The Influence of the Use of the More Prevalent Technology on the Wages of Older Employees in Germany |
Author : Sabrina Inez Weller |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The labor market of tomorrow will be determined by the transition from an industrial to a knowledge society. In this process, the accumulation of human capital becomes increasingly important whilst opportunities for low qualified staff steadily diminish. Globalization and technological advancement results in enhanced economic participation of highly qualified staff in the form of higher wages and better employment opportunities. In the literature, this is attributed to the “Skill-Biased Technological Change” (SBTC) (Nikutowski, 2007). According to the “task approach” (Autor et al. 2003), the technological change due to falling computer prices (computerization) leads to changes in task structures which favor a trend towards routinization (“routinization hypothesis”).Alongside these developments Germany faces the challenge of demographic change, which is reflected primarily in the shrinking and ageing of the population (Siegrist et al. 2005). Consequently, Germany anticipates a distinct decline in the number of economically active persons in the next few decades (Federal Statistical Office, 2009). With the objective of securing adequate labor force potential the pension age was raised to 67 years, although statistics confirm that the average retirement age in Germany is a long way off the present age limit of 65 years (German Statutory Pension Insurance, 2012; Stößel, 2008). From this starting point, the question derived concerns the influence of technological change on occupational success, as measured by the gross wages of older working persons. The study examines whether the increasing use of computers in workplaces is leading to a shift towards non-routine tasks among older workers to the same extent as younger workers in accordance with the routinization hypothesis. Moreover, it is analyzed if among older workers it is also primarily the highly qualified persons who benefit from this trend in the form of higher gross wages. The analyses are based on data from the BIBB/IAB and BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey from the years 1979 to 2012, which enable the precise measurement of task profiles over time (Tiemann and Zopf, 2010). The work tasks carried out by older employees (aged 50-65) are investigated on the basis of the “task approach” model (Autor et al. 2003). |
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Sustainability and Innovation in Tourism Services: The Albergo Diffuso Case Study |
Author : Cinzia Vallone, Paola Orlandini, and Raffaella Cecchetti |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :This paper contributes to analyses of sustainable tourism business with focus on an innovative and attractive form of sustainable tourism for both present and future generations. It is a made in Italy new model of sustainable development, which aims at the exploitation of local resources both tangible and intangible, called Albergo Diffuso. It promotes heritage and is oriented to the recovery of a locality's cultural identity and to the revival of traditional events. We use a multi case study, because we believe it offers the appropriate methodology when investigating a complex multi-variable phenomenon that evolves over time. We chose from the sample two ADs, each representing a significant example of success in order to recognize the critical success factors of the Albergo Diffuso model. |
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A Project Team: A Team or Just a Group? |
Author : Katerina Hrazdilova Bockova and Daniela Matovcikova |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :This paper deals with issues related to work in either teams or groups. The theoretical part which discusses a team and a group with regards to its definition, classification and basic distinction brings in more on the typology of team roles, personality assessment and sociometric methods. The analytical part tests the project (work) team of a medical center represented in terms of personality and motivational types, team roles and interpersonal team relations concerning the willingness of cooperation and communication. The main objective of this work was to determine whether the existing team is not by its nature rather a working group that contributes to the generally perceived stagnation of that field. |
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Personality Traits as Factors Affecting E-Book Adoption among College Students: Does Personality Matter? |
Author : Nurkaliza Bt Khalid |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Electronic materials such as e-book have become increasingly accepted as learning tools in the classroom nowadays. This study investigated the relationships between the big five personality traits: conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness to experience, and extroversion with e-book adoption among college students. Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Multiple Regressions were conducted to analyze the data. Results revealed statistically significant relationships between the personality traits (conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness to experience, extraversion) and e-book adoption. Implications of the findings are also discussed. |
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Students’ Perception on the Effectiveness of Teamwork Based Activities in Enhancing the Learning Process |
Author : Anitha Sundrum and Muthukumaran Kanasan |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :In recent years, many organizations have begun to embrace the teamwork-based work culture in most aspects of their operations. Hence, employers are increasingly stressing on the need for fresh graduates to demonstrate the willingness and ability to work in a teamwork-based environment, before recruiting them. This in turn has placed tremendous pressure on academics to incorporate elements of teamwork-based activities in the teaching as well as assessment processes, in order to better equip their students to face the working world. Over the years much research has been done on various aspects of teamwork-based activities from the educators’ perspective. However, there is a lack of literature of the effectiveness of teamwork-based activities from the students’ perspective. This research attempts to explore the students’ perception on the effectiveness of teamwork-based activities in enhancing the learning process. A sample size of 70 students is randomly selected from a group of students in their First Year of the Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting) program. These students are asked to complete a questionnaire to gauge their responses related to various aspects of teamworkbased activities. The data obtained will be analyzed using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. The results and implications derived from this research would be extremely beneficial to academics in helping them to understand the students’ point of view regarding teamwork-based activities. This would enable them to formulate more effective and constructive teamwork-based teaching strategies as well as assessment methods. In addition, the results of this research would also be valuable to employers in having a glimpse on what future graduates think and feel about teamwork-based activities, which are a crucial part of today’s working culture. |
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