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Table 6 Overview of studies and main findings during domain analyses

From: Reliability and validity of a computer-based assessment of cognitive and non-cognitive facets of problem-solving competence in the business domain

Study

Sample

Main findings

Content analysis of training regulations and curricula

Training regulations for industrial clerks (IC), merchants in wholesale and foreign trade (MWFT) and IT-systems management assistants (ITMA)

Curricula from the federal states of Germany for the above training occupations

High significance of controlling throughout the curriculum of industrial clerks

The curricula of MWFT and ITMA also include controlling contents but to a lesser extent

Content analysis of textbooks

Three standard textbooks for commercial training occupations in VET

Curricular significance of controlling contents is also represented in textbooks.

However, strong emphasis on content knowledge rather than competence-orientation

Majority of exercises offers only low complexity, instead clear action sequences and guidance is provided

Diary study on everyday problem solving in office work

n = 8 VET students

n = 5 skilled employees in operative controlling

The majority of participants is confronted with problems during office work several times a week

The occurrence of complex problems is mostly going along with time pressure and certain risks for the enterprise

The emotional response to problems is particularly negative when individual is pressed for time

The problems to be solved by apprentices are less complex

High significance of problem solving for workplace learning and individual growth

Interview study on typical tasks and requirements in the field of operative controlling

n = 16 skilled employees in operative controlling

n = 14 VET students (industrial clerks)

n = 7 teachers in vocational schools

VET students are entrusted with operative rather than strategic controlling tasks

Problem-solving competence is considered an important skill in the field of controlling

High quality of solutions to problems includes correctness and plausibility of calculations as well as successfully dealing with time pressure and a well-targeted and clear communication of results

High significance of spreadsheet processing and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software