Human Systems Management - Volume Pre-press, issue Pre-press

Authors: de Juana Espinosa, Susana Amalia | Brotons, Matilde | Sabater Sempere, Vicente | Stankevičiūtė, Živilė

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the teaching ways in universities, rapidly moving from face-to-face delivery models to online and distance learning. Consequently, the multimedia and digital competencies of the teaching staff were suddenly put onto the stage, resulting in the realisation that many of them were not sufficiently skilled to face this challenge due to a lack of prior training. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this explanatory research is to present and make a comparison of key training programs, deemed best practices, that address different ways to assist higher education teaching staff to acquire the multimedia competencies required …to be technologically- proficient in their classes. METHODS: A desk research provides the data for a multiple case study of courses implemented in universities of five European countries, namely Spain, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Romania, and Slovenia. RESULTS: The results of the study show a total of 28 courses ranging from how to deliver online teaching to gamification, going through other topics such as photo and video editing, that enable higher education teachers to acquire digital skills. The main challenges detected for the success of these training programs are the teachers’ lack of time for training, non-positive attitudes towards technology, and lack of innovative capacity in their teaching processes. Among the positive outcomes, we can find that these universities opt for programs with courses varied in content, to cover a wider range of skills, as well as offering courses at several levels of development so that all staff may improve, from the very beginners to more advanced tools. CONCLUSION: By identifying the challenges and success factors behind the best practices hereby analysed, the lessons obtained from this research may serve as benchmarks for other universities to develop efficient multimedia training programs for university staff. Show more

Keywords: Higher education, multimedia competencies, ICT teaching tools, teaching staff development programs, ICT integration

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-220060

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-15, 2022

Authors: Ahmed, Hamed Mahmoud Shamsaan | Ahmed, Yimer Ayalew | Thomran, Murad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Entrepreneurship is a critical strategic instrument for any country’s overall social and economic sustainable growth. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to address the psychological characteristics that predict the likelihood of youth considering entrepreneurship in Ethiopia. METHODS: To achieve this objective, this study used a quantitative research approach and an explanatory research design. The study’s target group was 9850 entrepreneurs who are currently engaged in a variety of entrepreneurial activities. Using a multistage sampling technique, the researchers selected 385 respondents as a sample size out of the target population. RESULTS: This study used a survey …questionnaire as a tool for data collection and applied binary logistic regression analysis for the data analysis. The study found that psychological traits factors, such as the need for achievement, need for independence, locus of control, and risk-taking prosperity variables, are significant in predicting the likelihood of youth considering entrepreneurship as an attractive life venture. CONCLUSIONS: By looking at the influence of personality factors on entrepreneurial intentions, this study adds to the current body of knowledge in entrepreneurship research. The study contributes to policymakers and other stakeholders to support micro and small enterprises. Furthermore, owners and practitioners can utilize the findings of this study as a guide. Show more

Keywords: Youth entrepreneurship, Ethiopia, intention, psychological factors, traits

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-220034

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-15, 2022

Authors: Iordache, Raluca Maria | Mihăilă, Delia | Darabont, Doru Costin | Petreanu, Viorica

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The paper presents some results of a field study concerning occupational effort in dispatchers’ activity in gas transport field. The opportunity, aim and necessity of the study resulted from the present occupational safety and health (OSH) law requirements. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the occupational effort and its indicators, in order to emphasize the risk /demand factors and to establish measures for occupational safety and health management system in order to protect the employees’ health, safety and well-being at work. METHODS: The methodology had a multidisciplinary, ergonomic character, consisting in: analysis of the work …content and conditions; assessment of the effort (mental and physical) and work capacity; assessment of work fatigue. RESULTS: The results showed the levels of mental (neuropsychic) effort in the dispatchers’ studied activity, the risk factors that determine fatigue at work, and the risk factors that cannot be eliminated or reduced. CONCLUSIONS: For the dispatching activity, the occupational effort (namely its mental/neuropsychic component) is situated at a high level determined by the nature and content of the work task. Show more

Keywords: Mental effort, risk factors, ergonomic study, safety and health at work.

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-220068

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2022

Authors: Mrugalska, Beata | Dovramadjiev, Tihomir

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the last decades a revolution for safety industries is widely recognizable. Regulatory bodies have tried to investigate more and more how the industry can get better and learn from hazardous events. Moreover, industrial associations have increased the amount of provided best practices, and started to train and certify new standards of process safety. However, experts indicate that one of the most important elements in safety performance is the role of people. The recent findings of accident investigations demonstrate a growing recognition that the cultural context and human performance may influence safety and therefore, a focus on safety culture …is inevitable in contemporary enterprises. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to establish the relationship between human factors and safety culture in industrial environment. METHODS: In the research study we adopted multiple methods that consisted of the completion of a safety culture assessment survey in an industrial sector (243 responses) and research interviews (5 in total) within industrial authorities. RESULTS: The results of the research clearly show a crucial role of human factors in safety culture. It was investigated in relation to safety training, safety awareness, hazard identification and risk, responding to incidents, and communication and safety. CONCLUSIONS: Summing up, it can be concluded that the behaviours and awareness of humans and a positive safety culture influence directly safety good practices, hazard control, incident reporting and finally number and scope of accidents at work. Show more

Keywords: Human factors, safety culture, safety

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-220041

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-6, 2022

Authors: Trunk, Aleš | Klemenčič-Mirazchiyski, Eva | Štremfel, Urška | Stubelj, Igor

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The focus of the article is on the attitudes among 8th graders in European countries on future European/EU integration and cooperation. OBJECTIVE: Our objective is to investigate to what extent different background characteristics are related with students’ attitudes, opinions and expectations about sense of European identity, future of Europe (and EU), and student’s endorsement of European cooperation (where part of the scale is also variable “to reduce unemployment”). And how strong is the association between student positive expectations towards Europe and other attitudes related with Europe/EU, and is there clear divide between post-communist countries (newer democracies in …Europe) and the rest? METHOD: The techniques used to analyse the data are descriptive statistics, linear and binary logistic regression, Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Datasets are from last cycle of the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS), N = 52,788 students. RESULTS: Results show important differences in perceptions, attitudes and expectations between students in newer and older democracies. These patterns may not always be clear and interpretable, but they show the differences across Europe. CONCLUSIONS: Future direct research are pointing on importance of having in mind that different background characteristics attributes to differences in attitudes’ developments (and that this divers among countries), as well as on very challenging decisions when considering different regions to compare results among them, at that even post-communistic countries in Europe can not always be grouped in one “block”. Show more

Keywords: Youth’s attitudes, EU integration, European cooperation, European future, ICCS

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-220055

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-20, 2022

Authors: Macini, Nayele | Sengupta, Ayesha | Caldana, Adriana Cristina Ferreira | Moin, Muhammad Farrukh

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The process of involving sustainability in the Human Resources (HR) area, which is still a major challenge to be faced, will only occur when the leadership shares the values that influence ethics at work and have a more involved relationship with all business stakeholders. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to verify the relationship between the dimensions of Spiritual Leadership, the functional and competitive dimensions of Human Resources and Organizational Sustainability. METHODS: Through the Systematic Review Method, the available literature has been categorized based on the thematic alignment of the topics. Content analysis of …49 articles included predetermined codes verifying the most recurrent dimensions of each thematic axis. RESULTS: Among the HR functional dimensions, the one represented by training and development, assumes an intermediate role between the achievement of the intended cultural management, which can be through communication and teamwork, until reaching the organizational sustainability actions, which is the main purpose of this thematic relationship. CONCLUSIONS: This article makes a unique contribution to the existing literature on spiritual leadership and sustainable human resources management as well as reveals new avenues of in-depth research focusing specifically on the relationship of the thematic axes uncovered in the study. Show more

Keywords: Spiritual leadership, human resources, organizational sustainability, sustainable human resources management, policies and practices

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-220099

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-20, 2022

Authors: Sarfraz, Muddassar | Abdullah, Muhammad Ibrahim | Ivascu, Larisa | Ahmad, Umair

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The service sector is facing challenges due to its competitive environment. Thus it needs a transformation of the traditional sector into the learning sector. In this competitive atmosphere, organizations and institutions are putting several efforts into making itself learning organizations to upgrade their effectiveness and efficiency. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to examine the impact of learning organization from errors on organizational effectiveness under the mediating role of organizational commitment and job satisfaction. METHODS: The study has adopted a descriptive and quantitative approach. The data has been collected from the healthcare sector employees by applying …a convenience sampling technique. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and SmartPLS-SEM was used for data and regression analysis. RESULTS: Findings revealed that organizational learning from errors has a significant and positive effect on organizational effectiveness. Results also divulged that organizational commitment and job satisfaction significantly mediate the relationship between organizational learning from errors and organizational effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Organizations are changing by moving towards a more informative and knowledge-gaining organizational culture, and organizational learning from errors positively and significantly affects organizational effectiveness. Show more

Keywords: Organizational commitment, organizational effectiveness, job satisfaction, service sector, job performance

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-220106

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-15, 2022

Authors: Qorraj, Gazmend | Kaçaniku, Fjolla

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The whole educational system from pre-university to university level has been challenged with the immediate pressure to transform during the lockdown period of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The question of how to ensure digital transformation in universities become topical at policy, institutional, and classroom practice dimensions. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to examine and explore how digital transformation in higher education in Kosovo is conceptualised in a changing context. The study focuses on teacher education as a pathway that links pre-university education with higher education system to ensure future teacher preparation. …METHODS: The study used a qualitative research design. The data were collected through interviews with management staff (n  = 3) and teacher educators (n  = 7), and group interviews with student teachers (n  = 15), at the University in Kosovo and teacher education institution. Following the principles of the hermeneutical circle, conceptualisations of digital transformation in teacher education were clustered into the following dimensions: (i) policy, (ii) organisation culture and management, and (iii) teaching and learning. RESULTS: The paper analyses the Western Balkans, specifically Kosovo, as the country faced the transition challenges including institutional building, limited administrative capabilities, and other challenges regarding educational process and digitalization. The paper contributes to the discussions with the emerging conceptualisations of digital transformation in teacher education by drawing from thematic areas concerning policy response mechanisms, teacher education policy as isolated from higher education framework, change management process, missing organisational culture, rigidity and resistance in teaching. CONCLUSIONS: The paper concludes that teacher education context should be reconceptualised within the higher education framework to better manage a transition and change settings for a shared conceptualisation and sustainable digital transformation. Show more

Keywords: Digital transformation, higher education, teacher education, policy, organisation culture and management, teaching and learning

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-220063

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2022

Authors: Agza, Mesfin | Alamirew, Bamlaku | Shibru, Admasu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Poverty alleviation is a critical issue for national and international development goals. Data on different poverty-reduction measures are eagerly sought by policymakers. Analytical data on the role of migration in poverty alleviation is one of them. OBJECTIVES: This study is designed to investigate the prevalence of multidimensional poverty and its determinants in connection to rural-urban migration. METHODS: Primary data was collected from 384 randomly selected rural households and analyzed using econometric models. RESULTS: Non-migrant and migrant-sending households had adjusted headcount ratios of 19.8% and 10.5%, respectively. Poor living conditions were identified in 43.5% …of non-migrant households and 25.6% of migrant-sending households, respectively. Non-migrant households and migrant-sending households contributed 70.5% and 29.5%, respectively, to the entire sample’s adjusted headcount ratio. According to the findings, household size, the number of migrants per household, the education level of the household head and livestock ownership all has a significant effect on households’ multidimensional poverty. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that rural-urban migration helps poverty reduction in the region. Therefore, proper consideration should be given to maximizing the benefit of migration on the long-term reduction of multidimensional poverty through productive remittance investment and assisting households to improve their productive capacity. Show more

Keywords: Determinants, multidimensional poverty, rural-urban migration, Ethiopia

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-220129

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-13, 2022

Authors: Mekinc, Janez | Gorenak, Mitja | Ladkin, Adele | Turnšek, Maja

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research has long shown that there is a need for better tourism education. Previous research has mainly focused on management’s perceptions of the need for future competencies in tourism, while employees’ perceptions in general have not been properly investigated. OBJECTIVE: This paper identifies tourism employees’ perceptions of the competencies needed in the tourism industry in the future. METHODS: Based on a survey questionnaire, we analysed the attitudes of 226 tourism employees regarding the competencies they estimate they will need in the future. RESULTS: According to the employees, the most important competencies are a …high level of hospitality, the ability to work with people, cooperation with stakeholders and emotional intelligence. In contrast, digital literacy is rated as less important, indicating that employees expect tourism to continue to be primarily a ‘human contact’ industry. We found statistically significant differences in respondents’ assessments in relation to their education, hierarchical position, age and area of work in tourism, but not in relation to their gender. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have practical value for tourism curriculum and training developers at all levels of education, and also provide important details with regard to the need for future research. Show more

Keywords: Tourism, future competencies, study programmes, training, education

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-220056

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-16, 2022