scholarly journals Australian graduates’ work readiness – deficiencies, causes and potential solutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 369-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verma Prikshat ◽  
Alan Montague ◽  
Julia Connell ◽  
John Burgess
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Labour Market ◽  
System Thinking ◽  
Team Work ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Work Readiness ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Stakeholders

Purpose It is widely reported that there is a competence deficit between graduating from Australian higher education (HE) and becoming work ready and that the deficit is becoming more pronounced. The purpose of this paper is to examine the work readiness competencies of Australian HE and vocational education (VE) graduates. The reported competence deficits, the causes of these deficits and the potential strategies to overcome these deficits are discussed. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative, inductive research design was used to examine Australian graduates’ work readiness competence, potential deficits, their causes and possible solutions to gain some preliminary insights and help shape future research. A multiple case design was used comprising key stakeholders’ in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. In-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to gain insights from the key stakeholders. Findings The stakeholders reported that the Australian VE and HE sectors do not sufficiently prepare graduates in terms of their work readiness skills. Self-management skills, communication (written and expression), team-work skills, cognitive skills, system thinking and innovation and creativity were the main work readiness competency deficits reported by the stakeholders. Research limitations/implications The research has its limitations in terms of the limited sample and time frame, and the absence of input from graduates. The results of the study indicate the deteriorating state of the Australian graduate labour market and emphasise that an integrated approach is urgently required from all stakeholders to facilitate the transition and reduce the time taken from graduation to employment. Originality/value The focus of the study is located in the Australian labour market in terms of the competencies that reportedly are present upon graduation and the competencies that employers are looking for on recruitment. The requisite competency list and the deficits are examined through the lens of four stakeholder groups; government representatives, industry representatives and VE and HE representatives.

scholarly journals Latino Youth and Machismo: Working Towards a More Complex Understanding of Marginalized Masculinities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramon Meza Opazo
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Social Integration ◽  
American Literature ◽  
Labour Market ◽  
Latino Youth ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Social Marginalization ◽  
Integration Data ◽  
Sociological Studies

Academic and mainstream discourses have discussed Latino youth machismo in overwhelmingly negative terms, defining it as misogynistic, reckless, and violent. Even the sociological studies that have conceptualized machismo as a byproduct of social marginalization posit it as inherently destructive. Some emerging American literature has sought to consider the positive aspects of Latino masculinity through explorations of familism and caballerismo, but these have been set in opposition to, as opposed to a part of, machismo. This study aims to address post-structuralist calls for a more positive exploration of machismo by considering the ways in which Latino youth in Toronto conceive of their masculinities in relation to familism and social integration. Data emerging from focus group discussions suggest that these youth rely on machismo to assist in their integration into the Canadian labour market, their survival in the streets of their communities, and that there is a gendered basis to their adherence to familism.

An investigation into the records management profession in the public service of Namibia

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 377-388
Author(s):  
Annastasia Ipinge ◽  
Cathrine Tambudzai Nengomasha
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Public Service ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Record Management ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Creation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the recognition of record management profession in the Namibian Public Service. The objectives of the study are to determine appreciation of the importance of records record management; establish policies that support records management; find out the promotion of the records management function in the public service; establish training and job opportunities available for the record management professionals; and come up with recommendations on how the recognition of the record management profession could be enhanced in the public service of Namibia. Design/methodology/approach This case study used qualitative data collection methods, namely, focus group discussions and interviews. The two ministries and records keeping staff who took part in the focus group discussions were conveniently selected, whereas the two government offices where one key informant each was interviewed were purposively selected. Findings This study revealed that the records management profession was not well recognised in the public service of Namibia. The hiring of staff with low educational qualifications and the hiring of records keeping staff with some Diploma qualifications into the same positions as those without qualifications were all evidence of this. In addition to these was the failure to re-grade the records keeping staff through the establishment of a records management cadre. Practical implications The study recommends the creation of record management units in all offices, ministries and agencies headed by qualified record managers supported by qualified records management staff, finalisation and implementation of the records management policy, as well as the creation of a records management cadre. Originality/value The findings of the study on which this paper is based could inform policy for decision makers, and for the records management keeping staff, a strategy for advocating for recognition of their profession was planned.

Food-related environmental beliefs and behaviours among university undergraduates

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Campbell-Arvai
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
University Students ◽  
Food Environment ◽  
Environmental Values ◽  
Environmental Footprint ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Beliefs ◽  
Undergraduate University Students

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to document the food-related environmental beliefs and behaviours of undergraduate university students. More specifically, this research was focussed on determining if environmental sustainability is a consideration in students’ food choices, identifying the specific choices and behaviours adopted to reduce their food-related environmental footprint, and documenting the role of gender and pro-environmental values in these food-related environmental beliefs and behaviours. Design/methodology/approach – This research employed a mixed methods approach, i.e. focus group discussions and a survey, to document the food-related environmental beliefs and behaviours of undergraduate university students. The survey was informed by the results of the focus group discussions, and included standard measures of pro-environmental values and worldview. Findings – Results from focus group discussions revealed a broad array of beliefs and behaviours related to the connection between food, food production and the environment. The survey confirmed these results, but indicated a preference for such actions as recycling and reducing food waste in contrast to such alternatives as reducing meat consumption or avoiding processed foods. These results suggest that educational campaigns could focus on strengthening beliefs about the food-environment connection, as well as help to empower students to take a greater variety of actions to reduce their food-related environmental footprint. Originality/value – Relatively little attention has been focussed on individual beliefs and practices with respect to achieving more sustainable food consumption, particularly on university and college campuses. The research also represents a departure from previous work in that it utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods, and takes a broad approach to the food-environment connection.

scholarly journals An investigation into respiratory health problems of workers at stone crushing industries in Bangladesh

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-178
Author(s):  
Ehtesham Kabir ◽  
Aminul Islam ◽  
Md. Taufikuzzaman
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Significant Relation ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
The Government

Purpose Occupational exposure to dust is a major health and safety concern for workers in developing countries. Such laborers are often exposed to dust without being aware of its threat to their health. In the process of crushing stone, mineralogical materials are released into the environment. The material includes dust, fumes, ashes or other industrial waste which may constitute toxic elements. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the respiratory health problems of stone crushing industry workers in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional descriptive research study was conducted by adopting a multi-method approach. Data were collected by use of a questionnaire survey, focus group discussions, in-depth interview and spirometric examinations. Focus group discussions and questionnaire surveys were conducted among 240 workers. The respondents were divided in six groups for the spirometric examination. The questionnaire was formulated by following standards set by the American Thoracic Society Division of Lung Disease questionnaire and European Coal and Steel Community. Data on respondent’s height, weight and smoking habits were collected by using a structured checklist. Meanwhile, lung functions were assessed by spirometry. A Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyze the data. Findings The results show that there was a significant relation between respiratory problems and inhalation of dust and particulate matter and cigarette smoking. It also shows that coughing was the most common problem among the respondents. The majority of respondents suffered from obstructive types of respiratory problems. Originality/value Findings of the study reveals that chronic exposure to dust at stone crushing plants increases the risk of respiratory problems and the impaired lung function of workers. It also reveals that there is a significant relation between respiratory problems and inhalation of dusts and cigarette smoking. Raising awareness about health risks amongst workers could reduce these health hazards. The government should make a national policy for the prevention, control and elimination of silica exposure and silicosis. The results would help to raise awareness of the issue. Finally, it would raise awareness on respiratory health problems of workers at stone crushing industries in Bangladesh and help the government to make a policy for the prevention, control and elimination of silica exposure and silicosis, and thus enhancing public health policy and practices in the country.

scholarly journals Exploring perceptions and attitudes of black Sub-Sahara African (BSSA) migrants towards residential care in England

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-315
Author(s):  
Mathew Nyashanu ◽  
Scovia Nalugo Mbalinda ◽  
Fungisai Mushawa ◽  
Mandu Stephene Ekpenyong
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Death And Dying ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Early 19Th Century ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Uk

Purpose Since the early 19th century, the UK has seen a decrease in mortality rates and increase in life expectancy. This has increased the number of elderly people being put into residential care. Change in British population demography with the arrival of many Africans from the black Sub-Sahara African (BSSA) countries has increased the need of these services. The purpose of this paper is to explore perceptions and attitude of BSSA towards residential care from potential user perspective. Design/methodology/approach This study was explorative qualitative in nature, using focus group discussions and one-on-one follow up semi-structured interviews. The focus group discussions and interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The Silences Framework was used to guide this study, and the collection of data was done using the thematic analysis approach. Findings This study found out that the sense of confinement, lack of ownership, non-provision of culturally friendly food, non-provision of culturally friendly personal care, non-provisional of culturally orientated death and dying care, stigma for being neglected and perceived poor inclusivity leading to loneliness were found to discourage BSSA research participants from taking up residential care in the UK. Research limitations/implications In future, there is need for cross-cultural comparisons of BSSA communities living in the UK and BSSA communities living in Africa or other parts of the world. This may enhance understanding the differences and similarities based on contextual social, political and economic factors. Practical implications There is a need to understand the needs and concerns of new communities in relation to residential care and make necessary changes to enhance diversity and inclusivity. More importantly, the curriculum and professional development courses for staff in health and social care need to factor in the concepts of cultural competency and inclusivity to prepare them for the increasingly changing terrain of social care. Originality/value Owing to the changing demography and diversity in the UK population, there is a need to re-orient and re-design residential care services provision to make it diverse and inclusive of new communities from other cultures.

scholarly journals The impact of climate change on food and human security in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelechi Johnmary Ani ◽  
Vincent Okwudiba Anyika ◽  
Emmanuel Mutambara
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Human Security ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
The South ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The North

Purpose The purpose of this study is to unravel the changing nature of climate change impact on the food and human security sector of the Nigerian State. Design/methodology/approach This study is an in-depth case study that involves the use of both quantitative and qualitative data. Statistical data on climate variability in Nigeria obtained from reliable databases were use in the making of analysis. Also, data derived from semi-structure interviews and special reports from International Non-governmental organizations on the subject matter were also used in the study. The findings of the study were based on an in-depth analysis of both primary and secondary sources of data. The secondary data were derived from existing published academic works. The primary data was developed using qualitative data that were collected from January to November, 2018 to 2019 in the different regions of Nigeria. For the South East, primary data was collected from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. In the South-South, primary data was collected from Asaba, Delta State. In the South West, primary data was collected from Barutin, Kwara State. In the North East, primary data was collected from Maiduguri, while in North West, data was collected from Gusau, Zamfara State. In the North Central, data was collected from Markurdi, Benue State. During the data collection, 48 semi-structured Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were carried out in the six selected research areas that represented their geo-political zones. Six Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were carried out, one for each of these six selected cities. Each of the Focus Group Discussions comprised between five and seven respondents. The idea of KIIs and FGDs is to allow the respondents to freely express their ideas comprehensively. Again, in other to get varied forms of responses, the respondents are mainly farmers however, a number of NGOs, civil servants, fertilizer sellers, government officials, transporters and aged men and women/retirees. It should be noted that the respondents cut across male and female gender of all ages and ethnic configuration. The respondents were also randomly selected through social networking. To avoid having people of similar The KIIs were three academics; two community leaders; two small scale fish farmers; rice, cassava, fish, livestock and crop farmers. All KIIs ad TIs were transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings The findings revealed that climate change has negatively affected food security in Nigeria. it has also led to continuous armed confrontations over natural resources thereby undermining human security in the country. Originality/value This study is 100% original and can be assessed through turn it in evaluation.

Healthcare professionals at the Gazan public hospitals: are they collaborative?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iyad Ibrahim Shaqura ◽  
Radwan Baroud ◽  
Ali Akbari Sari
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Interprofessional Collaboration ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis study aimed to assess interprofessional collaboration among healthcare professionals at governmental hospitals in the Gaza Strip.Design/methodology/approachThis is qualitative study at six governmental hospitals, four general and two specialized. Thirty healthcare professionals were purposefully recruited to seven semi-structured interviews and three focus group discussions. Analysis was carried out using the open-coded thematic analysis.FindingsEight themes had been identified: (1) unity of goals among health professionals, (2) physicians as team leaders, (3) patient involvement, (4) decision-making and conflict management (5) relationships among professionals, (6) general responsibilities and autonomy, (7) mutual trust and information exchange and (8) collaboration with the community to coordinate care. The first three themes were impediments, whilst “decision-making and conflict resolution” was a significant enabler of interprofessional collaboration. The last four themes were the lowest in their level and varied from one hospital to another as well.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation in this study was the number of participants; a relatively large sample might be needed for more data saturation. Therefore, health professionals from diverse backgrounds and different managerial levels have been recruited.Practical implicationsPolicymakers could rely upon the recommendations in strengthening the enablers of interprofessional collaboration and overcoming barriers, both on system, organizational and individual levels.Originality/valueThis study was conducted at six hospitals of different specialties and sizes, and health professionals from different six professions have been recruited. In addition, two qualitative tools were used, interviews and focus group discussions.

Examining user experience of eLearning systems implemented in two universities in Tanzania

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-55
Author(s):  
Joel S. Mtebe
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Dar Es Salaam ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Hedonic Quality

Purpose This study aims to investigate the factors that influence user experience (UX) of eLearning systems implemented in two institutions in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted questionnaire consisting of Nielsen’s heuristics and didactic metrics as pragmatic metrics and hedonic metrics followed by focus group discussions with students. Findings The study found that the eLearning system of University of Dar es Salaam had 43 UX problems related to Nielsen’s heuristics and 54 UX problems related to didactic heuristics. The eLearning system of the Open University of Tanzania had 50 UX problems related to Nielsen’s heuristics and 59 UX problems related to didactic heuristics. Moreover, the two systems provided positive UX hedonic quality on identification and evocation dimensions while stimulation was perceived to be neutral. Research limitations/implications The study has used learners as evaluators rather than expert evaluators. Learners are not particularly experienced in the learning domain, and therefore, it is difficult for them to identify many didactic violations of the eLearning systems. Originality/value The study contributes toward finding the underlying factors for non-use or underuse of the installed eLearning systems in various universities in sub-Saharan Africa.

Exploration of people centric organizational health dimensions: a study of Indian R&D organization

2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 393-408
Author(s):  
Anupama Singh ◽  
Sumi Jha
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussion ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Organizational Health ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Organization ◽  
Antecedents And Consequences ◽  
Marine Chemicals

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the dimensions of organizational health with the help of existing literature and focus group discussion on organizational health. The study also tries to categorize various antecedents and consequences of organizational health.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review was conducted with limited search word on organizational health using databases like Emerald, Ebsco and Science direct. Focus group discussions were performed at Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute and National Metallurgical Laboratory – laboratories of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, an Indian R&D organization. A total of 29 male and 6 female respondents participated in the focus group discussion.FindingsThe results showed that various dimensions of organizational health which were found using focus group discussions were in congruence with the literature reviewed on organizational health. The findings of focus group discussion also listed the antecedents and consequences of organizational health in an R&D organization.Research limitations/implicationsThe literature presented conflicting views on organizational health construct. The focus group discussion provided clarity on the dimensions of organizational health. An empirical research can be done on organizational health considering dimensions identified during the focus group discussion.Originality/valueIt is an attempt to conceptualize the construct of organizational health in a research and development organization with the help of focus group discussion.

scholarly journals Academics’ perception of knowledge sharing in higher education

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1001-1015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fenio Annansingh ◽  
Kerry E. Howell ◽  
Shaofeng Liu ◽  
Miguel Baptista Nunes
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organisational Culture ◽  
The Political ◽  
Constructivist Approach ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Higher education (HE) institutions create, disseminate, share and exchange knowledge through relationships among people, processes and technologies. Knowledge sharing (KS) in academia enables people within the institute to develop practices which allow them to collect and share what they know. This often leads to actions that improve services and outcomes. Despite the opportunities, this sharing is not without implications as it exposes the knowledge sharer and recipient to a number of vulnerabilities and risks, which hinders the knowledge-sharing process. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopted a constructivist approach, which utilised focus group discussions within three UK universities. These were identified to improve the usefulness and effectiveness of the knowledge-sharing process. Findings The paper concluded by purporting that by developing an understanding of the risks and opportunities of sharing HE, institutions will continue to grow, regenerate and develop knowledge. The results highlighted the plethora of risks and opportunities resulting from KS. These were further grouped into the political, social and organisational culture. Originality/value This paper addresses the gap of risks perceptions of KS in HE institutions.

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