Measuring interdisciplinarity in the context of sustainability research projects toward capacity building in higher education

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Schmidt ◽  
Hannes Hobbie ◽  
Philipp Hauser
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Significant Degree ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Sustainability Research ◽  
Sustainable Energy Systems

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop an analytical framework toward facilitating the quantitative measurement of interdisciplinary understanding regarding sustainable energy systems with an application in the area of capacity-building projects in higher education. Design/methodology/approach The analytical framework is developed using the portfolio representation measurement approach in combination with a survey questionnaire. The subsequent assessment is carried out using the statistical measure of mean signed deviation to capture variation from an established baseline across the project group and visualized via radar diagrams. Findings The results provide a quantitative assessment framework for evaluating the degree of interdisciplinary understanding in the project groups. The application of the framework to the DESIRE project indicates the most significant degree of variation across economic and regulatory dimensions of sustainability. Discrepancies in general and educational contexts are observed. Research limitations/implications The exploitable value of the results is sensitive to the derivation of composite indicators of the dimensions defined as well as the survey design. The case study was carried out on an ex-post basis, potentially biasing the results reported and limiting their interpretability and theoretical value. Practical implications The analytical framework can be used as a basis for assessing and engaging in discussions on interdisciplinarity understanding at the outset of capacity-building projects. Originality/value The contribution of this paper is practical in scope and entails the development of a quantitative framework for measuring interdisciplinarity in the specific context of capacity-building projects in the field of sustainability research in higher education institutions.

Smart practices in HEIs and the contribution to the SDGs: implementation in Brazilian university

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liane Dalla Gasperina ◽  
Janaina Mazutti ◽  
Luciana Londero Brandli ◽  
Roberto dos Santos Rabello
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Waste Reduction ◽  
Infrastructure Management ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainability Research ◽  
Development Goals

Purpose Smart campuses can be seen as the future of higher education efforts, especially for their contributions to sustainability and to encourage innovation. This paper aims to present the benefits of smart practices in a Higher Education Institutions and highlights its connections to the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach The methodology is divided into three steps: first, an international search and assessment of smart practices at universities; second, the identification of smart practices in a university campus in southern Brazil; and third, the presentation of the benefits of smart practices and their relationship with the SDGs. Findings The results showed that globally, the area most covered by smart practices in universities is the environment and, specifically, focused on waste reduction. in the context of this case study, the benefits of implementing smart practices mainly reach SDGs 4 and SDG 9, especially due to aspects of teaching technologies for the new classroom models and the optimization of campus infrastructure management. Practical implications The study encourages other universities to implement smart practices in their campuses, to becoming smart campuses while they also collaborate in achieving the SDGs while raising the discussion on the importance of committed actions taken on a university campus with the UN SDGs, to leverage synergies on campus operations at universities. Originality/value This paper presents a set of smart practices that universities are applying both globally and locally (in southern Brazil). In addition, it contributes to sustainability research by showing how smart practices have the potential to promote SDGs in universities, especially through campus operations.

Sustainability governing entities in higher education throughout Chile

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Mac-lean ◽  
Luis Santiago Vargas ◽  
Gonzalo Uribe ◽  
Cristian Aldea ◽  
Lorna Lares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Campus Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Aggregated Data ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Global And Local

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a panoramic and systematic view of 10 Sustainable Campus Network (SCN) universities’ internal entities in charge of the sustainability effort – such as offices, committees, units, programs, or other, showing how some institutions have gained increasing deployment and momentum. However, their appearance and growth pathways have had significant disparities. Design/methodology/approach Global and local agendas have had a strong influence on Chilean higher education institutions. A relevant signal has been the creation of the SCN, formed by 21 Chilean universities, whose vision is to help shape a fair and environmentally healthy civilization contributing from the higher education realm. This work adopts a survey design methodological approach. It describes the following resulting components obtained from the aggregated data: (a) emergence processes and environments, (b) governance models and operational mechanisms, (c) networks and collaboration, and (d) final products generated, for sustainability governing entities within universities in Chile. Findings The main findings indicate that at the institutional level, the Cleaner Production Agreement for higher education institutions and the creation of the SCN have been key drivers in the formalization of several entities leading the sustainability efforts within Chilean universities. Also, regarding the degree of commitment to sustainability, the most active internal stakeholder corresponds to students. Originality/value The present work represents a pioneering effort in the Chilean context to identify and systematize the challenges, organizational structures, and key accomplishments of sustainability governing entities in higher education nationwide.

An overview of strategic responses of Vietnamese higher education institutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-44
Author(s):  
Ngoc Minh Do
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Education System ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Higher Education Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Michael Porter ◽  
Vietnamese Higher Education ◽  
The Government

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the strategic management of Vietnamese higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach The paper examined the external environment of the country’s education system based on the five forces framework by Michael Porter and inspected the strategies of universities and colleges. Findings It was concluded that lack of environmental analysis from both the government and higher education institutions themselves diminishes the intended effectiveness of the reforms; problems of skill shortage in the labor market, staff insufficiency and poor quality are prevalent; and that strategies developed by the institutions are purely responsive to the State’s direction without considering sustainability. Research limitations/implications Lack of literature on Vietnamese higher education limits timely analysis. Practical implications Strategic planning based on a thorough investigation of the environment is imperative to enhance the performance of the education system generally as well as of academic institutions individually. The government plays a key role in developing initiatives to enhance staff capabilities and improve quality of educational outputs. Originality/value There has not been any paper that approached Vietnam’s higher education management under such an analytical framework.

scholarly journals Entrepreneurial capacity-building in HEIs for embedding entrepreneurship and enterprise creation – a tripartite approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 881-899
Author(s):  
Neil Towers ◽  
Adhi Setyo Santoso ◽  
Nadine Sulkowski ◽  
John Jameson
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Education Sector ◽  
International Higher Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Graduate Employability ◽  
Enterprise Collaboration ◽  
Mind Set

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to conceptualise entrepreneurial capacity-building as an integrated approach within the international higher education sector. Whilst university–enterprise collaboration is recognised as being essential to promoting graduate employability and entrepreneurship, the lack of an integrated approach towards embedding entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial capacity-building with an entrepreneurial skill and mind-set prevails in the higher education sector. With reference to the retail sector, increasingly competitive job markets and the need for entrepreneurial capacity-building place growing pressures on universities to nurture career-ready graduates with entrepreneurial acumen.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical paper presents a rationale for embedding entrepreneurship education into university curricula and for promoting university–business collaboration. Secondly, it reviews the extent to which entrepreneurial capacity-building is institutionally embedded to foster graduate entrepreneurship, university–business collaboration and business incubation within one strategic framework. Finally, the paper proposes five propositions within a tripartite approach that can foster graduate entrepreneurs with entrepreneurial skills and mind-set, useful for existing enterprises and start-ups. The implications for these propositions are discussed.FindingsThe authors propose five propositions with a tripartite approach that can foster graduate entrepreneurs with entrepreneurial skill and mind-set, skills for creating enterprises and university–enterprise collaboration within one strategic framework.Practical implicationsIncreasingly competitive job markets and the need for entrepreneurial capacity-building place growing pressures on universities to nurture career-ready graduates with entrepreneurial acumen in social science (e.g. retail, business management and accountancy) and science (e.g. pharmacy, architecture and engineering) programmes centred within the tripartite approach.Originality/valueWhilst university–enterprise collaboration is recognised as being essential to promoting graduate employability and entrepreneurship, the tripartite integrated approach embeds entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial capacity-building with an entrepreneurial skillset and mind-set in the international higher education sector.

Working with the divides

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 666-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Avery ◽  
Birgitta Nordén
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Education For Sustainability ◽  
Action Orientation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research And Teaching ◽  
Sustainability Research ◽  
Sustainability Theory ◽  
The University

Purpose The paper aims to provide a conceptual map of how to mediate between sustainability theory and practice in higher education and how disciplinary divides can be bridged. It further looks at issues linked to knowledge views and drivers for institutional change that affect opportunities for whole institution development promoting action preparedness. Design/methodology/approach Taking its point of departure in the University Educators for Sustainable Development report UE4SD (2014, 2015), the paper discusses ways that ideas and interaction can be mediated in higher education settings, to connect sustainability research with vocational programmes. Different options are considered and compared. Findings Although the literature stresses both action orientation and the need for holistic transdisciplinary approaches, many institutional drivers limit opportunities for more integrating approaches. Research limitations/implications However, while conclusions may hold for universities at an overarching level, it is likely that certain research and teaching environments have been able to transcend such barriers. Practical implications Conceptually mapping the different forms that dialogue, interaction and flows of ideas take within higher education institutions has relevance for whole institution development for sustainability. Social implications Importantly, producing sustainability science with relevance to practice in various professions is a fundamental condition to support accelerated transitions to sustainability at societal levels. Originality/value The paper makes a significant contribution by focusing on concrete institutional pathways for knowledge exchange and negotiation that can support education for sustainability in higher education.

Capacity-building projects in African higher education

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanne Kirstine Adriansen ◽  
Lene Møller Madsen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
International Collaboration ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Power Relations ◽  
Quality Enhancement ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
African Higher Education ◽  
Curriculum Research ◽  
Teaching Learning

This article studies issues of coloniality in so-called capacity-building projects between universities in Africa and Scandinavia. Even fifty years after independence, the African higher education landscape is a product of the colonial powers and subsequent uneven power relations, as argued by a number of researchers. The uneven geography and power of knowledge exist also between countries that were not in a direct colonial relationship, which the word coloniality implies. Based on interviews with stakeholders and on our own experiences of capacity-building projects, this article examines how such projects affect teaching, learning, curriculum, research methodology and issues of quality enhancement. We analyse the dilemmas and paradoxes involved in this type of international collaboration and conclude by offering ways to decolonise capacity-building projects.

Demand and supply of FM outsourcing services

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ka Leung Lok ◽  
David Baldry
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Demand And Supply ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Maintenance ◽  
Relationship Types ◽  
Contingent Approach ◽  
Outsourcing Contracts ◽  
Outsourcing Strategies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the structure of the category on client-provider outsourcing relationship in relation to facilities management (FM). The paper aims to rank different outsourcing relationship types according to importance with respect to the four critical FM drivers including co-ordination, quality, competence and adequacy. Design/methodology/approach The survey design and measures operationalising the constructs allow the use of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a technique that tests FM outsourcing in a contingent approach such as a decision processing model. In the questionnaire surveys, a series of structured questions is designed. FM experts used the AHP methodology to analyse the FM outsourcing relationship types. Findings The model of the FM outsourcing strategies presented in the paper shows four main FM drivers at FM practice through the priority ratios of outsourcing relationship dimensions for different FM outsourcing contracts as derived by the AHP discussed by clients’ and service providers’ points of views. The result of a survey from the Hong Kong’s higher education industry reveals that the FM service providers can understand the needs of the clients in FM outsourcing contracts, including building maintenance, cleaning and catering. Hence, the service providers’ expected outsourcing performance will be good in these contracts. However, FM service providers do not understand the needs of FM clients in the FM outsourcing security contracts. Thus, the service providers’ expected outsourcing performance in such contracts will be poor. To improve the outsourcing relationships between the FM stakeholders, service providers must understand their clients’ needs to develop appropriate outsourcing strategies. Originality/value Understanding on the demand and supply of FM outsourcing services is now crucial for effective FM on outsourcing relationships between clients and service providers in higher education sector. The examination of current and prediction of future outsourcing relationships between the stakeholders to match the FM services significantly influence FM outsourcing success. This paper provides an intriguing insight into how the demand and supply of FM services can be successfully and strategically implemented into the FM outsourcing relationship in Hong Kong’s universities and tertiary institutions.

Managing risk in green building projects: toward a dedicated framework

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nida Javed ◽  
Muhammad Jamaluddin Thaheem ◽  
Beenish Bakhtawar ◽  
Abdur Rehman Nasir ◽  
Khurram Iqbal Ahmad Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
The Body ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Managing Risk

Purpose The formal application of project risk management (PRM) in green building projects is still an emergent part of project management. The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual PRM framework that increases the probability of success in green building projects by minimizing unexpected events. Design/methodology/approach This paper interprets the related literature and uses the opinion of green building experts. It exposes some pertinent elements needed for structuring the PRM framework and suggests some mitigation actions for high-ranked risks. It also performs ex-post analysis on a case study to practically validate the proposed framework. Findings It is found that high initial cost, lack of experienced contractors and subcontractors, consideration of lifecycle inflation and experience in green building project management are the most significant risks. To address them, the framework proposes a rigorous selection of contractors, provision of financial incentives from the government, setting of a time buffer to accommodate legal process and development of a deliberate proactive financial model. Originality/value This paper contributes to the body of knowledge and practice by providing a reasonable strategy for employing the PRM framework capable of effectively managing risk in green building projects to keep organizations competitive within the business environment. The overall aim of this study is to contribute to the further development of the area of risk assessment and risk management from a knowledge-based perspective.

Status of electronic records management (e-RM) in African university libraries: experience from Nigerian universities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan E. Asogwa ◽  
Chinwe Nwogo Ezeani ◽  
Martha Nkiruka Asogwa
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Electronic Records ◽  
Records Management ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status ◽  
Nigerian University

PurposeThis study examined the state of digital records management in Nigerian university libraries. It investigated the extent university libraries have captured/created, utilized, planned, organized and developed the skills of librarians, etc. for effective management of electronic records.Design/methodology/approachDescriptive survey design was adopted. The area of the study was Nigeria. The population of the study was 231 academic librarians and senior technical and administrative staff drawn from 12 federal university libraries. Data were collected and analyzed using questionnaire, checklist and version 20 of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). Information obtained through oral interviews was analyzed qualitatively and incorporated in the discussions. The analytical framework was the Readiness Assessment Guide developed by the International Records Management Trust/World Bank in 2004. The criterion of judgment was that any item or statement of the research instruments that obtains a mean value of 2.50+ was rated high, and low if less than 2.50.FindingsThe results revealed that ICT facilities were available in Nigerian federal university libraries but the manner and extent of utilization, planning, organizing, re-skilling the staff, budgetary provisions and adoption of international best practices, etc. for e-records was low. Adequate funding, steady power supply, full internet services and adoption of global best practices for e-records management were some of the recommendations.Practical implicationsThis study has established that the status of ICT facilities and current digital records management in Nigerian university libraries have not been properly managed and therefore are likely to become vulnerable or inaccessible for future transactions.Originality/valueThe gap in the literature about the dart of empirical studies on the status of e-RM in Nigerian university libraries has been bridged.

scholarly journals Reflections on interdisciplinary sustainability research with undergraduate students

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 354-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Can Baran Aktas
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interdisciplinary Field ◽  
Research And Teaching ◽  
Sustainability Research ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Big Picture

Purpose – The purpose of the article was to convey experiences with pioneering interdisciplinary sustainability research by involving undergraduate students. Experiences with initiating and conducting multiple research projects spanning engineering and sustainability are described, and recommendations for programs and faculty in other institutions of higher education that plan to implement or support similar endeavors are discussed. Design/methodology/approach – The article and presented conclusions are based on three separate research projects, where specific examples as to how those projects were developed as well as challenges and rewards faced during the project are described. Findings – It is concluded that faculty should not refrain from working with students from different backgrounds and disciplines. Bringing different backgrounds and perspectives to a project enables a big picture view of problems at hand and leads to better solutions that are more in line with the three pillars of sustainability, while at the same time providing valuable hands-on experience to undergraduate students. Originality/value – By its very definition, sustainability is an interdisciplinary field and, thus, requires novel approaches for education and research compared to other settled fields of science. A viable way to increase the role of sustainability in higher education is to foster interdisciplinary research and teaching. The institutions role in promoting such efforts has been discussed together with example strategies that were found to be successful as well as those that were not. The article presents results of potential successes in projects where the traditional disciplinary bounds have been breached, and an interdisciplinary approach has been used to achieve project goals. The article also gives examples on what types of sustainability research can be conducted with undergraduate students.

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