RECOMMENDATIONS

Addressing Research Limitations

Literature Review Gap

This limitation may come as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic being a recent phenomenon and Malta holding such a small geographical location, therefore studies related to Malta would be limited. Future studies on the subject must still be published therefore, the recommendation is for future research on the same subject using a different geographical location. Findings on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospitality employees may not be identical to those for Malta, however, they are still comparable as COVID-19 affected the entire world, not only Malta.

SAMPLING METHOD AND GEO-POLITICAL SITUATION

The use of the non-probability sampling method is the most commonly used by researchers due to cost and time limitations (Bhandari, 2020) when conducting quantitative research. The study had the requirement of mixed research imposed; therefore, quantitative research was imperative. A future recommendation would be to conduct a qualitative analysis wherein research findings are related to words, feelings, and emotions (Dudovskiy, 2022) rather than data. Hence, more indepth focus groups are recommended in a year’s time from the original research.

In-depth interviews are also suggested with policymakers and tourism and hospitality practitioners. Finally, it is important to allow a relevant time gap before replicating the study, so that the economical/political situation is more stable following the current turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war between Ukraine and Russia.

Building Upon Findings

A pivotal element in the research study findings was the sad conviction, by at least five of the female participants in the focus groups, that Malta retains a patriarchal society, and that despite attempts by policymakers to make things better, career progression will never be equal. On the other hand, positive elements were also noted. The focus group participants exhibited a prominent level of motivation to progress in their careers. They also declared that after their training they feel more empowered and perceive themselves to be setting an even better example to their children.

Future qualitative research, using various techniques available, such as one-to-one interviews, observations and focus groups, in continuation to this study is being recommended. The present study was related to CPD and women in Malta, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the opportunities, motivations, and expectations of the female gender. The recommended study should continue to focus on CPD and women in Malta, but further research must detail the effect of the patriarchal society on equal progression.

References

Braun V and Clarke V (2006) ‘Using thematic analysis in psychology’, Qualitative Research in Psychology. 3. 77-101. 10.1191/1478088706qp063oa.

Cedefop (2014) ‘Policy handbook: Access to and participation in continuous vocational education and training (CVET) in Europe,’ Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. Cedefop working paper; No 25.

CPD (2022) ‘What is continuous professional development?’ [online] Available at: https:// cpduk.co.uk/explained (Accessed: 20 June 2022).

Creswell JW and Creswell JD (2017) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. 4th Edition, Sage, Newbury Park.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO] (2021) TVETipedia Glossary [online] Available at: https://unevoc.unesco.org/home/ TVETipedia+Glossary/filt=all/id=124 (Accessed: 15 August 2021).