https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/22540 2026-05-18T10:14:36Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/26074 Title: The human resource perspective on the values of education for recruitment Abstract: This qualitative research set out to explore the perspective of human resource (HR) representatives and hiring managers on the value of educational qualifications during the recruitment process. The study illustrates how much a recruiter in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector values a candidate’s level of qualifications obtained by the two main tertiary educational institutions in Malta: the University of Malta (UM) and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). Although qualifications are deemed necessary in the ICT sector for an individual to perform on the job, other factors that qualify candidates to be chosen for information technology (IT) roles are also explored. These include informal education and family background. The research is based on one-to-one in-depth interviews that were held with eight respondents that occupy the position of HR Managers, HR Executives or hiring managers. The themes that emerged from the collected data were analysed after the interviews were concluded. The findings suggest that qualifications are valued amongst recruiters in the ICT sector, however their value is either equal to or less than the value attributed to such other factors as an applicant’s informal education. Nonetheless, considering that there is quite a substantial low supply of ICT suitably qualified candidates in the labour market, employers are forced to resort to the next best alternative. Research suggests that there are various means to address this situation. This can be achieved by collaboration between educational institutions and employers in order to ensure that tertiary institutions design their courses in a manner that enhances employability while meeting the constantly changing needs of the labour market due to evolving technology. Overall, this research study provides an overview of the value of qualifications together with other factors that are considered during the recruitment and selection process, as well as the demanding needs of the labour market in the ICT sector. Description: B.WORK&H.R.(HONS) 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/25488 Title: Female participation in Malta’s maritime transport industry : prospects and challenges Abstract: The main aim of this qualitative research study, which focuses on Malta’s Maritime Transport Industry, is to find out what hinders Maltese females from working in specific areas which are related to seafaring and port operations within the local labour market and ultimately to be able to identify the core issues inducing low female employment rates within the sector. Moreover, it aims to provide society and the central administration with concrete feedback on the situation and possibly helping competent authorities in the development of an achievable and measurable action plan. The study uses the gendered lens to look at the prospects and challenges of the industry and builds on Moser’s Gender Planning and Development Theoretical Framework (Moser, 1993). The research adopts an interpretive approach and is based on nine in-depth one-to-one interviews with six female participants, who are active/inactive employees within the Maritime Industry and three male participants who represent policymakers, social partners and stakeholders. The themes emerging from the data collected were analysed using Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). This research highlights how in the 21st century, gender stereotyping in Malta’s Maritime Transport Industry still prevails and is strongly influenced by religious, traditional, cultural and societal customs. These factors are instilled in the culture and somehow it is thought that women are less capable to perform and deliver at par level with men. Elements of discrimination, bullying and harassment are experiences commonly encountered by most females in the industry at certain points in their careers. This research demonstrates how the occurrence of discrimination and bullying was very explicit and mostly prominent amongst seafarers. Apart from the fact that the number of females accessing the industry is already very low, it transpires that most females in the industry put a halt to their career and abandon the industry in lieu for motherhood. This research shows how education can be a very important tool to attract the right pool of human resources to the industry, including women, and also how the salary offered by the industry can, at times, appear either as an opportunity and/or a limitation since the conditions of work for seafaring and port operations differ. Overall, the attitudes and perceptions about females in Malta’s Maritime Transport Industry seem to revolve around Moser’s (1993) concept of the ‘Women’s Triple Role’ which implies that women have three roles; reproduction, production and community management mostly influenced by traditional values. The latter values have been embedded in the day-to-day work practices of the industry mostly seafaring and port operations. Description: B.WORK&H.R.(HONS) 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/25453 Title: ‘Mumpreneur’ : the career identities of Maltese Women and their experiences of combining business with motherhood Abstract: The aim of this qualitative study is to address the research gap found in the pertinent literature regarding how Maltese ‘mumpreneurs’ view their identity vis-à-vis the dual roles of mumpreneurship: motherhood and entrepreneurship. Consequently, this leads to a discussion on the influences that led them to set-up their own enterprises. To this purpose, eight interviews with Maltese mumpreneurs were carried out and analysed using Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). This dissertation, is not based on one particular theory however its foundations are based on Korsgaard’s definition of a mumpreneur, where he describes them as “female business owners actively balancing the roles of mother and entrepreneur” (Korsgaard, 2007, pg 42). The participants were free to narrate and share their stories and experiences as far as they felt comfortable. Research shows that although most of them identify themselves more with the role of an entrepreneur they still do their utmost to fulfil the role of a mother to the best of their abilities. No matter what difficulties the world of business offers, these participants still value quality time with their children and try to attend to their needs as much as possible. Through life experiences these women have worked their own methods of balancing their private and professional lives some with a support network and others without. With a sense of pride in their mumpreneurial identities, they also outlined the characteristics that are instrumental to become a successful entrepreneur. Ultimately, these findings reveal that it is not impossible for a mother to offset the demands of motherhood and the challenges of running a business. These women broke through the glass ceiling and now are leading their commercial enterprises. Description: B.WORK&H.R.(HONS) 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/25449 Title: The uphill struggle of Maltese women to top management posts : exploring the gendered hurdles Abstract: The aim of this qualitative research is to explore the visible and the invisible hurdles that may be holding women from making it to top management positions in private organisations in Malta. The study uses the gender lens to look into the organisational demands within private organisations and family expectations that may encumber women from climbing the corporate career ladders. It builds on Joan’s Acker Theory of Gendered Organisation and the notion of the “ideal worker” (1990). To achieve the aim of this study, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with four male and four female informants who occupy top management positions in local private organisation. The data collected was analysed using the Thematic Analysis approach (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The research recognises three major interlinking factors that can thwart women’s career progression in higher management posts within private organisations. These are: 1) The gendered division of labour at home 2) Gendered Organisations which operate with a bias in favour of men 3) Work–family conflicts. These interweaving factors highlight the complexity of the issues which continue to hinder women’s achievements and this study suggests that these ultimately stem from gendered roles and gendered organisations. Description: B.WORK&H.R.(HONS) 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z