Required Skill Sets Research Articles

Fostering students’ confidence in collaborating in transdisciplinary online problem-based learning projects: practical guidelines for educators

The primary role and value of a transdisciplinary online collaborative problem-based learning (OCPBL) project is that all disciplines fully participate in producing solutions to challenges. Acquiring the confidence to do so transcends all disciplines. The central role of educators then emerges in facilitating students’ confidence in their ability to participate and perform in OCPBL projects. This paper focuses on Phase 3 of a longitudinal ethnographic study, with the aim of consolidating practical guidelines to facilitate confident participation in an OCPBL project. Guidelines emerged from exploratory focus groups with educators as participants involved in the design and facilitation of an OCPBL project. Thematic analysis presents two sets of guidelines: achievement of the facilitation of effective OCPBL by students and student teams and guidelines for the composition and orientation of educator panels and their facilitation of confident OCPBL. The latter makes the most significant contribution to theory and practice. Our research shows that educators should, in particular, guide and support students in exploring and clearly expressing their own feelings of professional self-worth within and beyond their own disciplines while gaining insight and developing due respect for others. Most importantly, full collaboration in an experiential transdisciplinary OCPBL project requires recognition and respect for one's own and others’ disciplines, both among students and among educators. Confidence as a graduate attribute is also key to the required skill set in transdisciplinary online teams engaged in complex collaborative problem solving and value creation.

Rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants by molecular-clamping technology-based RT-qPCR.

We have developed a multiplex reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) testing platform for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants using the xenonucleic acid (XNA)-based molecular-clamping technology. The XNA-based RT-qPCR assay can achieve high sensitivity with a limit of detection of about 100 copies/mL for variant detection which is much better than the next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay. Its turnaround time is about 4 hours with lower cost and a lot of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) labs own the instrument and meet skillset requirements. This assay provides a rapid, reliable, and cost-effective testing platform for rapid detection and monitoring of known and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. This testing platform can be adopted by laboratories that perform routine SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing, providing a rapid and cost-effective method in lieu of NGS-based assays, for detecting, differentiating, and monitoring SARS-CoV-2 variants. This assay is easily scalable to any new variant(s) should it emerge.

Critical competencies for integration of digital technologies in managing PPP projects

This study addresses the application of various digital technologies (DTs) in PPP construction projects by identifying relevant DTs for this type of projects and analyzing the required skill sets for the effective adoption of these technologies. The study identifies 18 competencies from existing literature and uses purposive sampling technique, selecting a sample of 200 professionals. The identified competencies were subjected to validation by the professionals through questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics to ascertain perceived relative importance. Further hypothetical tests were conducted to assess the differences in perception of these skills relative to the professions and company size of the respondents. The identification of the critical competencies for digital technology application in Nigerian PPP projects highlighted the critical role of both technical and managerial competencies, with a notable emphasis on continuous learning, proficiency in BIM software, and essential managerial competencies. Furthermore, the study found consistent skill appraisal across professional groups and no significant relationship between company size and the perceived importance of these competencies, underscoring the universality of requirements for effective adoption of DTs in PPP Projects. The findings underscore the critical importance of a balanced blend of technical expertise and managerial competencies, along with consistent skill appraisal across professional groups.

Challenges in rescuing snakes to protect human lives and promote snake conservation in Tamil Nadu, India.

Human-snake conflicts are common worldwide, often resulting in snakebites. Snakebite envenoming causes over 125,000 deaths and 400,000 permanent disabilities worldwide every year. India alone accounts for an average of ~58,000 annual snakebite-induced deaths. As human developments rapidly expand into suburban and rural areas, snakes are being displaced and incidences of residents finding snakes within their dwellings are increasing. Most people have an innate fear of snakes, compounded by centuries of negative influence from culture and mythology manifesting in people often attempting to kill snakes. Snake rescuers are volunteers who remove and relocate snakes to safe areas. This is a risky job that poses potentially fatal implications if bitten. These volunteers mostly receive no financial compensation for their time or transportation costs, but they choose to do it for their love of snakes, conservation, and for the altruistic nature of helping others. Snake rescuers often receive no formal training and are unfunded resulting in removing snakes improperly without adequate safety equipment or the required skill set to safely complete the task. Therefore, it is critical to determine their challenges and requirements to promote the safe rescue of snakes while protecting human lives. In this study, we developed an online questionnaire and interviewed 152 snake rescuers in Tamil Nadu, India following written informed consent to determine their challenges and needs for rescuing snakes safely. The results demonstrate that most rescuers are males, and they conduct snake rescues for varying lengths of time. They mostly receive no formal training and are bitten by snakes. They spend their own money on the purchase of snake-handling equipment and on treatments if bitten or injured during a rescue. The rescuers highlighted the urgent need for formal training, safety equipment and standard protocols for rescuing snakes in Tamil Nadu. Overall, this study demonstrates that snake rescuing should be appropriately regulated by the authorities, in particular the Wildlife Division of State Forest Departments in India, and formal training along with necessary equipment, medical insurance and appropriate recognition should be provided to them to safely remove snakes from human dwellings and manage the safety of both snakes and humans. They can also act as educators to disseminate information about the preventive and first aid measures for snakebites as well as the ecological importance of snakes.

Fertility clinics have a duty of care towards patients who do not have children with treatment.

In medically assisted reproduction (MAR) success has mostly been measured in terms of achieving (healthy) livebirths. We argue this focus is too narrow and that success should be measured in terms of alleviating patient suffering caused by an unfulfilled child wish. The major implication is that clinics must better tailored care to effectively support patients who do not have child(ren) with treatment. First, we argue that clinics have a duty of care towards patients for whom MAR does not result in children because this is a common treatment outcome, because treatment is burdensome and creates new losses for patients, and because the field has the necessary expertise to provide support and it is part of patient-centred care. Then, we examine concerns about the adequacy of addressing the possibility that treatment may end without children, namely, that this may hinder patients' hope and put them off doing treatment, and that it may be perceived as a sign of clinical incompetence, as well as concerns about the required skill set. We end with a set of research-informed recommendations to promote healthy adjustment to ending fertility treatment without children. These focus on the need to reconceptualize 'success' and 'failure' in MAR, to promote open discussion about the possibility of treatment not resulting in children and encourage patients to develop 'plan(s) B', to support patients who end treatment without children, and to create the organizational structures needed to support clinics and healthcare professionals in this endeavour.

NEED FOR EFFECTIVE TALENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN BANKING -A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Over a decade the banking practices in the country has been experiencing sea change with the implementation of number policy related changes, rise in privatisation and also due to technology upgradations. Modern-day banking activities have become more complex and complied with high-end technology intervention. It makes bank employees more sensitive towards their job. Thus, retain the existing work force with required skill sets is a dauting task for the administrations of banks. Talent management activities of banks generally revolve around employee engagement monitoring their performance, establishing connectivity between employee and the banking institution and they’re by achieving bank’s goal. It is concluded that talent management is an emerging issue and most focused topic in Indian banking sector. This task compliance with stringent procedures and time consuming too. Hiring talent in this pursuit and retaining them involve myriad steps to make the employees i.e., stimulate them to learn new concept and practice it in their day-to-day work adopt continuous training and monitor the performance of the employees KEY WORDS: Talent Management, Public Sector Banks, Private Sector Banks, Competition

All good things come in threes – required skill sets in the graduate labour market in Germany

PurposeOur work adds to the debate regarding higher education graduates’ skills required in the labour market in Germany and beyond.Design/methodology/approachUsing Q-methodology and the accompanying narrations, we explore German employers’ and employees’ views (N = 26) on characteristics required at the entry level.FindingsOur findings show three areas of the labour market with different skill requirements. Whereas the first area, “The world of rules”, applies more likely to the professions and academia, the two other areas, “The middle field” and “The people-oriented and critical market”, can be found throughout the labour market. The disciplinary affiliation does not play a role. In all three areas, soft skills are crucial and specialised knowledge is only highly valued in the area of “The world of rules”.Originality/valueIn contrast to previous findings, we do not focus on singular skills. Instead, we focus on skill sets and discuss their relevance from the background of their usability.

The Impact of a Skill-Driven Model on Scrum Teams in Software Projects: A Catalyst for Digital Transformation

Human skills are a critical factor in the success or failure of a digital project. Limited studies have been conducted to identify the industry demand for skills of scrum roles (product owner, scrum master, web developer) and levels (entry, associate, mid-senior). The evaluation of skills over time benefits both decision-makers and associated team members, which leads to successful project completions. The aim of this research is to improve decision making concerning the level-specific skills of selected scrum roles for digital projects. The study identifies major and minor skills, patterns, and relationships between levels, and formulates the mathematical equations as the most important inputs to the skill-driven model’s implementation and evaluation. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to analyse 900 surveyed job advertisements published on LinkedIn in Europe. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse quantitative data while the deductive approach was followed with thematic analysis. There are required skill sets for each level of roles, level-specific skills, industry-demanded skills, and formulas related to the initial and individual skill ratings that are investigated. A new mechanism for evaluation is introduced based on “the time spent with skills”. As a result, the proposed model is implemented by feeding research findings into the Mendix programming platform. The skill-driven model is a decision-support solution in software project management to evaluate skills which assist in assigning the right person to the right digital project. Further investigation on different job portals can help to improve the accuracy of industry standards and reduce the lack of progression skills by overcoming limitations identified in this paper.

Weaving Futures: Enhancing Learning and Innovation Capabilities of Rural Women in the MSME Textile Sector

Purpose: Industrialization has led to centralized development, urbanization, migration and concentration of people in selected areas, that is, cities. The current model of development is not a sustainable one. While progress has been made through this model, it has also increased social inequalities, damaged health and caused irreversible depletion of the natural environment. The need of the hour is to create a new model of development to achieve sustainable development across rural and semi-urban regions. Objective: The objective of the new development model is to find out the relation between learning and innovation capability on the customer-based performance of a textile-based micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME). The research questions that will be answered are how rural women working in textile MSMEs can improve their learning and innovation capabilities? What is the impact of learning and innovation capabilities on the customer-based performance of the MSMEs? Methodology: The research method used for this study was based on primary data collected from the stakeholders of rural textile-based MSMEs and secondary data. Findings and Suggestions: The paper suggests that localized micro-factories enable people to stay close to their roots. The need of the hour is to train people with the required skill sets. The learning and innovation capability of the MSMEs reflects on their customer-based performance. The implementation of advanced technology will make localized micro-factories profitable. These technologies will provide services to citizens efficiently and equitably. The proposed smart cities will have to create more equitable and symbiotic relationships with the surrounding semi-urban and rural areas. The emphasis should be on learning new techniques of production using locally available resources. Once the new techniques have been learned, the company should be able to implement them innovatively to improve its customer experience.

The growing challenge of attracting talent to post-trade and keeping employees’ skills current

Digital transformation, emergence of modern technologies, regulatory drivers and ever-increasing quest for efficiencies has pushed the financial industry, including the post-trade business, through a tremendous change over the past decade. This change has introduced new requirements for systems and organisations, but most importantly towards staff working in these areas. In this paper, we discuss the implications of the changes in operational landscape for the required skill sets, the challenges and opportunities in attracting and retaining talent, and techniques to build the needed competences for organisations to be equipped for the requirements of the future. This is done by examining the research on general topics and linking that to experience from business and real-life examples related to talent attraction, talent management and competence building in post-trade. Based on that, we see that talent challenge is industry-agnostic, linking to both tight labour markets and changing competence requirements. To address this, companies must ensure that basic talent management practices are well deployed, try out some non-traditional talent pools and new ways of working, as well as bring talent attraction and retention activities to a level that resonates with the new generation (Gen Z and Millennials), who are much quicker in their career moves and are driven by different values and realities compared to their more senior colleagues. We conclude that building talent and skills inhouse is the most important way to approach this challenge, and as a side-effect it will also help in the specific challenge of talent retention. Building talent in-house, however, requires committed leadership and management, investment in learning tools and engaged staff to bring lasting results.

Impact of Digitalization on Employment Pattern in India

Digital enablement has proved to be a game changer all over the world. Earlier the concept of Information and Communication technologies (ICT) was confined mainly to services sector in India, however, with the initiation of Digital India programme in 2015, digitalization has entered in all the walks of human life. Studies round the world depict that digitalization has positive impact on economic growth of a nation by driving entrepreneurial innovation and productivity. Though it has impacted various economic parameters, but the present study will try to analyze its impact on employment in India, with special reference to restructuring of employment and changes in job composition in the aftermath of digitalization. On one hand, it leads to creation of new skilled jobs and on the other hand, it also leads to replacement of routine work and other cyber security risks. Thus, an attempt is made to evaluate the change from the perspective of labor markets and ability of people to adapt to the changing employment pattern in the country and responsibility of education sector to reform according to the changes in required skill sets demanded by the industry. Introduction of digital skill set in higher education curriculum can help in enhancing efficiency and flexibility in labor markets and bridging the digital skill gap in India. The study shows that digitalization has the potential to reduce gender gap in employment and also provide vocational training opportunities to youth which can help in harnessing the benefits of demographic dividend. The Government should aim at reducing digital divide by improving accessibility to internet in both urban and rural areas.

MOTIVATIONS AND CHALLENGES IN SPECIALIZING TECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL INQUIRY

This paper aimed to analyze and interpret the students’ motivations and challenges in specializing in Technology and Livelihood Education during the hit of a pandemic. The study interpreted the shared experiences of the 12 BTLEd students using the phenomenological approach and a six-phase approach to thematic analysis (TA), popularized by (Clarke & Braun, 2006). The findings showed four (4) common themes: continuity of previous academic journey, financial problems, access to supplementary learning materials, and TLE as a complex field of study. These recurring themes indicate that the absence of face-to-face interaction resulted in the students’ difficulties acquiring the required skill set for the subject. Moreover, future research on this particular topic may be carried out to investigate the particular areas or dimensions of the TLE program more in-depth.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0756/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Preparing the next generation of mechanical engineering graduates: identifying and combating the digital skills

In connection with the rapidly growing role of digital technologies, great importance is attached to the level of «digital literacy» of specialists, that is, their ability to perform tasks in a digital environment. The engineering industry is no exception. It should be viewed as high-tech, requiring innovation and improvement to remain competitive in today's digital economy. Digital tools open up many possibilities. However, realizing these benefits requires a new approach to the challenges posed not only by new technology, but also by the human component. In order for the future generation of engineers to be competitive, during their training it is extremely important to develop skills in using digital technologies not only on the basis of professional disciplines, but also general professional ones using the example of studying the discipline «Hydraulics and Hydraulic Drive». With digital literacy skills, students can plan learning that will help them think critically, creatively, and innovatively. The main purpose of this study was to determine the required skill set of the future «mechanical engineer». To achieve this goal, the following tasks were formulated: (1) to understand the importance of digital technologies for mechanical engineering students; (2) identify gaps in current skills; (3) identify opportunities to use digital technologies to improve operations; (4) identify the benefits of digital technologies in future engineering projects; (5) analyze data indicating the percentage of students using and integrating information and communication technologies into learning during practical training. The authors consider the need for digital skills using the example of training areas 05.23.01 «Land Transport Systems» and 03.15.02 «Technological Machinery and Equipment» (profile «Oil and Gas Industry Equipment»).

Enhancing Different Skill Sets of Engineering Students through Project based Interdisciplinary Approach - A Case Study of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Project

Abstract— Technology and the availability of information have shifted the focus of researchers of engineering education towards experiential learning, a three-dimensional learning approach for students' engagement and development. The MIT report on The Global State of the Art in engineering education also shows the importance of experiential learning as a pedagogical tool for engineering education. Many researchers have discussed how this pedagogical tool is used to develop various skills like leadership, decision-making, teamwork etc. However, how experiential learning is mapped with learning outcomes and strategy for their assessment is yet not developed and discussed in depth. This research paper discusses the learning of students while working on the project undertaken under Mission Amrit Sarovar- Jal Dharohar Sanrakshan-2022 as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative by the Government of India to rejuvenate ponds, advocating sustainability, and enhancement of analytical skills. The paper also discusses how effectively various learning aspects and understanding of all participating students would be mapped with required skill sets. The survey instrument has captured the detailed response to do an analysis of learning and later on, that has been mapped with required skill sets. Moreover, activities were designed with a perspective to provide experiential learning for students to engage with relevant officials, enhancing their communication and presentation skills. This also facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing environmental challenges and conserving valuable natural resources. The findings provide a direction for field-academic scenarios with practical knowledge and foster students' ability to contribute to real-world problems. Keywords— Rejuvenation, Engineering Education, experiential learning, engineers’ skill set, field academic, real-world problem

Student Development through Comprehensive Training for Placement Improvement: A Quality Circle Approach

Abstract— Contribution of Engineering Education to the sustainable development of the industry have shown its importance. In each phase of industry revolution, core engineering branches have played significant role by providing competent engineering graduates. Over the years’ industry requirements are changed accordingly the employability skills of the graduates needs to be uphold. Further, the core engineering branches are facing challenges to adopt the revolution of allied engineering branches and courses. To address these issues, the students of core engineering branches to be trained in various dimensions for filling this gap. Thus, the paper discusses the development of students of core engineering through means of comprehensive training to make them employable with quality circle approach. The comprehensive training has been conducted for specific set of students of electrical engineering for placements in core companies with higher packages. Various surveys have been conducted to identify the skill-set requirements of students and expectations of industry.survey conducted. The outcome of the comprehensive training is found to be efficient in terms of placement opportunities and improvements in packages. Keywords— Student development; quality circle; employability; placement; comprehensive training

THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON EMPLOYMENT TRENDSAND THE DEMANDS ON VIETNAMESE UNIVERSITIES

This article conducts a desk review on the impact of artificial intelligence on employment trends in various countries worldwide, with a focus on the United States as a representative example, and the demands it places on universities in Vietnam. The research highlights that artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping future career trends and the required skill sets for the workforce. Higher education, as the hub for cultivating skilled and highly qualified human resources, must create optimal conditions for training a workforce that can meet the demands of digital transformation and the significant influence of AI. In the context of a developing countries like Vietnam, universities also need to innovate their curriculum and foster closer partnerships between academia and industry to equip students with lifelong learning skills.

AI and the Accounting Profession: Views from Industry and Academia

ABSTRACT Anecdotal and empirical evidence indicates that the growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) within accounting firms and accounting departments leads to improvements in efficiency, a gradual increase in the share of AI workers, and a decrease in junior accounting employees. If this trend continues, would it signal the beginning of an era of diminishing demand for new accounting professionals and a shift in the required skill set of new accounting employees? The aim of the workshop, which, by happenstance, occurred the same week that OpenAI introduced ChatGPT, was to bring together Accounting Information Systems researchers and representatives from leading accounting firms for a conversation on the implications of AI for the accounting profession and related research opportunities. Although the panelists at the time had no way of knowing the capabilities of generative AI models like ChatGPT, their main message was timely and appropriate: Accountants with AI will replace accountants.

Advancing Cloud Technology Security: Leveraging High-Level Coding Languages like Python and SQL for Strengthening Security Systems and Automating Top Control Processes

In today's dynamic business environment, staying ahead of competitors requires the integration of cutting-edge technologies into organizational processes. Cloud Computing, a transformative technological advancement, offers a promising avenue for achieving operational efficiency and innovation. This paper explores the integration of Cloud Computing with two powerful coding languages, Python and SQL, to enhance cloud security and automate control processes. Cloud Computing's adoption has revolutionized resource management through virtualization and diverse computing models. However, it also introduces security challenges like data breaches and unauthorized access. Python and SQL emerge as essential tools for addressing these challenges and automating various control processes. Python's versatility empowers organizations to establish sophisticated security protocols and automate tasks such as intrusion detection, anomaly detection, real-time monitoring, and computer vision. On the other hand, SQL's role involves automating control processes like resource provisioning, scaling, backup, recovery, access control, and database management.
 Integrating Python and SQL offers a holistic approach to cloud security enhancement. However, challenges such as skill set requirements, code quality, integration, maintenance, scalability, monitoring, and data privacy must be addressed. Fortunately, solutions like Snowpark, dbt, Hex, and Dataiku provide platforms that unify various programming languages, fostering collaboration and streamlining tasks. This convergence of Cloud Computing with Python and SQL presents numerous benefits. Automation enhances efficiency, reduces human error, and ensures consistent control process execution. This synergy allows organizations to achieve scalability, cost savings, improved security, and comprehensive monitoring and reporting.
 As institutions increasingly d on Cloud Computing to drive innovation and competitiveness, the importance of fortifying these systems against evolving threats cannot be overstated. Integrating Python and SQL represents a pivotal juncture in achieving this goal. By harnessing their combined power, organizations can create robust security mechanisms, streamline operations, and promote cross-functional collaboration. As the digital landscape evolves, embracing this approach is crucial for sustaining success in a rapidly changing environment.

A regional comparison of the skills sought by employers for entry-level data scientists, data analytics, business analytics, marketing analytics and digital analytics professionals

Fact-based decision making is changing job functions within organisations more than any other technology. Analytics, once the purview of the data scientist, is now spread throughout organisations. No longer is there a single job title, job function or set of required skills and credentials for an analytics career. Companies now recruit analytics talent based on required skill sets. Part 1 of this research1 focused on a cross-region comparison of the demand and employer requirements in job ads posted on LinkedIn for entry-level marketing analytics professionals. In Part 1, the authors reviewed the skills employers seek when hiring entry-level marketing analytics professionals in three geographic regions. The authors presented evidence of the growth in marketing analytics worldwide and how it has become a global phenomenon. Using job postings scraped from LinkedIn, Part 1 of the study extended previous research by focusing only on entry-level marketing analytics professionals' skills, knowledge and abilities in the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union. The authors presented findings across the three regions, clearly noting where distinct differences were identified in job postings by employers seeking entry-level marketing analytics professionals. Finally, the authors provided emerging and creative methods for recruiting analytics talent in a very complex and dynamically changing environment. This paper, Part 2 of the research project, focuses on a cross-region comparison of demand and employer requirements in job ads posted on LinkedIn for entry-level data scientist, data analytics, business analytics, marketing analytics and digital analytics professionals. The authors examined the similarities and differences in employer expectations by region across requirements for hard skills, soft skills, software skills and credentials.

Color changing Redox Active Paper Stamps (CoRAPS) for quick and easy detection of bacterial infection

Even small wounds can pose severe health risks to the subject on being infected with bacterial pathogens. Added concern about this comes from the fact that such infections might not be identifiable with normal eyes without any assistance. Therefore, the detection of such infections is of utmost importance. In the current study, color changing redox-active paper stamps (CoRAPS) have been developed to detect such microbial infections in a quick span with low required skill set and less complex machinery. CoRAPS utilizes the combination of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and a redox-active dye, resazurin, on a paper substrate. The prepared CoRAPS were found to be capable of detecting the bacterial population within 15 min of exposure in suspension condition whereas artificially created wound mimic with bacterial load could show color change of CoRAPS in ∼40 min of exposure. These timelines are significantly lower than the time required for conventional methods which generally takes 12–24 h in accessing the infection. The sensitivity of the product could be enhanced ∼100-fold by using an associated, newly developed, Bacticator app. Thus, CoRAPS in combination of newly developed Bacticator app provides a potential solution for the quick, user-friendly, and on-site detection of bacterial infection and can be effectively used for human and animal wound infection detections alike.