scholarly journals Professional competency-based analysis of continuing tensions between education and training in higher education

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinath Perera ◽  
Solomon Olusola Babatunde ◽  
John Pearson ◽  
Damilola Ekundayo
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Exact Nature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Competency Based ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Training

Purpose The education and training of construction graduates are highly influenced by the higher education institutions which produced them and the relevant professional bodies, which set the competencies that guide both academic and industrial learning. Thus, it is important to ascertain what the key stakeholders perceive construction graduates should achieve in competencies. Construction is a practice-oriented collection of professions, thus, this research focussed on the quantity surveying (QS) profession that is responsible for cost control and management of construction projects, and accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the expected level of competencies attained by QS graduates, assess the industry perception of the achievement of competencies by QS graduates, and the ranking of competencies in the order of perceived importance. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted three different data gathering phases to include literature review, expert forum, and two surveys – industry and academia. Findings The research revealed unrealistically high expectations by the construction industry of QS graduates achieving a high level of competency in ten mandatory, seven core, and seven optional competencies. The research found that there were significant levels of dissatisfaction with the expected level of achievement of mandatory, core, and optional competencies by the QS graduates. Thus, a perception gap was identified between the academia and the industry. Practical implications This research will provide a benchmarking tool for curricula alignment for the construction degree programmes in higher education. Originality/value The identification of the exact nature of industry competencies requirements and any variations will assist the construction graduates to connect more effectively to the industry. These research findings confirm the need for continued expansion of curricula and diversification of pedagogies.

Recognition of prior learning as an access tool

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 563-570
Author(s):  
Ike Hlongwane
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Alternative Route ◽  
Prior Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Diverse Backgrounds ◽  
Recognition Of Prior Learning ◽  
The Impact ◽  
And Training

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of recognition of prior learning (RPL) as an alternative tool for access into learning programmes in South African Library and Information Science (LIS) schools. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted quantitative methods, and utilised questionnaires and document analysis to collect data. Findings The study found that despite an institutional “will” among the LIS schools to open up access to learners who come from diverse backgrounds; there are still aspects that inhibit the use of RPL as an alternative route of access into higher education and training. Research limitations/implications In-depth interviews were not conducted to ascertain the veracity of the findings. Practical implications This study was valuable for institutions, policy makers, government and other stakeholders to assess the impact of RPL implementation in higher education and training. Originality/value Despite there been very little published concerning RPL implementation in higher education and training, use of RPL, as an alternative route to access into higher education and training is generally low. The paper seeks to highlight and promote RPL as an alternative route of access into higher education and training especially for non-matriculants from diverse backgrounds.

Factors driving contractors to implement energy management strategies in construction projects

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adnan Enshassi ◽  
Abed Ayash ◽  
Sherif Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Energy Management ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Management Education ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Gaza Strip ◽  
And Training

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors driving Palestinian construction contractors to implement energy management strategies during the execution of construction projects. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted by administering a questionnaire that comprised 26 drivers for adopting energy management strategies. Data were collected from 67 contractors in the Gaza Strip. Factor analysis was adopted to explore the underlying relationships among the identified drivers. Findings Drivers were grouped into one of the four categories: economic and financial, institutional and legal, organisational and managerial and educational and informational. The results revealed that the majority of the respondents were of the view that economic and financial factors were the most important factors driving the adoption of energy management strategies by construction companies in the Gaza Strip. Of the economic and financial drivers, the cost savings derived from the adoption of energy management strategies was considered the most important item. Energy management education and training programmes are scarce in the Gaza Strip, and local contractors have no formal energy management education and training. The government needs to allocate sufficient funds for policy implementation and regulation enforcement. Research limitations/implications Difficulties in accessing energy management data are deemed as a limitation to this study, as the topic of energy management in the construction has received no or very little academic attention so far. Practical implications This study provides a valuable reference for studying ongoing research in the practice of energy management development in other industries and locations. The priority of the drivers for energy management will help the local contracting companies to focus on weak and strong points of the company for energy use development to remove these weak points and invest in strong points. This paper results can increase the encouragement for greater social responsibility of the contracting organisations towards energy use. Government and concerned organisations can get benefits from the identified factors in encouraging contractors to adopt energy management strategy in their projects. Originality/value This study is the first investigation of energy management aspects in a local construction industry, especially from contracting organisations.

Roadblocks to university education for diploma engineers in Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gazi Mahabubul Alam ◽  
Md. Abdur Rahman Forhad
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
National Development ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
University Education ◽  
Vocational Education And Training ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
And Training

PurposeDiploma Engineers (DE) mainly receive practical and skills-oriented education and training in the area of technical and vocational subjects from the polytechnic system. Globally, universities have limited DEs access to Higher Education (HE). Over the course of time, many countries have changed this situation, putting into place a decent qualification and policy framework that ensures higher education for deserving candidates. Lately, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) received special priority in developing countries, and Bangladesh is no exception to it, resulting in a massive growth of DE. This study, the first of its kind, examines the impact of this growth with a key focus on the inclusion of diploma engineers into higher education.Design/methodology/approachGiven the differentiated nature of research questions, multiple techniques are used to collect the data. However, this research uses the qualitative method. Both secondary and primary data are used. While secondary data are collected by the Bangladesh Bureau of Educational Information and Statistics (BANBEIS), primary data are collected through interviews. With standard sets of admission questions, tests are conducted with two groups of students to draw a comparison.FindingsThe number of students studying at polytechnic institutes is increasing dramatically. The growth of public polytechnic institutes remains steady. Public counterparts respond to the demand by operating both day and night shifts. Many private polytechnics are also established. The size and infrastructure of private Polytechnics are relatively insignificant. However, the mushrooming private sector covers the increased demand. The curve of DE has been increased radically with a questionable competency by the contribution of both public and private polytechnics. Only one public university provides higher education to these DE.Originality/valueA few reports have been published in the area of TVET by the development partners and the Government of Bangladesh. Only one journal article is published exploring the role of TVET on national development in Bangladesh. However, none cover the issue of access to university education for DE graduates.

Construction manager’s technical competencies in Malaysian construction projects

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abd Halid Abdullah ◽  
Siti Khalijah Yaman ◽  
Hairuddin Mohammad ◽  
Padzil Fadzil Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Computer Literacy ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technical Competency ◽  
Technical Competencies ◽  
Questionnaire Surveys ◽  
And Training

Purpose Problems of Malaysian construction industry have often been associated, in part to incompetent construction manager (CM) when managing the construction projects. Although various education and training provisions have been introduced, critics argue that the provisions have not been effective. Central in the debate on the adequacy of the CM education and training offered is the answer to the question of “what constitutes the technical competency of the CM?” The purpose of this paper is to present the study that identifies the technical competencies required by the CM to address the question. Design/methodology/approach Multi-layered thematic analysis of literature was first carried out to identify the technical competency elements. Then, interviews were undertaken to confirm the elements of competencies. It was followed with questionnaire surveys to test the validity of the technical competencies against different contractors’ category and grade/size. Findings The findings suggest that the technical competencies of CM are generic, regardless of the size of construction organisation or the types of projects they undertake. A total of 16 CM technical competencies were identified which include the ability to manage: staff, materials, labour, plant, sub-contractors, safety, money, quality, time, environment, site administration, pre-construction activities, project closeout and handover, third parties, computer literacy, and construction contract. Originality/value The findings suggest that generic education and training is possible to develop technically competent CM. It also provides insights to the CM technical competencies which the industry is expecting.

Legislative framework for implementing recognition of prior learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 775-787
Author(s):  
Ike Hlongwane
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Policy Environment ◽  
Prior Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Recognition Of Prior Learning ◽  
Legislative Framework ◽  
And Training

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and highlight the key constructs of an enabling policy environment and their probable impact on development and implementation of recognition of prior learning (RPL) process in higher education and training in South Africa with reference to library and information science (LIS) field. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted quantitative methods, and utilised questionnaires and document analysis to collect data. The study used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data from all the ten LIS schools in the South African higher education and training landscape. The questionnaire was used as the main data collection tool to collect quantitative data through a survey research design. In addition, the researcher employed content analysis to analyse qualitative data collected from institutional RPL policy documents. Findings The study found that the LIS schools have aligned most of their institutional RPL policies and procedures with South African Qualifications Authority’s national RPL policy (2013). However, in terms of the institutional RPL policy environment, the study found that there was a low level of compliance regarding certain aspects of the policy environment among LIS schools despite their express explicit commitment to the principles of equity of access and redress. Research limitations/implications In-depth interviews were not conducted to ascertain the reasons for low level of compliance regarding certain aspects of the RPL policy. Practical implications This study is valuable for higher education institutions, policy and governance, government and other stakeholders to assess the level of compliance to legislative and regulatory framework in RPL implementation in higher education and training in South Africa. In addition, the study was important for LIS schools in particular as RPL can be used as a tool to open access and increase participation in learning programmes to counteract low level of student enrolments in this field. Originality/value There is very little published concerning compliance to legislative framework RPL implementation in higher education and training. Furthermore, most published work relate to RPL implementation in higher education and training in general. The paper describes compliance to legislative framework to RPL implementation in higher education and training in South Africa with special reference to LIS field.

Entrepreneurship education and training in Indian higher education institutions: a suggested framework

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghna Chhabra ◽  
Leo-Paul Dana ◽  
Sahil Malik ◽  
Narendra Singh Chaudhary
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evaluation Systems ◽  
Education In India ◽  
Indian Higher Education ◽  
And Training

PurposeThe study aims to evaluate the components of entrepreneurship education and training (EET) in India. The paper proposes a framework for an effective EET regime for amalgamating entrepreneurship education as fundamental to mainstream higher education in India.Design/methodology/approachThe current study utilises a qualitative research technique, that is, the narrative inquiry methodology based on in-depth interviews. The study respondents included sixteen educators who are actively engaged in EET and related activities for a minimum of ten years.FindingsThe study identified five broad “meaning units” or “themes,” that is, “incremental pedagogical efficiency and flexible evaluation systems,” “entrepreneurial experience of the faculty,” “extended support,” “holistic mentoring” and “experiential learning” as components of an effective EET regime.Originality/valueThe study will help the policymakers and higher education institutions (HEIs) revisit their policy frameworks and practices to promote entrepreneurial capacity and entrepreneurial intentions among students. The study will also help to gain deeper insights into EET components and will propose a framework for an effective EET regime based on its findings.

scholarly journals Introduction of New Forms of Education in Modern Higher and Vocational Education and Training

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 107
Author(s):  
Liudmyla I. Berezovska ◽  
Galyna D. Kondratska ◽  
Anna A. Zarytska ◽  
Kateryna S. Volkova ◽  
Taras M. Matsevko
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Vocational Education ◽  
Education System ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Vocational Education And Training ◽  
National Education ◽  
And Training

This article sets sights on highlighting the effectiveness and efficiency of higher and vocational education and training, as well as exploring ways to address and implement the current reform agenda in the field. The research was conducted on the basis of a generalizing and comparative method, to identify the problems and development of vocational and higher education. Within the framework of the conducted research the current state of vocational and higher education has been characterized; the features of online learning at leading universities and its advantages has been clarified; the prospects of introduction of continuity of education have been studied, for the development of personality abilities, taking into account changes in society in the context of improvement of the system of vocational and higher education caused by the European integration process of education; directions for the development of vocational and higher education as part of the national education system and society in general have been outlined. It is determined, that at the present stage the domestic education system should be improved and transferred to an innovative way of development in accordance with developed countries. In the near future, such modern forms of education as: distance education, dual education, continuing vocational education and others, should be improved and implemented into the educational process.

scholarly journals Integrating International Student Mobility in Work-Based Higher Education

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Graf ◽  
Justin J. W. Powell ◽  
Johann Fortwengel ◽  
Nadine Bernhard
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Student ◽  
Student Mobility ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Training System ◽  
Vocational Education And Training ◽  
Current State ◽  
Study Programs ◽  
Incoming Students ◽  
And Training

Dual study programs are hybrid forms of work-based higher education that have expanded very rapidly in Germany—a country traditionally considered a key model in both higher education (HE) and vocational education and training (VET). The continued expansion of these hybrid programs increasingly raises questions if, how, and why they may be internationalized. Although comparative research suggests that this could be challenging due to the uniqueness of the German education and training system, strong forces support internationalization. This study examines the current state and the future prospects of internationalization of such innovative dual study programs by focusing on student mobility, a key dimension of internationalization. We find growing interest in but still relatively little mobility related to dual study programs, whether among German (outgoing) or international (incoming) students. Based on expert interviews and document analysis, we extend existing typologies of student mobility regarding specific features of work-based HE programs. Furthermore, we discuss opportunities—at home and abroad—for increasing student mobility in this rapidly expanding sector.

Making the point? The audiovisual/digital media dissertation

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-118
Author(s):  
Coral Houtman ◽  
Maureen Thomas ◽  
Jennifer Barrett
Keyword(s):  
Digital Media ◽  
Film Theory ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Practice Based Research ◽  
The University ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
And Training ◽  
Practical Recommendations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the advantages of education and training in creating the “Audiovisual/Digital Media Essay” (AV/DME), starting from visual and cinematic thinking as a way of setting up, developing and concluding an argument. Design/methodology/approach – Recognising the advantages to education and training of the “AV/DME” this paper explores ways of enabling visually disciplined students to work on film theory within their chosen medium, and to develop arguments incorporating audiovisual sources, using appropriate academic skills. It describes a hands-on BA/MA workshop held at Newport Film School (May 2011) and subsequent initial implementation of an examinable DME. The paper contextualises the issue in the light of practice-led and practice-based research and of parity with written dissertations. Drawing on analysis of in-depth interviews with students and tutors, it makes practical recommendations for how to resource, staff and support the implementation and continuation of the AV/DME and/or dissertation. Findings – The paper feeds back from both students and staff on the running of an initial AV/DME workshop and finds that the Film School Newport is suited to running the AV/DME and suggests a framework for its support. Research limitations/implications – The study needs to be followed up when the students complete their full dissertations. Practical implications – The AV/DME needs sufficient technical and human resources to support student learning. Originality/value – The paper provides a clear and original framework for teaching, supporting and assessing the AV/DME. This framework can be disseminated beyond the University of Wales Newport, and can be used to teach the AV/DME in further contexts and to wider groups of students.

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