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Transformation of the RESPO Decision Support System to Higher Education for Monitoring Sustainability-Related Competencies

Author

Listed:
  • Andreja Abina

    (Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Bojan Cestnik

    (Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
    Temida d.o.o., Dunajska cesta 51, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
    Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Rebeka Kovačič Lukman

    (Faculty of Logistics, University of Maribor, Mariborska cesta 7, 3000 Celje, Slovenia
    Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Koroška cesta 160, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia)

  • Sara Zavernik

    (International Institute for the Implementation of Sustainable Development (MIITR), Trg Borisa Kidriča 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia)

  • Matevž Ogrinc

    (Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
    Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Aleksander Zidanšek

    (Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
    Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
    Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Koroška cesta 160, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia)

Abstract

A result-oriented engagement system for performance optimisation (RESPO) has been developed to systematically monitor and improve the competencies of individuals in business, lifelong learning and secondary schools. The RESPO expert system was transferred for use in higher education institutions (HEIs) based on successful practical application trials. The architecture and functionality of the original RESPO expert system have been transformed into a new format that will collect information on the required competencies and the available educational programmes to help students effectively develop competencies through formal and non-formal education. First, the initial version of the RESPO system and its functionality were tested on a selected group of students and higher education staff to validate and improve its effectiveness for the needs of HEIs. This paper summarises the key findings and recommendations of the validators for transforming the RESPO application into an application for HEIs. In addition, the selection of competencies in the RESPO application database has been adapted to align with selected study programmes and the need to develop sustainability-related competencies. These findings can support professionals working in higher education institutions in developing students’ future competencies and fostering the targeted use of learning analytics tools.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreja Abina & Bojan Cestnik & Rebeka Kovačič Lukman & Sara Zavernik & Matevž Ogrinc & Aleksander Zidanšek, 2023. "Transformation of the RESPO Decision Support System to Higher Education for Monitoring Sustainability-Related Competencies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-18, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:4:p:3477-:d:1067891
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Guia Bianchi, 2020. "Sustainability competences: A systematic literature review," JRC Research Reports JRC123624, Joint Research Centre.
    2. Andreja Abina & Tanja Batkovič & Bojan Cestnik & Adem Kikaj & Rebeka Kovačič Lukman & Maja Kurbus & Aleksander Zidanšek, 2022. "Decision Support Concept for Improvement of Sustainability-Related Competences," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-21, July.
    3. Raquel Ferreras-Garcia & Jordi Sales-Zaguirre & Enric Serradell-López, 2021. "Sustainable Innovation in Higher Education: The Impact of Gender on Innovation Competences," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-13, April.
    4. Jana Dlouhá & Raquel Heras & Ingrid Mulà & Francisca Perez Salgado & Laura Henderson, 2019. "Competences to Address SDGs in Higher Education—A Reflection on the Equilibrium between Systemic and Personal Approaches to Achieve Transformative Action," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(13), pages 1-23, July.
    5. Yigit Alisan & Faruk Serin, 2021. "A Computer Assisted Decision Support System for Education Planning," International Journal of Information Technology & Decision Making (IJITDM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 20(05), pages 1383-1407, September.
    6. Luis Enrique Sánchez & Antonio Santos-Olmo & Esther Álvarez & Monica Huerta & Sara Camacho & Eduardo Fernández-Medina, 2016. "Development of an Expert System for the Evaluation of Students’ Curricula on the Basis of Competencies," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 8(2), pages 1-18, May.
    7. Alberto Alfonso Aguilar Lasserre & Marina Violeta Lafarja Solabac & Roberto Hernandez-Torres & Rubén Posada-Gomez & Ulises Juárez-Martínez & Gregorio Fernández Lambert, 2014. "Expert System for Competences Evaluation 360° Feedback Using Fuzzy Logic," Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Hindawi, vol. 2014, pages 1-18, July.
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    1. Andreja Abina & Alenka Temeljotov Salaj & Bojan Cestnik & Aram Karalič & Matevž Ogrinc & Rebeka Kovačič Lukman & Aleksander Zidanšek, 2024. "Challenging 21st-Century Competencies for STEM Students: Companies’ Vision in Slovenia and Norway in the Light of Global Initiatives for Competencies Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-23, February.

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