Abstract

The current process of social transformation is driven by the growth of the culture of transparency and accountability, the socio-technological development of the web and the opening of public data. This situation forces the media to rethink their models of social intermediation, converting the growing open data access and user participation into new instruments that facilitate citizen empowerment. Open data can only generate citizen empowerment, facilitate decision-making and democratic action if it can provide valueadded information to the citizens. Therefore, the aim of the research is to analyse the competencies necessary to develop information products created with open data. The study used a qualitative methodology based on two instruments: a survey of data journalism experts (university professors of journalism, journalism professional data, and experts in transparency), and an analysis of selected cases of information products created with open data. The results allow the identification of a series of conceptual, procedural and attitudinal skills needed to perform the tasks of collection, processing, analysis and presentation of data, which are necessary for the development of this type of information product, and which should be integrated into the training of future journalists.

Abstract

New technologies require an upgrade of LIS professionals’ skills. This study analyzes changes in the field and suggests guidelines to improve LIS curriculum. We have carried out a content analysis of 20 curricula from LIS educational programs to identify terms associated with technological skills. In addition, we identified terms related to new competences from 735 job openings published on generic web sites and 170 on specific web sites. These terms include marketing, management, and content management, mainly related to web applications. The results confirm a positive trend in the demand for technological skills related to LIS. Nevertheless, there is a need to increase awareness about the competences and abilities of LIS professionals, because many relevant job openings are listed in other job categories. Therefore, we have collected a list of key technological skills. In conclusion, it is clear that computer science and the Internet are bringing new opportunities to LIS professionals.

Abstract

The digital transformation has changed consumer habits and created global businesses over the Internet. To relate to customers and meet their needs, companies have created work structures that require professionals with an understanding the Web and today’s media ecosystem. Based on an analysis of the content of job offers on the Internet, results are presented that guide and facilitate the job placement of students with a degree in Advertising. Approaches to market labor demands are recommended to academic institutions and indicate what knowledge and skills are required for today’s workplace. The results point to a demand for increasingly hybrid and transversal professionals with multidisciplinary skills.

Abstract

This research departs from the strategies debated in an international framework for the achievement of gender equality through digitization and education, focusing in particular on the advertising industry. The advertising sector is immersed in a process of technological transformation that is precipitating substantial changes in companies, viz. advertising and media agencies, which are now demanding new professional profiles and adjusting traditional ones to the new media ecosystem. At the same time, and despite the feminization of the studies and workforce in this field, there is an unequal vertical and horizontal distribution by sex in Spanish agencies. Despite the previous evidence on the implications of the digital transformation for the work processes of agencies, no studies have explored this aspect from a gender perspective in Spain. In this context, this study investigates the roles and services of the leading agencies in the advertising industry more deeply, with the aim of evaluating both the digitization process and tasks close to R+D+I, and the roles of women therein. The results reveal parity in the sector and that the Digital and R+D+I areas play a central role in the agencies. There are no significant differences by sex, either in Digital profiles or in the area related to R+D+I, but women occupy fewer positions on management boards and in the Creative area. In short, this study provides evidence regarding the professional reality in the advertising sector, in order to delineate actions in the educational field to respond to the needs of the economy and society in line with the gender equality project.

Abstract

This research departs from the strategies debated in an international framework for the achievement of gender equality through digitization and education, focusing in particular on the advertising industry. The advertising sector is immersed in a process of technological transformation that is precipitating substantial changes in companies, viz. advertising and media agencies, which are now demanding new professional profiles and adjusting traditional ones to the new media ecosystem. At the same time, and despite the feminization of the studies and workforce in this field, there is an unequal vertical and horizontal distribution by sex in Spanish agencies. Despite the previous evidence on the implications of the digital transformation for the work processes of agencies, no studies have explored this aspect from a gender perspective in Spain. In this context, this study investigates the roles and services of the leading agencies in the advertising industry more deeply, with the aim of evaluating both the digitization process and tasks close to R+D+I, and the roles of women therein. The results reveal parity in the sector and that the Digital and R+D+I areas play a central role in the agencies. There are no significant differences by sex, either in Digital profiles or in the area related to R+D+I, but women occupy fewer positions on management boards and in the Creative area. In short, this study provides evidence regarding the professional reality in the advertising sector, in order to delineate actions in the educational field to respond to the needs of the economy and society in line with the gender equality project.

Abstract

The search engine optimization (SEO) specialist, or web positioning specialist, is one of the digital communication professionals that have emerged from the use of search engines as a means of attracting online audiences. The results of an analysis of labor demand demonstrate the importance of specific competences not intrinsically linked to this specialty, such as web analytics and digital marketing, and transversal competences, such as analytical skills, English-language skills, and an interest in learning. Its implications for the academic and business world open up future areas of study to confirm the professional sector’s requirements and illustrate the effectiveness of higher education, focusing on improving employability.