Technical Training Research Articles

Business innovation intent among college students: Contributions of psychological capital and entrepreneurial self-efficacy

Business innovation is centre stage in fostering social and economic growth and entrepreneurial ventures. We explored how entrepreneurial self-efficacy mediates the link between psychological capital and entrepreneurial intent in business innovation. A sample of 365 female and male black African final year Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students participated in the study (mean age = 24.3 years, SD = 2.38 years). Following simple mediation analysis and structural equation modelling, results indicated resilient hope and self-regulated optimism as promotors of self-efficacious entrepreneurial planning, which in turn enhanced business innovation (entrepreneurial) intent. Our findings add to entrepreneurship theory by highlighting psychological capital and entrepreneurial self-efficacy as passion attributes of business innovation intent. College modules should include training in business innovation that develops students’ psychological capital and entrepreneurial planning skills to enhance their passion for business creation.

AI-Enhanced Design and Application of High School Geography Field Studies in China: A Case Study of the Yellow (Bohai) Sea Migratory Bird Habitat Curriculum

China’s Yellow (Bohai) Sea bird habitat is an important ecological region. Its unique ecology and challenges provide rich resources for research and study. Our course design concept is supported by AI technology, and improves students’ abilities through innovative functions such as dynamic data support, personalized learning paths, immersive research and study experience, and diversified evaluation mechanisms. The course content revolves around the “human–land coordination concept”, including pre-trip thinking, research and study during the trip, and post-trip exhibition learning, covering regional cognition, remote sensing image analysis, field investigation, and protection plan display activities. ERNIE Bot participates in optimizing the learning path throughout the process. The course evaluation system starts from the three dimensions of “land to people”, “people to land”, and the “coordination of the human–land relationship”, adopts processes and final evaluation, and uses ERNIE Bot to achieve real-time monitoring, data analysis, personalized reports, and dynamic feedback, improving the objectivity and efficiency of evaluation, and helping students and teachers optimize learning and teaching. However, AI has limitations in geographical research and study, such as insufficient technical adaptability, the influence of students’ abilities and habits, and the adaptation of teachers’ role changes. To this end, optimization strategies such as improving data quality and technical platforms, strengthening student technical training, enhancing teachers’ AI application capabilities, and enriching AI functions and teaching scenarios are proposed to enhance the application effect of AI in geographical research and promote innovation in educational models and student capacity building.

Higher Education and Its Contribution to Economies of African Countries: Move Towards Competence-Based and Skills Demand-Driven Standards in Collaboration with Industry

This study explores the ecosystemic impacts of higher education (HE) on the economies of African countries, emphasizing the need for competence-based, and skills-demand-driven standards in collaboration with industry. HE is vital for equipping individuals with essential knowledge and skills for socio-economic transformation. However, in Africa, this role has weakened, with industry assuming a leading position. Curricula in HE institutions are slow to adapt to the skills needed by industries, leading to a range of challenges such as outdated curriculum delivery, desertion of technical and vocational training, inadequate research resources, insufficient collaboration frameworks between HE and industries, minimal support for entrepreneurship, and poor infrastructure. Aligning HE curricula with industry skills requirements is crucial for enhancing African economic development and competitiveness. Unfortunately, there is a notable lack of partnerships and practical mechanisms for curriculum integration among African HE institutions, which results in graduates possessing skills that do not meet industry demands. This paper reviews the extensive literature on HE's role in African economies, advocating for in-depth collaboration between HE and industry in order to tackle skills mismatches. Accordingly, establishing a healthy partnership between HE institutions and industries could facilitate work-integrated learning, encourage industry-led curriculum development, and prepare graduates with applicable skills and relevant knowledge for the job market. Thus, developing a proactive framework that can facilitate and enforce collaboration between higher education and industries could be critical in addressing the challenges faced by African economic development.

Inclusion of Indigenous People in Technical and Vocational Training

Indigenous people have poor socio-economic conditions and are excluded from the development mainstreaming, which has hindered equal participation. Therefore, the study analyses the participation of diverse caste ethnic groups in Technical Education and Vocational Training (TEVT), which is essential in improving the socio-economic condition and justice-based development of all people. For this purpose, a quantitative research design and secondary data were adopted using SPSS to examine the inclusion of Indigenous people in TEVT. The study population is training participants who completed a three-month level-one training certified by the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT). This study included 570 participants, including gender, age, education, income, and caste ethnicity. As a descriptive result, 66 percent of Indigenous and 58 percent of female trainees participated in the TEVT program. Similarly, multinomial logistic regression analysis shows an association between indigenous people and TEVT, which is statistically significant (p<.0001); the Chi-Square value is 324.736; the model explains approximately 43.3 percent by Cox and Snell, 49 percent by Nagelkerke and 26.1 percent McFadden R-square. Caste ethnicity and TEVT have a positive relationship, which can contribute to improving socio-economic conditions. Therefore, policymakers, planners, and program designers can jointly use findings to effectively address the issues regarding the inclusion perspective in the TEVT program, which applies to justice-based development and ensures that no one is left behind.

فاعليَّة برنامج تدريبيّ مقدَّم على منصَّة رقميَّة إلكترونيَة لتنمية مهارة التَّصميم التَّسويقي الرَّقميِّ لدى متدرِّبي المعهد الصِّناعيِّ الثَّانويِّ في جدَّة

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a training program delivered on an electronic platform(coursera) to enhance digital marketing design skills among trainees at the Secondary Industrial In the city of Jeddah, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. By applying action research on a purposefully selected experimental sample, the research sample included (20) second-year secondary school trainees from the computer science track at the Secondary Industrial Institute in Jeddah. A pre- and post-assessment test was developed specifically for the instructional design in this study. The research tool consisted of two main axes: the first axis focused on designing the digital marketing product, and the second axis on writing digital marketing content. The study results revealed statistically significant differences between the pre-test and post-test scores, favoring the post-test application across all skills represented by the scale. The study also recommended training small business owners affiliated with technical and vocational training and graduates of the Secondary Industrial Institute to develop digital marketing design skills in their marketing campaigns.

Visualization and Bibliometric Analysis of Vocational Education Articles in ASEAN Member States on the Scopus Databases

Introduction: This study aimed to analyze the bibliometric characteristics and trends of Vocational Education articles in ASEAN Member States on the Scopus Databases, including co-ocurrence by keywords, citation, co-citation, and bibliographic coupling.Methods: Data were obtained from the Scopus databases in January 2021. The articles were searched using the keyword “Vocational Education” with limited affiliations from ASEAN member states on the Scopus database. The search was limited in the last decade (2011 - 2020) with the article type. Descriptive statistics used in this study were visualization and bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer version 1.6.14.Results: 642 articles on Vocational Education published in 160 journals, with the Journal of Technical and Education and Training as the most popular. Several keywords often appeared and used in the articles were vocational education, human, male, female, education, learning, student, and teaching. Bibliometric analysis showed that 21 documents had the largest citation, 24 journals had the largest co-citation network, and 185 documents had the largest bibliographic coupling. Conclusions: Research in the Vocational Education field by Southeast Asia authors has increased significantly over the last decade. Researchers are increasingly active and productive in producing scientific work and a stronger collaborative network. The Vocational Education topic is increasingly interesting and relevant to current issues so that it is still very open and has an opportunity for future research according to research trends in the Vocational Education field.

Digital Transformation of Corporate Technical Education and Training – A Case Study on Instructional Designers´ Perceptions

This article explores the perspective of instructional designers on the digital transformation of corporate technical education and training. It draws on “episodic narrative interviews” conducted with the learning and development department of a for-profit company in the manufacturing sector to investigate their perceptions of digital transformation. We examine the working structures of the studied company, elaborate on their perceived challenges and needs, and highlight our position on future implications for corporate technical education and training. The case study improves the quality of practice within professional education by pointing out necessary considerations about communication, the instructional design process, job descriptions, digital learning products, and the target group’s attitude towards digital teaching and learning. Our results support companies, learning and development departments, and everyone related to corporate technical education and training in developing concepts for professional education programs or contributing with further best practices.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) Involvement in Advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Cameroon

The labour market has become dynamic and exigent, as it expects graduates to have quality skills before securing a profitable position. This has increased the unemployment rate among Technical and Vocational Education and Training graduates since TVET institutions are facing challenges in adequately preparing students according to labour market standards. This calls for the need for TVET institutions to redesign their systems and adopt new strategies that address the persistent changing needs of the labour market. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have become an efficient means for TVET institutes to deal with this situation. Therefore, based on Cameroon's TVET system, this paper explores the involvement of Public Private Partnerships in advancing TVET, focusing on their roles in linking TVET to the standards of the labour market and improving the quality, credibility and accessibility of TVET education. The paper also highlights the current state of TVET in Cameroon, bringing to light its challenges in bridging the skill gap between graduates and industries. The study further highlights the impact of the limited involvement of PPPs in Cameroon’s TVET system and the economy. It draws on global best practices of PPPs implication in TVET as recommendable actions to sustain Cameroon's TVET system. The results highlight how PPPs can revitalise Cameroon's TVET system to the needs of employers while supporting national development objectives. Through PPPs, Cameroon can establish and sustain a solid TVET system capable of driving innovation, equipping students with required skills, decreasing unemployment among graduates and advancing socio-economic development.

Penerapan Pola Peran Optimalisasi Pengelolaan Administrasi Desa Melalui Sistem Informasi Manajemen

This service aims to implement a Management Information System (SIM) to improve the efficiency of village administration management, accelerate public services, and increase transparency in Sei Mencirim Village. This program also aims to improve the digital literacy of village officials to be able to utilize technology in managing village administration. This activity is carried out through socialization, technical training, and mentoring of village officials in using SIM. Socialization aims to provide a basic understanding of SIM, while technical training includes simulations of using SIM software and managing village administration data. The final stage is mentoring to ensure the SIM can operate optimally. The implementation of the SIM has improved the efficiency of village administration management, accelerated public services, and increased transparency of village budgets. The community felt the direct benefits in the form of faster document processing time, as well as increased transparency in budget use. Village officials can access and manage data in real-time, accelerating the decision-making process. The main challenges in implementing the SIM include limited technological infrastructure and low digital literacy of village officials. However, the training provided has improved the ability of village officials to manage administration better. The program is also credited with reducing administrative errors that are common in manual systems. However, strengthening the infrastructure and increasing the capacity of village officials are needed to optimize the operation of the SIM. The implementation of SIM in Sei Mencirim Village has brought positive impacts in the form of increased administrative efficiency and public services. Although there are still challenges such as limited infrastructure and digital literacy, this program can be used as a model for implementing technology in other villages. With the support of the local government, this program is expected to improve community welfare and encourage transparency in village management.

From research to society: MCDA and the social dimension of nanotechnology in sustainable development

This study analyzes the social impact of nanotechnology when integrated with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, highlighting its capacity to promote social inclusion, sustainable practices, and economic development. The research adopts a mixed-method approach, combining a literature review, expert consultations, and the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate dimensions such as economic, social, environmental, and governance aspects. The results demonstrate that nanotechnology plays a transformative role in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and energy, advancing innovations such as controlled drug delivery systems, more efficient fertilizers, and renewable energy sources. These technologies generate direct and indirect jobs, enhance professional training, and expand access to innovations in vulnerable regions. However, challenges include the need for robust public policies, technical training, and specific regulations to mitigate risks related to nanomaterial toxicity and disposal. The analysis emphasizes the importance of traceability in supply chains and ethical practices that integrate circular economy principles and social inclusion. Public-private partnerships and tools like Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) are highlighted as strategies to align technological innovation with global sustainability goals. The study concludes that nanotechnology is a strategic tool for addressing global challenges, provided it is supported by ethical governance and a collective commitment to maximizing its positive impacts in an ever-evolving landscape.

Implementation of Performance Management at CV Nuansa Color Tanjung Pinang Branch

This study aims to analyze and describe the implementation of performance management at CV Nuansa Warna Tanjungpinang Branch. The type of research used is descriptive research with a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques are carried out through observation and in-depth interviews. The sample used in this research is a purposive sample with the informant, SPV, Mr. Riyanto Setiyawan . Data analysis was carried out using triangulation through the steps of reduction, presentation and conclusion. The results of this study found that the implementation of performance at CV Nuansa Warna Tanjungpinang Branch has been implemented quite well. This includes the stages of planning, monitoring, evaluation, and follow-up. However, there are some obstacles, such as CV Nuansa Warna facing unique challenges in implementing performance management, including limited resources, and structured formal systems. Implemented strategies include technical training, KPI implementation, and CRM system development. This study concludes that effective performance management can improve productivity, service quality, and competitiveness of the company, although it requires continuous improvement to face the existing challenges.

Increase or decrease? Impact of straw return on farmers' agricultural income in Jianghan Plain, Central China.

In the context of emphasizing on the food production, clean air guarding and sustainable development of agriculture, straw returning practices have been widely promoted, however, most studies have not linked straw returning adoption and smallholder's agricultural income in double-season rice cropping system. Based on a face-to-face survey data from 797 farmers in Jianghan Plain, Central China, we filled this gap by using the endogenous switching regression model to estimate the impact of farmer's straw returning on their agricultural income. The evidences show number of family laborers and technical training are the main factors influencing farmers' adoption of SR. After controlling for self-selection and unobservable bias, the adoption of straw return technology reduces the farmers' agricultural income by 10.16%. Finally, suggestions such as strengthening the straw returning supporting facility construction, enhancing the straw returning training system, and establishing straw returning adoption subsidy are highly recommended.

Enhancing Talent Retention of TVET Colleges’ Lecturers through Specific Talent Management Dimensions

"Talent management (TM) is a critical strategic issue for higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa (SA) given its impact on institutional performance, however, retaining academic talent remains a challenge in this highly competitive work environment. This study aimed to investigate talent retention (TR) of lecturers through specific TM dimensions (i.e., talent training and development (TT&D), performance management (PM), and compensation) at public technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges in the North West province, SA. A quantitative research approach was adopted, employing a cross-sectional study that collected data from 124 lecturers using self-completed questionnaires. This study’s results revealed that a substantial number of respondents were considering leaving their employment, citing dissatisfaction with TT&D, PM, compensation, and TR practices at public TVET colleges. A high positive correlation between TT&D and TR, and between compensation and TR, and a moderate positive correlation between PM and TR were established in this study. Policymakers and practitioners can refer to the findings of this study to better understand and improve TR through enhanced TT&D, PM, and compensation practices. Strategic development of policies intended for improving TT&D, PM, compensation, and TR practices at public TVET colleges is thus highlighted. "

المواجهة الجنائية للقرصنة الرقمية للبطاقة المصرفية وسبل الوقاية منها بالتشريع المغربي

Cybercrime has evolved in light of the rapid pace of the electronic revolution that has touched all aspects of life. This progress has not been without its drawbacks, as various financial and banking institutions have been affected by the increase in criminal activities that have exploited the rapid pace of e-commerce and the use of bank cards as a tool for monetary transactions. This paper focuses on the digital hacking crimes that have affected bank cards, which is one of the serious forms of electronic hacking that threatens the security of personal data and banking security according to Moroccan legislation and means of prevention. The study addressed the concepts of cybercrime and digital hacking, and discussed Moroccan legislation related to the offence of bank card hacking, starting with the law on terrorism, Law 03-07 supplementing the Criminal Code and Law 43-20, and legal approaches to this offence. One of the most important findings of the research is that the Moroccan legislator, in order to better protect automated data processing systems, updated its legal arsenal by issuing Law No. 07-03, under which the offence of bank card hacking falls within the scope of the offences of fraudulent access, forgery and information fraud. The problem is manifested in the multiplicity of texts criminalising and punishing this offence and the overlap between them, which makes them all applicable due to their multiple descriptions. Draft Law No. 03. 23, amending and supplementing the Code of Criminal Procedure, addresses many important issues related to this subject. The study recommends strengthening and updating the legal system in accordance with the latest developments and best practices, considering fair trial guarantees. The study also recommends strengthening the technical preventive role and professional training in the competent authorities and updating it regularly to keep abreast of the latest security threats and address them effectively, develop awareness and education campaigns, and strengthen institutional, regional and international cooperation.

Leveraging Smart Home Training Kits as an Innovative Educational Tool to Foster Higher-Order Thinking Skills

This study aims to establish the impact of employing Smart Home Training Kits as a new approach to developing Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in vocational education. Using a quasi-experimental design, the study involved two groups of vocational students: supporting them by an experimental group applying Smart Home Training Kits and a control group using conventional methods of instruction. Standard pre-tests and post-tests were administered among the students to evaluate the enhancement in the level of higher-order thinking skills, for aspects of critical thinking, problem-solving solving, and creativity. The findings also showed a work improvement in the experimental group compared to the group control group. The experimental group of students who were trained using the Smart Home Training Kits performed better when it came to the analysis, evaluation, and Synthesis of possible solutions regarding smart homes. Also, a number of the activity kits characterized the technical thing being taught in a detailed way that allowed the students to gain a more realistic understanding of the principles at work. The findings of this paper suggest that Smart Home Training Kits are one of the ways through which Higher-Order Thinking Skills can be effectively taught within the technical education training regime while closing the gap between theory and practical. This indicates that the assimilation of these kits in curricula could help the effective development of critical thinking and innovation at the expense of students to face the current world workplace challenges.

Update on tooth color measurement by visual and spectrophotometer methods

Introduction: Tooth colour assessment is a crucial aspect in aesthetic dentistry, as it influences the design of restorative and aesthetic treatments. There are various methods for assessing tooth colour, the most common being the visual method and the use of spectrophotometers. Each has advantages and disadvantages that can affect the accuracy and reproducibility of the results.Development: The visual method consists of comparing tooth colour with standardised shade guides. This approach is accessible and easy to implement, but its subjectivity can lead to variations in colour perception between different operators. Factors such as lighting, visual fatigue and environmental conditions can influence the assessment, compromising the consistency of the results. On the other hand, the spectrophotometer offers an objective measurement of tooth colour by quantifying the light reflected by the teeth at different wavelengths. This method provides accurate and repeatable data, eliminating the subjectivity of the visual method. However, its cost and the need for technical training can be limitations in its widespread use.Conclusions: Both methods have a significant role in tooth color assessment. While the visual method is more accessible and practical in clinical settings, the spectrophotometer offers superior accuracy and objectivity. The choice between the two will depend on the specific treatment needs and available resources. For optimal results, it is suggested to consider a combined approach that takes advantage of the strengths of each method.

Assessment of the Public Health Laboratory Capacity - Sierra Leone, 2021.

Public health laboratories (PHLs) are critical for effectively identifying, detecting, preventing, and responding to emerging and reemerging infectious diseases. Following the 2014 Ebola outbreak, Sierra Leone implemented a national laboratory strategic plan (2015-2020) aimed at creating, strengthening, and maintaining laboratory capacities for detecting, assessing, notifying, and reporting incidents, with a requirement to review PHL capabilities every five years. This study assessed the comprehensive capacity and personnel status of PHLs in Sierra Leone using a standardized assessment tool following the implementation of the 2015 National Laboratory Strategic Plan. Among 11 indicators evaluated, laboratory infrastructure and equipment, data and information management, experimental technical training, and laboratory performance received low scores. The assessment revealed critical personnel gaps, including limited staff with extensive work experience and advanced education. Additionally, laboratory staff demonstrated limited capabilities in specialized areas such as gene library creation, primer design, sequencing, surveillance, and field epidemiology and laboratory-related training. Continued investment and capacity building are essential for PHLs to deliver high-quality testing services and effectively support public health functions. The identified gaps across various indicators must be systematically addressed to strengthen PHL capacity in Sierra Leone.

Implementation of electronic attendance policy within the scope of Bappeda of central Sulawesi province

Bureaucratic reform is a strategic step to enhance efficiency and accountability in public administration. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of the electronic attendance policy at the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Central Sulawesi Province and its impact on the discipline and performance of Civil Servants (ASN). This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with George C. Edward III's policy implementation theory as the analytical framework. The study involved seven informants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using three stages: data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing or verification. The results indicate that the implementation of electronic attendance has positively impacted the accuracy of attendance data and employee discipline. However, the policy's implementation faces several challenges, such as limited technical training and a lack of motivation among employees to optimally utilize the technology. On the other hand, human resource development (HRD) at Bappeda Central Sulawesi is still ineffective. In the formal development pathway, many civil servant employees have not shown interest in participating in development programs through study assignments. Meanwhile, informal development shows a lack of encouragement from the institution for employees to engage in capacity-building activities, and there is a rare provision of material or non-material rewards that could motivate employees to improve performance. This study recommends enhancing HRD through formal and informal education programs, intensive training for technology adaptation, and the establishment of reward procedures and policies to motivate employees. It is expected that this optimization will improve the effectiveness of the electronic attendance policy and support results-oriented and accountable bureaucratic reform.

Assessment of Higher Education Institutions’ Social Responsibility Towards Transforming Lives of Deprived Local Communities:

Despite the Tanzanian Government’s efforts in promoting its Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to address problems facing their surrounding communities, the strategy has insufficiently institutionalized to bring the expected results. This study is an endeavor to have an assessment of Community Engagement Program which was established as among the strategies of stimulating the Community Development Training Institutes (CDTIs) and Community Development Technical Training (CDTTIs) to perform their Social Responsibilities. A cross- sectional research design was adopted to obtain a sample of 160 respondents. Data were collected using Questionnaires, Key Informants’ Interview (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) methods and analyzed by using SPSS and content analysis. The study revealed that, financial budget allocated to facilitate the program operations is insufficient. Subsequently the insufficient budget is negatively influencing the program implementers to find shortcuts in following the program operational procedures as a result some of the felt needs of the intended beneficiaries are precluded. Moreover, the program’s undertakings are inadequately disclosed to attract support from other potential development partners. In order for the program to effectively accomplish the ideal objective of its establishment, it is recommended the government in collaboration with other stakeholders to mobilize and inject sufficient financial and other related resources.

Innovative virtual reality solutions for technical training in heavy construction equipment repair and maintenance

The construction industry is significantly impacted by heavy construction equipment, including bulldozers, excavators, and vehicles. This equipment speeds up building, moves supplies, and builds infrastructure. Using heavy construction equipment correctly can boost productivity and shorten project timelines. Due to their complexity and scale, this equipment must be maintained and repaired. Poor maintenance and repair of heavy construction equipment can reduce performance, damage, and even cause accidents. Due to these problems, this study focuses on the design and development of a simulation training application to enhance the technical skills of workers in maintaining and repairing heavy construction equipment using virtual reality (VR) technology, the development of this application will be carried out using Unreal Engine 5 and thereafter tested and implemented at PT Menara Indonesia or M-Knows Consulting, Indonesia. At the end of this study, the design and development of a VR training simulation application for heavy equipment repair has been successfully completed. After testing the VR application and conducting user acceptance tests, it was concluded that the created VR application greatly assists M-Knows Consulting in training workers to perform maintenance and repair on heavy equipment, with a user acceptance rate of 84%.