scholarly journals Seasonal Labour for Horticulture and Viticulture Industries: Use of Regional Surveys and Forecast in Allocation Decisions

Author(s):  
Ram SriRamaratnam

Regional seasonal labour shortages have become a quite common occurrence in recent years, especially in the major Horticulture/Viticulture regions. The reliance on workers from overseas sources under various visa & permit conditions also assumed greater significance over the past few years given the low unemployment levels. Regional seasonal labour needs and the potential seasonal labour support had to be assessed during 2008 (and for seasons beyond) for the allocation of overseas workers including under the Recognised Seasonal Labour Employer (RSE) & its Traditional (TRSE) scheme based on forecast results incorporating the responses to the Regional Labour Surveys. The survey was referred to as the "Survey of Seasonal Labour Employers - Demand & Supply”. It was conducted by the local industry and for the Labour Governance Groups with assistance from the Department of Labour in survey design and in the analysis of the responses. All the major regions with significant horticulture and viticulture activities such as Hawkes Bay (covering pipfruit, wine, kiwifruit & a number vegetable crops), Bay o f Plenty (kiwifruit), Marlborough (wine), Nelson (pipfruit) and Wairarapa (wine) carried out the surveys after the 2006/07 season. It was intended to cover both demand-side and supply-side labour market information. Demand related information covered the number of full-time staff in relation to casual & seasonal workers, number of seasonal workers per supervisor, method hiring seasonal workers (directly or through contractors), work profile (ie, hours worked per day, days worked per week etc) and wages (piece and hourly rates) as well as the number of casual & seasonal workers used by seasonal months and by crops. The supply-side information covered the source of workers (domestic by sources and ovrerseas by types of visa), level of return of workers; especially labour turn-over, the level of training provided & impacts on productivity, accommodation facilities available or likely and the level anticipated participation in the RSE scheme. In this paper, some of the key results related to the level of seasonal labour requirements by major regions and the sources of labour supply are reported. The impact of labour practices on labour requirements and the nature of potential supply on implications for temporary migration policies are identified. The method by which a forecasting framework is used for allocation decisions is also outlined along with how survey information was used to refine and calibrate the Forecast Tool.

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Navin Gazanchand Matookchund ◽  
Renier Steyn

Literature suggests that performance appraisal (PA) contributes to innovation. However, the absolute and relative importance of PA to innovation, the different aspects of PA which drive innovation, as well as PA as a precursor among other antecedents to innovation, has not been adequately described. The aim of the study is to provide clarity on the drivers of innovation, specifically contextualising the impact of PA within the South African context. This study used a cross-sectional survey design, where only quantitative data was collected from full-time employees across private sector, parastatal, and government organisations. The respondents represented a broad cross-section of South African employees. PA and three other known antecedents to innovation, as well as innovation itself, were measured. It was found that PA (as a single variable) was responsible for 5.7% of the variance in innovation. Items in the PA scale with a clear link to innovation were identified, and thematically integrated. It was further found that, when PA was combined with other antecedents of innovation, leading to 26.6% of the variance in innovation being explained, the role of PA was significant, though mostly secondary. Proactive personality was the most dominant predictor of innovation. The importance and relative importance of PA as an antecedent to innovation in the workplace has thus been established. The outcomes of this study may assist managers and human resource practitioners to focus on appropriate, evidence-based information when attempting to enhance innovation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-52
Author(s):  
Leanne Etheridge ◽  
Hannah Senior

The impact on full-time carers of children with intellectual disabilities who exhibit challenging behaviour has been well researched (e.g. Lach et al., 2009; Shah et al., 2010; Wodehouse and McGill, 2009), however, there is to date no published research into the impact of behaviour that challenges on seasonal carers. Five participants who had been employed in summer playschemes for children and young people (up to the age of 18) were interviewed about their experiences of behaviour that challenges. The transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, which revealed six superordinate themes: the belief in and sanctuary of temporary work, emotional impact, personality and gender, strength through knowledge, communication difficulties and the belief in integration. Seasonal workers discussed suppressing their emotions in order to stay in control of a challenging situation, using coping styles developed through experience or based on personal skills; it is suggested that formalized training, particularly regarding non-verbal communication, would support playscheme workers in the management of and adaption to challenging behaviour.


GIS Business ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 194-212
Author(s):  
Urish Wynton Pillai Thomas ◽  
Dr. Syriac Nellikunnel Devasia ◽  
Dr Parameswaran Subrmanian ◽  
Dr Maria Josephine Williams ◽  
Dr Hanim Norza Baba

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) into International School Curriculum, and to adapt Education for Sustainable Development using Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour, Roger’s diffusion of innovation theory and Stern’s value belief norm (VBN) theory to nurture a sustainable society. The study narrowed five development goals; Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Climate Change (SDG 13) and Life on Land (SDG 15) to evaluate the impact towards international school’s curriculum in order to nurture a sustainable society. Data was collected from 105 teachers from 5149 full time teachers in International Schools in Malaysia. The questionnaire focusses on indicators from Sustainable Development Goals and funnelled down to understand whether these indicators will impact the objective of these research, which is to nurture a sustainable society through integrating SDGs in International School Curriculum. The data was analyzed through SPSS application where correlation test were conducted and produce nonparametric correlation results in p<0.001 which indicate a very high significant of relationship between SDGs and sustainable society.


Author(s):  
Genís Majoral ◽  
Francesc Gasparín ◽  
Sergi Saurí

The number of e-commerce transactions is increasing worldwide. Deliveries of goods purchased online generate externalities throughout the whole supply chain and, particularly, the increasing concern about the last-mile distribution of goods. The escalating presence of vans in cities contributes to poor air quality, climate change, noise, and congestion. So far, the majority of solutions to address this issue are based on the supply side, such as electric vans, optimizing the routing and pick-up-points, and so forth. Even in other transport sectors, pricing solutions are well known, yet they have not been extended to e-commerce delivery. This paper aims to propose an environmental tax falling on the demand side and equaling the externalities from this activity. The analysis has been particularized for the case of Barcelona. A cost–benefit analysis to assess the impact of such a tax has been carried out. When revenue collection is reinvested in the logistics sector, and for subsidizing electric distribution vehicles, the results indicate that the levying of the tax can generate positive outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S116-S116
Author(s):  
Julia Sessa ◽  
Helen Jacoby ◽  
Bruce Blain ◽  
Lisa Avery

Abstract Background Measuring antimicrobial consumption data is a foundation of antimicrobial stewardship programs. There is data to support antimicrobial scorecard utilization to improve antibiotic use in the outpatient setting. There is a lack of data on the impact of an antimicrobial scorecard for hospitalists. Our objective was to improve antibiotic prescribing amongst the hospitalist service through the development of an antimicrobial scorecard. Methods Conducted in a 451-bed teaching hospital amongst 22 full time hospitalists. The antimicrobial scorecard for 2019 was distributed in two phases. In October 2019, baseline antibiotic prescribing data (January – September 2019) was distributed. In January 2020, a second scorecard was distributed (October – December 2019) to assess the impact of the scorecard. The scorecard distributed via e-mail to physicians included: Antibiotic days of therapy/1,000 patient care days (corrected for attending census), route of antibiotic prescribing (% intravenous (IV) vs % oral (PO)) and percentage of patients prescribed piperacillin-tazobactam (PT) for greater than 3 days. Hospitalists received their data in rank order amongst their peers. Along with the antimicrobial scorecard, recommendations from the antimicrobial stewardship team were included for hospitalists to improve their antibiotic prescribing for these initiatives. Hospitalists demographics (years of practice and gender) were collected. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze pre and post data. Results Sixteen (16) out of 22 (73%) hospitalists improved their antibiotic prescribing from pre- to post-scorecard (χ 2(1)=3.68, p = 0.055). The median antibiotic days of therapy/1,000 patient care days decreased from 661 pre-scorecard to 618 post-scorecard (p = 0.043). The median PT use greater than 3 days also decreased significantly, from 18% pre-scorecard to 11% post-scorecard (p = 0.0025). There was no change in % of IV antibiotic prescribing and no correlation between years of experience or gender to antibiotic prescribing. Conclusion Providing antimicrobial scorecards to our hospitalist service resulted in a significant decrease in antibiotic days of therapy/1,000 patient care days and PT prescribing beyond 3 days. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2021 ◽  
pp. 0160323X2110092
Author(s):  
Laura A. Reese ◽  
Xiaomeng Li

This research focuses on change within informal service provision networks, specifically examining the impact that changes within a key organization can have on the larger network. Employing a before and after survey design with a treatment at the midpoint and participant observation, it asks: What is the impact of a major change within one organization on the larger external network? What is the nature of the organizational ties? and, How do political factors exogenous to the network impact the network evolution process? The findings suggest that internal change within a focal actor can have ripple effects throughout the network increasing density. Public service provision at the local level can be enhanced through an increase in partnerships between the public and nonprofit sectors. However, network evolution can be limited by the larger political environment and lack of a coordinating role on the part of local government.


2008 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-169
Author(s):  
Elvis Qenani-Petrela ◽  
Ron Mittelhammer ◽  
Philip Wandschneider

Many seasonal workers are housed in transitory accommodations, including tents and vehicles. In this study, we analyze the supply side of this problem by assuming that a public agent must house the workers through direct public investment. A peak load model is adapted to develop investment rules for the least-cost provision of seasonal worker housing, adding an interacting multi-season component to existing models. Based on this model and the data from three prototype projects, the majority of the least-cost investment would be in permanent, but seasonally occupied, housing.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Colin J. McMahon ◽  
Justin T. Tretter ◽  
Theresa Faulkner ◽  
R. Krishna Kumar ◽  
Andrew N. Redington ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: This study investigated the impact of the Webinar on deep human learning of CHD. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional survey design study used an open and closed-ended questionnaire to assess the impact of the Webinar on deep learning of topical areas within the management of the post-operative tetralogy of Fallot patients. This was a quantitative research methodology using descriptive statistical analyses with a sequential explanatory design. Results: One thousand-three-hundred and seventy-four participants from 100 countries on 6 continents joined the Webinar, 557 (40%) of whom completed the questionnaire. Over 70% of participants reported that they “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that the Webinar format promoted deep learning for each of the topics compared to other standard learning methods (textbook and journal learning). Two-thirds expressed a preference for attending a Webinar rather than an international conference. Over 80% of participants highlighted significant barriers to attending conferences including cost (79%), distance to travel (49%), time commitment (51%), and family commitments (35%). Strengths of the Webinar included expertise, concise high-quality presentations often discussing contentious issues, and the platform quality. The main weakness was a limited time for questions. Just over 53% expressed a concern for the carbon footprint involved in attending conferences and preferred to attend a Webinar. Conclusion: E-learning Webinars represent a disruptive innovation, which promotes deep learning, greater multidisciplinary participation, and greater attendee satisfaction with fewer barriers to participation. Although Webinars will never fully replace conferences, a hybrid approach may reduce the need for conferencing, reduce carbon footprint. and promote a “sustainable academia”.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S77-S77
Author(s):  
Jill M Cancio ◽  
Matthew Borgia ◽  
Leopoldo C Cancio ◽  
Linda Resnik

Abstract Introduction Burns with upper extremity (UE) amputation present a unique rehabilitation challenge. The purpose of this study of UE amputees who are active prosthesis users was to compare outcomes for those with and without burns. Methods This is part of a larger nationwide study of U.S. military members and veterans with UE amputations. In-person data were collected at 5 sites. An therapist measured passive and active range of motion (PROM, AROM); administered the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; Community Reintegration of Injured Service Members-Computer Adaptive-Test; Trinity Amputation and Prosthetic Experience Scale; health-related quality of life (VR-12); Activities Measure for Upper Extremity Amputees; Southampton Assessment Procedure; 9-Hole Peg Test; and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHF); and recorded residual and phantom pain; timing of prosthesis receipt; and current prosthesis use. The IRB approved this study. Results Data were collected on 126 individuals with UE amputation, of whom 105 had data on etiology and were included. Of these, 13 (12.4%) had burns (B) vs non-burn (NB). The majority were unilateral amputees (69% B, 90% NB). Most were transradial (TR) amputees (B 84.6%, NB 66.3%) as opposed to transhumeral (TH). A minority received their prosthetics within the first 3 months post-amputation (11.1% B, 28.8% NB) (p=0.15). Average age was 57.6 (SD 15.6) years for NB and 53.0 (20.6) years for B. Mean time since amputation was 22.5 (18.0) years for NB and 25.2 (17.3) years for B. The following non-significant differences in outcomes between B and NB were observed. Thirty-nine percent of B were employed full-time vs 18.9% of NB (p=0.15). The primary prosthesis was, for NB, a body-powered prosthesis (66.7%); for B, myoelectric (50%) or body-powered (50%). For unilateral UE amputees, there were no differences between B and NB on performance testing for dexterity and functional tasks or in self-reported disability, quality of life or prevalence or intensity of pain. B trended towards more moderate to severe PROM deficits with shoulder forward flexion (TH B 50%, TH NB 23.1% [p=0.444]; TR B 20%, TR NB 5.6% [p=0.197]) and shoulder abduction (TH B 50%, TH NB 26.9% [p=0.497]; TR B 30%, TR NB 16.4% [p=0.376]). Also, TR amputees with burns trended towards more PROM deficits with elbow flexion (B 20%, NB 6.9% [p=0.212]) and elbow extension (B 20%, NB 8.6% [p=0.272]). AROM deficits also trended greater in B. Conclusions We did not observe differences in physical function, pain levels, or quality of life between those with and without burns. Further studies with larger samples are needed, to include analysis of burn location, burn size, hospital length of stay, and rehabilitation care.


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