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1 – 10 of over 50000Margarita Teresevičienė, Vaiva Zuzevičiūtė and Julie Hyde
This paper aims to examine and summarize the findings of a comparative survey carried out to assess how learning outcomes acquired non‐formally or informally are validated and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine and summarize the findings of a comparative survey carried out to assess how learning outcomes acquired non‐formally or informally are validated and recognized. Owing to limitations of the study, this paper just seeks to consider the challenges that higher education faces, and the new possibilities that might emerge.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology of the study includes critical and systemic analysis of references, also quantitative and qualitative research, which was completed as a three‐stage survey. The following methods were used: analysis of recent legal and political educational documents, structured interviews of experts, and a questionnaire comprising open and closed type questions.
Findings
The EU is committed to the principles of transferable learning but, until the principles and processes of recognition and validation of learning are integrated within national policy, this is unlikely to happen in any meaningful way. The current situation of autonomous HE management militates against consistency and equity of access for students wishing to have learning recognised and accredited.
Research limitations/implications
A total of 55.3 per cent of questionnaires were returned (as 600 questionnaires have been sent out to NGOs in the countries mentioned), so this must be seen as a limitation of the study.
Practical implications
Findings can be used in designing and implementing procedures of validation and recognition in higher education (of learning outcomes acquired non‐formally and informally, e.g. in work place).
Originality/value
A targeted study enables one to make an informed comparison of practices (in the field of validation and recognition) among different countries, and to identify elements of the process that are successful in a variety of contexts.
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Maha Hosny Elgewely, Wafaa Nadim, Ahmad ElKassed, Mohamed Yehiah, Mostafa Alaa Talaat and Slim Abdennadher
This research proposes a virtual reality (VR) platform for construction detailing that provides experiential learning in a zero-risk environment. It builds on integrating VR…
Abstract
Purpose
This research proposes a virtual reality (VR) platform for construction detailing that provides experiential learning in a zero-risk environment. It builds on integrating VR technology as a medium and building information modeling (BIM) as a repository of information and a learning tool.
Design/methodology/approach
This work discusses the proposed environment curricular unit prototype design, implementation and validation. The validation of the VR environment was conducted in three phases, namely, piloting, testing (system usability and immersion) and learning gain validation, each of which has its aim and outcomes and has been assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Findings
After considering the feedback, the VR environment prototype is then validated on the level of learning outcomes, providing the evidence that it would enhance students' engagement, motivation and achievement accordingly. The results indicated 30% learning progress after experiencing the VR environment vs. 13.8% for paper-based studying.
Originality/value
In reference to building construction education, construction site visits provide students with real-life practical experience which are considered an extension for classroom. Nevertheless, it is challenging to integrate construction site visits regularly during the academic semester with respect to the class specific needs. The research at hand adopts integrating VR and BIM in AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) education by proposing a system that can work as a mainstream complementary construction detailing learning method for architecture students. The proposed VR system facilitates a virtual construction site that meets the learning needs where students can explore and build in a real scale environment.
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Sodam Kim, Jumin Lee, Sang-Hyeak Yoon and Hee-Woong Kim
This study aims to propose and validate a model for e-Learning success based on students’ experiences in the “new normal.” To achieve this goal, this study focused on answering…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose and validate a model for e-Learning success based on students’ experiences in the “new normal.” To achieve this goal, this study focused on answering three research questions: (1) What are the students’ experiential factors that impact e-Learning? (2) How do these experiential factors affect e-Learning success? (3) In what ways does a multimethod provide a comprehensive perspective and an in-depth understanding of students’ e-Learning experiences in the new normal?
Design/methodology/approach
This study applied a mixed-methods sequential approach using exploratory, confirmatory and complementary studies. First, this study undertook a text-mining exploratory analysis of the review data to extract e-Learning topics. Then, based on the Information Systems (IS) success model, this study identified an integrated framework drawn from the results of the text-mining analysis. Second, this study proposed an e-Learning, experience-based success model and corresponding hypotheses and conducted a confirmatory study with surveys to validate the model. Third, this study conducted in-depth interviews to better identify the phenomenon of interest.
Findings
The five factors extracted from the first stage are system quality, lecture content, teaching quality, online interaction and achievement. This study subsequently confirmed the significant relationships between the e-Learning success factors in the second stage based on the IS success model. Finally, a complementary study identified the importance of interactivity for e-Learning success in the new normal.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to develop an e-Learning success model using a comprehensive mixed-methods approach.
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The strategic learning perspective has attracted increased interest among strategic management scholars, yet the operationalisation of this concept is still in its infancy. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The strategic learning perspective has attracted increased interest among strategic management scholars, yet the operationalisation of this concept is still in its infancy. The aim of this study is to develop a multidimensional understanding of the strategic learning process and to build an instrument to measure this concept.
Design/methodology/approach
The article confirms the validity of the developed measurement instrument with expert evaluations and quantitative data from the analysis of 206 Finnish software companies. Structural equation modelling was the primary statistical technique used.
Findings
The results of the validation study suggest that strategic learning is a multidimensional construct that is manifested through the sub‐processes of strategic knowledge creation, distribution, interpretation, and implementation. The results demonstrate that the reliability and validity of the developed measurement model is satisfactory, thus enabling its use in further studies.
Research limitations/implications
Although the validation study and the use of a panel of expert judges present substantial support for the developed construct, future research is necessary to continue to examine and refine the measure in other industries and cultural contexts.
Practical implications
Executives and practitioners can use the developed tool to identify potential areas for improvement and thus bring focus to organisational development efforts to enhance collective strategic learning.
Originality/value
This study contributes to strategic management research by developing and validating a measurement method for the concept of strategic learning. To date, the empirical research of strategic learning has been mainly limited to descriptive case studies, and the literature lacks a comprehensive measurement tool.
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Lisa Eisele, Therese Grohnert, Simon Beausaert and Mien Segers
This article aims to understand conditions under which personal development plans (PDPs) can effectively be implemented for professional learning. Both the organization's manner…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to understand conditions under which personal development plans (PDPs) can effectively be implemented for professional learning. Both the organization's manner of supporting the PDP practice as well as the individual employee's motivation is taken into account.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was distributed among employees of a Dutch governmental office, measuring perceived effectiveness of the tool (undertaking learning activities and performance), perceptions of PDP practices in the organization, and individual motivation. Regression analysis revealed that learning and reflection practices in the organization are positively related to number of learning activities undertaken by employees and to perceived performance.
Findings
A significant moderating effect of motivation was found, supporting the idea that the tool's perceived effectiveness depends both on the organization's efforts as well as the individual's motivation.
Research limitations/implications
In this study, the authors were limited by a low response rate, a single setting, as well as a lack of causal evidence due to the cross‐sectional set‐up. They therefore encourage the validation of their hypotheses in different settings, and in an experimental/longitudinal manner.
Practical implications
Implications for practice include the importance for organizations to implement PDPs in an on‐going cycle of learning, combined with opportunities for formal and informal learning, while supervisors carry great responsibility for providing feedback and encouragement based on the employee's motivation for learning.
Originality/value
This combination of company practices with individual supporting conditions such as employees' motivation to understand when PDPs work best is a novel approach to understanding PDP effectiveness and hopes to add to both theoretical and practical understanding.
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This study aims to explore and compare the approach and avoidance factors in motivating students to study using three different learning methods: face-to-face learning, online…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore and compare the approach and avoidance factors in motivating students to study using three different learning methods: face-to-face learning, online learning and hybrid learning.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses in-depth online interviews to gain insights from students. Purposive sampling was applied to recruit 33 informants from two private universities in Indonesia. The verbatim data were analyzed using a thematic content analysis to identify motivational factors.
Findings
This study revealed four motivational factors regarding the approach to face-to-face learning/avoidance of online learning and five motivational factors regarding the approach to online learning/avoidance of face-to-face learning. Most of the motivational factors (i.e. learning effectiveness, social interaction, campus life experiences, physical wellness, flexibility and technological learning) are also found in the approach to hybrid learning.
Research limitations/implications
The existing qualitative research suffers from generalizability, as does this study. Future research can investigate other contexts or use quantitative research to validate the findings.
Practical implications
By identifying the approach and avoidance motivational factors, higher education institutions can enhance the approach (positive) factors and minimize or eliminate the avoidance (negative) factors that motivate their students to study using different learning methods.
Originality/value
This research complements the existing literature using new perspectives, namely, the approach and avoidance factors that motivate students to study through face-to-face learning, online learning and hybrid learning post-COVID-19.
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Aswathy Sreenivasan and M. Suresh
This study aims to emphasize the integration of lean start-up and design thinking approaches and investigate how they may be used together.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to emphasize the integration of lean start-up and design thinking approaches and investigate how they may be used together.
Design/methodology/approach
The report uses a systematic literature review methodology to analyze and summarize previous research on combining lean start-up and design thinking. Inferences were discovered and analyzed after relevant publications were chosen based on predetermined inclusion criteria.
Findings
The research shows that combining lean start-up and design thinking significantly impacts entrepreneurship. Start-ups can efficiently uncover consumer needs, reduce risks and improve their product or service offerings by combining the client-centricity of design thinking with the iterative and data-driven concepts of lean start-up. This integration promotes an innovative culture, gives teams the freedom to try new things and learn from mistakes and raises the possibility of start-up success.
Research limitations/implications
The dependence on pre-existing literature, which might cover only some potential uses and circumstances, is a weakness of this research. It is advised that more empirical research be conducted to determine the precise circumstances in which the integrated strategy performs best. Future studies should also explore the difficulties and drawbacks of using these approaches to offer suggestions for overcoming them and maximizing their advantages.
Practical implications
The findings have significant ramifications for business owners and other professionals working in the start-up environment. The combination of lean start-up and design thinking emphasizes the relevance of early customer interaction and empathy-driven design. To foster creativity and hasten the expansion of start-ups, practitioners are urged to create a comprehensive strategy that integrates the advantages of both techniques. Through this integration, business owners may develop solutions that appeal to their target market, increasing adoption rates and market competitiveness.
Originality/value
This study is interesting in comparing lean start-up and design thinking, emphasizing the overlaps and benefits of their application to entrepreneurship. This study discusses successful start-up methods by offering suggestions for future research and practice. It also provides a basis for further developing and adopting the integrated approach.
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In contrast to predominantly academic approaches to learning, action learning based qualifications emphasise learning centered upon the workplace. By facilitating a process by…
Abstract
In contrast to predominantly academic approaches to learning, action learning based qualifications emphasise learning centered upon the workplace. By facilitating a process by which workplace learning is conceptualized and placed in an academic context, action learning based qualifications are well suited to provide a link between academic knowledge of core managerial disciplines and the context within which such skills are demonstrated. This paper outlines a credit mapping approach developed by the IMC Association which enables workplace and professional development courses to form the basis of certificated awards at the Action Learning Certificate in Management Studies (Action Learning CMS) level. The strength of the approach is that it addresses the demand for adaptive and responsive adult educational provision which is not restricted by the site of learning or the age or circumstances of the student. An important caveat is that the rules and guidance by which credit can be accumulated and transferred are vitally important in order to facilitate understanding of the process, coherent patterns of study for students and to safeguard academic standards. The process of credit mapping and validating workplace learning has the potential to improve access to higher postgraduate awards and add value to both the consumer and supplier of workplace training courses.
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Sam Solaimani, Tijl van Eck, Henk Kievit and Kitty Koelemeijer
Lean Startup (LS) has gained considerable traction in the startup scene, especially within digital firms where the concept finds the concept's genesis. However, there are more and…
Abstract
Purpose
Lean Startup (LS) has gained considerable traction in the startup scene, especially within digital firms where the concept finds the concept's genesis. However, there are more and more calls in the entrepreneurship literature to study LS's application beyond the digital context. The purpose of this study is to explore the applicability of LS within the largely under-researched context of non-digital entrepreneurs. To structure the authors' understanding of the participating entrepreneurs' cognitive and behavioural logic, effectuation theory is applied.
Design/methodology/approach
To explore how LS is applied in non-digital settings, this study analyses the LS approach of 15 Dutch brick-and-mortar and click-and-mortar Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and startups.
Findings
This study provides empirical evidence that non-digital entrepreneurs pursue an effectual logic in their LS approach. However, the entrepreneurs' LS approach appeared to be contextualised to the non-digital contexts' inherent constraints and trade-offs. Such contextualisation calls for a particular set of skills and competencies, including applying mixed-methods cross-validation, affinity and passion for craftsmanship and aesthetics, inferring from limited, qualitative, and often skewed data, establishing an empathetic collaborative relationship with customers and suppliers, and leveraging prior market knowledge and experience.
Originality/value
This study advances the current understanding of the LS applicability and gives a more nuanced account of how LS is practised in the context of non-digital firms, the challenges entrepreneurs involved in non-digital firms need to overcome, and the skills and competencies they need to possess. In practical terms, the findings help non-digital entrepreneurs and coaches to be more heedful of the contextual peculiarities when employing LS.
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