O4E.2 Efficiency of autocoding programs for converting job descriptors into standard occupational classification codes

IntroductionStandard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes can link work exposure data to individual health outcomes, but manually assigning job codes is laborious. We tested two recently developed automatic coding programs.MethodsWe entered self-reported job titles and industry from two existing cohorts into two publicly available autocoding programs, the NIOSH Industry and Occupation Computerized Coding System (NIOCCS) and the Standardized Occupation Coding for Computer-assisted Epidemiological Research (SOCcer), and assessed agreement between autocodes and manual coding. We also assessed agreement of several exposure values (from the Occupational Information Network, O*NET) linked by manual SOC codes versus those linked by autocodes, in order to examine how differences in coding might affect exposure assignments in general population cohort studies.ResultsNIOCCS produced SOC codes for the majority of subjects (Cohort 1: 85%; Cohort 2: 79%). The level of detail for these codes varied slightly; 6-digit SOC codes (detailed occupations) were available for 84% and 76% of cohorts A and B respectively. Comparison to manual codes showed strong agreement at the major group level (kappa=0.8 for both cohorts) and weaker agreement at the 6-digit level (kappa ≥0.4 and 0.6). SOCcer produced 6-digit SOC codes for all subjects with good agreement at the 2-digit level (kappa ≥0.6 and 0.7) and slightly lower at the 6-digit level (kappa ≥0.3 and 0.4). Agreement for O*NET exposures was very high for most comparisons within both cohorts for both programs (many ICCs>0.8).ConclusionBoth autocoding programs can be reliable tools to aid in assigning SOC codes that represent broad industry levels, with less agreement at finer levels of job codes. Given the availability of large public datasets with job information but no other work exposure data, autocoding of jobs provides exciting opportunities for analyzing work-related health outcomes in future studies.

Variation in Men’s Dietary Intake Between Occupations, Based on Data From the Japan Environment and Children’s Study

There has been increasing interest in dietary health promotion in the workplace. Although many previous studies have focused on dietary habits in specific occupations, variation between occupational groups requires clarification. The present study aimed to examine differences in food and nutrient intake between occupational groups, using detailed classification. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study. The study included 38,721 employed Japanese expectant fathers aged between 20 and 65 years. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Occupations were categorized into 11 categories according to the Japan Standard Occupational Classification. Analysis of variance and analysis of covariance were performed to compare dietary intake of occupational groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the differences in adherence to dietary recommendations across occupations. Dietary intake differed significantly between occupations. Specific dietary intake was observed in security and agricultural workers, who tended to exhibit higher consumption levels for numerous foods and nutrients. In addition, relative to other workers, security workers showed higher intake of dairy products and calcium, and agricultural workers consumed larger amounts of pickles and salt. The study categorized occupations into detailed categories using the Japan Standard Occupational Classification, which facilitated the clarification of overall dietary trends across occupations and identification of specific dietary characteristics in individual occupations. The findings could aid in workplace health promotion.

Unpacking the link between entrepreneurialism and employability

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between students’ entrepreneurial attitudes and traits and their classification of employment six months after university graduation. It aims to identify what specific attitudes and traits of entrepreneurial graduates are linked to employability in a professional or managerial field. Design/methodology/approach – The research adopts a quantitative approach to measure the entrepreneurial drive of final-year undergraduate business school students and regresses this measurement against the employment level of the same students six months after their graduation. The employment classification of each respondent was classified as “professional/managerial” or “non-professional/non-managerial”, in line with the Standard Occupational Classification 2010. Findings – The research found that both proactive disposition and achievement motivation were statistically linked to the likelihood of graduates being employed in a professional or managerial position six months after graduation. Originality/value – This research goes beyond existing literature linking entrepreneurship to employability to quantitatively examine what specific attitudes and traits can be linked to employability in recent graduates. By identifying the aspects of entrepreneurialism that have a relationship with employability, more information is available for educators who are designing entrepreneurial education programmes and allows for greater focus on aspects that may be of greatest benefit to all students.

A Review of Boundary Objects in Classification Research

The goal of this paper is to explore the empirical aptness of a conceptual framework for the study of an international standard classification system by considering epistemological assumptions underlying its use in classification research to date. I survey reviews and empirical inquiry in LIS that feature the concept boundary object, (Star & Griesemer, 1989) and discuss some implications for classification research. I discuss the problems posed when predominant discourses concerning classification research inhibit our understanding of classification practices as socially, historically and culturally constructed. I conclude with proposing inquiry into international standard occupational classification as away of exploring the limits of the boundary object concept within the context of globalized standards and localpractices.

Competitive Employment Outcomes of Vocational Rehabilitation

This study examined occupational outcomes for successfully closed state-federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) consumers in the 2008 fiscal year using the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. The study replicated previous research by Walls and Fullmer (1997) that investigated the top 50 job titles and the top five occupations by disability categories after vocational rehabilitation. Median hourly wages for VR participants are reported and compared with those of the general labor force (GLF). Findings and implications are discussed, and suggestions are offered to rehabilitation counselors about how to expand consumers' job and career options.