Employability Skills Research Articles

Using concept mapping to develop a curriculum for career studies

My goal in this paper is to offer a simple example of a career studies curriculum developed using the technique of concept mapping. In doing this, my intention is to help others construct their own courses, and so I would like to state quite clearly that what follows is simply an example of what a career studies curriculum might look like, it is not intended as a model or set of instructions. It is desirable, and in my view, essential, that course designers design their own courses and learning outcomes for their own contexts. I will make some preliminary remarks about concept mapping, explain my own career studies concept maps, and then use these to suggest eight workshops for use with participants. These workshop ideas will be relevant to designers of courses in career education, career development, employability, personal development, professional development, enterprise and career management skills.

Beyond subjects and skills or crossing the divide? From additionality to complementarity in college enrichment

ABSTRACT This paper reports a longitudinal study, organized around national surveys and institution-based case studies, of ‘enrichment’ in post-16 colleges across England and Wales. These institutions transect general and vocational education pathways, whose curricula are organized respectively around subject disciplines and employment skills. Drawing on social justice perspectives and understandings of curriculum theory and cultural reproduction, the study initially analysed enrichment practices positioned as additional to subject-based curricula. However, extending thematic analysis through cross-case comparison, the study uncovered an additional, complementary role of enrichment: in some specialist/general education settings, teacher-led, practice-based extensions of subject curricula, complemented by agentic networking opportunities, facilitated middle-class higher education transitions; vocational enrichment, responding instead to ‘learner support’ imperatives and socializing young people into employment routines, sustained the normative transitions to work that characterize vocational pathways. These distinctive complementary logics mirror the inequalities of epistemic access identified by curriculum theory, suggesting that these extend beyond formal curricula. On the other hand, some marginal practices, including broader, more critical preparation for adulthood and work, suggest possibilities to advance social justice, transgressing the academic/vocational divide. Whilst unequal societies persistently sustain this divide, activities outside formal curricula may support more agentic and socially just transitions to adulthood and working life.

Facilitating Effective Work Experience Supervision to Enable Diverse Students to Succeed in the Australian Legal Profession

The completion of legal work experience, including internships, has become quasi-mandatory for law graduates to be competitive for paid employment in the Australian legal profession. However, the employability skills and professional connections which students hope to gain through such work experience may be affected by a variety of factors, including if their workplace supervision is not effective. This is a particular issue for law students from groups underrepresented in the profession, who may have less familiarity with legal work and workplaces, whose experiences are less likely to mirror those of their supervisors in a profession which lacks diversity, and who are already experiencing compound vulnerability which limits their capacity to speak up about issues. This, in turn, limits diverse students’ capacity to transition into the profession. This paper considers how to facilitate inclusive and effective supervision within the profession to enable a wide range of law students to maximise the outcomes of their legal work experience. Within this context it outlines a project to promote successful supervision by supporting both law students and lawyer supervisors as one way of helping to turn the tide in favour of a safer, more inclusive legal profession.

Applying experiential learning theory in non-school-based technical and vocational education and training for unemployed youths in South Africa

Youth unemployment is one of the major challenges facing Sub-Saharan African countries today. Although young people may hold general certificates of education (equivalent to Grade 12), they lack employable or marketable skills enabling them to be integrated into the labour market. In this paper, I examine the application of experiential learning theory (ELT) in non-school-based technical and vocational training for unemployed youths as a learning approach to develop job-related skills and competencies for the real world of the workplace. I used a qualitative research design to meet the research objectives and conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 10 trainees out of 512 to get their views on training delivery and learning approaches for skills acquisition. To complement the interview data, I also conducted field observations at the training centres, in the workshops, and at companies hosting trainees for workplace training. My findings revealed that the facilitators used classroom-based and field-based experiential learning approaches to help the trainees gain job-related skills and competencies required in the labour market. I conclude that applying ELT in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes helped young trainees gain the job-related skills and competencies required in the labour market. As practical implications for society, I provide new insights into applying ELT to improve the effectiveness of non-school-based TVET programmes for disadvantaged and unemployed youths. My findings will motivate other trainers and training managers to apply ELT in designing and implementing non-school-based TVET programmes.

The Impact of Digital Transformation on Service Models and Employee Skill Requirements in Taiwan's Real Estate Brokerage Industry

This paper investigates how digital transformation impacts service delivery models and employee skill requirements in Taiwan's real estate brokerage industry. Through a multiple-case comparison approach, data was collected from 200 participants across real estate firms to examine organizational adaptation to technological change. The research employed structural equation modeling and hierarchical linear modeling to analyze relationships between compensation satisfaction (β = 0.45, p < 0.001), digital competency levels, and internal case circulation patterns. Results demonstrate that digital technologies significantly reshape brokerage operations, with digitalized companies achieving 32% higher client acquisition rates and 45% reduction in transaction processing time. Analysis reveals that employee digital literacy accounts for 28% of performance variance, while organizational support systems explain 23% of technology adoption rates. The findings extend service innovation literature by establishing empirical links between compensation systems and digital transformation success, providing a practical framework for technology integration in Taiwan's real estate sector. This research offers evidence-based recommendations for firms implementing digitalization strategies and developing employee capabilities in response to industry evolution.

Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Career Readiness for Agricultural Graduates in India

Agricultural Educational institutions are striving to enhance their methodologies to equip graduates with skills that meet diverse industry demands. While graduates are trained in foundational agricultural science, there is a growing recognition that securing suitable employment requires competencies beyond technical expertise. The study identifies notable gaps in these skill sets among graduates, indicating that while educational programs assess technical abilities rigorously, there is room for improvement in developing broader employability skills. The research involved final-year undergraduate students, alumni, and employers from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). A 67-item questionnaire was administered to students, alumni and employers. The 67 items were grouped into 16 skill categories and percentage analysis was carried out for better understanding. The analysis revealed that a significant portion of students (67.12%) are female, reflecting a positive trend in gender participation in agricultural education. However, the preference for government jobs among 85% of students raises concerns about their willingness to explore opportunities in the private sector, which may limit their career options. The study’s findings also reveal discrepancies in perceptions of essential employability skills among students, alumni, and employers. Students and alumni rated "Listening" as the most critical skill, while employers prioritized "Problem Solving and Analytic" skills. Furthermore, the study advocates for robust career guidance programs that encourage students to consider diverse career paths, including the private sector. Additionally, addressing gender disparities in the workforce is crucial to ensure equitable opportunities for all graduates.

Traditional and modern methods of construction: Comparative study of the sustainability of single‐family homes

AbstractModern construction methods, such as additive manufacturing, are aimed to enhance the efficiency and quality of construction processes while potentially reducing waste generation and material use, thus contributing to sustainability performance (SP). However, comprehensively understanding the sustainability trade‐offs associated with these methods is crucial for guiding both research and practical applications toward sustainable development. This study aims at quantifying the SP of various construction methods for housing, including traditional, prefabricated, and additive manufacturing approaches. A sustainability index, integrating economic, environmental, social, and technological criteria, is utilized to assess different alternatives. Findings reveal promising aspects of 3D printing technologies, such as potential cost reductions through scale increase and process optimization, minimized material waste generation, creation of skilled employment opportunities, and enhanced construction flexibility and ease. Nevertheless, challenges persist, notably significant greenhouse gas emissions and limited supplier availability. Addressing these challenges is imperative for advancing the sustainable implementation of additive manufacturing in construction.

Cognitive and self-regulation skills for employment among people with brain injury: A comparison of employed and non-employed people using mixed analysis.

Employment for people with brain injuries is challenging, and identifying the factors that can be improved by rehabilitation and establishing appropriate intervention methods are imperative. To examine whether differences in cognitive functions and self-regulation skills exist between employed and non-employed people with brain injuries. In addition, we explored the self-regulation skills characteristic of employed people by qualitatively comparing them to those of non-employed people. Using a mixed research method, demographic data, neuropsychological tests, self-efficacy, and self-regulation skills were compared between 38 people with brain injuries (16 employed and 22 unemployed) in the community. Subsequently, self-regulation skills were assessed by the Self-Regulation Skills Interview (SRSI), and participants' responses were qualitatively compared. No significant differences were observed in demographic data and neuropsychological tests, but employed people showed significantly better SRSI scores than unemployed people (p < 0.01). The qualitative analysis of the SRSI showed that employed people recognised themselves as having more specific symptoms than unemployed people. For example, they recognised the behaviour 'when having more than one errand, forgetting it', whereas non-employed people only recognised the category 'failure of prospective memory'. Furthermore, employed people reviewed their behaviour and developed ingenious coping strategies, such as 'looking back on appointments that have been made', 'writing down as soon as having a schedule', whereas unemployed people only exhibited categories such as 'writing schedules on the cell phone'. Self-regulation skills, such as recognising specific symptoms and developing relevant coping strategies, are effective for gaining employment.

Research on the Impact of Digital Transformation on the Sustainable Development Capability of the Information Service Industry

Digital transformation is a trend in the information service industry that is gaining traction. Enterprises can benefit from the development of innovative business models as well as improved service quality and efficiency, thereby promoting sustainable development of the information services industry. A rapid advancement in technology has led to the introduction of new digital technologies such as cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, etc. Several fields of the information service industry are slowly becoming impacted by these technologies, creating new opportunities and challenges for its sustainable growth. Information services can be optimized through digital transformation and work efficiency can be improved. Digital technologies facilitate the transmission of information and facilitate the processing of information, which helps enterprises respond to market changes quickly and enhance their competitiveness. Furthermore, businesses can use digital technology to better understand and meet the needs of their customers. Using big data, companies can gain a deeper understanding of customer behavior and preferences, enabling them to adjust their service strategies accordingly. Despite the benefits of the digital transformation, it has brought some problems and challenges, such as privacy and security concerns, as well as an increased demand for employees with specialized skills. As a result, enterprises should pay attention to solutions to these issues during the digital transformation process, such as strengthening data security measures, providing employee training and skill upgrades.

The Best Curriculum Practices for Development of Employability Skills: Experience from Tanzania

The Best Curriculum Practices for Development of Employability Skills: Experience from Tanzania

Civil engineering employers engagement in work-integrated learning

In this paper I provide two case studies of enhancing undergraduate students’ learning through Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). Both interventions involve university-industry partnerships with local and regional civil engineering employers. Industry Mentoring (2010-2024) is a curricular activity with an authentic assessment. Third-year students mentees (N=1130) were mentored by 298 practising civil engineers, representing 80 employers. Civil Engineering 4 Real (CE4R, 2012-2024) is a co-curricular hybrid programme of problem / project-based evening workshops (N=133), attended by 594 students with circa 2867 student attendances, supported by 218 engineers, representing 76 employers. Industry Mentoring and CE4R support students to network with employers, enhance their employability skills, and shape their professional identity. Through their pro bono assistance, employers have established a talent pipeline, recruiting students for summer placements and graduate jobs. For employers, their engagement provides evidence of enacting their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through providing a social value contribution to a local university.

Quantifying the Impact of Career Preparedness Programs for Saudi Students with Disabilities

This study examines the impact of job readiness programs on Saudi students with impairments, utilizing a quantitative research methodology. Using a purposive selection strategy, people were selected, and a standardized survey questionnaire was used to gather data on program participation, perceived skill development, cultural factors, and employment outcomes. Descriptive data, t-tests, regression analyses, correlation analyses, and ANCOVA have been employed for data analysis. The findings track strong relationships between application components, perceived skill gain, and employment outcomes. Regression analyses indicate that both the extent of program engagement and the perceived learning of skills significantly impact employment outcomes. The ANCOVA analysis suggests that application involvement has a greater influence on employment outcomes compared to cultural factors, however, both factors contribute to the overall model. Suggestions entail addressing cultural sensitivity in program design, prolonging program durations, and cultivating a supportive environment for inclusive training and career advancement. The purpose of these insights is to provide information for improving career readiness programs for students with impairments in Saudi Arabia. Received: 9 June 2024 / Accepted: 28 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

The Effect of Project-Based Learning Models and Digital-Based Learning Media on Students' Work Skills in Accounting Subjects in SMK Negeri 1 Gorontalo City, Indonesia

Project Based Learning (PJBL) is a learning model that uses projects/activities as a means of learning to achieve attitude, knowledge and skill competencies. PJBL learning with the use of digital-based learning media is considered very important in improving student skills, especially in the digitalisation 4.0 era. This study aims to analyse the effect of using project-based learning models and digital-based learning media on student work skills in accounting subjects at SMK Negeri 1 Gorontalo City. This research uses a quantitative approach with causality. The type of data in this study is primary data through distributing questionnaires to students who are research samples to assess the effectiveness of learning using project-based learning models and digital-based learning media. The number of samples in this study were 156 students. The data analysis technique used is Multiple Regression with the help of SPSS version 21. The results of this study indicate that (1) the Project Based Learning (PjBL) learning model has a positive and significant effect on the work skills of students majoring in Accounting in Vocational High School (SMK) Negeri 1 Gorontalo City. (2) Digital-based learning media has a positive and significant effect on the employability skills of students majoring in Accounting in Gorontalo City. Based on these results, it can be a recommendation that the project-based learning model and digital-based learning media can be combined in order to increase student creativity in learning activities.

The Impact of Financial Education and Employability Skills Development on Corporate Financial Performance

The Impact of Financial Education and Employability Skills Development on Corporate Financial Performance

OVERCOMING LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES IN HIGHLY MATRIXED ORGANIZATIONS

AbstractThe author is a seasoned global executive who was the first Millennial and Black executive to serve as General Counsel of UPS Airlines. His perspective on matrixed organizations “is shaped by my experiences moving from a front‐line worker to specialized individual contributor to middle manager and eventually to a senior leader within the system.” Challenges to these types of organizations include, in his words, blind spots, unclear accountability, potential for conflict and political maneuvering, and inefficiencies due to role confusion. He notes that “blind spots can arise when stakeholders perceive corporate policies and strategies differently because of their organizational positions.” Unclear accountability “often leads to confusion about responsibilities and outcomes.” Within challenge three, “reporting to multiple managers often leads to confusion over priorities and power struggles, as leaders assert influence to secure resources or recognition.” And in challenge four, “Employees often receive contradictory instructions from different managers, causing confusion, frustration, and project delays.” Overcoming these challenges can lead to, in his words: Improved Collaboration and Communication; Flexibility and Adaptability; Efficient Resource Utilization; Enhanced Employee Skill Development; Clearer Project Objectives; Increased Innovation; Better Customer Focus, Cost Efficiency; More Employee Engagement; and Stronger Organizational Capability.

Unveiling Efficiency: A Research Inquiry into Technical Staff Utilization in South Indian Clinical Laboratory using Workload Indicators Staffing Need (WSN) Analysis.

Background Effective clinical laboratories are the need of the hour, they play a significant role in healthcare, providing tests for diagnosis, treatment monitoring. Having skilled and adequate staffing is crucial for clinical laboratories to operate efficiently, manage their workload effectively, and deliver test results in a timely manner. Despite being critical for healthcare delivery, ensuring adequate staffing levels in clinical laboratories remains a complex challenge for healthcare providers worldwide due to resource constraints and workforce shortages. Methods This study evaluates the effectiveness of clinical laboratory staff utilization by considering workload, work pressure, and staffing requirements. We utilized the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) method to assess the staffing in the clinical laboratory of a tertiary care hospital. Annual hospital statistics were collected for two years from June 2021 to May 2023 to calculate the average number of days (234) worked annually, percentage of workload, distribution of activity time measurement units, and the ratio of needed, surplus, and existing staff. The findings aim to provide valuable insights for optimizing staffing levels and ensuring an efficient laboratory environment. Result The analysis found a significant workforce gap in the laboratory between the current staff numbers and the calculated staffing needs. The WISN ratios ranged from 0.2 to 0.7, indicating the existing 33 staff members face a high workload burden. The calculated ideal staffing level was 46.33 personnel. These results demonstrate staff shortage and excess workload pressure on the current laboratory employees. Conclusion The results highlight the importance of optimizing staffing levels in clinical laboratories to ensure quality service delivery. The WISN methodology can be a useful tool in healthcare facilities for making evidence -based decisions for staff allocation, maximizing the utilization of employee skill sets, and establishing standard staffing benchmarks tailored to the needs of clinical laboratories.

WHAT SKILLS DO EMPLOYERS WANT FROM RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATES?

Currently, it is not enough for university graduates to acquire only occupation-specific academic knowledge to find a job. Graduates are also expected to possess an additional set of skills called employability skills. In this study, job vacancies were analyzed to determine the skills employers want from new graduates. In this study, 178 job posts for new graduates on an online job search platform (Kariyer. net) were analyzed using content analysis. According to the findings of the study, fewer hard skills and more soft skills were demanded by recent university graduates. The most demanded skills for both associate degree and bachelor's degree graduates were skills in social and communication groups. When examined in detail, the highest-demanded soft skills include "strong communication skills,” "predisposition to teamwork,” "planning and organization skills,” "effective written and oral communication skills.” In addition, "mastery of MS Office applications, knowledge of foreign languages and "knowledge of computer programs related to the field" are among the technical skills that graduates require. This research is expected to guide new graduates in terms of which skills they should develop and educational institutions in terms of updating their curricula in line with the demand for skills.

A Systematic Literature Review of Teaching Employability: A focus on soft skills

Employability skills are important to be successful in any job in the job market. Colleges and universities should focus on teaching these skills to students to prepare them for the world of work. There are an abundance of studies that have highlighted the skills gap. This paper aims to bring together the literature to review how these skills are best taught to students. Five Databases - SocIndex, Education Resources Information Centre, British Education Index, Education Abstracts, and Education Research Complete - were thoroughly reviewed. Papers on teaching, training or learning of soft, transferable, employability, life, leadership or management skills from the years 2015-2023 were gathered. Results showed that certain classroom activities and games can be used to teach certain skills to the students. Part-time or full-time employment, internships and volunteer work also lead to development of skills such as leadership, communication, and social skills. Higher educational institutions can hence employ the pedagogical methods and approaches mentioned in these studies to teach employability skills to students.

A Critical Analysis of Universal Employability Skills for International Students in Higher Education

For many years there has been growing emphasis in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) on developing core employability skills among students, particularly in healthcare and business. Increasingly, employers’ demand technical skills and the need for graduates to be adaptable. The integration of Universal Employability Skills (UES) into curricula has become essential as HEIs respond to deeper and complex dynamics in the global educational environment. The drive toward internationalisation is influenced by globalisation factors, creating a demand for graduates who can operate effectively in diverse environments. HEIs face growing market competition compelling them to enhance their appeal to attract international students and maintain enrolment numbers amid changing demographics. The aim of this article is to critically evaluate UES and the competencies required by international students to compete in a global market. The essential skills aligned with key graduate attributes and industry demands are examined, including evaluation of their relevance and effectiveness in preparing students for diverse challenges in the workplace. This critical evaluation assesses the link between UES and the objectives of HEIs, identifying enhancements for integration into curricula. It offers recommendations to align essential skills with employability dimensions, ensuring graduates are better equipped to meet the demands of the global economy.

Impact of Salary and Recognition on Job Performance: A study of Nangarhar University Lecturers, Afghanistan

Organizations seek to gain a competitive advantage by applying different strategies in today’s competitive environment. Due to intense competitive pressure, organizations attempt to gain a competitive advantage using employee skills, abilities, and expertise. Organizations offer different kinds of incentives, like salary and recognition, to ensure proper utilization and increase employee performance. Satisfied employees become more dedicated, committed, and loyal to organizations than other employees without a proper incentive system. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of salary and recognition on the job performance of university lecturers at Nangarhar University, Afghanistan. The questionnaire method was adopted to collect data using Likert scales ranging from 1 to 5. Data were collected from 210 respondents and analyzed using SPSS version 27. The Pearson product-moment correlation was applied to determine the impact of salary and recognition on job performance. The result of the study showed that there is a significant correlation between salary and employee performance. In addition, it was also found that there was a significant correlation between recognition and employee performance.