Assessing the effectiveness of vocational training programs in Pakistan: an experimental study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumaira Chamadia ◽  
Muhammad Shujaat Mubarik
Keyword(s):  
Vocational Training ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Technical Education ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Market Outcomes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe major objective of this study is to examine the efficacy of the technical and vocational training courses imparted to generate employment or enhance the productivity of participants.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted in the province of Sindh, Pakistan by adopting a quasi-experimental approach. The experiment was conducted on 105 individuals—with the age group of 20–25—distributed between the treatment group and the control group. The data collected through the experiment were analyzed by applying a paired-sample t-test, independent sample t-test and one-way between-group analysis of variance (ANOVA).FindingsThe findings of this study show statistically significant higher monthly earnings of Rs14, 223 after the training intervention program. Findings also exhibit a significant difference in monthly earnings between the control and the treatment groups.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study can provide useful input to policymakers while devising the policies regarding technical education and vocational training (TVET) and to the international donors in assessing the impact of the training initiatives.Originality/valueThis study presents experimental-driven evidence on the role of technical education and vocational training in improving the labor market outcomes.

Psychosocial treatment for incarcerated methamphetamine users: the Philippines experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 343-358
Author(s):  
Ma. Regina M. Hechanova ◽  
Jennel C. Reyes ◽  
Avegale C. Acosta ◽  
Antover P. Tuliao
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
Life Skills ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Psychosocial Treatment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Release Program ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate a psychosocial treatment program for prisoners incarcerated because of methamphetamine use. It compared the outcomes of prisoners who received the program while incarcerated, those who were released and received the treatment as part of community-based drug recovery program and a waitlist-control group (WC) with no treatment. Design/methodology/approach A quasi-experimental design was use with pre- and post-test surveys administered to three groups: a WC group, a pre-release treatment-while-incarcerated (TWI) group, and a post-release outpatient treatment group (OP). Surveys measured recovery skills, life skills and substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms were administered before and after the intervention. Findings Results revealed that at baseline OP and TWI had significant higher recovery skills compared to WC group. However, in terms of life skills, there was no significant difference observed among the WC, OP and TWI group at baseline. TWI had a significantly lower number of SUD symptoms compared to the WC group at baseline. As hypothesized, findings revealed significant changes in recovery and life skills among the OP and TWI group compared to the WC group. No significant change in SUD scores were observed for all groups. Research limitations/implications A major limitation of the study was the use of a quasi-experimental design because legal issues did not allow a randomized control trial. Future research using randomized controlled trial designs would provide more robust conclusions on the impact of the intervention. The study design was also limited to pre- and post-evaluation. Further studies are encouraged to look at longitudinal outcomes of appears on SUD symptoms and possibility of relapse. Practical implications Given that there were no significant differences in outcomes between OP and TWI groups, results suggest that the program may serve either as a pre- or post-release program for incarcerated drug users. However, results also suggest that completion is higher when the program is used as a pre-release program. Delivering the program prior to release also reduces challenges related to attrition including conflict in schedules and the lack of resources for transportation. Social implications The study suggests the value of psychosocial treatment as opposed to punitive approaches in dealing with drug use. In particular, delivering interventions prior to release can prepare participants for problems they may encounter during reintegration and prevent recidivism. In a country where drug-related killings are on the rise, the study presents an alternate and restorative justice approach. Originality/value The study addresses a dearth in the literature on psychosocial intervention for methamphetamine users. It also fills a vacuum in studies from developing countries such as the Philippines.

Reducing the Social Stigma Associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Controlled Trial of an Intervention Program in a Turkish Community Sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-120
Author(s):  
Ayça Aktaç Gürbüz ◽  
Orçun YORULMAZ ◽  
Gülşah DURNA
Keyword(s):  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Case Vignette ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Scientific research into the reduction of stigmatization, particularly related to specific problems such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), is scarce. In the present study, we examine the impact of a video-based antistigma intervention program for OCD in a pretest-posttest control group research. After being randomly assigned to either an intervention (n= 101) or control group (n= 96), the participants reported their attitudes on a hypothetical case vignette before and after OCD vs. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) videos, and again six months later as a follow up assessment. The mixed design analyses for the group comparisons indicated that although there was no significant difference in the measures of the control group, the participants watching the anti-stigma OCD video, in which the focus was psychoeducation and interaction strategies, reported significantly lower scores on social distances and negative beliefs for the case vignettes they read, and this difference was maintained six months later. Then, the present results indicate the effectiveness of our anti-stigma intervention program for OCD. Interventions to reduce stigmatization can also be viewed as effective tools for changing the attitudes of people toward OCD, although further research and applications are needed related to specific disorders if a longlasting impact is to be achieved.

The effect of body-movement teaching, learning motivation and performance

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 414-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoshi Sugahara ◽  
Hisayo Sugao ◽  
Steven Dellaportas ◽  
Takahiro Masaoka
Keyword(s):  
Body Movement ◽  
Learning Motivation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Teaching Learning ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

Purpose This research applies a quasi-experimental research method to investigate the impact of an innovative resource titled “Accounting Exercise” (teaching intervention using physical movement and lyrics) on learning motivation and performance on a group of students enrolled in a first-year undergraduate accounting course in Japan. Design/methodology/approach Five classes were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (two classes) or a control group (three classes). In the experimental group, 90 students participated in a 15-min “Accounting Exercise” at the commencement of lectures over three consecutive weeks. The remaining 133 students assigned to the control group did not participate in the Accounting Exercise. Findings The findings indicate that the Accounting Exercise provided stimuli in maintaining students’ learning motivation. This finding is important for entry-level students where learning motivation has the potential to influence students’ future decisions on major areas of study and career choices. Originality/value This finding is important for entry-level students where future career options are decided. This effect is also believed to contribute to reducing the declining numbers of students in accounting majors.

The effects of scenario planning on participant reports of resilience

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 306-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Chermack ◽  
Laura M. Coons ◽  
Gregory O’barr ◽  
Shiva Khatami
Keyword(s):  
Scenario Planning ◽  
Random Selection ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Planning Treatment ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
And Control ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of scenario planning on participant ratings of resilience. Design/methodology/approach The research design is a quasi experimental pretest/posttest with treatment and control groups. Random selection or assignment was not achieved. Findings Results show a significant difference in reports of resilience for the scenario planning treatment group and no significant difference for the control group. Research limitations/implications Limitations include the use of self-report perception measures, possible social desirability of responses and a lack of random selection and assignment. Practical implications Practical implications imply that scenario planning can be viewed as a legitimate tool for increasing resilience in organizations. Social implications Organizations with an ability to adjust quickly and recover from difficult conditions means reduced layoffs and healthy economic growth. Originality/value While there is increasing research on scenario planning, to date, none has examined the effects of scenarios on resilience.

scholarly journals The Impact of Education on Mother’s Knowledge for Stunting Prevention Through Moringa Oleifera in Kuan Noel Village, Fatumnasi District, South Central Timor Regency

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 206
Author(s):  
IRLIN FALDE RITI
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Moringa Oleifera ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Control Group ◽  
South Central ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Educational Aspect

<p align="center"><strong>ABSTRAK</strong></p><p><strong>Background:</strong> One of nutritious problems susceptibly encountred in the world nowadays is kid’s stunting. Stunting is a failure of growth condition and cronical nutritious problems caused by poor nutritious supply because of improper meal provisions in long term growth consumptions. Stunting could be primarily prevented by increasing knowledge about stunting prevention through consuming moringa oleifera regularly. <strong>The aim:</strong> This study is intended to know the impact of education on mother’s knowledge for stunting prevention through regular moringa oleifera consumption. <strong>Research Method: </strong>This research applied a quasi experimental design by generating non equivalent control group which complied two groups; 30 subjects (mothers) were considered as treatment group; whereas, other 30 subjects (mothers) were taken as control group. Thus sampling technique applied was consecutive sampling. <strong>Results:</strong> The study showed that there was a significant impact on education score before and after intervention effects towards the treatment group (p=0,000); whereas there was no significant difference on the control group (p=0,184). The statistical analysis applied independent sample t-test which showed if educational aspect significantly impacted on the increase of mother’s knowledge (p=0,000). <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Educational aspect impacted on mother’s knowledge for stunting prevention through moringa oleifera.</p>

scholarly journals The impact of a peer-based education on fruits and vegetables intake among housewives

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roya Sheybani ◽  
Zahra Hosseini ◽  
Sayed Hossein Davoodi ◽  
Teamur Aghamolaei ◽  
Amin Ghanbarnejad
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Peer Education ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Evidence indicates the lower intake of fruits and vegetables than the recommended daily amount. Study aimed at determining the effects of peer education intervention on the consumption of fruits and vegetable in housewives. Methods A quasi-experimental was conducted with 130 housewives referring to health care centers in Bandar Abbas, Iran. Sixty-five subjects were recruited in each of the intervention and the control groups. Intervention group were divided into three subgroups each receiving a seven-sessions educational programs (lecturing and group discussion) through peers about the importance of benefits of fruits and vegetables consumption. Participants were followed for two months. Data were collected using a questionnaire in two stages of pre- and post-intervention. Differences in the outcome before and after the intervention were tested using T-test and paired T-test. Results The daily servings of fruits and vegetables in the intervention group increased from 1.73 to 4.20 and in the control group from 1.96 to 2.16; a statistically significant difference was also observed between the groups (P < 0.001). After the intervention benefits and self-efficacy of fruits and vegetables consumption significantly increased and perceived barriers of fruits and vegetables consumption significantly decreased in the intervention group (P < 0.001). Conclusion Peer education improves benefits and self-efficacy, reduces barriers, and increases the daily servings of fruits and vegetables in housewives.

scholarly journals Efectos de la meditación sobre el estrés académico en estudiantes de Licenciatura en Fisioterapia

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (19) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
Nancy Elizet Gutiérrez Gómez ◽  
Josué Mauricio Becerra Cabrera ◽  
Miguel Ángel Martínez Camacho ◽  
María Carlota García Gutiérrez
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Academic Stress ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physical Therapy Students ◽  
Science Center ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Experimental Group

Introduction: Stress is one of the most common psychological disorders. In Mexico, a study of academic stress in college students found that a high percentage of students had experienced intense anxiety (73.4%). Research on physical therapy students at the Riphah Rehabilitation Science Center show that the prevalence of perceived stress is 88%.Meditation programs in college students had resulted beneficial for the management of stress, depression and anxiety. Objective: To determine the effects of meditation on academic stress in first semester students of the degree in physiotherapy of the Autonomous University of Querétaro. Methodology: Quasi-experimental study. Participants: Thirty-six firstsemester students of the physiotherapy degree from the Autonomous University of Querétaro, a control group of 17 students and 19 in the experimental group. The experimental group was intervened for 8 weeks with guided meditation sessions with duration of 20 to 25 minutes from Monday to Friday. Both control and experimental groups were evaluated through the Academic Stress Inventory before and after the intervention program. Results: There is a significant reduction in stress levels using meditation in the experimental group (p = 0.0002). For the control group, no significant difference was found in stress p = 0.093. Conclusion: An 8-week meditation program has healthy effects on the academic stress of undergraduate physical therapy students.

Development of managers’ emotional competencies: mind-body training implication

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (9) ◽  
pp. 798-814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dusan Gruicic ◽  
Stephen Benton
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Practical Method ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Emotional Competencies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Management Context ◽  
Training Programmes

Purpose – This paper aims to research about the effect of mind–body training on the development of emotional competencies of managers. Design/methodology/approach – Quasi-experimental design, i.e. before and after (test–retest). Findings – Results showed that the experimental group, after training, achieved around 15 per cent higher scores compared to results before training on all three subscales of an emotional skills and competence questionnaire (ESCQ-45), a statistically significant improvement in scores. The control group (no training) scores showed no significant difference. This result indicates support for the view that emotional intelligence may be treated as a competency and is responsive to training programmes. Research limitations/implications – Emotional competencies are still a contested concept. The participants may provide socially desirable responses because of the self-assessment questionnaires. The sample is not a representative sample of European managers; hence, there is a limited generalisability of the results. Practical implications – These research findings indicate Mind–body training is a practical method for people to improve the management of their emotions, and hence impact positively on core organisational activities. Originality/value – This is the first research on this mind-body training (emotional relief technique) in an eight-week programme in a management context. The findings indicate the positive impact that can be achieved on emotional competencies scores from this method of self-development.

scholarly journals The Impact of Drama Instruction on EFL Omani Fifth Graders’ Read-ing Comprehension

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 674
Author(s):  
Ruqaya Al Rabeei ◽  
Salma Al-Humaidi ◽  
Saleh Al-Busaidi
Keyword(s):  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Fifth Graders ◽  
Reading Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Teacher's Perceptions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

Drama instruction is one of the methods recommended in EFL literature. This study aimed to investigate the impact of drama instruction on EFL fifth graders’ reading comprehension. It also explored the students’ and the teacher’s perceptions of the use of drama in reading lessons. A total of 74 randomly selected students participated in the study and formed the control group and the experimental group. The study followed the mixed quasi-experimental design. A pre- and posttest reading test was administered to examine the impact of drama on reading comprehension. A questionnaire was implemented to explore students’ perceptions of drama. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted to probe students’ and teacher’s perceptions of drama. The results were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. They showed no significant difference in reading comprehension between the control group and the experimental group. However, the experimental group performed better in the posttest than the control group although their mean scores in the pretest were lower. The participant teacher and students responded positively towards the use of drama in reading lessons. They reported that drama activities were exciting and made them love reading.

scholarly journals IMPACT OF SELF-EFFICACY THEORY ON IMPROVING ADHERENCE OF OLDER ADULTS PATIENTS WITH GLAUCOMA’S MEDICATION

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
Faiza A. Abou-El-Soud ◽  
Helalia Shalabi Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Group Setting ◽  
Glaucoma Medication ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: This study was aimed to measure the impact of self-efficacy theory to improve medication adherence among older adults’ patients with glaucoma. Methodology: A quasi-experimental design was used to investigate the study hypotheses.  Study Sample: A total of 284 older adults with glaucoma were screened to select non-adherent patients with medication. The recruited study sample was (152) who are non-adherent with glaucoma medication divided equally into (76 study group) and (76 control group). Setting: the study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of Ophthalmology at University Hospital, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt.  Tools: three tools were used for the purpose of data collection (I) Bio-socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire; (II) Medication Adherence Rating Scale (III) Glaucoma Medication Self-Efficacy Scale. Findings: The findings revealed that the mean age of the studied sample was 74.86+4.63 (non-adherent to medication). Patients age and presence of more than three multiple chronic illnesses with poly-medications are the highest risk factors of adherence to medications (OR = 10.9; 95% CI 6.8 -16.32, P = 0.000); (OR = 12.6; 95% CI 8.2 -18.4, P = 0.000) and (OR = 13.2; 95% CI 7.4 -19.8, P = 0.000) respectively. Participants who received the intervention program showed a significant improvement in their self-efficacy in overcoming medication adherence barriers compared to the control group. An improvement of the self-efficacy in their ability in carrying out glaucoma medication correctly compared to the control group was shown by highly statistically significant differences between total mean scores at (t =3.426, P =.001; t =17.174, P=.000; t =18.141, P=.000) respectively. The intervention program of glaucoma medication management had a positive impact on the patients’ outcomes compared to the control group. There is a statistically significant difference between patients’ feelings and thoughts pre and post-intervention was detected. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The findings confirm the effectiveness of an intervention/educational program based on self-efficacy theory in terms of improving glaucoma medication adherence among older adults. Glaucoma’s medication principles should be discussed at regular intervals based on patients' needs and the barriers they are facing.

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