A multi-criteria decision support system to evaluate the effectiveness of training courses on citizens' employability

TL;DR

This paper introduces a multi-criteria decision support system that evaluates training courses' effectiveness in improving citizens' employability, aiding policymakers in optimizing training program offerings.

Contribution

It proposes a novel multi-criteria evaluation framework using TOPSIS and clustering to assess training courses' impact on employability based on extensive datasets.

Findings

Courses in administration, management, tourism, and sociocultural services positively impact employability.

Less demanded courses can be the most effective in improving employability.

The system effectively supports policymakers in evaluating training program effectiveness.

Abstract

This study examines the impact of lifelong learning on the professional lives of employed and unemployed individuals. Lifelong learning is a crucial factor in securing employment or enhancing one's existing career prospects. To achieve this objective, this study proposes the implementation of a multi-criteria decision support system for the evaluation of training courses in accordance with their capacity to enhance the employability of the students. The methodology is delineated in four stages. Firstly, a `working life curve' was defined to provide a quantitative description of an individual's working life. Secondly, an analysis based on K-medoids clustering defined a control group for each individual for comparison. Thirdly, the performance of a course according to each of the four predefined criteria was calculated using a t-test to determine the mean performance value of those who took the course. Ultimately, the unweighted TOPSIS method was used to evaluate the efficacy of the various training courses in relation to the four criteria. This approach effectively addresses the challenge of using extensive datasets within a system while facilitating the application of a multi-criteria unweighted TOPSIS method. The results of the multi-criteria TOPSIS method indicated that training courses related to the professional fields of administration and management, hostel and tourism and community and sociocultural services have positive impact on employability and improving the working conditions of citizens. However, courses that demonstrate the greatest effectiveness in ranking are the least demanded by citizens. The results will help policymakers evaluate the effectiveness of each training course offered by the regional government.