Management Training Program Research Articles

Long-term effects of parent-child interaction therapy: A mixed-methods follow-up study of three and nine years later

Parent management training (PMT) programs are commonly used for treatment of child disruptive behaviour at a young age. Intervening early and involving parents in the interventions is used to limit adverse outcomes later in life. Yet, there is a dearth of literature that regard the long-term effects of such interventions. Therefore, the current study aimed to uncover, the long-term effects are of the PMT-program Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) from the perspective of parents. A mixed-method approach was used in order to find out how parents reflected back on the treatment and to find out how parents and their children were doing. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted at three and nine years follow-up, and two questionnaires regarding child disruptive behaviour and parenting stress were filled out pre-, and post-treatment and at six-months, three years and nine years follow-up. Results showed that generally, parents were satisfied with PCIT. They were positive about the decrease in their child’s disruptive behaviour and their own parenting stress, the lasting effects of learning parenting skills, and bettered inter-family relationships. Parents also expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment. They were unsure about the suitability of PCIT for all children, disagreement with the time-out procedure was mentioned and parents lacked long-term contentment with learnt parenting skills. Quantitatively, an overall decrease in clinical reports of child disruptive behaviour and parenting stress was seen, although there was a peak of clinical reports at three years follow up. The current study is a steppingstone for uncovering parents’ thoughts on PCIT retrospectively. It contributes to the knowledge about the long-term effects of intervening early for disruptive behaviour in the Netherlands. The overall consensus on PCIT is positive, although most parents state to need further guidance a few years later. Future research is warranted to further uncover long-term effects of PCIT from the perspective of parents with a larger population.

Knowledge management and career readiness: a review and synthesis

PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationship between knowledge management and career development in an era characterized by high levels of youth unemployment and a demand for specialized skills. Despite the increasing transition to a knowledge-based economy, there is a significant gap between young people’s skills and career readiness, necessitating an in-depth analysis of the role of knowledge management at the individual, organizational and national levels.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a qualitative study using the theory-context-characteristics-methodology approach based on a systematic literature review. The authors created an ecological framework for reflecting on knowledge management and career development, arguing for a multidisciplinary approach that invites collaboration across sectors to generate innovative and reliable solutions.FindingsThis study presents a comprehensive review of the existing literature and trends, noting the need for more focus on the interplay between knowledge management and career development. It emphasizes the need for businesses to promote the acquisition, storage, diffusion and application of knowledge and its circulation and exchange to create international business human capital.Practical implicationsThe findings may help multinational corporations develop managerial training programs and recruitment strategies, given the demand for advanced knowledge-based skills in the modern workspace. The study also discusses the influences of education, experience and job skills on business managers’ performance, guiding the future recruitment of talents.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this review is among the first to assess the triadic relationship between knowledge management, career development and the global unemployment crisis. The proposed multidisciplinary approach seeks to break down existing silos, thus fostering a more comprehensive understanding of how to address these ongoing global concerns.

Longitudinal associations between adult-supervised drinking during adolescence and alcohol misuse from ages 25–31 years: A comparison of Australia and the United States

Prior studies suggest that adult supervised drinking in adolescence predicts greater adolescent alcohol misuse. Long-term follow up data examining how adult supervised drinking during adolescence relates to alcohol misuse in adulthood are lacking. Longitudinal data from the International Youth Development Study tested associations between adult supervised drinking during adolescence (ages 13–16; 2002–2004) and adult alcohol misuse (ages 25–31; 2014, 2018, 2020). Cross-nationally matched samples were compared in Washington State, USA (n = 961) and Victoria, Australia (n = 1,957; total N = 2,918, 55 % female, 83 % White), where adult-supervised adolescent alcohol use was more common. Multilevel analyses adjusted for state, sex, adolescent drinking, parent education, family management, family history of substance use problems, and parent alcohol-related norms. Adult supervised drinking in adolescence (at dinner or parties, on holidays) predicted more adult alcohol misuse (mean Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score; b[SE] 0.07[0.03]; p = 0.004) and higher rates of alcohol-impaired driving (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.501, p = 0.034) and riding with an alcohol-impaired driver (OR 1.669, p = 0.005), but not the use of strategies to moderate alcohol intake (e.g., counting drinks). Better family management (monitoring, clear rules) in adolescence predicted less adult alcohol misuse. Associations were similar in the two states. Reducing the frequency of adult supervised drinking and improving family management practices in adolescence may help to decrease alcohol misuse well into adulthood. Findings support the widespread implementation of substance use prevention and family management training programs.

Management Training Program and Leadership Mental Development for Field Staff of PT Intan Pertiwi Industri

Management Training and Leadership Mental Coaching Program at PT INTIWI aims to enhance managerial skills and the mental well-being of field personnel. Against the backdrop of understanding the complexity of fieldwork and the increasingly dynamic market demands, this program is designed to cultivate outstanding field leaders. Training methods involve discipline training, case-based training, pre-tests, and post-tests. Evaluation is conducted through pre-tests and post-tests, as well as participant feedback and field performance monitoring. The program is expected to have a positive impact, such as increased productivity, job satisfaction, and a reduction in stress levels. The success of this program will create a more balanced work environment and contribute to the strategic goals achievement of PT INTIWI.

Humanizing Digital Marketing: The Role of ChatGPT in Human Resource Management Training Programs

Successful digital marketing is not just about broadcasting messages to consumers but also about building meaningful relationships with them. This demands a more humanistic approach in digital marketing. This research aims to explore the role of ChatGPT in humanizing digital marketing, with a specific focus on how this technology can be utilized in human resource management training programs. The research method employed is a qualitative literature review using data obtained from Google Scholar spanning from 2016 to 2023. Qualitative approach was chosen to allow for in-depth analysis of relevant literature on the research topic, involving a better understanding of concepts, theories, and findings already existing in the related scholarly literature. The study findings indicate that in rapidly evolving digital marketing, humanization is key to building strong customer relationships. The role of ChatGPT in human resource management training programs is crucial to reinforce humanization in digital marketing strategies. By leveraging ChatGPT, marketing professionals can create more personalized and relevant experiences for their audience, while also opening opportunities to enhance marketing strategy efficiency.

Pelatihan Manajemen Kelas Efektif guna Meningkatkan Kualitas Pembelajaran pada Era Merdeka Belajar

Class management is one of the supporting aspects of the good learning process. Good management produces a conducive learning environment for both students and teachers. The new learning paradigm in the Merdeka Belajar curriculum means that teachers, as learning leaders, must be able to create safe, comfortable, and enjoyable classes. The problem with partners is that classroom management still needs to be optimal because teachers' knowledge and understanding regarding effective classroom management are not optimal. Teacher's understanding of effective classroom management is arranging students' seats. The psychological approach of students still needs to be fully understood and implemented by teachers in classroom management. The Universitas Tidar community service team is trying to solve problems at the two partners through an effective classroom management training program. Class management is physical and managing students and their social learning environment. Therefore, training is needed to improve classroom management skills effectively. The subjects of this training were teachers at SMP Negeri 3 and SMP Negeri 9 Kota Magelang. The approach used is a classical approach. The method of implementing service activities is through lectures and discussions. The results of service activities are that teachers gain new knowledge regarding effective classroom management, and teachers' skills increase in managing classes according to student's needs.

Agricultural literacy in artificial insemination and agribusiness management for social innovation in rural populations affected by armed conflict in Colombia

The achievement of education in rural populations was one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), outlined by the United Nations. During the last World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), it was concluded that the majority of the world’s poor, illiterate and undernourished population lives in rural areas; therefore, access to education is considered one of the greatest challenges for governments in countries with developing economies. The purpose of this study was to determine how a theoretical-practical training program in rural management and leadership (D-ML), artificial insemination (D-AI), and bovine genetic improvement (D-GI) affected the perception and level of knowledge in a rural population affected by Colombia’s armed conflict. Phase 1 included the theoretical and practical training of undergraduate animal sciences students in three dimensions (D-ML, D-AI, D-GI). After training, students were evaluated according to their level of theoretical-practical knowledge and their behavioral performance. There were 13 students selected to be a part of what we went on to call “the group of student leaders.” Phase 2 included the socioeconomic characterization and training of rural residents by the group of student leaders and field experts in the same three dimensions (D-ML, D-AI, D-GI). We evaluated the perception and level of knowledge before and after training in 63 rural residents using an evaluative instrument. The perception of knowledge in rural residents was low for general knowledge (GTD) (2.48 ± 0.76, p < 0.05), D-ML (2.89 ± 1.18, p < 0.05) and D-AI/D-GI (2.17 ± 0.83, p < 0.05), in accordance with the 5-point Likert-type ordinal scale. When level of knowledge was measured before the theorical-practical training, the level of GTD was 45.9%, however, after the training it increased to 77.6% (p < 0.01), while the level of knowledge for D-AI increased from 38.5% pre-training to 80.6% (p <0.05) post-training, and level of knowledge for D-GI pre-training was 50.8% and increased to 73.0% (p < 0.01) post-training. Finally, the level of knowledge for D-ML increased (p < 0.01) from 54.8% pre-training to 75% post-training. Altogether, rural extension programs contribute to closing knowledge gaps in relation to the use of reproductive biotechnologies and bovine management in rural areas affected by armed conflict.

The Efficiency and Firm Performance Analysis of Nigeria Manufacturing Firms: Application of Stochastic Frontier Analysis Technique

ABSTRACT: Despite several measures adopted by the government to improve the efficiency of the manufacturing firms in Nigeria, the performance of these firms is below expectation. The poor performance of Nigerian manufacturing firms has prompted concern for Nigeria’s economic prospects in the long run. This needs to be addressed because, under this scenario, most development objectives would be difficult to achieve. Therefore, there is a need for Nigerian manufacturing firms to achieve high productivity to improve their performance. This study, therefore, evaluated the level of technical efficiency and examined the determinants of technical inefficiency in Nigerian manufacturing firms. It employed panel data of fifty-five manufacturing firms quoted in the Nigeria Stock Exchange Market from 1999 to 2020. The result from the Stochastic Frontier Analysis technique showed that all inputs (capital, labor, raw materials, cost of energy and other expenses) impacted positively on firms’ output at a 1% significance level. But the impact of raw material is the highest. It was also found that the mean efficiency for Nigerian manufacturing firms is 52.74%. Finally, it was revealed that the age of the firm, total assets and management efficiency are the technical inefficiency determinants in Nigerian manufacturing firms. This implies that the efficiency level of manufacturing firms in Nigeria can be improved by 47.26%. Also, manufacturing output can be enhanced by providing adequate raw materials. Furthermore, the efficiency of manufacturing firms in Nigeria is enabled by the managerial capability and asset size of the firms. The study suggested that government should give tax concessions on the purchase of raw materials (sourced domestically and externally) to encourage availability and use to optimize production. Also, manufacturing firms should encourage skill acquisition programs through various on-the-job training programs for managers and their entire workforce to boost labor productivity and performance. In addition, policies that will encourage good education system should be adopted by the government which will help the nation to produce trained and skilled labor force. Finally, manufacturing firms should mobilize more resources for the procurement, consolidation and expansion of the size of their assets using their undistributed corporate profit. Through its regulatory bodies [such as Federal Ministry of Industries, Trade and Investment, Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)], government should enforce minimal asset requirements for each sub-sector (industry) as a basis for takeoff and subsequent renewal of licence for the manufacturing firms in Nigeria.

Effect of Enterpreneurial Competencies on the Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Katsina State

The study examines the effect of entrepreneurial competencies on the performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Katsina state. Survey research design was employed in the study. This type of research design is adopted because the information about the independent variables and dependent variable represents what is going on at only one point in time Primary data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire issued to the respondents using stratified and simple random sampling technique. The data was collected from the sample size of 56 enterprises that cut across different small and medium enterprises. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to test and answer the questions set for the study. The findings revealed that entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurial characteristics have a positive effect on the performance of SMEs in the state. It was also found that entrepreneurial motives have a positive effect on the performance of SMEs. The study recommended a need for combined efforts between governments at all levels and NGOs towards not only funding but also initiating management training and development programmes for the entrepreneurs in order to enable them acquire necessary skills, enhance and appreciate their inborn personalities and abilities. The government shall also put in place entrepreneurship policy to nurture business startups through mentorship, motivation and attitude change as they walk through entrepreneurship journey.

Effectiveness of a Structured Disaster Management Training Program on Nurses’ Disaster Readiness for Response to Emergencies and Disasters: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background. Most frontline nurses lack sufficient readiness for effective disaster response. Therefore, designing a disaster management training program (DMTP) to promote nurses’ readiness for disaster response is imperative. Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured DMTP on nurses’ readiness for response to disasters. Methods. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. One hundred eligible nurses, recruited using convenience sampling from a medical centre in northern Taiwan, were randomly assigned to either the experimental (EG, n = 50) or control (CG, n = 50) group. Both groups received regular continuous nursing education. The EG received an extra two‐day (16 h) structured DMTP delivered by transdisciplinary collaborations through multiple teaching strategies (lectures, simulations, problem‐solving lessons, demonstrations, tabletop exercises, discussions, group presentations, and reflections). Readiness for disaster response, consisting of four subscales (emergency response, clinical management, self‐protection, and personal preparation), was assessed at baseline and 12 weeks after the intervention. Generalized estimating equations were used as the primary method of data analyses to evaluate the intervention effects. Results. Ninety‐four nurses (94%) completed the study, and 100 nurses were included in the intention‐to‐treat analysis. While participants in the EG had increased readiness for disaster response after training and at the 12‐week follow‐up, those in the CG exhibited no differences between baseline and 12‐week follow‐up. When the group × time interaction was examined, the EG had a greater increase in readiness for disaster response and its four domains, including emergency response, clinical management, self‐protection, and personal preparedness after 12 weeks, than the CG. Conclusion. A two‐day structured DMTP utilizing multiple teaching strategies through transdisciplinary collaborations is recommended to enhance hospital nurses’ readiness for disaster response. Implications for Nursing Management. Nursing leaders should consider incorporating such a structured DMTP into ongoing nursing training as a critical component of professional development programs, thereby strengthening nurses’ disaster readiness in hospital settings.

Training Public Health Nurses on Disaster Shelter Care Using a Flipped Classroom Approach.

With the increase in natural disasters and the expected role of public health nurses (PHNs) in responding, it is crucial to develop evidence-based disaster preparedness and management training programs tailored to the needs of PHNs. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a flipped classroom approach in disaster training for PHNs. A total of 42 PHNs completed a 5-hour online training program and an in-person 8-hour training session at a local nursing school. Surveys measuring self-reported confidence and knowledge were completed at the beginning and end of the online and in-person training. The average years of experience as an RN and PHN were 12.3 years and 6.7 years, respectively. Approximately 64% of participants had never deployed during a disaster. The pre- and posttest demonstrated a large effect size, indicating the effectiveness of both online and in-person training. The online training resulted in significant changes in knowledge. The in-person training showed a statistically significant increase in confidence across all measures. Online and in-person disaster preparedness training programs can effectively enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of PHNs. The majority of participants expressed that the training better prepared them to work in disaster shelters.

Occupational Stress among Psychiatric Nurses: A Literature Review

Background: Occupational stress among psychiatric nurses is a well-documented issue in the literature. This research can be regarded as the first recent investigation that offers a comprehensive review of contemporary literature examining occupational stress among psychiatric nurses. Purpose: This study aims to analyze previous research on occupational stress among psychiatric nurses. Methods: Multiple electronic databases were selected as follows: PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL. Proquest, Scopus, and Web of Science. The researchers used different combinations of keywords that mainly incorporate: “occupational stress, psychiatric nurses, and work environment". The studies were included if they were published between 2017 and 2023, and reported in English. This review included a total of twenty-five studies. Results: This review indicated that previous studies have identified various degrees and factors of stress that impact psychiatric nurses. These nurses utilized several coping methods to handle occupational stress, such as being confident in their capabilities and self-assurance. The previous literature also investigated the effects of several stress reduction interventions, such as educational interventions, mindfulness therapy, stress management training programs, and self-care activities. Conclusion: This literature review highlights the significant levels and sources of stress experienced by psychiatric nursing groups. By analyzing research published in different databases about occupational stress, this review provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary findings on the topic. Implications for Nursing: Identification of various levels and sources of stress highlights the need for targeted interventions tailored to the unique stressors experienced by psychiatric nurses. Keywords: Occupational stress, Work environment, Psychiatric nurses, Literature review

An Efficient Method for Finding Improvements in Japanese Management Training Programs Using Text Mining

While changes in the business environment are accelerating, working life is lengthening as we enter an era of 100-year lifespans, making it necessary for working adults to continually improve their skills. Training for working professionals is becoming increasingly important, and educational institutions continuously strive to improve their training programs. However, it is difficult to efficiently extract important information from the vast number of participant satisfaction survey comments for the purpose of program improvement. In this study, we used text mining to examine how to efficiently retrieve important information from comment data of satisfaction surveys on management training programs in Japan. In general, a method for extracting dissatisfaction from the polarity of words in comments has been considered. Nonetheless, the analysis results confirmed that even when describing dissatisfaction or demands expressions, Japanese managers do not use straightforward expressions, but rather characteristic expressions. Based on an understanding of their politeness and considerate expressions, we learned that extracting and utilizing keywords from the comments of a small group was effective in efficiently detecting the overall dissatisfaction and demand expressions. It was also discovered that the same working adults used different words to express dissatisfaction and demands, depending on their job positions. Using these novel study findings, essential improvements can be efficiently explored from post-training satisfaction questionnaires, contributing to improving the quality of education for working adults in the future.

Business Management Training and Assistance Towards Bankable MSMEs in Malaysia

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play an important role in a country's economy. MSMEs are the most strategic economic sector and concern the livelihoods of many people so they can become the backbone of the country's economy. Despite having an important role in the economy, many MSMEs in Malaysia still face challenges in improving their business management capabilities and meeting the requirements as MSMEs that meet the standards for obtaining funding from banks. One of the efforts made to help MSMEs in Malaysia is by holding a Business Management Training and Assistance program towards Bankable MSMEs. This program is designed to help MSMEs improve their skills and knowledge in managing their business more effectively and efficiently, as well as fulfill the requirements as bankable MSMEs so they can access financing sources more easily. Apart from that, the important role of technology in increasing business scale is also the main thing in this training. Business and financial governance is also an important part in raising the level of MSME business. By maximizing the function of technology and increasing capacity in business governance, MSMEs can reach a wider range of consumers and provide maximum service to their customers. In this way, MSMEs in Malaysia can grow to a larger scale. This international service activity was carried out on 23-24 July 2023 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. During this offline implementation, the service team held training and handed over meat grinding equipment.

The Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Staff Nurse Retention in Hospital Settings: A Systematic Review

Aim. This systematic review aimed to synthesise the relationship between transformational leadership style and staff nurse retention in hospital settings. Background. It is known that globally there is a shortage of nurses. Thus, nurse retention and organisational commitment have never been more critical. Nurse managers are responsible for staff retention. Therefore, nurse managers could reduce staff turnover by adopting the “right leadership style.” Methods. Systematic review, following the guidance of PRISMA. Databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsychInfo, Cochrane Central Register, and Embase were searched between 27th December 2021 and 22nd June 2023 to find relevant publications. Relevant studies were hand searched in January 2022 and June 2023 to source further potential evidence. A total of twelve articles were retrieved. Results. Twelve studies were included in this review, including six cross-sectional studies, two correlational studies, two cross-sectional correlational studies, and two surveys. In relation to retention, the primary outcome, data from eleven of the twelve studies reported statistical significance favouring transformational leadership improving staff retention. One study reported a statistically nonsignificant improvement in retention. Conclusion. There is evidence to suggest that transformational leadership may have a positive and significant relationship with staff nurse retention, job satisfaction, and quality of care. Implications for Nursing Management. Nurse managers should attend leadership and management training programs. This will allow them to understand and practice transformational leadership which may have a positive connection with staff nurse retention.

Educator–Learner Homophily Effect on Participants’ Adoption of Agribusiness Recordkeeping Practices

Homophily is the tendency of individuals to be attracted to and associate with people who share similar sociodemographic, behavioral, and intrapersonal characteristics. Homophily plays a significant role when introducing innovations to create behavioral change. Understanding the educator–learner homophily effect is important to introduce and diffuse innovations efficiently and effectively. A quasi-experimental design was used to test the effect of educator–learner homophily on technology adoption in agriculture. Researchers showed one of four instructional videos about agribusiness recordkeeping practices to 238 Guatemalan female farmers. After the video instruction, the participants were given agribusiness logbooks to track farm sales and expenses. Initially, literate participants were more than four times as likely to adopt agribusiness recordkeeping practices than illiterate participants. Logistic regression determined the effects of the trainer’s gender and nationality on the participants’ likelihoods of adopting agribusiness recordkeeping practices at 6- and 21-weeks post-training. The 21-week logistic regression model was statistically significant; participants who received training from a female instructor were 0.441 times less likely to adopt and maintain agribusiness recordkeeping practices over the long-term. Nationality was not associated with the likelihood of adopting recordkeeping as an agribusiness practice. Program administrators should consider trainers’ perceived credibility and participants’ cultural norms when planning agribusiness management training programs with topics having limited immediate benefit.

Knowledge Creation and Business Process Re-Engineering Outcomes of Financial Services

Purpose - The researcher investigates the extent to which knowledge sharing moderates the relationship between knowledge creation and business process re-engineering (BPR) outcomes of financial services offered by financial institutions in Uganda. Design/Methodology - The study adopted cross-sectional survey design to collect data at one point in time using self-administered questionnaire to examine the relationship between knowledge creation and business processes. The study at first used statistical package for social scientists to establish clusters among the surveyed financial services and later a model was derived using R programming software to test for knowledge creation and business process re-engineering performance outcomes. Findings - The study found a significant conditional effect of knowledge sharing on knowledge creation and business process re-engineering outcomes. Implying that investment in knowledge sharing creates awareness about the financial services outcomes of financial institutions using business process re-engineering to provide financial services. Originality - This study contributes to business process re-engineering literature by advancing the idea that BPR is an important economic resource that enhanced through instituting knowledge creation and sharing practices in a complex environment. Ideally, creating and sharing knowledge is one of the drivers of customer value, efficiency, and effectiveness of financial services in financial institutions. Practical Implications - Managers of financial institutions need to pay keen interest in managing business processes using relevant knowledge and transforming in new products, new processes, and new markets to boost business process re-engineering outcomes by building a strong knowledge creation system through training and development programs for senior managers.

Participation of Cocoa Farmers in Farmers Field School and its Effect on Yield in Osun State, Nigeria

This study examined the participation of farmers in Farmers Field School (FFS) and their effect on productivity in Osun state, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 98 respondents from the study area, with 50 being participating cocoa farmers in FFS) and 48 non-participating cocoa farmers. Data were collected with the aid of a semi-structured questionnaire and were analysed with percentages, mean and T-test. The result shows that the farmers participated in the management training programme. spacing, shading techniques, and making the decision about where to replant cocoa, Farmer’s field schools should be organized for all the cocoa farmers in all the cocoa-grown zones in Nigeria in order to increase their productivity, reduce poverty and increase their standard of living.

Assessing the Role of Strategic Project Management in Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Competitive Performance of Fashion Industry in Italy

This study examines the impact of strategic project management on operational efficiency and competitive performance within Italy's fashion industry. The purpose was to ascertain how strategic project management practices influence the operational effectiveness and market competitiveness of fashion businesses in a country renowned for its sartorial excellence. Anchored by the research problem that Italian fashion companies face increasing global competition and operational challenges, this inquiry adopted a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were gathered from 150 fashion firms across Italy, utilizing structured surveys to measure project management strategies and performance metrics. In parallel, qualitative interviews with 30 industry experts provided deeper insights. Findings indicated a significant correlation between strategic project management and enhanced operational efficiency, with statistics revealing that firms employing strategic project management were 35% more efficient in resource utilization. Moreover, these firms exhibited a 40% better market performance compared to those with ad-hoc or undeveloped project management approaches. The conclusion drawn from the study is that a rigorous strategic project management framework is essential for Italian fashion firms to thrive in the competitive global marketplace. Recommendations included the adoption of bespoke strategic project management training programs, investment in project management software tailored to the unique needs of fashion enterprises, and the integration of agile methodologies to foster adaptability and innovation. The study suggests that these measures could lead to sustained improvements in operational and competitive performance for the Italian fashion industry. Keywords: Strategic Project Management, Operational Efficiency, Competitive Performance, Fashion Industry, Italy

A Risk Management Training Program Designed to Empower Urban Women Farmers

Annie’s Project: Farming in New Jersey’s Cities and the Urban Fringe focused on the following five areas of risk identified by the US Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service: financial, production, marketing/price, legal/institutional, and human/personnel. Additional education regarding urban farming topics included securing suitable land, dealing with contaminated soils and alternative growing medias, and securing water for crop production. We delivered a series of six 3-hour evening classes to 23 producers. We administered a retrospective evaluation at the conclusion of the series and distributed an evaluation survey 6 months after training. Both evaluations found that participants increased their understanding of farm risks. Furthermore, they indicated they were better able to manage the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their farm business activities.