Work Tasks Research Articles

Allocating investigative resources within the Hungarian police force

The distribution of authority and competence is essential for all organizations, including law enforcement. The main focus is not just the existence of this distribution but its actual functionality, particularly from a professional and scientific standpoint regarding resource allocation. Distributing work tasks involves determining the general investigative authority's capacity to respond to crimes across different geographical areas. The aim is to deploy the appropriate forces and tools to different cases. Efficient distribution of resources is crucial as it impacts the quality of criminal investigation work, minimizes crime-related costs, and mitigates social effects. This study aims to evaluate how well the current regulations and practices match investigative resources with arising tasks and what principles guide the allocation of police forces and assets for law enforcement purposes. The focus is on whether the police's investigative activities are effective socially and scientifically rather than purely from a statistical viewpoint.

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Related Risk Factors in Iranian Military Personnel: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) are prevalent and costly diseases in military occupations. WRMSDs are prevalent and costly diseases in military occupations. We investigated the exposure to ergonomic risk factors and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among military personnel in the workplace. Method: We aimed to investigate MSDs by conducting electronic searches on Persian databases such as SID, MagIran, and IranMedex, and English databases like PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Scopus. The search was not restricted by time and was conducted until Dec 20, 2021. Two researchers independently extracted the data, and the quality of the research was evaluated using the STROBE checklist. The results of different studies were merged and incorporated into the analysis using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) v3 software. Results: Eleven qualitative studies found that 92% of the respondents were men (83% to 96%). The mean age was 34.17 ± 0.16 yr, with a confidence interval (of 95% CI:33.85-34.48). The mean BMI was 25±0.39 with a confidence interval of 95% CI:24.28-25.84. The mean work record was 12.89±0.81 yr with a confidence interval of 95% CI:11.30-11.48. The highest outbreak of MSDs is in the knee at 38.1% (95%CI:32.1-44.4), 37.6% of the neck (95% CI:24.8-52.5), and 32.5% of the shoulder. (95%CI:22.5-44.3) was observed. Conclusion: The wide role of various dimensions of work tasks and repetitive tasks (such as lifting, moving or changing positions, standing for long periods, as well as improper postures) in causing WRMSDs. Additionally, the risk factor in the workplace has financial implications for the military organization. The reduction of physical and psychological demands, as well as the improvement of ergonomic standards in the workplace, should be addressed to decrease MSDs in military centers.

Performing the ideal adoptive parent in Swedish adoption assessment interviews

ABSTRACT Assessment and evaluation of parenting ability are central tasks in social work. However, parenthood is a normative and morally bound practice, subject to cultural expectations about what constitutes ‘good’ parenthood. In adoption assessment interviews, prospective adoptive parents’ potential as parents is thoroughly examined, requiring adoption applicants to articulate their ideas about future parenthood. This study is based on authentic assessment interviews conducted in Sweden between social workers and prospective adoptive parent, in the context of an international adoption process. The article explores how ideals of adoptive parenthood are expressed and performed by prospective adoptive parents in their interactions with social workers. The findings show that adoption applicants present their suitability as parents based on references to children’s needs, specific personal characteristics, and envisioned future actions. The study supports previous research on idealized parental models in adoption assessments and provides insights into how these portrayals are shaped through interaction. Furthermore, the study raises questions about the governance of specific parenthood ideals and the limited opportunities adoption applicants have to express or explore alternative perspectives on parenthood.

Метаресурс жизненной успешности у различных категорий сотрудников органов внутренних дел Российской Федерации

The article poses the problem of studying the constructive (resource) aspect of the personality of employees of internal affairs bodies, which has a positive impact on the success of their professional activities. An understanding of the meta-resource of a person’s success in life is given, which helps determine the significance of individual elements of life and its general understanding, performs an acceptor function and is a predictor in relation to subjective (internal) and some objective (external) indicators of professional success of employees of internal affairs bodies. A meaningful description of the components of the meta-resource of life success as a systemic education is presented: reflexive mechanisms, integrative qualities and emotional experiences. The purpose of the study, which is to study the severity of the components of the metaresource of life successfulness and their relationship among various categories of employees of internal affairs bodies, was achieved through the use of comparative analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis difference test and correlation analysis when processing empirical results obtained from a sample of employees consisting of 1278 people (adjuncts, cadets, teachers of educational organizations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, psychologists working with personnel and PDN employees from various regions of the Russian Federation). The study was carried out using the author’s methodology “Success in Life” (N.A. Deeva (Semenova)). The results of a comparative analysis of empirical data showed the presence of statistically significant differences between the indicators of reflexive mechanisms and emotional experiences in the studied categories of employees. The lowest indicators are typical for the categories of adjuncts and PDN employees; the most favorable picture is typical for teachers and cadets. The results of the correlation analysis showed the most favorable picture also in the categories of cadets and teachers, where all indicators of the components of the metaresource of life successfulness have positive significant relationships. In the categories of adjuncts, psychologists and PDN employees, there is a lack of significant correlations between indicators of emotional experiences and indicators of reflexive mechanisms and integrative qualities. This feature is probably associated with the nature of professional activity and is expressed by problems of emotional involvement in the process of anticipating the results of activity, emotional assessment of the results obtained, and emotional experience of the process of achieving the goal. The article outlines the possibilities of taking into account the results obtained when implementing the main directions and tasks of psychological work within the framework of moral and psychological support for the activities of the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation.

Flexibility potentials of digital work communication – mothers’ labour market involvement in comparative perspective

ABSTRACT Digital work communication offers increased flexibility in timing and location, helping employees, particularly mothers, balance work and private life. This flexibility can enhance mothers' ability to increase their contracted hours in paid employment, especially given the impact of childbirth on their careers. Drawing on boundary management theory, this study posits that digital communication with supervisors enables mothers to better manage work tasks alongside personal obligations, potentially allowing them to work longer hours. However, the actual use of this flexibility is influenced by a country’s level of de-familialisation, which refers to family policies that reduce care dependency. Analyzing data from the European Social Survey involving 3,179 mothers across 25 countries, the study found that mothers generally worked longer hours when they utilized digital communication more frequently. Comparisons across countries showed that this relationship was stronger in nations with robust de-familialisation policies. The findings suggest that the potential of digital work communication to enhance work involvement is particularly leveraged in countries that promote de-familialisation, allowing mothers to navigate their professional and personal responsibilities more effectively.

Methodical Principles of Using Mobile Applications in the Professional Training of Future Biology Teachers

The article explores the methodical principles of using mobile applications during the professional training of future biology teachers in higher educational institutions. It is determined that the significance of using modern mobile learning tools is driven by the informatization of the educational process and the necessity to develop key information and digital competencies among future teachers. It is emphasized that forced distance learning requires new teaching methods and tools. It has been found that recently almost all students in general secondary education institutions possess and use mobile phones at a professional level. It is proven that smartphones or tablets can be effective learning tools for the educational process, provided that teachers are skilled in their application. The possibilities of using mobile applications in the educational process of the professional training of future biology teachers are analyzed, revealing methodical approaches to their use: in lectures and laboratory sessions on the methodology of teaching biology, in completing independent work tasks, and in informal or non-formal education.

LEADERSHIP PRACTICES OF SCHOOL HEADS AND WORK TASK MOTIVATION AS PREDICTORS OF TEACHERS’ BEHAVIOR

This study determined the significant influence of school head leadership practices and work task motivation as predictors of teachers’ behaviour. The quantitative approach using the correlational technique and analysis was utilized in this study with a sample of 325 teachers from the elementary schools of Caraga District, Schools Division of the City of Davao Oriental. Sets of adapted survey questionnaires were used to obtain data from the respondents subjected to content validity and reliability analysis. The data were analyzed using the Mean, Pearson-r, and Multiple Regression Analysis. The results reveal that the leadership practices were rated very high, and work task motivation was also rated as high. At the same time, teacher behaviour was rated high. Moreover, a significant relationship existed between these variables. A significant relationship between leadership practices and teacher behaviour was significant. A significant relationship between work task motivation and teacher behaviour was also significant. The extent of the influence of predictor variables on teacher behaviour was proven significant in the study.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0789/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Logic of internship learning in hybrid engineering workplace settings: a sociomaterial assemble of digital tools, humans and activities

ABSTRACT During the recent pandemic, established modes of organising internships in engineering were disrupted; Internships often transitioned into hybrid formats with extensive online activity. But, empirical research on the quality of learning in engineering during these exceptional circumstances is limited. This study therefore examines internship experiences among engineering undergraduates (N = 39) in Singapore through semi-structured interviews conducted at two different time points. Thematic analysis revealed four challenges encountered by interns when access to engineering sites was disrupted. These included changes to processes of learning through the reorganisation of work routines requiring interns to adeptly utilise diverse technological tools and digital platforms for remote collaboration. Interns faced difficulties in gaining insights into the logic of engineering work through disrupted workflow. This was not helped when their learning experiences were also contingent upon the availability of meaningful work tasks. Finally, interns had to adapt to virtual and on-demand networking as a means of integrating into the engineering practice. Thus, the shift presented both challenges and opportunities for interns to learn about engineering in unprecedented ways. This research sheds light on how interns adapt during severe disruptions to engineering work environments, emphasising the importance of considering the sociomaterial context for supporting interns in hybrid workplaces.

Perceived Effects of Robotic Process Automation on Work Tasks and Processes: A Study of an IT Company in the Republic of Serbia

Perceived Effects of Robotic Process Automation on Work Tasks and Processes: A Study of an IT Company in the Republic of Serbia

Managing Overload: Tactics for Helping Leaders Combat Chronic Overwhelm

This article explores research-backed strategies for dealing with the chronic feelings of being overwhelmed that affect an estimated 75% of today's business professionals according to existing research. With overwhelm linked to negative consequences such as burnout, poor decision-making, and an inability to meet organizational goals, the article presents four key tactics drawn from research that leaders can use to better manage their workload and regain a sense of control. The strategies discussed include conducting an audit of current responsibilities to identify unnecessary tasks that can be cut, limited multitasking and interruptions through setting distraction-free periods allowing focus on priorities, empowering others through clear and appropriate delegation to reduce reliance on self, and instituting effective time management practices such as blocking out periods for priority work and batching related tasks. Case studies and findings are discussed for each approach. By adjusting perspectives and optimizing processes using evidence-based methods such as these, the article argues overwhelmed leaders can significantly reduce their chronic feelings of being overworked in support of both strong leadership performance and well-being within today's fast-paced business environment.

Ergonomic Industry Efforts to Prevent Business Failure

This article discusses and discovers ergonomic industrial efforts to prevent losses, aka preventing business failure. This article is designed descriptively. This design uses literature to collect data, namely data from various opinions and research results. Then it is analyzed and discussed using descriptive methods as well. Conclusion: 1. In industrial business work activities, ergonomic performance must be balanced between capacity and work tasks. Ergonomic industrial businesses are able to harmonize human needs, machines, material needs, work/production methods, funding needs and sales capacity in the market; 2. Management must be managed ergonomically, that is, in a balanced/harmonious manner that runs well, thereby preventing business failure. With an ergonomic approach, your business will be sustainable. Suggestion: Harmonious application of the 6 M's (man, machine, material, method, money, marketing) in new or existing businesses must be implemented to avoid losses

Assessing the effectiveness of implementing immersive technologies within university sustainable development systems

The subject of this study is the processes of assessing the effectiveness of the implementation of immersive technologies in the systems of sustainable development at universities. The problem that determined the purpose of the work is the lack of methodological tools for assessing the level of efficiency in the implementation of immersive technologies on the basis of sustainable development (using an example of Lviv Polytechnic National University). The authors’ toolkit includes a system of indicators, a methodological approach to the use of software for their evaluation, and a matrix for interpreting the results. The choice of the efficiency assessment method is based on the theory of fuzzy sets. The study of the factors influencing the effectiveness of the implementation of immersive technologies in the educational process has made it possible to form a system of integrated indicators, including indicators designed to comprehensively identify its level in the student and teaching environments. The indicator of effectiveness of immersive technologies implemented by students contributes to a thorough analysis of their ability to generate innovations based on such technologies. This indicator allows lecturers to determine the level of effectiveness of the use of immersive technologies in teaching. Taking into account the ideology embedded in the sustainable development systems of universities, the authors' indicators reflect the principles of sustainability. The GE/McKinsey matrix was adapted for the purpose of economic interpretation of mathematical results. The designed methodological tools were tested for courses at the Lviv Polytechnic. The following levels of student performance were obtained: 83.5, 61.5, and 69.8 units, lecturers – 91.2, 78.4, and 82.7 units, which indicates the productivity of lecturer training and a high level of students' understanding of project work tasks. This proved the validity and possibility of using the tools in university practice

The Relationship Between Knowledge And Attitudes Towards Ergonomic Behavior Of Employees At Upt Lik Magetan District

Ergonomic problems are related to the body's suitability to work tools when performing work tasks. Based on an initial study conducted by researchers on 10 employees at UPT LIK, Magetan Regency. There are 7 out of 10 workers who lack understanding about ergonomics such as how to lift weights, the maximum limit of the weight lifted, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the effects of excessive weight lifting. Meanwhile, in the IKM section, understanding the principles of ergonomics is very important, because the work done by employees is closely related to ergonomics. The lack of awareness of workers in implementing ergonomic behavior is influenced by knowledge factors and work attitudes. Poor work knowledge and attitude are caused by the lack of ergonomics application by the industry to workers. In addition, workers also lack understanding of ergonomics in the work environment. This type of research is a quantitative research with cross sectional research. The population in this study is 230 respondents with a sample of 70 respondents in this study. The data of this study was obtained from the collection of questionnaire sheets and observation sheets. Data analysis using the Chi Square Test. The results of the bivariate test in this study showed that there was no relationship between the independent variable of knowledge and ergonomic behavior with p = 0.687 and there was a relationship between the independent variable of attitude and ergonomic behavior with p = 0.000 The conclusion in this study is that there is no significant relationship between knowledge and ergonomic behavior and there is a significant relationship between attitudes to ergonomic behavior. Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Ergonomic Behavior

CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICING WOMEN’S FOOTBALL AS A FREE-TIME MOTOR ACTIVITY

Background. Motor activities are actions that involve the movement of the body and the use of the locomotor apparatus in order to fulfill the proposed tasks and objectives. These are important activities for the physical development of the individual and the health of the human body in general. Lately, more and more emphasis has been placed on devoting free time to activities of relaxation, entertainment, personal development, socializing, to restore the body after the pressure exerted by work tasks or other daily responsibilities. Motor activities can lead to the recovery of the required body, movement being a tool/means of relaxation, revitalization and optimization of physical condition. For females, involvement in sports activities has been limited by historical and social contexts. Introduced in Romania only three decades ago, women's football represents one of the team sports with multiple benefits, both physically and mentally, a fact for which it can be successfully classified in the category of free-time motor activities. Purpose. The aim of the paper is to highlight the importance of playing football by women as a leisure activity. Thus, the presentation highlights the physiological and psychological benefits of this sport on the female body. These aspects are discussed through the prism of my personal experience as a player in the Representative Football Team of the University of Bucharest. Rezults. Playing football, among other things, leads to the improvement of physical and mental resistance, resilience, tolerance and collaborative character, contributes to the hormonal balance of the body and the intensification of metabolic processes. At the same time, through the intense and complex demand on the body, women's football presents benefits on the cardio-respiratory system, reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion. From my experience as a player of women's football, both in my spare time and within the Representative Football Team of the University of Bucharest, we can conclude that this sport fits very well the physical needs of anyone who wants their free time to be used for health, relaxation and socializing.

The role of feedback in the development of managers

The landscape in which modern organisations operate is rapidly changing and requires managerial agility. This necessitates a frequent review of how managers are developed. The aim of this article is to examine the role of workplace feedback in employee development. This will be achieved by developing a contemporary and comprehensive definition of feedback and specifying the elements of feedback that are associated with managerial development. Employing a qualitative, non-systematic literature review approach, journal articles and textbooks published after 2015, with feedback as their primary theme, were systematically selected and analysed for their content as well as the seminal works they referred to. The analysed literature suggests that feedback forms part of a dynamic communication and learning process. Development-driven feedback is information presented to recipients regarding their behaviour and/or performance in executing work tasks, as assessed by supervisors, subordinates, peers, coworkers, or the recipients themselves, with the intent to enhance work relationships and job performance. The elements central to structuring feedback were identified as purpose, content, source, frequency, timing, and delivery. These elements are customised to meet workplace performance requirements, also taking individual skill sets and personalised needs into account. A broad base of academic literature was captured and integrated to reach a comprehensive understanding of feedback as a development intervention. It was concluded that, although complex, literature on feedback can be consolidated to present both an inclusive definition of the concept and the elements associated with it.

The Use of Heart Rate Measures to Evaluate Stress Levels among Air Traffic Controllers

This paper looks at the possibility of using a heart rate monitor to evaluate stress levels among Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs). Air Traffic Control (ATC) service requires constant good planning, situation awareness, and always making sound decisions. A study was conducted on two ATCOs for three complete work cycles: the morning shift from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the afternoon shift from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., and the night shift from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m. Both participants have different roles, with Subject A being a planner controller while Subject B is a radar controller. The study used the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) survey to collect the subjective workload rating and a heart rate monitor armband to measure the heart rate reading of an ATCO and then compare it with the number of aircraft within the controlled area. Two hypotheses were investigated: the first one is the relationship between the number of traffic and heart rate readings, and the second hypothesis is the relationship between the elapsed working time and heart rate reading. The Spearman correlation test has been used to determine these relationships. Based on the results, a p-value of less than 0.05 and a positive correlation indicates a significant relationship between the number of aircraft and heart rate readings for both subjects. Elapsed time and heart rate measurement, on the other hand, do not significantly correlate with a p-value greater than 0.05 and a negative correlation was produced for both subjects. The unweighted NASA-TLX workload measure confirmed the findings for Subject A but not for Subject B. This might be due to the different roles carried out by both subjects during the experiment. This shows that different work tasks resulted in different workload-induced factors. The results show a promising outcome of using a heart rate monitor to evaluate stress levels among ATCOs. However, more subjects were needed to enable the use of this concept for future purposes of measuring ATCO stress levels to manage workload.

Including highly educated migrants in academia to improve their health-protocol for a pilot intervention.

Norway's healthcare system needs a diversified work force to meet societal demands for improved cultural competence. However, many migrants in Norway who were educated as health professions in their home countries are not practicing these professions. This may negatively affect their physical and mental health and hinder their personal social integration. Though good health is often seen as a precondition for work, relevant working activities can also improve health. However, including health professionals with foreign education in academic institutions prior to receiving necessary accreditation is a complex task. This study will pilot an intervention aiming to improve health through meaningful integration of these professionals in academic environments. This paper is a protocol for a non-randomized pilot intervention study targeting migrants who are waiting for their health education accreditation in Norway. To test the benefits of meaningful activity on health and explore possibilities for implementing such activity, we have designed a six-month long intervention consisting of including nurses, doctors, and other highly educated migrants with healthcare backgrounds between 20 and 67 years of age, into health-related working tasks, at two higher education institutions in Bergen, Norway. The intervention will be tailored according to the participant's expertise. This hybrid type 2 pilot protocol paper will present how feasibility, fidelity, dose received (satisfaction), and dose of exposure (participation), will be assessed and whether the intervention is experienced as beneficial for the participants' health as primary outcome utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods. We present a complex, personalized intervention that has the potential for large scale implementation in the future. By thoroughly presenting our designed intervention and assessment methods, this protocol will add to the study's transparency and facilitate replicability and comparison with future studies. This study will be of benefit to the migrants themselves, policy makers, government agencies and academia at large as it can point to a unique and sustainable way of speeding up the integration of highly educated migrants in their respective fields in a new host country.

The relational recession in social work: adult social care in the age of austerity

ABSTRACT The primary resources available to social workers are themselves, with building and using effective relationships central to the social work task. More than a decade of austerity policies has impacted how social workers practice. The current barriers to relationship-based practice in work with adults are such that we are experiencing a relational recession – that is the inability to practice in a way that prioritises the relationship. The present article will evaluate two key barriers to relationship-based social work: 1) The current context of austerity and new care management, 2) The emotional demands of the role. Practice can emerge from the relational recession through a shift from case management supervision, towards a supervisory relationship which replicates the conditions required for relationship-based practice to flourish.

Job Satisfaction Among First-Generation Migrant Physicians in Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine in Germany.

This study examines job satisfaction, burnout, and well-being among first-generation migrant physicians in anesthesiology and intensive care medicine in Germany, comparing them to their native German counterparts. A cross-sectional survey design was utilized, collecting data from 513 physicians, 110 of whom identified as having a migration background. Job satisfaction was measured using the Warr-Cook-Wall (WCW) Job Satisfaction Scale, burnout was assessed with the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), and well-being was evaluated using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. The job satisfaction ratings revealed no significant differences between migrant and German physicians in most dimensions, including physical workload, freedom to choose work methods, satisfaction with colleagues, responsibility, income, skill utilization, and variety in work tasks. However, migrant physicians reported significantly higher satisfaction with recognition received for their work and lower dissatisfaction with working hours. Burnout assessments showed that migrant physicians experienced higher psychological strain, perceiving every work hour as more exhausting and having significantly less energy for family and friends. Migrant physicians reported higher difficulty and frustration in working with patients. Well-being items indicated that migrant physicians felt less energetic and active but found their daily life more filled with interesting activities. Notably, the multivariate analyses of the total scale scores did not show significant associations between migration background and the overall outcome scales. The findings indicate unique challenges faced by migrant physicians, particularly in terms of recognition and patient-related burnout. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions to support migrant physicians, including cultural competence training and flexible working hours to enhance their job satisfaction and overall well-being. Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining the quality of patient care and the occupational health of migrant physicians in Germany.

Contemporary Chinese vocational interest scale in the digital age: development and validation

Holland’s Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional (RIASEC) model has been widely used for career counseling, vocational assessment, and educational choice. However, vocational interest types can be affected by culture, and the fourth industrial revolution has led to the emergence of many new occupations, rendering many occupational titles and work tasks in Holland’s RIASEC model outdated. The present study proposed nine interest types in contemporary China: Artistic (A), Natural (N), Enterprising (E), Conventional (C), Technological (T), Investigative (I), Powerful (P), Social (S), and Operational (O), and developed a vocational interest scale with nine subscales. We generated items by drawing from a literature review, occupational categories, and expert reviews, used exploratory factor analysis (EFA, N = 628, Mage = 12.75 years; 47% girls) to reduce the number of items, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, N = 627, Mage = 12.76 years; 48% girls) to validate the factor structure. This study clarified vocational interest types in contemporary China, developed and validated a vocational interest scale for the digital age, and provided a measurement tool for educational choice and career counseling.