ESSENCE AND CONTENT CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CONCEPT “EMPLOYMENT POTENTIAL OF THE ENTERPRISE”

The article examines the list of the latest scientific sources devoted directly to the definition of the economic category “labor potential of the enterprise”. Their analysis allowed us to note that in their works scientists and scholars rationalize the need to clarify the essence of the concept “labor potential of the enterprise”, especially given the transformations and constantly emerging new requirements in the modern market environment of enterprises. At the same time, there is a lack of unity of their views on the revealing of the meaning of this term, and their variety is very diverse. The existing developments of scientists to establish the essence of the economic category “labor potential of the enterprise” really need further consideration and refinement. The main purpose of the article is to provide an essence and content characteristic and to formulate a definition of “labor potential of the enterprise” on the basis of isolation and systematization of its key (essential) features. As a result of a comprehensive analysis of the studied existing interpretations of the essence of labor potential of the enterprise, their list is systematized into four main approaches to the specification of the semantic basis of this term. On the ground of the application of basic logical methods of concept generation (analysis, synthesis, comparison, abstraction, generalization), the essential features of this term are identified in terms of content of actions and essential certainty: a set of existing and potential capabilities and abilities of employees; self-realization, effective use, increase and development of opportunities for employees in employment; promoting the achievement of strategic goals of enterprise development. To formulate the definition of “labor potential of the enterprise” the following is suggested: first, a combination of the above three essential features of the labor potential of the enterprise; second, the inclusion of a sign of the possibility of manifestation in the latest changing conditions of the socio-economic environment of enterprises; third, grounding at the same time on the interpretation of the basic concept of “potential”; fourth, taking into account the peculiarities of the four main approaches to the specification of the semantic basis of the term. Based on the above provisions, the essence of the labor potential of the enterprise is formulated, whose difference from the existing ones is a comprehensive consideration of its essential features in terms of essential definition and content of actions, as well as taking into account the possibility of manifestation in the latest changing socio-economic environment.

SOCIAL INNOVATIONS IN GEO-ICT EDUCATION AT TANZANIAN UNIVERSITIES FOR IMPROVED EMPLOYABILITY (GEOICT4E)

Geospatial and ICT technologies are making an impact leap due to globally accessible open data solutions addressing environmental and social challenges, such as rapid urbanization, degradation of marine and land environments, and humanitarian crises. We are witnessing a rapid growth of innovations built on data and tools tackling local societal problems. At best, these can provide better opportunities for sustainable solutions and development. The need for geospatial expertise is growing globally, and the required skills and capabilities of experts are changing. Universities need to think that although the future jobs rely on experts’ geospatial data and technology skills, graduates need to have a strong conceptual and practical understanding of societal problems and capacity to co-develop solutions, which generate wellbeing and inclusive development. New generation university graduates need to master the interface between technologies’ potential and societies’ emerging needs, working in a multi-stakeholder environment and creating innovative and impactful solutions. In this paper, we present a model of institutional cooperation between five Tanzanian and three Finnish universities, aiming to tackle this transformative education challenge in Tanzania. GeoICT4e aims to develop innovative and scalable geospatial and ICT e-learning services for Tanzanian universities. Via this transformation, universities are aiming to enhance the future employment potential of the graduates with digital multi-competence skills. We present the overall methodology and key activities of the project cooperation, and discuss the opportunities and challenges related to this transformation, and use of open data and FOSS solutions particularly from the institutional and societal perspectives.

Stakeholder views on young adults with intellectual disabilities as a workforce: A qualitative study on students’ performance in upper secondary education and their employment potential

People with intellectual disabilities are the most disadvantaged group among all disability types when it comes to employment. In Sweden, special needs upper secondary schools prepare students with intellectual disabilities for the labour market using practice periods at workplaces. This study targets stakeholder involved in their school-to-work transition (i.e. teachers, employers, employment agency officials). The aim is to identify how they view: (1) the working capabilities of students during practice periods and (2) their employment potential. We base the analysis on interview data with the stakeholders using Grounded Theory. Our results identify three student types whose preparedness for the labour market differs considerably. One student type performs well during the practice period and represents a high potential to enter the workforce. The other two student types have the lower working capability and employment potential. Our study highlights stakeholders as resources to improve the labour market preparations of students with intellectual disabilities.

Income and Employment Potential for Youth and Women in Tanzania’s Micro, Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises

This paper looks into the income and employment potential for youth and women in tourism micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME s). The survey data collected from seven regions of Tanzania during September–October 2018 is used. Analyses are focused on two main issues: estimation of determinants of income in tourism MSME s and implications for youth and women employment; and examination of perceived youth employment potential in the tourism industry of Tanzania. Quantile regression approach is applied in estimation of determinants of income; and the ratios of perceived employment potential and constraints to the youth employment are analysed. The findings demonstrate earning as the leading employment incentive and is determined by education of the owners of MSME s, inter alia. Larger proportion of enterprises owned by youth than those owned by elderly people are informal, which has a negative bearing on incomes of youth. Women and youth owned enterprises are constrained in terms of credit access. Policy implications include the need to address the social problem of gender inequality, enhancing requisite skills and knowledge for tourism sector professions, and formalisation and scaling up of credit access for the youth and women.

Self-employment through ride-hailing: Drivers’ experiences in Johannesburg, South Africa

Orientation: Ride-hailing services have gained popularity in South Africa because of their ability to provide a reliable alternative to traditional modes of transport. However, little is known about ride-hailing drivers.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the ride-hailing drivers’ job satisfaction levels and the challenges they experienced.Motivation for the study: This study was motivated by the lack of scholarly information on the experiences of drivers involved in ride-hailing in the context of South Africa.Research design, approach and method: This study adopted a pragmatic approach through a mixed-method, survey-based design. Fifty-three ride-hailing drivers were randomly interviewed in Johannesburg, South Africa, using a pre-designed and piloted questionnaire. Data were analysed using methods of descriptive interpretation and inductive thematic analysis.Main findings: A descriptive statistical analysis showed that most ride-hailing drivers provide the service to earn their primary income. Furthermore, a thematic analysis found that ride-hailing drivers felt unsafe providing these services because of the violence they experienced from minibus taxi operators in the region.Practical/managerial implications: In a country plagued by unemployment, the development of small businesses is an important income-generating opportunity for many. To further develop the employment potential of the growing ride-hailing industry, governments at various levels should provide greater support and safety measures for ride-hailing drivers.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes a unique dataset in exploring ride-hailing drivers’ self-employment, job satisfaction and challenges in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Uneven geographies of economic recovery and the stickiness of individual displacement

How far do economic recoveries help those whose employment potential was most affected in times of crisis to clamber back—and under what regional conditions? We examine this issue drawing on individuals’ employment histories from the UK Household Longitudinal Study. We find that—with the notable exception of the London economy—loss of occupational status is ‘sticky’, with evidence of limited ‘bouncing back’ for those ‘bumped down’ the occupational ladder during the crisis. London’s exceptionalism is consistent with expected metropolitan advantages (denser/larger labour markets), but we find no evidence of a broader North–South divide, while comparisons across regions outside London reveal no significant associations with general indicators of the form/intensity of economic recovery.

Self-reported perception of a Dedicated research semester in Pharmacy curriculum in enhancing research competencies

This study measures the impact of the implementation of a dedicated research semester on various perceived competencies related to research. In 2016, surveys were conducted on final undergraduate Pharmacy students in regard to appraisal and critical thinking skills. Students’ perceptions of the impact of research in enhancing their employment potential were investigated. Our evaluation included students’ self-assessment of their writing, presentation, critical thinking and research skills. To assess qualitative parameters, the data obtained were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A total of 113 responses was received. A majority of students indicated that the research semester prepared them in undertaking their research projects. They acknowledged that research helped in building confidence and to acquire the ability to work independently. Most students perceived that the experience gained in research would enhance their employment potential. Overall, students developed critical thinking skills through their respective research project.

ADVANTAGES OF NETWORKS – LOCAL SOCIAL-PROFESSIONAL REINTEGRATION NETWORK

Main issue of the article are local cooperation networks between institutions, which work on reintegration people, who are at risk of social marginalization. The author is interested in answer for efficient idea to create local, socialprofessional reintegration networks and can subjects of social employment (Centers and Clubs of Social Integration) play the role of local institutional leaders, around which these support networks are creating. Basically conclusion is that Centers and Clubs of Social Integration can play the role of leaders, who creates networks, but process of their establishment and working depends on many characteristic elements for local communities – favor of local power, subject’s social employment potential and relationship with other subjects of local social policy.