ICT skills acquisition and competencies of librarians

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 502-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ojedokun A Ayoku ◽  
Victoria Nwamaka Okafor
Keyword(s):  
Word Processing ◽  
Web Design ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Skills Acquisition ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Sampling Frame ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
It Skills

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is an audit of information technology (IT) skills set of librarians in some Nigerian university libraries with the aim of examining their relevance and adequacy to the digital environment. Nigerian universities as knowledge creators and their libraries as gatekeepers of knowledge are rapidly witnessing the introduction of various IT. One of the challenges facing IT/digital library projects in Nigeria has been the readiness of the university libraries in terms of knowledge and skills to implement the digital and electronic library services. Design/methodology/approach – This paper used the survey approach. The sampling technique for the selection of the universities was stratified and for the librarians (respondents), census. The sampling frame was the approved list of universities released by the National Universities Commission as of the time of this study. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Findings – The findings of this paper revealed that many of the respondents do have knowledge and skills of email use and word processing tasks but lack knowledge of search engines and directories other than Google and Yahoo, respectively. Many of them do not know how to evaluate and catalogue e-resources; have no knowledge of subject gateways, specialised databases and some open-access library databases; have no knowledge of database management; are not skilled in Web design; and are equally not familiar with Web design applications. Originality/value – The study recommends management support for IT skills training and/or continuous professional development to improve the librarians. Librarians are also challenged and encouraged to explore the range of training resources available over the Internet for self-development.

The Role of Computer Attitudes in Enhancing Computer Competence in Training

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 81-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
James P. Downey ◽  
Lloyd A. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Word Processing ◽  
Web Design ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Computer Attitudes ◽  
Previous Experience ◽  
Training Process ◽  
Computer Competence ◽  
The Relationship

Computer competence is poorly conceptualized and inconsistently measured. This study clarifies computer competence and examines its relationship with anxiety, affect, and pessimism, along with self-efficacy and previous experience. Using a survey of 610 end users, the strengths of anxiety, affect (positive), pessimism, self-efficacy, and previous experience were compared for nine different competency measures in seven different domains, including word processing, email applications, spreadsheets, graphic programs, databases, web design, and overall computing. Results suggest that for most domains, affect and anxiety are significant predictors, as are self-efficacy and previous experience, but pessimism is not. In addition, competence in a domain was found to mediate the relationship between competence and its antecedents. These results suggest that organizations focus not only on skills training, but on ways to enhance computing attitudes during the training process.

scholarly journals Comparing the impact of three different experiential approaches to entrepreneurship in education

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 937-971 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Lackéus
Keyword(s):  
Value Creation ◽  
Venture Creation ◽  
Skills Acquisition ◽  
Entrepreneurial Education ◽  
Opportunity Identification ◽  
Teacher Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThree different pedagogical approaches grounded in three different definitional foundations of entrepreneurship have been compared in relation to their effects on students. They are: (1) “Idea and Artefact-Creation Pedagogy” (IACP), grounded in opportunity identification and creation, (2) “Value-Creation Pedagogy” (VaCP), grounded in value creation and (3) “Venture-Creation Pedagogy” (VeCP), grounded in organisation creation.Design/methodology/approachData were collected at 35 different sites where education was deemed to be entrepreneurial and experiential. A quantitative, smartphone app-based data collection method was used alongside a qualitative interview approach. 10,953 short-survey responses were received from 1,048 participants. Responses were used to inform respondent selection and discussion topics, in 291 student and teacher interviews. Comparative analysis was then conducted.FindingsThe three approaches resulted in very different outcomes, both in magnitude and in kind. VaCP had strong effects on entrepreneurial competencies, on student motivation and on knowledge and skills acquisition. VeCP had weaker effects on knowledge and skills acquisition. IACP had weak effects on all outcomes probed for. Differences were attributed to variation in prevalence of certain emotional learning events and to variation in purpose as perceived by students.Research limitations/implicationsVaCP could serve as an escape from the potential dilemma faced by many teachers in entrepreneurial education, of being caught between two limiting courses of action; a marginal VeCP approach and a fuzzy IACP one. This could prompt policymakers to reconsider established policies. However, further research in other contexts is needed, to corroborate the extent of differences between these three approaches.Originality/valueMost impact studies in experiential entrepreneurial education focus only on organisation-creation-based education. This study contributes by investigating entrepreneurial education that is also grounded in two other definitional foundations. Allowance has been made for novel comparative conclusions.

scholarly journals Unlocking inhibitors to women's expatriate careers: can job-related training provide a key?

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-105
Author(s):  
Susan Shortland ◽  
Christine Porter
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Training Interventions

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine what job-related training interventions female expatriates seek and can access in order to build necessary knowledge and skills to progress into further career-enhancing expatriate positions.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a cross-sectional qualitative research approach, drawing upon semi-structured interviews in respect of organisational training practice with 26 current female expatriates and nine human resource, international assignments and training managers in two oil and gas exploration firms.FindingsBudgets, time and travel restrictions and competitive business pressures constrain on-the-job training provision for expatriates. Assignees require specific knowledge and skills ahead of appointment to subsequent expatriate positions. HR personnel believe training provides appropriate knowledge and capability development, supporting women expatriates' career ambitions. Women assignees view training available within their current roles as insufficient or irrelevant to building human capital for future expatriate posts.Research limitations/implicationsLongitudinal research across a wider spectrum of industries is needed to help understand the effects of training interventions on women's access to future career-enhancing expatriation and senior management/leadership positions.Practical implicationsOrganisations should ensure relevant technical skills training, clear responsibility for training provision, transparent and fair training allocation, positive communication regarding human capital outcomes and an inclusive culture that promotes expatriate gender diversity.Originality/valueSet within the framework of human capital theory, this study identifies the challenges that female expatriates experience when seeking relevant job-related training to further their expatriate careers. It identifies clear mismatches between the views of HR and female assignees in relation to the value of job-related training offered and women's access to it.

Potential pathways for proficiency training in computer maintenance technology among prospective electronic technology education graduates

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-115
Author(s):  
Samson Onyeluka Chukwuedo ◽  
Theresa Chinyere Ogbuanya
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Training Model ◽  
Practical Skills ◽  
Skills Acquisition ◽  
Electronic Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fields Of Study ◽  
Vocational Support ◽  
Computer Maintenance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the cause–effect relationship between vocational support and the levels of acquisition of practical skills via learning self-efficacy during a training intervention in computer maintenance technology among vocational electronic technology students. Design/methodology/approach Quasi-experimental research was employed. The participants were 84 undergraduates of vocational electronic technology education in Nigeria. The study applied the modified stages of the Dreyfus model of skills acquisition as the training model. The study proposed a four-simple mediation models based on the first four stages of the modified Dreyfus model of skills acquisition (namely, novice, advanced beginner, competent and proficient stages) via practical skills learning self-efficacy. Findings The result showed significant effects of perceived vocational support in practical skills training on the levels of acquisition of practical skills in computer maintenance technology. Learning self-efficacy mediated the relationship between perceived vocational support and three levels of practical skills acquisition (advanced beginner, competent and proficient). Research limitations/implications All possible mediation pathways were not covered in this study. However, the study x-rayed the tendency of pathways in training intervention in vocational education and allied fields of study. Practical implications This study has empirically provided evidence to support the Dreyfus model of skills acquisition, as a plausible practical skills training model. Hence, the study can serve as a model for other researchers for replication in other fields of study. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that revealed potential pathways in work-related practical skills training interventions. The study has also validated the Dreyfus model as a potential skill acquisition model for practical skills training.

Influence of ICT skills on job performance of librarians in university libraries of South-South, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 026666692098339
Author(s):  
Gloria Ogheneghatowho Oyovwe-Tinuoye ◽  
Saturday U. Omeluzor ◽  
Ijiekhuamhen Osaze Patrick
Keyword(s):  
Job Performance ◽  
Web Application ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Skills Acquisition ◽  
University Management ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Ict Skills ◽  
University Library ◽  
The University

The study examined the influence of information and communication technology (ICT) skills on job performance among librarians in the university libraries in South-South, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design using a self constructed questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The questionnaire was constructed after consulting other related literature in order to ensure that relevant items were included. Five research questions were answered in the study. The population consists of 233 librarians in the six federal, seven state and eight private university libraries in the South-South, Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was adopted for the study. The data collected was analysed using frequency, percentages and tables for easy interpretation and understanding of the results. Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents in the university library acquire ICT skills through self-sponsorship. It also showed that the majority of the respondents were not skilful in system management, web application and tools such as: system troubleshooting, webinar/digital conferencing tools, Web 2.0, website designing and digital communication. The findings further revealed that there was no policy in place to regulate ICT training of librarians where a majority were yet to attend training once in the last five years, hence there was inadequate training of librarians on ICT skills. There was evidence in the study that training in ICT skill would engender improved service delivery, library administration, efficiency, job performance and reduction in job stress. The findings also revealed that inadequate training, poor planning and implementation, non-sponsorship of librarians, absence of policy for evaluation and assessment are factors militating against ICT skills acquisition. The paper recommended that ICT skills training should be prioritized while internally organized training programmes should be highly encouraged in the university library. The university management should make some financial commitment in support of academic librarians for training and retraining on ICT skills for improved job performance and effective delivery of library services to the patrons while relevant policies should be put in place for continuous evaluation and training of librarians on ICT skills.

Changing roles of university libraries of Bangladesh: an exploratory study

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-9
Author(s):  
Md. Habibur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methods ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Intellectual Property Right ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
Analysis Process ◽  
Changing Roles ◽  
It Skills

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the roles that should be practiced in university libraries of Bangladesh; the more specific objectives are to identify the present practicing roles of university libraries of Bangladesh, the tools and technologies which are needed for serving libraries in changing environment, the qualities of library professionals that are necessary for providing better service in changing roles of library and the problems of implementing changing roles in university libraries of Bangladesh and to explore the ways to overcome the existing problems. Design/methodology/approach Survey methods were used for gathering data using a well-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent to the respondents of some selected public and private universities of different divisions of Bangladesh including Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet and Barisal. The respondents consisted of library and information professionals and IT professionals who are working in libraries. Descriptive analysis techniques of SPSS were used to analyze the quantitative data. Qualitative data has been analyzed using thematic analysis process. Findings The findings revealed that there are some hindrances to provide modern library service, lack of IT skills, funds and problems of intellectual property right act and provide some suitable suggestions for the advancement of modern university libraries of Bangladesh. Originality/value The insights and views of the respondents regarding tools and technologies obtained from this study are original and unique in nature.

The Role of Computer Attitudes in Enhancing Computer Competence in Training

2012 ◽  
pp. 265-285
Author(s):  
James P. Downey ◽  
Lloyd A. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Word Processing ◽  
Web Design ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
End Users ◽  
Computer Attitudes ◽  
Previous Experience ◽  
Computer Competence ◽  
The Relationship

Computer competence is poorly conceptualized and inconsistently measured. This study clarifies computer competence and examines its relationship with anxiety, affect, and pessimism, along with self-efficacy and previous experience. Using a survey of 610 end users, the strengths of anxiety, affect (positive), pessimism, self-efficacy, and previous experience were compared for nine different competency measures in seven different domains, including word processing, email applications, spreadsheets, graphic programs, databases, web design, and overall computing. Results suggest that for most domains, affect and anxiety are significant predictors, as are self-efficacy and previous experience, but pessimism is not. In addition, competence in a domain was found to mediate the relationship between competence and its antecedents. These results suggest that organizations focus not only on skills training, but on ways to enhance computing attitudes during the training process.

Information skills training through mobile devices

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramón Alberto Manso Rodríguez ◽  
Manuel Osvaldo Machado Rivero
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Qr Codes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Information Skills ◽  
Two Stages

Purpose This paper aims to examine the use of different mobile devices by libraries to develop programs for information skills training, focusing on the application of quick response (QR) codes for such a purpose. Design/methodology/approach The study was developed in two stages; primarily an analysis of the literature was conducted to determine the theoretical framework underlying the use of this tool for information literacy. The second part examined the practical application of this tool, with examples of several university libraries. In all, 13 academic libraries were included as the sample, which were chosen randomly from a global search on the Internet under the thematic basis for the theme of the study and thus evaluate the different employment opportunities of mobile telephony in developing skills information on users. The study is complemented with an assessment from the practice of the applicability of the principles described, arriving at conclusions and recommendations. Findings The purpose of the study is to recognize the use given to mobile technologies from libraries, particularly the use of QR codes, to help meet the demands of users in relation to skills training information, just as you may have the need. Originality/value The benefits of the use of mobile devices for the development of information literacy actions are identified and the set of actions that can be implemented for training information skills through the use of QR codes are set based on all outlined by the Association of College and Research Libraries goals.

The effect of soft skills and training methodology on employee performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 388-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosli Ibrahim ◽  
Ali Boerhannoeddin ◽  
Kazeem Kayode Bakare
Keyword(s):  
Skill Acquisition ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Employee Performance ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Skills Acquisition ◽  
Soft Skill ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Training Methodology ◽  
Time Space

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of soft skill acquisition and the training methodology adopted on employee work performance. In this study, the authors study the trends of research in training and work performance in organisations that focus on the acquisition of technical or “hard skills” for employee training and evaluating work performance. This study was conducted to redirect the focus of employee training and development goals to the acquisition of soft skills, which have a very high and lasting impact on improving employee performance. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a quantitative research approach. Questionnaires were administered to selected managers and executives of a few Malaysian private companies. The questionnaire was specifically designed to examine the competencies of various Malaysian-based company managers, executives and supervisors who had undergone a soft skills training programme over a period of a few weeks or months. These soft skills training programmes were not conducted consecutively, but rather with a break or “time-space” in between each session. The target population in this study consisted of 810 employees from nine companies. The sample size was 260 trainees who were selected from the population with a 95 per cent confidence level within 0.05 risk of sampling error. Findings Using regression analysis, this study estimated the relationships between employees’ acquisition of soft skills, the training methodology adopted by the trainer, and work performance. The results indicate that the two predictors – soft skill acquisition and training methodology – significantly predict employee performance. The authors propose the need for employers to redesign the methodology for training employees in soft skills. Based on the findings, “time-spaced learning” is highly potent in undermining the hindrance associated with training transfer. Practical implications The findings of this study help to raise the awareness of employers, human resource managers, professional and industrial experts and the government to rethink the need to improve soft skills training methodologies. Specifically, this can be achieved by giving the trainees “space” or breaks to practice, apply and internalise what they have learnt intermittently during the training programme. This will enhance employee performance, and consequently, organisational performance. These findings also inform company managers that the time-spaced learning method enables employees to acquire soft skills more effectively, which will invariably bring about positive behaviour changes in employees towards their work and co-workers. Originality/value The originality of this research is based on the fact that the results are peculiar to Malaysia, whereas most of the literatures on training methodology especially the time-space and soft skill have focused on developed countries. Furthermore, the study emphasised that time-space learning training methodology helps employees in transferring knowledge acquired during training to their work. The research also emphasised that soft skills acquisition brings about increase in employee work performance. This research shows 14.5 per cent increased employee work performance in the selected companies because of their employees’ acquisition of soft skills and a 27.9 per cent increase in employee performance is based on time-space training methodology. This makes the investigation on the effects of soft skills acquisition and the training methodology adopted on employee performance very important for organisational survival.

Selection of site supervisors to optimize construction project outcomes

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 407-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yean Yng Ling ◽  
Fenni Tan
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Client Satisfaction ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Good Time ◽  
Sampling Frame ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Job Experience ◽  
Project Outcomes ◽  
Site Supervisors ◽  
It Skills

Purpose – It is important to recruit site supervisors with the right attributes as they play an important role in raising construction productivity and improving project outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between a site supervisor’s attributes and project outcomes. The specific objectives are to: identify the attributes of site supervisors that are significantly correlated with project outcomes (cost, time, quality and client satisfaction); examine whether site supervisors with different educational levels and job experience have different attributes; and recommend the attributes to be considered when selecting site supervisors. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was designed based on the attributes identified from the literature review. The sampling frame was Singapore-based construction site supervisors. The data collected were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Findings – The results show that site supervisors who have IT skills are also likely to have projects that have good time, quality and satisfaction outcomes. In addition, the projects of supervisors with longer work experience show significantly better time performance and higher client satisfaction. Research limitations/implications – The limitations include low response rate, and the subjective nature of a Likert scale which was used to rate the attributes of site supervisors. While the importance of hard and soft skills is known, the contribution to knowledge is that this study showed the important role that educational qualifications play in site supervisors’ performance and their soft skills. Practical implications – It is recommended that contractors employ site supervisors who have at least a construction diploma, have IT skills and possess job experience in order to optimise their project outcomes. Originality/value – The study revealed that certain demographic characteristics of site supervisors (i.e. length of work experience and educational qualifications) have significant impact on project outcomes. Site supervisors with higher educational qualifications and more job experience also have better soft skills.

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