Utilization Of Skills Research Articles

Screening, Skills and Cultural Fit: Theorizing Immigrant Skill Utilization from an Organizational Perspective

This article examines the issue of skill utilization among highly skilled immigrants in Canada from an organizational perspective. It argues that bringing insights from organizational sociology more strongly into discussions of skill utilization—which tend to focus on returns to immigrant capital (human, social, cultural) or employer discrimination—would provide greater understanding of how, when and the extent to which each one of these factors matters for immigrant hiring within a particular employment sector. In order to illustrate this point, it draws on empirical material from 20 interviews with hiring managers at information and communication technology (ICT) companies in the Greater Toronto Area to show that there is organizational-level variation among firms in three key aspects of hiring that are relevant to discussions of immigrant skill utilization: definitions of ‘skills’, notions of ‘cultural fit’ and screening processes. The article concludes by pointing to avenues for further study and considering implications for settlement policy.

The clinical effectiveness of a nurse practitioner versus a non-nurse practitioner on hospital admissions of older adults residing in skilled or long-term care nursing facilities: a systematic review protocol

The clinical effectiveness of a nurse practitioner versus a non-nurse practitioner on hospital admissions of older adults residing in skilled or long-term care nursing facilities: a systematic review protocol

Effect of Inquiry-Based Science Activities on Prospective Elementary Teachers’ Use of Science Process Skills and Inquiry Strategies

In this study, the effect of science activities designed by inquiry-based approach on prospective elementary teachers’ utilization of science process skills and inquiry strategies is investigated. The study was conducted by a group of prospective elementary teacher (N=119) established by mean of purposed sampling. Data was gathered pre and post instructional practices of the instruments “science process skills and strategies (S&S)- scale” and “science process skills (SS)-test”. The data were analyzed by procedures of dependent group t-test and Pearson correlation test which pointed an effect of inquiry - based activities on the prospective teachers` use of science process skills and inquiry strategies. The study concludes with recommendations for further investigations to signify and overcome the barriers challenging the prospective teachers’ adaptations and practices of science process skills and inquiry strategies.

Adjusting to skill shortages in Australian SMEs

Skill shortages are often portrayed as a major problem for advanced economies, yet there is surprisingly little empirical evidence about how firms adjust to skill shortages and their associated effects on firm performance. This article provides new evidence from the Business Longitudinal Database, an Australian data set with unusually rich information on the causes and consequences of skill shortages in small- and medium-sized enterprises. We document the range of alternative strategies that firms adopt when responding to skill shortages and show that certain types of adaptation are used in some cases and not in others, depending on the type of shortage encountered and other attributes of the firm. Further, we show that certain types of skill shortage are more likely to be long-lasting and difficult to resolve, while others are alleviated relatively quickly with minimal adjustment. Our findings yield lessons for the skill utilization strategies of firms and for the labour market policies of governments.

Acquisition and Utilisation of ICT Skills of Library Professionals in some Nigerian Academic Libraries

Living in a changing information age whereby information users not only have the knowledge but the capacity of generating information on their own, the library professionals must therefore possess technological related skills in order to compliment and support the transformational skills to make them become global professionals. Given this reality, it becomes necessary to investigate the acquisition and utilisation of ICT skills by library professionals in some Nigerian academic libraries. The study was a descriptive survey research type. Questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 160 library professionals. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics (percentages). The study revealed that acquisition of ICT skills is imperative to its utilisation. The study also revealed that epileptic power supply was the greatest challenge of ICT in Nigerian academic libraries. Recommendations made among others include that the management of University libraries should attend to the problem of epileptic power supply by ensuring either a standby generator or inverters or solar power to ensure the continuity of work in the case of power outage and they should endeavour to provide adequate fund for the acquisition of appropriate ICTs.

Poverty and Pension Reform: An Application of Theories and Paradigms in Social Engineering of Nigerian Society

Poverty and Pension Reform: An Application of Theories and Paradigms in Social Engineering of Nigerian Society Bassey Antigha Okon; Akwaji, Fidelis Ngaji; Lazarus, Bazsey Abstract This paper presents a critical analysis of the process of Social Engineering. It looks at social Engineering as the art of ordering and re-ordering the society. The explanation in the paper shows that social science theories and paradigms provide the framework and the methodological guide through which the society can be engineered. In the paper the researcher presented the opinion that public and social policy process is routed in social science method and methodology. As theories and paradigms analysed the society and other social phenomenon, explain and predict their future direction, pension which is a developmental policy also seek to provide solution to societal problems by explaining and analyzing the problem as well as predicting future direction of the problem. This paper focuses on poverty experienced science by Pensioners and the dependants of dead pubic and civil servants in Nigeria. It looked at the present state of squalor and misery and examined the contributory Pension Reform Act 2004 as an attempt by the government in utilizing social science technique to find solution to societal problems. The paper concludes that the implementation of the Pension Reform Act will change and re-order the society from poverty to new order of excess fund to beneficiary and the entire economy, thereby improving the standard of living and quality of life of Nigerians. The paper is an explanative analysis which recommends the utilization of social science investigation and theory formulation skills in providing solutions to emerging societal and organizational problems. (241 word) Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jswhr.v3n2a2

Development and Utilization of Human Resource in the Municipalities of Greece: The Case of Trikala Municipality

Chronic pathology suffering from the Greek government, especially local government and the reform imposed by the local municipalities program of Kallikratis combined with the economic crisis and the troika are the main reasons occupying this research and how through internal forces can municipalities find their way to a viable future. This work focuses on two levels. Firstly it records the current status of human resource in the Municipality of Trikala as well as it proposes a reorganization and restructuring of the foundations and management of human resources in this municipality aiming to a full utilization of capacities and skills. For this reason, the theory of human resources management with special thematic section on the development of human resources were examined in combination with the institution of local government in Greece. Particular attention was given to the introduction of the Kallikratis program and its impact within institutional, organizational, administrative, economic, and social level. Finally, this work tried to study the current status of human resource, especially in municipalities merged into a new municipality of Kallikratis program and how the new assessment system has helped to develop their abilities and skills. Moreover, what would be an ideal model for training and development of employees and what criteria exist for the relocation of employees in the proper position without conflicts. Ending and adding to this latter, what kind of conflicts were grown and how to handle them as well as to study motion reorganization of human resource for better utilization of capacities and skills. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p145

Addressing Pedagogical Training Needs of Teaching Staff: Lessons from Makerere University Short Professional Development Programs 2006 - 2010

In Uganda, university teachers are recruited on the strength of their class of degree rather than pedagogical content knowledge and skill. Given the frequent changes in technology with resultant paradigm shifts from teacher to learner-centered education and competence-based approaches, increasing demand of accountability from society, and demand for quality, among others, university teaching can no longer be left to subject expertise alone. Effective teaching and quality graduates requires university teachers to possess a combination of content and pedagogical knowledge. Using data collected through an interview guide and end-of-workshop evaluation questionnaire for a four-year training period (2006 – 2010), this article focused on the lessons learnt from a series of pedagogical training workshops offered by Makerere University management to her teaching staff. Findings show that the main training needs among the teaching staff include assessment and grading of students, managing large classes, and using ICT in teaching and learning. Overall, the staff appreciated the workshop methodology, the co-teaching approach and the sharing of experiences. However, there were concerns about the timing of the trainings and inability to implement what is learned due to institutional constraints. The study underpins the importance of undertaking needs assessment before designing any staff training program. Rather than claim that addressing individual training needs will improve quality, staff pedagogical training should be combined with institutional changes so that institutional constraints that hinder utilization of knowledge and skills acquired during training are concurrently addressed. In addition, training approaches should transcend the deficit model of continuous professional development commonly used to the use of a variety of models including the cascaded model. Through the cascade model the capacity of academic staff could be built, these would continue to learn from each other, thereby developing a critical mass at faculty or academic unit level.

Group Cohesion and Between Session Homework Activities Predict Self-Reported Cognitive–Behavioral Skill Use Amongst Participants of SMART Recovery Groups

SMART Recovery groups are cognitive–behaviorally oriented mutual support groups for individuals with addictions. The aim of the study was to assess the extent to which the quality of group facilitation, group cohesion and the use of between session homework activities contribute to self-rated use of cognitive–behavioral skills amongst group participants. Participants attending SMART Recovery groups in Australia completed a cross sectional survey (N=124). The survey included measures of cognitive and behavioral skill utilization, group cohesion, quality of group facilitation and a rating of how frequently participants leave group meetings with an achievable between session homework plan. On average, participants had been attending SMART Recovery meetings for 9months. Participants were most likely to attend SMART Recovery for problematic alcohol use. Regression analyses indicated that group cohesion significantly predicted use of cognitive restructuring, but that only provision of homework at the end of each group session predicted self-reported behavioral activation. Both group cohesion and leaving a group with an achievable homework plan predicted participant use of cognitive behavioral skills. The concrete actions associated with homework activities may facilitate behavioral activation. There is a need for longitudinal research to examine the relationship between the utilization of cognitive and behavioral skills and participant outcomes (e.g. substance use, mental health) for people attending SMART Recovery groups.

Status of nurse staffing and nursing care delivery in Pudong, Shanghai.

Abstract Aim To evaluate nurse staffing levels and nursing care delivery in adult general medical or surgical wards of hospitals in the Pudong district of Shanghai, China. Background Rapid economic development and improved Chinese living standards have spurred increased demands for high quality health care. Thus, the quality of nursing services has become a focus of attention. Design A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used for the study. Methods We used an anonymous survey to collect data from 1614 nurses from 98 wards in seven general hospitals in Pudong, Shanghai. Results During day shifts, the nurse-to-patient ratios were >1:10. However, these ratios were much higher during evening and night shifts. The clinical front-line nursing workforce primarily consisted of nurses with junior college degrees that had limited working experience. Junior nurses with different educational backgrounds, professional levels, and work experiences were assigned almost similar nursing care work as senior nurses. Conclusions In the surveyed hospitals in the Pudong district, nurse staffing levels and skill mix may be inadequate to meet the increasing demands of patient care. The clinical nursing workforce needs to be strengthened and used effectively to enhance the quality and safety of patient care. Relevance to clinical practice We should focus on the quantity and quality of the nursing workforce, as well as nursing skill utilization.

Patterns in Wheeled Mobility Skills Training, Equipment Evaluation, and Utilization: Findings from the SCIRehab Project

Patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) participate in manual and power wheelchair (WC) skills training during inpatient rehabilitation; wheeled mobility evaluations aim to optimize use, fit, and function of equipment following discharge. Occupational and physical therapists documented treatment sessions during inpatient rehabilitation to describe types and quantity of WC skills training and adaptive equipment (AE) provided by neurological level of injury. Most patients participated in WC skills training; variation in type and frequency exists. Propulsion/driving skills were practiced most frequently. A majority of patients participated in equipment evaluations; assessment/prescription and fitting were performed frequently; mat evaluations were done infrequently. Most patients received mobility equipment in a timely manner; they continued to use their WC and were satisfied with its fit and function at the one-year injury anniversary. High levels of respondent satisfaction with fit and function of WCs suggest clinicians are prescribing mobility devices adequately and accurately supplementing information obtained during equipment assessment and fitting sessions with information from general treatment sessions. Variation in type and frequency of WC training provided by level of SCI and in types of WC prescribed use provides a foundation for future research to relate treatment modalities with functional and participation outcomes.

Baylor Pediatric SBIRT Medical Residency Training Program: Model Description and Evaluation

ABSTRACT. Background: The Baylor College of Medicine SBIRT Medical Residency Training Program is a multilevel project that trains residents and faculty in evidenced-based screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment methods for alcohol and substance use problems. Methods: This paper describes the training program created for pediatric residents and provides an evaluation of the program. Ninety-five first-year pediatric residents participated in the training program. They were assessed on satisfaction with the program, self-rated skills, observed competency, and implementation into clinical practice. Results: The program was successfully incorporated into the residency curricula in two pediatric residencies. Evaluations indicate a high degree of satisfaction with the program, self-reported improvement in SBIRT skills, observed proficiency in SBIRT skills, and utilization of SBIRT skills in clinical practice. Conclusions: SBIRT skills training can be incorporated into pediatric residency training, and residents are able to learn and implement the skills in clinical practice.

The Effects of Income and Skill Utilization on the Underemployed's Self‐Esteem, Mental Health, and Life Satisfaction

This longitudinal study examined the effects of underemployment on psychological well‐being (i.e., self‐esteem, mental health, and life satisfaction) using a sample of 99 unemployed and 153 reemployed individuals in South Korea. Underemployment was determined by wage and skill utilization. The results indicated that when underemployment was determined by wage change, the underemployed showed a more favorable mental health level and more life satisfaction than the unemployed. However, when determined by wage difference, the underemployed were similar to the unemployed. For skill utilization‐based underemployment, no difference was observed between the underemployed and the unemployed. The implications for future research are discussed.

The utilization of counseling skills by the laboratory genetic counselor.

The number of available genetic testing options and the nuances associated with these options continue to expand. In addition, the scope of genetic testing has broadened to areas and specialties beyond Medical Genetics. In response to these changes, diagnostic laboratories have employed genetic counselors to help navigate the increasing complexity of genetic testing, given their expertise and training in human genetics. However a largely unrecognized aspect of this role involves the use of counseling skills. Counseling skills are used by laboratory genetic counselors in a variety of situations to convey information and facilitate understanding among clinicians and medical staff. This helps to reduce test ordering errors, promote optimal test utilization, and ensure best patient care practices. The specific counseling skills used by laboratory counselors will be explored using three fictional case vignettes, followed by a discussion of the applicability of these skills in other contexts. Exploration of the unique ways in which laboratory genetic counselors apply their counseling skills can be useful for professional development and instructive for graduate training programs.

Hidden underemployment among Irish farm holders 2002–2011

This article examines the scale of hidden underemployment on Irish farms from 2002 to 2011. We provide a measure of hidden underemployment that is not captured by the national-level statistics. Hidden underemployment can be attributed to a number of factors relating to inadequate employment situations as described at the 16th International Conference of Labour Statisticians such as low productivity, the poor utilization of skills and other factors specific to agriculture. We place particular attention upon the potential role of off-farm labour supply in solving the underemployment problem. We utilize a two-stage residual inclusion model and a random effects probit model to examine the forces behind farm underemployment. We utilize a fixed effects model to examine the factors driving the severity of farm underemployment. Our findings suggest that instances of hidden underemployment increased between 2002 and 2011. Hidden underemployment appears to be a stubborn problem and is related to the absence of off-farm employment, low yield, livestock intensity and smaller than average farm size in the sheep and drystock cattle sectors in particular.

Skill Underutilization is Associated with Higher Prevalence of Hypertension: The Watari Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between skill underutilization, a psychological job stressor proposed in the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) job stress model, and the prevalence of hypertension. We studied sitting blood pressure and fasting blood laboratory parameters in 3,429 inhabitants of the town of Watari during annual health check-ups in 2010. A questionnaire was administered to examine job status, weekly working hours and degree of skill utilization. We divided subjects into tertiles according to skill utilization score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed using prevalent hypertension as the dependent variable. Questionnaires were collected from 2,550 individuals. After excluding those who were not in paid employment and those with missing data, 1,075 permanent or part-time workers were included in the final analysis. The odds ratio for the presence of hypertension was significantly higher in the lowest tertile of skill utilization score compared with the highest tertile (1.776; 95% confidence interval, 1.137-2.796) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, triglyceride level, current smoking status and daily alcohol intake. Skill underutilization was associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension in a working population including various kinds of occupations.

The Relationship Between Job Satisfaction And Life Satisfaction: Empirical Evidence From Logistics Practitioners In A South African Steel-Making Company

There has been an explosion of research interests centered upon the job satisfaction-life satisfaction nexus within organizations. Be that as it may, there is a relative paucity of research on the job satisfaction of logistics practitioners in general and limited evidence of studies that specifically address the issue of job satisfaction in the steel-making industry in developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the structural relationships between job satisfaction and life satisfaction. The study followed a quantitative survey approach in which a three-section questionnaire was administered to 192 purposively selected logistics practitioners in a South African steel-making company. The Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were adapted for this study. Data were analysed through Principal Component Analysis using Varimax rotation, nonparametric correlation analysis, and descriptive statistics. Five job satisfaction factors, namely, skills utilisation, workplace flexibility, autonomy, teamwork, and remuneration were extracted. The five factors attained high Cronbach Alpha values above the recommended 0.70, which indicates high internal consistencies among the sub-scales. Positive, significant relationships were found between life satisfaction and two factors, namely, skills utilization and remuneration. Weak relationships were found between life satisfaction and three job satisfaction factors, namely, teamwork, workplace flexibility, and autonomy. Mean score rankings showed that among the job satisfaction factors, skills utilisation was more important to logistics practitioners. The study is important in that it provides further verification of the patterns in the relationship between job satisfaction and life satisfaction. By examining the structural interplay between job and life satisfaction variables among logistics practitioners, organizations may be better equipped to initiate strategies of meeting the needs of their logistics workforce, thereby facilitating improved organizational performance as measured through the ability to deliver the right product to the right place at the right time, which is the mission of logistics.

The impact of private vs. public ownership on the level and structure of employment

We examine the effects of private vs. public ownership on the level and structure of employment using uncommonly rich data on the population of Portuguese firms from 1991 to 2009. We find that private ownership is associated with sizeable job losses. This occurs whether we consider privatizations or nationalizations, and the relationship tends to be stronger in the presence of foreign capital. We also find some evidence that private ownership is associated with higher skill utilization, particularly following privatizations and when foreign investment is present. The estimated job losses associated with private ownership are consistent with a theory in which the shift in ownership increases the degree of profit orientation and leads to lower job security.

Hidden Underemployment Among Irish Farm Holders 1996-2011

This paper examines the factors driving hidden underemployment on Irish farms during the course of the economic boom in Ireland and the subsequent economic decline post 2008. This measure of hidden underemployment is due to differences between the farmer‟s reported amount of labour and the standard labour requirement estimated in the Teagasc National Farm Survey. Hidden underemployment can be attributed to a number of factors relating to inadequate employment situations as described at the 16th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (16th ICLS) such as low productivity, casual work practices and the poor utilisation of skills and other factors specific to agriculture and/or self employment. We place particular attention upon the potential role of off-farm labour supply in solving the underemployment problem. We use a two-stage residual inclusion model and a random effects probit model to examine the forces behind farm underemployment. This paper provides an interesting set of results given that the end of the economic boom phase co-incided closely but not precisely with the decoupling of farm-level subsidies in 2006.

Impact of Different Quality Management System Implementation Patterns on Performance Outcomes

Literature indicates that organisations often lack flexibility in the design and implementation of quality management systems and show a low utilisation of employee skills and knowledge. This article analyses different patterns of the implementation of quality management systems in different kinds of organisations and examines the performance outcomes associated with it. The research shows that organisations with different quality management system implementation patterns have significantly different performance outcomes. A mature quality management system should consider success factors for quality management system implementation benefits from the early phases of their planning and designing processes. There is an interesting relationship between reasons of ISO 9001 quality management system implementation and the corresponding performance outcomes. By requiring that all processes and procedures be documented, the ISO 9000 standard is undoubtedly commonly associated with control orientation and explicit knowledge orientation organisations. By implementing organisational learning mechanisms, organisations can increase the capability of managing and utilising knowledge. Such mechanisms allow organisations to collect, analyse, store, disseminate and use information that is relevant to the organisation. Correct maintenance of quality management system during the post-certification period is very important. Quality auditors are in a powerful position to increase the value of quality management systems. Value-added audit may not only produce data for the use in granting a certificate, for improving documentation or for enforcing conformity, but also for making managerial decisions concerned with economy, staff development, technology, growth, product and processes, because these decisions are based on current performance.