scholarly journals 90 Day Trial Periods in New Zealand - The Impact on Young Unskilled Workers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Anthea Finlay

<p>This thesis examines the early work experiences of low skilled youth against the background of the recently introduced 90 day trial periods legislation. A mixed method research approach was employed to survey young people’s experiences of their early work careers, along with interviews with key stakeholders in the field of youth employment. From a sample of 100 self administered surveys from young people, the research finds that 90 day trial periods are not widely used for 15 to 19 year olds. Low incidence of use can be explained by majority of respondents being in part time or casual work. Where respondents were in full time employment trial periods are widely used, and they are more likely to be applied in a formal and long term manner by employers within the construction industry. The research concludes that while 90 day trial periods are one mechanism for increasing youth employment, they may not be the most effective as youth unemployment is a complex issue with systemic causes. The factors that contribute to youth unemployment are widespread and could be addressed by increased career advice in schools, a more comprehensive youth transition between school and employment and addressing the skills mismatch with employers needs in the workplace. Addressing these issues may have greater impact on youth unemployment than 90 day trial periods.</p>

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Anthea Finlay

<p>This thesis examines the early work experiences of low skilled youth against the background of the recently introduced 90 day trial periods legislation. A mixed method research approach was employed to survey young people’s experiences of their early work careers, along with interviews with key stakeholders in the field of youth employment. From a sample of 100 self administered surveys from young people, the research finds that 90 day trial periods are not widely used for 15 to 19 year olds. Low incidence of use can be explained by majority of respondents being in part time or casual work. Where respondents were in full time employment trial periods are widely used, and they are more likely to be applied in a formal and long term manner by employers within the construction industry. The research concludes that while 90 day trial periods are one mechanism for increasing youth employment, they may not be the most effective as youth unemployment is a complex issue with systemic causes. The factors that contribute to youth unemployment are widespread and could be addressed by increased career advice in schools, a more comprehensive youth transition between school and employment and addressing the skills mismatch with employers needs in the workplace. Addressing these issues may have greater impact on youth unemployment than 90 day trial periods.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Montanari ◽  
Robert Teltzrow ◽  
Sara Van Malderen ◽  
Roberto Ranieri ◽  
José Antonio Martín Peláez ◽  
...  

Purpose This paper aims to describe the impact of the COVID-19 containment measures on the provision of drug treatment and harm reduction services in European prisons in15 countries during the early phase of the pandemic (March –June 2020). Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a mixed method research approach that triangulates different data sources, including the results of an on-line survey, the outcome of a focus group and four national case studies. Findings The emergence of COVID-19 led to a disruption in prison drug markets and resulted in a number of challenges for the drug services provision inside prison. Challenges for health services included the need to maintain the provision of drug-related interventions inside prison, while introducing a range of COVID-19 containment measures. To reduce contacts between people, many countries introduced measures for early release, resulted in around a 10% reduction of the prison population in Europe. Concerns were expressed around reduction of drug-related interventions, including group activities, services by external agencies, interventions in preparation for release and continuity of care. Practical implications Innovations aimed at improving drug service provision included telemedicine, better partnership between security and health staff and an approach to drug treatment more individualised. Future developments must be closely monitored. Originality/value The paper provides a unique and timely overview of the main issues, challenges and initial adaptations implemented for drug services in European prisons in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 272-280
Author(s):  
Faafetai Sopoaga ◽  
Shyamala Nada-Raja ◽  
Tracie Leckie ◽  
Ari Samaranayaka

Introduction Mental disorders are a significant health concern and an increasing burden for Pacific youth in New Zealand. Approximately 30,000 (30%) of Pacific youth aged 18-24 years are enrolled in tertiary studies with sparse information about their mental health and wellbeing. There is increasing recognition of the impact of stresses and emotional problems faced by students in tertiary institutions internationally. This study seeks to describe Pacific tertiary students’ mental health and wellbeing, their expectations and experiences. It seeks also to determine risk and protective factors, access and barriers to using health services and their impact on students’ academic progress. Methods All Pacific students enrolling for the first time and in their first year of study at the University of Otago in 2019 will be invited to participate and followed over 3 years. A mixed-method research approach will be used with a survey obtaining information from all eligible students. Of these, 30 students will be randomly selected to participate in four interviews over the study period. Research objectives will be addressed by using quantitative statistical methods to analyse cross-sectional and longitudinal self-reported data linked to administrative data.  The Talanoa methodology  and a thematic approach will inform qualitative data collection and analysis.    Findings/Outcomes measure The primary mental health measures are the Kessler 10 (distress), PHQ-9 (depression) and the GAD-7 (anxiety). The primary wellbeing measure utilises a validated Pacific Identity and Wellbeing (PIWBS-R) scale and the WHO-5 (subjective wellbeing). Secondary measures include alcohol use, students’ experience and academic progress.  Interviews will provide in-depth perspectives of the students’ journeys, and the relationship to their mental health and wellbeing including the impact on students’ academic progress. Conclusions This research seeks to better understand the factors that influence the mental health, wellbeing and academic success of Pacific students in tertiary institutions. The findings will be used to inform advocacy approaches and guide targeted support efforts.


Author(s):  
Vyasha Harilal ◽  
Tembi M Tichaawa ◽  
Jarkko Saarinen

The growth of ecotourism has an impact on the livelihoods of people living within and adjacent to protected areas, where ecotourism activities often take place. In some cases, evolving ecotourism has compromised the ability of locals to sustain and diversify their livelihoods. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of ecotourism and conservation measures implemented in protected areas in Cameroon on local communities residing either within or in close proximity to them. The study employed a mixed-method research approach based on two case study areas in Cameroon (the Mount Cameroon National Park and the Douala Edea Wildlife Reserve). Key findings of the study suggest that the geographic location of communities, coupled with instituted conservation and preservation measures and the level of ecotourism activity has a direct bearing on the severity of resultant impacts experienced by locals. Overall, measures in protected areas have been found to increase the conservation and preservation thereof. However, the extent to which communities are impacted upon by these measures differs in each case study area owing to factors such as geographical proximity, livelihood strategies, and community involvement in ecotourism.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Adhitya Pratama ◽  
Sany Roychansyah ◽  
Yori Hergawati

Meningkatnya kebutuhan akan tempat tinggal dan terbatasnya lahan pusat kota menggeser pembangunan perumahan ke pinggiran kota. Wilayah pinggiran kota Kendari yakni Kecamatan Baruga, mengalami perkembangan perumahan yang begitu signifikan dan sporadis. Perkembangan perumahan memicu dampak dari segi sosial, konomi, dan lingkungan terhadap masyarakat lokal di sekitar perumahan yang sudah bermukim sebelum adanya perumahan. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengambarkan proses perkembangan perumahan pada Kecamatan Baruga, sekaligus mengkaji dampak perkembangan perumahan tersebut terhadap masyarakat di sekitar perumahan. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan penelitian campuran (mix method) yaitu penelitian yang menggambungkan antara pedekatan kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Temuan penelitian ini adalah perkembangan perumahan pada Kecamatan Baruga dari aspek ekonomi dan lingkungan tidak memberik dampak positif terhadap masyarakat di sekitar perumahan. Namun dalam aspek sosial perkembangan perumahan berdampak positif terhadap masyarakat di sekitar perumahan. Dari sebelas indikator yang diteliti terkait dampak perkembangan perumahan terhadap kondisi sosial, ekonomi dan lingkungan masyarakat sekitar perumahan. Hanya terdapat empat indikator yang berdampak positif terhadap masyarakat sekitar perumahan, yakni peningkatan kegiatan sosial, peningkatan hubungan sosial, peningkatan kualitas hidup sosial, peningkatan ketersediaan lampu jalan dan peningkatan pelayanan persampahan. Sedangkan enam indikator lainnya tidak berdampak signifikan lebih baik terhadap masyarakat sekitar perumahan yakni peningkatan pendapatan, peningkatan peluang pekerjaan, perubahan mata pencaharian, peningkatan pemamfaatan perumahan sebagai tempat usaha, peningkatan kondisi jalan, dan peningkatan kondisi drainse.Abstract: The increasing need for housing and limited land in urban center shifts housing development to the suburbs. The suburb of Kendari, Baruga District, experienced significant and sporadic housing developments. The development of housing triggers social, economic, and environmental impacts on local communities around housing that had settled before housing developed there. This research aims to describe the process of housing development in the Baruga District, as well as assess the impact of housing development on the community around the housing. The method used in this study uses a mixed method research approach, which is a research that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches. The findings of this study are the development of housing in Baruga Subdistrict from the economic and environmental aspects does not have a positive impact on the community around housing development. But in the social aspects of housing evelopment has a positive impact on the community around housing development. Eleven indicators examined related to the impact of housing development on social, economic and environmental conditions of the community around housing. There are only four indicators that have a positive impact on the community around housing development, which are increasing social activities, improving social relations, improving the quality of social life, increasing the availability of street lights and improving waste services. While the other six indicators did not significantly impact the community around housing development, which are increased income, increased employment opportunities, changes in livelihoods, increased use of housing as a place of business, improved road conditions, and improved drainage conditions.


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioannis Dendrinos

During the Greek crisis, the high and rising youth unemployment rates have created severe concerns about the impact of the deep recession on human capital and social cohesion. However, even in previous times of significant economic growth, both youth unemployment ratio and other related employment indicators had been systematically worse compared to those of the general population, and even more so compared to other European countries. This article demonstrates how institutional and social factors influence youth employment performance, arguing that the youth unemployment problem in Greece has actually structural and persistent root causes. The article concludes with policy proposals towards changes both in labour market institutions and social attitudes.


Author(s):  
Syed Mustafa Ali ◽  
Rachel Powers ◽  
Naveed Anjum ◽  
Jeffrey Beorse ◽  
Muhammad Ishaq ◽  
...  

The present grievous situation of the tuberculosis disease can be improved by efficient case management and timely follow-up evaluations. With the advent of digital technology this can be achieved by quick summarization of the patient-centric data. The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of the ODK Scan paper-to-digital system during testing period of three months. A sequential, explanatory mixed-method research approach was employed to elucidate technology use. Training, smartphones, application and 3G enabled SIMs were provided to the four field workers. At the beginning, baseline measures of the data management aspects were recorded and compared with endline measures to see the impact of ODK Scan. Additionally, at the end, users&rsquo; feedback was collected regarding app usability, user interface design and workflow changes. 122 patients&rsquo; records were retrieved from the server and analysed for quality. It was found that ODK Scan recognized 99.2% of multiple choice bubble responses and 79.4% of numerical digit responses correctly. However, the overall quality of the digital data was decreased in comparison to manually entered data. Using ODK Scan, a significant time reduction is observed in data aggregation and data transfer activities, however, data verification and form filling activities took more time. Interviews revealed that field workers saw value in using ODK Scan, however, they were more concerned about the time consuming aspects of the use of ODK Scan. Therefore, it is concluded that minimal disturbance in the existing workflow, continuous feedback and value additions are the important considerations for the implementing organization to ensure technology adoption and workflow improvements.


Mousaion ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Mutsvunguma ◽  
Ruth Geraldine Hoskins

This study examined the extent of use of the institutional repository (IR) by academics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The following research questions were addressed: What progress has been achieved to support the use of the university’s IR? What is the attitude of academics towards self-archiving? What challenges are hindering repository use at UKZN? What strategies can be employed to improve acceptance and use of the repository at UKZN? A mixed method research approach was adopted. A questionnaire was designed to gather quantitative data from academics, while qualitative data were sought from management and administrative staff of the university through interviews. Documents and statistical data from online websites were incorporated to corroborate field data. The study findings revealed that the signing of the Berlin Declaration, employment of a full-time IR librarian, updating of the DSpace, development of an online submission guide, and ongoing training and awareness programmes, were achieved to support the use of the IR. Academics’ attitude towards IR use was positive but was hampered by limited knowledge of OA and the benefits of uploading scholarly content on the IR, limited skill for self-archiving, and lack of time to upload content on the IR. Use of other OA platforms by some academics, such as subject repositories, personal websites and social media platforms like ResearchGate, Academia and Mendeley, took their attention away from the university’s IR. The study concluded that, with improved training, the implementation of a mandating OA policy and a reward system, use of the repository by academics at UKZN could improve.


2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamieda Parker ◽  
Stephanie Elaine Appel

As ever-increasing advances in automation and artificial intelligence solutions create more opportunities for businesses to streamline their operations, the key challenges for managers are to identify the appropriate use cases for automation solutions in their organisations and to integrate the solution effectively to meet the objectives of both the firm and its employees. This case study examines the impact of implementing a machine-learning robotic process automation (RPA) solution that is aimed at reducing manual data entry tasks for employees in a financial services firm. The study employed an action research approach to follow a single team in the firm before and after the RPA implementation — a period of six months. The findings showed that RPA improved productivity in the team and created more positive work experiences for employees, as they had more time to dedicate to creative, cognitive, and customer service tasks. The study also found that the roles of employees were being redefined during the integration process, with employees reporting a high potential for broader transformation in the business as a result of the RPA implementation.


Author(s):  
Syed Mustafa Ali ◽  
Rachel Powers ◽  
Jeffrey Beorse ◽  
Farah Naureen ◽  
Arif Noor ◽  
...  

The present grievous situation of the tuberculosis disease can be improved by efficient case management and timely follow-up evaluations. With the advent of digital technology this can be achieved by quick summarization of the patient-centric data. The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of the ODK Scan paper-to-digital system during testing period of three months. A sequential, explanatory mixed-method research approach was employed to elucidate technology use. Training, smartphones, application and 3G enabled SIMs were provided to the four field workers. At the beginning, baseline measures of the data management aspects were recorded and compared with endline measures to see the impact of ODK Scan. Additionally, at the end, users&rsquo; feedback was collected regarding app usability, user interface design and workflow changes. 122 patients&rsquo; records were retrieved from the server and analysed for quality. It was found that ODK Scan recognized 99.2% of multiple choice bubble responses and 79.4% of numerical digit responses correctly. However, the overall quality of the digital data was decreased in comparison to manually entered data. Using ODK Scan, a significant time reduction is observed in data aggregation and data transfer activities, however, data verification and form filling activities took more time. Interviews revealed that field workers saw value in using ODK Scan, however, they were more concerned about the time consuming aspects of the use of ODK Scan. Therefore, it is concluded that minimal disturbance in the existing workflow, continuous feedback and value additions are the important considerations for the implementing organization to ensure technology adoption and workflow improvements.


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