Team Skills Research Articles

The effectiveness of a program based on differentiated instruction strategies to develop entrepreneurial skills among students

This study investigates the effectiveness of a program based on Differentiated Instruction (DI) in developing entrepreneurial skills among third-grade female students. A quasi-experimental design with experimental and control groups was used to achieve this objective. The study sample consisted of 60 randomly selected students: 30 students in the experimental group and 30 students in the control group. The study tools included a DI-based program of 15 sessions with three sessions dedicated to each skill (planning, decision-making, team management, innovation and responsibility) for the experimental group. In addition, an entrepreneurial skills test comprising 25 items distributed across five main skills was used. The study results show statistically significant differences at 0.05 between the mean scores of the students in the entrepreneurial skills test in favor of the experimental group after calculating the validity, reliability, difficulty, and discrimination indices. This result indicates the program's effectiveness in developing entrepreneurial skills among third-grade female students. The study recommends the inclusion of entrepreneurial skills in the curricula of the early grades in elementary education and the employment of DI strategies in the educational process. The findings highlight the potential for early introduction of entrepreneurial education and provide actionable recommendations for integrating such skills into elementary curricula.

Pelatihan Pembuatan Program Latihan Cabang Olahraga Futsal pada Pelatih Kota Jayapura (Indonesian Version)

Training programs are very important for futsal coaches to achieve goals and maximize the team's potential. Through training programs, coaches can design effective training sessions to develop individual and team skills and develop appropriate playing strategies. The main problem faced is a lack of understanding of exercise programs and skills in creating effective exercise programs. This training involved 37 participants and used a structured method, including pretest, education, theoretical and practical training, mentoring, posttest and evaluation. The aim of the activity is to increase participants' knowledge and skills in designing futsal training programs that are effective and suit the needs of athletes. The training results showed a significant increase based on pretest and posttest data, the percentage of participants who understood the training program increased from 40.5% to 94.6%. Improving the quality of futsal coaching in Jayapura City is expected to improve athlete performance and advance the development of futsal sports in Jayapura City.

Prospective multi-centre analysis of rural trauma team development training for medical trainees and traffic law enforcement professionals in Uganda: an interrupted time series study

BackgroundResearch shows that trauma team formation could potentially improve effectiveness of injury care in rural settings. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of rural trauma team training amongst medical trainees and traffic law enforcement professionals in Uganda.MethodsProspective multi-centre interrupted time series analysis of an interventional training based on the 4th edition of rural trauma team development course of the American College of Surgeons. Trauma related multiple choice questions (MCQs), and trauma non-technical skills were assessed pre-and post-training between September 2019- August 2023. Acceptability of the training for promulgation to other rural regions and its relevance to participants’ work needs were evaluated on 5- and 3-point Likert scales respectively. The median MCQ scores (IQR) were compared before and after training at 95% CI, regarding p < 0.05 as statistically significant. Triangulation with open-ended questions was obtained. Time series regression models were applied to test for autocorrelation in performance using Stata 15.0. Ethical approval was obtained from Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (Ref: SS 5082).ResultsA total of 500 participants including: 66 (13.2%) traffic police officers, 30 (6.0%) intern doctors, 140 (28.0%) fifth year and 264 (52.8%) third-year medical students were trained. Among the 434 medical trainees who completed the trauma-based MCQ assessment, the median pre- and post-test scores were 60%, IQR (50–65) and 80%, IQR (70–85) respectively. Overall, the mean difference between pre- and post-test scores was statistically significant (z = 16.7%, P|z|=<0.0001). Most participants strongly agreed to promulgate 389 (77.8%), relevance to their educational 405 (81.0%), and work needs 399 (79.8%). Each of the course components was rated above 76.0% as being very relevant. There was an overall increment in median (IQR) trauma-nontechnical skills team performance scores from 12 (9-14) to 17 (15-20) after the training (p < 0.001), with police teams advancing from 9.5 (6.0-12.5) to 19.5 (17.0-21.5) (p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that rural trauma team development training had a positive effect on the test scores of course participants. The training is feasible, highly acceptable and regarded as relevant amongst medical trainees and traffic law enforcement professionals who provide first-aid to trauma patients in resource-limited settings. The findings could inform the design of future trauma teams in rural communities.Trial registrationRetrospective registration (UIN: researchregistry9450).

Short on time—big on impact: MeetingHacks as a digital intervention to enhance virtual meeting collaboration

Abstract This contribution to the journal ‘Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO)’ presents a novel video learning format for optimizing virtual meetings as well as initial evaluation data on its usefulness and application in an organizational context: the MeetingHacks. Effective collaboration in virtual meetings requires a novel approach to fusing communication and technology. To enhance virtual meetings through accessible digital interventions, we developed MeetingHacks, a series of short videos based on findings of contemporary meeting science. These MeetingHacks address general aspects as well as professional, methodological, social, and proactive aspects of meeting behavior, aligning with the four facets of team skills of the Kassler competence grid. The introductory video, Meetings General, triggers reflective processes to enhance the impact of the subsequent MeetingHacks. Meetings Professional focuses on professional skills, particularly the interplay of problems and solutions and knowledge transfer, drawing on results from interaction analysis and shared mental models. Meetings Structured addresses methodological behavior, emphasizing structured meeting designs. Meetings Social covers prosocial behavior, focusing on making social and informal interaction in virtual meetings more tangible. Meetings Proactive highlights responsibility and proactivity in meetings, informed by interaction analysis and reflection research. The MeetingHacks were implemented over five weeks in a corporate setting and evaluated for their usefulness, applicability, and fit within daily routines. The results demonstrated the benefits and limits of MeetingHacks in an organizational context. Based on this evaluation, this article critically discusses the merits and further development of the MeetingHacks and their effectiveness as a digital intervention.

Clinical implementation of RTT-only CBCT-guided online adaptive focal radiotherapy for bladder cancer

PurposeThe study assesses the clinical implementation of radiation therapist (RTT)-only Conebeam CT (CBCT)-guided online adaptive focal radiotherapy (oART) for bladder cancer, by describing the training program, analyzing the workflow and monitoring patient experience. Materials and methodsBladder cancer patients underwent treatment (20 sessions) on a ring-based linac (Ethos, Varian, a Siemens Healthineers Company, USA). Commencing April 2021, 14 patients were treated by RTTs supervised by the Radiation Oncologist (RO) and Medical Physics Expert (MPE) in a multidisciplinary workflow. From March 2022, 14 patients were treated solely by RTTs. RTT training included target delineation lessons and practicing oART in a simulation environment. We analyzed the efficiency of the RTT-only workflow regarding session time, adjustments by RTTs, attendance of the RO and MPE at the linac, and qualitative assessment of gross tumor volume (GTV) delineation. Patient experience was monitored through questionnaires. ResultsA training program resulted in a skilled team of RTTs, ROs and MPEs.The RTT-only workflow demonstrated shorter session times compared to the multidisciplinary approach. Among 14 patients treated using the RTT-only workflow, RTTs adjusted 99% of bladder volumes and 44% of GTV. 79% of the sessions proceeded without MPEs and ROs. All GTV delineations were RO-approved, thus considered clinically acceptable, and 87% required minor or no adjustments. Patient satisfaction was reported in 18 of 21 cases. ConclusionsThe RTT-only oART workflow for bladder cancer, complemented by a training program and on-call support from ROs and MPEs, demonstrated success. Patient experience is positive. It is currently introduced as standard in our clinic.

SOCIAL COMPETENCIES OF STATE FIRE SERVICE COMMANDERS AND THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF RESCUE TEAMS: A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED RESCUEAND FIREFIGHTING UNITS

The article analyses the impact of social competencies of commanders in the State Fire Serviceon the effectiveness of rescue teams during rescue operations. Interpersonal skills such ascommunication, team management and conflict resolution support better coordination ofactivities and influence decision-making speed in critical moments. High social competenciesfoster trust and motivation within teams, leading to more efficient rescue operations. The analysisconfirms the hypothesis that there is a significant correlation between leaders’ social skills andrescue efforts’ effectiveness. The recommendations presented in the article emphasize the need forfurther development of social competencies among State Fire Service commanders, as this maycontribute to enhanced operational outcomes given growing challenges faced by rescue teams. Itis also essential to continue research on training methods that enable more effective developmentof interpersonal skills, thereby increasing readiness and effectiveness in crises. Conducting furtherstudies in this area will be crucial for strengthening the professionalism and effectiveness of StateFire Service interventions.

Conceptualising Centres of Clinical Excellence: A Scoping Review

ObjectivesCentres of clinical excellence (CoCE) are healthcare facilities that provide excellent healthcare. However, despite their increasing prevalence, it is unclear how CoCE are identified and monitored. This paper explores how...

A Comparison of Individual and Team Skill Acquisition, Retention (Decay), and Reacquisition Using a Synthetic Task Environment

ABSTRACT Skill decay is the decrement in performance on acquired knowledge and skills after a period of nonuse. Although there is a fair amount of work on individual skill decay, the literature on team-level skill decay is very limited. Thus, using a synthetic task environment, the objective of this study was to compare individual and team performance in terms of skill acquisition, retention (decay), and reacquisition. Eighty-one individuals in 27 three-person teams were trained to perform a complex computer-based simulation. The initial acquisition phase comprised a 2-day, 5-hour training protocol. After an average 73.33-day nonuse interval (SD = 30.18), participants returned for a 2-hour reacquisition session. Participants completed the performance task as both individuals and teams. The results indicated that, compared to individual performance, team performance improved faster during the skill acquisition phase. However, unlike individual performance, the amount of decay for team performance was dependent on whether the first retention performance session for team members was performed as individuals—where trainees had the opportunity to perform all components of the task—or as a team, with the latter resulting in the most decay. By extension, these results highlight the impact of a relatively brief individual post-retention (nonuse) interval training to mitigate team skill decay. In short, our results indicate that a little individual practice can go a long way toward maintaining team retention performance, but in contrast, a little team practice does not do the same for individual retention performance.

Removing barriers to management of adults with type 2 diabetes on insulin using continuous glucose monitoring in UK primary care practice: An expert consensus.

This expert consensus reviews the reality of primary care clinical management of people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) on non-intensive insulin therapy, with an emphasis on the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology for effective care in this participant group. Here, we identify key unmet needs for skills and systems development within this frontline healthcare setting, along with major challenges and opportunities associated with managing these changes effectively. The authors participated in two primary care consensus panels held on 28 November 2023 and on 21 May 2024. The focus for these expert panels was to understand the unmet needs within primary care to manage adults with T2D treated with non-intensive insulin therapy and incorporating the use of CGM systems. A Delphi Survey was undertaken among a wider group of Primary Care Diabetes Technology Network members in the United Kingdom, to understand prevalent attitudes to management of adults with T2D on insulin and using CGM in primary care. Based on these activities, a series of consensus statements were tested in a second Delphi Survey. The activities described, involving primary care healthcare professionals (HCPs) with expertise in diabetes management, identified a series of training and educational needs within UK general practice that are central to skills development for the care of adults with T2D on insulin therapy and the application of CGM technology. Potential barriers to effective primary care management of people with T2D using CGM devices were identified. Areas of concern included confidence in national and local guidelines for the management of T2D using CGM systems, lack of experience on the part both of HCPs and people with T2D, clinical workflows and systems, as well as inbuilt resistance to change among primary care teams. However, the expert group were clear that the goal of providing care for people with T2D on non-intensive insulin therapy using CGM technology as standard of care could be met (94.3%, n = 33). This will deliver clinical benefits for people with T2D, and improvements to clinical workflows in primary care. Cost-savings to the health service were also identified as an outcome. The need to adapt to the management of people with T2D on insulin therapy puts significant pressure on current workflows and skills for primary care teams. Steps in overcoming these immediate pressures, to ensure effective clinical management of people with T2D, are discussed, along with a series of consensus statements that identify the key areas of change to manage. Ultimately, the great majority of expert primary care HCPs were confident or very confident that using CGM technology will become the standard of care for people with T2D treated with insulin in primary care.

DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS: THE ROLE OF HUMAN RESOURCES IN FOSTERING INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP

The development of future leaders is a critical issue for modern organizations facing increasing challenges and rapid changes in the business environment. Leadership skills are multifaceted, as leaders are a blend of numerous professional activities and competencies that, through innovation, open the door to the future. Therefore, the foundations of leadership are directly linked to the tools and skills managers must possess to navigate the dynamics of global business practices. For organizations aspiring to remain competitive in a dynamic environment, the development of future leaders is crucial. Human Resources (HR) play a significant role in identifying, developing, and empowering innovative leaders who not only keep pace with change but also shape it. The essence of developing HR towards the future lies primarily in creativity based on knowledge, the development of human capital, and a corporate culture with a multidimensional aspect. HR is a multidisciplinary organizational function that draws on theories and ideas from various fields such as management, psychology, sociology, and economics. There is no single best way to manage human resources, nor has any manager formulated an effective approach to HR management, as people are complex beings with complex needs. Effective HR management largely depends on the causes and conditions provided by the organizational environment. Therefore, this research addresses how HR can promote leadership development through strategies that support innovation in leadership, leadership team diversity and skills, transparency, principles of decentralized leadership, and emotional intelligence. Special emphasis is placed on innovative approaches that enable leaders to develop critical thinking, agility, and the ability to solve complex problems in changing situations. The paper also analyzes the methods organizations can use to cultivate a culture of innovative leadership and the challenges faced by HR teams in these processes. A key objective of this research is to analyze contemporary practices and provide insights into the critical elements necessary for building innovative leadership within organizations to meet future challenges.

The Predictive Accuracy of the New Trauma Score and the Revised Trauma Score in Predicting the Mortality of Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi.

Background Trauma is a major public health issue, causing disease and death globally. Injuries can range from mild to severe, requiring different levels of medical attention from a skilled team. Objectives To predict the accuracy of the new trauma score (NTS) and the revised trauma score (RTS) for predicting the mortality of patients presenting in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Emergency Department ofCivil Hospital Karachi (CHK), Pakistan, for six months and included 366 patients. Patients with blunt, traumatic, crush, or penetration injuries were included in this study. All patients were given a score according to the NTS and RTS. Results The median age of the study's participants was 31.90 ± 7.46 years. A mortality rate of 4.64% was noted. The NTS demonstrated a diagnostic accuracy of 97.5%, a sensitivity of 88.2%, a specificity of 98%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 68.2%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.4% for predicting mortality. The RTS exhibited a diagnostic accuracy of 99.1%, a sensitivity of88.2%, a specificity of 99.7%, a PPV of 93.8%, and an NPV of 99.4%. When the NTS and RTS were combined, they exhibited a diagnostic accuracy of 97.5%, a sensitivity of 82.5%, a specificity of 98%, a PPV of 68.2%, and an NPV of 99.4% for predicting mortality. Conclusion As a result, we conclude that both RTS and NTS were equally useful in predicting hospitalization, morbidity, the need for mechanical ventilation, and mortality.

Виклики стартапів та шляхи їх подолання

This article analyzes the key factors influencing and challenges faced by startup enterprises at various stages of their development. Among the most significant obstacles are financial difficulties, mismatch between products and market demands, market competition, team incompetence in selecting optimal business models, regulatory challenges, pricing issues, and establishing interdisciplinary skilled teams. According to statistics, only 34% of startups successfully acquire necessary funds, while 62% struggle to secure financial support. Furthermore, only 0.00006% of startups achieve "unicorn" status. Understanding market needs for innovative products or services is a critical aspect of a startup's business plan. The insufficient knowledge is also a major factor significantly affecting startup firm development. A superior product or idea does not guarantee unquestionable startup success. Often, cofounders of startups lack management skills, market experience, and knowledge, underscoring the importance of utilizing advice from mentors. According to statistics, 33% of founders of technology companies who benefited from mentorship by successful entrepreneurs become industry leaders. Market competition is also a challenge for startup growth. According to statistics, 20% of startups fail due to being suppressed or outpaced by competitors. Bridging the experience and competence gap among startup entrepreneurs can be achieved through young firms entering into strategic partnerships. Collaboration can take various forms, from joint marketing initiatives and cross-promotions to establishing joint ventures and strategic alliances. A key aspect is finding partners who not only complement the individual business but also align with the values of a specific brand, creating mutually beneficial and long-term relationships. The article explores solutions to startup initiation and development problems in financing, marketing, and business model formation. It presents examples of tools that assist startups in conducting research on target audiences, product promotion, strategy analysis, and key performance indicators effectively. Additionally, it highlights the relevance of the topic and the necessity for further research in this direction. The article provides information that will be useful for entrepreneurs working in the startup industry and venture business, as well as for researchers interested in this subject matter. Its conclusions and recommendations can help understand key aspects of startup development and mitigate failure risks.

Multiethnic Teamwork as Means of Attaining Psychosocial Competence and Interpersonal Skills For Successful Transitioning From School Life Into Adulthood

Historically multicultural European areas display a tendency towards openness and sociability that transcends mere geographics. In ensuring that the youth of diversified ethnic populations attain life skills, the school community ought to provide the means for such social capital to build networks of interethnic school and social relationships by designing guidelines to help relate and work together on school and community projects. Hence, the necessity arose for soft skills in the respective teams working towards shared goals and transferrable objectives in the framework of set task. The present article not only develops on the key concepts, but as practical application project work, it can serve as incentive for extended use in later years, a conducive toolkit along the adulthood pathway. Furthermore, the research conducted as follow-up project validation consists of a 1-5 Likert scale conducted among 81 highschoolers in West Romania. Were such multiethnic teamwork as good practice example applied in blended learning contexts, repeatedly and purposefully, interpersonal skills and effective communication, not only within the school community, but also in non-formal contexts would be acquired and attained with increased levels of trust. Thus, highschoolers would be equipped for achieving the ends set within the school educational environment, as well as for fulfilling the lifelong occupational and personal development agenda. Such project-based work, easily extensive to interschool similar multiethnic student team structures, might trigger similar proactive future attitudes for the students on the brim of maturity, whereas meaningful insights into the validated pattern will undoubtedly trigger societal active participation.

The COOL e-Research and Researcher Development Experiences: A Mentor and Mentee Perspective

As information and communication technologies (ICTs) continue to advance, research projects and processes increasingly adopt ICTs, and terms like ‘e-research’ gain popularity. However, disparities in access to ICTs and users’ technology proficiency affect the adoption of e-research technologies. Despite these constraints, the COVID-19 pandemic forced many researchers (including postgraduate students), in diverse and unequal contexts, to take their research activities online. This paper reports on the ‘e-research’ experiences of the principal investigator, a research mentor and a researcher after the adoption of ICTs during the pandemic. This research took place in the context of the Cases on Open Learning (COOL) research project, commissioned by, and conducted jointly with, the Department of Higher Education (DHET) in South Africa. This was a multi-researcher (10 researchers located across the country, with varying degrees of research experience), multi-site qualitative social science research that took the form of 15 case studies, conducted across seven technical and vocational education and training colleges, six universities, two DHET sites, and a desktop study. The national lockdowns that were announced shortly after our first and only face-to-face project meeting forced us to conduct all aspects of the project entirely online. We used the Google suite for collaboration and Zoom for COOL team building, researcher knowledge and skills development sessions, and online interviews conducted by the researchers. WhatsApp played a dual role – supporting ongoing communication within the research group, and as a data collection tool. The paper highlights our experiences on what it meant to be part of a research team, as well as the opportunities and challenges of conducting research of this nature. It shed light on the COOL team building and researcher development strategies. Drawing on insights from our experiences, we recommend that higher education institutions (HEIs) develop both technical and human-oriented guidelines for conducting e-research. This paper could provide insights for independent researchers, postgraduate students, principal investigators, and supervisors considering a cohort-supervision model, comprising diverse students, who may be in dispersed geographical locations.

An Integrated Stochastic Optimization and Simulation Approach to SERU vs. Assembly Line Manufacturing Systems

This research compares SERU manufacturing systems to traditional assembly lines, focusing on the impact of uncertainty in task processing time on production output. The study considers worker skill levels and team identity, using a stochastic mixed integer linear programming approach to model uncertainty and optimize workforce allocation. Discrete event simulation is then integrated to evaluate performance using five key performance indicators (KPIs). Results show that SERU systems outperform traditional lines in terms of throughput when uncertainty is considered. The integrated approach provides more reliable performance data than deterministic optimization alone. The study also highlights the advantages of SERU systems when worker skill levels and team identity are factored in. This research fills a gap in the literature by proposing a stochastic optimization approach that considers uncertainty and worker skill levels, and by integrating stochastic optimization with simulation for comprehensive analysis. This approach provides valuable guidance for production managers in optimizing production systems.

Exploring facilitators and barriers to scope of practice expansion with Pharmacist independent prescribers in North Wales: a qualitative study

Abstract Introduction Independent non-medical prescribing allows qualified nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to prescribe within their competence, which is initially narrow in scope. Previous research identified that this competence requirement has potential to limit pharmacist independent prescribers’ (PIPs) ability to expand their prescribing scope1. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has published guidance for PIPs on expanding scope of practice after qualification2. Research asking how, why and what factors affect the process of scope expansion is lacking. Aim To explore the reasons why PIPs may or may not expand their prescribing scope of practice after qualification and what factors may prevent or enable this. Methods A qualitative semi-structured interview study was utilised. Participants were PIPs working within North Wales who self-reported at least 2 years’ experience as a prescriber, prescribing at least monthly and had expanded their scope of practice since qualification. Recruitment was via gatekeepers. The study obtained ethical approval from Cardiff University School of Pharmacy Research Ethics Committee (Reference 2324-03) and was registered with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. Purposive sampling ensured inclusion of pharmacists from multiple pharmacy sectors. Interviews were face-to-face or online and recorded on MSTeams®. Deidentified verbatim transcripts were analysed via inductive thematic analysis. Results Ten participants were interviewed, from a mixture of hospital, primary care, out of hours and community pharmacy sectors. Themes identified included intrinsic factors (experience and attitude) and extrinsic factors (support, service factors, governance and workplace social context). Experience sub-themes included confidence, a holistic approach and awareness of professional boundaries as facilitators for scope expansion. Attitude included being motivated and fulfilment in the role. Support was a key factor including time, funding, mentorship, peer and managerial support – all identified as facilitators and lack of each as a barrier. Other support sub-themes included structured training programmes, such as the All Wales 111 competency framework, easy access to experienced colleagues for advice on cases and space for reflective thinking, either as a team or with a mentor. Governance was identified as both a barrier and facilitator, with some appreciating the structure of local prescribing policies whilst others found it restrictive. Service factors included new roles, an expectation of the role to prescribe for multiple conditions, such as in 111 or the community pharmacy independent prescribing service, changes in team skill mix, service review and patient requests. Workplace social context that facilitated scope expansion included independent prescriber role models, nurturing teams and working within a multidisciplinary team. A lack of multidisciplinary working, such as lone working in community pharmacy, was seen as a barrier. Discussion / Conclusion Themes identified align with previously published literature and models on expertise development in independent prescribing(4), suggesting that expanding scope of prescribing aligns with expert practice development needs. This exploratory study highlights factors that PIPs found both helpful and a hindrance for expanding their prescribing scope of practice, although limited by the small sample size. Further research is needed to corroborate these findings with other professions and in other parts of the UK before incorporating into future guidance.

STEP UP to University: Continuity and Belonging for Articulation Students

Articulation plays a key role in widening access to HE, but tailored support is necessary for a smooth transition. Articulating students often see themselves as lacking key skills and express concern at the significant differences between college and university. This case study explores how the academic skills team at the University of Dundee supports articulation through STEP UP: a credit-bearing module designed for students enrolled on a Social Sciences HNC at Dundee and Angus College who hold a direct entry place for second year Humanities at the university. A key strength of the STEP UP approach is its emphasis on continuity between college and university, welcoming students to the University during their college year. Students journal about their college experiences, create an artefact reflecting on their articulation year, and present a group project on "Becoming, Being, and Belonging" as a university student. They also implement feedback on their college writing to complete their first university essay, providing them with a clear link between their college and university assignments. Rather than emphasising the "gap" between college and university, STEP UP empowers students to recognise the skills they have developed during their HNC and identify how to employ these skills at university. By fostering reflexivity and feedback literacy, the module helps students understand what they bring to university and how they can grow within it. As Scottish institutions adjust to the new tertiary landscape, STEP UP demonstrates how emphasising continuity rather than difference can help articulation students develop their sense of belonging at university.

Drawing a line in the sandbox: balancing exploration and instruction in AI playgrounds

Following the release of ChatGPT and similar generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools, many universities have committed to helping their students become AI literate (see for example Russell Group, 2023). The means of providing this support vary, ranging from optional, asynchronous guides to taught instruction embedded within courses. One popular format is the ‘AI playground’: practical sessions encouraging students to experiment with different AI tools, often with minimal instruction given by the facilitator. Yet how much instruction is too much or too little? Some leading voices in AI pedagogy place an emphasis on exploration and self-discovery, encouraging students to set their own goals and play with AI tools rather than walking them through specific tasks (Mollick, 2023). Minimising instruction, however, may sometimes clash with students’ needs. Recent research indicates that many students feel overwhelmed and anxious about AI, and a lack of confidence may hold some back from simply diving in on their own terms (Tierney and Peasey, 2023). In order to find a balance between exploration and instruction, this paper presents different formats of AI playgrounds with varying levels of instruction, run by the Study Skills team at the University of Bristol during the 2023/2024 academic year. Using feedback from student attendees, we identify some specific areas of AI use in which students value facilitator instruction, and at what stages the facilitator should minimise their own intervention. With these findings, we present a potential model for introductory AI playgrounds for use and adaptation by other HE practitioners.

Total en bloc spondylectomy for primary tumors of the thoracic and lumbar spine: A review article

Primary spine tumors present significant clinical challenges due to their potential for local invasiveness and metastasis. Total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) has emerged as a feasible surgical technique for the complete resection of thoracic and lumbar spinal tumors, providing superior local control and long-term survival benefits. This review synthesized the current evidence and clinical experiences and demonstrated that TES achieved lower recurrence rates and higher disease-free survival than those of piecemeal resection. Despite the high perioperative complication rates, TES is essential for treating primary spine tumors. The importance of skilled surgical teams to optimize patient outcomes has been emphasized.

Matrix Structure and Manpower Development: A Paradigm Shift

The paper examine matrix structure and manpower development;a paradigm shift. The aim of this research is to determine the extent to which matrix structure improves an organisational manpower effectiveness as well as to ascertain how matrix structure increase organisational manpower efficiency. The content analysis methodology was used in this study. The data and information used in this study are from the existing literature and previous studies. The secondary data sources include textbooks, journal articles, reports and internet. Research question raised in this paper was explored by the concept of matrix structure. The findings of the research reveal that team motivation, problem solving, skills and knowledge acquired on the job enhance manpower effectiveness while the managerial skills required in the matrix structure centred on positive on the positive achievement of the firm and individual employee. The study recommends that careful attention should be paid to the creation of matrix structure in terms of coordination, communication and control.