David J. Finch, Leah K. Hamilton, Riley Baldwin and Mark Zehner
The current study was conducted to increase our understanding of factors that influence the employability of university graduates. Through the use of both qualitative and…
Abstract
Purpose
The current study was conducted to increase our understanding of factors that influence the employability of university graduates. Through the use of both qualitative and quantitative approaches, the paper explores the relative importance of 17 factors that influence new graduate employability.
Design/methodology/approach
An extensive review of the existing literature was used to identify 17 factors that affect new graduate employability. A two‐phase, mixed‐methods study was conducted to examine: Phase One, whether these 17 factors could be combined into five categories; and Phase Two, the relative importance that employers place on these factors. Phase One involved interviewing 30 employers, and Phase Two consisted of an empirical examination with an additional 115 employers.
Findings
Results from both the qualitative and quantitative phases of the current study demonstrated that 17 employability factors can be clustered into five higher‐order composite categories. In addition, findings illustrate that, when hiring new graduates, employers place the highest importance on soft‐skills and the lowest importance on academic reputation.
Research limitations/implications
The sectors in which employers operated were not completely representative of their geographical region.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that, in order to increase new graduates’ employability, university programmes and courses should focus on learning outcomes linked to the development of soft‐skills. In addition, when applying for jobs, university graduates should highlight their soft‐skills and problem‐solving skills.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the body of knowledge on the employability of university graduates by empirically examining the relative importance of five categories of employability factors that recruiters evaluate when selecting new graduates.
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Caste is the basic structural feature of Hindu society; all social scientists are agreed on this. Since Hinduism is generally recognised to be as much a social system as a…
Abstract
Caste is the basic structural feature of Hindu society; all social scientists are agreed on this. Since Hinduism is generally recognised to be as much a social system as a religion, its social framework embodying caste rituals has governed the lives of the majority of Indians for hundreds of years. Having deep roots in tradition and enjoying sanction in all religious literature belonging to the pre‐British era, caste has been the dominant principle of social organisation since ancient times. In fact, barring the recent past, Hinduism has always been identified in the minds of most Indians with caste observances. Writes R.C. Zaehner: “…until a century or so ago the acceptance of the caste system was considered by the orthodox to be the sole effective criterion of whether one was or was not a Hindu. In matters of belief it mattered not at all whether one believed in one god or many, or not at all, nor did it much matter on how one interpreted ‘liberation’ or whether one rejected it outright so long as one fulfilled the duties prescribed for one's caste.”
Josefine Fokdal, Ratka Čolić and Danijela Milovanović Rodić
This paper aims to supplement existing research on a joint approach to integrate sustainability into higher planning education (HPE) by facilitating an international…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to supplement existing research on a joint approach to integrate sustainability into higher planning education (HPE) by facilitating an international transformative learning process. It looks at three different urban master’s programs in Serbia (Belgrade) and Germany (Berlin and Stuttgart).
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, students' assessments of the pedagogical model, individual learning outcomes and the long-term value of the pedagogical model in respect of key competences for sustainability are presented and discussed. Basic assumptions of the study include that assessment from the students' perspective can provide feedback on the transformational learning experience with the aim of improving the experience and thus learning outcomes; help identify limitations and target specific areas for improvement in the pedagogical model; and improve the evaluation of effectiveness in developing knowledge and skills for sustainability in HPE.
Findings
The paper provides evidence that a learner-centered and action-oriented approach, as well as a global dialogue among peers from different backgrounds and nationalities, is an effective way to educate future generations of urban planners to become “change agents” for societal transformation toward a more sustainable future within their respective contexts.
Originality/value
The paper is a supplement to the existing research on educational initiatives that attempts to integrate sustainability into the curricula, especially of urban-related programs; showcases outcomes of the pedagogical model(s) for sustainable development applied, especially when addressing the competences of students working in developing, transitional and developed countries or different geographic contexts; and shows long-term learning outcomes after the students move into work practice.
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Suyasha Singh Isser, Nihal Raj, Mayank Tomar, Sanjana Sharma Marwaha and Swati Shastri
The research examines how the principle of Dharma can be included in the Indian National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The study seeks to know how Dharma as an educational…
Abstract
Purpose
The research examines how the principle of Dharma can be included in the Indian National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The study seeks to know how Dharma as an educational framework can be infused with contemporary education to promote moral and ethical development as well as intellectual growth among students in India.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses qualitative analysis of NEP 2020 documents and literature related to Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and the concept of Dharma. It analyses the philosophical bases behind NEP including traditional texts like Vedas, Upanishads, among others. Moreover, this study also evaluates how current Dharma teachings are implemented into curriculum by assessing its present status of incorporation as a part of Indian Knowledge System.
Findings
This research has found that national educational reforms have considered many traditional Indian beliefs and values, but they have not done enough when it comes to incorporating Indian Knowledge System and the concept of Dharma into practice through the curriculum. The paper advocates for a system that is grounded on morals, thus blending the current learning standards with cultural heritage. These findings call for continuous endeavouring in order to embed ethical and moral dimensions of Dharma across all levels within India’s education systems.
Practical implications
The integration of Dharma and IKS in education can enhance the development of well-rounded individuals who are not only intellectually competent but also ethically and morally grounded. This strong foundation of Dharma will also act as a personal and professional guide. Educators and policymakers can use these insights to design curricula that promote holistic growth, aligning with both global educational standards and cultural values.
Originality/value
This paper examines the philosophical and ethical foundation of NEP 2020 instead of only considering its pedagogical and skill-enhancement characteristics, thereby giving a fresh viewpoint. It contributes to the discussion on educational reforms in India by highlighting how present educational needs should be linked with traditional values. The research shows that the concept of dharma can help learners develop holistically so that they can meet present-day problems without losing touch with timeless morals.
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The debate concerning the religious use of psychoactive substances may seem an unlikely candidate for revival in the current prohibitionist climate. Drug consumption is far more…
Abstract
The debate concerning the religious use of psychoactive substances may seem an unlikely candidate for revival in the current prohibitionist climate. Drug consumption is far more likely to incite public concern over the harmful and habit forming properties of certain substances, than conjure up an enthusiasm born of the 1960s for their potential to produce a sincere mystical experience. However, the recent emergence of religious movements who consume plant hallucinogens as their sacrament, and the growth of drug tourism for the spiritually inclined, reflects a renaissance in the use of psychoactive plants and chemicals for spiritual inspiration. This trend presents a challenge to the way in which certain drugs are culturally and legally defined, and brings the concept of religious freedom into the sphere of drug policy.
– The purpose of this paper is to show that the microfinance industry practices can benefit from the culture and spiritual traditions of a country.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to show that the microfinance industry practices can benefit from the culture and spiritual traditions of a country.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use the Bhagavad Gita and the codes of Manu and Kautilya to describe the background of Hindu teaching and practical wisdom. The authors use a case study of a Hindu microfinance institution (MFI).
Findings
The authors find that Indian spirituality is a case-based application of learning through experience.
Research limitations/implications
The case used in this study is one of a religious organization led MFI. It would be interesting to have follow up case studies of for-profit organizations and study their philosophy and links to spiritual traditions.
Practical implications
The authors find that business in general, and MFIs in particular, should adopt risk-based pricing. The specificities of each product, its delivery and price should be based on continuous learning from experience of helping customers. Thus a case-based approach to product development and pricing is required.
Social implications
This paper is a response to the current criticism of microfinance and argues for more tolerance on the part of society and more sensitivity on the part of MFIs. The case study shows that with the right attitude, it is possible to balance societal interests, customer needs and the institution's growth.
Originality/value
This is the first paper on microfinance which looks at outsourcing from a spiritual viewpoint and launches a debate on whether “playing God” is useful.
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Abstract
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Nina Langen and Lucie Adenaeuer
An important characteristic of Fair Trade products is that a fair price is paid to the producer. At the same time the Fair Trade system is accused of being inefficient with…
Abstract
Purpose
An important characteristic of Fair Trade products is that a fair price is paid to the producer. At the same time the Fair Trade system is accused of being inefficient with respect to the distribution of the price premium paid by consumers along the supply chain. This study aims to focus in particular on consumers' perceptions of fair pricing. Besides, the paper seeks to assess the extent to which consumers' expectations are somehow anchored in or in accordance with reality in Germany in 2007.
Design/methodology/approach
To get insights into German consumers' perception of Fair Trade a consumer survey based on face-to-face interviews with n=484 participants was conducted in 2008. To approach the profit distribution along the Fair Trade coffee chain a web-based market investigation was performed.
Findings
One important result is that most of the consumers actually narrow Fair Trade down to the issue of paying fair prices to farmers. The comparison of the efficiency of the Fair Trade system that is requested by the study participants (measured as the share of an additional euro paid for a Fair Trade product) and the point of sale calculations (revealing the percentage of the retail price going to the producer) indicates that for 60 percent of the respondents a calculated share of 50 percent reaching the producer would not be high enough. Results reveal that 10 percent of the respondents require a minimum share of 90 percent of the retail price to reach the producer. A total of 23 percent are satisfied with 80 percent; 60 percent of the respondents want that more than 50 percent of an additional euro spent reaches the producer. Only 4 percent of the participants are willing to accept an efficiency of less than 20 percent.
Originality/value
This is the first paper not only investigating how much of the price premium paid by consumers reaches the Fair Trade producers but also delivering insights regarding how much of the price premium paid in the retail store for Fair Trade coffee consumers do request to reach the Fair Trade producer.
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The purpose of this study is to identify the key criteria from the perspective of handmade, authenticity and sustainability for purchasing craft items by Indian consumers.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify the key criteria from the perspective of handmade, authenticity and sustainability for purchasing craft items by Indian consumers.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory qualitative research was conducted on the buying behaviour of Assamese muga mekhela chador (MMC). Data were collected using purposive sampling and video-recorded focus group discussions (FGDs). Output transcripts were content-analysed using the R package RQDI.
Findings
Indian consumers largely define crafts as handmade. Results indicate the crucial role of craft design and price. Craft authenticity, craft knowledge and social identity evolved as the key criteria for buying crafts. State intervention in craft certification is demanded. Indian craft consumers lack awareness about sustainable consumption.
Originality/value
India is home to millions of craftspeople and craft buyers. Most of the earlier craft studies focused on the problems of craft production in India. This study contributes to the consumption literature, from the standpoints of authenticity and sustainability, which are often limited to Western consumers. Understanding its own domestic craft market will help Indian policymakers and organisations to reduce export dependency and to tap potential local craft demand.