The evaluation aims to assess the effectiveness of virtual job fairs in the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) sector in Bangladesh. This comprehensive study explores the impact of transitioning from traditional physical job fairs to virtual platforms, considering factors such as accessibility, reach, cost-effectiveness, and overall outcomes for job seekers and employers.
The evaluation begins by examining the virtual job fair setup, highlighting the technological infrastructure, user interface, and participant engagement features. It delves into the strategies employed to attract job seekers and employers to the virtual platform, including marketing efforts, registration processes, and pre-event preparation.
Through surveys, interviews, and data analysis, the evaluation measures the satisfaction levels of both job seekers and employers regarding the virtual job fair experience. It examines the effectiveness of virtual networking, job matching, and interview processes, as well as the convenience and ease of use provided by the digital platform.
The evaluation also investigates the impact of virtual job fairs on the ICT sector in Bangladesh. It analyzes the quality and diversity of job opportunities presented, the number of successful job placements, and the overall contribution to the growth of the sector. Additionally, it considers the potential for remote work opportunities and the scalability of virtual job fairs in the future.
Challenges and limitations of virtual job fairs in the ICT sector are explored, including concerns related to internet connectivity, technology literacy, and the ability to adequately assess candidates’ skills and qualifications. Recommendations are provided to address these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of virtual job fairs, ensuring greater inclusivity and improved outcomes for all stakeholders.
The evaluation concludes by offering insights into the overall effectiveness of virtual job fairs in the ICT sector in Bangladesh. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the benefits, limitations, and potential for future development. The findings of the evaluation can guide policymakers, employers, and job seekers in making informed decisions regarding the adoption and optimization of virtual job fair platforms in the country’s ICT industry.
Despite several potential economic and social advantages especially during this Covid-19 pandemic time, virtual job fairs are rarely conducted in Bangladesh and other developing countries, and their effectiveness is unknown. Hence, by conducting a Randomized Control Trial (RCT) under the joint initiative between the Asian Development Bank (ADB), a Bangladesh online job platform, Bdjobs.com, and a research team of Florida International University (FIU), this study aims to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of virtual job fairs in Bangladesh. Additionally, this study aims to evaluate the impacts of a job preference signaling mechanism that allows job applicants to credibly express their true interests to employers.
The ADB has chosen MOMODa FOUNDATION, which is a research-oriented development organization in Bangladesh, as the survey firm for its rich experience in project implementation in collaboration with international academic and research institutions. As the survey firm, the MOMODa FOUNDATION will conduct two end-line surveys of employers and job seekers.
In the first phase of the project, an experienced survey team from the MOMODa is ready for pilot testing for this study. Based on the pilot testing, the MOMODa Team will assess the procedure used for testing, check product readiness for full-scale implementation, better decisions on time and resource allocation, the target population’s reaction to the study, and measure the success of the study. It will also give the team a chance to practice activities they will use for the usability tests. The total of 2560 employer surveys completed is 94.18% of the total sample.
The ADB has extended this project’s second phase by 2000 employers who took part in the ICT virtual job fair organized jointly by Bdjobs.com, FIU, and ADB. In this phase, the 1st end-line survey has been conducted from July 2022 to August 2022 and the 2nd end-line survey will be conducted from January 2023 to February 2023.