Professional Regulation Research Articles

Competencies in Pastoral Counseling: The Lived Experiences of Filipino Diocesan Parish Priests.

Pastoral Counseling has been a significant part of the priestly Ministry in the Philippines. Nonetheless, literature about Filipino priests' lived experiences and competencies in Counseling is almost non-existent. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the researcher explored the lived experiences and competencies of Filipino Diocesan Parish Priests in their role as Pastoral Counselors. The study was framed in Phenomenology, the Philippines Psychology Act of 2009, and the ASERVIC competencies of 2009. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview, and the analysis yielded seven (7) themes under three (3) clusters. The findings revealed that the participants lack the prerequisites to be rightfully called Pastoral Counselors. As Priests continue to attend to people in need of Counseling, the researcher calls on Church leaders, the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to pay attention to the practice of Pastoral Counseling in the country.

Retention in statutory social work from fast-track child and family programs

Summary Two fast-track child and family social work training programs have been established in England — Step Up to Social Work and Frontline. Trainees’ financial support is far higher than for mainstream social work degrees. One of the reasons claimed for setting up these programs is addressing retention, although critics (of Frontline) predicted graduates would not stay in social work. A 4-year study assessed retention and reasons for leaving social work. Attrition rates from statutory social work were calculated from responses ( n = 2543) to annual surveys, plus looking up non-respondents in the professional register. Interviews were conducted with fast-track graduates ( n = 80) and employers ( n = 29). Findings The overall rate of social work graduates not in statutory social work at 18 months post-qualification was 12% for fast-track programs, and Higher Education Statistics Agency survey data show attrition at 15 months post-qualification as 18% for all social work routes. Frontline's original national recruitment approach was less successful for retention than Step Up to Social Work's regional approach. Perceived local authority support and intrinsic job satisfaction were associated with attrition in longitudinal bivariate analysis. Fast-track graduates leaving statutory social work typically moved to work in social care (including policy roles), health, or education. Applications Early-career attrition appears to be somewhat lower from fast-track programs than from all social work graduates. Longer-term comparison is not yet possible. In promoting retention, employers should be aware of the importance of staff perceptions of the local authority as supportive, and of their intrinsic job satisfaction.

Cooperation between the health visitor and the physician as one of the pillars of the 108-year-old Hungarian Health Visitor Service

Despite the more than 100-year history of the Hungarian Health Visitor Service, no study has yet been carried out that looked back at the cooperation between health visitors and physicians. Our aim was 1) to explore the professional advances of the health visitor service and the cooperation between health visitor and physician by examining historical documents, legal and professional regulations governing the work of health visitor, furthermore, 2) to investigate whether there are compulsory training elements in today's training for health visitors that prepare students for health visitor and physician collaboration, moreover, 3) to search for old tools and documents used by health visitors and doctors in the North-West of Transdanubia. A literature search was carried out to identify documents relating to the development of the work of health visitors, the cooperation between health visitors and physicians, past and current legal and professional regulations, the current regulation on training of health visitors. Through field research, we tracked down old tools and documents of health visitors and physicians. The establishment of the Hungarian Health Visitor Service is associated with the names of professors of medicine. The historical documents and regulations testify the development of the work of the health visitor, the expansion of her competences and the importance of the health visitor and physician cooperation. The training competences required for the cooperation between health visitors and physicians, health visitors and specialists are regulated by the regulation on training of health visitors. We have found many old objects and documents used in the work of the health visitor and doctor. The documents that have preserved almost invariably describe the health visitor as a person working alongside the physician, in cooperation with the physician. Nowadays, the regulation of cooperation covers for all specialties in the field of health visitor. Based on our research, it is fair to say that the health visitor-physician cooperation is an important pillar of the 108-year-old Hungarian Health Visitor Service. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(33): 1311-1318.

Digitizing nursing: A theoretical and holistic exploration to understand the adoption and use of digital technologies by nurses.

With healthcare undergoing rapid digitalization, the effective integration of new technologies is crucial for nursing professionals, who form the largest group in the healthcare workforce. However, barriers within the nursing profession may impede digitalization efforts, leading to under utilization of available technologies and missed opportunities for enhancing healthcare quality and population health. This article aims to investigate the adoption and use of digital technologies by nurses, considering how key demographics, such as gender, age, and voluntariness of technology use, interact to influence their acceptance and utilization of these technologies. Employing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as a framework, we conducted a discursive exploration, supplemented by a literature review from diverse academic sources. Keywords related to UTAUT, digitalization, nursing practice and technology adoption were searched on PubMed, CINAHL and Google Scholar. Additionally, UK government and professional regulator reports were examined to understand current recommendations concerning digital technologies in nursing practice and the profession's demography. Searches focused on moderating factor domains, and the last search was conducted on 26 April 2023. The study revealed that the successful implementation of digital technologies in nursing practice requires a nuanced understanding of the nursing workforce's characteristics and preferences. Gender, age and voluntariness of technology use were found to intersect and influence nurses' acceptance and utilization of digital tools. By applying UTAUT in the context of nursing, this study highlights the importance of tailored implementation strategies for digital technologies. A technologically deterministic perspective is insufficient; instead, consideration of social factors specific to nursing is essential for successful adoption. To maximize the benefits of digitalization in healthcare, it is imperative to address the barriers faced by nursing professionals. A comprehensive understanding of how key demographics impact technology adoption will inform targeted strategies, enhancing the engagement of nurses with digital tools and fostering innovation in healthcare practices. Further research and primary data are needed, but this study lays the foundation for future advancements in digital healthcare integration for nursing professionals. The issues highlighted in this article are relevant to nurse leaders and those responsible for implementing technologies within nursing contexts. They are also relevant to technology developers who may benefit from considering the evidence associated with the moderating demographic factors highlighted in this article. Without a holistic approach to the implementation of technology, challenges associated with the use of digital technology by nurses are likely to persist. By considering the moderating demographic factors highlighted within the UTAUT (age, gender, voluntariness of use and experience) nurse leaders and technology developers may have greater success obtaining greater clinical outcomes from digital technology. This work was completed in 2022. Due to the focus of this article being one on professional challenges within the nursing profession, no involvement from patients or the public was sought.

Analysis of Financial Ratios to Predict Financial Distress Conditions of Manufacturing Companies Listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange

Purpose: This aimsof this study is to identify and analyze the effects of liquidity, profitability, and leverage ratio changes to predict financial distress experienced by manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesian stock exchange. Theoretical framework: The quality of financial reports can improve and enhance a company’s financial performance and confirm the agency theory. The use of financial report quality can help explain relationship conflicts between the principal and the agents and strengthen the explanation of agency theory. Design/Methodology/Approach: The methodology this study used secondary data from the Indonesian stock exchange website. The research population consisted of all manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesian stock exchange. The sample of this study was chosen based on purposive sampling techniques resulting in 15 manufacturing companies meeting the criteria for analysis using logistic regression. The data were analyzed in a quantitative manner using SPSS version 23. Findings: The result of this research confirm the notion of agency theory stating that current ratio (CR) and return on assets (ROA) have negative and significant effects on financial distress. However, the debt-to-asset ratio (DAR) variable does not significantly affect financial distress. These findings indicate that a good current ratio and return on assets of a company will affect the company’s financial conditions while the effect of the debt-to-asset ratio (DAR) is not significant because the company is experiencing financial pressure in settling long-term debts. Research, Practical & Social implications: The study contributes to strengthening previous research findings and helps provide useful information to investors, manufacturing companies, and the business world in general on the Indonesian Stock Exchange in predicting the financial conditions of companies that are experiencing financial distress. Originality/Value: The value of the study contributes ideas to improve the quality of financial information, especially for accounting professional institutions (standard setters) and regulators to improve the quality of financial accounting standards in order to provide quality information to investors, government, stakeholders, and business society in general.

Advanced non-medical roles within surgery and their engagement with assistive health technologies.

The role of the surgical care practitioner (SCP) is common in UK surgical centres. The SCP curriculum is robust and well developed in multiple specialties since it was first developed in 1989. The SCP role can often concentrate on technical skills, developing a skillset that is highly effective during traditional open surgical procedures. This skillset requires further investigation because technology-assisted surgeries are becoming more common, including the use of novel approaches to developing non-technical skills. To effectively develop this skillset, analysis of robust advanced practice frameworks is necessary, alongside clear alignment to the advanced practitioners' professional regulations. This article examines the interpretation of the advanced practice concept within technology-assisted surgeries, which is potentially guiding the evolution of advanced practice within operating theatres and improving patient care.

What has Kant got to say about conscientious objection to reproductive health in South Africa?

A woman's right to a safe legal abortion in South Africa conflicts with a health care professional's freedom of conscience. Conscientious objection or treatment refusal on the basis of conscience may be protected by the constitution but its morality has not been explored. This study uses Kantian Deontology to elucidate the ethical duties of health care professionals based on the Physician's Pledge. It concludes that conscience is morally empty and that health care professionals have a duty to treat all patients equally irrespective of the condition they present. Drawing on Kantian promise keeping, the study also concludes that health care professionals should place patients health and wellbeing above all other considerations. Using the categorical imperative, the study shows that health care professionals have a perfect duty not to refuse treatment. The study recommends that conscientious objection be rejected in all circumstances except where the psychological wellbeing of the health care professional will be affected. This can be achieved through legislative and professional body regulation of conscientious objection.

Mental Health Professionals' Views on the Regulation of Psychotherapy in Ontario

In Canada, statutory regulation for the mental health professions is a provincial or territorial matter. In 2007, the Ontario government introduced the Psychotherapy Act (PA), which details the scope of practice as well as the authorized act of psychotherapy. The PA established the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) to regulate its members in the service of protecting the public. Given the long history of contestation and ambiguity surrounding the definition of psychotherapy, the PA represents an important historic moment for practitioners in Ontario. However, little research has been conducted on psychotherapy practitioners’ experiences and perspectives on professional regulation. This study qualitatively explored perspectives on, and experiences with, the PA among regulated mental health practitioners who have access to the act of psychotherapy in Ontario, including psychotherapists, nurses, physicians, occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers. The study provides insights into the ways that these professional groups are impacted by the regulation of psychotherapy and has implications for the future implementation of statutory regulation.

Valuing the emotions of leadership learning experience in nursing education

AimThis paper argues that a greater understanding of the role of emotions in experiencing leadership, the impact of role models and cultures of the workplace and profession, may enable further development for effective leadership development at undergraduate level and beyond. BackgroundLeadership has gained prominence as a necessary skill in nursing literature and policy, linking its importance to patient safety, working cultures, resilience and emotional labour globally. Viewed as essential in many undergraduate nursing programmes and a requirement by professional regulators, there is a globally agreed acceptance of its importance. Despite this, the focus on evaluating and researching the effectiveness of leadership learning and through experiences of students in contexts of learning remain limited. This paper presents a discussion on the importance of experiences of leadership, exploring the emotional impact and how enabling reflexivity and critical analysis can be integrated in education. An approach is proposed for nursing education where the emotional impact of experiencing leadership is given significance. Experiences of leadership in practice and educational learning in higher education should allow students to reflect and conceptualise experience, aligning educational contexts of learning. Acknowledgement of emotional experience and pragmatism provides opportunity to strengthen evidence and knowledge and establish leadership as a concept of value in the profession from an early stage. DesignA critical theoretical discussion paper MethodsBased on a narrative inquiry study, drawing on theory and philosophies of emotions in education and leadership from 1907 to 2023 ResultsAcknowledgement of emotional experience and pragmatism provides opportunity to strengthen evidence and establish leadership as a concept of value in the profession from an early stage. ConclusionsPlacing value on the experience of leadership by reflexivity and pragmatic, experiential approaches to learning can align educational contexts of learning and focus on effective leadership learning for the nursing profession. Tweetable abstractPragmatic approaches and reflexivity rationalise emotional experiences of leadership and encourage critical thinking and learning

Artificial Intelligence in Health Professions Regulation: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Nurse Regulators in Three Jurisdictions

Artificial Intelligence in Health Professions Regulation: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Nurse Regulators in Three Jurisdictions

Revenue from unapproved claims in the financial statements of Polish construction companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange

Purpose: A contractors claims for increased remuneration frequently occur in construction projects. Despite their uncertainty and risk of estimating future cash inflows, accounting standards allow them to be recognized as revenues. The purpose of the arti-cle is to present the conditions for recognizing them as revenues and to propose a checklist of required disclosures. Against this background, the article evaluates the sufficiency of disclosures of Polish construction companies.Methodology/approach: The analysis of the professional literature and accounting regulations, especially IFRS 15 Revenues from Contracts with Customers. The empirical research concentrated on yearly financial statements of 27 Polish construction companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.Findings: The research showed that recognition of revenues from not yet approved claims requires significant disclosure. Polish construction companies do not present enough necessary information about such revenues or their impact on their financial statements. The vast majority of companies do not disclose any information. Those companies that do disclose such information do not always present the full scope of required disclosures, and the data presented are difficult to compare as their scope and where they are placed in the notes are not uniform.Originality/value: The paper complements the scientific achievements in the financial reporting of companies that conduct longterm construction contracts. It proposes a checklist of required disclosures about revenues from not yet approved claims. It identi-fies a lack of required disclosure of Polish construction companies.

A Narrative of Urban Underground Pipeline System Disasters in China in 2021: Spatial and Temporal Distribution, Causal Analysis, and Response Strategies

In recent years, there have been frequent disasters and accidents in the underground pipeline system of Chinese cities, posing a continuous threat to the safety of life and property of the public and the order of urban operations. This article uses statistical data on the spatiotemporal distribution of major underground pipeline disasters in various provinces of China in 2021. By using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression analysis, a causal analysis model for urban underground pipeline accidents is constructed, and the correlation between urban underground pipeline accident rate and economic and social indicators is analyzed. From the analysis, it has been found that the correlation coefficients of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, the pipeline density in the built-up area, and the urban pipeline accident rate reach −0.4019 and −0.4275, respectively, showing a negative correlation. Further, the regression analysis results show that the underground pipeline accident rate shows a decreasing trend as the per capita GDP and the density of pipelines in the built-up areas increase. Among them, the results of the power function fitting model show that the GDP per capita accounts for 48.10% of the urban underground pipeline accidents, whereas the pipeline density of the built-up area accounts for 58.27% of these accidents. The construction of underground pipeline regulations is influential in reducing underground pipeline disaster accidents. In this study, the role and effectiveness of the factors, such as the construction of professional regulations in maintaining the safe operation of urban underground pipelines, has been discussed, and suggestions and methods to improve the problems that need to be solved, such as the construction of a municipal supporting emergency management system in the safe operation of underground pipelines in the future, have been proposed.

Academic and Licensure Examination Performance of the Bachelor in Science in Agricultural Biosystems Engineering Graduates

One of the most notable achievements of all board undergraduate program offerings in the Philippines is the graduate’s distinctive cognitive performance in the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) licensure examination. Similarly, licensure outcomes may demonstrate the caliber and efficacy of their institutions' teaching environment. Also, maintaining regular accreditation entails a good licensure examination performance of graduates. This study evaluated the academic and licensure examination performance of the BSABE first time takers from 2018-2022. The study employed a pearson product-moment correlation coefficient to examine the association between the graduate's academic performance and licensure examination performance. Moreover, the graduates' academic performance and results of their licensure examination were described using the mean and standard deviation. Consequently, the academic performance of the graduates has a “good” interpretation based on their general grade weighted average. However, a “Failed” interpretation in their licensure examination rating was deduced “ having a mean below 70 percent. Generally, no significant relationship was revealed in the study between the academic performance and the licensure examination rating . The study recommends that the College of Engineering strengthen their admission and retention policies, revised program curriculum, and update course syllabi, based on CHED policy and standards.

The Shape of You, or in Other Words, why Teach Entrepreneurial Awareness as a Clinical Attribute?

Commercial law clinics are not a new phenomenon, and indeed in this very journal reports and academic commentary have been presented which identify and explore the nature, formation and operation of such clinics. However, these contributions focus on how clinics and their student volunteers can help commercial enterprises and start-up ventures with various legal issues they may encounter. Clearly, the need for such clinics and the value they provide to the students and community are immense. Where the clinical offer outlined in this report differs, and on which we hope a meaningful contribution to the body of scholarly knowledge is made, is in using a clinic setting with a simulated corporate client to operate two (elective) modules that enable the students to gain a thorough appreciation of those issues which underpin the formation and operation of a corporate structure. A simulated law firm is the setting through which the modules operate, albeit most of the tasks and issues raised in the modules would equally apply to other professions. By using the simulated client approach we are able to guide the students in helping navigate the client through every aspect of the journey of the business – its inception, the legal sector in which it will operate, its mode of incorporation, its clients and the generation of business, legal policies and issues likely to be faced in respect of running a business, its marketing and advertisement, professional body regulation and compliance, the financing of the business, and an appreciation of the stakeholders (and underlying philosophies) with whom the business and its personnel will engage. This clinical perspective allows the students to proactively develop strategies to navigate the owner through myriad complexities, whilst gaining valuable feedback regarding the efficacy of their decision-making and being empowered to adopt revisions to accommodate numerous changes in the professional, legal and financial environments. The main aim of this clinical experience (which we describe in Section 3) is to develop in the students a commercial awareness and understanding of what is required to be an entrepreneur in a modern legal service setting. This requires moulding their ‘shape’ as a legal graduate.

How Can the Literature on Phenomenology Inform the Teaching of Accurate Empathy in Social Work Practice?

The ability to demonstrate empathy is identified as a key social work attribute by the professional regulator and other professional bodies as well as in government guidance and the relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Statement. Empathy is strongly linked to the ability to learn from experience and, as such, has relevance beyond social work to higher education in general. This paper will focus on how a phenomenological approach to theorising empathy might provide a framework for the development of the social work curriculum. I argue that representational accounts of interpersonal understanding offer a conception of empathy that is both limited and hubristic. From a representational perspective, empathy involves making informed guesses about the experiences of other people, often described using the overused metaphor of ‘walking in their shoes’ (Lathrop & Parish 1895). In contrast, an enactivist understanding of interpersonal relations, based on a phenomenological approach, provides a more hopeful and socially just basis for social work practice. It also has clear implications for teaching approaches and curriculum design in social work education including a focus on the student- teacher relationship, embodied practice, and more effective use of simulation.

Nursing research and the cancer continuum: Challenges and future directions.

Research in Nursing & HealthEarly View SOCIETY NEWS Nursing research and the cancer continuum: Challenges and future directions Dara L. James, Corresponding Author Dara L. James [email protected] [email protected] College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA Correspondence Dara L. James, College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA. Email: [email protected] and [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorJoyce Pittman, Joyce Pittman College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USASearch for more papers by this author Dara L. James, Corresponding Author Dara L. James [email protected] [email protected] College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA Correspondence Dara L. James, College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA. Email: [email protected] and [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorJoyce Pittman, Joyce Pittman College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 05 June 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.22325Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. REFERENCES American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2019). Fact sheet: Creating a more highly qualified nursing workforce. https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/creating-a-more-highly-qualified-nursing-workforce Anand, P., Kunnumakara, A. B., Sundaram, C., Harikumar, K. B., Tharakan, S. T., Lai, O. S., Sung, B., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2008). Cancer is a preventable disease that requires major lifestyle changes. Pharmaceutical Research, 25(9), 2097– 2116. Chien, L.-Y. (2019). Evidence-based practice and nursing research. Journal of Nursing Research, 27(4), e29. https://doi.org/10.1097/jnr.0000000000000346 Cummings, G. G., Lee, S. D., & Tate, K. C. (2018). The evolution of oncology nursing: Leading the path to change. Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal, 28(4), 314– 317. DeSantis, L., & Ugarriza, D. N. (2000). The concept of theme as used in qualitative nursing research. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 22(3), 351– 372. https://doi.org/10.1177/019394590002200308 Ellenbecker, C. H., & Edward, J. (2006). Conducting nursing research to advance and inform health policy. Policy, Politics, & Nursing Research, 17(4), 208– 217. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527154417700634 Gelo, O., Braakmann, D., & Benetka, G. (2008). Quantitative and qualitative research: beyond the debate. Integrative psychological & behavioral science, 42(3), 266– 290. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12124-008-9078-3 Hariton, E., & Locascio, J. J. (2018). Randomised controlled trials-the gold standard for effectiveness research. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 125(13), 1716. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.15199 Ingham-Broomfield, R. (2014). A nurses' guide to quantitative research. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 32(2), 32– 38. Kiley, D. P., & Wysocki, A. B. (2020). Federal funding of nursing research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH): 1993-2017. Nursing Outlook, 68, 270– 283. National Cancer Institute. (2023). National Cancer Institute Overview and Mission. https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/overview Salvador, J. T. (2016). Exploring quantitative and qualitative methodologies: A guide to novice nursing researchers. European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 12(18), 107. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2016.v12n18p107 Segrott, J., McIvor, M., & Green, B. (2006). Challenges and strategies in developing nursing research capacity: A review of the literature. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 43, 637– 651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2005.07.011 Squires, A., & Dorsen, C. (2018). Qualitative research in nursing and health professions regulation. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 9(3), 15– 26. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(18)30150-9 Tingen, M. S., Burnett, A. H., Murchison, R. B., & Zhu, H. (2009). The importance of nursing research. Journal of Nursing Education, 48(3), 167– 170. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20090301-10 Yale School of Public Health. (2023). Transdisciplinary research on energetics and cancer (TREC) training workshop. https://ysph.yale.edu/trecrep/about/ Early ViewOnline Version of Record before inclusion in an issue ReferencesRelatedInformation

The I.T. Industry Perception of Computer Professional (Registration Council) of Nigeria (CPN) as a Regulatory Agency for I.T. Profession in Nigeria

Abstract: Information Technology (I.T.) is very pivotal for sustaining economic, social and political development of any nation in the world. Many developed countries such as United States of America, United Kingdom, China and South Africa have I.T. professions regulated in their countries. Computer Professional (Registration Council) of Nigeria is the monitoring agency for I.T. profession in Nigeria. This study therefore examined the role and contributions of Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) towards the development of I.T. profession in Nigeria. A survey was conducted to gauge the feelings of I.T. professionals on impact of CPN on I.T. profession. A total number of 60 questionnaires were administered and results show that CPN performed effectively but certain critical areas were not yet captured for overall development of I.T, sector.

UK experience of professional registration in radiation protection.

The UK Radiation Protection Council (RPC) was established in 2019, under the Royal Charter of the Society for Radiological Protection. The RPC holds the registers for three grades of professional registration-Chartered, Incorporated and Technical Radiation Protection Professional. Individual radiation protection practitioners may apply for registration through any society or organisation that has been accepted as a Licensee of the RPC. This paper will give an overview of the criteria used for registration at each level, along with the benefits of professional registration to individuals, employers, the radiation protection profession and the public. We will discuss the operation of the RPC and share the experience of its establishment, identifying key issues and potential pitfalls for other Societies wishing to go down this route. Future expectations for professional registration will be considered.

The Transparency of the Supreme Audit Institution in the Republic of North Macedonia through the Analysis of Official Website Traffic

Transparency refers to unrestricted public access to timely and reliable information about decisions and performance in the public sector. Supreme Audit Institutions as independent institutions, according to professional regulation, are obliged to be transparent to all stakeholders and the general public. Hence, this paper analyzes the transparency of the State Audit Office, as the Supreme Audit Institution in the Republic of North Macedonia through its official website and annual visits by all interested parties. Two independent variables are included in the research: the budget and the change of management from the existence of the State Audit Office until today, to determine if they correlate with the number of visits to the website. To determine the relationship between the variables, a correlation matrix was used, and the data was processed through the SPSS software. The obtained results indicate a strong positive correlation between the determined variables.

The quality of cost accounting systems in manufacturing firms: A literature review

The objective of this research is to review and synthesize the existing literature on the quality of Cost Accounting Systems (CAS) by manufacturing firms. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach was used by adopting (170) articles in this field published from (2015) to (2023) and obtained from the Scopus database. The research found that traditional CAS is the main determinant of manufacturing firms. Therefore, the current research focuses on the quality of CAS, the benefits of the modern quality of CAS, and the challenges and methods of practicing the quality of CAS in manufacturing firms. This review comes to the idea that implementing CAS will enhance the performance of manufacturing firms and will assist with the preparation of various financial statements and decision-making. The results of the research shed light on the importance of the skills that accountants must possess in the current era and what is the role assigned. Thus, the contribution of this research is to provide integrated knowledge about the effects of recent technology innovations on the accountant’s job and skills. Professional firms and regulators consider the findings when reporting on the adaptation of guidelines, policies, and laws for the new environment.