A multi-criteria decision support system to evaluate the effectiveness of training courses on citizens' employability
Maria C. Bas, Vicente J. Bolos, Alvaro E. Prieto, Roberto Rodriguez-Echeverria, Fernando Sanchez-Figueroa·December 02, 2024
Summary
The study introduces a multi-criteria decision support system to evaluate training courses' impact on citizens' employability. It employs a 'working life curve', K-medoids clustering, t-tests, and an unweighted TOPSIS method. Courses in administration, management, hospitality, tourism, and community services positively affect employability. However, the most effective courses are least popular among citizens. The study aids policymakers in assessing regional government training course effectiveness. The Extremadura region in Spain uses a multi-criteria decision support system to evaluate and rank courses based on their effect on labor life, aiming for efficient resource allocation. The uwTOPSIS method is used for ranking courses based on their effectiveness. The study assesses the impact of continuous training courses on working life, using a data-driven approach to construct a database. It emphasizes the importance of a control group to accurately determine course effectiveness, comparing results with those who did not complete the courses.
Introduction
Background
Overview of the importance of employability in the job market
Brief on the role of training courses in enhancing employability
Objective
The aim of the study: to develop a decision support system for evaluating training courses' impact on citizens' employability
Method
Data Collection
Sources of data: administrative records, surveys, job market data
Data types: quantitative (e.g., employability scores, course completion rates) and qualitative (e.g., feedback from participants, course content analysis)
Data Preprocessing
Data cleaning: handling missing values, removing duplicates, correcting errors
Data transformation: normalization, encoding categorical variables
Analysis Techniques
Working life curve: visualizing the progression of employability over time
K-medoids clustering: grouping courses based on their impact on employability
t-tests: comparing the mean employability scores of different groups
Unweighted TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution): ranking courses based on their effectiveness
Course Evaluation
Course Categories
Administration
Management
Hospitality
Tourism
Community Services
Evaluation Criteria
Employability improvement
Course popularity among citizens
Resource allocation efficiency
Course Selection
Identifying the most effective courses that are least popular
Balancing the need for effective courses with citizen preferences
Application in Policy Making
Case Study: Extremadura Region, Spain
Description of the region's approach to using the decision support system
Implementation details: data collection, analysis, and decision-making process
Resource Allocation
Strategies for efficient allocation of resources to training courses
Importance of continuous training in enhancing employability
Impact Assessment
Control Group
The necessity of a control group for accurate evaluation
Methods for establishing a control group and comparing outcomes
Results and Findings
Analysis of the impact of training courses on labor life
Insights into the effectiveness of different courses and their implications for policy
Conclusion
Summary of Findings
Key outcomes of the study
Implications for Policymakers
Recommendations for improving training course effectiveness and employability
Future Research
Areas for further investigation
Potential improvements to the decision support system
Basic info
papers
computers and society
optimization and control
artificial intelligence
Advanced features
Insights
Which methods are employed by the system to evaluate the impact of training courses on citizens' employability?
What is the main focus of the multi-criteria decision support system introduced in the study?
What are the identified sectors where training courses have a positive effect on employability?