Showing papers in "International Journal of Educational Management in 2006"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors aimed at finding out the factors students consider important in their decision-making related to choice of university and courses of study and found that potential applicants to HE will increasingly become consumerist.
Abstract: Purpose – Higher education environments have become increasingly competitive and institutions have to compete for students in the recruitment markets With the introduction of student fees, it is hypothesised that potential applicants to HE will increasingly become consumerist The research upon which this paper was based was aimed at finding out the factors students consider important in their decision making related to choice of university and courses of studyDesign/methodology/approach – Five sixth form schools and colleges in the Southampton University Partnership Scheme participated in the study Three hundred and eighty seven students (186 male and 201 female) voluntarily participated The study involved a survey questionnaire based on a 10 point Likert scale and included 35 university choice factors which students were to rank accordingly It also included 10 items similarly ranked to identify factors influencing university subject or course choice Simple descriptive statistics were used to ident
492 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a theoretical model that integrates the different groups of factors which influence the decision-making process of international students, analysing different dimensions of this process and explaining those factors which determine students' choice is presented.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical model that integrates the different groups of factors which influence the decision‐making process of international students, analysing different dimensions of this process and explaining those factors which determine students' choice.Design/methodology/approach – A hypothetical model is presented which shows the purchase intention as an independent variable dependent on five factors: personal reasons; the effect of country image, influenced by city image; institution image; and the evaluation of the programme of study. The consideration, whether conscious or unconscious on the part of the prospective student, of the different elements making up the factors included in this study will determine the final choice made by that student.Findings – The limitations of this study stem from the nature of the study itself. As a theoretical model, it aims to integrate the factors identified in the existing literature. Thus, future research must try to ex...
439 citations
TL;DR: This paper examined the antecedents of organizational commitment among casual academics working in the tertiary education sector in Australia and found that personal characteristics (gender, marital status, family responsibilities and education), job-related characteristics (supervisor support, co-worker support, role clarity and resource availability) and job involvement characteristics (tenure, second job and post-graduate study at the employing university) all impact on organizational commitment.
Abstract: Purpose – Despite the increasing attention of organizational commitment in the management literature, most studies predominantly focus on full-time workers in traditional work settings. This paper examined the antecedents of organizational commitment among casual academics working in the tertiary education sector in Australia.
Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey was developed and distributed to casual academics working in a large Australian public university.
Findings – Analysis of the data shows that personal characteristics (gender, marital status, family responsibilities and education), job-related characteristics (supervisor support, co-worker support, role clarity and resource availability) and job involvement characteristics (tenure, second job and post-graduate study at the employing university) all impact on organizational commitment.
Research limitations/implications – Australian tertiary institutions are prominent employers of casual workers, however, very little is known about the work behavior of this group of academics. The results of this study highlight important directions for implementing strategies to increase casual academic's organizational commitment. Organization commitment is important because it is known association with other important organizational variables such as turnover, absenteeism and work effort.
Originality/value – Given the increasing reliance on casual academics in tertiary institutions, this study provides the first step in better understanding the factors that affect the organization commitment of casual academics.
186 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the motivations for Taiwanese students to study higher education in a western society using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and found that the influence of family and friends was more important than consideratio...
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the motivators for Taiwanese students to study higher education in a western society. The behavioural motivations of Taiwanese students intending to undertake higher education in Australia and the USA were analysed using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).Design/methodology/approach – Taiwanese students intending to study overseas were surveyed with an instrument based on the theory of planned behaviour. Data from 518 students were subjected to principal components analysis to ascertain factors related to their intention to study overseas.Findings – The TPB was validated as an appropriate model for examining selection of transnational education destinations as a form of consumer behaviour. For Australia, the attitude or perceptions of Taiwanese students towards higher education in the destination country was of greatest importance in shaping their intentions for overseas study. The influence of family and friends was more important than consideratio...
156 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on a research project that identified organisational critical success factors (CSFs) for e-learning implementation in higher education (HE), which can be used as a theoretical foundation upon which to base decision-making and strategic thinking about elearning.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on a research project that identified organisational critical success factors (CSFs) for e‐learning implementation in higher education (HE). These CSFs can be used as a theoretical foundation upon which to base decision‐making and strategic thinking about e‐learning.Design/methodology/approach – The project reported in this paper adopted a critical research approach aiming at proposing strategies derived from a holistic, consultative and emancipatory perspective. Bearing this perspective, the researchers drew inspiration from CSF management theory. Organisational analysis using CSFs is an established management research method as a means of identifying the essential elements that need to be addressed in order for change processes to be effective. The specific data collection method adopted was focus group interviews.Findings – The data analysis from focus group interviews with practitioners, administrators and academics revealed 66 CSFs divided into four cl...
118 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the criteria that affect the selection of students and, in detail, the students' point of view towards the university evaluation and selection in Turkey, which will help the university manager's decision making on the marketing tools they use.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the university selection criteria of students for better university management with the use of marketing tools.Design/methodology/approach – This study consists of a survey on students attending a foundation university in Turkey. The questionnaire method has been chosen in order to determine the important criteria having an impact on the student views towards university selection. The students had been admitted to a foundation university in the 2005‐2006 period when within the same universities various departments were included in the study.Findings – The results indicate student evaluation and selection criteria in this period of time.Practical implications – This paper examines the criteria that affects the selection of students and, in detail the students' point of view towards the university evaluation and selection in Turkey. This will help the university manager's decision making on the marketing tools they use.Originality/value – Selecting a univers...
90 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the significant differences in the climate profile and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) of teachers working in public and private schools of India by using t-test.
Abstract: Purpose – This research aims to assess the significant differences in the climate profile and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) of teachers working in public and private schools of IndiaDesign/methodology/approach – The sample comprised of 100 teachers, out of which 50 teachers were from public school and 50 teachers were from private schools Following data collection, significant differences regarding climate profile and OCBs were examined by using t‐testFindings – The findings indicated significant differences in the climate profile of public and private schools Also, there was significant difference in the exhibition of citizenship behaviors of teachers working in public and private schoolsResearch limitations/implications – The research represents the beginning and not an end to the examination of climate of schools as well as exhibition of citizenship behaviors of teachers The study makes feasible suggestions for improving the climate profile of private schools and citizenship behavio
87 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the organization of the UAE educational system, its components, their goals, and finally their effectiveness, and find that there is poor alignment among what the system was developed for, how it was delivered, and what was evaluated.
Abstract: Purpose – This purpose of this paper is to examine the organization of the UAE educational system, its components, their goals, and finally their effectiveness.Design/methodology/approach – Three elements of the UAE education system were examined: the development; delivery; and evaluation and feedback.Findings – On analysis, it was found that there is poor alignment among what the system was developed for, how it was delivered, and what was evaluated. In order to align this system significant efforts are needed to ensure that extensive documentation in terms of teachers' guides, training sessions for teachers and supervisors, and relevant evaluation instruments must be designed with systems thinking as the guide.Research limitations/implications – An orientation to goals rather than textbooks, to systems thinking, and to the vision developed for the system (and perhaps some form of strategic feedback to the respective committees established in the structural framework delineated by the ministry) might be ...
81 citations
TL;DR: A new knowledge-based goal programming technique which integrates some operations of analytic hierarchy process is proposed to tackle the model intelligently and a comprehensive resource allocation model is developed taking account of these factors.
Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review the literature which focuses on four major higher education decision problems. These are: resource allocation; performance measurement; budgeting; and scheduling. Design/methodology/approach: Related articles appearing in the international journals from 1996 to 2005 are gathered and analyzed so that the following three questions can be answered: "What kind of decision problems were paid most attention to?"; "Were the multiple criteria decision-making techniques prevalently adopted?"; and "What are the inadequacies of these approaches?" Findings: Based on the inadequacies, some improvements and possible future work are recommended, and a comprehensive resource allocation model is developed taking account of these factors. Finally, a new knowledge-based goal programming technique which integrates some operations of analytic hierarchy process is proposed to tackle the model intelligently. Originality/value: Higher education has faced the problem of budget cuts or constrained budgets for the past 30 years. Managing the process of the higher education system is, therefore, a crucial and urgent task for the decision makers of universities in order to improve their performance or competitiveness. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
80 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the effect of many factors on student evaluation of teaching, including expected grade, actual grade, course level, class size, course timing, student gender and course subject.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of many factors on student evaluation of teaching.Design/methodology/approach – The study analyzed 3,185 student evaluations of faculty from a newly accredited business program at the United Arab Emirates University using univariate and multi‐analysis of variance (ANOVA and MANOVA).Findings – The findings support previous research regarding the existence of potential biasing factors. The results indicate that expected grade, actual grade, course level, class size, course timing, student gender and course subject significantly affect student evaluation of teaching.Originality/value – Comparing individual faculty ratings regardless of other factors might not be fair. Our findings support the call of other researchers that ignoring these other factors may bias or make questionable the validity of student evaluation of teaching as a means of performance appraisal of faculty. Because of the possible existence of biasing factors in SET, there is a...
77 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the ecology of collaboration between school and university partners using an appreciative inquiry theoretical perspective and demonstrate how it enhances the social capital in school-university partnerships.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the ecology of collaboration between school and university partners using an appreciative inquiry theoretical perspective and to demonstrate how it enhances the social capital in school and university partnerships.Design/methodology/approach – A case study of a partnership of an inner‐city high school and university doctoral action research was explored in the frameworks of mutuality, social capital, and appreciative inquiry. The theoretical perspective of appreciative inquiry served as the basis for the mutuality between administrators and faculty in the inner‐city high school and the doctoral action research team.Findings – Findings suggest that approaching school‐university partnerships through an appreciative inquiry theoretical perspective creates an environment for building trust, sharing knowledge, and increasing bridging capital, thus benefiting both the school and university.Originality/value – The action research team formed a partnership with te...
TL;DR: This article examined the construct validity and reliability of the Israeli Collective Teacher Efficacy Scale and explored variables that may influence teachers' sense of collective efficacy, finding that urban school teachers tended to have a higher collective efficacy than suburban school teachers.
Abstract: Purpose – This study explores the notion of collective teacher efficacy, a characteristic of schools that has emerged as a significant factor in school productivity. More specifically, this paper examines the construct validity and reliability of the Israeli Collective Teacher Efficacy Scale and explores variables that may influence teachers' sense of collective efficacy.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of teacher respondents from 66 elementary schools (876 teachers) in Israel's central school district was used.Findings – A comparison of the English (USA) version and the Hebrew (Israel) version of the Collective Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale revealed marked similarities, supporting the constitutive meaning of this construct and the construct validity of its subscales. In the Israeli sample, urban school teachers tended to have a higher sense of collective efficacy than suburban school teachers. Teachers' collective sense of efficacy was unrelated to the demographic variables examined, including th...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the impact of an internship on its participants in an educational administration program and find that tacit knowledge was both contextual and released spontaneously to capture the nuances of the task/issue/problem at hand.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of an internship on its participants in an educational administration program.Design/methodology/approach – The study analyzed the interns' reports or reflections on their internship experience to decipher what was learned by the participants based on Nonoka and Takeuchi's knowledge creation model (tacit to explicit knowledge).Findings – The study found that tacit knowledge was both contextual and released spontaneously to capture the nuances of the task/issue/problem at hand. It was contextual because the situation provided meaning and connectedness. The tacit knowledge was externalized in the process of solving a particular problem or in response to a particular issue. It was spontaneous because the actions or conversations were not predetermined, or structured; they were provoked or emerged through deductions and inductions as interns and principals worked together to find solutions.Research limitations – The findings of this research sho...
TL;DR: In this paper, it is argued that the concept of social capital provides an interesting view on the creation of market-specific and firm-specific knowledge and that knowledge is an important byproduct of an alliance forming process, a process commonly termed as alliance learning.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to elucidate information on what creates the different types of knowledge.Design/methodology/approach – In the conceptual model it is argued that the concept of social capital provides an interesting view on the creation of market‐specific and firm‐specific knowledge.Findings – The major finding from the paper is that knowledge is an important by‐product of an alliance forming process, a process commonly termed as alliance learning.Research limitations/implications – Both market‐specific and firm‐specific knowledge have implications on two main types of alliance learning, that of mutual and non‐mutual learning.Practical implications – Alliance managers need to be aware that knowledge is a key driver as well as a beneficial outcome in the formation of alliances.Originality/value – This paper examines how the different types of knowledge evolve and how these different types of knowledge impact upon alliance learning.
TL;DR: The need for the higher education sector to develop and implement scaleable, quantitative measures that evaluate community and establish organisational benchmarks in order to guide the development of future practices designed to enhance the student learning experience is highlighted in this article.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper demonstrates the need for the higher education sector to develop and implement scaleable, quantitative measures that evaluate community and establish organisational benchmarks in order to guide the development of future practices designed to enhance the student learning experience.Design/methodology/approach – Literature regarding contemporary Australian higher education policy and community development is critiqued to illustrate the need for universities to adopt scaleable quantitative measures to evaluate stated strategic imperatives and establish organisational benchmarks. The integration of organisational benchmarks guides the implementation of future practices designed to enhance the student learning experience. A current active exemplar methodology is discussed to demonstrate applicability to both higher education administrators and teaching staff across the various organisation levels.Findings – While universities are promoting and investing in the concept of community to enhan...
TL;DR: In this paper, a comparative analysis of the main objectives of international institutional partnerships in four UK leading universities is presented, based on the presented case studies, the paper outlines a model for objectives and implementation of international partnership.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a comparative analysis of the main objectives of international institutional partnerships in four UK leading universities. Based on the presented case studies, the paper outlines a model for objectives and implementation of international partnership.Design/methodology/approach – Using a multiple case study approach, the paper employs three sources of data: templates of international partnerships, actual agreements of international partnerships and interviews with senior and very senior managers concerned with internationalisation at the four universities. The analysis includes inter‐university comparative analysis and templates‐agreements‐interviews comparative analysis for each of the four universities separately.Findings – It is found that, for the four universities, the objectives of international partnerships are related to both students and staff with relative importance given to the student dimension. While the student dimension refers to any oversea...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the re-engineering process of a higher education institution (HEI) in Malaysia and the impact of cost reduction strategies linked to the overall performance of the organization is discussed in comparison to management system prior to restructuring.
Abstract: Purpose – The competitive environment facing all organizations has forced many of them to choose strategies that enhance organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Re‐engineering is one of the tools used in administering productivity improvements, cost control and asset management.Design/methodology/approach – This paper examines the re‐engineering process of a higher education institution (HEI) in Malaysia. The impact of cost reduction strategies linked to the overall performance of the organization is discussed in comparison to management system prior to restructuring; vision, mission and strategic direction; core business processes; financial performance analysis; corporate and organizational structure; reorganization of learning centers; courses offered; human resource policies and customers feedback.Findings – The study found that generally the HEI focused on the cost‐cutting strategy especially on cost of sales and operational expenses. Consequently, there were increases in the utilization of the ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the ethical orientations of undergraduate business students in Greece by exploring the relations among students' internalized code of ethics, anomia and students' judgment related to ethical problem situations within classroom as well as business context.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to investigate the ethical orientations of undergraduate business students in Greece by exploring the relations among students' internalized code of ethics, anomia and students' judgment related to ethical problem situations within classroom as well as business context.Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual framework was developed and a pilot empirical research was conducted based on a questionnaire addressed to a sample of 123 business school undergraduate students. Hypotheses were stated and tested.Findings – The paper finds that internalised code of ethics (ICE) and anomia constructs proved to be reliable and captured the examined students' profile in terms of both their ethical orientations and their world view. Greek future business people's ethical judgement tends to incline towards the ethical side. The ICE appears to influence students' ethical judgment while anomia has no impact. Further, academic dishonesty is positively related to students' attitude...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on a case study that examines how the Learning Organisation (LO) concept can be applied in a Singapore school and the challenges that the school faces in the process.
Abstract: Purpose – To report on a case study that examines how the Learning Organisation (LO) concept can be applied in a Singapore school and the challenges that the school faces in the process.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research inquiry was adopted using ethnographic methods. Data includes in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews, observation of meetings, informal conversations with students and parents. The study adopted an interpretive paradigm based on post‐positivist theories.Findings – While the LO concept can be applied in the school context to its benefit, there can be potential cultural conflicts, ambiguities and paradoxes, as highlighted in the paper. The wider societal culture has a profound influence on how the structures, authority and relationship between subordinates and superiors in a school.Research limitations/implications – Empirical data is limited to only one school in Singapore. A longitudinal study involving more schools in Singapore will generate a better sense of the benefits and...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyse the strategic planning of the Centre for Mechanical Engineering, which is a joint venture of educational institutions and companies in Southwest Finland, and present the strategies of focus and cost efficiency and how the selected strategies can be adjusted according to the Centre's place in its life cycle.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to analyse the strategic planning of the Centre for Mechanical Engineering, which is a joint venture of educational institutions and companies in Southwest Finland.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents the strategies of focus and cost efficiency and how the selected strategies can be adjusted according to the Centre's place in its life cycle. The initial phase of the Centre emphasises the importance of a growth strategy.Findings – The strategies are described using the balanced scorecard approach, which allows organisations to articulate and communicate their strategies to their employees and stakeholders.Originality/value – This study contributes to the knowledge and practice of implementing strategies in higher education. An example is presented of how strategy can be described using a strategy map.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the extent to which the introduction of school-based management affects schools' incomes and educational equity, finding that significant differences exist between schools of low and high socio-economic backgrounds in the relative amount of incomes coming from parental payments.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which the introduction of school‐based management (SBM) affects schools' incomes and educational equity?Design/methodology/approach – An analysis of financial reports coming from 31 SBM schools during a period of four sequential years reveals that the overall inequity among schools has slightly decreased, although significant differences are found between high and low socio‐economic schools.Findings – The findings show that significant differences exist between schools of low and high socio‐economic backgrounds in the relative amount of incomes coming from parental payments. An analysis of the income provided to schools by the LEA suggests that the differences and inequalities between schools are moderated by the LEA, which provides relatively more funds to schools of low socio‐economic backgrounds following the introduction of SBM in schools.Originality/value – The study points to the danger inherent in SBM for educational equity and highlig...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined how higher education institutions have responded to government policy to increase the participation rates of students from lower social classes through their admissions policies and found that admissions policies owed more to the nature of demand than attempts to widen participation.
Abstract: Purpose – This article analyses how higher education institutions (HEIs) have responded to government policy to increase the participation rates of students from lower social classes through their admissions policies.Design/methodology/approach – The article uses documentary evidence and interviews with institutional policy makers to examine HEI admissions policies and the rationale underpinning them.Findings – This research found that admissions policies owed more to the nature of demand than attempts to widen participation. Old universities tend to ask for high A‐level grades and were sceptical about the value of vocational qualifications, but demonstrated a willingness to be more flexible where there was a low demand for courses. Less prestigious institutions tend to recruit more students from working class backgrounds because of the markets they were able to recruit in rather than because of their widening participation policies.Research limitations/implications – Whilst this study is based on a small...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors suggest an approach to program costing that includes the approaches and concepts developed in activity-based costing, and demonstrate both the benefits of using an activity based costing approach and the danger of allocating organizational sustaining costs to a specific program for the purpose of assessing the profitability of that program.
Abstract: Purpose – To suggest an approach to program costing that includes the approaches and concepts developed in activity based costing.Design/methodology/approach – The paper utilizes a hypothetical case study of an Executive MBA program as a means of illustrating the suggested approach to costing.Findings – The paper illustrates both the benefits of using an activity based costing approach and the danger of allocating organizational sustaining costs to a specific program for the purpose of assessing the profitability of that program.Practical implications – University and faculty administrators will understand the benefits of activity based costing and they will understand that they should not evaluate the profitability of a program (nor make decisions about the termination of a program) on the basis of allocated organizational sustaining costs.Originality/value – The value of the paper is to university and faculty administrators, who will be able to utilize a new approach to costing university programs.
TL;DR: In this paper, a survey based descriptive scanning model was used to find out the influence of empathic skills of managers on the success of schools and found that successful schools' managers had better empathic abilities and unsuccessful schools' teachers had little empathic capabilities.
Abstract: Purpose – The main purpose of this investigation is to find out the influence of empathic skills of managers on the success of schools.Design/methodology/approach – In this study, survey based descriptive scanning model was used. This study was fulfilled in Batman city on teachers working at public and private primary schools in 2003‐2004 education year. According to the results of the central evaluation examination, schools were divided into three success groups (each group having seven schools). About 10 teachers were randomly selected from each of these schools, and then the 23 itemed questionnaire was administered.Findings – As a result of the research it was seen that empathic skills of managers and school success had a very close relationship. There were meaningful differences between the first group and the other two groups. Successful schools' managers clearly had better empathic skills and unsuccessful schools' managers had little empathic skills. The same situation was seen between the second gr...
TL;DR: The analysis shows that the previous process and perception changes as they relate to learning are moderated by structure, and that success in building the learning organization is limited without redesign of the learning environment.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on schools and address the structural dimensions of the organization as well as the hierarchical design of information flows between stakeholders The paper highlights current structural barriers to creating learning organizationsDesign/methodology/approach – This paper utilizes a conceptual modelFindings – The analysis shows that the previous process and perception changes as they relate to learning are moderated by structure, and that success in building the learning organization is limited without redesign of the learning environmentPractical implications – While restructuring is not the solution by itself (although some administrators like to think so), the restructuring of the school is a moderator of all the changes occurring in the path to creating a learning organizationOriginality/value – The paper provides a look at the barriers within schools and provides a practical agenda for action that enables the creation of learning organizations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present findings derived from research work carried out by a team of six university lecturers who are members of a teaching quality improvement network, where three complementary performance measures are used: students' active participation, lecturers' personal reflections, and lecturer peer-to-peer assessment.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present findings derived from research work carried out by a team of six university lecturers who are members of a teaching quality improvement network. The aim is to increase the motivation of the lecturers involved, so that better performance can be achieved, and the teaching‐learning process enriched.Design/methodology/approach – Three complementary performance measures are used: students' active participation; lecturers' personal reflections; and lecturer peer‐to‐peer assessment.Findings – These tools have provided the teaching staff with information about their strengths and weaknesses, as a consequence of which they have learned to deploy their skills inside the classroom and prepare their subjects more effectively. In this way, it is shown that the public teaching system can assess the potential of its human resources, and increase their motivation.Originality/value – From an institutional point of view, performance quality assessment practices can also hel...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show that in comparison to performance appraisal, "practice enhancement" is offered as a conceptual tool that can be used to develop strategies for reflecting on, communicating changes in and planning for excellence in teaching practice.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that in comparison to performance appraisal, “practice enhancement” is offered as a conceptual tool that can be used to develop strategies for reflecting on, communicating changes in and planning for excellence in teaching practice.Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual notion of practice enhancement is underpinned by assumptions from the discipline of positive psychology and supported by the need for a performance management process targeting teaching practice that considers the contributions made by social learning theory and organisational learning theory. Indicative of a postmodern persuasion, a data “story” from case study research is used to support the applicability of practice enhancement in schools. Actor‐network theory is used to analyse movements in local professional learning preferences and practices in an independent boys' school in Australia.Findings – The paper finds that applicability and conceptual accuracy of managerial notions such a...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated teaching excellence awards with an eye to improving them and found that teaching alone does not make teaching the equal to research in a university that identifies itself as a research university, and that awards that integrate into the university's strategic direction are powerful.
Abstract: Purpose – In this paper teaching excellence awards are evaluated, with an eye to improving them.Design/methodology/approach – Literature is reviewed and an analytic framework developed in Canada is modified to apply to the University of Sydney's Vice Chancellor Outstanding Teaching Award. Data come from 60 respondents familiar with the Sydney award and web research on the Australian Group of Eight research‐intensive universities.Findings – Among the conclusions reached are that the Sydney award is supported even by those who have been unsuccessful in applying for it, that awards alone do not make teaching the equal to research in a university that identifies itself as a research university, awards that integrate into the university's strategic direction are powerful, and that awards that have a continuing profile ease that integration.Research limitations/implications – Along the way, several contentious points are discussed including the relationship of awards to promotion and the importance of pedagogic...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a case study of a high school administrative team attempting to change supervision alongside instruction in a transition to a new block schedule, finding that participants did not want to supervise teachers, and would only do so under mandate by the principal.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to record and summarize the tensions and problems experienced by a high school administrative team as they attempted to change supervision alongside instruction in a transition to a new block schedule.Design/methodology/approach – A case study method was used. As a case study, the research is contextual in relation to the high school being studied. Data were collected for 14 months using individual interviews with administrators, site observations, and artifact collection.Findings – Data indicated that, no matter what strategy was discussed, the participants did not want to supervise teachers, and they would only do so under mandate by the principal.Originality/value – Given the dearth of research examining the work of K‐12 school administrative teams, this research provides entree to future studies.