Showing papers in "Journal of Education and Training in 2014"

Helicopter parents: an examination of the correlates of over-parenting of college students

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine antecedents and consequences of parental involvement and over-parenting as it relates to college students’ college experiences and workplace expectations. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was completed by 482 undergraduate college students; the survey contained questions about parenting behaviors, personality and demographic items, and workplace scenarios to which participants responded. Findings – Statistical analyses revealed that over-parenting was more common when college students lived at home and had fewer siblings. Additionally, over-parenting (but not parental involvement) was associated with lower student self-efficacy as well as maladaptive responses to workplace scenarios. Research limitations/implications – Data are correlational and were collected from students only. Future longitudinal research that includes the parent and employer perspective is needed. Originality/value – This is one of the first studies to empirically examine the antecedents and outcomes associated with over-parenting. Over-parenting is assessed in relation to college and workplace outcomes.

Cultural factors and entrepreneurial intention: The role of entrepreneurship education

Abstract: Purpose – Universities provide entrepreneurship-specific education (ESE) to equip students with the skills required to pursue entrepreneurial careers in new firms and innovative private and public sector organizations. Building upon insights from entrepreneurial event theory, cultural values theory and human capital theory, the purpose of this paper is to explore the linkage between perceived local cultural environment, ESE investment and the intensity of entrepreneurial intention with regard to becoming an entrepreneur. Design/methodology/approach – Survey information from 321 students from three universities in the Ukraine was hand collected. Hierarchical multiple ordinary least squares regression analysis and slope analysis were used to test presented hypotheses. Findings – Analysis revealed that students who cited a perceived desirability and perceived feasibility for entrepreneurship, initiative taking culture and participation in ESE reported significantly higher intensity of entrepreneurial intenti...

Methods in entrepreneurship education research: a review and integrative framework

Abstract: Purpose – Research in entrepreneurship education faces substantial tensions and methodological challenges. Building on a review of extant empirical studies in the field, the purpose of this paper is to develop an integrative methodological framework for studying entrepreneurship education. Central questions are: What forms of entrepreneurship education research exist? Which data sources, research methods and approaches are used in this research? What are the methodological strengths and weaknesses of entrepreneurship education research? How can entrepreneurship education research be improved methodologically? Design/methodology/approach – The paper combines a literature review with a conceptual discussion. The review identifies 88 journal articles reporting empirical studies of entrepreneurship education published between 2002 and 2012. The literature is coded according to method used, type of study, data collection and analysis techniques. From the analysis of the reviewed literature, a conceptual discussion of the advantages and drawbacks of various methods is undertaken, and an integrated approach to entrepreneurship education research is proposed. Findings – Research in entrepreneurship education is fragmented both conceptually and methodologically. Findings suggest that the methods applied in entrepreneurship education research cluster in two groups: first, quantitative studies of the extent and effect of entrepreneurship education; and second, qualitative single case studies of different courses and programmes. Benefits and drawbacks haunt both clusters. Quantitative studies bring objectivity, comparability and generalizability, but show limited appreciation of the heterogeneity of the education they seek to measure. Qualitative single case studies are ripe with contextually sensitive descriptions and best pedagogical practices, but suffer from limited comparability and generalizability as well as severe biases of teacher-researcher conflation. Originality/value – The suggested methodological framework builds on a systematic review of the research methods applied in extant entrepreneurship education research. It integrates qualitative and quantitative techniques, the use of research teams consisting of insiders (teachers studying their own teaching) and outsiders (research collaborators studying the education) as well as multiple types of data. To gain both in-depth and analytically generalizable studies of entrepreneurship courses and programmes, the suggested framework integrates the empirical sensitivity of qualitative techniques and diverse research positions, with the rigour of quantitative measures. The authors argue that studies of entrepreneurship education benefit from this integration. Furthermore, the authors describe a variety of helpful methods, explore the potential relation between insiders and outsiders in the research process and discuss how different types of data can be combined. The integrated framework urges researchers to extend investments in methodological efforts and to enhance the in-depth understanding of the dynamics and challenges of teaching entrepreneurship.

Barriers and enablers to adoption and diffusion of eLearning

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine the antecedents that enable or constrain the adoption and diffusion of eLearning in higher education (HE). The key focus of the study is on the examination of how the organisation's diffusion structures, systems or processes influence the individual adoption of eLearning. The findings from this literature review contribute to practice through providing a better understanding of the issues associated with institutional diffusion mechanisms that aid the adoption of learning technologies. Design/methodology/approach – An extensive search of the literature was conducted. The selected references were analysed into a number of categories; macro-level studies examining HE context of eLearning, micro-level studies focusing on individual and social factors and articles focusing on management issues of adoption and diffusion of technological innovations. Finally, over 300 articles were used to compile the findings of this paper. Findings – The paper argues that future research studies should not model the adoption and diffusion of eLearning based primarily on either an individualist (Micro) or structuralist (Macro) perspective, but by using a more interactive approach to examine the complexity and multiple levels and dimensions of social reality. Research limitations/implications – A significant exclusion and one which clearly calls for further research, is the aspect of institutional structures such as library systems, virtual learning environments, administrative support systems and other technical systems such as enrolment, registration, assessment and students, with respect to the adoption of eLearning. Future studies may want to explore the interplay between these structures and agency. Practical implications – The study findings contribute to practice through providing a better understanding of the issues associated with institutional diffusion mechanisms that aid the adoption of learning technologies. Considering the slow and often disappointing adoption of eLearning within higher education institutions (HEIs), the study reveals the nature of adoption that may inform the development of institutional eLearning diffusion structures. Social implications – The paper identifies that the importance of individual factors influencing the adoption of eLearning has been acknowledged by the above studies, and the underlying message has emerged that levels of eLearning adoption would be higher if strategic managers recognised the social dimensions of eLearning innovation and diffusion, such as: academic and professional goals, interests and needs; technology interests; patterns of work; sources of support; and social networks. The argument is that currently eLearning is geared towards technically “literate” and innovative staff, and this strategy reduces the likelihood of mainstream faculty actually adopting instructional technology for their own teaching. Originality/value – A review of the eLearning literature shows that there only a few substantive theoretical accounts which adequately integrate multiple levels of analysis and explain adoption and diffusion of eLearning in terms of the interplay between structural influences and individual action. The paper argues for future research to be integrated in a general analytical framework.

Exploring the factor structure of the CareerEDGE employability development profile

Abstract: Purpose – There has been little empirical research conducted in relation to graduate employability and diagnostic tools available in this area are very limited The purpose of this paper is to introduce and explore the factor structure of a new measure of employability development, the CareerEDGE Employability Development Profile (EDP) Design/methodology/approach – The EDP was completed by 807 undergraduate students, providing data for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses Findings – The analyses suggest that the EDP is multidimensional and maps clearly onto the CareerEDGE model of graduate employability Research limitations/implications – These findings are discussed and interpreted as offering support for the use of the EDP with students as a developmental tool and as a measurement tool for use in the design, implementation and evaluation of employability interventions or other research purposes Originality/value – The provision of a practical employability development tool that is suitable f

Entrepreneurship in higher education - impacts on graduates' entrepreneurial intentions, activity and learning outcome

Abstract: Purpose – The paper examines the proportion of higher education (HE) graduates in Norway who have undertaken different forms of entrepreneurship education and how comprehensive the entrepreneurship education has been. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possible benefits and effects of entrepreneurship education in terms of learning outcome and the propensity to start their own business. Design/methodology/approach – A representative survey among HE graduates (N=2,827) is used to present reliable estimates on the prevalence of entrepreneurship education within HE. The study provides a comparison of entrepreneurship graduates with other graduates in terms of the propensity to establish their own business or planning to do so. The study also examines the learning outcomes of entrepreneurship education as the entrepreneurship graduates are asked several questions concerning this, e.g. whether it was useful for establishing own enterprise or whether it increased their creative and innovative abili...

A framework for investigating blended learning effectiveness

Abstract: Purpose – The move towards “blended learning”, consisting of a combination of online and face-to-face teaching, continues to gain pace in universities around the world. It is important, however, to question the quality of this learning. The OECD has made use of a model of “Readiness, Intensity and Impact” for investigating the adoption and use of eBusiness technologies. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework, based on this model and adapted for blended learning, to assess the readiness, intensity of adoption and impact on blended learning offerings. The framework is tested via a description of how one university has adopted and used blended learning, and investigates the quality of the learning from this approach. Design/methodology/approach – The framework is tested via a case study involving the assessment of a blended learning approach to the delivery of a first-year undergraduate accounting unit at Victoria University, Australia. Various approaches to delivery are assessed over a two-year period. The results are drawn from a survey specifically designed to identify students’ attitudes towards blended learning. Findings – Despite having three new online options readily available for students to access, there was strong support for face-to-face delivery methods. In relation to the framework, the assessment suggested that certain aspects of the university's blended learning approach could be investigated further (particularly student readiness for different blended learning options and an overall assessment of the impact of a blended approach), to provide a more holistic view of the readiness to adopt and impact of the blended learning offerings. Originality/value – The value of this contribution lies in the development of a unique framework to assess the impact of blended learning approaches from the viewpoint of student readiness and intensity of separate delivery approaches – whilst maintaining the need to evaluate the effectiveness of blended learning as an overall package.

Claiming the future of enterprise education

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of enterprise educators working collectively to develop a unique scholarship of teaching. The authors argue that the time is right for educators in this domain to secure the future of enterprise education. Acknowledging the debate between "entrepreneurship education" and "enterprise education," the authors set out to develop a unification model through which educators can act collectively to demonstrate the leadership required to secure the autonomy of the domain. Design/methodology/approach The authors bring several pertinent ideas (pedagogical content knowledge, heutagogy and academagogy) to the attention of academics/researchers involved in the design, development and delivery of enterprise education. The innovative approach to combine these ideas with prevailing thinking in this domain has facilitated a model for collective action. Findings It is at the level of the shared philosophical positions that the authors can best cooperate to shape the future direction of enterprise education. The authors argue against dwelling upon how the authors differ in terms of context and process issues. Such matters can only fragment the theory and practice of enterprise education. The authors need to develop greater appreciation of shared philosophical positions and leverage this understanding into a unique scholarship of teaching, specific to enterprise education. Practical implications – As enterprise education becomes more global, it is also likely to become more attractive to business schools that long for a new positioning tool in the increasingly overcrowded markets that they compete in. Originality/value This paper encourages enterprise educators to reflect upon the knowledge they hold of their own practice, and that of other enterprise educators.

Mentoring as a practical training in higher education of entrepreneurship

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the benefits of enriching higher education of entrepreneurship through mentoring potential entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach – Students in entrepreneurship classes were offered being mentors along with being mentored by professional senior staff in either one of two programmes designed to defined age groups: first, adolescent entrepreneurs in a high school and second, retired nascent entrepreneurs. This exploratory study was undertaken in the mode of action research. Findings – Most students who participated in either one of these programmes for at least one semester reported “substantial” improvement in their personal entrepreneurial abilities and higher self-efficacy. The rate of students who reported this reflection is more than double higher in relative to their classmates who did not elect to undertake mentoring in these programmes. Research limitations/implications – Due to the limitation of a case study, further research with additional...

Exploring corporate social responsibility values of millennial job-seeking students

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) work values of millennial undergraduates and their priorities among key CSR dimensions as a basis for the design of CSR curricula that will enhance students’ social responsibility values and their job choice decisions Design/methodology/approach – Respondents were 238 senior undergraduates studying in three discipline areas at an Australian metropolitan university Their CSR values were explored in the context of a hypothetical job choice scenario Findings – While the majority of students rated CSR values highly in the job choice scenario, a larger majority were willing to trade this off for greater extrinsic benefits Among millennial job-seeking students, workplace practices were rated the most important CSR dimension with environmental issues ranking last Significant differences were found between gender and discipline Research limitations/implications – Quantitative analysis only; use of cross

Undergraduate perceptions of the development of team-working skills

Abstract: Purpose – The ability to working effectively with others (WEWO) is critical yet industry continues to lament deficiencies in new graduates. Progress in developing this highly valued skill in undergraduates is impeded by a lack of conceptual clarity and evidence of how best to measure it, and a tendency to adopt an outcomes-focused, rather than process-oriented, approach. This paper aims to investigate undergraduate perceptions of how well a stand-alone employability skill development programme, operating in an Australian Business Faculty, is fostering the WEWO skill set and which pedagogical practices are considered to add most value. Design/methodology/approach – The study examines undergraduate perceptions using data gathered from a skills audit of 799 business undergraduates from all four sequential units within the skills programme. Undergraduates rated and described their development against an established framework of WEWO behaviours. Findings – Findings indicate that, overall, skill development is ...

Attitudes of Sports Development and Sports Management undergraduate students towards entrepreneurship

Abstract: Purpose – Given the high unemployment rates being experienced by graduates, the importance of small business start-up has increased significantly, with greater priority being placed upon the development of entrepreneurial skills across the educational sector. However, there is a limited literature considering the student experience and issues involved with supporting non-Business discipline students attaining entrepreneurial competencies. The purpose of this paper is to explore the attitudes and experience of Sports Development and Sports Management students towards entrepreneurship education, highlighting best practice from a pedagogical perspective. Design/methodology/approach – Over 120 Sports Development and Sports Management students on an undergraduate degree were interviewed over a two year period using a semi-structured research instrument. The focus and content of the questionnaire was developed from prior studies undertaken in the field, measuring the impact and value of entrepreneurship educati...

Teachers' Attitudes and Self-Efficacy Towards Inclusion of Pupils With Disabilities in Tanzanian Schools

Abstract: The purpose of this study in to investigate factors that are related to teachers’ attitudes and perception of self-efficacy towards pupils with disabilities and the problems teachers experienced in the implementation of inclusive primary education in Tanzania. The study involved a sample of 100 teachers from 10 inclusive schools in Dar es Salaam. The instrument included questions/items regarding (a) background information of teacher and school characteristics and about the type of disabilities of the pupils that are included in the teacher’s classroom, (b) teachers’ attitudes and self-efficacy regarding pupils with disabilities in inclusive education (Likert scales) and (c) statements to measure the problems that teachers face in the implementation of inclusive education. First, the findings show that demographics like gender, class size, type of disability and training in special needs education did not relate significantly to teachers’ attitudes and self-efficacy towards inclusive education. Furthermore, the results revealed that teachers face a lot of problems in the implementation of inclusive education, specifically in managing pupils with different disabilities, shortage of teaching and learning materials, lack of training and poor working environments. Multiple regression analysis showed that (a) working experience in inclusive education is significantly and positively related to attitudes towards including pupils with disabilities in mainstream education and (b) teachers with low self-efficacy face more problems with the implementation of inclusive education.

Chinese students’ participation: the effect of cultural factors

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide for Western educators of international Chinese and Confucian Heritage Culture (CHC) students the first integrated review of kiasu, the “fear of missing out”, and its consequences for learning, teaching, and future research. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the economic importance of international Chinese students is provided, followed by consideration of the pedagogical consequences of restricted participation in educational activities by the so-called “silent Chinese student”. Examination of research on international Chinese students and their source cultures established significant gaps and misunderstandings in the generally accepted understandings of CHCs, especially with respect to the actual practices used in Western and Chinese teaching. More importantly, the participation-related implications of kiasu within the context of broader cultural characteristics are described and implications drawn for teaching practices and research. Findings – W...

Enhancing the impact of online simulations through blended learning: A critical incident approach

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach for utilising a critical incident method within the context of an online business simulation game in order to provide an effective framework for reflective learning. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a review of pertinent literature to place the critical incident technique within the novel context of simulation gaming. Through presenting a case study of practice, it goes on to describe a blended learning approach that combines online simulation with post-simulation reflection based on the critical incident method. An action research approach is adopted as a framework for reflection on practice. Findings – From a conceptual perspective, there are a number of potential benefits to employing a critical incident approach combined with simulation gaming. The ability of educators to compress time frames and manage the introduction of critical incidents allows students to learn in a way that would not be possible in the real world. Fur...

Internship for accounting undergraduates: comparative insights from stakeholders

Abstract: Purpose – This study utilises an internship framework to justify the need for feedback from all three groups of internship stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to determine the benefits, skills, and outcomes students gained through internships from the perspective of students, university and employers. Design/methodology/approach – A set of structured questionnaires was used to survey the perceptions of students, university and employers of an accounting internship. A total of 172 responses were analysed. Findings – Findings show that all three groups of stakeholders perceived that students benefit from the internship programme. They also perceived that an internship provides the students with both the technical and soft skills required in the marketplace. However, the mean score and ranking differ among the students, university and employers. Research limitations/implications – The study was conducted based on feedback on a single accounting programme. Therefore any characteristics inherent in this...

Blended learning: making an impact on assessment and self-reflection in accounting education

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution of a blended learning strategy in a company law course for accounting students and to evaluate its impact on assessment and student self-reflection Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach is used to describe the development of blended learning technologies within an elevator pitch assessment item in four cohorts over a two-year period This is complemented by teacher observations, an online survey and student interviews to evaluate the assessment item, the technology used and its impact as a self-reflection and assessment tool Findings – The case study reveals the benefits of blended learning technologies but also a series of logistical, assessment-related, behavioural and technological issues and how these issues were addressed The preliminary evidence from the online survey and student interviews suggests that the blended learning technologies have facilitated flexibility in assessment (both from a student and teacher perspe

The theory-practice gap: epistemology, identity, and education

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to theorize the theory-practice gap and to provide examples of how it currently expresses itself and how it might be addressed to better integrate between the worlds of thought and praxis. Design/methodology/approach – Two empirical examples exemplify how the theory-practice gap is an institutionally embodied social reality. Cultural-historical activity theory is described as a means for theorizing the inevitable gap. An example from the airline industry shows how the gap may be dealt with in, and integrated into, practice. Findings – Cultural-historical activity theory suggests different forms of consciousness to exist in different activity systems because of the different object/motives in the world in which we think and the practical world in which we live. A brief case study of the efforts of one airline to integrate reflection on practice (i.e. theory) into their on-the-job training shows how the world in which pilots think about what they do is made part of the...

Sustainability of community engagement – in the hands of stakeholders?

Abstract: Purpose – The current gap in the field of community engagement is evaluation and measurement of the impacts on the stakeholders, mainly the community being engaged with. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses the need to consider the stakeholder's perspective and their involvement in a community engagement initiative, or in any social program. The authors begin by debating the most common evaluation techniques used, followed by re-introducing stakeholder evaluation to the field of community engagement. Findings – The evaluation using the stakeholders’ approach will not only create a holistic evaluation process, but will also assist in fostering a sense of ownership of the community engagement program. Originality/value – Community engagement is given much importance nowadays in Malaysia, especially in line with institutes of higher learning's tripartite mission, the third mission being the ability to engage with communities. It is not surprising because ...

Social entrepreneurship among participants in the students in free enterprise program

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify social entrepreneurship dimensions that emphasize the specific personal characteristics of social entrepreneurs (SPCSE) and social entrepreneurship organization (SEO) among students in higher education institutions who are active participants of the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) program in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach – Quantitative approaches and instruments were used to analyze the profile of social entrepreneurship in this cross-sectional survey study, which involved 394 active SIFE students in Malaysia in 2011. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data and describe the SIFE student's SPCSE and SEO. Findings – The social entrepreneurship of the SIFE students was high, with a dominant SEO. However, the dimensions of SPCSE need to be applied effectively to the students involved, whose social entrepreneurship was merely moderate. There was a strong positive relationship between SPCSE and SEO of SIFE stud...

Accounting curriculum and market needs

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the accounting curriculum fits business demand. More specifically, it determines competencies that Greek companies demand from higher education[1] graduates and addresses any mismatches between the market's needs and the academic accounting/business curriculum through a survey in Greece. Design/methodology/approach – Using a survey to reveal their perceptions’ differences, the sample included 166 students, 25 lecturers/professors from a department of Accounting and Finance (Higher Education) and 155 companies. Findings – The results provide evidence that all these groups have different perceptions of the curriculum. Practical implications – The study suggests ways to improve the academic accounting curriculum. Originality/value – To the best of the authors knowledge, there is not any previous study that examines these parameters in Greece.

Do real estate courses sufficiently develop graduates’ employability skills? Perspectives from multiple stakeholders

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited real estate courses in the UK have equipped real estate graduates with sufficient relevant employability skills to embark on a career in the profession. This paper considers the perspectives of four stakeholders – employers, human resource managers, graduates and course directors of RICS-accredited real estate courses – in the UK. Design/methodology/approach – The results of a mixed-methods study, involving two online surveys with real estate employers and recent graduates of RICS-accredited real estate courses, and two sets of interviews with human resource managers of real estate surveying firms and course directors of RICS-accredited real estate courses, are presented. Findings – The employers and graduates of the RICS-accredited real estate courses do not think the courses sufficiently equip graduates’ with employability skills. On the other hand, the human resource managers are ver...

Innovation and skills: implications for the agri-food sector

Abstract: Purpose – Despite the economic downturn, the Northern Ireland agri-food sector has remained resilient experiencing export growth, particularly in emerging economies. The sector recognises that to maintain its competitive advantage in both existing and new markets it will require a business strategy focused on product, service and process innovation. The purpose of this paper is to explore how firms within the sector consider how this will impact upon future skills and training needs and identifies where the industry considers the appropriate policy interventions are required. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was undertaken to explore how innovation and technology adoption within the agri-food and drinks sector is impacting on educational and skills requirements. In total, 30 companies were interviewed, providing representation from all the food and drinks sub-sectors and covering at least 50 per cent of employee numbers in each sub-sector. The survey focuses on current and future skills requirements...

Breathing space – graduate entrepreneurs’ perspectives of entrepreneurship education in higher education

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine graduate entrepreneurs’ perspectives of entrepreneurship education (EE) in higher education institutions (HEIs) in their formation as entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative research study was conducted amongst 30 graduate entrepreneurs in the South East of Ireland, who established their businesses between 2001 and 2010 (inclusive). Findings – The findings challenge the notion that more EE provision at undergraduate level will lead to greater numbers of graduate entrepreneurs. This is because: HEIs are more focused on preparing students for employment; the academic nature of undergraduate EE; and a “one size fits all” approach to EE fails to recognise the heterogeneity of learners’ needs. However, the findings show that graduate entrepreneurs believed that EE at graduate level provided a welcome “breathing space” to develop their business. Research limitations/implications – This research was undertaken within a unique, regional envir...

Personality, learning strategies, and academic performance: Evidence from post-Soviet Kazakhstan

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between personality traits, learning strategies and academic performance among undergraduate students in the post-Soviet transition country of Kazakhstan. Design/methodology/approach – The authors used a quantitative survey method to assess individual personality, learning strategies and academic motivations. Statistical software (SPSS) was used to conduct correlations, linear regressions and multiple regressions as a means of testing the hypotheses and making inferences. Findings – The results suggest that students with different personality characteristics have different motivations and priorities in their pursuit of university degrees. However, some of these differences seem to be related to their fields of academic study and biographical backgrounds. Practical implications – The research emphasises the importance of managing individuals by focusing on their individual differences in learning strategies, rather than by relying on the p...

The pains and gains of blended learning – social constructivist perspectives

Abstract: Purpose – Using the case of a cross-cultural setting, the purpose of this paper is to compare perceptions of students towards face-to-face learning and blended learning. A social constructivist perspective is used which implies that cultural data are in fact social constructs made on the basis of the participants’ own cultural thought patterns and the concepts and categories to which they are socialised within learning organisations. This paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Perceptual evidence forms the primary qualitative and quantitative data for this study. The paper uses social constructivist approach with empirical data in developing the notion that cross-cultural management is a process whereby people, through social interactions, acquire participative competence for working in cross-cultural settings. Findings – Perceptual data emerging from this study point out that considering the learning objectives of a cross-cultural context are paramount when engaging in cross-cu...

Accountability and the rise of “play safe” pedagogical practices

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how the culture of teacher accountability has been intensified in further education (FE) under neo-liberalist policy, with the result that the student-teacher relationship has shifted to one of supplier-consumer. The paper focuses on the impact which this shift has had on teachers’ pedagogical practice and employment prospects. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on data gathered during a three-year ethnographic study which focused on the experiences of trainee and newly qualified teachers working in the FE sector. The data were generated from naturally occurring evidence including reflective diaries, lesson observations and class discussions. Findings – The findings suggest that target-driven college cultures are creating conditions which encourage teachers to “play safe” in terms of pedagogical practice whilst students are becoming increasingly dependent on teacher-led direction in a bid to achieve targets. Not only are teachers being held incr...

Temporal experiences of e-learning by distance learners

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore experiences of e-learners in relation to their time preferences, and to examine how technology changes temporal culture in e-learning. Design/methodology/approach – A pilot study using multiple methods of data collection to provide a rich picture of the experience of e-learners in relation to temporal flexibility. Taking a narrative approach it analysed data from a survey, time tracking data as well as data from online discussion boards, learners’ assignments and short telephone interviews. Findings – The study found e-learners may experience temporal culture shock when starting to study online for the first time. It highlights the need to explore an individual's time preference and to consider the temporal culture of the e-learning programme. Research limitations/implications – It highlights that the issue of time is still missing from educational studies and suggests that temporal aspects are included in e-learning research studies. This is a small explo...

Fostering an entrepreneurial attitude : challenges in the leadership of school principals

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to uncover the meaning of entrepreneurship in schools and a school leadership which aims to nurture an entrepreneurial attitude. The authors will also discuss ...

The supervised as the supervisor

Abstract: Purpose – The relationship between doctoral students and their supervisors impacts on degree completion rates; faculty research performance; and postgraduate satisfaction with their alma mater The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the experience of supervision and subsequent supervision practices Design/methodology/approach – Totally, 40 supervisors who are doctoral students/graduates were approached to participate in the study, and 32 agreed For each participant, data were collected to explore their development as a supervisor Findings – Supervisors seek guidance from textbooks, workshops, peers, colleagues and their doctoral supervisor to develop as a supervisor Their supervision style emerges as a reaction to both positive and negative experiences of supervision A recurring theme in the data is that if there is something missing in the supervision experience, the student will emphasise this element in their approach to supervision Practical implications – The changing