Qualification System Research Articles

Профессионально-общественная аккредитация как инструмент взаимодействия сферы высшего образования и работодателей

The field of education today cannot develop as a closed system, without taking into account the request formulated by employers. The contradiction between the requirements of employers and the results provided by educational organizations is one of the reasons for the decline in the quality of training. It is obvious that the dialogue between the sphere of education and the sphere of work should be based on clear mutual obligations. In many countries, the National Qualifications System (hereinafter referred to as the NSC) is used as a tool that allows building such a dialogue. In our country, according to the 238-FZ “On the independent Assessment of Qualifications”, this is an independent assessment of qualifications, just its introduction into the employment relationship “employer – applicant” and leads to those serious changes in the field of education as a supplier of qualified personnel for the labor market. In this regard, the article attempts to assess the methodological impact of the process of implementing an independent assessment of qualifications on the field of higher education through the created interaction tools, which include professional standards and the procedure of professional and public accreditation, as a system for verifying the fulfillment of their requirements. After all, it is necessary to be able to correctly assess the degree of achievement of the requirements of professional standards when students master the relevant educational programs of the university, and to focus on achieving this goal the process of designing the educational trajectory of future graduates. Because it is from the competent fulfillment of this condition that in the end the demand for trained personnel in the labor market, and, therefore, the educational program itself, which is already beneficial to the educational organization, will hang.

Institutional measures to support the Education – Labour Market system in regions of Russia

The paper analyses the dynamics of unemployment in the Central Federal District regions in 2018-2022. The main issues are problems at the Russian labour market in 2020-2023, and measures of their state regulation taken at the federal and regional levels. The paper considers the measures of state support for the Russian labour market during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic restrictions, and describes their consequences. Also there is an assessment of the role of secondary vocational education system, implementation of state programs and national projects, i.e. the federal projects «Professional», «Young Professionals». Paper listed the professions and specialties in colleges of the Ivanovo and Yaroslavl regions. On the example of the Ivanovo region we consider the establishment of educational and production centres (clusters). The study considers goals, objectives, stages, directions of development, institutional environment, services of the National Qualifications System of the Russian Federation, the essence of Independent Qualification Assessment in details. The study also highlights the role of the state for a secondary vocational education system development.

ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ ТРУДОВОГО ПОТЕНЦИАЛА РЕГИОНА: УСЛОВИЯ И ФАКТОРЫ

Labor potential is a key factor in the socio-economic development of territories in conditions of lack of stability, the crisis of economic globalization processes and deepening contradictions. The emergence of new sectors of the economy on a digital technological basis, the creation of modern jobs and professions determine the modern concept of regional employment and reducing the shortage of qualified personnel. The positive dynamics of unemployment growth objectively increases the need for a scientifically based approach in managing the labor potential of the region. We associate the importance of managing the region’s labor potential with the state’s responsibility for the standard of living of the population. In this regard, the Krasnoyarsk Region can be considered as an example of a region in which several investment projects are being implemented that can, in the medium term, give a new impetus to the development of productive forces. Such prospects require systemic activity in designing both the structure of labor mobility and accelerating the innovation process based on the formation of the institution of a national qualifications system. Programs for the socio-economic development of municipal territories of the Krasnoyarsk Region for the most part provide for the development of labor potential based on the need for the development of personnel of organizations, which determines the importance of this study. In the current situation, it is important to unify the requirements for personnel qualifications, developing mechanisms for assessing, selecting, and matching employees through a confirmed system of qualifications, thereby reducing the risks of business systems in the region. Forming the competence of the working population of the region, increasing the labor potential of the region through monitoring the structure of labor mobility in the context of types of activities makes it possible to manage the level of regional unemployment and more effectively use the total working time of the economically active population.

DIGITAL TOOLS FOR MATCHING QUALIFICATIONS TO THE LEVELS OF THE NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK

Mutual compatibility of different national qualifications frameworks (NQFs) based on their compatibility with the European Qualifications Framework (or another international one) is crucially important for the effective recognition of qualifications between states. In turn, it depends on the quality of “filling” NQF levels with qualifications. Right comparing professional (occupational) qualifications with NQF level is a non-trivial problem for standard developers. The quality of any national system of qualifications depends on the comparability of qualifications with the level of the NQF so the comparison process should be strongly argued to secure the comparability. For qualification standard developers (especially for occupational standard developers) there were no strictly justified recommendations on how to compare qualification with the NQF level. Th. Saaty’s Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is developed to resolve the problem of evidence-based comparing educational or professional (occupational) qualifications with the level of the National Qualification Framework (NQF). Research results give standard developers software tools based on a strong mathematical background to determine NQF level for developed standards. It is shown that Th. Saaty’s Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is close to optimal for solving the problem of qualifications comparing and therefore looks like the best option for such methods. However, AHP demands non-trivial qualifications in mathematics and computing. The key problem resolved by this research is simplifying procedures to ensure effective access to the tool for qualification standard developers with minimal qualification in mathematics and computing. It is proven that each problem of qualification comparison with NQF level may be reduced to three options of decision. At the lower level of the decision-making process, there are 3-4 descriptors of qualification. Therefore, a user should be capable of forming at most four matrices of judgments and computing the main eigenvectors with some level of accuracy. The maximal dimension of matrices is four (for example it's true for the Ukrainian case). But for some national qualification frameworks that use only three descriptors maximal dimension of matrices equals three. Therefore, some simple approximation methods for eigenvector computing may be applied using only minimal means of Microsoft Excel or analogous applications. For the most general case of four NQF descriptors, Microsoft Excel macro is developed to secure achieving any level of accuracy. Corresponding API is developed by PHP programming language. Both Excel and API are accessible for users at the website of the Institute of Educational Analytics in Kyiv. The novelty of the article is that for the first time in national and international practice, it proposes an alternative/supplementary algorithmic method for determining the level of certain full and/or partial professional qualifications by the National Qualifications Framework, thus creating prerequisites for further automation of the activities of professional standards developers.

Professional Standardization of Library and Information Activities

The professional standard “Specialist in Library and Information Activities” came into effect on 1 March 2023. The state regulatory document consolidates the status of the industry and the library and information profession in the system of social production. The article highlights the regulatory legal framework and a brief history of professional standardization of librarianship, which began in 2013. The adoption of the “Strategy for the Development of Librarianship in the Russian Federation for the Period up to 2030” opened a new stage in the organization of work on professional standardization of the industry. The conceptual approaches to the development of the document are analyzed: differentiated and integrated. The expediency of the integrated approach as more rational taking into account the current tasks of the industry development is substantiated. Library and information activity is presented in the document as an integral branch type of professional activity, and its functional areas — as generalized labor functions, including all production and technological processes of library work. The functional and logical structure of the professional standard and the semantic series of concepts underlying its decomposition are considered. The new nomenclature of positions of library and information specialists recommended by the professional standard is given, their qualification range is characterized, requirements to education, regular training and practical work experience are noted. It is concluded that the professional standard is a model of competences of a library and information specialist, aimed at fulfillment of the whole complex of functional tasks of a modern library. The introduction of the professional standard creates a normative basis for the formation of the qualification range of library specialists taking into account the requirements to the profession of a librarian of the digital era, the implementation of personnel strategies of libraries of different systems and departments, determines the vectors of improvement of all parts of the system of library and information education. It is a tool for managing the development and use of human resources potential of the industry. The document plays an important role as a basis for the inclusion of library and information activities in the National Qualifications System, which will significantly increase the prestige of the library profession and the industry as a whole, as well as ensure the implementation of the state library personnel policy.

Transnational Private Regulation of Environmental Sustainability through Commercial Contracts. Reassessing Contractual Governance in Global Supply Chains

Abstract Sustainability standards are integrated and applied in global supply chains through transnational commercial contracts that have come to play a regulatory function in addition to the conventional exchange task. The design of the architecture of contracting, the coordination among contracts, and the content of sustainability terms along the chain is the result of the cooperation of different actors, led by one or more transnational corporations. The paper describes the distribution of private regulatory power according to the structures of the chains- hierarchical, relational, market -and its impact on the compliance with sustainability standards. It considers the qualification system that regulates entry, exit, and permanence in the chain and the Suppliers codes and General principles of sustainability specified in the general terms and conditions. These represent complementary direct and indirect private regulatory instruments that can be deployed to ensure compliance. The choice of instruments depends on the distribution of regulatory power among the private actors and their exercise. Privity of contract makes it often difficult if not impossible direct regulation by the chain leader and obliges decentralization of regulatory power. The analysis shows that only the complementarity between the two sets of instruments enables control of compliance in complex chains whose actors operate across different jurisdictions with the use of sanctioning and remedial powers. The article analyzes how26 principles of effectiveness, proportionality and dissuasiveness may contribute to a fair and non discriminatory exercise of private regulatory power related to the implementation of sustainability standards through contracts.

Evaluation of Color and Pigment Changes in Tomato after 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) Treatment.

The Polar Qualification System (PQS) was applied on hue spectra fingerprinting to describe color changes in tomato during storage. The cultivar 'Pitenza' was harvested at six different maturity stages, and half of the samples were subjected to gaseous 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment. Reference color parameters were recorded with a vision system colorimeter instrument, and the fruit pigment concentration was assessed with the DA-index®. Additionally, acoustic firmness (Stiffness) was measured. All acquired reference parameters were used to grade fruit in the supply chain. The applied 1-MCP treatments were used to control the ripening of climacteric horticultural produce. Both the DA-index® and stiffness values, presented as chlorophyll concentration and acoustic firmness, showed significant differences among maturity stages and treated and control samples and in their kinetics during storage. The machine vision parameter PQS-X was significantly affected by 1-MCP treatment (F = 10.18, p < 0.01), while PQS-Y was primarily affected by storage time (F = 18.18, p < 0.01) and maturity stage (F = 11.15, p < 0.01). A significant correlation was achieved for acoustic firmness with normalized color (r > 0.78) and PQS-Y (r > 0.80), as well as for the DA-index® (r > 0.9). The observed color changes agreed with the reference measurements. The significant statistical effect on the PQS coordinates suggests that hue spectra fingerprinting with this data compression technique is suitable for quality assessment based on color.

장애인 평생교육 코디네이터 자격제도 도입에 관한 인식

Purpose: It is to examine the perceptions of workers related to lifelong education related to the introduction of the lifelong education coordinator qualification system for the disabled. Method: Using the Q methodology, 28 statements in four areas were developed. In addition, 28 experts related to lifelong education for the disabled over 5 years were asked to classify them in the Q distribution table. Results: Four types of perception were derived for the introduction of the disability lifelong education coordinator qualification system. These are ‘critical recognition type', 'improvement demand type', 'positive recognition type', and 'integrated education instructor type’. Conclusion: It is necessary to review the system or training process to be considered for the introduction of a public credibility qualification system.

INSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION QUALITY ASSURANCE: A SOCIO-ECONOMIC VIEW

Institutional aspects of higher education quality assurance have been considered. The controversial aspects of the integration of the Kazakh higher education system into a single educational space have been studied. The factors hindering the innovative development of higher education have been analyzed. The features of the National Education Quality Assessment System, including procedures for input, intermediate and output control, have been considered. The expanding mass character of higher education and its accessibility exacerbate the problem of quality assurance as the most important competitive advantage of a university. Recommendations have been given for developing the culture of quality education, improving the National Qualifications System, increasing the effectiveness of the universityemployer social partnership in the development of practice-oriented programs in the format of a competency-based approach. The need to increase budget funding for higher education and to improve the social status of university teachers has been emphasized, which will have a positive impact on the growth of economic indicators.

손해사정사제도의 실태분석 및 개선방안에 관한 연구

In modern society, compared to the past, the economic scale has grown, resulting in greater diversity in insurance coverage and an expansion of the market. Consequently, the causes of losses have become more complex. In this context, accurate determination of liability and indemnity, as well as the fair assessment of insurance claims, have become crucial tasks. As a result, the technical expertise and professionalism of claim-adjuster(CA) are continuously evolving. Claim adjustment primarily serves to realize the insured's interests for insurance claimants. It also plays a pivotal role in securing the competitiveness of insurance companies and providing a basis for determining insurance premiums, ultimately preventing ethical misconduct within the insurance industry. Therefore, this study examines the concept and current status of the loss assessment system, highlighting its issues. Specifically, the study explores the existing CA system in South Korea and relevant domestic laws. It also reviews international CA systems to provide insights. The research proposes several improvements to the CA system. Firstly, it suggests enhancing the independence of CA through a detailed delineation of their authority and the establishment of a legal protection framework. Secondly, it advocates for the enhancement of the professionalism of CA through the strengthening of qualification systems and the introduction of continuous education. Notably, it emphasizes the consolidation of loss assessor functions, focusing on strengthening examination subjects and recognition systems, introducing continuous education, and implementing license renewal procedures.

Impact of the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system on conversion to laparotomy after low anterior resection for rectal cancer in Japan (a secondary analysis of the EnSSURE study)

Background and aimsConversion to laparotomy is among the serious intraoperative complications and carries an increased risk of postoperative complications. In this cohort study, we investigated whether or not the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) affects the conversion rate among patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.MethodsWe performed a retrospective secondary analysis of data collected from patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for cStage II and III rectal cancer from 2014 to 2016 across 56 institutions affiliated with the Japan Society of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery. Data from the original EnSSURE study were analyzed to investigate risk factors for conversion to laparotomy by performing univariate and multivariate analyses based on the reason for conversion.ResultsData were collected for 3,168 cases, including 65 (2.1%) involving conversion to laparotomy. Indicated conversion accounted for 27 cases (0.9%), while technical conversion accounted for 35 cases (1.1%). The multivariate analysis identified the following independent risk factors for indicated conversion to laparotomy: tumor diameter [mm] (odds ratio [OR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.05, p = 0.0002), combined resection of adjacent organs [+/−] (OR 7.92, 95% CI 3.14–19.97, p < 0.0001), and surgical participation of an ESSQS-certified physician [−/+] (OR 4.46, 95% CI 2.01–9.90, p = 0.0002). The multivariate analysis identified the following risk factors for technical conversion to laparotomy: registered case number of institution (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99–1.00, p = 0.0029), institution type [non-university/university hospital] (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.54–8.04, p = 0.0028), combined resection of adjacent organs [+/−] (OR 5.96, 95% CI 2.15–16.53, p = 0.0006), and surgical participation of an ESSQS-certified physician [−/+] (OR 6.26, 95% CI 3.01–13.05, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsParticipation of ESSQS-certified physicians may reduce the risk of both indicated and technical conversion. Referral to specialized institutions, such as high-volume centers and university hospitals, especially for patients exhibiting relevant background risk factors, may reduce the risk of conversion to laparotomy and lead to better outcomes for patients.Trial RegistrationThis study was registered with the Japanese Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000040645.

Introduction of Qualification System to Strengthen the Vocational Skills of Cabinmanagement Majors and to Maintain Sustainable In-flight Service

Introduction of Qualification System to Strengthen the Vocational Skills of Cabinmanagement Majors and to Maintain Sustainable In-flight Service

Revisiting quality assurance and qualification recognition of cross-border higher education during pandemic – does physical mobility matter from an Asian perspective

PurposeThe 2020 pandemic disrupted traditional student mobility and forced a larger majority of transnational programmes to switch to a virtual or hybrid mode, including joint and double degree programmes. Therefore, this study aims to perceive the linkage between quality assurance (QA) and delivery modes of cross-border higher education (CBHE) in Asia before and during the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThrough an online survey and semi-structured interviews, the process by which top 200 ranked universities in the 2022 QS global ranking responded to QA and qualification issues of joint/dual degree programs in conjunction with delivery modes was explored.FindingsThe study has discovered that most respondents from universities, to some extent, tended to be positive about the effectiveness of hybrid delivery of the joint/dual degree programs, even if they still preferred the physical mode to alternatives. Either “divergence” or “responsiveness” QA modes were not applied appropriately in most joint/dual degree programs of the selected universities during the pandemic. Moreover, a fair, transparent and convergent quality and qualification system should be established to facilitate agility and responsiveness of CBHE.Originality/valueThe findings are of value for policymakers, QA agencies and universities to advocate the new QA model for CBHE as a systematic approach in response to changing higher education landscape in the post-pandemic era.

РОЗВИТОК ВІТЧИЗНЯНИХ КВАЛІФІКАЦІЙ В УМОВАХ ВОЄННОГО СТАНУ В УКРАЇНІ

The article explores the peculiarities of the development of the qualification system in Ukraine under the conditions of military challenges. The authors focus on the changes in workforce training and the adaptation of the labour market to the new realities caused by russian aggression and martial law. The issue of balancing the training of qualified personnel with the demand in the labour market is a complex problem that requires significant effort. For Ukraine, this situation is further complicated by the consequences of the pandemic and pre-existing issues such as the lack of statistics and forecasts for qualification demand, overproduction of graduates by educational institutions, and low levels of training due to insufficient skills and abilities. Additional difficulties are created by the legacy of the Soviet labour system and ineffective regulatory policies. With the onset of military aggression, the country has faced new challenges. The main problems of the Ukrainian labour market under martial law concern maintaining the economy, workforce outflow, and other emerging difficulties. Despite significant losses, positive trends have been observed since 2023, such as employment stabilisation due to the support of international partners and the transition of the economy to a military footing. Key factors include the creation of new jobs, regulatory simplifications, and the development of distance education. There is a growing demand for qualifications related to the wartime economy and active retraining of adults. The authors analyse the impact of military actions on the requirements for professional skills and employee training across various sectors. Attention is given to the need for rapid retraining and skill upgrading. The article also discusses government measures to support and develop qualifications, including legislative initiatives and skill enhancement programs for different population groups. Several conclusions are drawn, offering recommendations for improving the qualification system, including the need for innovation in education, the development of digital technologies, and active integration with the European labour market. It is emphasised that an important direction for reform is the harmonisation of the education system with European standards.

ШЛЯХИ ПІДВИЩЕННЯ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ФІНАНСУВАННЯ ЗАКЛАДІВ ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ ОСВІТИ

The article explores the efficiency of funding professional education institutions in Ukraine. Indicators such as economy, productivity, and effectiveness can be applied to measure the socio-economic efficiency of educational activities. Funding for training qualified workers in Ukraine is done through state or local budget funds. Additionally, professional education institutions can independently receive additional funding from funds received for training qualified workers beyond the state order under contracts concluded with legal and natural persons. The statistical data presented allowed for the following conclusions: budget expenditures on professional education increase annually while the number of students decreases. The main problems of professional education functioning are the poor material-technical base of professional education institutions, the low efficiency of managing these institutions, and the content and quality of professional education not meeting the requirements of the modern labour market. However, the critical advantage of professional education is its flexibility and quick response to labour market demands. Education can take place both on a full-time and part-time basis. Improving the quality of graduates from professional education institutions is possible through the establishment of a system of professional qualifications and the creation of a unified educational environment for professional education, the implementation of mechanisms to incentivize employers to participate in the educational process, creating conditions for the development of dual forms of education; popularizing professional education among the population, planning professional development and careers. Dual education was introduced in Germany in the last century in a ratio of "30% theory, 70% practice." The economy provides 73% of dual education funding in Germany. During the 2- to 3-year training period, employers get to know their students well and can better assess their suitability for the enterprise. The school education program in Ukraine needs reform to increase the share of career guidance work and opportunities for students in graduating classes to intern at companies. School education should develop practical skills to help students adapt to employer demands and determine their future profession.

Comparative study on overseas advanced ski instructor qualification systems : Focusing on New Zealand, Germany, Japan, and Canada

Comparative study on overseas advanced ski instructor qualification systems : Focusing on New Zealand, Germany, Japan, and Canada

Teacher’s Professional Qualifications in Terms of Competency Model Pedagogical Growth

The paper considers the system of professional qualifications for teachers of subject education and defines the most important criterion for obtaining a higher pedagogical education. As part of the implementation of the structural model of teacher education, bachelor's and master's programs are distinguished. Each level is an independent system, but in unity, they form a model of a complete higher pedagogical education. This study established the pedagogical model of professional growth of a bachelor's graduate at the formal and non-formal levels of education, and the pedagogical trajectory of a graduate of a master's program determined the deepening of qualifications and work in higher education. The results of this study indicate a clear system of qualification levels, however, at the level of its content – professional competence – there is no single description of its constituent competencies. In the context of the competence-based approach to teaching implemented in higher education, pedagogical and methodological competence for a teacher of any qualification, as well as research competence for a master's degree graduate, are defined as a key component of pedagogical qualification. Based on the analysis of previous studies of teacher training under the conditions of a competency-based model, regulations and standards, the previously defined competencies were identified as basic ones. The development of the basic competencies of a teacher is determined by the system of professional growth and, within the framework of the “lifelong learning” model, forms a system of continuous teacher education. The system of professional growth in this study is determined by the qualifications achieved and depends on the education system: for a teacher of secondary education, the model for improving pedagogical skills through obtaining qualification categories is determined as the basis, and for a teacher of higher education, obtaining an academic degree, title and professional growth by position is available. Lifelong education for a teacher in this study also depends on the level: in secondary education – an increase in the level of pedagogical and methodological activities, and in higher education – an increase in the level of scientific and pedagogical activity throughout the entire period of professional activity.

Evaluation of the advantage of surgeons certified by the endoscopic surgical skill qualification system participating in laparoscopic low anterior rectal resection.

A technical qualification system was developed in 2004 by the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery. An analysis of the EnSSURE study on 3188 stage II-III rectal cancer patients, which was performed by including the participation of qualified surgeons as assistants and advisers without restricting their participation as operators, revealed that the participation of technically qualified surgeons in surgery improved the technical and oncological safety of laparoscopic rectal resection. This secondary retrospective analysis of the EnSSURE study examined the advantage of qualified surgeons participating in laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR). The outcomes of low anterior resection were compared between groups with and without the participation of surgeons qualified by the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (Q and non-Q groups, respectively). We used propensity score matching to generate paired cohorts at a one-to-one ratio. The postoperative complication rate, short-term results (hemorrhage volume, operative time, number of dissected lymph nodes, open conversion rate, intraoperative complication rate, and R0 resection rate), and long-term results (disease-free survival rate, local recurrence rate, and overall survival rate) were evaluated. The frequencies of postoperative complications, anastomotic bleeding, and intraperitoneal abscess were significantly lower, the operative time was significantly shorter, the postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter, and the number of dissected lymph nodes was higher in the Q group. No significant differences were observed in disease-free survival, local recurrence, or overall survival rate rates between the groups. The participation of qualified surgeons in LAR is technically advantageous.

피아노 급수제도 도입을 위한 중국 피아노 급수제도 소개

This study aims to analyze China's piano grade evaluation system and refer to its strengths in order to introduce a piano qualification system. They demonstrate their abilities through various certifications and qualification systems. This certification system is used in various areas, including language. However, certification systems for intangible areas such as music and art have not developed except for martial arts.The piano grading system, which is the most common among the music grading systems of the four major grading evaluation institutions operating in China, reflects the characteristics of each institution, and the Chinese Musicians Association selected it as a research target. As a result of the study, it was found that all four evaluation institutions evaluate students' skills from various angles by conducting evaluations of performance skills, basic techniques, and basic music knowledge. The Chinese Musicians Association requires balanced performance, and the Central Conservatory of Music requires Students are required to be faithful to the basics of piano playing, and the Shanghai Music Academy strictly evaluates performance ability. And the Chinese Conservatory attempted to measure the performance of songs from the Baroque era in a basic manner.

다문화사회 전문가의 직업적 특성 및 전문성에 대한 인식 탐구

The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of the job characteristics and expertise regarding multicultural social experts among students currently completing the multicultural social expert course. For this purpose, a questionnaire survey was conducted upon 14 students who were majoring in Korean language education and completing the multicultural social expert course at S University. As a result showed that the unclear identity of the multicultural social expert leads to decreased occupational value and students not recognizing themselves as professionals. Therefore, there is a need to improve the qualification system for multicultural social expert and set their specific roles and treatment in order to allow them to function as professionals with expertise in the field.