Individual Skills Research Articles

A STUDY ON COMPETENCY MAPPING

Competency mapping has emerged as a crucial tool for aligning individual skills with organizational objectives. In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations are continually challenged to enhance employee performance to remain competitive and achieve their strategic goals. The study focuses on competency mapping in HYUNDAI WIA with 217 respondents. This abstract outlines a comprehensive initiative aimed at competency mapping and its profound impact on employee performance. The conceptual foundations of competency mapping, exploring its evolution from traditional job descriptions to dynamic skill-based models aligned with contemporary business needs. The study investigates how organizations identify, assess, and leverage competencies to enhance employee performance, drive talent management strategies, and achieve competitive advantages. The findings of this study have practical implications for HR practitioners, organizational leaders, and policymakers seeking to optimize human capital management strategies and drive sustainable business growth in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The study aims to highlight certain behavioral characteristics that influence competency mapping performance. This study encompasses vital part of behavioral characteristics enhancing the performance of competency mapping as a strategic tool for organization. Key Words—Behavioral Traits, Competence Mapping, Competence, Employee Performance

A STUDY ON COMPETENCY MAPPING WITH REFERENCE TO HYUNDAI WIA

Competency mapping has emerged as a crucial tool for aligning individual skills with organizational objectives. In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations are continually challenged to enhance employee performance to remain competitive and achieve their strategic goals. The study focuses on competency mapping in HYUNDAI WIA with 217 respondents. This abstract outlines a comprehensive initiative aimed at competency mapping and its profound impact on employee performance. The conceptual foundations of competency mapping, exploring its evolution from traditional job descriptions to dynamic skill-based models aligned with contemporary business needs. The study investigates how organizations identify, assess, and leverage competencies to enhance employee performance, drive talent management strategies, and achieve competitive advantages. The findings of this study have practical implications for HR practitioners, organizational leaders, and policymakers seeking to optimize human capital management strategies and drive sustainable business growth in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The study aims to highlight certain behavioral characteristics that influence competency mapping performance. This study encompasses vital part of behavioral characteristics enhancing the performance of competency mapping as a strategic tool for organization. Key Words—Behavioral Traits, Competence Mapping, Competence, Employee Performance

Premature agglomeration?: Two phases of development with spatial sorting

AbstractClusters in the developing world do, to a large extent, attract low‐educated individuals, and these clusters are in some cases, characterized by urbanization without industrialization. This contrasts starkly to clusters in advanced economies that attract high‐skilled individuals and entrepreneurs. In this paper, we develop a model of agglomeration and spatial sorting that is consistent with these two types of different agglomeration processes in developed and developing countries. We show that a poor country that has an agglomeration with low skilled individuals, may get stuck in this equilibrium, but that free mobility of human capital from the outset nevertheless is superior from the perspective of total social welfare.

Results of Beginner Archery Skills Among Adolescents Based on Gender Review and Shot Distance

This study aims to examine differences in scores resulting from beginner archery skills among teenagers based on gender (male & female) and shooting target distance factors (5 m, 10 m, & accumulated distances of 5 and 10 m). The sample for this research was 22 male and female students from classes XA, XB and XIA, taken using the cluster random sampling method. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and inferential factorial two-way anova. The mean score for male students at a shooting distance of 5 m was 57.82 and for female students was 49.36. The mean score for male students at a shooting distance of 10 m was 37.82 and for female students was 31.82. The mean score for male students at the accumulated shooting distance of 5 and 10 m was 59.18 and for females was 50.00. The results of the Anova test on the variable shot distance factor, Sig. value. 0.80 > 0.05 means there is no significant difference in archery skill results based on shooting distances of 5 m, and 10 m and accumulated 5 and 10 m. In the gender factor variable, the Sig. value. 0.325 > 0.05 means there is no significant difference in the results of archery skills based on male and female gender. Next, the variable factor of shooting distance and gender is the Sig. value. 0.985 > 0.05 means there is no influence or interaction between the factors of shooting distance and gender in determining the results of archery skills. The results of this research provide the conclusion that factors such as; training strategies and methods, experience, use of technology in training programs, and individual skill development are more crucial in improving archery skills among young beginners. Coaches and educators in the field of archery are advised to design inclusive and adaptive training programs, which do not focus too much on gender or shooting target distance as determining factors, but rather on developing individual skills and strengthening physical and mental aspects that support increased performance in archery. Keywords: Differences, Skills, Archery, Beginner, Youth, Gender, Distance.

Development of the Individual and Peer Study Skills Scale

Learners can demonstrate the performance expected of them in study skills individually or with peers. The literature shows that there is no customization of study skills, such as working individually or with peers. Therefore, there is a need for measurement tools that can identify the needs of learners while determining their study skills for both individual and peer activities. This study aims to develop a scale to measure university students' individual and peer study skills. The research was conducted using an exploratory correlational design, and data was collected from two different samples for pilot and validation applications. The pilot and validation application sample comprised 470 and 323 teacher candidates. Item analysis for item validity and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) for construct validity were conducted on the pilot study data. Before the EFA, optimal parallel analysis was used to examine the scale's dimensionality. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted on the validation data to gather evidence for construct validity. The optimal parallel analysis suggested a two-dimensional structure for the scale. As a result of the EFA, a two-dimensional construct with 28 items, consisting of 16 and 12 items in each dimension, explained 58.8% of the variance. The first dimension of the scale was named peer study skills, and the second was named individual study skills. Item analysis revealed that the discrimination of the items in both dimensions was sufficient. The CFA results confirmed the two-factor construct of the scale. The trial and validation studies data showed that the reliability coefficients, considering both dimensions individually and the overall scale, indicated that the scores are reliable.

Evaluation of the relationship between childhood traumas and emotion regulation skills in terms of adult obesity

This study aims to reveal the relationship between childhood traumas and emotion regulation skills of obese and non-obese individuals. The research is a comparative-descriptive and correlational study. The obese group included 52 people with a BMI ≥ 30, and the non-obese group included 58 people with a BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2. Information Form, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and Emotion Regulation Skills Questionnaire (ERSQ) were used in the study data. The rates of total childhood trauma and physical neglect were significantly higher in obese individuals (53.8 % vs. 32.8 %; 50 % vs. 22.4 %, respectively) than in non-obese individuals. Obese individuals were found to have lower emotion regulation skills. While a significant inverse relationship was found between childhood trauma and emotion regulation skills total and sub-dimension scores in obese individuals, no significant relationship was found in non-obese individuals. Psychiatric-mental health nurses can play an active role in the prevention and treatment of obesity by providing emotion regulation training to individuals in their roles as counselors and educators.

The Moderated-Mediated Influence of TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter Usage Alongside Psychological Factors on Academic Achievement among Botho University Students in Botswana: Examining the Role of Self-Regulation and Personal Profile

The evolving digital landscape underscores the need to investigate the influence of social media on academic performance. This study examines the intricate relationship between social media use—specifically on TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter—and the academic performance of university students in Botswana. Exploring the roles of psychological traits, self-control, and individual profiles as moderators and mediators in this correlation, the research emphasizes the pivotal influence of these factors in shaping how social media impacts academic performance. The primary objective is to scrutinize both the direct and indirect effects of social media use on student performance, evaluating how self-directed regulation mechanisms can mitigate adverse effects. Employing a quantitative approach, the study analyzed survey data from 55 undergraduate students at Botho University in Botswana, recruited through convenience sampling. While the sample size was constrained by practical limitations, the study offers initial insights to be further explored in future research with larger samples. Utilizing descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis, the research investigated usage patterns, perceived impacts, and self-regulation techniques. Findings reveal a robust link between extensive social media use and varied academic performance, influenced significantly by individual self-regulation skills and psychological traits. Notably, strong self-regulation techniques were associated with reduced negative academic consequences, highlighting the crucial role of human control in digital engagement. The study illuminates how social media can serve as both a distraction and a valuable teaching tool, shaped by individual characteristics. It recommends future research focus on specific interventions aimed at enhancing self-regulation abilities to maximize the educational benefits of social media while minimizing drawbacks. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of digital media's impact in educational settings, providing valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and students navigating the challenges of academic success in the digital era.

Local community participation in Tanzania's natural gas sector: A dissection of policies and the regulatory frameworks

The discovery of significant natural gas reserves in Tanzania prompted the government to develop policies and regulatory frameworks for better management of this sector. Nevertheless, knowledge of how these policies and regulatory frameworks facilitate local community participation in the sector is scant and attention to these issues is limited. We use qualitative data and the Context Interaction Theory (CIT) as our lens to analyse the sectoral policies and regulatory frameworks to understand whether and how they facilitate local community participation. Our analysis revealed that the natural gas policies and frameworks have to some extent facilitated local community participation through provision of employment opportunities, participation in the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility projects and protection of the gas infrastructures. However, meaningful local community participation is constrained by various factors including inadequate qualified and skilled individuals among the locals; misinformation to local community members; and insufficient awareness on the natural gas policies and regulatory frameworks. We recommend policies and regulatory frameworks that support local capacity development and empower local government authorities to develop their capacity for translating policies into practice on local community participation. These measures should involve ‘policy learning” from countries that have been successful in developing inclusive participation policies and responsive institutions.

Investigating cognitive-motor effects during slacklining using mobile EEG.

Balancing is a very important skill, supporting many daily life activities. Cognitive-motor interference (CMI) dual-tasking paradigms have been established to identify the cognitive load of complex natural motor tasks, such as running and cycling. Here we used wireless, smartphone-recorded electroencephalography (EEG) and motion sensors while participants were either standing on firm ground or on a slackline, either performing an auditory oddball task (dual-task condition) or no task simultaneously (single-task condition). We expected a reduced amplitude and increased latency of the P3 event-related potential (ERP) component to target sounds for the complex balancing compared to the standing on ground condition, and a further decrease in the dual-task compared to the single-task balancing condition. Further, we expected greater postural sway during slacklining while performing the concurrent auditory attention task. Twenty young, experienced slackliners performed an auditory oddball task, silently counting rare target tones presented in a series of frequently occurring standard tones. Results revealed similar P3 topographies and morphologies during both movement conditions. Contrary to our predictions we observed neither significantly reduced P3 amplitudes, nor significantly increased latencies during slacklining. Unexpectedly, we found greater postural sway during slacklining with no additional task compared to dual-tasking. Further, we found a significant correlation between the participant's skill level and P3 latency, but not between skill level and P3 amplitude or postural sway. This pattern of results indicates an interference effect for less skilled individuals, whereas individuals with a high skill level may have shown a facilitation effect. Our study adds to the growing field of research demonstrating that ERPs obtained in uncontrolled, daily-life situations can provide meaningful results. We argue that the individual CMI effects on the P3 ERP reflects how demanding the balancing task is for untrained individuals, which draws on limited resources that are otherwise available for auditory attention processing. In future work, the analysis of concurrently recorded motion-sensor signals will help to identify the cognitive demands of motor tasks executed in natural, uncontrolled environments.

Music Teaching Mode of Colleges and Universities Based On Hierarchically Gated Recurrent Neural Network (HGRNN) and Lyrebird Optimization Algorithm (LOA)

Colleges and universities play a crucial role in nurturing talent and providing highly skilled individuals for various sectors of society. Through modifications over time, the model of music education at colleges and universities has advanced. However, there are still numerous issues that demand careful consideration. This manuscript proposes a hierarchically gated recurrent neural network (HGRNN) optimized with the lyrebird Optimization Algorithm (LOA) for predicting music teaching mode of colleges and universities (MTM-HGRNN-LOA). Initially, the data is collected via real time basis. Afterward, the data is fed to an unscented trainable kalman filter (UTKF) based pre-processing process. In the pre-processing segment, it enhances training rate and eliminates the of batch size dependency. The pre-processing output is given to modified spline-kernelled chirp let transform (MSKCT). The input signal undergoes feature extraction to derive the primary features, which are subsequently combined to yield more comprehensive features in an efficient manner. After that, the extracted features are given to a hierarchically gated recurrent neural network and lyrebird optimization algorithm for effectively classifying the music teaching mode for best, good, normal, satisfactory and poor. The weight parameters of hierarchically gated recurrent neural network are optimized using the lyrebird optimization algorithm. The proposed method is implemented in python and evaluated their performance with existing methods. The performance metrics, like precision, F1-score, accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, and ROC is analysed to the proposed method's performance. The proposed MTM-HGRNN-LOA methods of accuracy are provide 97% best, 98% good, 95% normal, 98% satisfactory and 97% poor music teaching mode. The existing methods MTM-CNN, MTM-BPNN and MTM-GNN, the specificity becomes 90%, 70%, 79% best, 77%, 75%, 65% good, 66%, 85%, 84% normal, 59%, 58%, 70% satisfactory, 61%, 79%, 81% poor music teaching mode. The results show that the proposed MTM-HGRNN-LOA method outperforms other existing techniques, such as online vocal music teaching quality using Back Propagation neural network and convolutional neural network based College-Level Music Teaching Quality Evaluation.

The interdisciplinary method of musical literacy, education and artistic sensibilization: Objectives, structure and evaluation

The Interdisciplinary Method of Musical Literacy, Education and Artistic Awareness (MILMESA) aims to provide a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to education, integrating four artistic expressions (theatre, music, visual arts and physical/motor expression) essential for the development of skills such as creativity, expression and improvisation in a school context. The method aims to prepare adults who are in training for future practices aimed at children, young people or adults. MILMESA integrates 129 activities, classified by degree of difficulty, to improve personal and artistic skills, foster innovation and creativity, improve interaction and sociability, promote concentration and active listening, and improve rhythm, repetition, movement skills, expression and improvisation. A non-experimental methodology was chosen in which post facto questionnaire interviews were applied to 350 training participants. This method is a valuable tool for those looking to expand their artistic knowledge, as well as preparing them to educate and raise awareness among future generations. They also demonstrate the development of interdisciplinary artistic skills and practices in an educational context, the integral development of the individual, the connection and interaction between the arts and other areas of knowledge, and the improvement of skills in individuals who are training for future roles as teachers or artists.

Political Skill of B to B Sales Team as a Dynamic Capability: A Strategic Resource Perspective

ABSTRACT Purpose To identify the key internal and external collective conditions and determinants for sales managers in the B to B context, which would allow the articulation of Team Political Skill as a firm’s dynamic capability at organizational and strategical level. Methodology/approach This study employs qualitative methods based on grounded theory, with an exploratory discovery, which jointly used in-depth interviews and online focus groups targeting sales management positions (Sales managers, sales supervisors) and CEOs of 24 B to B different firms in Chile and Peru. Findings The study reports that the political skill of B to B sales teams is articulated as a dynamic capacity when it is capable of generating organizational co-creation routines and an identification culture based on innovation, which translates into intrafirm collaborative organizational learning, strengthening its strategic intelligence, customer orientation and providing a distinctive and differentiating seal in the market at organizational level. Research implications This research suggests from the perspective of resource-based theory that B to B salespeople team political skills not only is a tactical resource to achieve sales results but also becomes an active differentiator of high strategic value for B to B firms in their organizational performance. Therefore, the sales team acts as a key predictor of higher social effectiveness and work performance. Additionally, this study highlights the pivotal role of the sales supervision role and competitive environment in the evolution of individual salespersons’ political skills toward group consolidation. Practical implications The current work offers initial strategies regarding for B to B sales managers can establish political skill development plans in their salespeople and to incorporate innovative supervision and supporting mechanisms that bolster the B to B sales team as a strategic resource in an ever-increasing competitive and complex environment, as seen in the recent post pandemic environment. Originality/value/contribution of the paper To identify unexplored dimensions and collaborative processes in B to B salespersons’ individual and collective team political skills and how these potentially consolidate themselves as a distinctive firm’s dynamic capability in their sales performance.

Effects of step aerobic exercises on rhythm skill and static balance

This study aimed to examine the effects of 8-week step aerobic exercises on the rhythm skills and static balance of young individuals. 53 university students participated in the research voluntarily. Participants practiced step aerobic exercises with a licensed trainer for 8 weeks. The participants' static balance and rhythm skills were observed before and after the study. At the end of the study, participants' BMI, static balance performance and rhythm skill performances changed significantly. Additionally, it was determined that there was a significant negative way relationship between the participants' balance performances and rhythm skills. Based on the research findings, it can be said that regular step aerobic exercises can be used as an effective method in developing the static balance and rhythm skills of young individuals.

“Learning from Each Other”: A Peer Education as an Alternative Teaching Option

This article presents a model of teaching as a new entry in the relevant bibliography, under the name “Learning from Each Other” (LEO) Teaching Model. The main purpose of LEO is the cognitive, emotional and social interaction and cooperation between learners of different ages and genders along with the mutual transmission of individual opinions, knowledge, attitudes, experiences, abilities and skills of learners, in the context of simultaneously taking on the role of the “tutor” and the “learner” as well. At the same time, the role of the teacher during the teaching is being revised by becoming not only a “teacher” but also a “learner.” Thus, for the teacher there are options about new researches and reflections regarding teaching as well as the progress and value of learning.

The Effect of Applying Business Incubators on Enhancing the Innovative Performance of Investment and Privatization Projects in Saudi Sports Clubs

The importance of the new business systems that work on developing the concept of institutional support for the new projects has emerged. Within this context, business incubators are considered one of the most effective and successful systems in implementing development programs and supporting creativity and innovation. Therefore, business incubators have become on the list of development priorities and the formation of new projects. The purpose of the study was to identify the effect of applying business incubators on enhancing the innovative performance of investment and privatization projects in Saudi sports clubs, to achieve the objective of the study, the descriptive approach (survey study method) was used. Some officials of the Ministry of Sports, chairmen and members of sports club councils, executive directors, activity managers, financial managers, and members of various committees participated in the study. The study population categories were used to select the study sample intentionally. Two questionnaires were used to obtain data from (430) participants in the study. The results showed that there is an effect of applying business incubators on enhancing the innovative performance of investment and privatization projects in Saudi sports clubs. Business incubators can be applied to support the innovative performance of investment and privatization projects in sports clubs. However, the study also highlighted challenges and barriers faced by business incubators in the Saudi sports sector, such as a lack of awareness, insufficient logistical support, limited resources, and a shortage of skilled individuals. The absence of regulations governing incubator operations further hampers their progress. The study also provides insight into the implications of the application of business incubators to enhance innovative performance and future directions.

What’s in a name

With the growing ubiquity of educational technology, there has been an increased need for specialised practitioners to advise on and support technology enhanced learning within Higher Education. Academic developers, instructional designers and educational technologists are all examples of these skilled individuals typically working in ‘third space’ that crosses complex boundaries - between the pedagogical and technological, and the academic and professional. However, role titles and descriptions of duties are often unclear at best, with a lack of consistent terminology used across institutions and in the literature. This can lead to confusion and tensions when working with multiple institutional stakeholders who are uncertain about the abilities and knowledge of people in these roles; potentially exacerbating ‘the academic/professional divide’ in Higher Education and weakening the collaborative relationship between TEL workers and academics. This paper presents a synthesis of key literature related to contemporary TEL advisor and support roles in Higher Education alongside a preliminary analysis of 37 recent position descriptions of these roles. The application of social practice theory as our conceptual framework enables us to further explore the significance of practices in defining and differentiating these roles. This paper offers a step forward to the ways in which clarity and consistency of these roles might be sought. Future implications of this study are included for further consideration.

Review Paper - Recruitment and Selection Process at HDFC Bank

This research explores the complexities of the recruiting and selection process at HDFC Bank, a prominent financial organization in India. The main goal is to provide a thorough understanding of the techniques, processes, and difficulties associated with acquiring, evaluating, and selecting skilled individuals inside the bank. Data was collected using a mixed-methods approach that included qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The data was received from several sources, including HR professionals, existing workers, and relevant paperwork. The study emphasizes the significance of efficient recruiting and selection methods in preserving a competitive advantage in the banking industry. The analysis focuses on the congruence between HDFC Bank's recruiting tactics and its organizational goals, highlighting the significance of talent acquisition in propelling corporate performance and attaining long-term expansion. Moreover, the research investigates the use of technology and advanced approaches to make the recruiting process more efficient and improve the experience of candidates. The key results highlight the importance of cultural compatibility, alignment of talents, and inclusion of diversity in the selection process, demonstrating HDFC Bank's dedication to creating an inclusive work environment. In addition, the report highlights obstacles such as a shortage of skilled workers, growing competition, and changing market conditions, which compel the bank to constantly adjust and improve its recruiting methods. In summary, this study adds to the current understanding of recruiting and selection techniques in the banking industry. It provides valuable insights and suggestions for HR professionals and organizational leaders who want to improve their talent acquisition methods. The statement highlights the essential significance of recruiting and selection in influencing the achievement of an organization and promoting a culture of exceptional performance within HDFC Bank.

Book Review: Why writing still matters: Written communication in changing times. Cambridge University Press.

This 190-page monograph by Guy Merchant, holistically viewing writing as a visible linguistic system, elaborates on what writing is, how writing evolves, and why writing is important. As indicated in the subtle, by “writing”, the author means a form of communication, which is an umbrella term encompassing various communicative ways instead of a sort of individual language skill.

Natural supports in competitive integrated employment: A scoping review

BACKGROUND: Competitive integrated employment (CIE) improves the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Individuals with IDD may need additional support in the workplace. Natural supports has been studied as an intervention to provide support and increase vocational and social skills for individuals with IDD in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the existing literature conducted on implementing natural supports in CIE settings to build vocational or social skills for individuals with IDD. METHOD: We followed the PRISMA-ScR process to identify articles across seven databases and coded information related to demographics, methodology, and outcomes. RESULTS: Seventeen articles were identified between 1985 –2024 that focused on implementing natural supports in CIE settings for individuals with IDD. Studies addressed vocational and social skills and broader vocational topics such as wages, hours worked, and inclusion in the workplace. CONCLUSION: Employees with IDD improved their engagement in vocational tasks, increased their social interactions with coworkers, and improved their quality of life through increased wages, hours worked, and job tenure. Additional research is warranted to provide further evidence on the impact of natural supports in the workplace for employees with and without IDD.

Ambivalent presents, open futures: Affective constructions of the future among highly qualified Turkish migrants in Germany

Turkish migrant professionals in Germany are valued as highly skilled individuals. They describe their lives in Germany mostly in positive terms. Their social, cultural and mobility capital enables them to imagine the future as including favourable circumstances for them such as exciting job opportunities. At the same time, heightened anti-migrant discourses and uncertainties about the future create potential risks. By bringing together the sociological literatures on ambivalence and the future, I analyse how highly skilled Turkish migrants make projections about their future in Germany under this ambivalent atmosphere. Based on interviews conducted with 29 highly qualified Turkish migrants in Germany in 2022, the article identifies openness as an affective mechanism, which can be deployed both to embrace opportunities and navigate instabilities that might emerge in the future.