Skill Qualification Research Articles

Inelastic Nature of Labour Market Needs a Progressive Wage Structure to Equilibrate Skills and Salary Compensation

Due to various externalities, a labour market never operates in perfect competition mode. One such externality is the inelasticity in wages introduced due to personal fulfilment and satisfaction that led to personal job preference. This meant that salary is not the sole determinant of one’s career choice, and thereby, remove one important factor that could equilibrate one’s skills and his/her salary compensation. But, there are other externalities at play. Inefficient transmission of external economic indicators into the labour market ranks as another method in which salary could be out of sync with economic fundamentals. Protected industries or career in emerging fields are examples in which salary are usually higher than the norm. Such realities in the labour market as well as the presence of externalities difficult to unwound thus presents particular challenges to national governments seeking to pull the labour market towards a better equilibrium between skills qualifications and salary compensation. Being fairer, such a labour market is the foundation on which income inequality can be ameliorated, and meritocracy could work its magic in assigning higher salary jobs to those with the necessary qualifications. More importantly, a labour market that assign appropriate value to particular skills qualifications provide a roadmap for individuals to learn new skills, and upgrade to more competitive and better paying jobs. The key question is how do we get there? One approach is to introduce a nationally certified mechanism in which a minimum salary is associated with particular skills qualifications. This mechanism assigns a higher salary to higher educational and skills qualifications, and is not restricted to traditional correlation between salary and educational qualifications. Emphasis on skills qualification is important as individuals should constantly learn and pick up new upgraded skills through continuous learning throughout their careers. Naturally, this should be compensated. Implemented across all sectors of the labour market, such a skill centred salary compensation system would collectively move the entire labour market to a better equilibrium position between skills qualifications and salary compensation. Such a system also reaps other sociological benefits in the wider society, principally in the high value placed on education, as well as charting a continuous path towards skills upgrading for the less education inclined. But, one caveat to the skill centred salary compensation scheme is the need for calibration with a nationally agreed yardstick. One option in this endeavour would be conducting surveys across and within industries to put a price on various educational and skills qualifications. Collectively, a labour market is hampered by various externalities, and is never in perfect competition mode. This meant that there may be disequilibrium in skills qualifications and salary compensation. Implementing a national skills-centred salary compensation system where salary moves in lockstep with skills qualification may be one way to achieving better income equality and seeding a learning and skills upgrading culture in a country.

Matching with Subjective and Objective Evaluations

There are matching markets in which objective evaluations such as exam scores, skill qualifications, and priorities, are available in addition to subjective evaluations over agents. To examine these situations, we extend a college admission model by allowing that colleges have two different types of ordinal rankings over students, i.e., common priority order and individual preferences. A matching is called double stable if it is both priority stable and preference stable. While the existence of a double stable matching is not always guaranteed, we provide its characterization through the existing well-known mechanisms in the literature; a double stable matching exists if and only if the resulting outcome of the serial dictatorship mechanism coincides with that of the student-proposing deferred acceptance mechanism.

Impact of the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System on the safety of laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

We hypothesized that the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) can shorten operative time, resulting in a decrease in postoperative morbidity. Here, we aimed to clarify whether ESSQS-qualified surgeons could decrease the incidence of complications. Between January 2009 and June 2019, 1042 patients diagnosed with both clinical and pathological Stage ≤ III gastric cancer and undergoing LG were enrolled. In all LG procedures involving ESSQS-qualified surgeons, these served as the operator or the instructive assistant. The short-term outcomes were retrospectively compared between the ESSQS-qualified and the non-ESSQS-qualified surgeons using a propensity-score matched analysis. After propensity-score matching, 321 patients were included in each group. No significant differences were observed in morbidity rate, and length of hospitalization following surgery, although the non-ESSQS-qualified surgeon group had a significantly longer total operative time (Non-ESSQS-qualified group, 368 [170-779] min vs. ESSQS-qualified group, 316 [147-772] min; p < 0.001), and larger estimated blood loss (Non-ESSQS-qualified group, 28 [0-702] mL vs. ESSQS-qualified group 25, [0-1069] mL; p = 0.042). Multivariate analysis revealed that operative time ≥ 360min (OR 1.818 [1.069-3.094], p = 0.027) was identified as the only significant independent risk factor determining morbidity. The incidence of postoperative morbidity did not differ between patients operated by the qualified and nonqualified surgeons, as long as ESSQS-qualified surgeons provide intraoperative instructions.

Clinical impact of Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) by Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery (JSES) for laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and low anterior resection based on the National Clinical Database (NCD) registry.

AimThis study aimed to evaluate the association between surgeons certified via the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) of the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery (JSES) and surgical outcomes of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) and laparoscopic low anterior resection (LLAR).MethodsJapanese National Clinical Database data on the patients undergoing LDG and LLAR between 2014‐2016 were analyzed retrospectively. The proportion of cases performed by ESSQS‐certified surgeons was calculated for each procedure, and clinicopathological factors with or without participation of ESSQS‐certified surgeons as an operator were assessed. Then, effects of operations performed by ESSQS‐certified surgeons on short‐term patient outcomes were analyzed using generalized estimating equations logistic regression analysis.ResultsThere were 110 610 and 65 717 patients who underwent LDG and LLAR, respectively. The operations performed by ESSQS‐certified surgeons in each procedure totaled 28 467 (35.3%) and 12 866 (31.2%), respectively. A multivariable logistic regression model showed that odds ratios of mortality for LDG and LLAR performed by ESSQS‐certified surgeons were 0.774 (95% CI, 0.566‐1.060, P = 0.108) and 0.977 (0.591‐1.301, P = 0.514), respectively. Odds ratios for secondary endpoints of anastomotic leakage in LDG and LLAR performed by ESSQS‐certified surgeons were 0.835 (95% CI, 0.723‐0.964, P = 0.014) and 0.929 (0.860‐1.003, P = 0.059), respectively, whereas that of ileus/bowel obstruction for LLAR performed by ESSQS‐certified surgeons was 1.265 (1.132‐1.415, P < 0.001). There were no significant associations between the two operations performed by ESSQS‐certified surgeons and other factors such as mortality and overall complications.ConclusionsESSQS certification did not affect postoperative mortality following LDG and LLAR, but annual experience of laparoscopic surgery was associated with it. ESSQS certification may contribute to favorable outcomes regarding anastomotic leakage following LDG and LLAR.

Does the "Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System" Reduce Serious Intraoperative Complications in the Field of Pediatric Surgery?

Background: The Japanese endoscopic surgical skill qualification system (ESSQS) in pediatric surgery was started 10 years ago to encourage safe and appropriate pediatric minimally invasive procedures and avoid severe complications. The present study investigated the impact of the ESSQS on the incidence of serious complications in the field of pediatric endoscopic surgery. Materials and Methods: We sent a questionnaire to institutes belonging to the Japanese Pediatric Endoscopic Surgery Group. Institutes were divided into two groups: institutes with (Group A) or without (Group B) ESSQS-qualified pediatric surgeons at any point in the last 10 years. Intraoperative complications (grade 3 and 4 under the Classification of Intraoperative Complications [CLASSIC] classification), postoperative complications (grade ≥IIIb under the Clavien/Dindo classification), and the number and rate of endoscopic procedures and complications of advanced and common procedures were compared between the two groups. This study is an exempt survey since no patient identifier has been collected. Results: We collected answers from 46 of 102 institutes (response rate: 45%) (Group A: 18 institutes, Group B: 28 institutes). Intra/postoperative complications were significantly more frequent in Group A than in Group B (P = .02 and P < .001, respectively). Endoscopic operations accounted for a larger proportion of advanced and common surgeries in Group A than in Group B, and the rate of postoperative complications of advanced procedures was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (P = .012). Conclusion: While endoscopic surgery was performed more frequently in Group A than in Group B, the incidence of intra/postoperative serious complications was significantly higher in Group A. The current Japanese ESSQS was unable to markedly reduce the rate of serious complications.

Audit Committee Attributes and Financial Reporting Quality of the State-owned Commercial Enterprises in Kenya

The study examines the relationship between audit committee attributes and financial reporting quality of State-owned Commercial Enterprises in Kenya. An analysis was done on annual reports and financial statements for 122 state-owned commercial for the period between 2008 and 2018. The results indicate that audit committee attributes has statistically significant relationship with financial reporting quality of State-owned Commercial Enterprises in Kenya. Results further reveal the audit committee independence has statistically significant and negative relationship with financial reporting whereas audit committee qualification, size and number of meetings held in a financial year had statistically significant and positive relationship with accrual quality. While audit committee independence and qualification exhibited statistically significant positive and negative relationship with qualitative characteristics respectively, it was evident that audit committee attributes had no significant relationship with timeliness in reporting. It is therefore, concluded that audit committee attributes impact financial reporting quality in State-owned Commercial Enterprises in Kenya requiring the appointing authorities to appoint audit committee members with the right skill mix and qualification to realize value addition services and improve financial reporting oversight. Keywords: Audit Committee Attributes, Financial Reporting Quality, State-owned Commercial Enterprises DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/11-14-12 Publication date: July 31 st 2020

Educational system for acquiring appropriate laparoscopic colorectal surgical skills: analysis in a Japanese high-volume cancer center.

Acquiring appropriate laparoscopic technique is necessary to safely perform laparoscopic surgery. The Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System of the Japanese Society of Endoscopic Surgery, which was established to improve the quality of laparoscopic surgery in Japan, provides training to become an expert laparoscopic surgeon. In this study, we describe our educational system, in a Japanese highest volume cancer center, and evaluate the system according to the pass rate for the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System examination. We assessed 14 residents who trained for more than 2years from 2012 to 2018 in our department. All teaching surgeons, qualified by the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System, participated in all surgeries as supervisors. For the first 3months, trainees learned as the scopist, then as the first assistant for 3months, and then by performing laparoscopic surgery as an operator during ileocecal resection or sigmoidectomy. Trainees apply for this training in their second year of residency or later. All laparoscopic procedures in our department are standardized in detail. The cumulative pass rate was 75% (12/16), and 87% (12/14) of the trainees eventually passed, while the general pass rate was approximately 30%. On average, those who passed in their second or third year had experienced 94 procedures as the surgeon, 177 as the first assistant, and 199 as the scopist. The number of laparoscopic procedures and the learning curves did not differ between successful and failed applicants. Through our educational system, residents successfully acquired laparoscopic skills with a much higher pass rate in the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System examination than the general standard. Laparoscopic practice under supervision by experienced surgeons with standardized procedures and accurate understanding of the relevant anatomy is very helpful to achieving appropriate laparoscopic technique.

IMMIGRANT WAGE GROWTH IN THE UNITED STATES: THE ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL UPGRADING

AbstractImmigrants to the United States routinely take jobs below their skill qualifications because of barriers to entering occupations. We use a structural model of immigrant job choice to quantify the benefits of potential policies to promote entry into suitable occupations. We estimate the model using longitudinal labor market data on immigrants to the United States. Our counterfactual results show that eliminating barriers to occupational entry would lead to only a small earnings increase for the average immigrant in our sample, but a substantial earnings increase for the most highly skilled immigrants.

Impact of technically qualified surgeons on laparoscopic colorectal resection outcomes: results of a propensity score-matching analysis.

BackgroundThe Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) was introduced in Japan to improve the quality of laparoscopic surgery. This cohort study investigated the short‐ and long‐term postoperative outcomes of colorectal cancer laparoscopic procedures performed by or with qualified surgeons compared with outcomes for unqualified surgeons.MethodsAll laparoscopic colorectal resections performed from 2010 to 2013 in 11 Japanese hospitals were reviewed retrospectively. The procedures were categorized as performed by surgeons with or without the ESSQS qualification and patients' clinical, pathological and surgical features were used to match subgroups using propensity scoring. Outcome measures included postoperative and long‐term results.ResultsOverall, 1428 procedures were analysed; 586 procedures were performed with ESSQS‐qualified surgeons and 842 were done by ESSQS‐unqualified surgeons. Upon matching, two cohorts of 426 patients were selected for comparison of short‐term results. A prevalence of rectal resection (50·3 versus 40·5 per cent; P < 0·001) and shorter duration of surgery (230 versus 238 min; P = 0·045) was reported for the ESSQS group. Intraoperative and postoperative complication and reoperation rates were significantly lower in the ESSQS group than in the non‐ESSQS group (1·2 versus 3·6 per cent, P = 0·014; 4·6 versus 7·5 per cent, P = 0·025; 1·9 versus 3·9 per cent, P = 0·023, respectively). These findings were confirmed after propensity score matching. Cox regression analysis found that non‐attendance of ESSQS‐qualified surgeons (hazard ratio 12·30, 95 per cent c.i. 1·28 to 119·10; P = 0·038) was independently associated with local recurrence in patients with stage II disease.ConclusionLaparoscopic colorectal procedures performed with ESSQS‐qualified surgeons showed improved postoperative results. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of the qualification on long‐term oncological outcomes.

The profile of student’s creative thinking skills in mathematics problem solving in terms of adversity quotient

The objective of this study is to describe students’ creative thinking skills in terms of Adversity Quotient. Students of tenth grade math and science studies were given an AQ questionnaire to find out their personality types. Three students from each personality type of quitters, campers, and climbers were given tests to find out their creative thinking skills. The procedure of this study refers to the qualitative content analysis method: (1) giving questionnaires and tests, (2) presenting in detail about students’ mathematical performance, and (3) in-depth interviews. It was known from 97 subjects who were given questionnaire, 6 students are quitters’, 2 peoples switched from quitters to campers, 48 campers, 36 campers to climbers and 5 climbers. Three quitters and campers didn’t fulfill with creative skill qualifications. Whereas for the climbers’ showed fluency and flexibility.

Career path level estimation and skill qualification feedback from textual descriptions

LinkedIn is a social medium oriented to professional career handling and networking. In it, users write a textual profile on their experience, and add skill labels in a free format. Users are able to apply for different jobs, but specific feedback on the appropriateness of their application according to their skills is not provided to them. In this work we particularly focus on applicants of the project management branch from information technologies—although the presented methodology could be extended to any area following the same mechanism. Using the information users provide in their profile, it is possible to establish the corresponding level in a predefined Project Manager career path (PM level). 1500+ experiences and skills from 300 profiles were manually tagged to train and test a model to automatically estimate the PM level. In this proposal we were able to perform such prediction with a precision of 98%. Additionally, the proposed model is able to provide feedback to users by offering a guideline of necessary skills to be learned to fulfill the current PM level, or those needed in order to upgrade to the following PM level. This is achieved through the clustering of skill qualification labels. Results of experiments with several clustering algorithms are provided as part of this work.

Significance of prediction of the dorsal landmark using three-dimensional computed tomography during laparoscopic lymph node dissection along the proximal splenic artery in gastric cancer.

Objectives:Dissection of the No. 11p lymph nodes is technically challenging because of variations in anatomical landmarks. This study aimed to determine the accuracy and efficacy of predicting the dorsal landmark of No. 11p lymph node using three-dimensional computed tomography simulation.Methods:Laparoscopic gastrectomy with No. 11p lymph node dissection with preoperative simulation using three-dimensional computed tomography was performed in 24 patients at our institution from October 2016 to May 2018. Initially, preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography findings with operative videos in these 24 patients were compared. The dorsal landmark was defined as an anatomical structure behind the splenic artery on preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography and operative videos. The dorsal landmark of No. 11p lymph node was divided into four types: (1) splenic vein type, (2) splenic vein and pancreas type, (3) pancreas type, and (4) unclear type. Then, to investigate the efficacy of three-dimensional computed tomography, we compared the clinical and pathological features and surgical outcomes of nine patients who underwent preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography simulation (three-dimensional computed tomography group) and 23 patients who did not undergo three-dimensional computed tomography simulation from August 2014 to September 2016 (non-three-dimensional computed tomography group). All procedures were performed by one surgeon certified by the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System in Japan.Results:The concordance rate between three-dimensional computed tomography and operative videos of the dorsal landmark using three-dimensional computed tomography was 79% (19/24). The operative time of No. 11p lymph node dissection was significantly shorter in the three-dimensional computed tomography group than in the non-three-dimensional computed tomography group (7.7 versus 15.8 min, P = 0.044).Conclusion:The accuracy of predicting the dorsal landmark of No. 11p lymph node using three-dimensional computed tomography was extremely high. Preoperative simulation with three-dimensional computed tomography was useful in shortening the operative time of No. 11p lymph node dissection.

Proficiency Level of Novice Technically Qualified Surgeons in Laparoscopic Rectal Resection.

The actual proficiency levels of surgeons after their qualification by the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System have not been established. This study aimed to investigate whether technically qualified surgeons could safely perform laparoscopic low anterior resection and to evaluate the proficiency level at the time of certification acquisition. A total of 46 patients (mean age, 63.3 y; male to female ratio, 29:17) who underwent low anterior resection were included. Outcomes of 46 low anterior resections for rectal cancer performed by 3 novice surgeons certified by the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System from 2013 to 2018 at 2 hospitals were retrospectively assessed. The mean operative time and blood loss were 201 minutes and 12.9 mL, respectively. One patient (2.2%) required conversion to open surgery, and major postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients (8.6%), including anastomotic leakage in 2 patients (4.3%). Histologic R0 resection was achieved in all cases. The operative time moving average for the 3 surgeons gradually decreased from 233 to 158 minutes. In cumulative sum charts, the operative time values continuously decreased after the 12th case compared with the target operative time (180 min). In conclusion, surgeons can safely perform laparoscopic low anterior resection just after their qualification but have the potential to further attain proficiency.

Validity assessment of the laparoscopic radical nephrectomy module of the LapVision virtual reality simulator

BackgroundVirtual reality simulators allow trainees to perform repeated practice and provide objective dexterity metrics regarding their performance, which means that virtual reality–based surgical training is becoming a vital part of initial learning of basic laparoscopic surgical skills. However, its educational role in learning advanced procedures remains undetermined. We evaluated the validity of the laparoscopic radical nephrectomy module of the LapVision virtual reality simulator. MethodsUrologists, medical students, and a junior resident voluntarily participated in the present study, and they performed training with a laparoscopic left radical nephrectomy module. For construct validation, dexterity metrics calculated in the simulator and the mean score of Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills evaluated by 2 experts' video review were compared according to the certification of Japanese Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification or previous surgical experience. ResultsTen experts (≥50 laparoscopic surgeries), 9 intermediates (11-49), and 14 novices (0-10) voluntarily participated in the present study. Regarding the construct validity, there was a significant difference in the total number of errors, blood loss, and Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills score among the groups for both the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification status and previous surgical experience. ConclusionThe present study demonstrated good construct validity for the LapVision nephrectomy module. Furthermore, global skill assessment was possible by experts' reviews, which indicates the usefulness of the virtual reality procedural module as a skill assessment tool. Virtual reality–based procedural simulation has marked potential to become a vital part of integrated laparoscopic training programs.

Usefulness of the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: short-term outcomes: a single-center and retrospective analysis

BackgroundThe use of laparoscopic surgery has become widespread, and many surgeons are striving to acquire the necessary techniques for it. The Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS), established by the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery, serves to maintain and improve the quality of laparoscopic surgery in Japan. In this study, we aimed to determine whether ESSQS certification is useful in maintaining and improving the quality of surgical techniques and in standardization of laparoscopic surgery in Japan.MethodsThis retrospective study used data from the Institute for Integrated Medical Sciences, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Japan. From January 2016 to October 2017, 241 patients with colorectal cancer underwent laparoscopic surgery. Of them, 220 patients were selected and divided into two groups on the basis of surgery performed by an ESSQS-qualified surgeon (QS group) (n = 170) and a non-ESSQS-QS (NQS) (n = 50). We compared the short-term results in the two groups and examined those before and after propensity score matching (PSM).ResultsMean operation time was longer in the NQS group than in the QS group. Furthermore, mean blood loss was significantly less in the QS group. These were similar before and after PSM. The rate of conversion to open surgery was significantly higher in the NQS group before PSM. However, the rate of postoperative complications was not different between the two groups.ConclusionsA laparoscopic procedure performed by ESSQS-QS often leads to good short-term outcomes. Thus, the ESSQS system works and is potentially useful in maintaining and improving the quality of surgical techniques and in standardization of laparoscopic surgery in Japan.

Feasibility of needlescopic surgery for colorectal cancer: safety and learning curve for Japanese Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System-unqualified young surgeons.

Needlescopic surgery (NS) is a minimally invasive technique for colorectal cancer. NS may be easier to perform than other minimally invasive surgery such as single-incision laparoscopic surgery and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery because the port setting is the same while the shafts are thinner than in conventional laparoscopic surgery. We evaluated the capability of introducing this surgery for sigmoid and rectosigmoid colon cancer by assessing the learning curve in Japanese Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (JESSQS)-unqualified surgeons. In this retrospective study, 112 cases of sigmoidectomy and anterior resection were performed by NS from October 2011 to December 2015 in our institution. Surgical outcomes including operation time, blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, perioperative complications, and overall survival were compared between JESSQS-qualified surgeons (Group A) and JESSQS-unqualified surgeons (Group B). The learning curve for NS was established using the average operation times in JESSQS-unqualified surgeons. Groups A and B comprised of 41 and 71 patients, respectively. Ninety patients underwent sigmoidectomy and 22 patients underwent anterior resection. No conversion to open surgery occurred. The operation time was significantly shorter in Group A than B (P = 0.0080). There were no significant differences in blood loss, the postoperative hospital stay, perioperative complications, or overall survival between the two groups. These variables were similar even when NS was considered relatively difficult, as in patients with obesity (body mass index of ≥ 25kg/m2), bulky tumors (tumor size of ≥ 50mm), and stage III/IV cancer. The average operation time in JESSQS-unqualified young surgeons was significantly shorter in the ninth and tenth cases than in the first and second cases of NS (P = 0.0282). NS for sigmoid and rectosigmoid colon cancer was performed safely by both JESSQS-qualified surgeons and JESSQS-unqualified surgeons. Even JESSQS-unqualified young surgeons might be able to quickly learn NS techniques.

Validity Assessment of the Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy Module of the LapVision® Virtual Reality Simulator

Background: Virtual reality (VR) simulators allow trainees to perform repeated practice, and provide objective dexterity metrics regarding their performance, which means that VR-based surgical training is becoming a vital part in initial learning of basic laparoscopic surgical skills. However, its educational role of learning advanced procedures remains undetermined. We evaluated the validity of the laparoscopic radicalnephrectomy module of the LapVision® virtual reality simulator. Methods: Urologists, medical students, and junior resident voluntarily participated in the present study and they performed a laparoscopic left radical nephrectomy module. For construct validation, dexterity metrics calculated in the simulator, and mean score of Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) evaluated by two experts’ video review were compared according to the certification of Japanese Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification (ESSQ) or previous surgical experience. Results: Ten experts (>50 laparoscopic surgeries), 9 intermediates (11-49), and 14 novices (0-10) voluntarily joined the present study. Regarding the construct validity, there was a significant difference in the total number of errors, blood loss, and GOALS score among the groups for both the ESSQ status and previous surgical experience. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated good construct validity for the LapVision® nephrectomy module. Furthermore, global skill assessment could be possible by experts’ reviews, which means the usefulness of VR procedural module for skill assessment tool. VR-based procedural simulation has marked potential to become a vital part of integrated laparoscopic training programs.

Standard Criteria and Ideal Surgical Techniques and Methods in Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System in Urological Laparoscopy in Japan

Standard Criteria and Ideal Surgical Techniques and Methods in Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System in Urological Laparoscopy in Japan

CHALLENGES FACED BY VOCATIONAL TEACHERS IN PUBLIC SKILLS TRAINING INSTITUTIONS: A REALITY IN MALAYSIA

Teachers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) play a pivotal role in ensuring skilled graduates with excellent personality. However, some TVET teachers in developing world face challenges in fulfilling this role. Thus, this study explored the challenges that are faced by vocational teachers (who are assigned to teach skills courses) from public skills training institutions in Malaysia. Using qualitative research design, this study conducted semi-structured interviews on 13 purposively selected participants from the Department of Skills Development and personnel under the Ministry of Human Resources and Ministry of Youth and Sports, which included six management staff and seven vocational teachers. Following the analysis using nVIVO, this study identified six core challenges faced by vocational teachers: (1) disinterest and lack of motivation in teaching the assigned skills subjects; (2) lack of skills qualifications and industrial experiences (which are necessary as vocational teachers; (3) meeting the needs of students with low academic grades which require extra teaching effort with high emotional intelligence; (4) difficulty in attending professional courses due to limited budget allocation, rotation system, and heavy workload; (5) difficulty in article writing task; and (6) difficulty in using English as the medium of instruction. These findings demonstrate the strong need to address the challenges faced by these vocational teachers, particularly for the teaching of programmes based on the National Occupational Skills Standard (NOSS), in the public skills training institutions to enhance the teaching and learning process in TVET.

NCS기반 국가기술자격 환경분야 실기시험 평가방법 개선에 관한 연구

본 연구는 국가직무능력표준(National Competency Standards)을 기반으로 환경분야 국 가기술자격의 실기시험 평가방법을 개선하고 그 결과를 토대로 자격의 산업 현장성 및 전문 성을 제고하기 위한 방안을 도출하고자 수행하였다. 국가직무능력표준의 능력단위, 능력단위 요소와 현행 국가기술자격 출제기준과 평가방법을 비교․분석하고, 국가직무능력표준과 국가 기술자격 출제기준의 매칭을 기초해 모의평가 방안을 마련하였다. 산업현장을 방문하여 시설 및 장비 현황 등을 분석하고, 현장전문가들의 의견을 수렴하였으며 환경 관련 전공자를 대상 으로 모의평가를 실시하고, 그 결과에 대한 타당성 검토를 위해 현장전문가들을 대상으로 설 문조사를 실시하는 방법으로 연구를 진행하였다. 본 연구에서는 환경분야 국가직무능력표준을 중심으로 현행 국가기술자격 실기시험 평가방법을 분석하여 환경산업현장에서 직무수행 시 필요한 지식, 기술, 소양을 고려하여 검토하고 산업현장 직무를 수행할 수 있는 능력 소지여 부를 판별할 수 있는 척도와 국가기술자격 평가방법과 국가직무능력표준이 연계된 환경 기술 인력 육성을 위해 현행 국가기술자격 평가방법의 개선안을 제시하였다. 현행 국가기술자격 실 기시험 평가방법과 환경분야에서 기구축된 국가직무능력표준의 연계 관계에 따라 산업현장에 서 필요한 지식, 기술, 소양이 반영된 국가기술자격 평가방법의 개선안이 현장성과 전문성이 확보된 환경기술 인력의 육성과 환경산업의 발전에 기여할 것으로 기대한다.