Search results

1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 29 July 2021

Zhou Zhong

This study describes and elucidates higher education internationalisation with an in-depth case study of China and its Tsinghua University using international entrepreneurship…

Abstract

Purpose

This study describes and elucidates higher education internationalisation with an in-depth case study of China and its Tsinghua University using international entrepreneurship concepts. The study examines internationalisation as a dynamic reciprocal interplay between opening-up policy and higher education policy, especially world-class university policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative mixed-method single case study. In desktop research, the study reviewed China's national policy documents on educational opening-up, Tsinghua's institutional strategy papers and research literature concerning internationalisation, entrepreneurship, Chinese higher education and Tsinghua University. In fieldwork research, the present researcher engaged in action, participatory and collaborative research about university internationalisation in her capacity as both a faculty and an international office administrator at Tsinghua.

Findings

Entrepreneurial internationalisation in Chinese higher education has served multiple purposes simultaneously: (1) a pillar to support domestic confidence in educational opening-up for modernisation while also contributing to global development; (2) a cost-effective way to cultivate Chinese talent by accessing the international education market; (3) a quality imperative to stimulate domestic reform and innovation through Sino-foreign exchange and collaboration; (4) a public diplomacy measure building a global network of educational engagement; and (5) a differentiation strategy to stretch the capacity of the nation's top universities by benchmarking their global competitiveness.

Originality/value

Conceptualising opening-up as entrepreneurial internationalisation is key to understand China's higher education development. This study expounds this special term by connecting it with basic concepts in international entrepreneurship research. The analyses at system and institutional levels reinforce one another to forge a synthetic view by integrating policy and practice.

Details

International Journal of Comparative Education and Development, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2396-7404

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 September 2010

Shao Min and Yang Yi

The paper aims to provide an overview of the e‐resources and services in Tsinghua University Library, Beijing, and describe five campus‐wide user surveys. It states how these user…

2124

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to provide an overview of the e‐resources and services in Tsinghua University Library, Beijing, and describe five campus‐wide user surveys. It states how these user surveys play an important role in service quality enhancement.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a brief history of Tsinghua University Library, a summary of the collections and services developed in recent years is given. The library has made a great effort to learn about users' needs and to improve service delivery through a series of user surveys. The paper describes these surveys, including the conclusions and the improvement measures adopted.

Findings

Feedback gathered from user surveys provides vital information for improving library services. Through these user surveys, the library received a large amount of data to be analysed and a lot of valuable information, it promoted communication with our users, and the librarian's service literacy has also improved.

Practical implications

An overview of user surveys, including methodology, content, organisation, and implementation process, as well as data analysis, might offer reference and practical experience for other university libraries.

Originality/value

User surveys play an important role in the library's service quality enhancement. The paper provides a useful overview and practical experience of the topic.

Details

Program, vol. 44 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2015

Wanxia Zhao and Yonghua Zou

The purpose of this paper is to examine green university initiatives in the context of China, using Tsinghua University, which is China’s green university pioneer, as a case…

2261

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine green university initiatives in the context of China, using Tsinghua University, which is China’s green university pioneer, as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method used for this paper is a case study based on participant observation and document analysis. The approach to data collection includes the examination of archive records, yearbooks and statistical information regarding Tsinghua University.

Findings

This paper finds that Tsinghua’s green university initiative is a response to Tsinghua’s strategy of establishing a word-class university, with a goal of bearing more responsibility in promoting a sustainable society. Tsinghua employs one principle (green university) and three dimensions (green education, green research and green campus) to frame its green university initiative. Tsinghua’s green university initiative has earned many achievements, but it has also faced many challenges, such as ignoring social justice, fragmented coordination efforts and the lack of effective communication and assessment mechanisms.

Practical implications

As a leading university and the pioneering green university in the country, Tsinghua University is very influential with regard to the development of green universities in China. Many other universities have designed their own programs based on Tsinghua’s experiences in the green university initiative. As such, Tsinghua’s experiences provide reference values to other universities in China.

Originality/value

This paper comprehensively examines the evolution, framework, achievements and challenges of the green university initiative of Tsinghua University. It helps the audience to know how China’s universities understand and practice education for sustainable development.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 April 2009

Fan Aihong

The number of international students and overseas faculty in Tsinghua University in Beijing has grown rapidly in recent years. How to help foreign users overcome the language…

2369

Abstract

Purpose

The number of international students and overseas faculty in Tsinghua University in Beijing has grown rapidly in recent years. How to help foreign users overcome the language barrier and make a full use of the library is a realistic problem that is encountered by many libraries. This paper aims to introduce an exploration of Tsinghua University Library experiences and to give some suggestions for the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first describes the large influx of international students and then analyzes the information needs of foreign users by showing the results of a user survey conducted by the Tsinghua University Library in 2007. The library has made a great effort in creating a bilingual information environment for foreign users. A full spectrum of practices is presented in respect of resource, service, infrastructure and the English skill of librarians, etc.

Findings

Foreign users have multi‐level needs for libraries and the language need is the most outstanding one. As an integral part of the university community, foreign users share many information requirements with Chinese users. Therefore, the library must try to solve the language problem and enhance its academic support functions at the same time.

Practical implications

Libraries in non‐English‐speaking countries can do a lot to help foreign users with limited local language competency to make use of the library. Building a bilingual information environment is comprehensive systems engineering with many aspects involved.

Originality/value

This paper makes useful suggestions for creating a bilingual library information environment for foreign users of today and also provides tips for future improvement.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2007

Yi Wang and Lucy Lu

The purpose of this paper is to present a strategic framework of successful knowledge transfer through the development of university‐industry interactions in China.

2208

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a strategic framework of successful knowledge transfer through the development of university‐industry interactions in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is designed based on a single case study with qualitative analysis. Data were collected through documentary analysis, semi‐structured interviews and participated observations of the commercialization project within Tsinghua University (China), which is one of the world leading research universities in science and technological innovation.

Findings

Four modes of university‐industry interactions during the process of knowledge transfer have been identified, which contribute to the success of knowledge transfer at different stages of university‐industry relations. They are: university‐dependent low sticky interaction; university‐dependent high sticky interaction; mutual‐dependent high sticky interaction; mutual‐dependent low sticky interaction. In addition, the development of entrepreneurial spirit within the university and the implementation of Professors of Practice have also been recognized as vital for building and maintaining effective university‐industry interactions.

Originality/value

The distinctiveness of this paper lies in contributing to the existing theories of knowledge transfer between university and industry by identifying the specific modes of interactions that contribute to the success of knowledge transfer between university and industry. The findings also have important implications for government policy makers, university academics and business practitioners for designing and implementing knowledge‐base innovation strategies and creating sustainable competitive advantages through successful knowledge transfer between university and industry. This may enable policy‐makers to understand the complexity and dynamics involved in the process of technology commercialization and take into account the importance of the institutional arrangement and appropriate incentive system in supporting effective knowledge transfer and commercialization.

Details

Journal of Technology Management in China, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8779

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2015

Fei Yao, Chengyu Zhang and Wu Chen

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce a participatory library service based on artificial intelligence (AI).

3149

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a participatory library service based on artificial intelligence (AI).

Design/methodology/approach

AI technologies and various technologies for facilitating the use of the currently existing libraries and the third-party resources are combined in the new mobile and social networking environments to provide an innovative real-time virtual reference service. Special aesthetic design and library marketing measures are adopted to expand the gains of the service. Questionnaire survey, in-depth interview, and statistical analysis are conducted to evaluate the effects of the service.

Findings

A smart talking robot called Xiaotu (female) is developed. This robot is regarded as a promising new online reference service modus operandi. Four factors contribute to the success of the robot, namely, AI, self-learning, vivid logo and language, and modular architecture.

Practical implications

Xiaotu presents a participatory library service, in which users participate in the resources collection and become content co-creators. Her presence at anytime and anywhere on any kind of terminal maximizes her potential for the delivery of virtual reference services. Xiaotu has the potential to be a general reference robot or a costumed institute robot.

Originality/value

AI is adopted in libraries to form an innovative online reference service. The participatory library service is practiced through a high-featured interactive communication. The aesthetic design of Xiaotu and the related promotions are new in libraries as well.

Article
Publication date: 7 September 2015

Alistair R. Anderson and Xiuxiang Zhang

The paper aims to review the emergence and nature of entrepreneurship education in China. This paper considers the variability of developments in practices despite policy. In…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to review the emergence and nature of entrepreneurship education in China. This paper considers the variability of developments in practices despite policy. In turn, this allows one to consider the implications of this uneven distribution of expertise and resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is primarily empirically descriptive, but it draws upon different literatures to examine entrepreneurship education in the uniqueness of its Chinese context. The authors offer two comparative cases to illustrate the arguments.

Findings

Substantial differences were found by region and by the status of the institution. The region aspect is paradoxical because the largest number of new businesses exists in those regions with the best provision of enterprise education. The channelling of resources to elite resources compounds the problem. Less prestigious universities make do with what they have, and this may be detrimental for the quality and effectiveness of enterprise education.

Research limitations/implications

There may be some regional differences that have been overlooked, but the thrust is clear. Different resource allocations have shaped entrepreneurship education in the regions.

Practical implications

Applied policy may have detrimental effects on less well-endowed universities and thus neglect less entrepreneurial places.

Social implications

If entrepreneurship is to deliver its promise of opportunity, innovation and job creation, it needs to be taught by experienced and informed faculty. The uneven distribution of entrepreneurship pedagogy and expertise indicates that this may be more difficult to deliver in some places.

Originality/value

Although entrepreneurship education in China is now pervasive, little work has been done in comparing policies with practices.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4604

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2018

Wanxia Zhao and Yonghua Zou

This study aims to examine the cross-institutional variation in university greenness and analyze its underlying dynamics.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the cross-institutional variation in university greenness and analyze its underlying dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

This study constructs a University Greenness Index (UGI) and conducts multivariate regression.

Findings

This study finds variation within two dimensions; in the vertical dimension, top-tier universities have significantly higher UGIs than tier-2 universities, and in the horizontal dimension, agricultural and forest, engineering and technology and generalist universities have significantly higher UGIs than other specialist universities. The dynamics underlying the greenness variation lies in different universities’ motivations and resources, which are associated with China’s higher education administrative system, especially the mechanism by which funding is allocated.

Research limitations/implications

The Internet-search-based greenness index has some inherent limitations. First, there exists a gap between green information expression and real green achievement. Second, this research may be difficult to apply to other countries, because of the specific characteristics of China’s higher education system.

Practical implications

Based on the empirical results, two policy implications can be generated. First, for the problem of the vertical dimension variation, related institutional transformation should be launched to promote university greenness. Second, for the problem of the horizon dimension variation, specialist universities can take advantage of an interdisciplinary approach to promote greenness.

Originality/value

This research helps scholars and administrators to better understand the progress being made and the achievements realized with regard to green university initiatives in China.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Open Access
Book part
Publication date: 30 November 2023

Wen Wen and Simon Marginson

This paper focuses on governance in higher education in China. It sees that governance as distinctive on the world scale and the potential source of distinctiveness in other…

Abstract

This paper focuses on governance in higher education in China. It sees that governance as distinctive on the world scale and the potential source of distinctiveness in other domains of higher education. By taking an historical approach, reviewing relevant literature and drawing on empirical research on governance at one leading research university, the paper discusses system organisation, government–university relations and the role of the Communist Party (CCP), centralisation and devolution, institutional leadership, interior governance, academic freedom and responsibility, and the relevance of collegial norms. It concludes that the party-state and Chinese higher education will need to find a Way in governance that leads into a fuller space for plural knowledges, ideas and approaches. This would advance both indigenous and global knowledge, so helping global society to also find its Way.

Article
Publication date: 12 February 2018

Fei Li, Jin Chen and Yu-Shan Su

Collaboration with universities is an important innovation strategy for enterprises. However, currently very little research has focused on how such university-industry…

Abstract

Purpose

Collaboration with universities is an important innovation strategy for enterprises. However, currently very little research has focused on how such university-industry collaborative innovation activities should be managed. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces the university-industry collaborative innovation practices of Zhejiang NHU Company in China. By using a case study as the method, this paper aims to illustrate the mechanism of university-industry collaborative innovation and how to manage the collaborative innovation activities efficiently.

Findings

Zhejiang NHU Company established a university-industry collaborative innovation link through three innovation platforms: the technology R&D center, the ZJU-NHU joint-research center, and the national engineer center. Zhejiang NHU Company manages its collaborative relationships with universities through this innovation network.

Originality/value

NHU Company managed the collaborative relationship efficiently with the institutions, representing an effective degree of university-industry collaborative innovation management.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 2000