Social networks in personnel selection: Profile features analyzed and issues faced by hiring professionals

Employers are increasingly using Social Networking Sites (SNS) to support hiring decisions, and yet the knowledge of their practice patterns remains limited. This paper aims to (a) examine which and to what extent selectors analyze applicant’s profile features to support hiring decisions, and (b) explore the issues selectors perceive as being important while using SNS in personnel selection. It employs a two-phase methodology: a questionnaire-based survey, and a semi-structured interview study. Selectors report to examine more often job-related features, though they also admitted to analyze protected personal details and non-job related features. From the statistical analysis of the profile features being analyzed, three different patterns emerged, suggesting that selectors (a) exclude applicants during pre-selection and after a face-to-face interview, and (b) collect additional information about applicants to know them more deeply. Practitioners highlighted, among others, privacy, impression management, standardization, and possible bias issues. Conclusions and implications of these findings are discussed.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Using Social Networks in Personnel Selection: A Survey of Human Resource Professionals

Although the analysis of social media to aid decision making in Human Resource (HR) selection is becoming commonplace, there is little empirical research on this phenomenon. This study reports on the use of Social Networking Sites (SNS) by HR professionals to assist applicant selection. It employs a survey methodology based on a cross-sectional questionnaire which was administered to a sample of 10 000 professionals in Portugal. The response rate was 10.5% and the results show that 41% of the respondents use SNS in employee selection. The most used SNS are LinkedIn (89%) and Facebook (58%), and the evaluation of applicant profiles usually takes place before the first interview. Around three quarters of participants indicate to assess applicants by forming a general impression of their adjustment to the organization. The most regularly inferred constructs from profiles are work experience, education and training, written communication skills, maturity and professionalism. Respondents infer more often the outcome person-organization adjustment. The conclusion is that for many Portuguese organizations SNS seem to be a useful complementary tool to the most conventional personnel selection techniques.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Selecting talent using social networks: A mixed-methods study

Previous studies on the use of Social Networking Sites (SNS) in personnel selection generally focus on examining this phenomenon in the selection process as a whole. However, personnel selection is a macro-process composed of several activities. This paper aims to investigate how human resource professionals use SNS in hiring decisions during the different stages of the selection process. The research uses an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach. The first study consisted of a questionnaire-based survey of hiring professionals with the intent to describe various aspects of current practice (n ¼ 429). Survey data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The second study comprised semi-structured interviews with hiring professionals to provide a more indepth, richer analysis (n ¼ 24). Interview data was analyzed via qualitative thematic analysis. Results uncovered two types of users. Single-stage users emphasized efficiency concerns, whereas multiple-stage users mentioned to access profiles on an as needed-basis. Participants reported that the patterns of use could be quite complex and dynamic, with selectors revisiting the profile of the same applicant several times for different purposes, or examining profiles of the same applicant in different SNS. The assessment of SNS information is typically nonsystematic, but some employers reported using scales, mainly in pre-selection. Evidence emerged of potential adverse effects during the selection process. Overall, this paper contributes to theory and practice by providing a better understanding of the use of SNS across the different stages of personnel selection. To our best knowledge, this is the first mixed-methods study of its kind.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Artificial Intelligence Research and Its Contributions to the European Union’s Political Governance: Comparative Study between Member States

In the last six decades, many advances have been made in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Bearing in mind that AI technologies are influencing societies and political systems di erently, it can be useful to understand what are the common issues between similar states in the European Union and how these political systems can collaborate with each other, seeking synergies, finding opportunities and saving costs. Therefore, we carried out an exploratory research among similar states of the European Union, in terms of scientific research in areas of AI technologies, namely: Portugal, Greece, Austria, Belgium and Sweden. A key finding of this research is that intelligent decision support systems (IDSS) are essential for the political decision-making process, since politics normally deals with complex and multifaceted decisions, which involve trade-o s between di erent stakeholders. As public health is becoming increasingly relevant in the field of the European Union, the IDSSs can provide relevant contributions, as it may allow sharing critical information and assist in the political decision-making process, especially in response to crisis situations.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Impact of Artificial Intelligence Research on Politics of the European Union Member States: The Case Study of Portugal

Currently, artificial intelligence (AI) is at the center of academic and public debate. However, its implications on politics remain little understood. To understand the impact of the AI phenomenon on politics of the European Union (EU), we have carried out qualitative multimethod research by performing a systematic literature review and a case study. The first method was performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), in order to report the state-of-the-art in the existing literature and explore the most relevant research areas. The second method contained contributions from experts in data science and AI of the Portuguese scientific community. The results showed that solutions such as intelligent decision support systems are improving the political decision-making process and impacting the Portuguese society at local, regional, and national levels. We also found that practitioners and scientists are currently shifting their interests from environmental and biological sciences to healthcare services, which is bringing new challenges in terms of protecting patient/citizen data and growing concerns about handling of critical information. Future research may focus on comparative studies with other EU States to obtain a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the AI phenomenoninfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Influence of artificial intelligence on public employment and its impact on politics: A systematic literature review

Goal:Public administration is constantly changing in response to new challenges, including the implementation of new technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). This new dynamic has caught the attention of political leaders who are finding ways to restrain or regulate AI in public services, but also of scholars who are raising legitimate concerns about its impacts on public employment. In light of the above, the aim of this research is to analyze the influence of AI on public employment and the ways politics are reacting. Design / Methodology / Approach: We have performed a systematic literature review to disclose the state-of-the-art and to find new avenues for future research. Results: The results indicate that public services require four kinds of intelligence – mechanical, analytical, intuitive, and empathetic – albeit, with much less expression than in private services. Limitations of the investigation: This systematic review provides a snapshot of the influence of AI on public employment. Thus, our research does not cover the whole body of knowledge, but it presents a holistic understanding of the phenomenon. Practical implications: As private companies are typically more advanced in the implementation of AI technologies, the for-profit sector may provide significant contributions in the way states can leverage public services through the deployment of AI technologies. Originality / Value: This article highlights the need for states to create the necessary conditions to legislate and regulate key technological advances, which, in our opinion, has been done, but at a very slow pace.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A implementação da norma ISO 9001 nas escolas profissionais portuguesa: um estudo empírico

The expansion of vocational training to secondary schools has led, in the last years, many vocational schools to implement the ISO 9001 Standard in the hope of differentiating themselves through quality. This study, which is the first of its kind in Portugal, aims to discuss the benefits, drawbacks and key success factors of the implementation of the ISO 9001:2000 Standard in vocational schools using a methodology of multiple-case study. The results show internai benefits at the organizational levei, externa! benefits at the reputation and strategy levei, drawbacks derived from bureaucracy, the interpretation and adaptation of the Standard, and as key success factors the quality team and management commitment and support. It is hoped, thus, to contribute to assist school management boards in identifying courses of action that could make the implementation of this Standard more effective.A expansão do ensino profissional às escolas secundárias tem levado, nos últimos anos, várias escolas profissionais a implementar a Norma ISO 9001 na esperança de se poderem diferenciar pela qualidade. Este estudo, que é o primeiro do seu género em Portugal, visa discutir os benefícios, inconvenientes e factores chave de sucesso da implementação da Norma ISO 9001:2000 nas escolas profissionais utilizando uma metodologia de estudo de casos múltiplos. Os resultados mostram benefícios internos ao nível organizacional, benefícios externos ao nível da reputação e da estratégia, inconvenientes derivados da burocracia, da interpretação e adaptação da Norma, e como factores chave de sucesso a equipa de qualidade e o compromisso e apoio da gestão. Espera-se, assim, contribuir para auxiliar os órgãos de gestão das escolas na identificação de planos de acção que possam tomar a implementação desta Norma mais eficaz

A adopção do Quadro Interactivo pelos professores de matemática do 3.º CEB: um estudo empírico nas escolas da Guarda

"Nos últimos anos, em Portugal, as autoridades educacionais, as escolas e os professores têm manifestado um interesse crescente na utilização de Quadros Interactivos na esperança de aumentar o desempenho académico dos alunos. Contudo, apesar de o ritmo de introdução desta tecnologia educativa na sala de aula ter vindo a aumentar progressivamente, têm sido publicados poucos estudos que investiguem as práticas da sua introdução e utilização. Este estudo investiga através de uma estratégia de estudo de caso múltiplo a adopção do Quadro Interactivo por professores de Matemática em cinco escolas com o 3.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico da cidade da Guarda. Os resultados mostram que a introdução dos equipamentos foi efectuada na maioria dos casos sem qualquer planeamento, tendo a formação inicial sido conduzida entre professores. Os equipamentos ainda não são utilizados pela maioria dos professores e aqueles que os utilizam é com pouca frequência e ainda não aproveitam a totalidade das suas potencialidades. Assim, são descritos os principais obstáculos e factores chave de sucesso à sua utilização, bem como as expectativas dos professores em relação aos quadros interactivos. Este estudo pretende contribuir para uma reflexão que potencie uma utilização mais eficaz desta tecnologia educativa.--Palavras-chave: Educação, tecnologias de informação e comunicação, informática na educação, quadro interactivo --VICENTE, Cristina & MELÃO, Nuno (2009). A adopção do quadro interactivo pelos professores de matemática do 3º CEB: um estudo empírico nas escolas da Guarda. In <i>Educação, Formação & Tecnologias</i>; vol.2 (2); pp. 41-57, Novembro de 2009, disponível no URL: http://eft.educom.pt.--

Health profile of children monitored in primary care consultation in Viseu, Portugal

RESUMO - A obesidade, a cárie dentária e as alterações na visão e no sono das crianças tornaram-se problemas de saúde pública de considerável importância. Neste sentido, foi realizado um estudo, baseado num questionário e observações, em 72 crianças vigiadas nos cuidados de saúde primários, com o objetivo de definir a prevalência de obesidade, alterações da visão, cárie dentária, alterações do sono e hábitos de vida diários. Os resultados destacam a importância de medidas preventivas, que promovam a educação para a saúde e de hábitos de vida saudáveis junto dos profissionais de saúde, crianças e seus pais.ABSTRACT - Obesity, tooth decay, alterations in vision and sleep in children have become a public health problem of considerable importance. In this regard, a study based on a questionnaire and observations of 72 children, monitored in primary care, was conducted with the aim of defining the prevalence of obesity, altered vision, tooth decay, changes in sleep patterns and daily life habits. The results highlight the importance of preventive measures that promote health education and healthy lifestyles among health professionals, children and their parents.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

User communities: from nice-to-have to must-have

With Industry 5.0 already on the horizon, firms need to adapt their strategies to better cater to an increasingly demanding and sustainability-conscious customer base. At the same time, the role of customers has shifted from being mere passive buyers to active users, who not only demand personalized products and services to suit their needs and preferences, but also actively engage other users and stakeholders, thereby grounding the Quadruple Helix model. The objective of this paper is to assess the role of user communities in fostering firms’ innovation in all types of innovation. Econometric estimations identified the user community as a driver of innovation propensity. Additionally, the relevance of these communities across all types of innovation (mainly for product and process innovation) was proven. Robustness analysis confirmed the results obtained in different dimensions and established a connection to human capital. This finding revealed that absorptive capacity serves not only as a facilitator of innovation, but also as a moderator. The empirical contributions point towards the urgency of policy actions that consistently involve these agents as vehicles of responsible innovation, which can fine-tune the innovation paths towards an eco-friendlier innovation ecosystem. Further testing the connection between human capital and the user community is required, as the establishment of efficient communication channels promoting the knowledge flows inside the firm will leverage innovation outputs in the different innovation types.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio