Engineering Workforce Research Articles

A Impact of E-Commerce on Supply Chain Operations Adapting Strategies for Online Sales Growth with Special Reference to More Retail Pvt Ltd Mandya Karnataka

E-commerce has revolutionized the retail sector, reshaping traditional supply chain operations and prompting businesses to adopt innovative strategies for online sales growth. This study examines the impact of e-commerce on supply chain management with special reference to More Retail Pvt Ltd in Mandya, Karnataka. It explores how the company has adapted its operations to meet the demands of digital transformation, enhancing efficiency, customer satisfaction, and competitiveness in the market. The research delves into key areas, including inventory management, logistics, procurement, and last-mile delivery. It evaluates the challenges faced by More Retail Pvt Ltd, such as infrastructure limitations, rising customer expectations, and the need for technological integration. Furthermore, the study highlights the strategies implemented by the company to overcome these challenges, such as adopting advanced supply chain technologies, leveraging data analytics, and optimizing warehouse and distribution processes. The findings indicate that the integration of e-commerce into supply chain operations has enabled More Retail Pvt Ltd to achieve greater agility and scalability. However, it also underscores the necessity for continuous improvement in technology adoption, workforce training, and customer engagement to sustain growth in a competitive e-commerce landscape. KEYWORDS: E-commerce, Supply Chain Management, Online Sales Growth, More Retail Pvt Ltd, Digital Transformation. N

Assessment of digital transformation levels in hospitals: A case study of Hanoi, Vietnam

This study assesses the level of digital transformation in hospitals in Hanoi, Vietnam, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of digital technology adoption in healthcare. The results indicate that most hospitals are at the “Practitioner” level, reflecting progress in technology implementation but still facing many shortcomings and inconsistencies. The evaluation model is based on five key factors: “Strategy,” “Customer experience,” “Information Systems and technological infrastructure,” “People and culture,” and “Operations”. The “Strategy” factor has the greatest impact, highlighting the importance of leadership awareness, strategic integration, and investment in IT infrastructure in driving digital transformation. Following this are the factors of “Information systems and technology,” “People and culture,” “Customer experience,” and “Operations.” The study also identifies gaps in technology infrastructure and workforce training, providing solutions to improve the level of digital transformation and enhance the quality of healthcare services to meet development needs in the context of globalization.

Integrated STEM Education Competence Framework for University Lecturers

The rapid advancement of science, engineering, and technology, driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, has heightened the demand for a highly skilled workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Integrated STEM education has emerged as a key driver of educational innovation in Vietnam, spanning both general and higher education. The competence of university lecturers in delivering integrated STEM education, a newly recognized pedagogical and professional skill set, is crucial to the success of STEM education at the tertiary level. As with general pedagogical competence, the development of an integrated STEM education competence framework is essential for enhancing this capability among university lecturers. However, there remains a lack of theoretical foundation and best practices tailored to the Vietnamese higher education context. This study aims to develop a framework for integrated STEM education competence specifically for university lecturers through document analysis and survey research. Multivariate statistical techniques, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Cronbach’s alpha, and Pearson correlation, were applied to data collected from 205 lecturers across nine public universities in Vietnam. The integrated STEM education competence framework for Vietnamese university lecturers consists of three component competencies and 23 items: designing and implementing integrated STEM education (15 items), assessing integrated STEM learning outcomes (4 items), and demonstrating positive attitudes towards integrated STEM education (4 items). The framework was found to be both reliable and valid, with strong positive correlations among the three component competencies. This study also outlines limitations and provides recommendations for future research.

Management And Administration: Comprehensive Review of Governance Models and Organizational Adaptability in Health Systems

Healthcare systems and organizational change, together with governance models, remain vital to understanding the stability of health systems. This review further looks into the various forms of governance in the healthcare systems in different countries across the globe, with the effects of these governance models on the system's performance examined. Lastly, organizational flexibility is also considered when availing health systems for emerging health challenges. Discussing centralized, decentralized, and hybrid governance models, the paper evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the corresponding approach. Furthermore, it also points out the chief trends of the evolving healthcare system and the emergence of a more adaptable and responsive culture, particularly in the era that has experienced pandemics. The review also discusses the opportunities for technology use, public-private partnerships, and workforce training to enhance the organization's resilience to health systems. Implications of the present study are that good governance, combined with a well-coordinated and adaptable system, augments health, productivity, and access for the public. The review ends by recommending better governance structures, flexibility, and system issues in healthcare delivery.

Addressing Today's Software Risks Requires an Assurance-Educated Workforce

There is a significant gap in the current acquisition and engineering workforce's knowledge, skills, and support resources needed to address software and supply chain risk. This gap is widened by two factors: the growing reliance on software to handle system functionality and the exponential increase in cyber attacks. These factors underscore the importance of ensuring that all acquisition software functions as intended and is free from vulnerabilities that can create or contribute to existing cybersecurity issues. However, acquirers, developers, program managers, systems engineers, and decision makers typically lack the knowledge required to create and comply with these requirements. Determining who should be trained and how they should be trained has been an ongoing discussion in the software community for several years. In this paper, we summarize the efforts currently underway to address gaps in workforce knowledge, skills, and support resources based on recent publications and panel discussions held by the Software Assurance Supply Chain (SSCA) forum.

Advancing quantum technology workforce: industry insights into qualification and training needs

The transition of second-generation quantum technologies from a research topic to a topic of industrial relevance has led to a growing number of quantum companies and businesses that are exploring quantum technologies. Examples would include a start-up building a quantum key distribution device, a large company working on integrating a quantum sensing core into a product, or a company providing quantum computing consultancy. They all face different challenges and needs in terms of building their quantum workforce and training in quantum concepts, technologies and how to derive value from them. With the study documented in this paper, we aim to identify these needs and provide a picture of the industry’s requirements in terms of workforce development and (external) training and materials. We discuss, for example, the shortage of engineers and jobs relevant to the quantum industry, the challenge of getting people interested in quantum, and the need for training at different levels and in different formats – from awareness raising and self-learning materials to university courses in quantum systems engineering. The findings are based on 34 semi-structured interviews with industry representatives and a follow-up questionnaire to validate some of the issues raised in the interviews. These results have influenced activities in EU projects, including an update of the European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies.

Data proficiency in MAE education: Insights from student perspectives and experiences

This paper explores how mechanical and aerospace engineering (MAE) students understand and improve their data proficiency throughout their engineering curriculum. Data is essential for engineering students to be proficient in handling, as it is involved in every aspect of engineering. With the growing ubiquity of data and data analysis in all engineering fields, engineering students need to learn and master data skills to be competitive in the current and future job market. However, there is a lack of research on how non-computer science or software engineering majors perceive data proficiency and how they seek opportunities to develop data skills, especially as it relates to specific subdomains. In this paper, we investigate how students perceive data proficiency and how they develop using interview data from N = 27 MAE students at a research institution in the southeastern United States. Using the How People Learn framework, we analyzed the data through thematic analysis methods with a postpositivist approach, considering the bounded context of this study. The results show that MAE students value data proficiency as a crucial skill for their future careers and recognize its importance in making evidence-based engineering decisions. The study also reveals that, even though data proficiency is often a “hidden competency,” MAE students intuitively find various ways to enhance their data skills. These findings may help engineering educators to tailor their instruction to their students’ needs, address misconceptions about data and data proficiency, and prepare a data-literate future engineering workforce.

Application of Time-Series Modeling in Forecasting the Doctorate-Level Science and Technology Workforce

The science and technology (S&T) workforce plays a crucial role in social development by promoting technological innovation and economic growth, as well as serving as a key indicator of research and development productivity and measure of innovation capability. Therefore, effective S&T workforce policies must be established to enhance national competitiveness. This study proposes a time-series forecasting methodology to predict the scale and structural trends of South Korea’s doctorate-level S&T workforce. Based on earlier research and case data, we applied both the traditional time-series model exponential smoothing and the latest model Prophet, developed by Meta, in this study. Further, public data from South Korea were used to apply the proposed models. To ensure robust model evaluation, we considered multiple metrics. With respect to both forecasting accuracy and sensitivity to data variability, Prophet was found to be the most suitable for predicting the S&T doctorate workforce’s scale. The scenarios derived from the Prophet model can help the government formulate policies based on scientific evidence in the future.

Nurturing Women in STEM: A Multifaceted Approach for India

Despite advancements in education, women remain underrepresented in India's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce, impacting diversity and innovation. The author examined 74 articles published between 2004 and 2024 by reviewing the existing literature. The multifaceted challenges hindering women's participation and growth in STEM fields within India are explored. While acknowledging global barriers, it emphasizes India's unique socio-cultural context, including patriarchal norms, early marriage pressures, the rise of nuclear families with diminished extended family support, and inadequate institutional support. During the investigation, it is observed that the majority of research is concentrated on the difficulties women experience in academia. The research advocates for a holistic approach, fostering an environment where women's STEM aspirations can flourish. Key recommendations include early STEM exposure, addressing biases, cultivating inclusive environments, promoting flexible work arrangements, and challenging stereotypes. Additionally, it is crucial to address the challenges of modern times faced by women in nuclear families, such as childcare concerns and lack of family support, to create a truly equitable STEM landscape. Through concerted efforts at all levels, India can nurture a supportive ecosystem for women in STEM, unlocking the full potential of its female talent pool and fostering a more innovative and prosperous future.

Impact of an immersive engineering program on children's understanding of and interest in engineering: Addressing gender stereotypes

AbstractBackgroundThe gender gap in engineering presents a critical barrier to achieving a diverse and innovative engineering workforce. This gap is influenced by gender stereotypes, socialization processes, masculine culture, and insufficient early experiences with engineering. These contribute to diminished STEM self‐concept, interest, and participation among women.Purpose/HypothesisThis study assessed an engineering outreach program's impact on children's understanding of and interest in engineering and beliefs about who can be an engineer. It compared whether discussions of gender bias differentially influenced these outcomes for girls and boys.Design/MethodThe study was a short‐term sequential quasi‐experimental design with boys and girls in grades 4–5. Six classroom groups attended a half‐day engineering field trip and were randomly assigned to two conditions: Gender Presentation or No Gender Presentation. Pre‐ and post‐program surveys measured changes in understanding of and interest in engineering and beliefs about who can be an engineer.ResultsAll children, regardless of gender or condition, had higher understanding of and interest in engineering after the program, but also demonstrated a bias in selecting men over women as engineers. Participants reported that both girls and boys like and are good at engineering and these ratings increased from the pre‐program to the post‐program survey.ConclusionThis research affirms the effectiveness of immersive and inclusive programming in enhancing children's understanding of and interest in engineering. No substantial gender‐specific differences emerged regarding the impact of discussions on gender biases. The program underscores the value of early inclusive educational interventions in fostering equitable interest in engineering among young students.

Factors influencing faculty's adoption of engineering technology: A qualitative study

With technologies changing faster than ever before, engineering faculty must continuously update the technologies they use and teach to students to meet accreditation requirements and keep up with industry standards. Many do not, however. Additionally, existing models of technology adoption do not account for all variability within intention to use a technology, nor its actual use. Informed by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study examined which constructs from prior models apply to engineering faculty's adoption of industry-specific technologies, as well as other factors influencing faculty adoption of these technologies for their teaching or research. We interviewed 21 engineering faculty at a Midwestern United States STEM-focused institution about their adoption of engineering technologies. Deductive and inductive coding were used to identify themes within the qualitative data. Constructs from existing models were confirmed to influence faculty engineering technology adoption. We also identified specific Facilitating Conditions (Other People, Digital Resources, Non-Digital Resources, Time, and Formal Training) that faculty leverage to adopt new engineering technologies, and uncovered two additional themes—Access and Personal Traits, including several component traits (Persistence, Humility, Self Efficacy, Growth Mindset, Ambiguity Acceptance, and Curiosity) that influence faculty engineering technology adoption. We propose a new Theory of Faculty Adoption of Engineering Technologies specific to faculty adoption of new engineering technologies. These findings have the potential to help universities determine how to effectively support faculty in providing their students with relevant technological skills for entry into the engineering workforce.

We Must Prioritise Retention of Women in the Engineering Workforce

We Must Prioritise Retention of Women in the Engineering Workforce

Digital technology adoption, workforce agility and digital technology outcomes in the context of the banking industry of India

Purpose The rapid adoption of digital technology forced the leaders to explore and examine the drivers and facilitators capable of enhancing the bank's performance. This paper empirically aims to examine the role of technology acceptance and workforce agility in digital technology adoption in the banking industry. Furthermore, this research examines the mediating role of workforce agility between digital technology acceptance and digital technology outcome. Design/methodology/approach Influenced by the Attitude–Behavior–Outcome framework, this survey research has been designed to collect data from both high-level executives and low-level executives working in the banking sector undertakings of India. The research adopted a two-step procedure for testing theoretical models using SPSS-AMOS, Version 27. Hayes PROCESS macro (Version 4.3.1; 2023) technique was executed to test the mediation. Findings The result proved that the banker's acceptance of digital technology positively impacted banks' performance. Furthermore, this study proved that workforce agility has a favorable, significant mediating influence between digital technology acceptance and digital technology outcome suggesting banks design and implement suitable management policies and practices to enhance the technology acceptance mindset of the bankers and promote workforce agility for higher customer relationships and performance. Originality/value Being the first-ever research to examine the role of workforce agility, this study proved its mediating effect on effective digital transformation.

It is time for HR business partner 2.0

PurposeIn the rapidly evolving landscape of HR, the role of the HR business partner (HRBP) has significantly changed. This paper shares some of the latest research on how it is changing for the worse, and how it now sorely needs to evolve further.Design/methodology/approachThe paper includes reference to two studies, an analysis of 55,000 comments from HR professionals and a self-assessment of 7,100 HR professionals across 96 different HR capabilities and five capability levels. Otherwise, the paper includes insight and expertise from across the Josh Bersin Company.FindingsThis paper and report it references highlights the emergence of the role in the 90s, and how it is expectations have changed to the present day: with the rise of digital technology, globalization and changing workforce expectations, HRBPs have had to acquire a broader skill set, focusing not on personnel management but on strategic initiatives, such as people analytics, employee experience and organization design. However, far too many HRBPs have ended up in admin or tactical roles, rather than being used to their full potential with the above. This paper includes actionable guidance for how companies can develop the role to get them back on track, including case study examples from Mastercard and LEGO.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this report is unique, novel and the latest research from the Josh Bersin Company.

Revitalizing Electrochemical Science and Engineering Education to Create a Clean Energy Workforce

Electrochemical science, engineering, and technology education and workforce development are central to the ongoing clean energy transition. In particular, I will highlight battery, hydrogen, and microelectronics industries as drivers. I then highlight a unique Electrochemistry-Technology-focused Graduate program launched through the Oregon Center for Electrochemistry in 2020. At the master’s level, the accelerated program consists of six core electrochemistry science and engineering lecture, laboratory, and project-based courses over either two or three academic quarters. In addition to core electrochemistry knowledge spanning thermodynamics, transport, kinetics, and device technology, emphasis is placed on problem solving, data analysis, programming (particularly in Python) and professional development and this additional content is embedded throughout all the core lecture and laboratory courses. Students are also introduced to continuum-level electrochemical simulations, with an emphasis on understanding the effects of boundary conditions on the simulation output. They also complete a team-based applied project sponsored by industry partners. The program ends with a nine-month paid internship leading to a master’s degree and career in the electrochemistry industry after 15 months.The coursework is also open to PhD students and postdoctoral scholars who go on to serve as near peer mentors and teaching assistants in the program in future years, directly synergistic with their research, and building community around electrochemistry. A new BS-MS program leveraging the above has launched in 2023, allowing University of Oregon students to complete coursework for both BS and MS in just four years yielding an incredibly high return on tuition and time investment in terms of career potential and earnings. Key to the success of the programs is very low administrative overhead with technical faculty/staff leading all efforts and a transparent budget model to fund the program based on tuition return.

Operational practices for integrating lean and industry 4.0 – a dynamic capabilities perspective

This article presents the findings of an exploratory survey conducted among 256 experts engaged in German manufacturing firms to explore practices related to integrating Lean with Industry 4.0. Using the Dynamic Capabilities framework as a theoretical lens, the study validates 43 practices organised into six dimensions: ‘initiating’, ‘sensing’, ‘seizing’, ‘transforming’, ‘resources’, and ‘capabilities’. Theoretically, the research contributes by concretising the classical dimensions of Dynamic Capabilities and proposing the novel dimension of ‘initiating’, enhancing the theory's holism and applicability in the context of LM and I4.0 integrations. Managerially, the study provides a practical framework for self-assessment and strategic planning, emphasising the critical importance of early-stage practices related to ‘change’, ‘resources’, ‘capabilities’, and ‘initiating’. These elements are crucial for triggering subsequent integration phases and ensuring successful execution. The framework addresses technology adoption, organisational culture, process optimisation, and workforce engagement, offering comprehensive guidance for integrating LM and I4.0. The contributions of this research hold value for the field of Operations Management as it provides empirical evidence on essential practices for effectively integrating Lean with Industry 4.0. Additionally, the study highlights the significance of Dynamic Capabilities as a means to comprehend and manage the complex interplay between these two approaches.

Strategic workforce and project planning for engineering automotive production systems: tackling the transition to electric vehicles

Car manufacturers are electrifying their product portfolios as a reaction to restrictions imposed on car emissions. This leads to additional product introductions of battery electric vehicles to the existing portfolio of internal combustion engine vehicles. For each introduction, car manufacturers must engineer the corresponding production systems. The engineering of these production systems is executed as projects that consist of designing, building, installing, and testing, requiring different types of engineers. Car manufacturers deploy an engineering workforce and outsource work to engineering service providers. In practice, workforce planning, project planning, and outsourcing are performed sequentially using spreadsheets. However, portfolio electrification increases the complexity of planning, calling for more advanced methods. We formulate an integrated workforce and project planning problem (mixed-integer programme) to minimise outsourcing and perform an experimental study using realistic data representing different prevalent strategies for portfolio electrification. Our approach significantly reduces outsourcing and increases workforce utilisation compared to current industry practice for a wide range of workforce sizes. Furthermore, we investigate the benefit of partially aligning the current practice with our integrated approach. Optimising outsourcing alone while maintaining the sequential planning process reaps 70% to 80% of the potential benefits, and integrating workforce or project planning achieves up to 90%.

A/B Testing of User Enrollment Forms to Enhance Diversity in the Biomedical Workforce via the National Research Mentoring Network: User-Centered Design Case Study.

The National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) is a National Institutes of Health-funded program for diversifying the science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine research workforce through the provision of mentoring, networking, and professional development resources. The NRMN provides mentoring resources to members through its online platform-MyNRMN. MyNRMN helps members build a network of mentors. Our goal was to expand enrollment and mentoring connections, especially among those who have been historically underrepresented in biomedical training and the biomedical workforce. To improve the ease of enrollment, we implemented the split testing of iterations of our user interface for platform registration. To increase mentoring connections, we developed multiple features that facilitate connecting via different pathways. Our improved user interface yielded significantly higher rates of completed registrations (P<.001). Our analysis showed improvement in completed enrollments that used the version 1 form when compared to those that used the legacy form (odds ratio 1.52, 95% CI 1.30-1.78). The version 2 form, with its simplified, 1-step process and fewer required fields, outperformed the legacy form (odds ratio 2.18, 95% CI 1.90-2.50). By improving the enrollment form, the rate of MyNRMN enrollment completion increased from 57.3% (784/1368) with the legacy form to 74.5% (2016/2706) with the version 2 form. Our newly developed features delivered an increase in connections between members. Our technical efforts expanded MyNRMN's membership base and increased connections between members. Other platform development teams can learn from these efforts to increase enrollment among underrepresented groups and foster continuing, successful engagement.

The growth of e-learning in the technology industry in Middle Tennessee

Purpose This paper intends to explore the significant growth and multifaceted benefits of e-learning within the technology sector in Middle Tennessee, particularly in the transformative context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to highlight the fundamental shift from traditional training methods to e-learning modalities and emphasize the potential of e-learning to revolutionize technical skill development and expand learning opportunities in the post-pandemic era. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a comprehensive review of existing literature to glean insights into the use and effectiveness of e-learning in the technology industry, particularly within Middle Tennessee. It synthesizes research findings to understand the growing preference for e-learning and online self-directed training as primary methods for technical skill development in the technology sector. Findings The literature review reveals a growing trend toward e-learning in the technology industry, driven by its flexibility, accessibility, and ability to rapidly update training materials. E-learning is increasingly integrated into academic programs related to technology, preparing students for the evolving job market. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the necessity for adaptable and resilient training methods, reinforcing the pivotal role of e-learning in the industry. Originality/value This paper contributes to the understanding of the expansion and impact of e-learning in the technology industry in Middle Tennessee, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides valuable insights for organizations and educators on the significance of e-learning in addressing the training needs of the technology workforce and its potential to shape the future of education and skill development in the region.

Bringing the Public Health Informatics and Technology Workforce Together: The PHIAT Conference.

The field of public health informatics has undergone significant evolution in recent years, and advancements in technology and its applications are imperative to address emerging public health challenges. Interdisciplinary approaches and training can assist with these challenges. In 2023, the inaugural Public Health Informatics and Technology (PHIAT) Conference was established as a hybrid 3-day conference at the University of California, San Diego, and online. The conference's goal was to establish a forum for academics and public health organizations to discuss and tackle new opportunities and challenges in public health informatics and technology. This paper provides an overview of the quest for interest, speakers and topics, evaluations from the attendees, and lessons learned to be implemented in future conferences.