Self-facilitation framework for developing soft skills – FSIAR

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 5-7
Author(s):  
Deepa Sethi
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Business School ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
First Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate various ways in which soft skills can be developed. It proposes a self-facilitation framework to develop and enhance soft skills. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire was developed based on a pilot study with reference to key components of an individual’s life which can be instrumental in developing soft skills. Study was conducted on participants of Management Development Program (MDP) in a business school in India between June 2017 and March 2018. Participants who had attended a session on soft skills were selected for the study. In all, 180 participants from 12 programs filled the responses based on a five-point Likert scale. Of all, 167 responses were complete and deemed fit for analysis. Factor analysis using SPSS 22 resulted in five factors, namely, family, self, industry, academia, and resources. Findings Findings indicated that irrespective of gender, age categories, type of organizations working in, and the years of work experience, majority respondents accepted that soft skills could be developed through a holistic approach with the help of a self-facilitation framework (FSIAR) comprising family, self, industry, academia, and resources. Research limitations/implications The framework can be generalized by testing the questions with a larger number of respondents. A further research could be to delve into the cultural factors while using this framework in various countries. Practical implications The study is extremely beneficial for heads of organizations, working executives, educational institutions, scholars, faculty, and trainers. Originality/value This study for the first time has proposed a self-facilitation framework – FSIAR for developing and enhancing soft skills of an individual.

scholarly journals Future-proofing placements

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 434-444
Author(s):  
Julie Fowlie ◽  
Clare Forder
Keyword(s):  
Business School ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Local Economies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Student Demand ◽  
First Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a case study centred on steps taken at a Business School in a UK university, to improve local work placement provision, respond to student demand and engage more productively with local businesses. It is situated against renewed focus on universities’ engagement with local economies and the graduate labour market context as demonstrated by the government’s Industrial Strategy (BEIS, 2017) and the OfS (2018) business plan. It aims to emphasise how moving the focus back from graduates to placement students could offer a useful collaborative opportunity for local businesses to articulate what they want from future employees. Design/methodology/approach The paper follows a mixed methods approach, drawing upon a case study on a new intervention piloted in the Business School as well as qualitative research gathered from questionnaires and interviews with students. Responses to questionnaires and interviews were analysed thematically in the Grounded Theory (Glaser and Strauss, 1967) tradition. Findings The paper highlights the lack of literature on local placements and also demonstrates findings which echo existing research on typical barriers and drivers to placements in general. It offers original outcomes such as how for some students local placements offer a convenience value but for others they are part of committing to living and working locally after graduation. Research limitations/implications The small-scale nature of the study means that only indicative findings are presented. Further research is necessary for a more detailed examination of its implications. Practical implications Recommendations are made for a systematic approach to developing, or establishing for the first time, university–employer relationships in order to future-proof local placement opportunities. Originality/value The paper fills a gap in the literature on local placements and also provides a fresh approach to how universities and employers might work together to identify local skills gaps and increase the provision of local placements. It also offers ways in students’ often negatively framed reasons for not undertaking a placement can be mitigated through engaging with the local context.

When the war is over: Lithgow, Western Sydney and the search for higher education options

2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-61
Author(s):  
Mark Hutchinson
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Political Influence ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Educational Vision ◽  
Australian City ◽  
The City ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the interaction between a liminal rural Australian city (Lithgow) and the development of higher education options across the city's history. The paper proposes a nuanced interaction between national, social, religious, political, regional and local forces to explain why an industrial city such as Lithgow, with obvious educational strengths, would be overlooked while others (such as Wollongong and Bathurst) were not. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a longitudinal study of educational institutions, placed in their historical contexts, in order to demonstrate the fluctuation of educational vision with the rise and fall of socio-economic contributors to the town's fortunes. Findings – The paper finds that the city's formation and dependence on war-related industries created boom-bust cycles which negatively impacted on its entrepreneurial, managerial and working class elites, and so on its ability to bring cultural and political influence to bear in the formation of local higher education options, across a period in which higher education becomes an increasingly federal responsibility. Practical implications – The paper suggests policy ramifications for the support of higher education options in the city. Social implications – The paper supports the interpretation that it is not merely that education itself promotes social mobility, but that what type of education is important, along with an eye to how education contributes to the overall well-being and cross-class profile of the city of Lithgow. Originality/value – This paper fills a gap in historical knowledge about Lithgow's educational institutions, the study of which heretofore has tended to be located with either labor historical or heritage approaches. This paper takes a socio-cultural and longitudinal/holistic approach which brings together a variety of approaches previously not treated.

scholarly journals The gap in soft skills perceptions: a dyadic analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 357-377
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Tsirkas ◽  
Alexandra-Paraskevi Chytiri ◽  
Nancy Bouranta
Keyword(s):  
Job Search ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Dyadic Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposePrevious studies have shown that soft skills play a significant role in applicants' employability and in the job search, recruitment, selection and hiring process. However, past research indicates a gap in perceptions of soft skills, between employees and employers. The present empirical research aims to explore this gap in perceptions and to suggest effective ways to resolve any mismatch. Demographical factors affecting these perceptions are also taken into consideration for the analysis.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research design has been applied. The survey undertaken, covers all three main sectors of employment (manufacturing, retail and services), with 151 employee–employer dyads around Greece participating in the survey. Paired sample t-test, independent t-test and One-way ANOVA were used to analyze the data.FindingsThe results show a gap between employees' and their subsequent employers' perceptions of employees' soft skills. Employees seem to regard their skills more highly than do their employers, whereas employers seem to consider employees as not properly equipped with the necessary soft skills. These findings are a worrying sign for business operations and suggest that difficulties in manager–employee co-operation can arise.Practical implicationsThis study has both theoretical and practical implications. It adds to the literature in human resources appraisal process by identifying soft skills perceived differently by employees and employers. It also highlights the reasons for that gap and makes suggestions for the enhancement of required skills.Originality/valueThe majority of previous studies in the field focus either on employees' or employers' perceptions, without comparing them. In addition, the few former studies attempt a comparison focused on students as employees or trainees, with no previous work experience. The current study focuses on employees whose work experience has already shaped perceptions of their skills and employability.

A “Learning from Action” workshop in Japan

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-83
Author(s):  
Robert Douglas Hinshelwood ◽  
Luca Mingarelli ◽  
Simona Masnata
Keyword(s):  
Far East ◽  
Opportunity To Learn ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Activities ◽  
Defensive Role ◽  
Feedback Data ◽  
Experiential Workshop ◽  
First Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Many people in severe mentally disturbed states do not use language or other symbolic media well or coherently. Therefore, the non-verbal medium needs to be understood by workers with such people. The “Learning from Action” experiential workshop was developed in order to provide an opportunity to learn about hidden messages in the relationships and roles occurring in activities. In August 2017, a workshop was run for the first time in Japan. The purpose of this paper is to report the experience and dynamics observed by the three consultants, who are here the authors of this paper. Design/methodology/approach After the workshop all the staff and members, including interpreters, were invited to give feedback. Findings Analysis of the feedback data showed certain important dynamics, concerning especially dependence, cultural defences and the defensive role of activity in a multicultural context. Research limitations/implications This is an initial experience to be followed up by later feedback and further workshops. Practical implications Workers awareness of non-verbal communication within the roles of work activities is a training possibility. It faces various resistances including the mental health assumptions of meaninglessness of any communication outside the verbal. Originality/value This is a method of training not widely used even in European countries, and is the first in a country in the far east.

Civil engineers’ personal values/demographics linkage in project team building

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 1337-1349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atilla Damci ◽  
David Arditi ◽  
Gul Polat
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Personal Values ◽  
Team Building ◽  
Project Teams ◽  
Team Leaders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Civil Engineers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between civil engineers’ demographics (e.g. age, marital status, education, work experience) and their personal values. The objective was to predict civil engineers’ personal values based on their demographics. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was administered to civil engineers to collect data on their demographics and their personal values. Statistical analysis was performed to verify whether a significant statistical relationship exists between civil engineers’ demographics and their personal values. Findings The most important and the least important personal values were identified for civil engineers. Statistical analysis indicated that civil engineers’ values do vary based on their demographics. Research limitations/implications The results of this study cannot be generalized, because individuals’ personal values and demographics are, by definition, local. Location and culture may affect the personal values of civil engineers. Practical implications Team leaders normally have access to information about the demographics of the engineers they employ; based on the results of this study, they should be able to predict their personal values, and to make more informed decisions when appointing them to particular positions on project teams. Originality/value The research presented in this paper, establishes for the first time, that a linkage exists between civil engineers’ personal values and their demographics, and makes it easier for team leaders to make assignment decisions.

FATCA violation underlies latest US tax and securities fraud charges

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-76
Author(s):  
Miriam Fisher ◽  
Brian McManus
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Tax Compliance ◽  
Financial Fraud ◽  
Securities Fraud ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – To explain the details and implications of a September 9, 2014 federal indictment, US v. Robert Bandfield, the first time a Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) violation has been charged as an “overt act” in furtherance of a tax conspiracy and securities fraud. Design/methodology/approach – Provides background, including the enactment of FATCA and the details of the indictment; describes an undercover investigation conducted by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force; and discusses the warnings this indictment sends to the global financial community. Findings – The indictment confirms the coordinated and aggressive tactics US law enforcement is now employing to investigate and prosecute offshore financial fraud. Practical implications – Banks and financial service providers need to be aware of the impact of enhanced US regulatory obligations and implement appropriate compliance measures. These institutions must also remain sensitive to risks presented by unscrupulous customers. Finally, they must be ready to manage appropriately information-gathering and investigatory inquiries originating with US authorities. Originality/value – Practical guidance from experienced tax controversy lawyers.

Perceived instructional requirements of hard skills trainers and soft skills trainers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Relations ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Instructional Skills ◽  
Train The Trainer ◽  
Training Requirements ◽  
Subjective Perceptions ◽  
Hard Skills ◽  
Knowledge Content ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate whether hard-skills trainers and soft-skills trainers have different perspectives regarding the instructional skills and knowledge they require. Design/methodology/approach From the previous training literature the authors used 14 items covering relevant instructional knowledge and skills in a questionnaire which was applied online. Following an exploratory factor analysis a one-way multivariate analysis of variance [MANOVA] was conducted with the training content being the independent variable and the training requirements being the dependent variables. Findings Soft-skills trainers and hard-skills trainers differed in the variety of instructional methods and in their emphasis on interpersonal relations and interactions, group management and communication. Those trainers with train-the-trainer certificates did not differ significantly from those who did not have them. Trainers with a university degree in educational science/psychology were more likely to teach soft skills than hard skills but did not agree more with the relevance of instructional skills and knowledge than those without such a degree. Research limitations/implications The authors note that the results reflect the subjective perceptions of instructional requirements by trainers rather than objective requirements which would need to be tested by other means. Practical implications This study has a range of practical implications including the importance of skill and knowledge content and that of the trainers' perceptions in determining the extent to which what is learned is transferred into day-to-day work. Originality/value Previous literature has given little attention to the content of training and it has been unclear how this might affect learning and its transfer.

“Never the first time on a patient”: the stakes of high-fidelity simulation for safety training

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 23-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucie Cuvelier
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Safety Training ◽  
High Fidelity ◽  
High Fidelity Simulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
First Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings An operative approach is described that is designed to structure the debriefing along three axes. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Four ways mind–body infused coaching approaches sharpen executives’ performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 282-289
Author(s):  
Alison Horstmeyer
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Personality Types ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Whole Person ◽  
Body Practices ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to describe mind–body infused coaching and to explain four distinct effects it can have on organizational executives and employees. Design/methodology/approach A review of theory and research on mind–body practices, emotional intelligence and work performance was conducted. A case study from the author’s experience also is included. Findings Mind–body infused coaching activates employees’ awareness, ignites a strengths-based approach, improves inner workings of the brain, boosts emotional intelligence and promotes curiosity. Practical implications HR professionals and managers are encouraged to obtain training in evidence-based mind–body principles to improve and sustain outcomes when coaching organizational executives and employees. Originality/value Conventional coaching approaches tend to be highly reductionistic by focusing solely on employees’ personality types, soft skills or achievement of specific goals. This paper discusses a holistic approach to coaching the whole person and outlines four specific benefits that could be anticipated as a result.

Cooperatives: an alternative to water privatization in Greece

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ifigeneia Douvitsa ◽  
Demosthenis Kassavetis
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Water Privatization ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Viable Solution ◽  
Water Provision ◽  
First Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The aim of this article is to investigate the organization of water cooperatives in Greece for the first time, as promoted by a spontaneous social mobilization called Initiative 136. The above attempt appears as an alternative proposition as opposed to the state-driven full privatization of EYATH S.A. Design/methodology/approach – This article presents previous work on water cooperatives and the negative effects of water privatization worldwide, relating it to water privatization in Greek reality through the prism of the current recession. Findings – While full privatization under the pressure of the economic crisis is very likely to yield significantly negative results, a transformation into a water cooperative might provide a viable solution. Research limitations/implications – Water cooperatives provide a solution for water distribution that is friendly for the consumer, the society and the environment. Practical implications – Application of a cooperative method of water provision in Greece could be a springboard for the use of the model in other areas. Originality/value – The article evaluates the privatization and cooperativization attempt of EYATH S.A. based on previous related research and considering Greece ' s current conditions.

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