1. Decision support concept for improvement of sustainability-related competencesAndreja Abina, Tanja Batkovič, Bojan Cestnik, Adem Kikaj, Rebeka Kovačič Lukman, Maja Kurbus, Aleksander Zidanšek, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In this paper, we derived competences from previously developed competence models, ensuring the effective use of advanced technologies in future factories to improve the sustainability of their business models and strategies. Based on the analysis of the Hogan competence model and competence models for sustainability and leadership, we compiled a selection of competences for digitalisation, automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and soft competences such as emotional intelligence and cultural literacy. We also included competences required for sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and circular economy. The selected competences formed the core for the conceptual development of a decision support tool for the individualised selection of training for employees. The concept was tested in customised training to improve employees’ skills and motivation for lifelong learning at the selected industrial partner. The developed assessment algorithm was used to monitor the progress of individual employees’ skills development before and after their training participation. The results of the assessment help human resource departments make decisions for selecting the most effective and optimal training for employees to improve their sustainability-related competences. Such a systematic approach can improve and evaluate competences that companies need to transition to a circular economy. Ključne besede: circular economy, sustainability, competence development, employee training plan, decision support Objavljeno v DKUM: 26.07.2023; Ogledov: 211; Prenosov: 18
Celotno besedilo (3,61 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
2. Teaching Culture Through English in Slovenian Primary and Secondary Schools: An Analysis of the Intercultural Element in TextbooksEva Hršak, 2019, magistrsko delo Opis: Our thesis begins by discussing the concept of culture. Next, it considers the importance of incorporating culture into foreign language teaching and developing intercultural communicative competence. We have discovered that culture is an inevitable part of our everyday lives. It shapes our identities and helps in explaining our actions. Therefore, being unaware of the characteristics of other cultures may result in misunderstandings. As teachers, we must be aware of the importance of culture and should be able to familiarize our learners with its elements. By incorporating elements of culture into lessons, our learners will not only become competent English speakers, but will also know how to appropriately and effectively adjust to a variety of situations, and how to maintain and establish personal relationships. In the empirical section of the thesis, we have studied primary and secondary school English teachers’ views on teaching culture. The results showed that the teachers are aware of the importance of culture teaching since all the participants include various cultural elements into their English lessons. In addition, we have analysed the eight most frequently used English textbooks the teachers use in Slovenia in terms of the cultural elements they contain. We have decided to analyse textbooks as the main resource for teaching culture since textbooks are an indispensable and also a mandatory resource for every English teacher. The analysis showed that the textbooks contain a variety of cultural elements and are taught with the help of multiple strategies. Ključne besede: culture, teaching culture, English as a foreign language, intercultural competence, textbooks Objavljeno v DKUM: 07.09.2020; Ogledov: 1234; Prenosov: 135
Celotno besedilo (2,55 MB) |
3. Regular and temporary employees in project organized business pay different attention to preconditions for learningGunnar Augustsson, Maria Rasmusson, 2018, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: Background and purpose: The purpose is to investigate whether regular and temporary staff differ in their perceptions of preconditions for learning and if there are some qualitative aspects that can be considered particularly significant in these differences.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The approach consists of a case study based on both quantitative and qualitative data collected via an online questionnaire and individual interviews.
Results: The paper question the understanding of the organization as a singular and more or less cohesive unit. On an organizational level, the project owner who hires staff does not care for competence transfer between regulars and temps, or between different groups of staff. At the individual level, temps are more focused on their specific task compared to regulars. Regulars’ seems to safeguarding a community or an organizational perspective, while temps are looking for their own good.
Conclusions: There is a risk that one social unit differs, in attention payed to preconditions for learning, from another, when an organization use temporary staff. Therefore, the scientific value of this paper is that using temps may result in or be a consequence of a fragmented organization. The findings show no competence transfer in projects with both temps and regulars, and the project owner takes no active responsibility for human resource planning in terms of competence transfer between different groups of staff. The implications underline that long-term efficiency and rationality in an organization does not always have priority over organizational affiliation even with the hiring of expertise. When this happens, it may lead to a fragmented personnel group that is divided in thinkers/organizers and, performers/doers. When this happens, important practical skills fall outside of the organization, which in a metaphorical sense means that the hand is separated from the brain. Therefore, organizations with temporary staff need to plan for how to enable competence transfer between temporary and regular staff. Ključne besede: competence transfer, inter-organization, project organization, temporary work Objavljeno v DKUM: 10.10.2018; Ogledov: 788; Prenosov: 313
Celotno besedilo (408,38 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. Training needs assessment for leaders in nursing based on comparison of competency modelsAndreja Kvas, Janko Seljak, Janez Stare, 2014, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background and Purpose: The main purpose behind the formation of leadership competency models must be the improvement of leadership. A competency model should serve as one of the tools for selecting the most suitable leaders, appraising their work, assessing training needs and preparing programmes of functional and formal education. The objective of this research is to assess the training needs of leaders in health care. A comparison of leadership competency models between different professional groups should serve as one of the tools with which to assess the training needs of various levels of leaders.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A descriptive study using a survey design was conducted on 141 nurse leaders in Slovenia. Respondents indicated to what extent each of 95 different behaviours was characteristic of a person at their leadership level.
Results: The most important competence dimensions (groups of behaviours) for leaders in health care are (1) at the first - top leadership level: strategic thinking, openness to change and responsibility; (2) for leaders at the second - middle leadership level: relations with co-workers, animation, resistance to stress; and (3) for leaders at the third leadership level: realisation skills, execution of procedures, communication. Training needs assessments were done for three leadership levels in nursing care.
Conclusions: The greatest need for training of nurse leaders can be observed at the third leadership level. Special training programmes should be organised in the competency areas of realisation skills, execution of procedures, communication, education and ethics. Ključne besede: competence, nursing care, leadership, public administration, Slovenia Objavljeno v DKUM: 22.01.2018; Ogledov: 1454; Prenosov: 343
Celotno besedilo (288,01 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
5. Integration of design, modeling and visualization in slovenian primary educationKosta Dolenc, Boris Aberšek, 2012, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: A human being perceives the world spatially, he detects and properly processes distances, size of objects, their shapes and all that is linked to our perceptions of the world. Humans' sensors provide the information about the world around and brain translates this information into thoughts, into ideas. The whole process is completely natural. In the past, due to technological limitations, the human attempted to generalize these ideas and convert them into a form so that he could "record" it on a flat medium, like on paper for example, and because of that he consequently had to develop the ability to "read these records. The term spatial perception was introduced and after that it was established that not everyone has it. To possess spatial perception an abstract way of thinking and higher cognitive abilities are needed. This paper presents an integration of design, three dimensional (3D) modeling and visualization program SketchUp in Design and technology curriculum into Slovenian primary schools. Emphasis is given to the analysis of the past and current condition and situation and on the incorporation of the program into the primary school curriculum. With the strategy assigned in such a way, the abilities that are connected with technological activities are strengthened, spatial intelligence is developed and assimilated. With such an approach two of the key European competences: 1. Mathematical competence and 2. Basic competences in science and technology and digital literacy, are acquired and reinforced. Ključne besede: ability, competence, design, technology, SketchUp, spatial intelligence Objavljeno v DKUM: 15.12.2017; Ogledov: 1024; Prenosov: 150
Celotno besedilo (437,71 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. Indentification elements of optimal organisational model of tourism education in SloveniaMarija Ovsenik, 2013, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The main aim of the research was to identify the elements of a suitable organisational educational model for tourism in Slovenia. Our research was based on the need of inner circular reflexive performance of the individual in the tourism education model, institutionalised concept of education, which is viewed by outer reflexive model of tourism educational institutions performance and functional practical interaction of individuals and tourism institutions at the development of innovative potentials in the field of tourism. Tendencies to develop complex and qualitative services coming from permanent strengthening of innovative potential of tourism services are common in this field. It is necessary to develop a suitable model in the field of tourism education that places an individual in the educational process taking into account his/her conscious reflection, rational reflection and acquired motivation for solving complex projects in various levels of tourism. Suitable tourism education model, which is level-structured, is expanded in two ways. It includes the active role of an individual in rationalising practical knowledge and strengthening the innovative potential in developing his/her competences, and the role of tourism education institutions. The organisational cultural dimension can be observed as dual activity structure distinguishing between conscious reflection of the external environment on the level of educational institution and internal practical consciousness on the level of individual development of competences. Giddens structuration theory is used as a conceptual frame explaining the organisational-cultural dimensions of suitably structured educational model for tourism in Slovenia. The conclusion is based on the fact that an individual does not acknowledge the multilevel structure of study at higher education where there is an absence of conscious, practical and motivational reflection. Organisational cultural environment in the field of tourism education in Slovenia prefers practical and functional ways of acquiring competences on a higher and postgraduate (Master’s) level of study. Due to the structured changes implemented by the Bologna process, competences are not realised on the higher education level but on the postgraduate (Master’s) level, which demands a systematic review and a suitable education model change. Ključne besede: education, structure, reflection, competence, tourism, Slovenia Objavljeno v DKUM: 30.11.2017; Ogledov: 1205; Prenosov: 128
Celotno besedilo (354,05 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. Market orientation of business schools and development of professional competencies of students in the tourism businessMaja Rosi, Milan Jurše, 2016, strokovni članek Opis: Recent trends of spreading of market globalization, technological progress, internationalization, privatization and other relevant changes are strategically changing the context in which all institutions of society operate and prosper. The higher education sector is also affected, and, in particular, the business education has to be better aligned with these external realities. In this dynamic and changing environment, students, businesses and other stakeholders require knowledge and skills that will provide them with competency in relation to the current economic situation and technological advances. Tourism sector and whole economy increasingly depend on contemporary knowledge that provides appropriate job competency to students and competitive advantage to the providers of services. Adjustment of public higher education institutions is important for enhancing their market position in increasingly competitive market for business education. There is an increasing number of private business schools that have emerged recently, also in the field of tourism that have seen their great potential for business success and earnings in the increasingly competitive business education market, framed by a very dynamic and competitive environment of business education. In addition, business schools have to deal with the trend of shrinking budgetary (public) funding of their operation, which forces them to search for additional funding by providing new educational offerings and strengthening of their market orientation. In the debate about the future of tourism education, there lies a gap between the requirements of the curriculum and the expectations of the industry, which argues that higher education has to serve the tourism of the future - that is to prepare students for a more active role in tourism organizations and in their search for improvements and adaptation to different competitive circumstances. Does business schools% curriculum follow the development of key recent trends in the industry? The main objective of this paper is to identify the key aspects of the dynamic adaptation of university business schools and to elaborate on the possible linkage between the development of professional competences of students in the field of tourism and the professional requirements of organizations in this industry. We will use the comparative method (overview and comparison of tourist programs of selected faculties in selected countries of the former Yugoslavia, review and comparison of their programs regardless of any possible accreditation) and benchmarking analysis that will help us identify differences in achieved professional student competencies in selected faculties and compare them against achieved professional student competencies of selected, leading faculties in central Europe in the field of tourism. Ključne besede: graduate professional competence, tourism education, market orientation of public higher education institutions, globalization, privatization of higher education, tourist destinations, marketing Objavljeno v DKUM: 03.08.2017; Ogledov: 1539; Prenosov: 372
Celotno besedilo (613,97 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. Business English as a lingua franca : a cross-cultural perspective of teaching English for business purposesNataša Gajšt, 2014, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: In our era of globalisation, English is at the top of the languages used in international business. A vast majority of business communication in English is carried out by non-native speakers of English. In a cross-cultural exchange of information, the sender and the recipient come from different cultural backgrounds. The patterns of communication vary across the globe and non-native speakers tend to apply their native language patterns when communicating in English. This paper thus focuses on the concept of spoken communication and dimensions of culture and how they are reflected in communication patterns in different business situations. It also addresses the teaching of Business English as a lingua franca and the role of Business English teachers in helping learners develop their communicative and intercultural competence in order to communicate effectively in a multicultural work environment. Ključne besede: Business English, lingua franca, cross-cultural communication, communication patterns, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), communicative competence, intercultural competence Objavljeno v DKUM: 12.05.2017; Ogledov: 1479; Prenosov: 152
Celotno besedilo (126,14 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. Self-assessment questionnaire for family doctors' assessment of quality improvement competencies : a cross-cultural adaptation in SloveniaZalika Klemenc-Ketiš, Primož Kuhar, Janko Kersnik, Genc Burazeri, Katarzyna Czabanowska, 2014, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Aim: To perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the Quality Improvement Competency Self Assessment (QICS) questionnaire for family physicians into the Slovenian language and to validate it in a representative sample of Slovenian FPs.
Methods: This cross-sectional observational postal survey was conducted in a random sample of 398 Slovenian FPs. We used the QICS questionnaire that was developed on the basis of the new Quality Improvement Competency Framework for family medicine. The QICS questionnaire consists of 37 items included in six domains. The questions can be answered on a five-point Likert scale. The validity of the translation was provided by the backward translation from Slovenian to the English language and by the reference group consisting of experienced FPs in the consensus process. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Spearman rho to determine the test-retest reliability (the questionnaire was sent to the physicians in the sample twice in a period of two weeks).
Results: The final sample consisted of 100 (25.1%) family physicians, out of which 71 (71.0%) were women. Mean age of the sample was 43.3 ± 9.6 years. Mean score of the QICS questionnaire was 127.0 ± 30.1 points (first round) and 127.8 ± 30.6 points (second round). Cronbach’s alpha scores were 0.984 (first round) and 0.988 (second round). Spearman’s rho for the summary score of the whole scale was 0.829 with p < 0.001.
Conclusion: The Slovenian version of the QICS questionnaire proved to be a valid and reliable tool for selfassessment of quality improvement competencies by FPs in terms of continuous professional development. Ključne besede: clinical competence, family medicine, self-assessment, quality improvement Objavljeno v DKUM: 05.04.2017; Ogledov: 1422; Prenosov: 154
Celotno besedilo (363,48 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
10. Euro-English in the European Commission: Language Use and AttitudesTina Balič, 2016, doktorska disertacija Opis: This dissertation deals with a sociolinguistic analysis of attitudes towards Euro-English (E-E), denoting a specific variety of the English language as is primarily used within the multicultural and multilingual professional contexts of the European Union (EU) institutions. Particularly within the European Commission (EC) English has acquired the role of the primary working language. This is apparent from the most recent figures provided by its translation service, according to which as many as 81.3% of source documents were written in English in 2014 (as compared to 77.6% in 2012 and 62% in 2004), followed by French with only 5%.
Consequently, 285 EC representatives from different EU member states were surveyed on their attitudes towards E-E, primarily focusing on those respondents whose mother tongues are not English. Crucially, they were asked to evaluate several sentences that deviated from Standard English according to their perceptions of what is acceptable English usage and what is not. Beforehand, a corpus-based analysis was conducted in order to determine which potentially E-E features to integrate within the acceptability test. Importantly, the authors of the examined EU material are deemed congruent as much as possible with the participants of the attitudinal analysis, as they all work for one of the main EU institutions.
The main findings reveal that the high acceptability rates of the proposed deviant sentences among the surveyed non-native English-speaking EC representatives were primarily related to their lower proficiency in the English language and/or mother tongue interference, whereas we argue that the surveyed native speakers accepted most of them because they failed to apply a known language system accurately. Accordingly, we found out that the participants as a whole generally adhere to native models of English, i.e. British English, and thus do not personally endorse a European variety of English as a standard of linguistic correctness in their minds. Although specific usage that differs from the standard use of English has to an extent been developed within the EU institutions, the identified features must be regarded as EU jargon; which may be more or less obvious; rather than a particular E-E variety already expressing common EU culture and identity. We conclude that an independent variety of English, comparable to the Inner or Outer Circle Englishes, neither exists to date nor is in its earliest stage of development within the EU institutions. Ključne besede: sociolinguistics, attitudes towards language, Euro-English, lingua franca, European Commission, working language, corpus linguistics, linguistic features, competence in English. Objavljeno v DKUM: 13.06.2016; Ogledov: 1413; Prenosov: 164
Celotno besedilo (5,78 MB) |