Responsive vocational education to the needs of the world of work: A literature review of critical factors

This article aims to identify and analyze critical factors that influence the responsiveness of vocational education to the needs of the world of work through a systematic literature review approach to 30 international scientific articles indexed by Scopus. The results of the study indicate that the responsiveness of vocational education is largely determined by four main elements, namely: (1) strategic partnerships between vocational education institutions and the industrial world in order to align the curriculum (link and match), (2) strengthening the integration between hard skills and soft skills in graduates to face the challenges of 21st century competencies, (3) the central role of vocational educators that needs to be improved through continuous professional training, and (4) the use of innovation and learning technology such as VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), and AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the vocational education process. These findings emphasize that vocational education needs to continue to adapt to the dynamics of industry and technological developments to produce competent, adaptive, and highly competitive graduates in the global job market

Comparative simulation analysis of the economics of unit commitment to determine the cost of supplying electricity in simple generating systems in the Bengkulu region

An efficient electrical system is essential to meet the energy needs of the community without incurring high operational costs. This study aims to compare the total operational costs of power plants during three extreme time periods: low load (00:00–05:00), medium load (06:00–18:00), and high load (19:00–23:00), and to determine the most efficient combination of power plants using the Unit Commitment (UC) method based on priority list techniques. The study was conducted on the Bengkulu regional power system with the assumption of zero startup costs due to data limitations. Simulation results show that coal-fired power plants (IPP), hydroelectric power plants, and micro-hydro power plants serve as the base load power plants that are always active due to their low operational costs, while diesel power plants are only used as supplements when load exceeds the capacity of the main power plants. The lowest total operational cost occurs during low-load periods at Rp 40,936,446/hour, while the highest cost occurs during peak-load periods at Rp 65,040,329/hour. This finding confirms that optimizing the combination of power plants based on cost efficiency can significantly reduce operational expenses. In the future, it is expected that the electricity system can adopt smart grid technology to reduce, even eliminate, the use of inefficient diesel power plants

Challenges and strategies for improving education quality through teacher supervision

This study aims to examine the role of educational supervision in improving the quality of learning in Vocational High Schools (VHS), focusing on the challenges faced and strategies to optimize its implementation in vocational education. Educational supervision is very important in supporting the professionalism of Vocational High Schools teachers, the effectiveness of school management, and improving the quality of learning that integrates vocational theory and practice. The research method used is a literature study, by reviewing scientific journals, books, and research reports related to VHS. The results of the study show that supervision carried out in a systematic, planned and sustainable manner can encourage teachers\u27 professional growth and significantly improve the quality of vocational education. However, the implementation of supervision in Vocational High Schools still faces obstacles such as limited competence of supervisors in vocational fields, high administrative burden of teachers, and lack of structural support and resources. To overcome these obstacles, the study proposes strategies such as collaborative-based supervision between teachers and supervisors and the utilization of information technology for monitoring and evaluation. The findings are expected to provide practical contributions for policy makers, school supervisors and educators in developing educational supervision that is effective, relevant and has a positive impact on the quality of learning in Vocational High Schools

Attitude and its relationship toward information and communication technology competency among vocational engineering students

There are gaps between vocational engineering curricula and industry competency needs, especially in information and communication technology (ICT) competency. However, limited studies have been conducted on factors affecting ICT competency among vocational engineering students, particularly attitudes toward ICT utilization. Thus, this study aims to determine the attitude and the relationship toward ICT competency among vocational engineering students based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology II (UTAUT II). It was conducted in Higher Education Institutions in West Sumatera, Indonesia. It was a survey study with a quantitative method that used one set of questionnaires to collect data. Respondents are 805, covering first-year and last-year students enrolled in those institutions by purposive sampling. Data were analyzed descriptively for mean and standard deviation, and inferentially by employing Pearson Correlation. Findings showed that the ICT competency among vocational engineering students was lower than their attitude toward ICT utilization. A high attitude only is not enough to support the competency. Thus, this study can be used as a guide by the relevant authorities such as the Ministry of Education Affairs to take action to enhance the ICT competency among vocational engineering students from other aspects

Development of an AR-based flipbook as an innovative learning resource

In the 21st century, globalization and digital transformation have significantly altered human life patterns. Digital technology has become central to nearly all aspects of life, including the education sector in Indonesia. Technological skills and readiness to meet the demands of the job market have become increasingly critical. Vocational education, such as vocational high schools, aims to equip students with the competencies necessary to compete in the global market. However, challenges in enhancing the quality and relevance of education remain a significant issue. In fact, according to Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the unemployment rate for vocational high school graduates reached 9.6% in 2023, the highest among all education levels, underscoring the urgent need for innovative approaches in vocational learning. One proposed solution is the development of flipbook-based learning media integrated with Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance student engagement and skills in the digital era. This study employed ADDIE (Analyse, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation). The results indicate that the VOCAR-FLIP model is significantly effective in improving students\u27 learning outcomes, particularly in terms of academic achievement and conceptual understanding. These findings are expected to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of more innovative and effective educational technologies for future learning

Undergraduate students future career intention in the hotel industry: The impact of implementing the certified internship program

This scholarly investigation examines the effect of hotel hallmarks of the hotel industry, service quality of internship and internship satisfaction on undergraduate hotel management students\u27 future career intentions in the hotel industry. A quantitative approach through a cross-sectional study with a self-reported survey questionnaire was undertaken. The sample and the unit of analysis is among hotel management students from Universitas Negeri Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia who had undergone internships program. The study employs Partial-least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) in response to the hypotheses. The results clearly demonstrated that hallmarks of the hotel industry (less pleasant work environments, heavy job responsibilities, slow career development opportunities, and less recognition of work achievement) did not possess negative impact on hospitality interns’ students future career intentions in the hotel industry. Hotel internship service quality and internship satisfaction strongly influence hospitality interns’ students future career intentions in the hotel industry. The findings manifestly provide valuable insights and far-reaching consequences for students, hospitality institutions, industry stakeholders and policymakers

From passive to critical consumption: The role of educational content in short videos to improve students\u27 critical thinking skills

The engaging and personalized nature from short video makes it quickly popular, yet concerns persist about their potential to diminish critical thinking skills. This study investigates whether short videos with educational content can improve students\u27 critical thinking skills. Using a quasi-experiment method, Thirty-three participants were divided into control and experimental groups, with critical thinking measured using the Holistic Critical Thinking Scoring Rubric (HCTSR) based on essay analysis in pretest and posttest. After administering educational short videos to the experimental group, the results showed that there was an increase in students\u27 critical thinking skills, shown by the result of controlling the pretest variable through the ANCOVA test with a p-value of <0.001. The result highlights the potential of educational short videos as tools for fostering critical thinking by providing interventions which prioritize treatment fidelity through standardized protocols (SOPs) for content delivery, validating assessment tools, and structuring content design. Recommendations for future research include larger sample sizes, repeated data collection at strategic intervals, and rigorous validation of question complexity

The evolution of social media marketing: A comprehensive systematic review of current trends, challenges, and future insights

This study systematically reviews the evolving landscape of social media marketing (SMM), focusing on key trends, challenges, and opportunities, drawing insights from 23 empirical studies published between 2020 and 2025. The research follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, utilizing bibliometric analysis and data visualization tools like RStudio, VOSviewer, Python, and Microsoft Excel to analyze the data. The review identifies the dominant role of influencer marketing, user engagement, and the integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics, in shaping modern marketing strategies. It highlights the significance of platform-specific strategy, particularly on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube, where influencer credibility and parasocial relationships have become crucial drivers of consumer behavior and brand loyalty. The study also uncovers the impact of live shopping, augmented reality (AR), and immersive content on enhancing consumer engagement and influencing purchase intentions. Despite the progress, significant challenges remain, including measurement issues, the rapid evolution of platforms, and the complexity of defining engagement across platforms. The review suggests integrating AI-based tools and cross-platform studies to gain deeper insights into consumer behavior. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of authenticity, transparency, and personalized content to build long-term relationships with consumers. The findings offer practical strategies for marketers and researchers, urging a shift towards more personalized, data-driven, and emotionally resonant content strategies to navigate the dynamic digital marketing landscape

Self-Efficacy as a predictor of entrepreneurial interest among university students: A quantitative study

Entrepreneurship is increasingly seen as an important strategy in reducing unemployment among college graduates and promoting economic resilience. This study aims to examine the predictive role of self-efficacy an individual\u27s belief in their ability to complete a specific task in shaping entrepreneurial interest among university students. Self-efficacy is believed to influence how individuals perceive opportunities and challenges in starting a business, thereby playing a central role in entrepreneurial motivation. A descriptive quantitative approach was used in this study, with data collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to 348 students from nine faculties at the University of Padang. The questionnaire was designed using a Likert scale to measure levels of self-efficacy and interest in entrepreneurship. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive tests, normality, linearity, homogeneity, and hypothesis testing using Pearson\u27s correlation. The results of the study showed a positive and significant relationship between self-efficacy and entrepreneurial interest (significance value= 0.012), with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.113, indicating a moderate relationship. Most students demonstrated relatively low levels of self-efficacy and interest in entrepreneurship, but students with high self-efficacy tended to have greater interest in entrepreneurship. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating self-confidence building into university entrepreneurship programs to enhance students\u27 readiness and motivation to enter the entrepreneurial world after graduation

Optimizing control structure and branching learning with flipbook-based e-module for software engineering students

This research highlights the significance of developing innovative learning media to enhance effective learning for class X Software Engineering (RPL) students at SMK Negeri 4 Malang. The study addresses the need to improve student engagement and deepen understanding of concepts, particularly in Control Structure and Branching material. The primary objective is to create an interactive and innovative Flipbook-based e-module as practicum media to support the learning process. Using the Research and Development (R&D) method with the ADDIE model (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate), this research employs a systematic and structured approach in developing learning products. The Flipbook-based e-module achieved a feasibility score of 90% from material experts and 97.5% from media experts, indicating its high validity and feasibility. During the trial phase, the e-module obtained feasibility score of 89% from a small group and 90% from a large group, resulting in an average feasibility score of 89.5%. These findings demonstrate that the Flipbook-based e-module is highly suitable for implementation in the Vocational Basics subject for class X RPL students at SMK Negeri 4 Malang. Additionally, the small group test showed a student learning motivation score of 85.4%, while the large group test yielded 87%, with an average of 86.2%. This indicates that the developed product significantly supports students’ learning motivation, proving its high validity in improving engagement and understanding. These results affirm the Flipbook-based e-module is potential as an effective learning tool for vocational education