Ultimate Gap Research Articles

Impact of micro-credential learning on students' perceived employability: the mediating role of human capital

PurposeThis paper examines the influence of micro-credential learning on students' perceived employability. In addition, the study aims to explore different components that will help students to gain knowledge, enhance their careers and develop their human capital (social, cultural and scholastic capital). Hence, the study also analyzed the mediating role of human capital on the aforementioned association.Design/methodology/approachExplanatory research was conducted by utilizing a correlational research design. A questionnaire comprising of closed-ended items was utilized in the study. The data was analyzed by employing PLS-SEM technique.FindingsOur findings stipulate that micro-credential learning is an essential component to improve students' perceived employability. The study identified that micro-credential programs have a positive relationship with students' perceived employability. Moreover, the findings that micro-credential learning significantly impacts students' human capital, i.e. cultural, social and scholastic capital. Additionally, human capital acts as a significant mediator in the relationship between micro-credential learning and students' perceived employability. Moreover, participation in micro-credential learning can ensure that students can identify diverse career directions, seek information about the labor market and educational system, attain relevant qualifications for their vocations, and develop a plan for their future.Originality/valueMicro-credential programs are short and focused educational programs that offer specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area. These programs are becoming increasingly popular in the modern workforce to upskill or reskill quickly and efficiently. However, lack of empirical evidence is the ultimate gap in determining the importance of micro-credential learning; as the limited literature is unable to determine the importance of MCL on students' perceived employability. Thus, the study identifies the impact of micro-credential learning on students' perceived employability.

Trust Issue in Family Businesses and Its Relationships with Institutionalization

Though family businesses dominate business environment globally, there is a lack of research about these businesses. A literature review yields that trust among family members is such an issue. With the aim of contributing in this sense, this study considers intra-family trust within family businesses. Literature unveils that another faint area of research pertains to family business institutionalization. A general view is that institutionalization of family businesses means professionalization not only in business operations and management, but also in organizational culture passed through family members’ generations. The lack of in-depth studies related to pillars and nature of this institutionalization however, is an issue, which is worth considering. Therefore, this study also aims to make a contribution by finding out facts about family business institutionalization. Beyond these, the ultimate gap to be filled in is how an informal issue such as intra-family trust can be related with a more formal issue, professionalization or namely family business institutionalization. With this specific gap in mind, this study uniquely tries to unearth how intra-family trust and family business institutionalization are related. For these purposes, a pilot study and a detailed research are performed on family businesses in organized industrial zones in Istanbul, Turkey.