• Educational Technology International
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.93-127
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• 2024

This study evaluates the effect of structured debriefing for a business simulation game for university students. The program provides an authentic learning experience of real-world business management by allowing learners to make decisions related to R&D, marketing, production, and finance through a business simulation game, and check the results in real time. In 2022, University A and B each ran a business simulation game-based program as an extra-curricular activity. University A conducted a traditional instructor-led debriefing where the instructor explained the summarized process and results, while University B implemented a structured debriefing which had been developed based on Gibbs' and 3D models. To assess the effect of the structured debriefing compared to the traditional instructor-led debriefing, business knowledge and entrepreneurship competencies were measured three times. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to test for the differences between the two groups and to examine interaction effects between group and time. The structured debriefing group achieved statistically significantly higher academic scores than the traditional instructor-led debriefing group at the post-test and in 2 weeks. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of entrepreneurship competencies. There was no interaction effect between group and time, both in academic achievement and in entrepreneurship competencies. In conclusion, the simulation game-based program integrated with the structured debriefing session is more likely to have a stronger impact on academic achievement and its retention.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.61-67
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• 2015

Purpose - Exports have long been regarded as significant drivers of sustainable competitive advantage and growth among small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The export activities of SMEs are particularly important in the context of export-oriented economies such as Korea. Although many studies have examined the determinants of exports, it is difficult to find empirical studies about the determinants of the export performance of regional SMEs. This study investigates the determinants of export performance in the regional SME context based on an integrated approach that combines the environment factor of industrial organization theory, competitive strategy theory, and the competences of the resource-based view. Research design, data, and methodology - To empirically analyze the determinants of export performance in the regional SMEs, data were collected from firms in the Daegu metropolitan area. Data were collected directly through questionnaire surveys; in addition, secondary financial data were also taken from the KIS-VALUE database. Out of the 175 responses that were received, 143 were considered to be worth examining. After testing the reliability and validity of the variables through multiple items such as environmental turbulence and competitive strategy, hypotheses were verified by using five multi-regression models. These models were: a control model with organizational size and age, an environmental model with technology and market turbulence, a competency model with R&D and foreign distribution channels, a strategy model with product and market differentiation, and an integrated model including all of these variables. Results - First, as a control variable, the organization size has significant positive effects on export performance. Second, technology turbulence based on industrial organization theory has significant positive effects on export performance, but market turbulence does not affect export performance. Third, the foreign market distribution competency of the resource-based view has strong positive effects on export performance, but the R&D competency does not affect export performance. Fourth, the product differentiation strategy from competitive strategy theory positively impacts export performance, but market differentiation does not affect export performance. Finally, in the integrated model, only the foreign distribution competency of the resource-based view has a significant effect on export performance. Conclusions - The empirical results of this study verified the usefulness of the rationales behind the three theories to explain the export performance of the regional SMEs, especially the importance of the foreign market distribution competency from the resource-based view. With regard to practical considerations, this study's implications suggest that the use of technological environmental changes by industries is better than the use of market changes. Further, the use of the product differentiation strategy is more effective than the use of the market-driving strategy, and the distribution channel competency plays a stronger role than the technology-oriented competency with regard to the export performance position of regional SMEs. Future studies should examine relational perspectives, such as trust among channel partners. Therefore, the configuration approach is more useful in enhancing pragmatism by comparing high- and low-export companies.

• Management & Information Systems Review
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.147-171
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors affecting cooperation between industry and public research institutes, in addition to the effects of cooperation between them; on technological and economic performance of firms. Based on existing research relating to the factors affecting industry-university-research institutes cooperation and the relationship between them and firm performance, this study selected the competence of government-funded research institutes, R&D capabilities and organizational characteristics of firms, and support of government and local governments; as factors influencing cooperation between industry and public research institutes. This study sets seven hypotheses on the relationship between the factors promoting industry-public research institute cooperation, technological performance and economic performance. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data for hypothesis testing and 116 questionnaires were completed and used in this research. The PLS-MGA was used as a method for hypothesis testing. In the analysis results, we found that the competence of government-funded research institutes, organizational characteristics of firms, and the support of government and local governments have a positive impact on cooperation between industry and public research institutes. We also found that the collaboration between industry and public research institutes, positively affects firms' technological performance. In addition, we found that the technological performance of a firm, positively affects a firms' economic performance. On the other hand, firms' R&D capabilities have no significant effect on cooperation between industry and public research institutes, and industry-public research institute cooperation does not directly affect the economic performance of firms.

• Journal of Korean Society of Industrial and Systems Engineering
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.83-89
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• 2018

In the SW industry, the diversification of global markets and technology trends are changing due to the emergence of new services, and IT companies are in need of strategic change different from the previous one. In this study, SWOT analysis was performed by extracting the internal environmental factors and external environmental factors through the previous studies to improve the project performance competence of small IT companies, and the SWOT Matrix was reconstructed through the pairwise comparison. Based on this, the purpose of this research was to propose the project performance competency improvement plans for small IT companies based on importance and priority, and the following four strategies were derived from the result of SWOT-AHP analysis. SO strategy was drawn in direction to invest R & D in new SW industry to enhance technology competitiveness of SMEs in order to develop SMEs, and in order to secure competitiveness of SW industry, WO strategy is drawn the cultivation of professional technical manpower through SW policy. ST Strategy presented technical management through SW system improvement policy to improve SW environment, and WT Strategy presented awareness training on the construction and necessity of project management system construction. Using the strategies presented in this study, it is expected that the managers of small IT firms will be presented as references to measure the performance competence factors of current organizations and company organizations.

• Korean Medical Education Review
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.20-31
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• 2018

Good assessment is crucial for feedback on curriculum and to motivate students to learn. This study was conducted to perform item analysis on the Medical Education Assessment Consortium clinical knowledge mock examination (MEAC CKME) (2011-2016) and to evaluate several effects to improve item quality using both classical test theory and item response theory. The estimated difficulty index (P) and discrimination index (D) were calculated according to each course, item type, A (single best answer)/R (extended matching) type, and grading of item quality. The cut-off values used to evaluate P were: >0.8 (easy); 0.6-0.8 (moderate); and <0.6 (difficult). The cut-off value for D was 0.3. The proportion of appropriate items was defined as those with P between 0.25-0.75 and D ${\geq}0.25$. Cronbach ${\alpha}$ was used to assess the reliability and was compared with those of the Korean Medical Licensing Examination (KMLE). The results showed the recent mean difficulty and decimation index was 0.62 and 0.20 for the first MEAC CKME and 0.71 and 0.19 for the second MEAC CKME, respectively. Higher grade items evaluated by a self-checklist system had better D values than lower grade items and higher grade items gradually increased. The preview and editing process by experts revealed maintained P, decreased recall items, increased appropriate items with better D values, and higher reliability. In conclusion, the MEAC CKME (2011-2016) is deemed appropriate as an assessment to evaluate students' competence and prepare year four medical students for the KMLE. In addition, the self-checklist system for writing good items was useful in improving item quality.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.70-77
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• 2020

Background As the demand for cosmetic surgery continues to rise, plastic surgery programs and the training core curriculum have evolved to reflect these changes. This study aims to evaluate the perceived quality of current cosmetic surgery training in terms of case exposure and educational methods. Methods A 16-question survey was sent to graduates who completed their training at a U.S. plastic surgery training program in 2017. The survey assessed graduates' exposure to cosmetic surgery, teaching modalities employed and their overall perceived competence. Case complexity was characterized by the minimum number of cases needed by the graduate to feel confident in performing the procedure. Results There was a 25% response rate. The majority of respondents were residents (83%, n=92) and the remaining were fellows (17%, n=18). Almost three quarters of respondents were satisfied with their cosmetic training. Respondents rated virtual training as the most effective learning modality and observing attendings' patients/cases as least effective. Perceived competence was more closely aligned with core curriculum status than case complexity, i.e. graduates feel more prepared for core cosmetic procedures despite being more technically difficult than non-core procedures. Conclusions Despite the variability in cosmetic exposure during training, most plastic surgery graduates are satisfied with their aesthetic training. Incorporation of teaching modalities, such as virtual training, can increase case exposure and allow trainees more autonomy. The recommended core curriculum is adequately training plastic surgery graduates for common procedures and more specialized procedures should be consigned to aesthetic fellowship training.

• Fourth Industrial Review
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2021

Purpose - This case study analyzes the internationalization strategy and innovation strategy as key factors contributing to the business success of CAP, a small and medium-sized manufacturing company in Korea producing auto parts such as wipers. This study describes the diversification strategies conducted by CAP Corporation and highlights the company's core competencies that have largely contributed to their global competitive success. Research design, data, and methodology - This paper provides in-depth case study on how CAP was able to grow into a hidden champion company, focusing on their strategies since its establishment. In particular, by analyzing the success factors centering on CAP's aggressive innovation strategy and internationalization strategy, it presents guidelines for small and medium-sized enterprises in Asian countries to become a Hidden Champion company. Result - CAP's product technology has successfully established innovative system on their product called 'vertebra spring' to distribute uniform pressure to the rubber to ensure performance as well as durability of their products. In order to continue benefiting from utilizing core competence and to continue pursuing technological advancement in the wiper industry, CAP has launched a wide range of products (flat blade, conventional blade, hybrid blade) applicable to 95% of the vehicle in the market. Conclusion - Taken together, CAP has many aspects of a hidden champion company by investing in R&D up to 8% of its annual sales to R&D investment even during the crises situation. This number is about 3.36 times higher than the average ratio of listed companies in Korea. Furthermore, the leadership of the management team as well as their vision toward the global market and strong commitment to innovation enabled CAP to become the world's fifth-largest wiper and Asia's No. 1 wiper manufacturer.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.301-310
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• 2010

Bacillus subtilis strains produce a broad spectrum of bioactive peptides. The lipopeptide surfactin belongs to one well-known class, which includes amphiphilic membrane-active biosurfactants and peptide antibiotics. Both the srfA promoter and the ComP-ComA signal transduction system are an important part of the factor that results in the production of surfactin. Bs-M49, obtained by means of low-energy ion implantation in wild-type Bs-916, produced significantly lower levels of surfactin, and had no obvious effects against R. solani. Occasionally, we found strain Bs-M49 decreased spore formation and the development of competence. Blast comparison of the sequences from Bs-916 and M49 indicate that there is no difference in the srfA operon promoter PsrfA, but there are differences in the coding sequence of the comA gene. These differences result in three missense mutations within the M49 ComA protein. RT-PCR analyses results showed that the expression levels of selected genes involved in competence and sporulation in both the wild-type Bs-916 and mutant M49 strains were significantly different. When we integrated the comA ORF into the chromosome of M49 at the amyE locus, M49 restored hemolytic activity and antifungal activity. Then, HPLC analyses results also showed the comA-complemented strain had a similar ability to produce surf actin with wild-type strain Bs-916. These data suggested that the mutation of three key amino acids in ComA greatly affected the biological activity of Bacillus subtilis. ComA protein 3D structure prediction and motif search prediction indicated that ComA has two obvious motifs common to response regulator proteins, which are the N-terminal response regulator receiver motif and the C-terminal helix-turn-helix motif. The three residues in the ComA N-terminal portion may be involved in phosphorylation activation mechanism. These structural prediction results implicate that three mutated residues in the ComA protein may play an important role in the formation of a salt-bridge to the phosphoryl group keeping active conformation to subsequent regulation of the expression of downstream genes.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.253-263
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• 2017

Purpose: To develop end-of-life care training programs for nurses who provide in a tertiary hospital, we examined the mediating effects of empathy and resilience on the relationship between their stress and job performance. Methods: This study was conducted with 218 participants at a hospital in B city in South Korea from August 15 through August 30, 2017. Data collected from the participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple regression using the IBM SPSS/WIN 21.0 software. Results: Terminal care stress was found to be negatively correlated with empathy competence (r=-0.345, P<0.001), resilience (r=-0.223, P=0.001) and terminal care performance (r=-0.260, P<0.001), whereas empathy (r=0.467, P<0.001) and resilience (r=0.358, P<0.001) were positively correlated with terminal care performance. Empathy had a complete mediating effect (${\beta}=0.409$, P<0.001) on the relationship between terminal care stress and performance, and resilience a partial mediating effect (${\beta}=0.294$, P<0.001). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, development of training programs with a focus on empathy and resilience are highly recommended to improve job performance of nurses who provide terminal care in a tertiary hospital.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.17-22
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• 2012

The technological innovation of IT industry is the competitive tool for them to survive in the environment of an intensive competition. This technological innovation is critical in the survival of firms, but various factors should be considered to embody technological innovation success. This paper aims to identify the determinant factors of the outcome which influence the technological innovation based on the IT industry, and set up a model for measuring technological innovation success. A hypothesis was established for the impact relation between technological innovation success and government support level, which was verified through the logistic regression analysis. In conclusion, in terms of government support, IT manufacturing companies to the success of product innovation, technology development(R&D) and commercialization of direct support is needed for the financial support. And, the success of process innovation is accomplished through manpower training of technical personnel.