{"title":"A landscape of practice approach to enhance employability: insights from domestic and international postgraduates","authors":"Behnam Soltani, William E. Donald","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-11-2023-0320","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-11-2023-0320","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeDrawing on a theoretical framework of sustainable career ecosystem theory, our paper aims to consider how domestic and international postgraduates can enhance their employability through participation in a landscape of practice.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed an exploratory, longitudinal case study design to capture students' lived experiences on an 18-month Master of Professional Practice course at a higher education institution in New Zealand. The data collection procedure involved field note observations (months 1–4), a focus group (month 13) and narrative frames (months 16–18). The sample was domestic students from New Zealand (n = 2) and international students from Asia (n = 5).FindingsOne’s participation in multiple communities of practice represents their landscape of practice and a commitment to lifewide learning. Through participation in various communities of practice, domestic and international students can enhance their employability in three ways: (1) boundary encounters to develop social capital, (2) transcending contexts to enhance cultural capital, and (3) acknowledging the development of psychological capital and career agency.Originality/valueOur work offers one of the earliest empirical validations of sustainable career ecosystem theory. Expressly, communities of practice represent various contexts whereby employability capital is developed over time. Additionally, the postgraduate students themselves are portrayed as interconnected and interdependent actors, presenting a novel framing of such dependencies at the micro-level of the ecosystem. The practical implications come from informing universities of the value of a landscape of practice to enhance the employability of domestic and international students in preparation for sustainable careers and to promote the sustainability of the career ecosystem.","PeriodicalId":502760,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning","volume":"6 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140697958","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chi-Jung Huang, Ling-ling Kueh, Hsiang-Wen Wang, Hsuan Hung, Hongya Wang
{"title":"Assessing self-efficacy in interdisciplinary learning experiences and the effects of career-related predictors","authors":"Chi-Jung Huang, Ling-ling Kueh, Hsiang-Wen Wang, Hsuan Hung, Hongya Wang","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-09-2023-0259","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-09-2023-0259","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis study explores the extent of undergraduate students' engagement in interdisciplinary learning experiences across their academic journey and its potential correlation with elevated levels of self-efficacy in learning. Furthermore, the research investigates how the clarity of career decisions and future goals contributes to the perception of relevance, value and alignment of interdisciplinary learning experiences among undergraduate students.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using a self-report questionnaire in a longitudinal survey administered annually to undergraduate students at a university in northern Taiwan over four waves from 2018 to 2021. The sample analyzed for this study consisted of 123 undergraduate students who willingly and continuously participated in the research throughout the specified period.FindingsThe results showed that self-efficacy within interdisciplinary learning experiences could be classified into three clusters: high efficacy, moderate efficacy and fluctuating efficacy. The determinants influencing these clusters include career decisions and years spent in university. Undergraduate students who have determined their career decisions and are in their latter two years of undergraduate studies demonstrate higher self-efficacy in interdisciplinary learning. Conversely, students who have yet to determine their career decisions exhibit a fluctuating pattern of self-efficacy across the three interdisciplinary learning categories.Research limitations/implicationsTwo key limitations of this research include a small sample size and a confined university-specific context, potentially constraining the applicability of the results to a broader population.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the interdisciplinary learning experience in higher education by explaining the significance of undergraduates' self-efficacy and career-related factors. Whereas most research has focused on the effects of self-efficacy, this study investigated the factors that influence undergraduates' self-efficacy.","PeriodicalId":502760,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning","volume":"23 67","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140711470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Curse or blessing? Students’ experience from ChatGPT with an application of Colaizzi’s phenomenological descriptive method of enquiry and content analysis","authors":"Rabiul Awal, Asaduzzaman","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-09-2023-0249","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-09-2023-0249","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis qualitative work aims to explore the university students’ attitude toward advantages, drawbacks and prospects of ChatGPT.Design/methodology/approachThis paper applies well accepted Colaizzi’s phenomenological descriptive method of enquiry and content analysis method to reveal the ChatGPT user experience of students in the higher education level.FindingsThe study’s findings indicate that ChatGPT enhances the quality of learning and facilitates faster learning among university students. However, despite numerous positive outcomes, it is noted that ChatGPT may diminish students' creativity by swiftly addressing their critical queries. Over time, students may experience a decline in patience and critical thinking skills as they excessively rely on ChatGPT, potentially leading to ethical misconduct.Originality/valueThis paper primarily explores the advantages and drawbacks of using ChatGPT in the university context of Bangladesh. The present study creates a platform for future research in this domain with comprehensive study design. The study results alert the policy makers to improve upcoming version of ChatGPT with convenient user experience and academicians as this paper unleash several positive as well as negative consequences of using this AI-enabled chatbot.","PeriodicalId":502760,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning","volume":"28 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140738475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A qualitative study of transformative learning during internships","authors":"Jiunwen Wang, Ivy Chia, Jerry Yap","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-08-2023-0216","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-08-2023-0216","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this study is to document the process of transformative learning during students’ internships.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study was conducted with 13 interviewed students to gain deeper insights into their learning experiences during their internships. Their weekly reflections from their 6 month’s internship experience were also coded for common themes.FindingsThe study found numerous trigger events ranging from task-related challenges to interpersonal challenges to environmental challenges led to mindset shifts in students during their internships. The mindset shifts are enabled by students engaging in the trigger events through asking questions, seeking information and reflecting. Other enablers of these mindset shifts are workplace psychological safety, social support and individual learning orientation. The conclusion drawn is that trigger events and enabling resources such as external support are central to healthy mindset shifts and learning.Practical implicationsThis paper provides important guidance for supporting transformative learning during student internships.Originality/valueThis paper provides important guidance for supporting transformative learning during student internships.","PeriodicalId":502760,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning","volume":"12 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140754460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Óscar Espinoza, L. González, Catalina Miranda, Luis Sandoval, Bruno Corradi, Noel McGinn, Yahira Larrondo
{"title":"Job satisfaction among university graduates in Chile","authors":"Óscar Espinoza, L. González, Catalina Miranda, Luis Sandoval, Bruno Corradi, Noel McGinn, Yahira Larrondo","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-10-2023-0286","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-10-2023-0286","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe job satisfaction of university graduates can serve as an indicator of success in their professional development. At the same time, it can be a measure of higher education systems’ effectiveness. The purpose is to assess the relationship of university graduates’ socio-demographic characteristics, aspects of their degree program, experiences in the labor market and current working conditions and their job satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from a survey conducted at 11 Chilean universities with 534 graduates. An ordinal logistic regression model was fit to calculate job satisfaction probabilities for different graduate profiles.FindingsThe results show that sex, field of study, gross salary and horizontal match are related to graduates’ job satisfaction. Men and graduates in education and humanities are more likely to report being satisfied with their current job. Those graduates receiving higher salaries and those who are horizontally well-matched report higher levels of job satisfaction.Originality/valueThis study contributes to expanding knowledge about the job satisfaction of university graduates. Specifically, based on the results obtained, it introduces the idea of aspiration fulfillment as a possible determinant of job satisfaction in different fields of study. This can serve as a starting point for research that delves into differentiated expectations for graduates from different disciplines.","PeriodicalId":502760,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning","volume":"24 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140378252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring the impact of serious leisure on well-being and self-perceived employability: the mediating role of career adaptability amongst Chinese undergraduates","authors":"Yin Ma, P. Nimmi, M. Mouratidou, W. Donald","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-12-2023-0346","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-12-2023-0346","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis study aims to explore the impact of engaging in serious leisure (SL) on the well-being (WB) and self-perceived employability (PE) of university students while also considering the role of career adaptability (CA) as a mediator.Design/methodology/approachA total of 905 domestic undergraduate students from China completed an online survey.FindingsThe findings reveal that participation in SL positively influences WB and PE. Additionally, the results indicate that CA mediates the SL-WB relationship but not the SL-PE relationship.Originality/valueThe theoretical contribution of this research comes from advancing our understanding of sustainable career theory through empirical testing of SL, PE, and CA on WB outcomes within a higher education setting. The practical implications of this study involve providing universities with strategies to support domestic Chinese undergraduate students in enhancing their WB and PE through active engagement in SL pursuits and the development of CA. Moreover, our findings serve as a foundation for future research investigating whether insights gained from domestic Chinese undergraduate students can provide solutions on a global scale to address the persistent challenges of improving student WB and PE.","PeriodicalId":502760,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning","volume":" 48","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140213550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Police misconduct and social media: perceptions of aspiring future police officers","authors":"James Turner, Colin Rogers, Ian Pepper","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-08-2023-0214","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-08-2023-0214","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe research aimed to explore the perceptions of aspiring future police officers studying at a university in relation to the actions to be taken with regards to typical posts on social media by a fictitious off and on-duty police officer. This in turn would inform future police workforce requirements.Design/methodology/approachPolicing students who expressed their aspirations as future police officers were recruited. A total of 99 students studying the College of Policing licensed Professional Policing Degree at the University of South Wales, took part in Hydra Immersive Simulations to ascertain their perception of social media posts by a fictitious serving police officer. The students were asked to rate the appropriateness of the social media posts as groups, and as individuals.FindingsThe findings suggest that, whilst the majority of students identified misconduct issues in the social media posts, the response to how the fictitious police officer should be dealt with varied. In addition, it would appear that there may be a need for those involved in policing education to reinforce, in an ongoing basis, knowledge of the College of Policing Code of Ethics, misconduct rules, regulations and increase awareness of unacceptable social media posts.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was conducted with professional policing degree (PPD) students from one university.Practical implicationsIt is important to reinforce The College of Policing Code of Ethics, expected professional standards and an understanding of what constitutes unacceptable social media posts throughout the education of aspiring police officers. As this has the potential, if recruited, to impact on the service.Originality/valueLimited research has been conducted in relation to the College of Policing licensed higher education programme, the PPD, equipping aspiring police officers to successfully join the service and influence the cultural change.","PeriodicalId":502760,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning","volume":"1 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140426815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Case-based activities for risk management education","authors":"Anand Prakash, Sudhir Ambekar","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-07-2023-0177","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-07-2023-0177","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis study aims to describe the fundamentals of teaching risk management in a classroom setting, with an emphasis on the learning interface between higher education and the workplace environment for business management students.Design/methodology/approachThe study reviews literature that uses spreadsheets to visualize and model risk and uncertainty. Using six distinct case-based activities (CBAs), the study illustrates the practical applications of software like Palisade @RISK in risk management education. It helps to close the gap between theory and practice. The software assists in estimating the likelihood of a risk event and the impact or repercussions it will have if it occurs. This technique of risk analysis makes it possible to identify the risks that need the most active control.Findings@RISK can be used to create models that produce results to demonstrate every potential scenario outcome. When faced with a choice or analysis that involves uncertainty, @RISK can be utilized to enhance the perspective of what the future might contain.Originality/valueThe insights from this study can be used to develop critical thinking, independent thinking, problem-solving and other important skills in learners. Further, educators can apply Bloom’s taxonomy and the problem-solving taxonomy to help students make informed decisions in risky situations.","PeriodicalId":502760,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning","volume":"33 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140437211","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mapping the research landscape of vocational education and entrepreneurship: insights and future directions","authors":"Vijay Amrit Raj, S. Jasrotia, S. Rai","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-05-2023-0129","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-05-2023-0129","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeVocational education and entrepreneurship are constantly increasing in research fields. However, what is the current state of vocational education and entrepreneurial research? Where will the area go next? These questions are still unanswered; thus, this study tries to map the research landscape of the study area to get insights and provide directions for future research.Design/methodology/approachThis research collected extant literature on vocational education and entrepreneurship using Scopus scientific database. Bibliometric analysis has been performed to extract insights from 175 documents published in the study area. Content analysis on the extant literature has also been committed to getting contextual information and developing an integrated research framework for future researchers.FindingsThe bibliometric analysis revealed that training, career choice, curriculum, self-employment, student psychology, better job opportunity, learning environment and innovation are the most discussed in the vocational education and entrepreneurship literature. Developed nation’s strong presence, indicated by the number of publications in the field.Originality/valueThis study significantly contributes to entrepreneurship by disclosing advances in the literature and some of the most active research fronts in this sector, delivering insights that have yet to be wholly appreciated or appraised. The study also developed an integrated framework that could benefit various vocations, education and entrepreneurship stakeholders.","PeriodicalId":502760,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning","volume":"79 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140438111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marie Elaine Gioiosa, Cathryn M. Meegan, Jill M. D'Aquila
{"title":"Getting on board with certified public accountant evolution: re-evaluating a financial statement analysis project in light of a changing profession","authors":"Marie Elaine Gioiosa, Cathryn M. Meegan, Jill M. D'Aquila","doi":"10.1108/heswbl-07-2023-0184","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-07-2023-0184","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeGiven the implementation of a new Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure exam and the CPA Evolution Model Curriculum, accounting educators must integrate more advanced skills in their coursework. We illustrate how a commonly-used project in accounting classes, which teaches technical accounting content, can address skills and competencies identified by the Pathways Commission and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and, as a result, enhance skills all business school graduates need in the workplace.Design/methodology/approachWe incorporate a financial statement analysis research project under a group work format in three levels of financial accounting classes. Using both quantitative and qualitative analysis, we evaluate changes in student perceptions of skills and competencies important for business graduates.FindingsWe find students perceive improvement in critical thinking, problem-solving, the ability to work with other people, their understanding of the course material, and data analysis abilities after completion of the project. We also find statistically significant increases pre-to post-project in student perceptions of their knowledge, confidence, competence, and enthusiasm with respect to accounting material.Originality/valueWe provide an example of how educators can align a commonly-used project with the CPA Evolution Model Curriculum, yet still meet the needs of non-accounting majors and prepare all students for future business careers. Group work has been studied and similar financial statement analysis projects have been implemented in the classroom for years. We contribute by not only extending and updating this research, but also by re-evaluating a project to determine whether it meets the shifting needs of a rapidly changing profession. By doing so, we answer recent researchers’ call for research in higher education that addresses employability and workplace skills.","PeriodicalId":502760,"journal":{"name":"Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning","volume":"20 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140439842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}