Resumen El certificado es una evidencia de participación en un proceso y se cree que cualquier persona que posea uno tiene un requisito previo para manejar todo aquello para lo que este califica. Sin embargo, la impresión podría fallar, si el certificado se hubiera obtenido tomando atajos. (Objetivo) En este documento se desarrolló un modelo compartimental para cuantificar los factores que podrían poner en duda la autenticidad de un certificado, mediante el examen de la compensación entre el estándar académico y las tasas de reprobación, en el contexto de las instituciones de educación terciaria en Nigeria. (Metodología) El modelo se demostró válido utilizando algunos amplios teoremas matemáticos. Se derivaron los equilibrios para dicho método y el umbral para un rendimiento académico aceptable. El análisis de estabilidad se llevó a cabo empleando la teoría de la estabilidad de ecuaciones diferenciales, basada en el umbral de rendimiento académico ace ptable obtenido. (Resultados) Los resultados teóricos del modelo fueron validados por medio de simulaciones numéricas y los de las simulaciones vincularon la tasa de reprobación aceptable con el rendimiento académico que cayó por debajo del umbral del estándar establecido por las instituciones. (Conclusiones) La implicación política del resultado es que el aumento en la oferta de graduados calificados en los mercados laborales de Nigeria, así como la reducción en la tasa de desempleo, son una función del mantenimie nto de los estándares académicos.

Resumo O certificado é uma prova de participação em um processo e acredita-se que quem o possui tem como pré-requisito realizar tudo para o qual o referido certific ado o qualifica. No entanto, a impressão poderia falhar se o certificado tivesse sido obtido através de atalhos. (Objetivo) Neste artigo, foi desenvolvido um modelo compartimental para quantificar fatores que poderiam pôr em dúvida a autenticidade de um certificado, examinando o compromisso entre o padrão académico e as taxas de reprovação no contexto de instituições terciárias referenciadas na Nigéria. (Metodologia) O modelo foi provado válido usando alguns teoremas matemáticos amplos. Os equilíbrios para o modelo e o limite para desempenho acadêmico aceitável foram derivados. A análise de estabilidade foi realizada utilizando a teoria da estabilidade de equações diferenciais com base no limite de desempenho acadêmico aceitável derivado. (Resultados) Os resultados teóricos do modelo foram validados por meio de simulações numéricas e os resultados das simulações relacionaram a taxa de reprovação aceitável com o desempenho acadêmico que ficou abaixo do limite do padrão estabelecido pelas instituições. (Conclusões) A implicação política do resultado é que o aumento da oferta de licenciados qualificados nos mercados de trabalho nigerianos, bem como a redução da taxa de desemprego, é uma função da manutenção dos padrões académicos.

Abstract A certificate is evidence of participating in a process, and anyone who holds a certificate is believed to have the prerequisites necessary to handle what the certificate qualifies them for. However, this perception might be incorrect if the certificate has been obtained by taking shortcuts. (Objective) In this paper, a compartmental model was developed to quantify factors that could put the authenticity of a certificate in doubt by examining the trade-off between academic standards and failure rates in the context of tertiary education institutions in Nigeria. (Methodology) The model was validated using several mathematical theorems. Equilibria for the model and the threshold for acceptable academic performance were derived. Stability analysis was carried out by using the stability theory of differential equations based on the derived acceptable academic performance threshold. (Results) The theoretical results for the model were validated through numerical simulations, and the results from the simulations linked acceptable failure rates to academic performance falling below the threshold of the institutions’ standards. (Conclusions) The policy implication of the result is that an increase in the supply of qualified graduates into Nigeria’s labor markets, as well as a reduction in the rate of unemployment, is a function of maintaining academic standards.

INTRODUCTION: South Africa has a high unemployment rate and few post-school employment opportunities for learners with disabilities. School-to-work transition programmes in special educational needs schools prepare learners with disabilities for work in the open labour market, optimizing post-school employment opportunities. Occupational therapists are the main key role players in facilitating school-to-work transition programme in many contexts of education. AIM: This study explores the perceptions of occupational therapists of a school-to-work transition programme at the school for learners with special needs. METHODS: This study was a descriptive qualitative study. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with six occupational therapists involved in delivering the programme at the school. To ensure ethical compliance, we obtained clearance from the UP-Research Ethics Committee. The collected data underwent reflective thematic analysis for interpretation. FINDINGS: Three prominent themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) The Significance of the Programme: Participants highlighted the importance and benefits of the program. (2) Facilitators affecting school-to-work transition programme: Various factors that positively influenced the smooth transition from school to the workforce were identified and discussed. (3) Barriers to school-to-work transition programme: Participants also pointed out obstacles and challenges that hindered the successful transition from school to the workforce. CONCLUSION: The school-to-work transition programme was influenced by personal, environmental, and occupational barriers and facilitators. The findings highlighted that the benefits of the programme should be viewed in a broader context, as learners mature and develop self-confidence. The value of the programme thus extends beyond employment opportunities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The research findings inform barriers that need to be focused on in order to have a successful and effective school-to-work transition programme. There are facilitators that show the perceived effectiveness of the school-to-work transition programme that could assist in motivating for more assistance from stakeholders of the school.

Abstract We use 2812 online job advertisements from 21 European countries to identify attributes demanded by employers and explore economic and labour market characteristics associated with the set of required skills. Whereas some employers clearly target ready-to-work candidates for high skilled occupations, others do not even specify skill requirements. The latter are from countries that are moderate or modest innovators with varying levels of high-tech employment activities, a high level of youth unemployment and a low job vacancy rate. The findings suggest employers have raised hiring criteria and have therefore contributed to credential inflation.

Resumen Utilizamos 2812 anuncios de empleo en línea de 21 países europeos para identificar los atributos exigidos por los empleadores y explorar las características económicas y del mercado laboral asociadas al conjunto de cualificaciones requeridas. Mientras que algunos empleadores se dirigen claramente a candidatos listos para trabajar en ocupaciones de alta cualificación, otros ni siquiera especifican los requisitos de cualificación. Estos últimos proceden de países que son innovadores moderados o modestos, con niveles variables de actividades de empleo de alta tecnología, un alto nivel de desempleo juvenil y una baja tasa de vacantes. Las conclusiones sugieren que los empleadores han elevado los criterios de contratación y, por tanto, han contribuido a la inflación de credenciales.

Resumo Esta pesquisa explora 2812 anúncios de emprego publicados no sítio da internet de 21 países europeus para identificar as exigências de emprego e analisar as características económicas e do mercado de trabalho associadas a esse conjunto de competências procuradas. Enquanto alguns empregadores preferem claramente candidatos prontos a trabalhar para profissões altamente qualificadas, outros não especificam as competências requeridas. Estes últimos são de países com um nível de inovação moderado ou modesto, têm um baixo nível de emprego em atividades intensivas em tecnologia e conhecimento, com um elevado nível de desemprego jovem e uma baixa taxa de ofertas de emprego. Os resultados empíricos sugerem que os empregadores aumentaram os critérios de contratação e, por conseguinte, contribuíram para a inflação dos diplomas.

Résumé Cette recherche explore 2812 offres d’emploi publiées sur le site web provenant de 21 pays européens pour identifier les attributs exigés par les employeurs et explorer les caractéristiques de l’économie et du marché du travail associées à l’ensemble des compétences requises. Alors que certains employeurs ciblent clairement des candidats prêts à l’emploi pour des professions hautement qualifiées, d’autres ne précisent même pas les compétences requises. Ces derniers proviennent de pays qui sont des innovateurs modérés ou modestes avec des niveaux variables d’activités d’emploi de haute technologie, un niveau élevé de chômage des jeunes et un faible taux de vacance d’emploi. Les résultats suggèrent que les employeurs ont relevé les critères d’embauche et ont donc contribué à l’inflation des diplômes.

Abstract The electric vehicle industry is a component of the automotive industry, and this a part of the manufacturing industry. An automotive engineer is a specialist in the design, manufacture, and operation of all the systems that ensure the proper functioning of motor vehicles. The objective of this research is to analyze the educational structure of the careers related to the automotive industry with an emphasis on electric vehicles, as well as to measure the unemployment rate of this industry during the economic crisis generated by COVID-19. The methodology proposes to apply a multiple econometric regression using time series integrating a dummy variable to quantify the effect of the economic crisis on employment in the electric vehicle industry, where the previous results indicate a considerable reduction in employment in this industry.

Resumo O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar a estrutura educacional das carreiras relacionadas à indústria automotiva, com foco nos veículos elétricos, e avaliar a taxa de desemprego dessa área de trabalho durante a crise econômica desencadeada pela pandemia de covid-19. A metodologia proposta envolve a aplicação de uma regressão econométrica múltipla utilizando séries temporais e incorporando uma variável dummy para quantificar o impacto da crise económica no emprego na indústria de veículos eléctricos. Os resultados preliminares sugerem uma redução significativa do emprego nesta indústria durante a crise económica.

Resumen El propósito de esta investigación es analizar la estructura educativa de las carreras relacionadas con la industria automotriz, con un enfoque en los vehículos eléctricos, y evaluar la tasa de desempleo de dicho campo laboral durante la crisis económica desencadenada por la pandemia de covid-19. La metodología propuesta implica la aplicación de una regresión econométrica múltiple utilizando series de tiempo e incorporando una variable dummy para cuantificar el impacto de la crisis económica en el empleo dentro de la industria de vehículos eléctricos. Los resultados preliminares sugieren una reducción significativa en el empleo dentro de esta industria durante la crisis económica.

Resumo A economia brasileira tem dois períodos considerados como perdidos em termos de crescimento econômico e outros indicadores sociais. O primeiro é a década de 1980, na qual o país teve que lidar com o endividamento externo, hiperinflação, concentração de renda e diversos planos de estabilização que não obtiveram sucesso. A década de 1990 é uma continuação da década anterior e, apesar do êxito do Plano Real, também ficou conhecida na literatura como a segunda década perdida em decorrência do baixo crescimento, desemprego elevado e agravamento da desigualdade de renda. Na década de 2010, a taxa média de crescimento da economia brasileira foi inferior às apresentadas nas décadas de 1980 e 1990, o que permite questionar se os anos de 2010 podem ser caracterizados como a terceira década perdida. Portanto, responder a esse questionamento é o objetivo deste artigo. Classificação JEL: E32; E05; E65.

Abstract The Brazilian economy has two periods considered lost in terms of economic growth and other social indicators. The first one is the 1980s, during which the country had to deal with external debt, hyperinflation, income inequality, and various stabilization plans that were unsuccessful. The 1990s continued the challenges of the previous decade, and despite the success of the Real Plan, it is also known in the literature as the second lost decade due to low growth, high unemployment, and worsening income inequality. In the 2010s, the average growth rate of the Brazilian economy was lower than that of the 1980s and 1990s, which raises the question of whether the 2010s can be characterized as the third lost decade. Therefore, addressing this question is the objective of this article.

Abstract This paper demonstrates, using a panel data model, that mainly firm-specific (microeconomic) versus macroeconomic variables affect the long-run profitability of a group of banks in Mexico in the pre- and COVID-19 periods. Interbank deposit, deposit rate, bank size, size of non-performing loan portfolio, delinquency, operating expenses, traditional deposit, salary, unemployment, and interest rate have statistical influence on bank profitability, but this relationship changes in the COVID-19 period. These results can be useful in the decisions of the different areas of banks, as well as for the design of public policies aimed at maintaining the stability of the banking system.

Resumen Este artículo demuestra, mediante un modelo para datos organizados en panel, que principalmente las variables específicas de empresa (microeconómicas) versus las macroeconómicas afectan la rentabilidad en el largo plazo de un grupo de bancos en México, en el periodo previo y en el de COVID-19. La captación interbancaria, la tasa pasiva, el tamaño del banco, el tamaño de la cartera vencida, la morosidad, los gastos de operación, la captación tradicional, el salario, el desempleo y la tasa de interés tienen influencia estadística en la rentabilidad de los bancos, pero esta relación cambia en el periodo de COVID-19. Estos resultados pueden ser útiles en las decisiones de las distintas áreas de los bancos, así como para el diseño de políticas públicas encaminadas a mantener la estabilidad del sistema bancario.

Objective: This study aimed to research the factors that cause school dropout and whether technology can positively influence the reduction of this phenomenon in adolescents between 11 and 17 years old. Method: The research was conducted under a qualitative-exploratory approach, according to Hurtado (2010) through an in-depth interview based on Hernández-Sampieri et al. (2017). The sample was 92 students, from two schools located in two different regions in Costa Rica for the year 2021. Results: The gender distribution and the dropout rate in the selected sample indicate that the male gender has the highest dropout rate with 65.22%, some studies can corroborate like Santodomingo (April 19, 2021), the main reasons for this result are the abundance of unskilled jobs for men and the value system associated with the male gender. Findings: The female gender has a higher level of dropout in rural areas (53.12%), and one important reason is teenage pregnancy. Conclusions: Students who drop out of the school system do so mainly for reasons associated with a lack of interest in classes and economic problems in the family environment. Finally, it is concluded that for a virtual education process to be successful, it is not only enough to use technology as a tool, the teacher must establish a teaching model that is agile, flexible, and dynamic to maintain the student's interest. Among the recommendations, measures are proposed to reduce school dropout rates in the institutions.

Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los factores que causan el abandono escolar y si la tecnología puede influir positivamente en la reducción de este fenómeno en adolescentes entre 11 y 17 años. Método: La investigación se realizó bajo un enfoque cualitativo-exploratorio, según Hurtado (2010) a través de una entrevista en profundidad basada en Hernández-Sampieri et al. (2017). La muestra fue de 92 estudiantes, de dos colegios ubicados en dos regiones diferentes de Costa Rica para el año 2021. Resultados: La distribución por género y la tasa de deserción en la muestra seleccionada indican que el género masculino tiene la mayor tasa de deserción con un 65,22%, algunos estudios lo pueden corroborar como Santodomingo (April 19, 2021), las principales razones de este resultado son la abundancia de trabajos no calificados para los hombres y el sistema de valores asociado al género masculino. Conclusiones: El género femenino tiene un mayor nivel de deserción en el área rural (53,12%), y una razón importante es el embarazo adolescente. Conclusiones: Los estudiantes que abandonan el sistema escolar lo hacen principalmente por razones asociadas a la falta de interés en las clases y problemas económicos en el entorno familiar. Finalmente, se concluye que para que un proceso de educación virtual sea exitoso, no sólo basta con utilizar la tecnología como herramienta, el docente debe establecer un modelo de enseñanza ágil, flexible y dinámico para mantener el interés del alumno. Entre las recomendaciones, se proponen medidas para reducir el abandono escolar en las instituciones.

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar os fatores que causam a evasão escolar e se a tecnologia pode influenciar positivamente a redução desse fenômeno em adolescentes entre 11 e 17 anos. Método: a pesquisa foi realizada sob uma abordagem qualitativa-exploratória, conforme Hurtado (2010) por meio de uma entrevista em profundidade baseada em Hernández-Sampieri et al. (2017). A amostra foi composta por 92 alunos, de duas escolas localizadas em duas regiões diferentes da Costa Rica, para o ano de 2021. Resultados: a distribuição de gênero e a taxa de evasão na amostra selecionada indicam que o gênero masculino tem a maior taxa de evasão com 65,22%, alguns estudos podem corroborar isso como Santodomingo (April 19, 2021), as principais razões para esse resultado são a abundância de empregos não qualificados para homens e o sistema de valores associado ao gênero masculino. Conclusões: O gênero feminino tem um nível mais alto de abandono escolar na área rural (53,12%), e um motivo importante é a gravidez na adolescência. Conclusões: Os alunos que abandonam o sistema escolar o fazem principalmente por motivos associados à falta de interesse nas aulas e a problemas econômicos no ambiente familiar. Por fim, conclui-se que, para que um processo de educação virtual seja bem-sucedido, não basta usar a tecnologia como ferramenta; o professor deve estabelecer um modelo de ensino ágil, flexível e dinâmico para manter o interesse do aluno. Entre as recomendações, são propostas medidas para reduzir o abandono escolar precoce nas instituições.

Resumo Neste artigo, foram investigados os efeitos de curto e longo prazo das variáveis macroeconômicas sobre os indicadores socioeconômicos do setor agrícola, incluindo índice de preços, desemprego rural e produto interno bruto (PIB) sobre os primeiros seis programas de desenvolvimento do governo. Foi utilizada a abordagem de atraso distribuído autorregressivo (ARDL). Os resultados mostraram que no curto prazo a taxa de inflação com atraso tem um efeito significativo e negativo sobre o emprego no setor agrícola e aumenta o nível de desemprego rural. Os resultados sugerem que os efeitos da liquidez e da taxa de inflação no curto prazo sobre o PIB são negativos e os gastos do governo no curto prazo têm efeito positivo sobre o índice de preços agrícolas. No longo prazo, o efeito dessas variáveis sobre a inflação agrícola é semelhante ao de curto prazo, mas com a diferença de que as elasticidades foram maiores.

Abstract In this paper, the short-term and long-term effects of macroeconomic variables on socio-economic indicators of agricultural sector, including price index, rural unemployment and gross domestic product (GDP) over the first to six government development programs were investigated. The auto-regressive distributed lag approach (ARDL) was used. The results showed that in the short run, inflation rate with a delay has a significant and negative effect on employment in the agricultural sector and increases the level of rural unemployment. The findings suggest that the effects of liquidity and inflation rate in the short run on the GDP are negative and government spending in the short run has a positive effect on the agricultural price index. In the long run, the effect of these variables on agricultural inflation is similar to the short term, but with the difference that the elasticities were larger.

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the factors associated with oral health-related quality of life in adolescents (OHRQoL). Individual data on adolescents were collected from a secondary database. OHRQoL was measured using the oral impact on daily performance (OIDP) scale. Individual- and city-level variables were selected to represent the structural and intermediate determinants of health. The individual covariates analyzed were sex, age, skin color, maternal education, household income, number of people per room in the housing unit, dental attendance, self-perception of dental needs, untreated dental caries, and gingival bleeding. The contextual variables included the allocation factor, the Human Development Index (HDI), Gini coefficient, illiteracy, unemployment, income, average number of emergency dental visits per inhabitant, access to a sanitary sewer system, garbage collection, primary health care coverage, oral health team coverage, and number of tooth extractions between selected dental procedures and supervised toothbrushing. Unadjusted and adjusted multilevel Poisson regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between contextual and individual variables with overall OIDP scores (STATA version 16.0) - rate ratio (RR) and 95%CI. The mean OIDP score was 0.72 and the prevalence was 31.8%. There was an association between supervised toothbrushing average and the outcome (RR 0.95; 95%CI 0.91–0.99). Moreover, adolescents who lived in municipalities with the highest average number of emergency dental visits per inhabitant showed a higher OIDP. Sex, maternal education, untreated dental caries, and gingival bleeding were associated with OIDP. In addition, intersectoral public policies focusing on the reduction of social inequalities should be on the agenda of policymakers and stakeholders. healthrelated related OHRQoL. . (OHRQoL) database (OIDP scale citylevel city level sex age color education income unit attendance selfperception self perception needs caries factor HDI, HDI , (HDI) coefficient illiteracy unemployment system collection coverage STATA 16.0 160 16 0 RR 95CI CI 95 072 72 0.7 318 31 8 31.8% 0.95 095 0.91–0.99. 091099 0.91–0.99 91 99 0.91–0.99) Moreover Sex addition stakeholders (OHRQoL (HDI 16. 1 9 07 7 0. 3 31.8 0.9 09 09109 0.91–0.9 31. 0910 0.91–0. 091 0.91–0 0.91– 0.91

The study examines the effect of small-scale pig farming on unemployment alleviation in Buffalo City, Eastern Cape of South Africa. This is against the backdrop of the extreme youth unemployment and increasing poverty rate being witnessed in South Africa (SA) due to the unstable global economic environment that has impacted most economies of the world. On its part, the government made an appreciable number of investments, especially in the agricultural sector, to address the unemployment challenges, which has yielded varied levels of success. The unemployment situation in SA was compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in approximately 33% of the labour resources that were productive before the pandemic to idle. This necessitated a government injection of R100 billion as a stimulus package into the economy to support small businesses and the agricultural sector, especially small-scale farmers. Mixed methods were adopted to gather primary data from 164 pig farmers, which were randomly selected. XLSTAT and SPSS 28 were used to analyse the quantitative data, and NVivo was used for the qualitative data. The results revealed that farming activities provided a source of income for most pig farmers, with several households depending on it for their livelihood. The collective advantage among pig farmers was the availability of space for farming activities, and most of them engaged in pig farming as a necessity. The government plays a crucial role in the sustainability ofpig farming activities in the area through the various interventions that create the needed enabling environment for the farmers to thrive.

BACKGROUND: South Africa faces significant socio-economic challenges, with unemployment rate. This highlights the need for economic strategies to generate employment, and start-ups are crucial in this context, as they foster innovation, create jobs and increase competitiveness. AIM: The study aims to investigate how digital innovation hubs (DIHs) influence start-up growth, focusing on their roles and functions. SETTING: The research is set within the context of DIHs in Africa, specifically examining the 12 DIHs established under the AEDIBNET programme. METHODS: A qualitative methodology was employed, using semi-structured interviews with six DIH managers and 28 entrepreneurs or start-up founders. RESULTS: Supporting start-up growth, holistic development support and integrated ecosystem enhancement by DIHs emerged as key themes. These factors foster a conducive environment for innovation and sustained growth. CONCLUSION: Digital innovation hubs play a crucial role in supporting start-up growth by providing comprehensive and integrated support systems. Their functions collectively enhance start-up growth. CONTRIBUTION: This study fills a critical gap in the existing literature on DIHs, offering empirical insights into their impact on start-up growth within the African context. The findings provide valuable implications for policymakers, practitioners and researchers aiming to foster the growth of start-ups. Additionally, the study integrates and expands upon knowledge spillover theory, institutional theory and cluster theory. It demonstrates how DIHs facilitate knowledge sharing, provide formal support structures, foster informal networks, and create and sustain entrepreneurial clusters.

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 infection has become a major international issue, not only from a medical point of view, but also social, economic and political. Most of the available information comes from the United States, Europe, and China, where the population and the socioeconomic status are very different from Latin American countries. This study evaluates the effect of regional socioeconomic characteristics on mortality due SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRD) from Argentina, Mexico and Brazil. Methods Data from three national registries, SAR-COVID (Argentina), CMR-COVID (Mexico) and ReumaCoV-Brasil (Brazil), were combined. Adult IMRD patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were recruited. National data for each province/state, including population density, number of physicians per inhabitant, income, unemployment, GINI index, Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI), stringency index, vaccination rate and most frequent viral strains per period were assessed as risk factors for mortality due to COVID-19. Results A total of 4744 patients were included, 2534 (53.4%) from SAR-COVID, 1166 (24.6%) from CMRCOVID and 1044 (22.0%) from ReumaCoV-Brasil. Mortality due to COVID-19 was 5.4%. In the multivariable analysis, higher number of physicians per 1000 inhabitants and being infected during the vaccination period of each country were associated with lower mortality. After adjustment for socioeconomic factors, there was no association with country of residence and mortality. Conclusion These findings corroborate the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors, rheumatic disease activity, and regional disparities as determinants of death due to COVID-19 in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. Thus, this research provides valuable insights for guiding public health policies and clinical practice in the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. SARSCoV2 SARSCoV SARS CoV 2 SARS-CoV- issue view social political States Europe China countries immunemediated immune mediated (IMRD Argentina registries SARCOVID SAR COVID , (Argentina) CMR (Mexico ReumaCoVBrasil ReumaCoV Brasil Brazil, (Brazil) combined recruited provincestate province state province/state density inhabitant income unemployment index MHDI, MHDI (MHDI) COVID19. COVID19 19. 19 474 included 253 53.4% 534 53 4 (53.4% SARCOVID, COVID, 116 24.6% 246 24 6 (24.6% 104 22.0% 220 22 0 (22.0% ReumaCoVBrasil. Brasil. COVID-1 54 5 5.4% analysis 100 activity Thus pandemic SARS-CoV (Argentina (Brazil (MHDI COVID1 1 47 25 53.4 (53.4 11 24.6 (24.6 10 22.0 (22.0 COVID- 5.4 53. (53. 24. (24. 22. (22. 5. (53 (24 (22 (5 (2 (

The article discusses the right to work within the context of South Africa. South African law, at present, does not provide for a right to work as provided for by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Implementing the right to work might address the high unemployment rate in South Africa and it is concerning that the right to work has not yet been considered as potential solution. The aim of the article is to interpret the right to work through the interpretive lens of the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The article discusses the obligations created by the ICESCR and the progress the government of South Africa has made to meet the state obligations relating to the right to work as provided by the ICESCR. The article concludes with a comprehensive definition of the right to work and suggests that the government of South Africa, adopt the right to work immediately as a means to avoid further hardship partially caused by the lack of a rights framework guaranteeing the right to work in South Africa.

One of the key challenges facing contemporary Ghana is ineffective political structures and leadership. Leadership failure is the main reason why Ghana continues to experience socio-economic challenges such as poverty, hunger, poor education system, poor road networks, injustice, high unemployment rate, human right abuse, and local currency depreciation despite the country's vast natural resources. Ghana's socio-economic problems continue to attract scholarly attention and yet, the problems persist. As a predominantly Christian nation, the church has a major responsibility to engage the country's political space by analysing and scrutinising political structures with the effect of chatting a new path of socio-economic and political developments. This research was, therefore, conducted to contribute to the ongoing discussion by exploring how a contextual application of political and leadership lessons embedded in Jesus's teaching in Mark 10:35-45 might address the Ghana's political needs. The article is a qualitative research that analysed data collected from books, Bible commentaries, journal articles, and dissertations. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS: This research involves systematic and/or political theology, New Testament studies, and leadership and/or governance. It argues that for Ghana to overcome her political challenges, leadership must be seen as a position of service rather than an opportunity to amass wealth at the expense of others. The article contributes to the field of political theology in the Ghanaian setting.

Abstract: This article is the result of the follow-up of vocational pathways of the graduates during 2016-2021 of LCI Veritas University, and the general objective was to describe the vocational trajectory of this population, from the theory of career construction and life design. The methodology was from a quantitative approach and a descriptive cross-sectional design, the sample was probabilistic stratified by proportional allocation (n=480) and a digital form was used as an instrument. The results indicate that the majority of the sample was lagging behind at the time of graduation, the average academic performance was 87. More than half did not work while studying, about half continued studying after graduation and most of them want to go to university; besides, the employment rate is high. From those who are employed, most work for the private sector, do not hold managerial positions, have only one job, and perceive stability, satisfaction, career-job relationship, and contribution of the career to employment. It is concluded that the vocational pathway is characterized by academic lag, few spaces for professional practice during training, high academic performance, desire to be linked to the university, positive indices of job satisfaction, job stability, relationship with the career and income; but permeated by a percentage of unemployment enhanced by the economic crisis resulting from the pandemic. Therefore, it is recommended to reform the curricula, continue strengthening the professional internship project and formalize the Professional Guidance service.

Resumo: Este artigo é o resultado do monitoramento das trajetórias vocacionais dos graduados durante 2016- 2021 da Universidad LCI Veritas, o objetivo geral foi descrever a trajetória vocacional dessa população, a partir da teoria da construção da carreira e do projeto de vida. A metodologia foi de abordagem quantitativa e desenho transversal descritivo, a amostra foi probabilística estratificada por alocação proporcional (n=480) e um formulário digital foi usado como instrumento. Os resultados indicam que, da amostra, a maioria estava atrasada no momento da graduação, o desempenho acadêmico médio é de 87. Mais da metade não trabalhou enquanto estudava, cerca de metade continuou estudando após a graduação e a maioria quer ir para a universidade; além disso, a taxa de emprego é alta. Dos que estão empregados, a maioria trabalha no setor privado, não ocupa cargos de gerência, tem apenas um emprego e percebe estabilidade, satisfação, relação com o trabalho e a contribuição do diploma para o emprego. Conclui-se que a trajetória vocacional é caracterizada por defasagem acadêmica, poucos espaços para a prática profissional durante a formação, alto desempenho acadêmico, desejo de estar vinculado à universidade, índices positivos de satisfação no trabalho, estabilidade no emprego, relação com a carreira e renda; mas permeada por um percentual de desemprego potencializado pela crise econômica decorrente da pandemia. Por essa razão, recomenda-se reformar os currículos, continuar a fortalecer o projeto de estágio profissional e formalizar o serviço de Orientação de Carreira.

Resumen: El presente artículo es resultado del seguimiento de las trayectorias vocacionales de las personas graduadas durante el 2016-2021 de la Universidad LCI Veritas, el objetivo general fue describir la trayectoria vocacional de esta población, desde la teoría de construcción de carrera y diseño de vida. La metodología fue desde un enfoque cuantitativo y un diseño transversal de tipo descriptivo, la muestra fue probabilística estratificada por asignación proporcional (n=480) y se utilizó como instrumento un formulario digital. Los resultados indican que, de la muestra, la mayoría se encontraba en condición de rezago al momento de la graduación, la media del rendimiento académico es 87. Más de la mitad no trabajó mientras estudió, alrededor de la mitad continuó estudiando luego de su graduación y la mayoría desean vincularse a la universidad; además, la tasa de ocupación es alta. De las personas ocupadas, la mayoría trabaja para el sector privado, no posee puestos de jefatura, tiene un solo empleo y percibe estabilidad, satisfacción, relación del trabajo con la carrera y aporte de la carrera para conseguir empleo. Se concluye que la trayectoria vocacional se caracteriza por rezago académico, pocos espacios de práctica profesional durante la formación, alto rendimiento académico, deseo de vinculación con la universidad, índices positivos de satisfacción laboral, estabilidad laboral, relación con la carrera e ingresos; pero permeada por un porcentaje de desempleo potenciado por la crisis económica producto de la pandemia. Por lo cual, se recomienda reformar las mallas curriculares, continuar potenciando el proyecto de prácticas profesionales y formalizar el servicio de Orientación Profesional.