of Zimbabwe, the study examined the effect of the program on households’ climate change adaptation capabilities using proxy variables including food security, asset acquisition, access to affordable credit, and enhanced business management competencies. Primary data were collected using questionnaires. Results show that there were gains in credit access, asset base improvements, food security and income. The evaluation established an excellent potential for sustainability or continued flow of benefits beyond the program’s lifetime, given the institutional capacity building implemented under the program. There were impacts regarding the program accruing positive changes in well-being, improved livelihoods, and community adaptation even in the face of climate change and an ever-changing economic policy environment. Gokwe North District can be further transformed, given the level of commercialisation of the goat project among the participating members of the community, if extension support is provided in a way that suits the farmers’ capacities to learn.

A comprehensive review of difficult airway management strategies for patient safety.

Difficult airway management is critical to ensuring patient safety. It involves addressing the challenges and failures that can occur, even with skilled healthcare providers, during face mask ventilation, intubation, supraglottic airway placement, invasive airway procedures, or extubation. Although the incidence of the most critical situation in airway management, "cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate," is low at 0.0019-0.04%, its occurrence can have severe consequences, including dental injury, airway injury, hypoxic brain damage, and even death. This study aimed to offer healthcare providers a comprehensive and evidence-based approach for difficult airway management by reviewing recent guidelines and incorporating the latest evidence-based practices to improve their preparedness and competence in difficult airway management, and thus ultimately contribute to improved patient safety.

Exploring the relationship between knowledge management and core competencies to improve universities success in Jordan: Testing the mediating effect of employee engagement

Exploring the relationship between knowledge management and core competencies to improve universities success in Jordan: Testing the mediating effect of employee engagement

Stakeholder perspectives on the 2023 Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan: An integration within the ecosystem approach framework

AbstractAquaculture developmental plans represent a nation's determination for self‐reliance on domestic fish production through resilient aquaculture. This study reviewed the 2012 Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan (GNADP) and sought inputs from industry stakeholders to inform GNADP 2023 using the ecosystem approach to aquaculture (EAA). In furtherance of this, we also investigated the justifications for antibiotic treatments including the assessment of the sector that is supposed to regulate aquaculture growth. The findings suggest that GNADP 2023 must be strategized to address industry sustainability bottlenecks identified as input availability and quality, permitting, regulation and enforcement, financing schemes and technical expertise. In terms of technical expertise, the inclusion of women in aquaculture can diversify the skill sets for the improvement of capacity and competence in good aquaculture practices and fish health management. Sector partnerships can aid in leveraging the expertise and resources among sectors to address persistent industry issues. The justifications for antibiotic treatments are disease management, prophylactics, antibiotic availability, application, and effectiveness, capacity and competence, including regulation and enforcement. This also comprised the sense of ownership and responsibility as farmers feel they must safeguard their investment. It is therefore important for farmers to pursue preventative aquaculture biosecurity measures. The government sector was selected predominantly to regulate aquaculture growth. We however recommended a participatory approach as this could facilitate peer regulation to enhance the regulation and enforcement of aquaculture regulations. The findings in this study are worth considering as it pioneers the adoption of the EAA framework for aquaculture developmental planning in Ghana.

Study on the optimization of college students’ emotion management strategies based on multivariate statistical analysis

Abstract In this paper, a factor analysis of emotion management competencies was conducted using multivariate statistical analysis for the emotion management strategies of college students. Five competencies, such as emotion regulation ability and seeking external support, were selected as exploratory factors, and KMO and Bartlett's sphericity test verified their feasibility. After the factors were identified, the correlation and influence of physical exercise on college students’ emotion management ability were investigated based on multiple regression methods, and optimization strategies were proposed in turn. In terms of exercise time, college students’ emotion management ability was significantly correlated with exercise time in general, and the correlation coefficient was 0.885. The intensity and frequency of physical exercise showed a linear relationship with college students’ emotion management ability, and the coefficients of the standardized regression equation were 0.325 and 0.246, in turn.

Determining the Needs for Classroom Management Course in Associate Degree Child Development Departments

The aim of this study is to determine the needs for the classroom management course in associate degree child development departments. The research was conducted using the case study method. In this context, 5 experts were included in the study group using criteriyinon sampling technique, and 201 students were included using appropriate sampling technique. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers and the classroom management competency scale. Additionally, studies conducted nationally and internationally on the subject were also reviewed for data collection. The data were analyzed using content analysis, percentage, frequency, and mean analyses. According to the results of the research, the classroom management competencies of child development department students are at a moderate level. Experts state that since graduates mainly work in the education sector, there is a need for a classroom management course in these departments. Moreover, experts mentioned that in addition to professional knowledge such as planning, knowing classroom management strategies, knowledge of methods and techniques, using instructional technologies, and designing materials, students also need to have personal characteristics such as being open to development, friendly, empathetic, and having communication skills to succeed in their professional lives. The findings obtained from the research can be used for program development or updating studies for the classroom management course in associate degree child development departments.

Shaping a leadership style in the process of generational change in enterprise management

The article examines the peculiarities, problems, and means of forming the leadership style of the follower in the process of generational change in enterprise management. A generalization of the theoretical foundations of leadership style formation is carried out. The structure and directions for ensuring the effectiveness of this process have been identified. The leadership system applied by the management of a modern enterprise can be considered a competitive advantage, the preservation of which in the process of changing generations in the management of the enterprise can be achieved by the purposeful formation of a leadership style in persons in the personnel reserve. Work with the personnel reserve should be aimed at forming a synergistic unity of content and communication components of the leadership style and solving the task of harmonizing the value systems and value orientations inherent in the manager and the company's staff. At the same time, considerable attention should be paid to the formation of such elements of leadership behavior as work with values – identification, agreement, correction; working with conflicts - development of communicative competencies of the "mediator" leadership style and the ability to use the potential of conflict to rally and unite followers; emotion management – the ability to identify emotions, changes in emotions and their integration into the motivation process. Using the theory of generations as a tool for identifying the values of different age groups allows us to simplify the mechanism of identifying potential problem areas in leadership relaying and to determine the directions of formation and development of the successor's leadership style. Both traditional forms of professional development (for the creation of essential management competencies) and modern interactive ones, training, and coaching (for the formation of integral leadership formations) should be recognized to ensure the formation of a leadership style during the change of generations at the enterprise. Keywords: leadership, leadership style, management competencies, management, enterprise management, generational theory.

Exploring Experiences of Pain Management Among Family Caregivers of Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Dementia.

Pain is often underreported and under-treated in older adults with dementia. The role of family caregivers (FCGs) in managing pain for their loved ones with dementia living in community has been significantly burdensome. Surprisingly, research has not delved into the experiences of FCGs' concerning pain management in this context. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted to gain a deep understanding of FCGs' experiences in managing pain for their loved ones. Family caregivers participated in semi-structured face-to-face or telephone interviews. Inclusion criterion included being an adult providing care to community-dwelling older adults with dementia. Recruitment stopped upon reaching thematic saturation. Basic demographic characteristics was also collected. Constant comparison analytic method was employed. The study included 25 FCGs in central Virginia, spanning ages from 29 to 95. Participants were predominantly white, female, married, and had a minimum high school education. Most of them were adult children (52%) or the spouses (28%) of the care recipients. Four thematic categories emerged around exploring FCGs' pain management experiences: (1) Values; (2) Barriers; (3) Support; and (4) Adaptation. Each theme included sub-themes. Family caregivers follow their values to make decisions in pain management. Barriers existed for effective pain management. Adaptation and support from professional or formal caregivers greatly improved FCGs' perception of their competence in pain management. The finding underscores the need for further research and the development of interventions aimed at enhancing FCGs' perception of self-efficacy in this crucial aspect of caregiving.

Digital Training Program for Line Managers (Managing Minds at Work): Protocol for a Feasibility Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

Mental health problems affect 1 in 6 workers annually and are one of the leading causes of sickness absence, with stress, anxiety, and depression being responsible for half of all working days lost in the United Kingdom. Primary interventions with a preventative focus are widely acknowledged as the priority for workplace mental health interventions. Line managers hold a primary role in preventing poor mental health within the workplace and, therefore, need to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively carry out this role. However, most previous intervention studies have directly focused on increasing line managers' understanding and awareness of mental health rather than giving them the skills and competencies to take a proactive preventative approach in how they manage and design work. The Managing Minds at Work (MMW) digital training intervention was collaboratively designed to address this gap. The intervention aims to increase line managers' knowledge and confidence in preventing work-related stress and promoting mental health at work. It consists of 5 modules providing evidence-based interactive content on looking after your mental health, designing and managing work to promote mental well-being, management competencies that prevent work-related stress, developing a psychologically safe workplace, and having conversations about mental health at work. The primary aim of this study is to pilot and feasibility test MMW, a digital training intervention for line managers. We use a cluster randomized controlled trial design consisting of 2 arms, the intervention arm and a 3-month waitlist control, in this multicenter feasibility pilot study. Line managers in the intervention arm will complete a baseline questionnaire at screening, immediately post intervention (approximately 6 weeks after baseline), and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Line managers in the control arm will complete an initial baseline questionnaire, repeated after 3 months on the waitlist. They will then be granted access to the MMW intervention, following which they will complete the questionnaire post intervention. The direct reports of the line managers in both arms of the trial will also be invited to take part by completing questionnaires at baseline and follow-up. As a feasibility pilot study, a formal sample size is not required. A minimum of 8 clusters (randomized into 2 groups of 4) will be sought to inform a future trial from work organizations of different types and sectors. Recruitment for the study closed in January 2022. Overall, 24 organizations and 224 line managers have been recruited. Data analysis was finished in August 2023. The results from this feasibility study will provide insight into the usability and acceptability of the MMW intervention and its potential for improving line manager outcomes and those of their direct reports. These results will inform the development of subsequent trials. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05154019; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05154019. DERR1-10.2196/48758.

European training program for competence enhancement in management of health regions

Abstract Background Health regions aim to increase equal opportunities in health care through the networking of regional actors. In the Erasmus+ founded project Com.HeNet, a European training for the management of health regions was developed. The contents were defined through interviews with European health experts (n = 33). The Com.HeNet training was developed in international interdisciplinary teams with a great transfer potential to other sectors. Objectives The objective of the Com.HeNet training is to impart European competences in the development, management, and evaluation of health regions. The training is designed for 5 ECTS (EQF level 6) and consists of 6 teaching modules (Blended Learning). The question arises: Do EU blended learning modules for the management of health regions offer the potential for competence enhancement for successful management in the health sector? Results Through an Erasmus+ grant, a total of 23 students and health care practitioners from seven EU countries were able to evaluate the Com.HeNet Training. In a qualitative survey, the training was evaluated for quality, quantity, and professional relevance. 19 (n = 23) respondents stated a high to very high increase in their knowledge regarding the online course on theoretical introduction. 21 (n = 22) respondents perceive, inter alia, the teaching of ‘Health and society - theoretical background’ as helpful to very helpful for their professional future. Conclusions The blended learning format of the Com.HeNet training has the potential to useful enhance competences in European health management. The modules have been successfully piloted and will now be transferred into practice. Key messages • A European establishment of health regions and the associated training requires cooperation between the national level and the European Union. • Interdisciplinary competencies can be taught in European blended learning trainings.

Determination of Nursing Students’ Resilience Levels, Care Behaviors, and Violence Management Competencies: A Descriptive, Cross-Sectional, and Relational Study

Purpose. Violence is a factor that is frequently encountered in health systems and causes problems of various sizes. Nursing students who take an active role in health environments and are also inexperienced are also exposed to this workplace violence. Mental health nurses and nursing students practicing in this field aim to improve the quality of patient care while managing violence and aggression. It is thought that the inability of nursing students practicing in the field of mental health to successfully manage violence and demonstrate resilience may affect their clinical performance and reduce the quality of patient care. This study was conducted to determine the psychological resilience levels, caring behaviors, and violence management competencies of nursing students and to reveal the relationship between the variables. Design and Methods. The type of study is descriptive and cross-sectional. The sample of the study consisted of 452 nursing students who agreed to participate in the study. The data of the study were collected using the personal information form, Adult Resilience Scale, Caring Behaviors Scale-24, and Violence Management Competency Scale for nursing students in practice areas. This study was reported following the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) recommendations. Findings. A statistically significant positive correlation was found among the psychological resilience levels, caring behaviors, and violence management proficiency of the students participating in the study ( p = 0.001 ). Practice Implications. It is very important to determine the psychological resilience, care behaviors, and violence management competency levels of nursing students, who are the professionals of the future, to present nursing care from a holistic framework and to increase the quality of the care provided. In this context, it is recommended to determine the psychological resilience, care behaviors, and violence management competency levels of nursing students in their education and training processes.

The Systematic Analysis of Scientific and Practical Approaches Based on Competencies in the System of State Management

In this article, in the context of a systematic analysis of scientific and practical approaches to the development of management competencies in the context of the activation of transformational processes in the state administration system, the fundamental concepts and structural structure of competencies were clarified, as well as the author’s approach to these issues, structural problems, and risks. In addition, proposals and recommendations for enhancing the management skills of government employees have been made.

Competence and justice in public service discipline management

Competence and justice in public service discipline management

Management Competency of School Heads: Basis for Effective and Improved School Leadership

The increasing responsibilities of the school heads as school leaders led to the analysis of management competency of school heads perceived by the public elementary grade teachers of Lucena West District. The study revealed that the school heads’ management competencies are evident in terms of instructional skills, personnel skills, and financial skills as perceived by the schoolteachers. Findings showed that there is no significant difference in the perceived level of management competency between male and female teacher-respondents in personnel skills, except in instructional skills in terms of visibility and career motivation. There is also a significant difference between the perception of male and female respondents about the management competency in financial skills in terms of audit or financial control. There is no significant difference in the perceived level of management competency between male and female school heads, except in instructional skills in terms of instructional time as perceived by the school heads. There is a positive and significant relationship between the independent variable, perceived management competency and the dependent variable, school leadership in all the dimensions based on the perception of the teacher-respondents. Therefore, the school heads in the division may utilize the findings of the study in developing an employee enhancement program based on all the indicators considered. In addition, due to the limited number of school heads needed for accurate analyses of the relationships of the factors under management competency and school leadership, more samples for the school heads as respondents should be considered in future research.