scholarly journals Theory to practice: Canalside Studio, a case study

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Taylor ◽  
Damian De Luca
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Computer Games ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Small Computer ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The University

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to look at the experiences of university academic staff setting up a small computer games studio to provide work placement opportunities for undergraduate students and the supporting role of industry. Design/methodology/approach – The case study uses sense making to explore the boundaries between “simulated” and “real” work in an educational setting. Findings – For students and teachers to work together in a commercial setting, relationships have to be reconstructed. Teaching focusses on developing the individual and personal attainment, the work environment prioritises the team so that organisational and business needs are met. Differences in culture and working practices between industry and academia and the organisational constraints of a university, present challenges for academic staff engaged in enterprise. Research limitations/implications – The authors recognise the limitations of a single institution case study and intend further investigation into factors around employability, enterprise education and the availability of work experience for students studying in the creative technologies including experiences in other institutions. Practical implications – Practical experience and business knowledge gained through the studio development process by the student and staff, has informed the curriculum through the introduction of team-working modules. The studio provides a unique interface between the university and games industry partners. Originality/value – The study shows the value of a university-based games studio in providing work experience for students and enhancing employability and provides insights into university/industry partnering.

Use of electronic resources by law academics: a case study from the University of Namibia

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 57-68
Author(s):  
Anna Leonard ◽  
Nampa Meameno Hamutumwa ◽  
Chiku Mnubi-Mchombu
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of e-resources by the Faculty of Law’s academic staff at the University of Namibia’s (UNAM’s) main campus. The study aimed to determine their level of awareness of electronic resources (e-resources) available to them, how useful and effective they found these e-resources, and the challenges they face in accessing them. Design/methodology/approach A convenient sampling technique was used to select a sample of 12 law academics from the population of 17. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods using questionnaires and a semi-structured interview guide. Findings Findings revealed that the majority of the law academics were aware of the e-resources subscribed by UNAM’s library, although some were not aware of the newly subscribed international law databases. The findings further revealed that the academics used e-resources for research, publications and teaching purposes, but irregular training, bandwidth problems and limited searching skills hindered their use of e-resources. Practical implications Findings could be used to inform future collection-development decisions, realignment of information-literacy training and promotion and marketing of library services. Originality/value This study has made a significant contribution in the understanding the use of electronic legal resources by law academics at UNAM. The findings and recommendations could also benefit similar academic institutions in developing countries like Namibia.

Relational capital and knowledge transfer in universities

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 185-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Paoloni ◽  
Francesca Maria Cesaroni ◽  
Paola Demartini
Keyword(s):  
Research Approach ◽  
Relational Capital ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Relevant Topic ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Individual ◽  
New Research ◽  
The University

PurposeThe importance of relational capital for the university has grown enormously in recent years. In fact, relational capital allows universities to promote and emphasize the effectiveness of the third mission. The purpose of this paper is to propose a case study involving an Italian university that recently set up a new research observatory, and, thanks to its success, succeeded in enhancing its relational capital.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopted an action research approach to analyze the case study. Consistently, the authors followed the analysis, diagnosis, and intervention phases. First, the authors focused on the identification of the strengths and weaknesses of the process through which the university created relational capital, and finally, the authors proposed solutions to improve the process.FindingsThis case study shows that the creation of relation capital for the host university was the result of a process of transfer and transformation of the individual relationships of the observatory’s promoters.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to filling a significant gap in the literature on relational capital and universities and provides useful insights into how these organizations can encourage its creation. It also allows scholars, managers, and politicians involved in higher education to gain a greater understanding of this relevant topic.

scholarly journals E‐books from MyiLibrary at the University of Worcester: a case study

2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 217-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Technical Problems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Users ◽  
User Access ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how an e‐books project was set up at the University of Worcester Information and Learning Services with the aim of improving user access to the range of textbook materials available.Design/methodology/approachDetails of the background and circumstances of the University and the effect of these on the process undertaken by the e‐books project group are described. The selection of an e‐books provider, MyiLibrary, and subsequent ordering, cataloguing and promotion activities are outlined.FindingsThis paper outlines the importance of tailoring the approach to e‐books acquisition to the individual institution. It is found that authentication is a major issue and that for e‐books packages to be successful, technical problems need to be kept to a minimum.Practical implicationsExamples to assist others in setting up e‐books provision are given. Technical difficulties and the range of titles available are both impediments to providing a full e‐books service.Originality/valueE‐books appear to provide greater access and flexibility to library users. Information and Learning Services fully intends to extend the range of e‐books available to students. This paper looks at the practicalities of setting up and expanding such a service.

Combining forces

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 812-826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Munro ◽  
Jean Marcus ◽  
Katie Dolling ◽  
John Robinson ◽  
Jennifer Wahl
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Student ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Community Sustainability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Program Participant ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
The University ◽  
The City

Purpose This paper describes the sustainability partnership between the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia (UBC) and, in particular, the co-curricular Greenest City Scholars graduate student internship program, which has been developed by the two organizations. Through the program, UBC graduate students work on projects at the City that help to advance sustainability targets. The paper aims to explore the successes, challenges and lessons learned from the program. Design/methodology/approach This case study uses literature and document review, observations, program participant evaluation surveys and project impact survey feedback. Findings The Greenest City Scholars program model has contributed to the sustainability goals at UBC and the City of Vancouver and has supported the partnership between the two organizations. The program has grown over its five-year history and is considered to be a central part of the partnership. Breadth of student participants from across the university and high participation from City departments have been achieved. The model is now being adapted to be delivered within other partnerships. Practical implications The experiences presented in this case study can help other higher education institutions understand how a co-curricular graduate student work experience program could help to bolster their own sustainability partnerships. Originality/value This paper makes a contribution by providing insight into the use of a graduate student program to advance the goals of a university–community sustainability partnership.

Scientific excellency model in Iran’s higher education case study: Guilan university of medical sciences

foresight ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 417-436
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hoseini Moghadam ◽  
Abtin Heidarzadeh ◽  
Hassan Bashiri ◽  
Hossein Khoshrang ◽  
Ideh Dadgaran
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Semantic Analysis ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Action Learning ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Experiences ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to answer the question of how scientific excellency can be achieved. The origin of scientific excellency in Iran, national and international experiences concerning the subject has been investigated to review the literature. The authors also designed a process and then a model to test the course. Guilan University of Medical Sciences was selected as a case study for the research. Design/methodology/approach The approach used in this paper is from Future Studies, with emphasis on the “Participatory Learning and Action” method. It means that different stakeholders, including the strategic council members, managers, faculty members, students, alumni and non-academic staff, have been involved in different parts of the process. Findings After semantic analysis of scientific excellency in the theoretical field; the examination of national and international experiences in universities; the analysis of higher-level documents of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education as well as strategic documents of the university; the determination of the strengths and weaknesses of the Guilan University of Medical Sciences in online survey; the completion of the scientific excellency canvas in the expert panel and finally obtaining other stakeholders, a conceptual model was designed for achieving scientific excellency. Practical implications The study of the actions, policies and trends of pioneering universities indicates that it is important to consider issues such as the internationalization of education and research and the modification of university structures. To achieve a superior national and international status, the university must specifically enhance a range of different aspects, from intangible aspects, such as motivation of employees to tangible aspects, such as human resources, structure and facilities. Originality/value Scientific excellency is going to be one of main streams between universities to attract top students and researchers from all over the world. There has been little academic attempt on scientific excellency. In this research, first the authors examined the concept of scientific excellency, criteria and measurement in higher education, then based on that case study and participatory action learning method, a conceptual framework to achieve scientific excellency in Iran’s higher education system was proposed.

Exploring the role of leadership in territorial strategies for competitiveness

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 390-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Luis Larrea ◽  
Mari Jose Aranguren ◽  
Jesús M. Valdaliso
Keyword(s):  
Life Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Elements ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Territorial Strategies ◽  
The University ◽  
Policy Arena

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on the role of leadership in the design and implementation of territorial strategies for competitiveness. It attempts to address two research questions: first, how leadership is influenced by theory and the other way around, how theory is transformed through leadership; and second, what characteristics of leadership are most important to successfully implement territorial strategies. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a case study of the life experience of an individual who has worked in positions of high responsibility in the government, the private sector and at the university. It is based on first-person action research combined with the contrast of two other co-authors. Findings Three findings may be highlighted from this case study. First, the importance of having leaders learning from their own process of leadership and co-evolving with the need for transformation which requires territorial strategies at every moment. Second, the necessity of having leaders whose objectives are aligned with those of the territory. Third, that individual leadership must have three characteristics to implement successfully territorial strategies: a balance between the individual and the collective objectives, a systemic vision and a consciousness of one’s own role in the system and a multi-level dimension. Originality/value Although territorial strategies are becoming increasingly popular both in the academia and in the policy arena, one of their critical elements, the role of individuals and that of leadership in general have not been addressed neither by scholars nor by practitioners. This paper attempts to explore the role of leadership through a case study based on the life experience of an outstanding individual in one of the regions with the longest tradition on territorial strategies for competitiveness.

Carbon sequestered in the trees on a university campus: a case study

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charl De Villiers ◽  
Sile Chen ◽  
Chenxing jin ◽  
Yiner Zhu
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Ongoing Debate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Overseas Travel ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The authors aim to investigate the ability of a New Zealand university to rely on the CO2 sequestered in the trees on campus to mitigate the CO2 emissions caused by operations. Design/methodology/approach – The authors count and measure the trees on the university's 68 hectare main campus, ignoring smaller trees that sequester very little CO2. Findings – The authors estimate that the 4,139 trees the authors count contain 5,809 tonnes of CO2. The authors further estimate the additional CO2 sequestration over the next ten years to be 253 tonnes per year. The university's annual CO2 emissions were 4,086 tonnes in 2011. More than 70 per cent of this amount relates to overseas travel. Therefore, CO2 sequestration in trees promises to mitigate only about 6 per cent of total emissions over the next ten years. Practical implications – This suggests that other initiatives will be needed if the university is serious about reducing its greenhouse gas emissions impact. An obvious avenue appears to be to reduce overseas travel, e.g. by finding different ways for academic staff to network and obtain feedback on their research. Other universities and other organisations starting to investigate their environmental impact are likely to similarly find that CO2 sequestration in trees can only provide limited mitigation opportunities. Originality/value – The authors contribute to the ongoing debate around carbon emissions, exploring avenues to mitigate CO2 emissions.

scholarly journals Revolutionizing Public Universities of Ethiopia through Appreciative Inquiry Approach: A Case Study of Jigjiga University, Ethiopia

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Mohammed Jemal Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Appreciative Inquiry ◽  
Public Universities ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
University Management ◽  
Inquiry Approach ◽  
The University

Appreciative inquiry is a qualitative approach focusing on discovering and appreciating potential strengths and thecore value of organizations. This article has tried to explore the potential of appreciative inquiry to bring a positivechange in Jigjiga University of Ethiopia. The paper starts with the description of appreciative inquiry and the 4 “D”(Discovery, Dream, Design, and Destiny) model of appreciative inquiry. It has also tried to appraise the effectivenessof appreciative inquiry approach and design in bringing about change in the management system of JigjigaUniversity. The study is a case study of Jigjiga University within a context of higher education using appreciativeinquiry to assess the need for change and make recommendations on this basis. The author has four year experienceas academic staff, manager and lecturer in Jigjiga University. Hence, besides to the literature, the data have beendrawn from his own practical experience. Moreover, researches that have been done by Jigjiga UniversityAnticorruption Directorate and various annul reports of Jigjiga University have served as a main source of dataconcerning Jigjiga University management status. The author has tried to appraise the gaps of problem solvingapproach to transform Jigjiga University. The potential of the appreciative inquiry approach to bring sustainablechange in the University has also been highlighted. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to appraise the feasibilityand potential of appreciative inquiry approach to bring recommendable changes across several departments of JigjigaUniversity.

Building resilience and resourcefulness

2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 433-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tricia Jane Bingham ◽  
Josie Wirjapranata ◽  
Allen Bartley
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Information Environment ◽  
First Year ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Information ◽  
The University ◽  
Assessment Activities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to outline the evolution of academic and information literacy (AIL) teaching initiatives in a first-year core social work course at the University of Auckland. It traces the development of AIL teaching, support and assessment activities over a 10-year period as part of a collaborative project involving librarians, learning advisors and an academic staff member. The paper clearly outlines the challenges arising because of the rapidly evolving and complex information environment in which tertiary students find themselves, as well as the student-centred pedagogical approaches which can assist them in navigating this environment and developing resourcefulness and resilience in undertaking research. Design/methodology/approach The case study presented in this paper outlines the evolution over a 10-year period of AIL teaching and activities taken to specifically develop AIL integration for the first-year core course, Sociology for Human Services, for the degree of Bachelor of Social Work. At its core, this case study demonstrates the application of reflective practice on the part of library staff, academic staff and student learning advisors with a view to implementing AIL initiatives which not only addressed information needs for assignment completion at university but also took a holistic view of students’ lives, recognising the importance of AIL in their civic, social and work lives. Reflection involved challenging key assumptions about the teaching of AIL initiatives and what constituted success and failure; gaining a better understanding of new and developing information environments in which students currently operate; and identifying existing and emerging AIL frameworks which could best equip students to survive and flourish in these environments. The paper focuses on the drivers, challenges, successes and impact of implementing and adapting AIL activities as well as the learning design and pedagogical approaches implemented to scaffold and develop initiatives with the whole three-year degree structure in mind. Special reference is paid to the application of new and emerging AIL frameworks, including the Research Skills Development Framework (Willison and O’Regan, 2006) and the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education (Association of College and Research Libraries, 2015). The paper also outlines how mapping to graduate attributes, learning outcomes and core practitioner competencies can strengthen AIL and assessment activities. Findings Application of new and emerging frameworks of research and AIL can enhance both teaching and assessment activities in an undergraduate degree programme. This paper outlines a move away from reliance on teaching of tools and resources to a focus on mastery of threshold concepts and deeper understandings of the importance of information and academic literacy capabilities in study, work and civic life. The approach outlined here fosters the development of informed learners who are resilient and resourceful and who can easily navigate within the complex information environment in which they find themselves. This case study further demonstrates that students appreciate and recognise the value (as well as the transferability) of these capabilities to other areas of their life both at the tertiary level and post academia. In a practice-based course such as this one, the application of key frameworks and an understanding of expected practitioner competencies and graduate attributes can also help address a generally recognised research practice gap common in undergraduate practice-based courses. The paper further outlines the benefits of a collaborative approach to the integration of AIL. Such collaborative initiatives bring the fresh perspectives and deeper understanding; apart from this, they also serve as a springboard to work with other academic staff to develop AIL initiatives at different stages of a degree programme. Research limitations/implications This paper focuses on the development of AIL skills in one social work course at the University of Auckland. The information presented here may not be relevant for other disciplines or institutions. Practical implications This paper takes both a theoretical and practical approach. Challenges in the development of AIL initiatives are clearly contextualised within relevant pedagogical and AIL theories. Practical solutions for common challenges are clearly outlined. It is hoped that the problem − solution approach outlined in this paper will benefit other information professionals and academic staff who are implementing AIL in the current tertiary environment. Social implications Students find themselves in an increasingly complex information environment. Traditional information literacy (IL) skills may no longer meet their needs in this rapidly evolving environment. This paper outlines how application of current research frameworks, practitioner attributes and a focus on mastery of core threshold concepts can build information resilience and resourcefulness and better equip them to access, evaluate and utilise information both for their study and work and life beyond academia. Originality/value Demonstrating clear trends in how IL initiatives have developed over the past 10 years, this paper provides practical examples of how new and emerging research and threshold concept frameworks can be applied to the integration of AIL initiatives in undergraduate degree programmes.

‘A Routh O’ Auld Nick-Nackets’ – the antiquarian collection of John Rae

2015 ◽  
Vol 36-37 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-183
Author(s):  
Paul Taylor
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Nineteenth Century ◽  
Social Context ◽  
Moral Education ◽  
The United States ◽  
Representative Case ◽  
National Museums ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The University

John Rae, a Scottish antiquarian collector and spirit merchant, played a highly prominent role in the local natural history societies and exhibitions of nineteenth-century Aberdeen. While he modestly described his collection of archaeological lithics and other artefacts, principally drawn from Aberdeenshire but including some items from as far afield as the United States, as a mere ‘routh o’ auld nick-nackets' (abundance of old knick-knacks), a contemporary singled it out as ‘the best known in private hands' (Daily Free Press 4/5/91). After Rae's death, Glasgow Museums, National Museums Scotland, the University of Aberdeen Museum and the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, as well as numerous individual private collectors, purchased items from the collection. Making use of historical and archive materials to explore the individual biography of Rae and his collection, this article examines how Rae's collecting and other antiquarian activities represent and mirror wider developments in both the ‘amateur’ antiquarianism carried out by Rae and his fellow collectors for reasons of self-improvement and moral education, and the ‘professional’ antiquarianism of the museums which purchased his artefacts. Considered in its wider nineteenth-century context, this is a representative case study of the early development of archaeology in the wider intellectual, scientific and social context of the era.

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