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Marajn Angeleski, Olivera Kostoska
DIGITAL LEARNING IN A POST-PANDEMIC ECONOMY: EVIDENCE FROM EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Abstract:
Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has enabled countries to jump faster into the future of digital learning. However, the question arises as to what the lasting effects of the pandemic would be, in terms of what education will look like in the post-Covid era; will this way of learning become the ‘new normal’ or should the world immediately be returned to pre-pandemic mode of physical classroom.
Purpose: This article aims to address the above-mentioned challenge by examining trends, shifts, and changes in doing online courses or using online learning materials across European countries prior to the outbreak of the pandemic until the time when many countries removed the measures.
Methods: The analysis is based on Eurostat statistical data for 37 European countries regarding Internet use by individuals doing online courses and Internet use in general from 2019 to 2022. Aside from descriptive statistical analysis and distribution of data and trends, a cluster analysis is performed to examine how different groups of countries respond to pandemic-induced changes and how they can move forward in terms of digital learning practices. All statistical measurements are performed in the Python programming language using diverse set of libraries, including algorithm for conducting a cluster analysis.
Results/conclusions: The results suggest that during the temporary physical closures due to the pandemic, online courses were considered a safe backup system for learning and training, but the popularity of virtual courses declined as social restrictions began to ease. At the same time, the composition of clusters evolves over time, which points to changes in the dynamics of engagement in online courses among various groups of countries. Overall, the analysis made here represents a useful guide for formulating strategies to further promote and support digital inclusion and online education initiatives.
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Olha Mulska, Taras Vasyltsiv, Ruslan Lupak, Iryna Biletska, Oleh Mykytyn
MEASURES TO BALANCE THE LABOUR MARKET: AN INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BUSINESS AND THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING SYSTEM
Abstract:
The study aims to identify imbalances, obstacles and opportunities for realizing the capacity of institutional partnership between employers and vocational education institutions (the case of Lviv region in Ukraine) to balance the labour market. The study is based on the general scientific methods of research – analysis, synthesis, logical generalization and decomposition, as well as special methods – sociological survey and the method of weighted harmonic mean. The methodological tools of the sociological survey include a three-part questionnaire aimed at identifying business needs for workers and business willingness to employ graduates of vocational education institutions (VEIs), as well as substantiating the opportunities for cooperation between VEIs. The study shows that there is a significant shortage of workers in the region (especially locksmiths, construction workers, turners, electricians, etc.) in such economic sectors as water supply, sewerage and waste management, agriculture, forestry and fishing, mining and processing industry, service sector, etc. The authors reveal a low level of cooperation between VEIs and businesses or that of a purely formal nature, which affects the extent to which enterprises are staffed by workers. They also identify a significant need for coordination between businesses and VEIs to meet the demand for workers and the specific occupational and qualification characteristics of graduates. The study reveals the main obstacles to the spread of dual education and substantiates promising areas for its modernization.
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Venelin Terziev, Marusya Lyubcheva
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CHALLENGES FACING HIGHER EDUCATION
Abstract:
The article addresses the challenges facing higher education, related to the demographic problems and the quality of process management. The free movement and the single education area are changing attitudes, especially those of young people and their choice where to receive education. The demographic crisis, migration and the lower quality of previous levels of education are further exacerbating the situation in higher education. The article argues that a change in the educational management is necessary in order to find solutions to deficits and to build a model of ‘engaged universities’ where the quality of education is maintained at a level consistent with socio-economic processes.
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Krasimira Slaveva
BUILDING AN EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIP "EDUCATION-SCIENCE-BUSINESS" - STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE AND MEANS FOR INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF HIGHER EDUCATION EXPENDITURES
Abstract:
In the modern conditions of knowledge-based economy, higher education has the extremely responsible task of preparing specialists with a high level of theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and competencies in the relevant professional fields. The processes of internationalisation and globalisation in education pose a number of challenges to higher education institutions in Bulgaria, expressed in improving the quality of education and the practical applicability of the acquired knowledge, increasing the applied research of the academic staff and the formation of students’ research skills. The article examines the dynamics of key indicators for the higher education system in order to establish objectively formed regularities and trends and to assess the effectiveness of higher education costs.
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Natalia F. Altukhova, Elena V. Vasileva, Vitaliy Yemelyanov
HOW TO ADD VALUE TO BUSINESS BY EMPLOYING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND TRANSFORMING MANAGEMENT APPROACHES
Abstract:
The aim of this study is to present the experience in the management of enterprises at different levels: from optimising business processes to introducing strategic business development. We have analysed the experience in creating digital metallurgy in Russia and present the experience in implementing a smart system for monitoring and diagnostics of line equipment at the Alchevsk metallurgical plant. The article reviews major issues related to the introduction of artificial intelligence systems so as to exercise automated control over production processes. These issues refer to the deterioration and depreciation of production assets which is caused by the reallocation of funds for the modernisation of production and the unpreparedness of staff for the introduction of new systems. Digital technologies provide new opportunities for managing corporate resources and initiating profitable activities. The article also reviews applying Design Thinking techniques and tools to the training and education of specialists for the digital economy. Entrepreneurial skills, out-of-the-box thinking, the ability to work in teams and to make decisions are essential competencies which must be acquired by students during their academic training so that businesses could be prepared for their digital transformation.
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Olga Pugacheva
APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE ECONOMY
AND EDUCATION OF THE REPUBLIC
OF BELARUS: CONDITION, PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS
Abstract:
The article examines the level of development of the digital economy and information technologies in the Republic of Belarus from the global ratings point of view, identifies the problems of using information technologies in the country's economy and the prospects for the development of the digital economy. Regulatory and legal acts regulating the development of the digital economy and the information society in the Republic of Belarus and in the system of its higher education are considered. On this basis, the directions that presuppose the revision of traditional forms of organization of the educational process in a modern university, the change of content and teaching methods in higher education on the basis of modern information technologies are highlighted.
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Angel Angelov
THE STUDENT INTERNSHIP PROJECT –
A FINANCIAL MECHANISM FOR CREATING A SUSTAINABLE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE LABOUR MARKET
Abstract:
The article aims to present the Bulgarian policy in the education sector in search for opportunities to create and maintain a sustainable and effective relationship between the labour market and higher education. The study draws attention to the effects of a project, developed and tested in recent years, related to conducting practical training of students. The outcomes show that the availability of similar financial mechanisms contribute to creating and strengthening the relationship between higher education and the labour market.
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Borislav Borisov
RISK MANAGEMENT AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN BULGARIA – A REGULATORY REQUIREMENT AND/OR
A PRACTICAL NEED
Abstract:
Modernizing the system of higher education and improving the quality of educational and research activities of higher education institutions is a permanent objective due to the constantly increasing requirements and the expectations of society. However, other factors also exist which hinder or at least slow down the achievement of the desired outcomes. Some of them are system-wide and equally valid for all higher education institutions, while others are specific.
The article focuses on the main external and internal factors posing risks to the future development of higher education in our country. Among them are the negative changes in the values of society, imperfections in the regulatory framework, the funding model, the demographic crisis, the evaluation and remuneration of the employed research scientists and lecturers, solutions to ethical and social problems, and others.
Identifying the main risks aims to make responsible institutions become aware of them. Another aim is to propose appropriate measures to counteract risks. It is argued that most of these measures require purposeful efforts by all interested institutions.
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Evelina Parashkevova Velikova
RISK MANAGEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN BULGARIA – STATE AND PROSPECTS
Abstract:
The paper examines the main challenges facing universities in Bulgaria. It presents organisational issues of risk management in the higher education system and focuses on practices that need to be changed in order to implement risk management. Based on comparative content analysis, it identifies key areas that should be the subject of intervention in educational and scientific organisations in order to achieve efficiency, effectiveness and appropriateness of the process. The paper proposes solutions to improve risk management in the sector. It outlines guidelines for introducing a systematic approach to risk management in order to improve the organisational environment and operational management.
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Aleksandar Filipov
SCHOOL PRINCIPALS – EDUCATIONAL LEADERS AND PROFESSIONAL MANAGERS
Abstract:
The article studies the current changes in the functions and vision of the heads of educational institutions.
The main management styles are analyzed. The professional and personal qualities modern school principals need to combine in order to successfully manage schools are outlined.
The specifics and characteristics of school principals as professional managers and educational leaders are clarified. Specific emphasis is placed on managing governance processes, the status and position of school principals in the management hierarchy.
