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1 – 10 of over 1000Peter Ninnes, T.W. Maxwell, Wangchuck Rabten and Karchung Karchung
The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan was a signatory to the Jomtien Education for All agreement. Pursuing EFA in Bhutan presents a number of unique geographical, systemic, linguistic…
Abstract
The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan was a signatory to the Jomtien Education for All agreement. Pursuing EFA in Bhutan presents a number of unique geographical, systemic, linguistic and other challenges, and the Royal Government of Bhutan has adopted multigrade school development as one major strategy in moving towards EFA. This adoption can be considered a form of policy borrowing. In this chapter we explore how multigrade schooling has been enhanced and expanded in Bhutan to achieve EFA goals, and in particular, the conditions under which multigrade teaching has become an accepted and important form of educational delivery in Bhutan. We trace the development of multigrade teaching to a set of partly planned and partly coincidental events and contexts. We review the geographical setting of Bhutan, local and global political events, teacher training issues, teacher upgrade programmes, contemporary discourses of education, development and modernization, and local initiatives to promote and strengthen multigrade teaching as a key strategy in providing access to school for children in remote areas. We also identify a number of challenges facing multigrade teaching, including the linguistic context, local reservations about the desirability of multigrade classes and resource issues.
Inclusive education (IE) comes to the fore when international development frameworks such as the Education for All (EFA) movement (1990), and, in particular, the Salamanca…
Abstract
Inclusive education (IE) comes to the fore when international development frameworks such as the Education for All (EFA) movement (1990), and, in particular, the Salamanca Statement (1994) are considered. The Statement portrays “mainstreaming” children with disabilities as an integral part of national education plans and asserts that establishing regular schools with inclusive orientation is the most effective means to combat discriminatory attitudes (UNESCO & Ministry of Education and Science, Spain, 1994). This wave has crested worldwide, and Bhutan and Japan are not exceptions. The overall objective of this study is to reexamine socio-cultural dimensions of “IE” by explicating voices on the ground. This chapter describes how IE has been promulgated in the two countries while forming culturally, socially, and locally fitted policies, and documents the dynamics, challenges, and complexities of IE. The results indicate that while both countries followed similar dynamics in the development of IE policies, progressing from “segregation” to “integration” before reaching “inclusion,” different implementation processes have led to divergent forms of IE, and thus the two nations exhibit heterogeneity in their interpretations of IE. Reflecting the voices of local teachers on the ground, the study illustrates the importance of encompassing societal contexts vis-à-vis exploring global issues such as IE.
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Mohammad Sultan Ahmad Ansari and Shad Ahmad Khan
The purpose of this paper is to appraise the influence and challenges of direct disinvestment or through foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Kingdom of Bhutan, particularly to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to appraise the influence and challenges of direct disinvestment or through foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Kingdom of Bhutan, particularly to identify the inflow of disinterment post pandemic and how it can be improved.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors investigated the influence of FDI on Bhutan’s economy by analyzing secondary published data by Asian Development Bank and government agencies of Bhutan. To find out the role FDI has played in the growth of the Bhutanese Economy.
Findings
The FDI is not playing a major role in the nation’s economy so far. However, its potential cannot be ignored as there is a need for foreign currency and expertise in the country. Furthermore, government policies are directly influencing the inflow of foreign exchange that affects the Bhutan’s economy. FDI has not increased considerably because of self-imposed restrictions blocking government policies.
Research limitations/implications
This research is based on the data collected from secondary sources, which could be considered as the main limitation of this study. The Himalayan kingdom is not much open to the outside world in terms of the publication and availability of the data. Researchers put their best effort in retrieving secondary data from authentic sources.
Practical implications
This research has direct implications from an institutional perspective on the government policies and procedures. This study throws light on the elements that might help in improving Bhutan’s economy, employment and productivity for an overall development of economy.
Social implications
Bhutan and similar countries need to understand the pros and cons of having FDIs. This study might help the government and the civil society to understand the trends FDI has triggered in the nation over last 30 years, and will help them to make appropriate policies and regulations dealing with foreign investments.
Originality/value
This paper underwrites the influence of disinvestment on Bhutan’s economy, which can revolutionize business, entrepreneurship and institutions. This research was conducted by analyzing secondary data released by authorized agencies, which indicated the lower inflow of foreign exchange and how to improve further.
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Bhutan's political and economic outlook.
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DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB232046
ISSN: 2633-304X
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Topical
Deborah Blackman, Janine O'Flynn and D.P. Mishra
This is a theoretical paper, which aims to consider the role of strategic human resource management (SHRM) in the development of “gross national happiness” (GNH) in Bhutan.
Abstract
Purpose
This is a theoretical paper, which aims to consider the role of strategic human resource management (SHRM) in the development of “gross national happiness” (GNH) in Bhutan.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper initially examines the question of what is strategic capacity building and its importance for developing nations. It then considers the story of Bhutan where the idea of GNH forms the development philosophy and approach to attaining the long‐term visions and goals for the country. Different models and structures for SHRM in Bhutan are discussed in order to determine whether it can be applied to a nation effectively and, if so, whether it will enable the attainment of GNH and the performance desired by the government.
Findings
A link between SHRM and the achievement of Bhutan's 2020 vision is identified as, if Bhutan is to achieve its national capacity, it must identify the capabilities that it needs and then the strategies to support such developments. All four of Ulrich's HRM types will be required and this will need careful management, as there is a tendency to move towards one or other within an organization. Bhutan is going through a period of extensive change and the values will be changing. What is recognized here is that not only must the SHRM develop appropriate people management strategies, it must also acknowledge its crucial role in the recognition and maintenance of appropriate value sets.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed framework is currently limited to a theoretical application for Bhutan because, it is argued, that an appropriate model of SHRM will support the desired attainments, but that to do so the specific values of Bhutan will need to be identified and integrated into policy development.
Practical implications
The role of SHRM in supporting or driving change is considered and a potential framework for SHRM in Bhutan is proposed. There is potential to apply these ideas more widely.
Originality/value
This paper identifies a role for SHRM in the attainment of GNH for Bhutan, which is important in helping Bhutan to achieve its national capability.
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Dharmendra Dhakal, Gyan Pradhan and Kamal P. Upadhyaya
The purpose of this paper is to examine the economic development strategies of Nepal and Bhutan to understand the economic factors that have contributed to economic growth.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the economic development strategies of Nepal and Bhutan to understand the economic factors that have contributed to economic growth.
Design/methodology/approach
After a brief discussion of each country's modern history, their economies are examined together with their development strategies during the past half century. Standard economic growth models for Nepal and Bhutan are developed and estimated. To ensure the stationarity of the data series, tests of unit root are conducted. Further, a cointegration test is conducted and an appropriate error‐correction model is developed.
Findings
The results of the estimations reveal that domestic capital has been a significant source of economic growth in Nepal whereas foreign aid has not had any appreciable effect on growth. In the case of Bhutan, foreign assistance has been a significant source of growth while domestic capital has not.
Research limitations/implications
Bhutan and Nepal also differ in terms of non‐economic factors such as culture, language, politics, and religion. These factors may also help to explain the difference in economic performance of these countries. While important, these issues are beyond the scope this paper and indicate directions for further research.
Originality/value
It is one of the first attempts to compare the economic growth strategies of Nepal and Bhutan. It may provide useful insight to policymakers and others interested in economic growth in Nepal, Bhutan and other developing countries.
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In the 1990s, Beijing offered a ‘package solution’ whereby Bhutan would relinquish control of land abutting certain areas of the Bhutan-China border in return for territory in…
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DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB256829
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
Sonam Wangdi, Cathleen LeGrand, Phuntsho Norbu and Sonam Rinzin
This paper aims to outline the history of libraries in Bhutan, to describe the current state of library development and to recommend priority areas for library enhancement.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to outline the history of libraries in Bhutan, to describe the current state of library development and to recommend priority areas for library enhancement.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have worked extensively as library professionals in Bhutan and share factual details derived from their personal experience. They review the published literature, particularly the fieldwork of two scholars who studied Bhutan’s libraries and library workers. The authors use their own experience to interpret those findings and make suggestions for future development.
Findings
The paper briefly traces the evolution of print culture and the history of libraries, exploring monastic, school, college, public and national libraries. The paper examines government policies regarding education and libraries and discusses the acknowledgment of the value of libraries and the lack of actual support.
Originality/value
There is limited study of the history of reading culture or libraries in Bhutan. The authors document their first-hand experiences and efforts to implement systems for library resource sharing and professional development. The authors hope that this record will serve to illuminate past effort, to describe the unique information environment in Bhutan and to guide future decision-making. The authors recommend many future avenues for study, including reading habits, information-seeking behavior and attitudes toward libraries and librarians.
Paul Christopher Strickland and Vanessa Ratten
The main purpose of this article is to understand the motivations for Bhutanese students to study hospitality and tourism courses. The second objective is to analyse what…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this article is to understand the motivations for Bhutanese students to study hospitality and tourism courses. The second objective is to analyse what countries are the preferred destinations for study abroad and visitation for students. This includes focussing on new course topic areas such as sustainability for business in hospitality and tourism courses.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative methodology approach was undertaken with two surveys administered to the first and second student intakes into the Bhutan Middle Management Hotel Program. Motivational and reasoned action theory form the basis of the theoretical framework to understand behavioural intentions regarding educational choices in hospitality and tourism courses.
Findings
The results of the surveys indicate that the main motivations to study hospitality and tourism are for attraction, career opportunities, status, broader benefits and aptitude. In addition, it was found that students studying hospitality and tourism in Bhutan are likely to stay in the sector for a long period of time thereby contributing to the economic and social development of Bhutan. Moreover, it was found that the United Nations Sustainable Development goals are increasingly being integrated into the tourism and hospitality sector, which is influencing students to study these topic areas.
Research limitations/implications
The results of this study will help government and hospitality providers support educational training programs by focussing on new education topic areas. This study is limited to Bhutan.
Practical implications
The results of this study will help government and hospitality providers support educational training programs by focussing on new education topic areas such as sustainability for business management. This will enable hospitality and tourism providers in Bhutan to update their curriculum and to focus on emerging industry needs.
Originality/value
This is amongst the first studies on Bhutanese students motivations for studying hospitality and tourism. It will provide practical and policy advise about how to train workers in order to become less reliant on foreign training providers and the importance of integrating sustainability topics in course design.
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