scholarly journals The Hub in a Pub: University of Wolverhampton Apprenticeship Hub

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Felce

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the innovative approach being taken by the University of Wolverhampton to create an Apprenticeship Hub through which the regional offer for Intermediate, Advanced, Higher and Degree Apprenticeships can be accessed. Readers can review the approach taken and consider the possibilities of a similar approach in their own context. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a case study that sets out and discusses the drivers behind the approach adopted to create the Apprenticeship Hub. It identifies the stakeholders who will engage with the Apprenticeship Hub and it outlines the reasons for, and benefits of, working in collaboration with other organisations to provide an integrated offer for apprenticeship provision across the region. Findings The Apprenticeship Hub is a physical entity within a well-known local landmark building that is easily accessible to the communities which is intended to serve. It has been developed to meet the national and local contexts and, although only recently established, it is meeting the needs of the stakeholder groups. It provides an environment through which the integrated regional apprenticeship offer can be accessed. Practical implications The world of apprenticeships is changing significantly with many new requirements for employers and for education. It is a complex road to travel, particularly for Higher Education (HE) which has not, traditionally, been involved in the world of apprenticeships. This paper posits that a collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement and recognition of respective strengths can lead to organisations working in partnership to draw together their respective expertise to ensure that, through a collaborative approach they can meet the needs of the communities that they serve. Originality/value Apprenticeships are new to HE; universities are entering a complex and unknown territory. This paper sets out the approach taken by one university to work in partnership with others to provide an integrated offer that could be adopted or adapted by other providers to their own context.

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 675-690
Author(s):  
Katherine Ortegon ◽  
Pilar Acosta

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, as few universities have assessed their ecological footprint (EF), a benchmark for Colombian universities is presented. Second, a practical calculation tool for measuring the EF in educational institutions (EIs) is developed. The purpose of this tool is to facilitate the process of assessing the EF in EIs that are starting sustainability initiatives and to unify criteria with those already involved. Design/methodology/approach The development of the Ecological Footprint for Educational Institutions (EFEI) calculator is detailed showing the seven categories analyzed and the adaptation to the Colombian context. Findings Results are presented from a case study of EFEI implementation at Universidad Icesi. Furthermore, the relation between these results and the action taken to mitigate EF at the university is detailed. Practical implications Colombian EIs have recently joined the sustainable campus movement. The EF methodology and this tool serve to assess impacts and identify what EIs can do to ameliorate their environmental stewardship. Social implications EIs are called on to lead by example in terms of sustainability, not only in teaching and researching cutting-edge technologies but also in being sustainable and transferring this knowledge to future generations. Originality/value First, an EF benchmark for Colombian universities is presented. In addition, a unified methodology for EIs is developed. The availability of a standard tool will encourage other EIs to move forward in the effort to achieve a sustainable campus.


2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-132
Author(s):  
Sharon Warren ◽  
Patricia Black ◽  
Elizabeth Mills

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the introduction of an online induction programme including an interactive webinar on a distance learning course and to present student feedback on the programme. It focuses on lessons learnt and implications for others implementing similar induction programmes. Design/methodology/approach – A self-completion questionnaire was sent to all students enroled on the programme, including those who did not attend the webinar or participate in the online induction programme. This was followed up with a semi-structured interview. The analysis focused on the student experience of the induction programme. Findings – Overall, students reported to be satisfied with the online programme. The webinar encouraged engagement with some elements of the online workshop and was felt to complement the other learning opportunities available online. The webinar was particularly valued for providing a “face” to the course, facilitating interactivity among tutors and students and helping the students to feel part of the University. Students also reported that the webinar had the advantage of allowing a social interaction between them. Practical implications – A number of key changes related to multiple offerings of the webinar and the timing of activities in the online workshop were highlighted to encourage participation. Greater clarity on what is required in the induction and how long it would take would also encourage participation. Originality/value – This case study is one of the few to evaluate the inclusion of webinar technology within an online induction programme and, therefore, has value in this context.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 977-992
Author(s):  
Rebeca Roysen ◽  
Tânia Cristina Cruz

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the pedagogical tools that can enhance transdisciplinarity in higher education and stimulate sustainability transitions, based on the case study of a partnership between the University of Brasilia and an ecovillage in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study was carried out, based on professors’ experience, students’ reports and registration data. Emergent themes were discussed based on the concepts of sustainability transitions, transdisciplinarity and active/experiential learning methods. Findings Undergraduate classes at the ecovillage have motivated students to work towards sustainability transitions by presenting them with new repertoires of sociotechnical configurations and social practices, by promoting a feeling of belonging and co-responsibility for the world and by a horizontal sharing of knowledge and affections that instigated reflections about their purposes in personal and professional life. Practical implications This experience demonstrates the potential of transdisciplinary pedagogical approaches to education for sustainability that promote collaboration with different stakeholders and the reflection on individual and collective motives and values – the inner dimension of sustainability. Originality/value It describes an innovative and transformative initiative in the heart of Latin America.


2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 34-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thorsten Roser ◽  
Robert DeFillippi ◽  
Julia Goga Cooke

Purpose – This case study of a fashion-design company aims to show how a co-creation initiative produces competitive advantage by nurturing creativity, expanding the company’s innovation capabilities and enabling it to engage with both taste-making customers and designers from anywhere in the world. Design/methodology/approach – In 2009, Fronteer Strategy, a Netherlands-based market-analysis firm published a conceptual framework for identifying specifically how a firm’s processes and initiatives employ co-creation. This case looks at how this theoretical framework compares with the actual complexities of the co-creation process developed by Own Label. Findings – Own Label’s co-creation approach is a hybrid model that utilizes more than one type of co-creation across its fashion-design process. Practical implications – What makes co-creation in design-intensive industries a disruptive approach is the democratization of the process by which design choices are made. Originality/value – Own Label is utilizing its hybrid models of co-creation in order to strategically position its self in niche markets, adapt faster to trends, as well as to be a design leader.


2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 30-32

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – One the more striking developments over recent years is the explosive growth of social media. Numerous individuals use these Web 2.0 tools to fulfill their desire to expand their network of acquaintances. Becoming friends, fans or followers of like-minded others online enables them to achieve this objective. The business world has not escaped the impact of this highly addictive phenomenon. A presence on platforms like Facebook and Twitter is now the norm for companies around the world. Social networking sites like these provide a valuable link to consumers and other stakeholder groups. These different publics can engage more closely with firms and directly communicate their needs, opinions and concerns. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 276-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joachim Schopfel ◽  
Sylvain Vanacker ◽  
Eric Kergosien ◽  
Bernard Jacquemin

PurposeThis paper aims to show how Master’s theses can contribute to open scholarship and give reasons why this should be done.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an overview of published studies and, based on the experience at the University of Lille (France), describes some essential aspects for the processing and valorization of these documents in the academic cloud, as a contribution of open scholarship.FindingsBecause of their number and diversity, collections of Masters’ theses in open repositories could be an excellent showcase for the universities’ Master programs and research. They could also offer interesting and large samples for content analysis, citation analysis and text and data mining (TDM). However, some issues need attention, above all intellectual property, quality and preservation. Quality is crucial, and the paper describes how the Lille project proceeds to assure sufficient quality and right clearance, and why the project shifted from students’ self-archiving to a digital library collection in the academic cloud, run by faculty and information professionals. The paper presents also some usage statistics to illustrate the potential, global impact of such a collection.Practical implicationsThe paper provides helpful and empirical evidence and insight for those who want to develop the dissemination of Master’s theses via open repositories.Originality/valueIn the context of open scholarship, only few studies deal with Master’s theses, and this paper is the only recent reference that brings together a review of other papers and a case study with empirical evidence.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charl De Villiers ◽  
Sile Chen ◽  
Chenxing jin ◽  
Yiner Zhu

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.


2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 44-46
Author(s):  
Aldo Bottini ◽  
Lea Rossi

Purpose – This paper aims to present a case study outlining the importance of getting a grip on the regulatory realities of cross-border mergers. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the help that Ius Laboris, a specialist international human resources (HR) law firm alliance, was able to give in the merger of a major multinational fashion company based in Italy and a French firm. Findings – The paper charts the way in which the law firm’s experts, with their detailed local knowledge, were able to help in ensuring that the merger went ahead smoothly. Practical implications – The paper reveals that all the processes carried out across the world were under the control of a restricted number of people in Italy, near the headquarters of the company. Local branches, often with no administrative back-up, were not required to search for local consultants and lawyers. Social implications – The paper highlights some of the legal complications of cross-border mergers and ways in which to overcome them. Originality/value – Reveals how important it is for HR to be aware of the cross-border vision and to have ready access to legal and regulatory expertise that can be relied upon whenever required.


Author(s):  
Ilan Alon ◽  
Michèle Boulanger ◽  
Everlyne Misati ◽  
Melih Madanoglu

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to show how franchisor characteristics influence franchisee failure. To achieve this aim, we developed a heuristic model using the methodology and power of predictive analytics. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use data from the World Franchising Council’s and from the Small Business Administration (SBA). The data cover 271 diverse USA franchise chains that are present in both databases. Findings – The model predicts potential defaults of SBA-backed loans issued to American franchisees, and the authors identify 13 variables that help explain franchisee failure. Practical implications – The authors offer guidance for stakeholder groups – lenders, franchisors and franchisees – to minimize the risk of lending and business failure. Originality/value – The paper contributes to the franchising literature by considering parent firms’ characteristics to predict franchisee failure.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (8) ◽  
pp. 29-31

Purpose Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The problem with developing a reputation of being something of an oracle in the business world is that all of a sudden, everyone expects you to pull off the trick of interpreting the future on a daily basis. Like a freak show circus act or one-hit wonder pop singer, people expect you to perform when they see you, and they expect you to perform the thing that made you famous, even if it is the one thing in the world you don’t want to do. And when you fail to deliver on these heightened expectations, you are dismissed as a one trick pony, however good that trick is in the first place. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


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