Closing the chasm between virtual and physical delivery for innovative learning spaces using learning analytics

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noha Saleeb
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Learning Analytics ◽  
Virtual Learning ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Engineering Sciences ◽  
Hands On ◽  
2D And 3D

PurposeOne of the misconceptions of teaching and learning for practical-based programmes, such as engineering, sciences, architecture, design and arts, is the necessity to deliver via face-to-face physical modality. This paper refutes this claim by providing case studies of best practices in delivering such courses and their hands-on skillsets using completely online virtual delivery that utilises different formats of 2D and 3D media and tools, supported by evidence of efficiency using learning analytics.Design/methodology/approachThe case studies were designed using pedagogical principles of constructivism and deep learning, conducted within a mixture of 2D and 3D virtual learning environments with flexible interface and tools capabilities. State-of-the-art coding and scripting techniques were also used to automate different student tasks and increase engagement. Regression and descriptive analysis methods were used for Learning Analytics.FindingsLearning analytics of all case studies demonstrated the capability to achieve course/project learning outcomes, with high engagement from students amongst peers and with tutors. Furthermore, the diverse virtual learning tools used, allowed students to display creativity and innovation efficiently analogous to physical learning.Originality/valueThe synthesis of utilised media and tools within this study displays innovation and originality in combining different technology techniques to achieve an effectual learning experience. That would usually necessitate face-to-face, hands-on physical contact to perform practical tasks and receive feedback on them. Furthermore, this paper provides suggestions for future research using more advanced technologies.

scholarly journals Learning analytics in higher education: an analysis of case studies

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Billy Tak Ming Wong
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Learning Analytics ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Students At Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Expected Benefits ◽  
Learning Behaviours

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic review of the mounting research work on learning analytics. Design/methodology/approach This study collects and summarizes information on the use of learning analytics. It identifies how learning analytics has been used in the higher education sector, and the expected benefits for higher education institutions. Empirical research and case studies on learning analytics were collected, and the details of the studies were categorized, including their objectives, approaches, and major outcomes. Findings The results show the benefits of learning analytics, which help institutions to utilize available data effectively in decision making. Learning analytics can facilitate evaluation of the effectiveness of pedagogies and instructional designs for improvement, and help to monitor closely students’ learning and persistence, predict students’ performance, detect undesirable learning behaviours and emotional states, and identify students at risk, for taking prompt follow-up action and providing proper assistance to students. It can also provide students with insightful data about their learning characteristics and patterns, which can make their learning experiences more personal and engaging, and promote their reflection and improvement. Originality/value Despite being increasingly adopted in higher education, the existing literature on learning analytics has focussed mainly on conventional face-to-face institutions, and has yet to adequately address the context of open and distance education. The findings of this study enable educational organizations and academics, especially those in open and distance institutions, to keep abreast of this emerging field and have a foundation for further exploration of this area.

Learning together and working apart: routines for organizational learning in virtual teams

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 138-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Dixon
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Virtual Teams ◽  
Virtual Team ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Information Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Virtual Teaming

Purpose Research suggests that teaming routines facilitate learning in teams. This paper identifies and details how specific teaming routines, implemented in a virtual team, support its continual learning. The study’s focus was to generate authentic and descriptive accounts of the interviewees’ experiences with virtual teaming routines. Design/methodology/approach This case study gathered concrete, practical and context-dependent knowledge about virtual teaming routines in a specific environment. The main source of data was narrative expert interviews with working members of the team. Findings This study illustrates how a mix of face-to-face and virtual routines can ensure organizational learning in virtual teams. Research limitations/implications This case study is limited to one virtual team in the information industry. Future research could build on this research to study virtual teams in other industries. Practical implications This research offers specific examples of teaming routines that managers of virtual teams might adapt in managing their own teams. Social implications Given that the use of virtual teams is a growing phenomenon, understanding how to help those teams learn effectively is a critical issue. Originality/value This case study extends the research on teaming routines to virtual teams.

Perceptions, predictors and consequences of whistleblowing among accounting employees in Barbados

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philmore Alleyne ◽  
Wayne Charles-Soverall ◽  
Tracey Broome ◽  
Amanda Pierce
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Support ◽  
Personal Responsibility ◽  
Codes Of Conduct ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cultural Norms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Personal Costs ◽  
Internal Whistleblowing

Purpose Whistleblowing has been receiving increased attention and support in recent times as a means of detecting and correcting wrongdoing in organizations. This study aims to examine perceptions, attitudes and consequences (actions and reactions) of whistleblowing, as well as the predictors of internal and external whistleblowing intentions, by using Graham’s (1986) model of principled organizational dissent in a small emerging and collectivist culture like Barbados. Design/methodology/approach The study utilized a self-administered survey of 282 accounting employees working in organizations in Barbados. Findings Results reveal that there is little awareness of whistleblowing legislation. Most respondents perceive whistleblowing as ethical and favor internal over external whistleblowing. Findings show that personal responsibility and personal costs significantly influence internal whistleblowing intentions, while personal costs influence external whistleblowing. Using qualitative data, several themes emerged as influencing whistleblowing: perceived benefits of whistleblowing, actual whistleblowing experiences (handling of reports), personal costs (climate of fear and hostility), perceived lack of anonymity and cultural norms. Research limitations/implications Future research should control for social desirability bias and use more rigorous qualitative approaches such as face-to-face interviews and focus groups to gain in-depth opinions and feelings on the topic. Practical implications Whistleblowing can be achieved through such mechanisms as perceived organizational support, strong ethical codes of conduct, rewarding ethical behavior and promoting sound work ethics in organizations. Originality/value This paper explores whistleblowing in an emerging economy where there has been little research on the topic. Thus, this study supplements the existing research in emerging economies by examining the applicability of Graham’s (1986) model of principled organizational dissent.

Learning in multi-team systems: a qualitative study of learning triggers, readiness to learn and learning processes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie I. Sessa ◽  
Jessica L. Francavilla ◽  
Manuel London ◽  
Marlee Wanamaker
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Adaptive Learning ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
First Case ◽  
Readiness To Learn

Purpose Multi-team systems (MTSs) are expected to respond effectively to complex challenges while remaining responsive and adaptable and preserving inter-team linking mechanisms. The leadership team of an MTS is expected to configure and reconfigure component teams to meet the unique needs of each situation and perform. How do they learn to do this? This paper, using a recent MTS learning theory as a basis, aims to begin to understand how MTSs learn and stimulate ideas for future research. Design/methodology/approach The authors use two case studies to address research questions. The first case was a snapshot in time, while the second case occurred over several months. Interviews, documents and participant observation were the data sources. Findings As suggested by theory, findings support the idea that learning triggers, the timing of the triggers and readiness to learn (RtL) affect the type of learning process that emerges. The cases showed examples of adaptive and generative team learning. Strong and clear triggers, occurring during performance episodes, led to adaptive learning. When RtL was high and triggers occurred during hiatus periods, the associated learning process was generative. Originality/value Using an available theoretical model and case studies, the research describes how MTS readiness to learn and triggers for learning affect MTS learning processes and how learning outcomes became codified in the knowledge base or structure of the MTS. This provides a framework for subsequent qualitative and quantitative research.

scholarly journals Loss of brick-and-mortar schooling: how elementary educators respond

2020 ◽  
Vol 121 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 411-418
Author(s):  
Emma Anderson ◽  
Avneet Hira
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Elementary Educators ◽  
School Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Teaching Online ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Web Technologies ◽  
Distant Learning ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Brick And Mortar

Purpose This paper aims to understand how elementary school educators who teach subjects that traditionally require hands-on work in schools are rising to the challenge of losing brick-and-mortar facilities in the wake of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. Design/methodology/approach The authors interviewed six elementary school educators and developed iterative grounded codes from the interviews to understand how the teachers are rising to the challenge of teaching online, what supports they need, and how they are viewing their roles and student learning in the present landscape. Findings In response to losing brick-and-mortar schools, teachers are rising to the challenge by creating creative assignments and communicating with students and parents via multiple platforms. They are learning to use technology to create meaningful, socially distant learning experiences and, in the process, blurring their own boundaries between work and life. They exercise compassion for their students while providing the best education they can in these circumstances. Practical implications This work provides administrators, educators, policymakers and technology developers insight into the challenges teachers are facing. Originality/value In addition to the timeliness of this study in light of the COVID 19 crisis, the focus on elementary school students, who often need support from parents or guardians to use Web technologies, and subjects traditionally requiring face-to-face interactions and hands-on work contribute to the originality of the study.

Warehouse configuration in omni-channel retailing: a multiple case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 509-533
Author(s):  
Joakim Hans Kembro ◽  
Andreas Norrman
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Conceptual Models ◽  
Construction Material ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Consumer Electronics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Automation Systems ◽  
Multiple Case

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore warehouse configuration in omni-channel retailing. Design/methodology/approach A multiple case study is conducted with six large omni-channel retailers from three different sectors. Findings The study shows an increase in the number, variation and frequency of flows passing through omni-channel warehouses. Along with an increased variety of stock keeping units (including singles vs multipacks), there is an increase in the complexity of planning and coordination of order fulfillment. Retailers test a mix of different solutions for storage and picking and partly shift focus to advanced sorting operations. The companies already have or plan to invest in substantial automation systems, which emphasize the importance of capturing and using accurate master data. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the need to understand the interrelations and co-development of configuration elements in omni-channel warehousing. The findings also suggest that a successful transformation requires increased collaboration with upstream and downstream partners. Conceptual models are developed to illustrate strategies and development paths in omni-channel warehousing, and suggestions for future research are summarized in a research agenda. A research limitation is the focus on Swedish retailers in three sectors (fashion, consumer electronics and DIY/construction material). Future studies can include additional sectors, extend the geographical scope and explore cross-regional differences. Practical implications As one of the few deeper case studies on omni-channel warehousing, practitioners will find new configurations described and analyzed here. Along with conceptual models, a synthesis of challenges and potential solutions are presented to support retailers’ practical analysis and decision making. Originality/value This is one of the first multiple case studies that go deeper into omni-channel warehouse configuration, which is of increasing importance to both scholars and practitioners in the field.

Omani SME perceptions towards Islamic financing systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 369-386
Author(s):  
Yasmeen Al Balushi ◽  
Stuart Locke ◽  
Zakaria Boulanouar
Keyword(s):  
Banking Industry ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Islamic Finance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Islamic Banking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose This paper aims to investigate small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) owner–managers’ awareness, willingness and perceptions concerning Islamic financing instruments as an alternative sourcing decision in SMEs’ businesses. Design/methodology/approach The research employed mixed methods to gather data. A questionnaire survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews with 385 SME owner–managers operating in Muscat, Oman’s capital city, along with face-to-face discussion on Islamic finance with 86 SME owner–managers. Descriptive and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. Findings The findings indicate that SME owner–managers are aware of Islamic banking principles and have knowledge of Islamic financial instruments, despite Islamic finance being new to Oman. Interestingly, although the majority of the participants indicated their intention to adopt this new finance method, they were motivated by special requirements other than finance. Their positive perception of Islamic financing methods could play a significant role in developing the Islamic banking industry. Research limitations/implications The research is limited in that its data came only from Omani SME owner–managers in Muscat. Future research could investigate wider samples. Secondly, the study’s findings lack generalisability to larger and public enterprises, because only SME owner–managers were surveyed. Practical implications This study will be important for policy makers concerned about SMEs’ financing, Islamic financial institutions and new entrants into the Islamic banking industry, as it provides empirically evidence of Omanis’ views, and more specifically those of Omani SME owner–managers, on the recent introduction of Islamic finance into the country. The insights this study offers should help them to develop the strategies required to attract SMEs and to construct policies and regulations to improve Oman’s Islamic banking industry. Originality/value The research is significant, as it is the first study to investigate the awareness, willingness and perceptions of Omani SMEs regarding Islamic banking in Oman. Even though all Omanis are Muslims, Oman was the last of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council countries to introduce Islamic finance. Thus, this emerging market provides an important basis from which to extend future research on Islamic finance to other potential Islamic finance markets.

Audit roles and the review process: workpaper preparers’ and reviewers’ differing perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 438-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon Ater ◽  
Christine Gimbar ◽  
J. Gregory Jenkins ◽  
Gabriel Saucedo ◽  
Nicole S. Wright
Keyword(s):  
Review Process ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Accounting Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Process Characteristics ◽  
Workpaper Review ◽  
The Face

Purpose This paper aims to examine the perceptions of auditor roles on the workpaper review process in current audit practice. Specifically, the paper investigates how an auditor’s defined role leads to perceived differences in what initiates the workpaper review process, the preferred methods for performing reviews and the stylization or framing of communicated review comments. Design/methodology/approach A survey was administered in which practicing auditors were asked about workpaper review process prompts, methods and preferences. The survey was completed by 215 auditors from each of the Big 4 accounting firms and one additional international firm. The final data set consists of quantitative and qualitative responses from 25 audit partners, 33 senior managers, 30 managers, 75 in-charge auditors/seniors and 52 staff auditors. Findings Findings indicate reviewers and preparers differ in their perceptions of the review process based on their defined roles. First, reviewers and preparers differ in their perspectives on which factors initiate the review process. Second, the majority of reviewers and preparers prefer face-to-face communication when discussing review notes. Reviewers, however, are more likely to believe the face-to-face method is an effective way to discuss review notes and to facilitate learning, whereas preparers prefer the method primarily because it reduces back-and-forth communication. Finally, reviewers believe they predominantly provide conclusion-based review notes, whereas preparers perceive review notes as having both conclusion- and documentation-based messages. Research limitations/implications This paper advances the academic literature by providing a unique perspective on the review process. Instead of investigating a single staff level, it examines the workpaper review process on a broader scale. By obtaining views from professionals across all levels, this work intends to inspire future research directed at reconciling differences and filling gaps in the review process literature. The finding that reviewers and preparers engage in role conformity that leads to incongruent perceptions of the review process should encourage the consideration of mechanisms, with the potential to be tested experimentally, by which to reconcile the incongruities. Practical implications Results support recent regulator concerns that there are breakdowns in the workpaper review process, and the findings provide some insight into why these breakdowns are occurring. Incongruent perceptions of review process characteristics may be the drivers of these identified regulatory concerns. Originality/value This is the first study to examine current workpaper review processes at the largest accounting firms from the perspective of both preparers and reviewers. From this unique data set, one key interpretation of the findings is that workpaper preparers do not appear to recognize a primary goal of the review process: to ensure that subordinates receive appropriate coaching, learning and development. However, workpaper reviewers do, in fact, attempt to support preparers and work to create a supportive team environment.

Experiences of visitors to Gallipoli, a nostalgia-themed dark tourism destination: an insight from TripAdvisor

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kadir Çakar
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dark Tourism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Valuable Data ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Online Comments ◽  
Gallipoli Peninsula

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine and understand the experiences of travelers to Gallipoli, by analyzing their online comments and reviews. Design/methodology/approach The data were garnered from the well-known online user blog TripAdvisor. Data, concerning visiting the Gallipoli Peninsula, were retrieved from (n=330) travelers’ reviews and comments, and were examined using content analysis to elicit and identify their experiences. Findings Overall, the travelers’ reviews and comments mostly conveyed emotional and nostalgic experiences. Further, the travelers’ nostalgic experiences of Gallipoli emerged as historical nostalgia deriving from the personal attachment of travelers to the site. Research limitations/implications The data have shown that the experiences of travelers to Gallipoli can mostly be identified as emotional, which are generally consistent with the current literature. This paper utilized traveler reviews and comments on TripAdvisor, left by tourists who had previously visited Gallipoli, and this represents the limitation of the present study. Thus, to better understand the experiences of travelers visiting Gallipoli, with regard to their psychological aspect, future research should be conducted with travelers either through face-to-face interviews or via a survey. Originality/value Despite its significance for dark tourists, limited research has been carried out that deals with the experiences of travelers visiting the Gallipoli battlefield. As such, this is the first research project designed to highlight the experience of dark tourism, under the concept of nostalgic tourism, by providing valuable data and a deeper understanding of the field.

Supply chain MFCA implementation: emphasizing evidence on coordination

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akira Higashida
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Coordination Mechanisms ◽  
Green Supply Chain ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Material Flows ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Case Studies

Purpose This study aims to clarify systematically the contribution of material flow cost accounting (MFCA) to green supply chain management (GSCM) by examining the coordination mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach Two qualitative case studies are conducted in a major Japanese manufacturing company, which introduced MFCA in two different supply chains. The concept of coordination mechanisms in supply chain management is used to consolidate the understanding on the usefulness of MFCA in GSCM. Findings The study’s findings reveal the significant role played by MFCA in coordinating material flows and eliminating sub-optimization in the supply chain from both economic and environmental perspectives. Furthermore, the focal company in the chain has an important role as the MFCA leader in implementing MFCA in the chain. In particular, the environmental department can eliminate suppliers’ concerns regarding opportunistic buyer behaviors and focus on material flows across the supply chain. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the possibility of reviewing existing transactions by coordinating material flows. This is a new direction for the adoption of MFCA in GSCM. In addition, although the study highlights the importance of the environmental department as an MFCA leader, future research is necessary to establish this aspect with greater precision. Practical implications The two case studies discussed in this paper demonstrate the usefulness of MFCA expansion into the supply chain, as well as information sharing and progression, in the development of GSCM. Social implications This study will contribute to enhance the green supply chain by implementing MFCA. Originality/value This study indicates that MFCA can potentially reveal the material losses caused by sub-optimization and provide information to avoid sub-optimization in decision-making. Moreover, it highlights the importance of the environmental department as an MFCA leader.

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