Evidence derived from the 2012 and 2015 College Senior Surveys (CSS) noted showed that college seniors, at a historically Black university, graduated with little to average soft skills. Soft skills, such as personal characteristics and relations with others, are needed for students to succeed in postgraduate careers. The purpose of this study was to assess the level to which performing arts instruction (PAI) courses developed college-level students' soft skills. Kolb's experiential learning theory, which defines the learning process as knowledge and skills developed through experiences, and Stufflebeam's evaluation model, which uses context, input, process, and product, were used to guide this study. A case study design was used to discern students' perceptions of PAI to help develop their soft skills and meet employers' expectations. Maximum variation sampling was used to select 15 participants who met the criteria of being a senior performing arts student at the target site. All 15 participants were interviewed. In addition, the collected data were coded, organized into themes, and then I triangulated the participants' responses with the CSS summary report. Findings indicated that while PAI helped students meet employers' hiring expectations in areas of soft skills, it was also revealed that there is a need for soft skills development to be embedded in other programs of study at the target site. Both a 3-day student and a 1-day faculty professional development) session were developed to instruct both groups on the use of soft skills. Implications for positive social change are that a campus-wide model to improve students' soft skills across all academic disciplines may result in improved employment opportunities, thus contributing to the global economy.

Project management is as much art as it is science. Competence of project managers is receiving increasing interest as more organisations accept that project performance has an impact on organisational performance. Scholars and practitioners of project management tend to agree that while the technical aspects of project management are important, it is the behavioural competencies, or soft skills, of project managers that are required for success ? now and in the future. This study set out to explore the expected evolution of the behavioural skills and competencies of the project manager over the next decade. Secondary objectives of the study were to establish if perceptions differ amongst the respective demographic groups, the importance of leadership skills and how identified future behavioural competencies are addressed in current job profiles for project managers. The research study began in the literature where projects and project management was introduced followed by an exploration of some of the trends and perceptions expected to impact on project management in the future. Projects of the future will be strongly influenced by technology with complexity and uncertainty as common themes. Leadership and flexibility will be key for project managers to survive in such a dynamic, hyper–connected environment. A thorough literature study was conducted into the behavioural competencies of project managers especially with respect to the most widely used project management bodies of knowledge. The concept of competency was defined and a number of models of competency were presented. Soft skills relating to project managers were discussed including emotional intelligence which has received much attention recently. A comparison was made of the behavioural competencies of project managers as addressed in the IPMA International Competence Baseline 3.0, the APM Body of Knowledge and the PMI Body of knowledge. Concluding the literature study, the fifteen behavioural competencies from the IPMA International Competence Baseline were discussed drawing on insight from the literature. An empirical study was completed with the aid of a new questionnaire designed using the behavioural competencies contained in the IPMA International Competence Baseline 3.0 as constructs. The questionnaire survey explored the perceptions of members in a South African project management organisation regarding the evolution of the importance given to the identified behavioural competencies. Analysis of the responses showed the questionnaire to be reliable and valid. Respondents indicated that they expect the following project manager behavioural constructs to grow in importance in the future: Efficiency, Leadership, Creativity, Openness and Engagement and Motivation. Respondents expect the following behavioural constructs to be less important in the future: Ethics, Values Appreciation, Reliability, Conflict and Crisis and Self–control. Structured interviews conducted to validate the survey results highlighted only that Leadership is an area that is expected to take on more importance for project managers in future. The interviews produced similar expectations to the literature regarding the future challenges for project management regarding complexity, uncertainty and the rate of change. A review of Project Manager job profiles yielded that generally behavioural competencies for project managers are not comprehensively addressed with more attention required and to utilise research as a basis. Proficiency requirements and assessment of proficiencies remains a major challenge that must be addressed by organisations in future. Conclusions regarding the findings of the research study were presented and recommendations for organisations and interested parties given. The research study was evaluated opposite the primary and secondary objectives with the conclusion that both were achieved. Finally, recommendations for further research into the behavioural competencies and related topics were proposed. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Project management is as much art as it is science. Competence of project managers is receiving increasing interest as more organisations accept that project performance has an impact on organisational performance. Scholars and practitioners of project management tend to agree that while the technical aspects of project management are important, it is the behavioural competencies, or soft skills, of project managers that are required for success ? now and in the future. This study set out to explore the expected evolution of the behavioural skills and competencies of the project manager over the next decade. Secondary objectives of the study were to establish if perceptions differ amongst the respective demographic groups, the importance of leadership skills and how identified future behavioural competencies are addressed in current job profiles for project managers. The research study began in the literature where projects and project management was introduced followed by an exploration of some of the trends and perceptions expected to impact on project management in the future. Projects of the future will be strongly influenced by technology with complexity and uncertainty as common themes. Leadership and flexibility will be key for project managers to survive in such a dynamic, hyper–connected environment. A thorough literature study was conducted into the behavioural competencies of project managers especially with respect to the most widely used project management bodies of knowledge. The concept of competency was defined and a number of models of competency were presented. Soft skills relating to project managers were discussed including emotional intelligence which has received much attention recently. A comparison was made of the behavioural competencies of project managers as addressed in the IPMA International Competence Baseline 3.0, the APM Body of Knowledge and the PMI Body of knowledge. Concluding the literature study, the fifteen behavioural competencies from the IPMA International Competence Baseline were discussed drawing on insight from the literature. An empirical study was completed with the aid of a new questionnaire designed using the behavioural competencies contained in the IPMA International Competence Baseline 3.0 as constructs. The questionnaire survey explored the perceptions of members in a South African project management organisation regarding the evolution of the importance given to the identified behavioural competencies. Analysis of the responses showed the questionnaire to be reliable and valid. Respondents indicated that they expect the following project manager behavioural constructs to grow in importance in the future: Efficiency, Leadership, Creativity, Openness and Engagement and Motivation. Respondents expect the following behavioural constructs to be less important in the future: Ethics, Values Appreciation, Reliability, Conflict and Crisis and Self–control. Structured interviews conducted to validate the survey results highlighted only that Leadership is an area that is expected to take on more importance for project managers in future. The interviews produced similar expectations to the literature regarding the future challenges for project management regarding complexity, uncertainty and the rate of change. A review of Project Manager job profiles yielded that generally behavioural competencies for project managers are not comprehensively addressed with more attention required and to utilise research as a basis. Proficiency requirements and assessment of proficiencies remains a major challenge that must be addressed by organisations in future. Conclusions regarding the findings of the research study were presented and recommendations for organisations and interested parties given. The research study was evaluated opposite the primary and secondary objectives with the conclusion that both were achieved. Finally, recommendations for further research into the behavioural competencies and related topics were proposed. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Sachsen hat Zukunft Hochschulabsolventinnen und -absolventen stehen im Freistaat Sachsen eine Vielzahl beruflicher Möglichkeiten offen. Damit der Einstieg in den sächsischen Arbeitsmarkt erfolgreich gelingt, haben die Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter des Career Service der TU Chemnitz ihre Erfahrungen aus der täglichen Arbeit gebündelt und stellen sie nun allen Studierenden und Interessierten zur Verfügung Das Buch bietet von der Jobrecherche bis zur Gehaltsverhandlung wertvolle Tipps zum Bewerbungsprozess. Daran anschließend werden in 15 Branchenreports Perspektiven und Einstiegsmöglichkeiten sowohl auf Bundesebene als auch für den Freistaat Sachsen vorgestellt. Außerdem schildern zahlreiche Persönlichkeiten aus Politik, Wirtschaft und Hochschule ihre Sicht auf das Thema Zukunft in Sachsen und geben individuelle Karrieretipps. / Career Prospects in Saxony The Free State of Saxony offers graduates a variety of career opportunities. The Career Service of Chemnitz University of Technology offers advice on how to access Saxony’s job market most successfully by making its experience and expertise of its daily work available. The book provides valuable information on the application process, ranging from job research to salary negotiation. 15 industry reports introduce career prospects in Saxony as well as nationwide. In addition, leading figures and renowned personalities from the fields of politics, society and academia express their views on career perspectives in Saxony.

Studies relating to recent curriculum changes implemented by SAICA and CIMA with an increased focus on pervasive skills are limited. The problem addressed in this study related to the challenge faced by ODL accounting education institutions to deliver practice-ready accounting graduates. This study explored accounting educators’ and students’ perception of whether pervasive skills can be developed effectively through the use of case studies in an ODL environment. The study aimed to determine whether ODL accounting departments should introduce a dedicated case study-based module as part of their curriculum. The perceived level at which case studies should be introduced, challenges and the benefits of case studies in light of their pervasive skills development potential were considered in an ODL environment. The study revealed that the case study-based approach is effective and that a staggered approach to introducing case studies in existing accounting-related modules tailored for different difficulty levels, would be appropriate. / Management Accounting / MPhil (Accounting Sciences)

This study investigated whether skills development learning programmes specifically internship programme in the public service sector are effective in improving interns’ emotional intelligence competences. A convenience sample of 66 interns was obtained. The interns, two peers and a mentor assessed the intern’s emotional intelligence competencies twice, at the beginning and towards the end of the internship programme with the aid the 360° Emotional and Social Intelligence Inventory (ESCI). A total of 264 participants completed the inventory. Mean competency ratings were compared to determine if there were differences between the first and the second assessments. There were statistically significant differences for Organisational Awareness, Adaptability, Influence, Teamwork, Empathy, Emotional Self Awareness, Conflict Management and Inspirational Leadership. No statistically significant differences were found in the overall development of emotional intelligence based on gender. However, female interns improved more in Emotional Self-Awareness while males improved more in Inspirational Leadership and Coaching. Skills development internship learning programme in the public service appear to be effective in furthering interns’ emotional intelligence competencies at work. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology with Specialisation in Research Consultation)

This research analyses hackathons which are collaborative innovation making by using technology events, in terms of using these as a tool to facilitate a lifelong learning process in obtaining digital competence among other 21 st century skills. The aim of this research is to explore and analyse the perceptions and experiences of hackathon participants and different stakeholders about the learning process experienced during a hackathon event. The following research questions are studied: RQ1. How do interviewees perceive hackathons in relation to key elements of the UNESCO Learning Cities Framework?; RQ2. How do participants of the hackathons perceive their learning process?; RQ3. How do participants of the hackathons perceive their learning process by using digital tools during the hackathon events? Kolb’s experiential learning theory and UNESCO Learning Cities Framework are used as the ground for the theoretical-methodological frameworks. The methods chosen to collect the data are survey questionnaire and interviews. The results provide insights that apart from developing digital competence and using technology as a tool for learning, collaboration, communication and problem-solving are the main skills practiced during a hackathon. This implies that hackathons could be used on a wider scale to help with UNESCO Learning Cities development by facilitating the learning process for adults in the development of 21 st century skills. / <p>This article was presented in May 2020 at Stockholm University, Department of Education.</p><p>This finalized article was presented to UNESCO Learning Cities Program Specialist at the Institute of Lifelong Learning in Hamburg, in July 2020.</p><p>Key findings of this research were presented at the Joint International Seminar with Stockholm University, University of Tokyo and Jyväskuylä University in February 2020.</p><p>Interviews with this article's author about this research:</p><p>By Future Position X, digital innovation hub in Sweden (available in English &amp; Swedish): https://fpx.se/en/people-come-to-learn-network-and-make-a-difference/</p><p>Canberra Innovation Network mentions my research: https://cbrin.com.au/women-in-innovation/women-in-innovation-monika-lionaite/?fbclid=IwAR1mTBwXI8yS9uxkoTZSdhnB2jhpKA4kRs_GztyrAqCmbAJNNZ_KH0DR_Jo</p><p>Presentations about this research were done by the author at the Rotary Clubs of Canberra Sundowners and Canberra Weston Creek, also at the international conference of Rotary International activities during the global pandemic.</p><p>The author shared key findings as a speaker at the international conference promoting tolerance and peace on the topic 'Crisis and the role of states in developing solutions' November 2020 which was organized by the American International Education Federation and Alliance for Humanity; at the international online conference of Young Scientists on the topic of 'Leadership in peace-building and international development in the digital age' in November 2020 which was organized by Western Asian Development Institute.</p><p></p><p></p>

This thesis focuses on problems related with new graduates at the „Department of New Employees Training“ of TŘINECKÉ ŽELEZÁRNY joint stock Company. The work evaluates to what extent the participants are satisfied with the training period, work of each mentor assigned to them and how they are involved in solving concreate tasks. Later suggestions are made on what measures should be taken to improve the program, for future participants to be satisfied.

Sachsen hat Zukunft Hochschulabsolventinnen und -absolventen stehen im Freistaat Sachsen eine Vielzahl beruflicher Möglichkeiten offen. Damit der Einstieg in den sächsischen Arbeitsmarkt erfolgreich gelingt, haben die Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter des Career Service der TU Chemnitz ihre Erfahrungen aus der täglichen Arbeit gebündelt und stellen sie nun allen Studierenden und Interessierten zur Verfügung Das Buch bietet von der Jobrecherche bis zur Gehaltsverhandlung wertvolle Tipps zum Bewerbungsprozess. Daran anschließend werden in 15 Branchenreports Perspektiven und Einstiegsmöglichkeiten sowohl auf Bundesebene als auch für den Freistaat Sachsen vorgestellt. Außerdem schildern zahlreiche Persönlichkeiten aus Politik, Wirtschaft und Hochschule ihre Sicht auf das Thema Zukunft in Sachsen und geben individuelle Karrieretipps. / Career Prospects in Saxony The Free State of Saxony offers graduates a variety of career opportunities. The Career Service of Chemnitz University of Technology offers advice on how to access Saxony’s job market most successfully by making its experience and expertise of its daily work available. The book provides valuable information on the application process, ranging from job research to salary negotiation. 15 industry reports introduce career prospects in Saxony as well as nationwide. In addition, leading figures and renowned personalities from the fields of politics, society and academia express their views on career perspectives in Saxony.

El presente trabajo de investigación denominado Servicio Integral de Aprendizaje y Desarrollo Emocional Virtual (SIADEV), está enfocado en validar la viabilidad de un servicio integral, a través de un entorno virtual para mejorar el rendimiento académico y emocional de los estudiantes del nivel secundaria. En dicha etapa, adquieren los conocimientos necesarios, habilidades y fortalecen su autoestima. Sin embargo, se evidencia que solo el 21% de limeños y el 32% de estudiantes del callao se encuentra satisfecho con el nivel de servicio educativo que recibe. Además, el 48% opina que el principal problema es la calidad de los docentes. Por lo antes expuesto, nace SIADEV, una propuesta de Servicio Integral de Aprendizaje y Desarrollo Emocional Virtual, con reforzamiento académico, talleres de habilidades, consejería psicológica y orientación vocacional con la metodología Thinking Based Learning. El cual va dirigido a adolescentes de 12 a 17 años, del segmento B/C. Se trabajó con una muestra de 100 personas de Lima metropolitana y el Callao. Se aplicó metodología cuantitativa y cualitativa. Con los resultados obtenidos se pudo identificar la problemática y propuesta de solución. La presente propuesta de negocio necesitará de una inversión de S/84, 626.00 Soles, con un VPN S/.663, 034 los cuales tendrán una TIR de 183.02 % demostrando con ello que el proyecto es rentable para los inversionistas. / The present research project called SIADEV (Comprehensive Learning Service and Virtual-Emotional Development) is focused on validating the viability of a comprehensive service through a virtual learning environment to improve the academic achievement and emotional condition for students at the secondary level. During this stage, the students acquire the required knowledge, skills, and strengthen their self-esteem. However, it is validated that only 21 % of Lima citizens and the 32 % of citizens from Callao are satisfied with the level of educational services. Besides, 48 % of those thinks that the quality of the teachers is the major problem. Therefore, SIADEV was born as a proposal of a comprehensive service of academic reinforcement, soft skills workshops, psychological counseling, and vocational guidance under the Thinking Based Learning methodology. The business model is aimed at adolescents from 12 to 17 years old who belong to the B&C segment. It has been worked with a sample of 100 people from the Lima Metropolitan area and Callao. Quantitative and qualitative methodology was applied, as well. With the results achieved, it was possible to identify a solution to the problematic evidence. The business proposition that is presented will require an investment of $ 23, 494.17 USD (S/ 84, 626.00 - Perú), with a NPV of $ 184, 073.85 USD (S/ 663, 034 .00- Perú) and, also, will have an IRR of 183.02 %, which demonstrates that the project is profitable for investors. / Trabajo de investigación