Quality Of Programs Research Articles

Quality Assurance in West African TVET Institutions: A Brief Literature Review

The study reviews the role of quality assurance in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems in supporting economic development, enhancing labor market competitiveness, and meeting industry expectations. The authors use a desk research strategy, focusing on document review and qualitative content analysis to analyze credible reports on the role of quality assurance in TVET to promote competent workforce. As per findings, quality assurance in TVET institutions is crucial to ensuring that graduates possess the necessary skills and competencies for the workforce, reducing skills gaps and enhancing employability. It aligns TVET programs with industry standards, enabling graduates to contribute effectively to the workforce. Quality assurance mechanisms also enhance the credibility and reputation of TVET institutions, increasing their attractiveness to students and employers. It helps produce highly skilled individuals, contributing to the country’s economic development and global competitiveness. However, the TVET sector in West Africa faces several challenges, including inadequate infrastructures, curriculum relevance, teaching and learning quality, limited industry collaboration, and lack of quality assurance mechanisms. To address these issues, the authors suggest some innovative dimensions of quality standards to strengthen and improve quality assurance in TVET institutions. These quality standards include leadership, governance, management, physical environment, human resources, curriculum, student participation, access, equity, career guidance, financial management, program evaluation, research, innovation and development. All of these are interrelated, thereby spurring the overall quality and effectiveness of TVET programs and institutions.

Ten years of an external quality program control in clinical microbiology: a statistical analysis of the results

AbstractExternal quality assessment data of clinical microbiology obtained over ten years by the Colombian company PROASECAL in laboratories of seven countries in Central and South America are analyzed. The objective is to describe the quality of clinical microbiology results of the participants in the study period (2010–2021). This analysis includes the results of genus and species identification and proper reporting of both Gram staining and susceptibility testing. Data from 195 laboratories, which processed 31 bacteria, were analyzed. In this study, 32 % of laboratories were classified as good because they successfully determined the genus and species, 36 % fair, 12 % poor, and 20 % critical, to which recommendations for improvement were sent as part of the reports. In the analysis conducted for concordance between Genus, Morphology, and Gram, the success rates obtained are between 83 % and 94 %. Regarding antibiograms, the performance observed in Gram-positive bacteria ranges from 57 to 98 %, while in Gram-negative bacteria, it is between 82 and 98 %. The descriptive tools to explain external quality assessment results in clinical microbiology are limited to the percentage of successes in each item to be reported. For the analysis of the population data set, in this article, we propose to use contingency tables (including estimates of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values) and equality of proportions tests as techniques that facilitate the interpretation of the data. On the other hand, the statistical analysis described here can be used as an analysis methodology for similar studies.

Assessment of stress levels based on biosignal during the simulator-based maritime navigation training and its impact on sailing route reliability

Maritime training can improve safety by equipping seafarers with the knowledge and skills to manage risk. However, designing a quality training program can be challenging and stress can negatively impact performance and safety. To address this, the present study aims to investigate the relationship between stress and training outcomes, with the goal of developing more effective stress-based training systems. Two stressful scenarios were designed with varying safety factors involved during navigation tasks. The study examines the impact of stress levels on training outcomes and performance based on safety factors and the correlation between self-assessed stress levels and objective stress levels obtained from biosignal data. The study was conducted in a simulated bridge environment in Tromsø, Norway, and analyzed using statistical tests and machine learning models. The findings of this study indicate that training scenarios can be classified by stress levels, which were found to be associated with reduced visibility, equipment failures, and severe weather conditions. Additionally, the study revealed that stress levels can negatively impact performance in maritime navigation and sailing route reliability. These findings provide insights into how to improve the quality and effectiveness of maritime training programs and ultimately enhance safety at sea.

Theoretical analysis of the physiological and technical aspects of jumping from a trampoline within the limits of skiing

Skiing, and especially ski jumping, is characterized by high intensity and a high level of technical complexity. The presented scientific study is devoted to a detailed analysis of the physiological and technical aspects of ski jumping within the scope of skiing. The main goal of this study is to highlight the features of the functional training of athletes and to analyze the key technical elements that are of decisive importance for the successful performance of this specific discipline.
 The article pays considerable attention to the importance of physiological training as a necessary factor for achieving high results in this demanding sport. A detailed overview of the technical aspects that affect the quality and performance of ski jumping is also provided. A deep understanding of the relationship between physiological performance and technical skills in this field can lead to decisive conclusions.
 The obtained research results can play a significant role in improving the quality of training programs and training systems for athletes in the field of skiing. This will contribute not only to increasing the efficiency of jumping from the ski jump, but also to ensure an increased level of safety for athletes who are engaged in this exciting discipline.

An investigation of university students' attitude, satisfaction and academic achievement in online learning: empirical evidence from a developing nation

PurposeFollowing the COVID-19 pandemic, most higher education institutes shifted to online learning as the sole alternative to continuing education while mitigating the risks imposed by the pandemic. This has raised several concerns regarding students’ learning experience, satisfaction and academic achievement, particularly in countries where students have restrained technological resources (i.e. developing nations). The current research aims to investigate the key factors influencing students’ attitudes, satisfaction and academic achievement among university students in an emerging market context (i.e. Morocco). The moderating effect of students’ motivation to study online was also scrutinized.Design/methodology/approachThe authors propose an integrated conceptual framework that combines the technology acceptance model (TAM) with the outcomes of prior literature related to online learning. Based on data collected from 850 Moroccan university students, the authors empirically tested the conceptual model using a partial least squares (PLS) estimation.FindingsFirst, attitude toward online learning and satisfaction positively impact university students’ academic achievement; at the same time, attitude positively impacts students’ satisfaction with online learning. Second, students’ satisfaction and attitude toward online learning were found to be mainly influenced by instructor performance, ease of use of the online learning platform, information quality, interactivity and perceived usefulness (PU). Finally, student motivation acts as a moderator, e.g. students with higher motivation to learn online are more likely to develop a favorable attitude toward online learning and can, therefore, accomplish better academic performance.Originality/valueThe current study makes a considerable contribution to the literature by contributing to the on-going debate about the potentials and challenges of online learning, particularly in an emerging country where education remains a considerable challenge. The study findings can help higher education institutes gauge the quality of online education programs and design efficient strategies to develop high-quality online learning for students. Our findings have implications not only for educational institutions and instructors in developing markets but also for the vendors of online course delivery software.

Strategi TVRI Medan dalam Meningkatkan Kualitas Siaran di Era 4.0

This research examines TVRI Medan's strategies for improving broadcast quality in the era of 4.0 using qualitative descriptive qualitative research methods, data collection techniques such as observation and interviews. The results show that TVRI Medan's strategies for enhancing broadcast quality in the 4.0 Era involve the use of the latest technology, development of digital platforms, collaboration with educational institutions and local creative agencies, and more active interaction with the audience. TVRI Medan's success in improving broadcast quality is attributed in part to the availability of adequate broadcasting technology support. This significantly influences the quality of broadcast programs, as the general public tends to prefer media with high-quality content. TVRI continues to enhance quality to adapt to changing media trends, improve the appeal and quality of broadcasts, and develop innovative content.

PROBLEMS AND REFORM STRATEGIES OF COLLEGE DANCE EDUCATION UNDER THE BACKGROUND OF QUALITY EDUCATION

College dance education plays a crucial role in training qualified dance professionals and promoting the art form. However, it currently faces problems affecting program quality, including lack of standardization, outdated curricula and facilities, shortages of qualified faculty, and more. This paper analyzes key issues and challenges for college dance programs in China through an extensive literature review. Potential reform measures are proposed such as improving teacher training, modernizing curricula and teaching methods, upgrading facilities and equipment, and strengthening industry partnerships. Findings suggest comprehensive reforms are needed across areas such as administration, curriculum, faculty, facilities and assessment to improve program quality and enable college dance education to better meet the needs of the cultural market.

The American Heart Association at 100: A Century of Scientific Progress and the Future of Cardiovascular Science: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association.

In 1924, the founders of the American Heart Association (AHA) envisioned an international society focused on the heart and aimed at facilitating research, disseminating information, increasing public awareness, and developing public health policy related to heart disease. This presidential advisory provides a comprehensive review of the past century of cardiovascular and stroke science, with a focus on the AHA's contributions, as well as informed speculation about the future of cardiovascular science into the next century of the organization's history. The AHA is a leader in fundamental, translational, clinical, and population science, and it promotes the concept of the "learning health system," in which a continuous cycle of evidence-based practice leads to practice-based evidence, permitting an iterative refinement in clinical evidence and care. This advisory presents the AHA's journey over the past century from instituting professional membership to establishing extraordinary research funding programs; translating evidence to practice through clinical practice guidelines; affecting systems of care through quality programs, certification, and implementation; leading important advocacy efforts at the federal, state and local levels; and building global coalitions around cardiovascular and stroke science and public health. Recognizing an exciting potential future for science and medicine, the advisory offers a vision for even greater impact for the AHA's second century in its continued mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives.

Expanding Outcomes in Cancer Screening Safety Net Programs: Promoting Sustainability and Policy Reform.

Community-engaged patient navigation safety net programs are established as an evidence-based approach to address cancer prevention and early detection efforts, but barriers to expand and sustain such programs persist. In addition, few studies describe how these programs impact buy-in among communities and policy change within health care systems and government. We describe how we used the Capacity for Sustainability Framework to guide efforts for program sustainability and community, institutional, and policy level change in a breast cancer screening and patient navigation safety net program. The nine domains of the Capacity for Sustainability Framework were used to develop program logic models, to inform program implementation and quality improvement agendas, and to guide multi-level partner and stakeholder engagement, outreach, and dissemination of outcomes. The program is currently in its seventh year and continues to be annually funded by a city public health department. In 2021, additional 5-year renewable funding from a state public health department was secured. In addition, institutional program support was expanded for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Program leaders worked with policymakers to draft legislation to support training certification and third-payor reimbursement for patient navigators and community health workers. The program is well-known and trusted among community members, community-based organizations, and providers. Community, organizational, and policy-level outcomes demonstrate that community-engaged patient navigation safety net programs can influence more than individual and interpersonal outcomes and can be sustained over time.

Evaluation of the Quality of Academic Programs from the Perspective of Students in the College of Arts and Social Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University

Objectives: This study assesses the quality of academic programs in the College of Arts and Social Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University from the students' perspective. It examines variations in perceived program quality among the college's scientific departments.
 Methods: The study employs a descriptive survey approach, utilizing a questionnaire with 48 items across five dimensions to gauge the quality of academic program performance from the perspective of first-stage undergraduate students. A five-point Likert scale measures students' attitudes. The study population comprises all first-stage undergraduate students with a minimum of 75 credited hours across various programs, totaling 761 students for the spring semester of 2020. It consists of 336 students.
 Results: The overall evaluation of the quality of academic programs in the college, from the students' perspective, was rated as "moderate." It revealed that the quality levels of academic programs in the departments of Media, Arabic Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, and Geography were higher than the remaining departments: History, Information Studies, Tourism, Music, and Musicology. It identified significant differences in response means across all dimensions of academic program quality based on scientific department. No statistically significant differences were found in student responses across quality dimensions when considering the variable of gender.
 Conclusions: The study suggests implementing targeted programs in scientific departments to maximize the advantages of academic accreditation and improve academic program quality. It also recommends creating effective monitoring programs to address feedback from accreditation bodies and international evaluators, focusing on identifying strengths, weaknesses, and optimal methods for enhancement.

Mental Health Social Work Practitioner Research: A Narrative Review of Papers Published From One Academic Program

Purpose: This narrative review explores papers published in peer-reviewed journals reporting research from a practice research module of a qualifying program to examine their potential contribution to knowledge in mental health social work. Methods: A narrative review was undertaken according to the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews of papers published by the first three cohorts of a practice research module. Results: Eleven papers were included in the review which found, for example, some deficits in practitioners’ knowledge, confidence and understanding. The studies were modest and had some common limitations, but a high number of online views indicate that the papers have the potential to impact on practice. Conclusion: This review found that it is possible to use a practice research module of a qualifying program to train social workers to undertake and publish high-quality research which has the potential to influence policy or practice beyond a students’ own learning.

PENDAMPINGAN KELAS IBU HAMIL DALAM MEMBERIKAN MOTIVASI ANC BERKUALITAS, UPAYA PENINGKATAN KESEHATAN IBU DAN JANIN

Complications of pregnancy and childbirth as a cause of maternal death can be prevented by carrying out regular antenatal care (ANC) visits. Antenatal care is a comprehensive and quality antenatal service provided to all pregnant women. These services can be provided by doctors, midwives, nurses and other medical personnel who are trained and professional. The Indonesian government has made a policy for an integrated antenatal care program of quality and quantity, namely that antenatal care must implement the "7T" service standard with a minimum visit frequency of 4 times during pregnancy. Antenatal services can also be used to provide information to pregnant women and their families to carry out appropriate treatment and immediately have their pregnancy checked if there are danger signs during pregnancy. Factors that influence the health behavior of pregnant women when visiting ANC are divided into predisposing factors, enabling factors and reinforcing factors. Predisposing factors consist of age, education level, occupation, parity, knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women. Enabling factors include distance from residence, family income, and existing information media facilities. Meanwhile, strengthening factors include husband's support, family support, and attitudes and support from health workers..

A patient journey audit tool (PJAT) to assess quality indicators in a nuclear medicine service

PurposeTo develop a nuclear medicine specific patient journey audit tool (PJAT) to survey and audit patient journeys in a nuclear medicine department such as staff interaction with patients, equipment, quality of imaging and laboratory procedures, patient protection, infection control and radiation safety, with a view to optimising patient care and providing a high-quality nuclear medicine service.MethodsThe PJAT was developed specifically for use in nuclear medicine practices. Thirty-two questions were formulated in the PJAT to test the department’s compliance to the Australian National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards, namely clinical governance, partnering with consumers, preventing and controlling health care infection, medication safety, comprehensive care, communicating for safety, blood management and recognising and responding to acute deterioration. The PJAT was also designed to test our department’s adherence to diagnostic reference levels (DRL). A total of 60 patient journey audits were completed for patients presenting for nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography and bone mineral density procedures during a consecutive 4-week period to audit the range of procedures performed. A further 120 audits were captured for common procedures in nuclear medicine and positron emission tomography during the same period. Thus, a total of 180 audits were completed. A subset of 12 patients who presented for blood labelling procedures were audited to solely assess the blood management standard.ResultsThe audits demonstrated over 85% compliance for the Australian national health standards. One hundred percent compliance was noted for critical aspects such as correct patient identification for the correct procedure prior to radiopharmaceutical administration, adherence to prescribed dose limits and distribution of the report within 24 h of completion of the imaging procedure.ConclusionThis PJAT can be applied in nuclear medicine departments to enhance quality programmes and patient care. Austin Health has collaborated with the IAEA to formulate the IAEA PJAT, which is now available globally for nuclear medicine departments to survey patient journeys.

The value of improving insurance quality: Evidence from long-run Medicaid attrition

The US government increasingly provides public health insurance coverage through private firms. We examine associated welfare implications for beneficiaries, using a ‘revealed preference’ framework based on beneficiaries’ program attrition rates. Focusing on the Medicaid program in New York State, we exploit quasi-random variation in the initial assignment at birth to public versus private Medicaid based on birth weight. We find that infants assigned to private Medicaid at birth are less likely to subsequently leave Medicaid. We provide suggestive evidence that reduced attrition reflects beneficiary responses to improved program quality, rather than alternative mechanisms such as private Medicaid plans reducing re-enrollment barriers.

Survey of evaluation policies and procedures in clinical neuropsychology postdoctoral fellowship programs

Objective The objectives of this study were to examine current procedures that are used to evaluate competency development in clinical neuropsychology at the postdoctoral level and to investigate policies and procedures for the management of performance that is below expectations during the postdoctoral fellowship. Method Clinical neuropsychology fellowship program directors were invited via email with multiple reminders to participate in an online survey between 1/26/2023 and 3/31/2023. Results Most programs administer a competency-based written evaluation of fellow performance (92%) and have a written policy for managing performance that is below expectations (86%). However, greater variability was reported regarding the use of other evaluation tools, including fellow self-assessments (46% of programs), program evaluations (57% of programs), supervisor evaluations (73% of programs), and exit interviews (82% of programs). Moreover, there was variability between programs with regard to the specific competencies that were measured and how performance that is below expectations is managed. Conclusions Competency-based evaluations and clear, written policies and procedures for management of performance that is below expectations are recommended. Such tools and policies provide clear expectations for fellowship outcomes, promote regular communication between fellows and supervisors, foster early identification of gaps in training, facilitate program quality improvement, and increase opportunities to support and intervene during the course of fellowship training.

The Challenges and Obstacles of Implementing Quality and Development Programs at Jordanian Business Companies (Field Study)

Purpose: The study aims to clarify the challenges and obstacles (C&O) of implementing Quality and Development (Q&D) programs at Jordanian business institutions. Quality programs are the major driver of today’s business environment to accomplish business goals. The Q&D programs affect customers, organizations, and society at large. Theoretical Framework: The study reviewed the literature in order to explain the concepts of quality, organization development and the relation between the two concepts. In addition, the study surveyed previous research for challenges and obstacles that hindered the implementation of quality and organization development programs. Design/Methodology/Approach: The researchers used a descriptive statistical analysis to analyze the randomly collected data from a sample of various businesses in Amman Governance Area. A survey was prepared, tested and distributed to collect needed data. A total of 1275 surveys were used to solve the study problem regarding the influence of C&O on implementing Q&D at Jordanian business companies. The study uses the frequency statistics to analyze the collected data. Findings: The analysis of the study found that the success of implementing quality programs depends heavily on recognizing the C&O that will hinder the implantation in order to overcome such difficulties. The study showed that the absence of motivation, commitment, concentration, communication, resources, information, and executive support are the major C&O hindering the success of implementing quality programs. Meanwhile, the study showed that companies who attained or seeking quality certification are in a better position to overcome the difficulties of implementing quality programs. Employees also play a major role in overcoming such difficulties depending on the training and development provided by their institutions. Research, Practical & Social Implications: The study emphasized that quality programs are essential to the success of businesses in satisfying their customers, improving labor abilities and skills, increase their market share, and eventually increase profits. The study also emphasized the importance of leadership role in adapting, practicing and supporting quality programs in business institutions in order for such programs to succeed. Originality/Value: The study originality as a first attempt to examine the difficulties of implementing quality programs at Jordanian business companies. The study contributes to better understand the challenges and obstacles that may hinder quality and development programs at Jordanian business companies.

Spatial pattern and associated factors of timely vaccination in Ethiopia using EDHS-2016 data: A multilevel and spatial analysis.

Age-appropriate vaccination or vaccine timeliness is the administering of vaccines on the specified schedule of immunization. One of the qualities of the immunization program is an age-appropriate vaccine, it has become an ignored indicator of program performance. Even though age-appropriate vaccination is critical for child health, there are no national-level studies to generate conclusive and tangible evidence about the determination of timely vaccination in Ethiopia. To assess the spatial pattern and associated factors of timely vaccination in Ethiopia using EDHS-2016 data: A multilevel and spatial analysis. Community based cross-sectional study design was employed from 18 January to 27 June 2016. To select the participants, two-stage cluster sampling was employedin the Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey 2016 data. Permission was obtained via online request by explaining the aim of this particular study from DHS international. A statistical package for social science-21 software was used for data cleaning, recoding, and analysis. Arc GIS 10.3 software was used to show the spatial variation of age-appropriate vaccination practices. A generalized linear mixed-effect model was used. For all models, intra-class correlation, a proportional change in variance, the log-likelihood test, and the Akaike information criterion were calculated. The best model was selected by the lowest value Akaike information criterion. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence level were considered for the statistically significant association. The spatial distribution of age-appropriate vaccination practice in Ethiopia was non-randomly distributed with the global Moran's I value of 0.22 (p-value <0.001). The prevalence of age-appropriate vaccination practice in Ethiopia was 33.8%. Women who receive ≥ 2 TT vaccines (AOR = 1.48; 1.22, 1.79), women who lived in rural residences (AOR = 0.77; 0.62, 0.96), gave birth at a health facility (AOR = 1.2; 1.12, 1.37), ANC follow up (AOR = 174; 1.45, 2.1), richest (AOR = 1.65; 1.15, 2.37), richer (AOR = 1.72; 1.3, 2.22), middle-level income (AOR = 1.65; 1.16, 2.36), poorer (AOR = 1.47; 1.11, 1.96) were the factors of age-appropriate vaccination practice. The spatial distribution of age-appropriate vaccination practice in Ethiopia was non-randomly distributed across the regions. Age-appropriate vaccination practice was low in Ethiopia. Wealth index, usual caretaker of the child, ANC utilization, history of TT vaccination, place of delivery, and residence were associated with age-appropriate vaccination practice.

Cooperating Teachers’ Perceptions and Contributions to Preservice Teachers’ Professional Identities

Research on teachers’ socialisation years after they begin teaching in schools has not been extensively undertaken, and there are significant long-term consequences for how these experiences in organisational socialisation influence the quality of physical education programs. The purpose of this study was to determine how cooperating teachers perceive their role in the development of preservice physical education teachers’ professional identities. We used a qualitative methodology, gathering data through semi-structured interviews. Seven cooperating physical education teachers (five female and two male) with between 22 and 40 years of service were interviewed. The data were analysed through thematic content analysis using a constant comparative modality. The interview questions were categorised into three themes: reasons for being a cooperating teacher, the role of the cooperating teacher, and the professional identity of the cooperating teacher. The findings suggest various interpretations of the cooperating teacher’s role and ways of working. The most important skills to have in order to be a cooperating teacher appear to be related to how they were socialised and how they continue to experience the socialisation process during organisational socialisation, as well as the career phase in which they currently find themselves.

Measuring program quality using sensors: Childcare professional's experience, perceptions, and needs

High quality early childhood education programs can positively impact children's development. A growing body of research has used technology to measure aspects of quality in childcare environments, including sensors to measure the indoor built environment (temperature, light, and noise), physical activity in children and caregivers, and language environments. However, while sensors may generate significant research insights into childcare quality, little work has explored the acceptability of sensors for wide scale use in childcare quality improvement efforts. This study explored childcare staff's experiences with and perceptions of different sensors that could be used to measure parameters of quality indicators in early childcare programs. Research questions were addressed by applying a mixed methods approach using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology framework. Data was collected through online surveys and interviews. Results indicate that childcare staff have little experience with sensors, but most would be comfortable with sensor use in their programs and about half were interested in using them to measure various aspects of quality of childcare environments. Privacy and security issues such as data storage and use were raised as critical to address prior to implementation, along with clear communication with parents and childcare professionals on reasons for using sensors and the documentation of the value of sensor data in predicting child development. The findings highlight the need to include childcare staff and parents in the design of sensor systems and to consider how information will be shared and used.

Exploring Innovative Approaches for Quality Enhancement in Teacher Education: A Systematic Review

Teacher education plays a crucial role in shaping the quality of education imparted to learners. As education systems evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century, there is a pressing need to explore innovative approaches for enhancing the quality of teacher education programs. This systematic review aims to examine various innovative strategies employed globally to enhance the quality of teacher education. The review encompasses a comprehensive search of scholarly databases, including PubMed, ERIC, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as "teacher education," "quality enhancement," and "innovative approaches." Articles published between 2010 and 2023 were considered for inclusion, with a focus on empirical studies and systematic reviews. Key themes identified through the review include the integration of technology in teacher education, alternative pedagogical approaches, mentorship programs, and collaborative learning environments. The integration of technology, such as virtual reality simulations and online learning platforms, has shown promise in providing immersive learning experiences for pre-service and in-service teachers. Similarly, alternative pedagogical approaches, such as flipped classrooms and problem-based learning, have been found to foster critical thinking and reflective practices among teacher candidates. Furthermore, mentorship programs, both formal and informal, have emerged as effective mechanisms for providing ongoing support and guidance to novice teachers, facilitating their professional growth and development. Collaborative learning environments, encompassing communities of practice and peer learning networks, have also been instrumental in promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing among educators. This review underscores the importance of ongoing innovation in teacher education to address the evolving needs of educators and learners in the digital age. By leveraging technology, alternative pedagogies, mentorship, and collaborative learning, teacher education programs can cultivate a cadre of competent and adaptive educators equipped to meet the diverse challenges of contemporary education.