Management Skills Research Articles

The impact of an online gamified virtual tour on cognitive enhancement in dental practice management

Dental practice management is usually a mandatory course for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. However, learners and educators may encounter challenges in gaining experiences in real-life dental practice. The concept of a gamified virtual tour could have potential to improve dental practice management skills. A quasi-experimental study was conducted to evaluate the educational impact of a gamified virtual dental clinic (GVDC) on dental practice management skills among dental undergraduates (UG) and postgraduates (PG). All participants were assigned to complete the GVDC. Pre- and post-knowledge assessments were administered to evaluate knowledge acquisition. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to investigate user perceptions toward the use of GVDC. There were 20 dental undergraduates and 20 orthodontic residents participating in UG and PG groups, respectively. Both groups demonstrated statistically significant increases in their assessment scores after completing the GVDC (P < 0.001). Although the pre-knowledge assessment score of the PG group was notably higher than that of the UG group (P = 0.041), there was no statistically significant difference in their post-knowledge assessment score (P = 0.491). Participants had positive perceptions of GVDC in terms of usefulness, ease of use, and enjoyment, with no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). Overall, the GVDC demonstrated positive educational impacts on acquiring knowledge and understanding of dental practice management, with participants expressing favorable perceptions of this immersive learning intervention.

Assessment of Informatics Competency Among Nursing Faculty Members and Its Application in Educating Nursing Students at Abadan Nursing Faculty

Background: Nursing informatics in educational activities can serve as a strategy to bridge the gap between clinical practice and nursing education programs. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the informatics competency of nursing faculty members and its application in educating nursing students at Abadan Nursing Faculty. Methods: This descriptive-analytical research was conducted in 2023 at Abadan Nursing Faculty. The sample consisted of 73 faculty members from the nursing, operating room, and anesthesia departments, who were included in the study through census sampling. Data collection was performed using the standardized Nursing Informatics Competency Assessment Tool (NICAT) and an electronic teaching aids checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18, with independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson’s correlation at a significance level of P &lt; 0.05. Results: The mean score of faculty members’ nursing informatics competency at the Nursing Faculty was 110 out of a maximum of 150, placing it within the proficient range. The highest score for nursing informatics competency was related to the informatics literacy dimension (47.65), while the lowest was related to the information management skills dimension (19.54). Information management skills (r = 0.881, P &lt; 0.001), computer literacy (r = 0.871, P &lt; 0.001), and informatics literacy (r = 0.976, P &lt; 0.001) were significantly correlated with nursing informatics competency. Faculty members reported the highest use of multimedia content development (mean score = 4.19) and the lowest use of robotic surgery (mean score = 1.71). Conclusions: Faculty members’ informatics competency was reported to be at a proficient level. However, due to advancements in technology and transformations in nursing care, it seems necessary to improve nursing faculty members’ abilities in all aspects, particularly in the information management skills dimension. It is recommended to hold faculty development programs regarding the integration of technology into the curriculum to elevate the quality of education.

Advances and challenges of Artificial Intelligence in the university context: An empirical study

This study aims to predict whether university students will make efficient use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the coming years, using a statistical analysis that predicts the outcome of a binary dependent variable (in this case, the efficient use of AI). Several independent variables, such as digital skills management or the use of Chat GPT, are considered.The results obtained allow us to know that inefficient use is linked to the lack of digital skills or age, among other factors, whereas Social Sciences students have the least probability of using Chat GPT efficiently, and the youngest students are the ones who make the worst use of AI.

THE IMPACT OF PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SKILLS ON PATIENT OUTCOMES IN ZARIA

Paediatric emergencies represent a critical challenge in Nigeria, where approximately 2,300 children under the age of five die daily, predominantly from preventable and treatable conditions such as pneumonia, malaria, and diarrheal diseases. Mortality rates are disproportionately higher in rural areas, where primary health care (PHC) centers often serve as the only point of access to medical services. The effectiveness of these centers is largely dependent on the emergency management skills of their healthcare workers. Despite their importance, there has been limited research on how the skills of PHC workers in managing paediatric emergencies impact patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess the proficiency of healthcare workers in primary healthcare centers in Zaria in managing common paediatric emergencies. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 139 health workers selected through a multi-stage sampling technique in Sabon Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas. Data collection was carried out using a pre-tested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, and associations were tested using the chi-square test, with results presented in tables and charts. The findings revealed a significant deficiency in the emergency management skills of healthcare workers. A majority of respondents demonstrated inadequate skills in handling paediatric emergencies, with 66 (48.5%) exhibiting very poor competency in the management of common paediatric emergencies, and 32 (23.5%) displaying poor competency. Only a small fraction, 4 (2.9%) of respondents, demonstrated excellent skills in emergency management. Similarly, 46.7% of the respondents had very poor skills in the treatment of common paediatric emergencies, while only 3.0% exhibited excellent treatment skills. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the level of academic qualification and emergency management skills (p &lt; 0.05). The results underscore the critical need to enhance the skill levels of healthcare workers in PHCs through continuous professional development. This could be achieved through collaborative efforts between the Department of Paediatrics at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and the Primary Health Care Departments of Zaria and Sabon Gari local governments, focusing on regular training and workshops. Improving the skills of healthcare workers in managing paediatric emergencies is essential for reducing child mortality and improving health outcomes in the region.

Most Hampering Factors in the Implementation of Total Quality Management at Public Secondary Schools in South Africa

The study aims to investigate the most inhibiting factors to the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) at public secondary schools in the King Cetshwayo district of KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. The study adopted a posistivist paradigm and employed aa quantitative research approach in order to attend to the nature of the research problem and present numerical data. Three hundred (300) teachers and departmental heads were conveniently, but randomly sampled, and served with questionnaires to participate in the study. Empirical findings of this study revealed that the most factors hampering implementation of TQM at public secondary schools were the lack of resources/financial resources, failure by top management to create a suitable environment for quality improvement, lack of management skills, and poor commitment and philosophy to devise quality management strategies by top management. This paper indicates the suggested changes which the Department Basic Education needs to implement to improve the quality of education in public schools. The proposed changes are: to train and capacitate school principals regarding the best TQM to be implemented. There is a need to resource and fund schools to ensure all TQM-related infrastructure and human resources are available for effective or successful implementation. Received: 23 March 2024 / Accepted: 30 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Impact of AI ethics on school administrators’ decision-making: the role of sustainable leadership behaviors and diversity management skills

Impact of AI ethics on school administrators’ decision-making: the role of sustainable leadership behaviors and diversity management skills

Educational institutions as healthy working environments: well-being and stress management in education professionals

The present study explores how a healthy working environment affects the well-being of education professionals and the role of stress management skills in mediating this relationship. A total of 405 education professionals took part, 69.6 % of whom were female. Of these, 36 % were under the age of 39, while 64 % were aged 40 or over. The Ecosystems of Healthy Work (EATS) instrument was used to assess the work environment, comprising 62 items in nine dimensions based on the World Health Organisation model. The results show a relationship between well-being, stress management skills, and the perception of a healthy work environment. Differences emerged according to gender and job stability. The mediation model revealed a relationship between a healthy work environment and the well-being of professionals, mediated by stress management skills. The study recommends strategies to promote well-being and healthier working conditions for education professionals.

Peningkatan Akses dan Peluang Kewirausahaan Mahasiswa melalui Pembelajaran Fotografi Berbasis Proyek Industri di Sistem Pembelajaran Jaringan

The program to enhance student access and entrepreneurial opportunities through industry-based photography project learning in an online learning system aims to develop students' technical and managerial skills. This program combines theory and practice through real industry-relevant projects, providing a comprehensive and interactive learning experience. Results show significant improvements in students' skills and motivation. With continued support from various parties, this program is expected to sustain improvements in education quality and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Food Security Achievement through Women Empowerment: A Study of Informal Sector in Lahore

Background: Women empowerment (WE) in food security is one of the global issues faced by women in all the countries of the world. Achievement of zero-hunger goal of Sustainable Development Goals in 2030 (SDG) still seems to be unachievable because of this food insecurity. This research aims to study the achievement of food security by enhancing WE in the informal sector in Lahore, Pakistan. Moreover, the analysis goals are to determine the contribution of microcredit facilities and management skills in the enhancement of WE which improves food security. Method: This study was quantitative and descriptive. Using a primary survey questionnaire on cross-sectional data source by simple random sampling, 495 women borrowers in the informal sector of Lahore, Pakistan were investigated. Data analysis was done using SMART PLS3. Results: The results of the study revealed a positive relationship between WE and food security through the active participation of women in production decisions. The utilization of resources within the households is strengthened by familial rights, social support, and the removal of gender disparity. Conclusion: Women's capacity to contribute more to the daily household expenditure is increased by the higher income, and eventually, it increases their empowerment and food security.

The Nexus Between Digital Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship Education, and Entrepreneurial Intention and Entrepreneurial Motivation: A Systematic Literature Review

Entrepreneurship Education (EE) is renowned for developing students’ managerial aptitudes, skills, and ideas for self-reliance. The inclusion of digital technology and innovation in EE is necessary to enhance Entrepreneurial Intention (EI) and Entrepreneurial Motivation (EM) for technological revolution and economic development. The aim of the systematic literature review is to (i) identify the current study on digital technologies, innovation, EE, EI, and EM, (ii) highlight how digital technology and innovation shape EE to achieve EI and motivation among students, and (iii) offer new advice on the future EE in a digital era. A search strategy was instituted to ascertain the required publications from Scopus, Web of Science, DOAJ, IEEE, ProQuest, SAGE Journals, Taylor &amp; Francis, and Wiley. The publications were between 2010 and 2024, with no language restrictions. Out of the 108 identified publications from the search, 69 publications representing 54 separate papers were used in the review. Digital transformation in EE requires significant studies to determine its role in economic development and job creation. This review identified several themes in the publications, such as innovation, motivation, skills development, digital technology, EE’s impact, and factors of EE. The sustainability and future expectations of EE through digital technology and innovation are highlighted in the review. The study identified several findings, such as factors depriving EE, such as experience, investment, teachers, infrastructure, technology, market size, government, competition, culture, and funds. Further findings are a strategic vision of EE through policies to embrace innovation and digital technology practices and to achieve EM and EI. Also, the selected papers for the review are current publications at 61.1%, the quantitative method at 42.3% and journal articles at 88.9%. It is prudent to review EE’s appropriateness in a digital and innovative environment and to identify the impact on EM and EI among students.

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.

What can be done to ease the transition to becoming a new paediatric registrar?

BackgroundThe transition period of becoming a new paediatric registrar has limited study. Consequently, the learning needs of such trainees are unclear including educational interventions that may improve the process. This qualitative study examined the negative and positive experiences of transitioning paediatric trainees to identify learning needs and subsequently derive educational interventions that are perceived to ease transition.MethodsThis was a qualitative study of semi-structured interviews with Wales deanery paediatric speciality trainees 3 and 4 (ST3 and ST4) undergoing transition to registrar. Participants were asked to recall one positive and one negative experience during transition using the critical incident technique (CIT). Transcribed responses were coded and thematically analysed and categorised into higher and lower order themes.ResultsSix paediatric trainees were interviewed for the study. A total of eighteen codes relating to learning needs were identified and dichotomised into two higher order themes; clinical skills, and leadership and management skills, with further exploration into lower order themes. Clinical skills included child protection procedures, difficult communication with relatives, emergencies, childhood death, difficult procedures, tertiary level neonatal care, managing family anxiety and expectations, dealing with uncertainty and running clinics. Leadership and management skills involved clinical decision making by new registrars, leading ward rounds, managing workload, leading a team and supervising junior colleagues. For educational interventions, sixty-seven initial codes were recorded and combined to form thirty-two lower order themes under six higher order themes. This outlined six educational interventions perceived to ease the transition to the registrar grade including; acting up whilst a senior house officer, seniors providing feedback, seniors providing support, staff providing support, trainee familiarisation with the new registrar placement and trainees maximising SHO learning opportunities.ConclusionsThis study provided a grounding upon which further research can be based, by identifying learning needs within the themes of clinical skills and leadership and management skills, as well as providing further descriptions of perceived beneficial educational interventions that ease transition to paediatric registrar. Furthermore, this study proposes evidence-based recommendations involving five key stakeholders to improve the experience of transition for future trainees. These stakeholders include; trainees, seniors, educators, nursing staff and rota coordinators.

Fetal-Neonatal Neurology Principles and Practice: Topics in Diagnostic and Management Skills Applied to Interdisciplinary Care

Fetal-Neonatal Neurology Principles and Practice: Topics in Diagnostic and Management Skills Applied to Interdisciplinary Care

Examination of the effect of different techniques (demonstration, telesimulation and game-based training) in teaching the management of shoulder dystocia: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study evaluated the effect of demonstration, telesimulation and game-based training in teaching SD management for midwifery students. MethodsThis randomized controlled trial was completed with 123 participants. To collect data, the ‘Introductory Information Form’, ‘Self-efficacy Visual Analog Scale (VAS)’, ‘Shoulder Dystocia Skill Checklist’, and ‘Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS) were used. ResultsAfter the training, mean VAS scores of self-efficacy in diagnosing and intervening SD were higher in the telesimulation and demonstration groups, and mean VAS scores of self-efficacy in evaluating the postpartum mother and infant were higher in all intervention groups than in the control group (p < .001). There is a difference between the control group and all intervention groups in terms of total skill score in SD management (p < .001). Demonstration group's mean total score of MMS of students is higher than kahoot and control groups (p < .005). ConclusionIt was seen that all three methods were more effective than theoretical training in gaining SD management skills, but telesimulation was more effective than other methods.

Effect of virtual-reality-based education program for managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: A randomized controlled trial

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the virtual-reality-based education program (VR-EduBPSD) for managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Sixty-six family caregivers of people with dementia were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group following a 1:1 ratio. The experimental group received VR-EduBPSD while the control group received analogous paper-based educational materials. The outcome measures were competence in managing BPSD, dyadic relationship, caring self-efficacy, attitudes toward dementia, and behavior management skill. Only the ‘awareness of symptoms’ sub-scale score for competence in managing BPSD showed a significant group-by-time interaction. Significant time effects were also observed on the total and sub-scale scores for competence in managing BPSD, as well as on the dyadic relationship. This program, which utilizes high-immersion VR technology, offers a valuable learning experience for those new to the care of people with dementia. This study was registered at cris.nih.go.kr with number of KCT0006788.

The feasibility of a novel national Quality Improvement programme for Tobacco Dependency Treatment Pathways in acute UK hospitals.

The prevalence of smoking remains stubbornly high in the UK despite comprehensive tobacco control measures. A national quality improvement (QI) approach to enhance the treatment of an estimated one million annual hospital admissions of tobacco smokers, could provide a new opportunity to improve population health and reduce healthcare demand. Barriers to QI include knowledge, costs and competing demands. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a national QI programme hosted by the British Thoracic Society, focused on improving NHS tobacco dependency treatment in acute hospitals. The programme utilised the Model for Improvement as its QI framework and was delivered over a six month period. 25 teams from across the UK were upskilled through a series of webinars and coaching sessions and undertook QI projects focused on specific areas of their local tobacco dependency treatment pathways. Results of the programme demonstrated improvements across the treatment pathway including screening for smoking status, rapid provision of nicotine replacement therapy to prevent nicotine withdrawal, referrals to inpatient tobacco dependency treatment teams and transfers of care to community services. Other programme outcomes included increases in QI knowledge, confidence, and attitudes along with enhanced project management skills. This novel, national, online QI programme supported participating multidisciplinary teams in acute trusts across the UK to deliver tobacco dependency treatment pathway improvements using QI tools and methodology. This programme demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of delivering a national QI programme, at low cost using a microsystems approach applied to an important area of clinical medicine.

Investigating the Influence of First Principles of Instruction on Trauma Management Skills in Nursing Students.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of first principles of instruction on trauma management skills for undergraduate nursing students. Two hundred twenty-four nursing students from Fujian Medical University were divided into control and experimental groups. Participants in the experimental group applied first principles of instruction and introduced design modifications to acquire trauma management skills. Scores for trauma management skills were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. In addition, 89% of students strongly agreed with using first principles of instruction and indicated satisfaction with the teaching mode. First principles of instruction enhance theoretical understanding of trauma management skills, with significant score differences between experimental and control groups. High student satisfaction underscores the effectiveness of this approach in creating a conducive learning environment. Integrating first principles of instruction holds promise for deeper comprehension and long-term educational success among nursing students. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(11):731-736.].

Policy options to address the effectiveness of health service management graduates in solving Iranian health system challenges: a mixed scoping review and policy Delphi approach

Iran's healthcare system is grappling with multifaceted challenges, including financial constraints, staffing shortages, infrastructural deficiencies, legal hurdles, and cross-sectoral coordination issues. The integration of health service management graduates into the healthcare workforce is vital to tackle these obstacles effectively. However, the lack of skilled managers can exacerbate problems, leading to inflated costs, and wasted resources. This study aims to propose policy options to improve the effectiveness of healthcare management graduates in exposure to the challenges of Iran's health system. The study used a mixed-methods design that combined a scoping review and interviews with academics specializing in healthcare management and hospital management, as well as key informants of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME), the vice chancellor and deans of faculties of management and paramedicine (December 1, 2022 to February 30, 2023), and a policy Delphi technique (April 1, 2023 to Jun 30, 2023). In the scoping review, we searched PubMed, Web of Science Platform, MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar/Academia, and ERIC for articles published from the inception of each database until August 10, 2022, with an update on October 6, 2022. The search terms included "health services," "healthcare organizations," "healthcare management," "health management education," "Iran," "challenges," "issues," "policy," "interventions," "policy options," "solutions," "policy-making," "effectiveness," "efficacy," and similar terms. We incorporated scholarly articles that presented instances or resolutions demonstrating the impact of health service management graduates in addressing the issues encountered by Iran's healthcare system. Non-English research papers, except Persian, were excluded due to translation resource limitations. Articles from peer-reviewed journals were included based on their publication type, while conference abstracts, book reviews, commentaries, and editorial pieces were considered for review. In the present study, the first step of the modified Delphi methodology involved conducting interviews and qualitative content analysis. Then, through two rounds of online surveys, the policy Delphi technique engaged experts and stakeholders in reviewing and prioritising policy options. In the scoping review, our initial search of the main databases retrieved 553 articles, with an additional 14 articles from gray literature and 5 studies from local databases, totaling 572 references. 426 studies remained after removing duplicates and reviewing them. We excluded 339 studies that did not align with our study's objectives, leaving us with 87 articles. We had access to the full text of 63 of these studies and ultimately selected 31 for review and thematic analysis. The study involved 21 participants, with a 100% response rate in the interview phase. In the Delphi phase, 64 experts were invited, with 41 participating in Round 1 (64% response rate) and 32 in Round 2 (78% response rate). The scoping review identified eleven policy options, followed by designing an interview guide and presenting nine more options based on expert insights from the interviews. We evaluated twenty policy options using a 5-point Likert scale and modified Delphi methodology to assess their effectiveness, feasibility, relevance, and acceptance cost. The study produced four policy options that were culturally and ethically appropriate, as well as compatible with the context and target population. These options were: 1) training and capacity building based on Iran's health system model; 2) development of the framework of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) for healthcare management graduates; 3) determining the career pathways of healthcare management graduates and reviewing the job categories approved by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME); and 4) providing effective collaboration between healthcare management graduates and professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders for integrated health system improvement. The study provides evidence-based recommendations for improving the education, training, and professional deployment of healthcare management graduates in Iran. This work was supported by the National Agency for Strategic Research in Medical Education (NASR) (Grant Number 4020159).

Organizational environment and management skills in small and medium-sized enterprises

At present, managers need to acquire and master various management skills that contribute to a positive organizational environment. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between management skills and the organizational environment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Karachi, Pakistan. The primary objective is to determine how various management skills — negotiation, decision-making, leadership, communication, and teamwork — affect the organizational environment within SMEs. Scientific methods for research adopt a descriptive and quantitative approach, utilizing a questionnaire administered to managers of 253 SMEs. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) via the partial least squares (PLS) method, employing SmartPLS 4 software. Findings of the study reveal that the latent variables of negotiation and leadership significantly impact the organizational environment, with an R-square value of 0.854. The effect size (F-square) indicates a high impact of negotiation (F-square = 0.720) on the organizational environment, while leadership has a lower but still significant effect (F-square = 0.103). Other management skills, such as decision-making, communication, and teamwork, also show positive associations with the organizational environment, although to lower degrees. Conclusions. The study emphasizes the significance of management skills, particularly effective negotiation and leadership, in fostering a productive organizational environment in SMEs. Also, it suggests that training and development in these areas could significantly improve performance.

Development of a Virtual Pediatric Holistic Comfort Care Clinic.

Guided by the tenets of Kolcaba's holistic comfort theory, we developed, implemented, and evaluated a simulated online pediatric advanced practice health center. The Pediatric Comfy Care Clinic (PCCC) was created to enhance person-centered diagnostic reasoning and holistic advanced management skills for family nurse practitioner students. Our interprofessional team used a standardized approach to online design and development while integrating essential holistic comfort theory concepts for student engagement and assessment of learning. We explored outcomes of pre- and postclinic quizzes and student reflection data using mixed methods. Significant differences (P<.001) were noted in all postpractice quizzes in each affiliated PCCC module with variable student outcomes on graded clinic encounters. Important student perspectives on teaching and learning in the virtual clinic were noted. A comfort theory-driven, simulated, and digitally enhanced virtual clinic is feasible and valuable with important implications for holistic advanced practice.