Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues

The impact of learning orientation on NSD and hotel performance: Evidence from the hotel industry in Iran : Table of Contents

Kayhan Tajeddini — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Although the significance of the learning organization concept is recognised in innovation management, there are only a few studies on the way in which a learning orientation affects new service development (NSD) in the hotel industry in Iran. This paper aims to fill that gap. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire is designed to ask hotel managers and owners for their thoughts on a range of organizational variables including the nature of learning orientation, NSD and the link with hotel business performance. Findings – Using 129 hotels in Iran, it was found that NSD can be driven by higher levels of commitment to learning, shared vision and open-mindedness. Furthermore, a regression analysis suggests that the effect of NSD on performance is positive. Research limitations/implications – This paper focuses on senior managers and owners of Iranian hotels who have a specific culture, history and experience. It would be useful to take a similar approach in other established industries with different cultural and environmental characteristics and experience, so that comparisons can be made. Practical implications – The findings reinforce the argument that a learning approach, coupled with organizational creativity, is the main prescription for a creative quality process. It also provides a quantum leap in an organization in terms of innovation. Evidence from this paper also shows the importance of managerial emphasis on creating an internal business environment conducive to innovative activities. Originality/value – The paper shows how learning deficiency is one of the main reasons that companies find it difficult to remain successful in the market.

A conceptual framework of impeders to strategy implementation from an exploratory case study in an Iranian university : Table of Contents

Fariborz Rahimnia, Yiannis Polychronakis, John M. Sharp — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive framework for assessing impeders of strategy implementation in a higher education context through an in-depth analysis of a higher education institution in Iran. Design/methodology/approach – A semi-structured interview is employed with senior academic staff and managers in a particular university. Findings – The main impeders of strategy implementation within the university as the case organisation and are found to be grouped into five main areas: planning consequences, organisational, individual, managerial and environmental. The nature and reasons for the impeders are explained and finally an analytical framework is developed. Research limitations/implications – The paper, through the use of how and why questions during interviews, highlighted a framework which provides an in-depth understanding of impeders. The paper's results have implications for other universities in Iran and indeed the Middle East. However, a limitation of this paper is that the results are exploratory only, given that the paper is carried out in only one Iranian university. Practical implications – This paper provides a valuable basis for discussion on the impeders of strategy implementation. Moreover, the results of the research can be used as guidance for managers and academic staff at the strategy implementation stage in the higher education sector. Originality/value – The findings of the paper highlight the relevant impeders of strategy implementation within a higher education environment that will be of interest to those in this field, particularly those working in Iranian universities.

A study of quality from the perspective of the university graduates: A case study focusing on a small university in Iran : Table of Contents

Abdolrahim Navehebrahim — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate higher education quality from the perspective of university graduates. Design/methodology/approach – Based on Kaufman and Herman's model of education output as well as Yamani Doozi Sorkhabi, a researcher-designed questionnaire is used to collect the data requiring response to five questions in the study. Research questions addressed such areas as: first, the adequacy of the curriculum; second, the status of the graduates in the job market; third, graduates' perception of their educational experience; fourth, desire to engage in future research; fifth, ability of graduates to interact with the university. For each research question, a group of indicators are defined. The validity of indicators is confirmed by experts in the field. Cronbach's alpha indicated a reliability of 79 percent. The population comprised 700 graduates holding BSc degree in basic sciences from a small-sized university. A total of 250 of these students comprised a random sample. A total of 126 responses are received. Findings – Results indicated a high degree of satisfaction with the curriculum, relative satisfaction with the educational experience, but low satisfaction with the acquisition of research abilities and research experience. Practical implications – Universities need to be constantly rethinking, restructuring, and revitalizing their programs with employment skills in mind. In the case of a program in basic sciences, the ability to engage in some elements of research is a relevant employment skill yet, in the university under study, despite the fact that students generally enjoyed their educational experience; it seems they acquired little in the way of the skills required in the market place. Universities need to ensure that mechanisms are in place to obtain alumni and employer feedback to enable programs of study to not only be interesting, but also relevant to the community. However, despite the graduates' interest in an ongoing interaction with the university (83 percent of interest), the university under study did not emphasize such interaction. This is rather shortsighted given the need for modern universities to be responsive to the various stakeholders. Originality/value – This paper should be of value to education leaders, educational planners, as well as university professors who are interested in ensuring that university curricula are current and relevant.

Identification of knowledge management critical success factors in Iranian academic research centers : Table of Contents

Peyman Akhavan, Reza Hosnavi, Mohammad E. Sanjaghi — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the status of knowledge management (KM) in selected Iranian academic research centers (IARCs) in order to identify the most relevant KM critical success factors adopted by those centers that include physics, chemical, drug, aerospace, nanotechnology, mechanic, aviation, and biotechnology research centers. Design/methodology/approach – Based on extensive review of KM literature, broad ranges of general KM critical success factors are identified. Then, through field studies, the degree of the relevance of each particular KM success factor is determined. The research procedure finally led to the identification of KM critical success factors prevailing in IARCs. Findings – Five distinct KM factors including 16 different elements are found to be relevant and critical in the course of KM implementation in IARCs. These factors are “human resource management and flexible structures,” “KM architecture and readiness,” “knowledge storage,” “benchmarking,” and “chief knowledge officer.” Research limitations/implications – The extracted factors can act as a guideline for KM preliminary phases in organizations. This helps to ensure that the essential issues are covered during the design and implementation phase of a KM program. For academics, it may provide a common language for discussion and study of the factors crucial for KM. Originality/value – The paper should be of value to researchers of KM in general, and to implementers of KM programs. It presents a range of issues critical to the adoption of KM initiatives.

Optimizing business education: a strategic response to global challenges : Table of Contents

Ehab K.A. Mohamed — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges facing business education in providing students with the knowledge and skills that raise their competency level to meet that required by the market. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a framework for closing the gap between the business education delivered by universities and the current needs of the business community. Findings – There seems to be a perception that education can fix all the problems. That results in a perceived gap between what is expected from business education and what is actually provided. The rapid spread of globalization and enormous developments in information technology (IT) has led to dramatic changes in the business environment and business education needs to be responsive to these changes. Practical implications – There is a general consensus that business curricula need improvement given the considerable challenges that face businesses today including dealing with emerging globalization, new economic challenges, rapid IT developments, and the requirements for human capital with multi-facet skills. Business schools that prepare future managers in different disciplines have a responsibility to close the gap between the skills acquired by business graduates and the skills required in global markets. Originality/value – The paper provides a framework for closing the gap between acquired and required skills and a client-oriented strategic plan for a degree program.

An empirical investigation of the use of humor in university classrooms : Table of Contents

Hicham Benjelloun — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of humor in university classrooms in Qatar. This paper also seeks to highlight the positive impact of humor on learning and creativity. Design/methodology/approach – Using two different surveys, 101 Qatar University business students, mostly accounting and finance majors, are asked to rate different statements about the use of humor in university classrooms. Findings – Students are overwhelmingly in favor of the use of humor. They think that most professors do not use it to enhance learning. On the other hand, they do not want extreme forms of humor; they would rather see a lighthearted approach where the professor is formal but yet approachable and relaxed. Finally, it appears that finance students have a higher appreciation for humor compared with accounting students. Originality/value – Using humor in the classroom is one aspect of learning that has been ignored by college education research in the area. University professors can dramatically increase the quality of learning by offering their students a pleasant environment.