Soft Competencies Research Articles

Using Scrum in Solving Business Reality Cases

Objective: This teaching innovation proposal aims to dynamise and bring the teaching of the subject Business Management and Organisation, taken in the fourth semester of the bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management (GAD), closer to the business world. Theoretical Framework: It is necessary to bring the university closer to business in order to reduce the gap in the skills training demanded by companies and to achieve better employability of graduates. Method: To do this, we propose the resolution of a production case by workshops, through the formation of agile teams, using Scrum and Kanban, using the Trello application for the latter, the iterative and incremental approach of this methodology will allow the student to learn in a simple and practical way concepts that grow in complexity, as it evolves in the resolution of the same. Results and Discussion: This teaching methodology allows the student to simultaneously acquire the specific competences of the subject and the so-called soft competences demanded by the working environment. Research Implications: This type of innovation is necessary in university institutions in order to include in their curricula the competences demanded by recruiters, and can also be used in other disciplines and careers. Originality/Value: The originality of the research lies in the practice of a learning process that makes it possible to include the training required by companies in curricula.

Application Of Self-Directed Problem-Based Learning To Improve Higher Order Thinking Skills In Vocational Education

21st-century Learning provides profound changes in the learning process in school because students must control their Learning to increase their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The statement above, in line with Malcolm Knowles's research results, states that Self-directed Learning can improve students' critical thinking through intuition and analysis experience. The problem is that in vocational education, students emphasize hard skills and practice. Learning 21st-century demands that students have soft competency to influence how they think in making decisions. Therefore, the researcher aims to determine the effect of the self-directed learning model on the students' higher-order thinking Skills in Vocational Education. The method used in this research is quantitative, using two groups, namely the experimental class and the control group, with 34 students in each class. Class Experiments get treatment of self-directed Problem-based Learning that has been developed, while the control class did not get this treatment. This learning model is applied to the Mechanics Technique Subject; then, the post-test learning outcomes are independent sample t-tested using SPSS to determine the significant effect on higher-order thinking skills in the transfer knowledge aspect. This study found that Self-directed Problem-based Learning positively impacts Higher-order Thinking Skills in Vocational Education, which can be seen from the t-test results more than t-table (3.807>1.668).

Модель компетенций, в том числе цифровых, специалистов сопровождения образовательных проектов (тьюторов) в системе дополнительного профессионального образования на примере АНО ВО «Университет Иннополис»

The study aims to design, develop, and test a Competency model, including digital competencies, for educational project support specialists (tutors) in the system of additional professional education. The paper examines the organization of tutoring support in the context of additional professional education. The study identifies the stages of tutoring support, determines the specifics of the work of tutors in an additional professional education organization, and highlights the clusters and spheres of competencies for tutors. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that the developed Competency model for the first time includes Digital Competencies and Self Competencies, alongside Hard and Soft Competencies. As a result of the study, the specifics, features, and possibilities of tutoring in additional professional education in the context of digital transformation of education are identified, clusters and spheres of competencies for tutors are highlighted, and the levels of competence mastery are determined. The conducted analysis of tutoring activities allowed for the development of the Competency model, including digital competencies, for educational project support specialists (tutors) in the additional professional education system.

Bridging academia and industry in the era of Industry 4.0 by means of the triple helix: The PLANET4 initiative

Practical Learning of Artificial Intelligence on the Edge of Industry 4.0 (PLANET4) is a cross-disciplinary initiative funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ program that embodies the triple helix model of collaboration between academia, industry, and administration. It aims to bridge the gap between academic teaching and practical applications in the context of Industry 4.0. PLANET4 focuses on developing hard skills in artificial intelligence, industrial Internet of things, and cloud and edge computing, along with the soft competencies required to manage changes in the industrial ecosystem. It involves three phases: (1) training needs analysis, taxonomy development, and workshop design; (2) collection of best practices and training material design; and (3) implementation of the PLANET4 learning course. This paper presents the materialization of these phases into a blended learning course, highlighting the integration of the triple helix model and the European Commission’s support for academia-industry collaboration with the aim of improving education quality and promoting Industry 4.0 innovation in Europe.

THE SOFT SCHOOL MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGY

The article presents the distinctive features of school management, justifies the necessity of reviewing school management approaches and reveals the trends and possibilities of its development at the current stage. It defines the concepts of “flexible methodology”, “soft skill”, “soft competence”, “intelligent quotient”, “vital energy quotient”. It also characterizes soft skills from the point of view of communicative competence, compares the cognitive, communicative and emotional aspects of the formation and development of soft skills and emphasizes the role of flexible skills formation from the perspectives of individualization of learning and the development of individual educational tracs, justifies the role of using soft strategies in the context of the application of multi-disciplinary educational projects, reveales the concept of “school is an organization or enterprise of learners” to increase the independence of the school, the independence of the teacher, the student from the aspects of formation and development. It presents the novelty as a result of the discussion of the mentioned and other key issues, which is justified by the complex application of fsoft skills of education, teaching and upbringing, the observation of soft skills and competencies in the cognitive, communicative and emotional spheres, the discovery of the connection between emotional intelligence, mental abilities and vital energy, “the school of students is an enterprise” with the need to apply the concept.

THE REALITY OF THE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP WHICH ARE BASED ON THE SOFT SKILLS FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF THE EDUCATION AND FORMATION WOMEN AND MEN- GUELMIM-OUED REGION MOROCCO AS A MODEL

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to examine the implementation of educational leadership based on soft skills by leaders of educational institutions in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region of Morocco, as perceived by women and men in education and training. This inquiry is situated within the framework of transformational leadership outlined in the tenth commitment of the 2022/2026 Roadmap. Methods: Utilizing a descriptive analytical approach, the research involved administering a questionnaire covering eight domains related to soft skills: communication, time management, teamwork, planning, emotional intelligence, decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational skills. The questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 308 educators, both women and men, in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and a five-point Likert scale. Results: The findings indicate that the practice of educational leadership based on soft competencies is perceived as 'very high' in the areas of communication, leadership, and teamwork, with other domains registering as 'high'. Statistically significant differences were observed concerning the educational staff variable (teaching, administration), favoring teaching staff in communication skills. However, no statistically significant differences were observed based on gender or educational qualification levels. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of soft skills in educational leadership and recommends the adoption of quality standards based on these skills in both initial and continuous training of administrative staff. The study suggests integrating soft skills criteria into the evaluation of the performance of heads of educational institutions and task assignments to ensure effective leadership practices in the region's educational landscape.

Problematyka budowania relacji lekarza seksuologa z pacjentem na gruncie systemowych instytucji procedury karnej i wykroczeniowej

The issues presented in this text include problems related to a relationship between a sexologist and a consulted person on the basis of criminal and misdemeanor procedure. The author prefaces his deliberations with an introduction devoted to introductory issues, including general aspects of the subject under discussion, such as sexual health, sexuality or sexual rights. Entering the sphere of discussing procedural institutions, the author describes the regulations contained in the criminal and misdemeanor procedural law, with regard to the role of the sexologist. By pointing to the moment of the statutory introduction of a sexologist into the criminal procedure, the author draws attention to his position in relation to other court witness experts. By taking up the subject, the author points out the issue of the relationship between a patient and a sexologist doctor (medical sexologist), which has its legal basis in the medical legislation. Continuing his reflections, the author explains the key role of soft competencies, which are overlooked in the formal requirements of the expert's work.

Evolution of Social Competencies in Sustainable Supply Chains

In many sectors of the economy, the global changes brought about by COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and the ensuing economic crisis have challenged the hitherto used social competencies necessary to successfully manage companies in sustainable supply chains. The slogan of sustainability has now become a household word in the global economy. At the same time, the EU is moving from a 4.0 to a 5.0 economy, with increasing attention being paid to the soft competencies of future managers. This article aims to present the patterns of competencies in supply chains and to identify the relevance of specific social competencies for doing business in the face of the above challenges. The survey was conducted among selected experts from the healthcare industry, who were asked to identify the importance of social competencies. This choice was primarily motivated by certain characteristics of the industry. This work aims to determine which social competencies seem to be essential for future managers in sustainable supply chains and the transformation towards a 5.0 economy. The answer to this question is crucial for research and teaching centers aiming to educate future managers at the highest level of specific social competencies and skills in a business environment. Given the dynamic development of specific industries, it is reasonable to identify the needs in the areas of social skills.

Studying the project disciplines as a factor for training specialists for the industrial sector of the economy

This article examines the impact of studying the discipline «Fundamentals of Project Activities» on the development of design competencies among fourth-year undergraduate students studying in the field of Chemical Technology at the Kazan National Research Technological University. The study was conducted at the Department of Innovation in Chemical Technology and consisted of a questionnaire survey of fourth-year students. As a result of studying this discipline, the percentage of theoretical knowledge in the field of project and project activities increases. There is a development of practical skills in solving specific project problems and cases. The student becomes able to make the right decision when developing a project. The student’s soft competencies are analyzed and the most in demand when working on a project are identified. It has been established that students are ready to engage in project activities in any sector of the economy. Are ready to try on project roles in a team, without experiencing fear or self-doubt. However, there are a number of barriers to the project; a system of motivating students to develop project competencies and eliminate the identified barriers is proposed.

Accountancy students’ perceptions of the quality of teaching and learning experiences in two UK business schools: implications for generic skills development

PurposeFocusing on the quality of teaching and learning, this study aims to explore the perceptions of accountancy students in two emerging UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of the quality of their learning experiences and the impact of these experiences on generic skills development.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was used to collect the data. OLS regression was used to test the hypothesis regarding the impact of student learning experiences (lecturer ability, assessment and curriculum) on generic skills development.FindingsStudents value the lecturer as the most important determinant of the quality of their experience. They rated their assessment programme very positively, and the curriculum suggests that students tend to experience a deep blended approach to learning. They also felt that they acquired a wide range of soft competency skills such as those associated with research, critical thinking and time management. Multivariate findings indicate that lecturer ability and curriculum contribute significantly and positively to generic skills development.Practical implicationsThe study provides a benchmark for international accounting and business educators in any efforts to assess the efficacy of HE delivery since the pandemic. By implication, it enables the identification of enhancements to the previous character of delivery and hence offers the means to direct improvements to the student experience. Such improvements can then be seen in the National Student Survey (NSS) scores, thereby positively contributing to the next Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, such tangible enhancements in NSS scores may be advantageous to HEIs, in the UK and other Western countries, in their efforts to recruit international students on whom they place great reliance for increased revenue, to their international business education programmes.Originality/valueThis study addresses the research gap surrounding the link between teaching and learning approaches in accounting and the development of generic skills. Furthermore, acknowledging that the COVID-19 pandemic with its imposed structural change in the HE teaching and learning environment ushered in a new model of curriculum delivery, this study reflects on the pre-COVID-19 scenario and gathers student perceptions of their teaching and learning experiences before the changes necessitated by lockdowns. It therefore brings the opportunity to anchor future research exploring the post-COVID-19 environment and secure comparative analyses.

Assessment of Soft Competencies Strategies Among Information Professionals’ in Selected Academic Institutions in South West, Nigeria

The library is a service-focused organization. As a result, in addition to having technical expertise, an information professional heading a library needs soft skills to deliver high-quality services to stakeholders and improve performance. This essay is the outcome of research done in academic institutions in South West, Nigeria, to identify the soft skill attributes that information professionals need in order to efficiently and successfully manage libraries, as well as to look at the soft skill attributes in information professionals. Studying the soft skill performance was done with stakeholders including students, non-teaching personnel, and teaching staff in mind. Questionnaires were distributed in the institutions located in six geographical location which University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti. From each institution 5 teaching staff, 5 non-teaching staff and 10 students were identified for the study and were asked to rate soft skill performance of Information professional of their respective institutions. The findings demonstrated that there are no appreciable differences in the soft skill performance of information professionals across the Southwest Nigerian academic institutions. Additionally, the study's conclusion said that there is a positive association between information professionals' performance in soft skills as reported by stakeholders and the soft competencies that all stakeholders from the institutions demand. The authors have provided some recommendations to enhance the performance of information professionals in the institutions with respect to soft skills based on the study's findings.

Multitasking competency development based on environmental capital at PT. PLN. Persero

PT. PLN Persero had vertically integrated business processes from upstream to downstream, and with the existence of several levels/levels of office, the appropriate competency model is the multiple competency model. Based on the choice of multiple competency models, in general, PT. PLN Persero competency needs are divided into main competencies, role competencies (soft competencies) and field competencies (hard competencies). Multitasking competence was a competency requirement for all position formations at PLN. derived from the vision, mission and corporate values. This study aimed to identify the development of environmental capital-based multitasking competence at PT. PLN Persero. This research was a descriptive study with a qualitative approach combined with a systematic literature review method. The results of the study concluded that the development of environmental capital-based multitasking competence at PT. PLN Persero identified 4 main competencies in PT. PLN Persero, namely achievement orientation, building trust, continuous learning, and customer focus. These four main competencies were identified based on the vision and mission of PT. PLN Persero and 4 corporate values. The preparation of this multitasking competence has taken into account the business scope of PT. PLN Persero based on environmental capital.

The youth’s reproductive behavior study based on indirect information about the vision of life

The study is aimed at finding indirect information about the student youth’ reproductive intentions and behavior, since conducting mass pools is an expensive and time-consuming process. I propose to use a vision of life as such information, which can be used for educational purposes to develop the soft competencies of strategic planning and time management. The article describes such a study conducted at two universities in the Yekaterinburg metropolis in Russia. The narrative analysis and content analysis of documents were used as the research methods, which were descriptions of an ideal weekday after 10 years. The results of the study made it possible to determine the students’ proportion who integrate children into their vision of life, and the number of children that students would like to have by the age of 30 was also determined. The study confirmed that describing the vision of life in 10 years can provide sufficient information to describe the university students’ reproductive behavior.

Soft Skills as a Mainstream Vector in the Library Industry

The aim of the article is to highlight the potential, relevance and practical value of soft skills as a component of the success of libraries, as well as to outline the algorithm of actions to improve the practical application of extra-professional skills in the multifunctional activities of the library industry; to recognize capabilities and products of soft competencies as urgent in the period of resistance to the Russian invasion and competitive in the digital society environment.
 Research methods are based on the effectiveness of the application of general scientific and special methods, in particular: methods of analysis, synthesis, logical method, terminological analysis, structural and genetic method, system and complex method, aspect analysis, etc.
 Scientific novelty of the study consists in an extended analysis of soft skills elements application in the formation of innovative models of library–user relations, taking into account civilizational challenges, the military state in the country, as well as the emphasis on key aspects of today’s relevance: challenges, categories, needs, approaches and models.
 Main conclusions. The study examines the resourcefulness of soft skills components as integral options of success. Developments and the potential of using skills to increase the pace of trendiness and reveal opportunities in the library industry are considered. It has been proven that the practice and creativity of applying soft skills components in libraries on a permanent and long-term basis are especially relevant during the period of martial law; effectively demanded according to the theory of generations; form a new focus; have substantive leadership in the library and information industry; prevent both professional and industry destructiveness. The above is the significance of the libraries transformation, taking into account library practices and modifications of library activity. Further key priorities are grounded, as well as emphases for overcoming obstacles on the way to the library specialist’s success in the effective application of soft skills are substantiated.

THE INDIVIDUAL APPROACH IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOFT COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCES

The article given is dedicated to the problem of using individual approach in teaching with the following analysis of interconnection of this approach and forming of competences. The characteristic of approaches of modern scientists to the definition of a “competence” is given, the structure of the foreign language competence is analyzed. The substantiation of importance in differentiation of competences on the basis of a hard/soft basis is given, the analysis of forming soft competences is observed, the role of using individual approach while forming soft foreign language competences is highlighted.

COMPETENCIES FOR EMPLOYABILITY IN THE CIVIL CONSTRUCTION SECTOR: THE CASE OF CIVIL ARTISANS IN TANZANIA

The paper assessed the extent to which the training and learning process of civil artisans under vocational education and training meets civil construction employers’ demanded competencies. Data were collected from trainers, learners, employees and employers through semi-structured interviews and structured questionnaires. A qualitative exploratory approach was deployed by using MAXQDA2020 software. Content analysis was used to analyze documents and interview transcripts. The article concludes that at least the hard competencies required for carpenters and masons were well covered by the curriculum and appreciated by employers although, outdated curriculum, inadequate teaching and learning resources, and exposure to practical work have a significant role to play and affect the employability of graduates. Despite, soft competencies including honesty, hard work, professionalism, and discipline were seen to be very important although there was no evidence that they were well imparted. Therefore it was suggested to collaborate with employers in imparting soft competencies. 

The Influence of Leadership Quality on Teachers' Performance through Soft Skills and Teaching Creativity

This study aims to determine and analyze the effect of Leadership Quality on Teacher Performance through Soft Competence and Teacher Teaching Creativity at MAN 2 bulukumba. This type of research uses a quantitative approach. Sampling using total sampling, with a sample of 82 teachers. The data sources used in the study are primary data and secondary data. Primary data were obtained from the distribution of questionnaires, while secondary data were obtained from journals, books, and previous studies. Primary data was obtained from the distribution of questionnaires consisting of 22 questions. The measuring scale used is the Likert Scale. Data analysis and processing in this study used multiple linear regression analysis and path analysis using the SPSS ver.26 for Windows program. The results concluded that leadership quality can improve teacher performance directly and indirectly through soft competence and teaching creativity. 1) Leadership quality has a positive and significant effect on teachers' soft competence; 2) Leadership quality has a positive and significant effect on teachers' teaching creativity; 3) Soft competence has a positive and significant effect on teachers' teaching creativity; 4) Leadership quality has a positive and significant effect on teacher performance; 5) Soft competence has a positive and significant effect on teacher performance; 6) Teaching creativity has a positive and significant effect on teacher performance; 7) Leadership quality has a positive and significant effect on teacher performance through soft competence; 8) Leadership quality has a positive and significant effect on teacher performance through teaching creativity.

Spirituality in Polish nursing and chosen tools used for its measuring – subject matter presentation based on literature review

Abstract Introduction. In times of the dehumanisation of medicine, a holistic approach to patients seems indispensable. Moreover, there is an increasing number of scientific papers on the significance of soft competencies and the non-clinical nature of care in the quality and effectiveness of therapeutic processes. The staff often neglects or ignores the elements of spiritual care in everyday practice. It results from the concern not to interfere with the patient’s personal life and from staff shortages, which entails the staff ’s heavy workload on duty. Consequently, a phenomenon known as missing nursing care was diagnosed, involving skipping some activities during everyday nursing practice in order to perform the indispensable, most essential procedures for the patient. Aim. The aim of the study was to present the importance of spiritual care in nursing and to present tools for its measurement. Method. The method is an nonsystematic review of current national and world literature. Summary. Providing spiritual care is primarily aimed at responding to patients’ needs and concerns. Such care is based on effective communication skills, through which a nurse establishes a bond and trust with the patient, and consequently, the patient is more willing to engage in therapeutic processes, so hospitalisation might be reduced significantly.

PROGRAM OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR DEVELOPING ESSENTIAL QUALITIES A DOCTOR SHOULD POSSESS

The article presents results of a program of psychological support provided to medical residents. The program was implemented at Astrakhan Medical University (Astrakhan, Russia) in February 2023. This program was aimed at psychological correction of communicative skills and empathic abilities, as professionally important qualities of a medical professional. 38 residents of the specialty Infectious diseases were involved in the program. We developed and implemented the program of psychological support, which consists of four stages: 1) psychological diagnosis; 2) theoretical block; 3) psychological correction in form of individual and group trainings on empathy level and communication skills (conversation, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, transactional analysis, Ericksonian hypnosis techniques); 4) re-diagnosis in order to assess psychological indicators. Mastering the techniques of managing the emotional state positively influences the psychological well-being of medical residents. Our program made it possible to improve the soft competencies required for medical professionals.

PROGRAM OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR DEVELOPING ESSENTIAL QUALITIES A DOCTOR SHOULD POSSESS

The article presents results of a program of psychological support provided to medical residents. The program was implemented at Astrakhan Medical University (Astrakhan, Russia) in February 2023. This program was aimed at psychological correction of communicative skills and empathic abilities, as professionally important qualities of a medical professional. 38 residents of the specialty Infectious diseases were involved in the program. We developed and implemented the program of psychological support, which consists of four stages: 1) psychological diagnosis; 2) theoretical block; 3) psychological correction in form of individual and group trainings on empathy level and communication skills (conversation, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, transactional analysis, Ericksonian hypnosis techniques); 4) re-diagnosis in order to assess psychological indicators. Mastering the techniques of managing the emotional state positively influences the psychological well-being of medical residents. Our program made it possible to improve the soft competencies required for medical professionals.