Professional Trajectories Research Articles

Becoming and being language teacher educators: a collaborative reflexive account

ABSTRACT In this study we employed reflexivity as a typology and a means to foster our own becoming and being as language teacher educators (LTEs). Specifically, drawing on reflexivity as mutual collaboration, we engaged in duoethnography where we were researcher-participants in each other’s narratives, with the capacity to be reflexive beings. We collaboratively inquired into our own and one another’s professional trajectories, demonstrating how our journeys of becoming and being LTEs were characterised by our social and linguistic identities, our work and interaction with language teachers, and the research and teaching praxis. Findings and discussion advocate a dialogue in the field, acknowledging the dispositions, challenges, and possibilities that reflexivity can offer for LTEs’ trajectories.

The “digitalization” of sociology: new opportunities and key contradictions

The article analyzes the impact of digitalization on sociology and the professional trajectories of a sociologist. The main stages of the “digitalization” of sociology are highlighted, within which not only the amount of data used changes, but also the methods of their processing and analysis. Speaking about the transformation of modern sociology, the author describes several projects of its “digitization”, defining the key features of each. The “digitalization” of sociology is considered as an ambivalent process, which, on the one hand, opens up a whole range of opportunities for the researcher, on the other, actualizes a number of serious problems. The development of computing technologies leads to the expansion of opportunities for rethinking and verification of individual classical theories, the widespread introduction of non-reactive methods of sociological research, to increase their evidence and reproducibility. At the same time, the problems of digitalization are: an increase in the “black box” effect, bias and opacity of artificial intelligence algorithms, a decrease in the interpretability of the results obtained by a sociologist working in the “big data” paradigm. This leads to the need to rethink the model of Russian sociological education, the development of educational technologies that integrate classical sociological thinking and new digital technologies.

Generalist CFO and corporate debt finance: evidence from the Chinese market

PurposeThis study examines the relationship between chief financial officer (CFO) general ability and corporate debt financing, using all Chinese listed companies as the sample. It has significant implications for corporate shareholders and investors. Companies aiming to increase the proportion of external capital should prioritise the CFO's general ability. Similarly, investors can consider this a valuable sign before making investment decisions.Design/methodology/approachThis study follows Custódio et al.'s (2013) approach to measuring the CFO general ability index (GAI) in five dimensions, while the D/E ratio is treated as the primary proxy of corporate debt financing. This study investigates the linear relationship between CFO general ability and corporate debt financing by using the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with controlling year and industry fixed effect simultaneously.FindingsBased on a sample dataset of all listed firms in China from 2008 to 2023, this paper identifies a significant positive correlation between CFOs' general management skills and corporate debt financing. This finding underscores that generalist CFOs prefer debt financing over equity financing. The paper also suggests that corporate innovation could be a potential mechanism through which CFOs' comprehensive management skills influence debt financing.Originality/valueThis study expands upon prior research by establishing a positive correlation between generalist CFOs and debt financing. Previous studies investigating the influence of CFO demographic characteristics have predominantly concentrated on singular dimensions, such as educational background, varied professional experiences and career trajectories, often overlooking the significance of past work experience. Secondly, this paper enriches the financial literature by introducing a novel determinant that substantially impacts debt financing.

Реализация принципа непрерывности в инклюзивном образовании в России

<p>The work is aimed at analyzing indicators for ensuring the continuity of the inclusive process in general and vocational education in Russia. The study was conducted in educational organizations in 82 regions of the country; 6377 heads of educational organizations, 60870 teachers, 92093 parents and 32039 students of secondary vocational education participated were recruited for this study. The main method was an online survey, the data analysis method is frequency. The article describes four indicators of the continuity of the inclusive process – ensuring the variability of educational programs, plans and organizational forms of education, psychological and pedagogical support for students with special needs and its staffing, ensuring the participation of all students and their parents in the educational process, the life of the educational organization, support in self-determination and choice of professional educational trajectory. The implementation of the principle of continuity, enshrined in the normative field of education, is reflected in the data of the article through indicators of the sustainability of the share of inclusion of a number of categories of students with special needs when moving from level to level. However, obstacles to the implementation of the principle of continuity are the insufficiency of mechanisms for the individualization of education, including the lack of institutionalization of the individual educational route, staffing shortages for psychological and pedagogical support of students, as well as the social and practical orientation of career guidance technologies.</p>

The policymakers of European economic and monetary cooperation: staff and network of the European Commission’s directorate-general for economic and financial affairs, 1957–1992

ABSTRACT Economic and Monetary Union was one of the most important projects in the history of European integration. Yet, its history usually focuses on monetary rather than economic aspects, on a few very famous players, on central banks or, in economics, on major macro-economic mechanisms. This article proposes to investigate its historical evolution through the study of the European Commission, and, more particularly, of its most important Directorate-General for economic and monetary issues, namely the ‘DG II’ in charge of economic and financial affairs. Furthermore, the article adopts an original and deliberately actor-centred approach. Through a network and prosopographical analysis, it examines their links with key bodies in European monetary discussions and explores their professional trajectories. In addition to making visible actors otherwise largely overlooked, the article shows the existence of a network of people involved in European economic and monetary issues linking national, European, and global levels.

Board Performance of Fisheries Graduates: Logistic Regression Analysis for Curriculum Enhancement

This study investigates the factors affecting the board performance of Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (BSFi) graduates in the fisheries technologists licensure exams in a specific region of the Philippines. The impetus for this research arose from observed variations in exam performance among graduates, prompting an examination of educational and institutional influences on success. The study used a purposive sampling technique to gather data from 138 respondents across State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) who took their first licensure exam from October 2018 to October 2023. A validated online survey questionnaire assessed academic performance, teaching methods, curriculum, faculty qualifications, library resources, laboratory facilities, and student characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze the relationship between these independent variables and licensure exam performance. The findings of this study are of profound importance, as they reveal strong correlations between faculty qualifications and exam outcomes, emphasizing the need for continuous professional development. Moreover, the study identifies improved laboratory facilities and a robust curriculum as critical factors contributing to student success. These insights have the potential to significantly impact stakeholders, informing them about essential areas for intervention and improvement. Ultimately, they aim to elevate the educational experience and licensure performance of BSFi graduates, thus supporting their professional trajectories in the fisheries sector.

Professor Damodar Joshi: A life that shaped the Ayurveda Pharmaceutics

Abstract The study presents a comprehensive life profile of Professor (Prof.) Damodar Joshi and his professional trajectory within the domain of Ayurvedic pharmaceutics. His pivotal role in integrating Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana with contemporary scientific paradigms, specifically focusing on the analysis and advancements related to mineral/metallic formulations derived from different metal and mineral sources, is highly regarded in modern Rasa Shastra. The present study unfolds Prof. Damodar Joshi’s scientific accomplishments, advances in literature, and resolution of scientific quandaries under his mentorship, as well as his professional journey, post-retirement contributions, research publications, and an array of awards and recognitions received.

Occupational and social mobility of skilled migrants: an intersectional analysis

ABSTRACT Research on skilled migration has grown substantially in recent years. Drawing on 58 in-depth interviews with skilled Americans in China, this paper explores how the intersectionality of race, gender, and citizenship shapes their occupational and social mobility, and whether these two forms of mobility align. The findings suggest that skilled migrants’ social identities simultaneously create both advantages and disadvantages in their occupational and social mobility. I coined the term ‘glass box’ to describe their experiences: while many enjoyed enhanced occupational mobility, they eventually hit a ‘glass ceiling’ that blocked access to top positions and faced ‘glass walls’ that pigeonholed them into a narrow range of occupations. However, their social identities also brought privileges, forming a ‘glass floor’ that protected them from employment precarity. Their social mobility, extending beyond occupational mobility, improved to varying degrees after migration to China but declined rapidly and unexpectedly following the outbreak of COVID-19. While changes to skilled Americans’ occupational and social mobility aligned most of the time, there were notable exceptions where these two forms of mobility shifted in opposite directions. Such contradictory experiences highlight the persistent structural barriers that shape their professional and social trajectories.

A gay autoethnography: Gender, sexuality, and organizations

AbstractWould the effeminate boy be an outsider or a fruit that grew far from the tree? Understanding the trajectory of a male child with effeminate traits can unveil practices of various institutions regarding boys and men with these characteristics, bringing to light organizational practices that are not limited to homophobia but also to “effeminophobia.” This autoethnography is an exercise in reclaiming one's own history, marked by violent exclusions, domination, and subjugation, with the aim of explaining how heterosexual normativity impacts the bodies and subjectivities of effeminate individuals. This account begins in the 1990s in the city of Barra do Piraí, a locality located in the interior of Rio de Janeiro, which was governed by male domination and influenced by a colonial culture. In this context, it is important to note that I do not consider it possible to define a period for analysis in terms of years, but rather within a biological time frame, encompassing the stages of life. Therefore, this delimitation begins in childhood and extends into adulthood. This autoethnography is dedicated to discussing effeminophobia directed toward children and adults in various institutions, especially in the workplace. To do so, it utilizes the social and professional trajectory of a young gay man who managed to become an adult.

Pandemic and Politicisation in Argentina: Nursing Professional Trajectories in the Conurbano Bonaerense Region

The article analyses the politicisation of nursing personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina, focusing on the trajectories of nurses trained in the public universities of the so-called ‘conurbano bonaerense’, especially in the young universities of the ‘Bicentenario’, rooted in a territory with strong traditions of popular political participation. The pandemic context accelerated the struggles for professional recognition among nurses. Analysing this process constitutes a significant contribution to the social studies of health and illness in Latin America, particularly regarding the role of gender. The pandemic has highlighted the necessity of making the history and demands of the nursing profession visible. Against this background, this article emphasises the challenging working conditions and lack of recognition faced by the nursing profession in Argentina, both materially and symbolically. Based on the analysis of narratives provided by nurses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the article analyses three politicisation trajectories of nursing graduates of Universidad Nacional Arturo Jauretche, on the conurbano bonaerense, the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires. We demonstrate the importance of the institutional context of the universities in this territory and underline its significance for the politicisation process we have observed.

Insights gained through exploring UK midwifery care by US midwifery graduate students in a short-term study abroad: A qualitative study.

Student midwives exposed to effective systems of midwifery care in other countries can consider how aspects of this knowledge can translate into their healthcare system to improve maternal and infant perinatal outcomes. An optional short-term study abroad (STSA) experience was developed for US midwifery graduate students to expose them to the UK healthcare system, where midwives are considered the primary professionals for the care of the childbearing family. This qualitative study explored the influence of an STSA experience on US midwifery graduate students' learning of midwifery in the UK. Ten midwife student participants wrote pre- and post-trip narratives in the US and daily diary entries during their week in the UK. A grounded theory approach guided the content analysis. The themes were derived from the NVivo software data by three midwife researchers who value global health learning experiences. Analysis was shared with participants to ensure its trustworthiness. Themes that emerged included: 'Another viewpoint', encapsulating curiosity and comparison of US and UK midwifery; 'Eye-opening', capturing surprise at noted differences between US and UK midwifery practice; and 'Goals met and influenced', expressing how their learning is anticipated to shape their professional identities and career trajectories going forward. US student midwives exposed to functional systems in countries where midwifery care is fully integrated, broadened their views of midwifery care and practice. They became inspired to make positive changes in the US. Educational opportunities for midwifery students, such as STSA experiences, can positively influence self-confidence and professional identity.

Choosing a starting professional trajectory: job-education mismatch effect

Choosing a starting professional trajectory: job-education mismatch effect

Influence of soft skills on career development: Exploring performance appraisal as a mediating mechanism

Performance appraisal plays a crucial mediating role in the complex interaction between soft skills and career development. This practice provides a comprehensive view of workers’ competencies and directly influences their professional trajectories. This investigation checked the significance of these competencies in career development, employing performance appraisal as a mediating mechanism. The sample comprised 262 employees in Portugal. Data were collected from a convenience sample using the snowball sampling method, in which participants were asked to invite their contacts to participate in the study. The questionnaire included the short skills inventory, the career growth scale, and the performance management scale. The more developed the soft skills, the greater the tendency for employees to progress in their careers. Performance appraisal has a significant influence on employees’ career trajectories, as the possibility of career advancement largely depends on their performance. The data further revealed that by mediating the relationship between soft skills and career progression, performance appraisal helps guide and support the organization’s strategic decisions. However, when the mediating variable is introduced into the model, the influence of soft skills on career development is no longer significant, indicating a full mediation effect. The results suggest that 26.8% of the possibility of progressing in the career is explained by the performance appraisal results. These results act as a critical link between soft skills and career development. Soft skills exert a significant influence on career development, and performance appraisal emerges as a valuable means to recognize and promote these competencies.

From classroom to operating room: What attracts medical students to neurosurgery

BackgroundThe specialties chosen by medical students after graduation are critical to their professional trajectories. This study investigates the perceptions of medical students at Jazan University in southwestern Saudi Arabia toward neurosurgery, focusing on the factors that influence their inclination to pursue this specialty. MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 342 medical students from the Faculty of Medicine at Jazan University during the 2022–2023 academic year. The participants included students ranging from second- to sixth-year levels. ResultsAmong the 342 students, 207 (60.5 %) were males, and 135 (39.5 %) were females, with 169 (49.4 %) expressing interest in neurosurgery. Over time, there was a trend of decreasing interest in neurosurgery. The primary reasons for choosing this specialty were market demand for neurosurgeons and potential for substantial income, while stress was the main deterrent. Multivariate analysis revealed that third-, fourth-, and fifth-year students were significantly less likely to pursue neurosurgery, with reductions of 89 % [OR=0.11, 95 % CI: (0.04–0.29), p < 0.001], 83 % [OR=0.17, 95 % CI: (0.07–0.43), p < 0.001], and 74 % [OR=0.26, 95 % CI: (0.11–0.61), p = 0.002], respectively. The strongest motivating factors for choosing neurosurgery were research opportunities [OR=2.37, p < 0.001] and the prestige associated with the specialty [OR=2.35, p < 0.001]. ConclusionsThe study provides valuable insights into medical students’ perceptions and career aspirations related to neurosurgery in southern Saudi Arabia. It highlights key factors such as research opportunities, prestige, and competitiveness that motivate students to consider neurosurgery as a specialty. The study also addresses common misconceptions and stereotypes about neurosurgery, promoting a more accurate understanding of the field among students. These findings have significant implications for medical education, career guidance, and healthcare policy, helping to shape initiatives that enhance patient care and support the development of neurosurgery.

Influence of a seed-funded community of practice on the development of academic staff research at a comprehensive University in South Africa

This study seeks to explore the influence of a seed-funded project on the research development, professional growth, and collaboration of academic staff. It employed a qualitative reflective inquiry design to elicit the views of participants in the Domain of Emerging Researcher Excellence (DERE). The DERE has a total of 13 members, but for this study, seven participants were selected as a purposive diverse sample representing various disciplines, career stages, and levels of engagement within the Community of Practice (CoP). The findings revealed two main sources of knowledge platforms that helped participants shape their individual research developments. Participants also highlighted the collaborative activities and knowledge-sharing practices prevalent in the DERE. The interdisciplinary project was considered a gateway for professional growth and career trajectories, facilitating mentorship development activities among academics involved in the project. The study concludes that providing seed funding for CoPs can enhance the growth of academic staff research within universities in emerging economies. This initiative has significant implications for fostering a vibrant research culture within institutions, enhancing research capacity among staff, and promoting collaborative engagement across disciplines. Additionally, institutional policies should outline strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of CoPs beyond seed funding. The study acknowledges the complexity of promoting research capacity for early-career researchers; however, to ensure sustainability, seed-funded projects that influence individual professional growth and emerging researcher career trajectories should be given opportunities to develop their own funding mechanisms so that they do not become extinct once the seed-funding period elapses.

Do sertão da Bahia a Toronto: a trajetória profissional da enfermeira diplomada Haydée Guanais Dourado (1931-1942)

This article analyzes part of the professional trajectory of nurse and sociologist Haydée Guanais Dourado, from her training as a primary school teacher [normalista] at Instituto Ponte Nova (Bahia, Brazil) to her joining the group of nurses at the School of Nursing at the University of São Paulo. The study is possible by recreating the contexts in which she lived and is inseparable from understanding the social characteristics of the group in which she participated, that of qualified nurses. HGD’s trajectory oscillates between similarities and singularities in relation to the professional group. The investigation uses a reduction in the scale of analysis and an intensive study of the material analyzed. Throughout HGD’s trajectory, it is concluded that a large part of Brazilian registered nurses worked in public health institutions or hospitals and a few others became intellectuals who planned higher education in nursing and reflected on the destiny of the profession.

(In)stability of the Professional Trajectories of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Belgium

(In)stability of the Professional Trajectories of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Belgium

Business Games as a Tool for Forming a Professional Trajectory of a Specialist

Professional orientation is a necessary tool for preparing teenagers for their future profession and an integral part of the work of a higher school teacher at the stages of becoming a doctor. The development and implementation of business games in medicine make it possible not only to interest students in the profession, but also to form the foundations of clinical thinking and team interaction.

Slavcho Zagorov (1898–1970), A forgotten pioneer of energy and ecological economics

This article aims to rediscover a relatively unknown author to the general public, Slavcho Zagorov, and to revive his ideas. Zagorov was a Bulgarian economist and statistician whose main works date back to 1954 and are mainly devoted to the concept of energy flows in the economy and human metabolism explained through the prism of thermodynamics. His work and career are reminiscent of another Balkan economist, Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen. We first present Zagorov's theoretical work on the importance of energy in economic activity and secondly on the measurement of national income and productivity through energy. Thirdly, we show the relation he establishes between energy and utility. Finally, we discuss his texts in relation to his professional and personal trajectory and point out some preliminary elements of comparison with Georgescu-Roegen's work.

New professional spaces and trajectories: tracing the evolution of legal professionals – introduction to special issue

New professional spaces and trajectories: tracing the evolution of legal professionals – introduction to special issue