Emerald | On the Horizon

After “Watson”

Tom Abeles — 2012-01-27 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This essay aims to explore the changes that will occur in both the natural and social sciences in general and education in particular with the advent of the cloud, fast computers and sophisticated data analysis software coupled with artificial intelligence. Design/methodology/approach – The paper looks at literature, particularly science fiction, and recent developments in technology. Findings – With massive data and analytical capabilities existing, ubiquitously in the “cloud” coupled with low cost access via smart phones, tablets and similar technologies, the cost of knowledge acquisition will asymptotically approach zero and the movement of knowledge across geo-political boundaries will profoundly affect all across the planet. Originality/value – The paper reveals that the potential of the leveling of knowledge will change the relationships between the developed and developing countries.

Integration of education with research and development and the export of higher education

Mauri Kantola, Juha Kettunen — 2012-01-27 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a framework combining the approaches of the innovation pedagogy, strategic planning of higher education and the research, development and innovation (RDI) in order to support the export of higher education. Design/methodology/approach – The export of education can be included in the framework by taking the innovation pedagogy as a starting point – an approach developed for the universities of applied sciences with the emphasis of efficient leaning in projects and the institution's external impact. Strategic management defines strategic objectives, which take into account the European education policy and the regional and international demand for higher education. The empirical part of the paper is based on the study of the Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUAS) focusing on the networked applied research and development activities and the combination of the education and the RDI activities using learning in the projects approaches. Findings – The building of the strategic partnerships seems to be one of the main instruments of the export process and to use the support of the external broker organization outside of the universities. The advantages of the student learning in the RDI projects are: the drop-out rates can be decreased, the length of study can be shortened, the transfer of knowledge can be increased, the supervision of students can be increased, the experience of students from projects increases the employment opportunities and the integrated model of innovation pedagogy can be exported to other countries. Originality/value – The framework presented in the paper could be developed towards mechanisms of sharing the knowledge concerning different global learning ecosystems.

Keeping up with business and industry: secondary-level career and technical education's struggle

R. Adam Manley — 2012-01-27 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to detail how the need for secondary-level career and technical education (CTE) programs to keep up with technological change in the workplace is conflicting with policy, procedures, and beliefs held by many in the education community. More specifically, the conflicting areas are the manner and type of professional development offerings provided to CTE teachers; funding priorities at the federal, state, and local levels; CTE administrative support and structure; and partnerships between CTE teachers and their local businesses. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a viewpoint supported by extant literature. Findings – The paper finds that in order for secondary-level CTE to be readily accessible and of high rigor, large systemic change needs to occur at the federal, state, and local levels. Originality/value – This viewpoint is intended to be a call to action concerning the sustainability of secondary-level CTE.

Where are we going and what are we doing? Two seemingly opposing views with a unified message about the discrepancy between organizational behavior theory and business practice

Joan F. Marques — 2012-01-27 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the need for critical review and realignment of business education as well as business practices to contemporary needs. Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyzes two compelling presentations from distinguished scholars in which they made a seemingly contradictory statement about the discrepancy between business education and practice. Subsequently, a critical analysis of the presentations is applied, through which some remarkable similarities emerge. Findings – The paper finds that: there is a discrepancy between what business education knows and what it does; there is a discrepancy between what business knows and what it does; and the discrepancy on both ends should be attributed to multiple reasons, of which the most important one is: the resistance to adopt the change that epitomizes contemporary circumstances. Practical implications – Management and organizational behavior scholars should rethink their stance toward educating and preparing today's business students for the ambiguous workplace that awaits them. At the same time, business practitioners should start adopting reward practices that fit today's predominantly organic work environments. Originality/value – This paper presents a viewpoint that is still rejected and considered unpopular among large groups of scholars who insist on a quantifiable and highly theoretical underpinning of their teachings, even though they are confronted with an increasing gap between their teachings and writings, and the highly volatile reality.

Reconstruct creative destruction knowledge through creative disruption

Muhammad Nizam Zainuddin, Mohd Fairuz Abd Rahim, Mohd Rozaini Mohd Rejab — 2012-01-27 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – With internet technology, knowledge acquisition surpasses the confinement of the university's campus or syllabus. Concurrently, an entrepreneurship programme has recently been offered to students, positioning universities as an experimental ground for the breeding of entrepreneurs. Thus, this paper seeks to evaluate the effect of entrepreneurship education syllabi empowered with current information communication technology (ICT) exposure towards students' entrepreneurial self-efficacy together with social norms and their entrepreneurial intention; and whether this latest development lives up to stakeholders' expectations. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through a census survey of entrepreneurship students at four MSC-Status universities that offer entrepreneurship degree programmes. Quantitative analyses such as regression were performed. Findings – Specialised entrepreneurship education with ICT exposure significantly affects a student's entrepreneurial self-efficacy. However social norms were found to be a poor predictor towards entrepreneurial intention, explaining the diminished level of influence lecturers had upon their students' behaviour. Research limitations/implications – This study focuses on a group of entrepreneurship students who are exposed to ICT applications at that stipulated time, and as such, the findings cannot be generalised as technology evolves rapidly. The findings are also limited to only entrepreneurial intention and demonstrate the outcome in Malaysia's higher education industry. Practical implications – The two direct stakeholders i.e. the university's management and lecturers, may need to reconstruct their respective initiatives by introducing “creative disruption” philosophies, policies and pedagogies to facilitate the “creative destruction” mode of education into realising its full potential. Originality/value – This paper provides an insight into challenges that universities face in delivering distinctive knowledge consisting of theories and practices. Together, they require constructive and radical yet practical initiatives.

Endogenous complexity, specialisation and general education

Alexander Dilger — 2012-01-27 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – Complexity is endogenous for humans and increasing at an accelerating rate. At the same time individual lives become better and even simpler. This seems to be a paradox for which this paper aims to offer a solution. Design/methodology/approach – The paradox and its solution are explained in some detail. Findings – Specialisation is the missing link which fuels overall complexity and shelters individuals from it. Specialisation is a good solution for most problems arising from increasing complexity, although it results in some problems of its own and general knowledge is still needed as well as general education to obtain this knowledge. Research limitations/implications – The presented argument is quite general in itself and needs further elaboration and empirical testing. Practical implications – Aims and limits of specialised as well as general education are discussed. Social implications – The right kind and amount of general education increases welfare and efficiency. Originality/value – This connection between complexity, specialisation and education has not been shown before (at least to the best of knowledge of the author, who has the same problems to deal with the complexity of all human knowledge as everybody else).

Challenging the traditional idea of leadership in UAE schools

Lauren Stephenson, Robin Dada, Barbara Harold — 2012-01-27 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to review the characteristics and practices of teacher leaders identified in recent literature and to investigate the impact of the professional learning process on teacher leadership development as it unfolded in two government schools. Design/methodology/approach – Using a longitudinal qualitative case study of two United Arab Emirates (UAE) government schools engaged in collaborative action research the study used focus group interviews, dialogue, observations, field notes and retrospective analysis to collect and analyze data and used an inductive process of identifying themes and key content areas. Findings – The study identified key issues that impacted the professional learning process and teacher leadership development in the schools. These included the sharing of leadership, school and cultural issues, shared motivation, formal and informal roles, content and pedagogical knowledge, critical reflection and interpersonal skills. The combination of these factors led to a cultural shift to collaboration as the “new normal”. Originality/value – Teacher leadership is an emerging field of study and is yet to be fully valued by educational leaders and teachers in the UAE context. This current study identifies a professional learning process that led to an important cultural shift from individual, isolated practice to collaborative and shared perspectives about teacher leadership and its impact on student learning. This results in a “new normal” in teacher leadership.

A curriculum model of a foundation for educating the global citizens of the future

Richard Zinser — 2012-01-27 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a model for preparing young people to live in a global society. Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses the need for a new approach to education that transcends subject disciplines and institutional boundaries by taking a global perspective; it provides a background of previous curriculum ideas, presents a multi-dimensional model of educating for the future, and opens a dialogue on the implications for educators and policy makers. Findings – The curriculum model for educating future citizens starts with a foundation of academics (contextual math and science), vocational skills and technological literacy, and process skills, which include system thinking and problem solving. The second level of the model consists of the study of world history and geography, and the language and culture of other countries. The third layer of the curriculum is altruism for people, the planet, and the future. The rationale for each component and specific teaching strategies are also presented. Originality/value – As civilization makes the transition from the industrial era to one of sustainability, educational leaders around the globe ought to implement a learning system that prepares its young people for life in a unified society. This paper provides a starting point to explore what skills and concepts students should be studying to lead the future. The curriculum model provides an explicit outline of some of the competencies that will likely be required for whatever world scenario emerges.

Is the grass greener on the other side? Experiential learning, lifelong learning and career shift

Jens Graff — 2012-01-27 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to give a more appropriate picture of the new trend of career shifts in a late career. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses literature studies. Findings – The paper gives a more apposite picture of experiential learning and career shift for mature people. Research limitations/implications – The paper gives no exact guidance in how to assess experiential learning. Practical implications – Appreciating mature people's experiential learning gives employers a broader and richer hiring base, which is especially important in a period of shortage of employees. Social implications – For many societies the age distribution is unfavorable with too many mature people in pension age. The good thing is that many mature people are interested in staying active in the labor market. Originality/value – The paper argues that a combination of academic and experiential learning probably will qualify individuals best for career shifts as it leads them to a higher order of competence. Career shifts will blow new air into a person's career and enrich them and the organization, which they serve.

University futures: Wikipedia uni, core-periphery reversed, incremental managerialism or bliss for all?

Sohail Inayatullah — 2012-01-27 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to overview the futures of the university by analyzing critical drivers. It also aims to assess drivers identified a decade ago on university futures. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews drivers, trends and scenarios. Findings – The paper finds first, globalization will likely continue but innovation will move to Chindia. Second, democratization has resulted by not as imagined a decade ago, rather, peer-to-peer or web 2.0 has changed the game. Three new scenarios are articulated: Wikipedia university; core-periphery reversed and incremental managerialism. Bliss for all remains an outlier. Practical implications – Asian-Pacific universities instead of adopting the used future of the core will find it wiser to innovate and create new visions as well as to develop new global ranking systems. Social implications – Traditional universities are the likely dinosaurs unable to thrive in a dramatically changing world. Increasing inequity in traditional western universities will likely further devalue higher education. New models of inclusion are required. Originality/value – The paper articulates new scenarios of the future, and assesses trends identified a decade ago. It provides a strategy for university administrators to navigate the challenges ahead.

2011 Awards for Excellence

2012-01-27 00:00:00.0