scholarly journals Educational mobility in transition: what can China and the UK learn from each other?

2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 828-843
Author(s):  
Rose Quan ◽  
Alison Pearce ◽  
Yevhen Baranchenko
Keyword(s):  
Regional Integration ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Student Mobility ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Educational Mobility ◽  
International Mobility ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the differences in international student mobility (SM) in two contrasting countries: UK and China, at national, institutional and individual levels. Both are countries in transition in a greater global context. The objective is to identify what these countries can learn from each other about the issues and policies surrounding the management of educational mobility. Design/methodology/approach An inductive approach was employed to understand real-life experience via multiple case studies. Participant observation and semi-structured interview methods with a variety of stakeholders were used to collect data which were then subjected to a thematic analysis to identify in which areas countries had developed good practice. Findings Over-arching themes were developed through comparing national findings. These reveal that national policy and family support are most influential in China, while British universities largely drive SM at an institutional level. Social implications The significance of this knowledge lies in the potential for social impact and reform of successful mobility schemes. International mobility equates to social mobility through global employability of those who engage. Global citizenship is regarded as one of the paths to world peace and understanding. Mobilising a younger generation can contribute to better regional integration and international stability as part of an idealistic approach to geopolitics. Originality/value Concluding that neither country has a comprehensive and complete approach, this study proposes the areas in which all both could develop and details good practice. The value therefore emerges from the comparison and contrast and the practical focus of the research.

Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction concept for forest and land fire disaster

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Philein Hafidz Al Kautsar ◽  
Nur Budi Mulyono
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Economic Problems ◽  
Technology And Innovation ◽  
Management Of Technology ◽  
Management Context

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop an ecosystem-based DRR concept and explore how far the concept can be applied in a disaster-management context.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used the ecosystem concept established by Tsujimoto et al. (2018) as the foundation of this study. They then conducted a literature search to adapt the ecosystem concept to fit the context of disaster management. Thus, they developed an ecosystem-based DRR concept. They used a case study method to test whether the adapted ecosystem concept can be applied to examine a real-life case of disaster management. For data collection, they used qualitative methods; a semi-structured interview with practitioners and other actors involved in disaster-management practice as well as document review. For data analysis, they used thematic analysis to find themes within the data.FindingsBy using this concept, the authors found some actors fulfil their role in the ecosystem toward the DRR effort, some actors are ill-equipped, and some actors are actively working against DRR effort. There are also implementation challenges, as numerous programs are only halfway done due to a lack of resources. However, the main problems of this disaster can be summarized into three categories: technical problems, socio-economic problems and law-enforcement problems. All three problems need to be addressed altogether because even neglecting only one problem would lead to a flawed solution.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations is the respondents' bias. This research aims to find out their part, or more accurately what they are representative of, regarding disaster management for forest and land fire case. As some of the questions may reveal unflattering action or may even hurting their credibility, respondents might not have provided an entirely honest answer. Another limitation is the differing respondents' roles within the disaster. As each of the respondents is a representative of an actor in disaster management, they all have different traits. Thus, this situation makes it challenging to produce similar quality and quantity data for each of them.Practical implicationsAs concluded, the ecosystem-based DRR concept can be used as a framework to examine a real-life case of disaster management. It can be utilized to explain roles, relationships and the whole network of disaster-management actors. The authors hope that this concept could help decision-makers in designing their policies.Social implicationsThe main problems of this disaster can be summarized into three categories: technical problems, socio-economic problems and law-enforcement problems. All three problems need to be addressed altogether for even neglecting only one problem would lead to a flawed solution. However, the yearly reoccurrences of fires and the widespread of illegal and dangerous practice, slash and burn agriculture, are evidence that the government mishandles the other two problems. There is a need for reform within legal institutions and government's treatment regarding local farmers. There is a need for trust, cooperation and synergy between disaster-management actors.Originality/valueThe ecosystem concept has been used widely in the field of management of technology and innovation. However, while ecosystem concept is commonly used in the management of technology and innovation, it is rarely used in a disaster-management context.

scholarly journals We are now omnidextrous to sustain! Story of CERA India

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 173-179
Author(s):  
Dipak Kumar Bhattacharyya
Keyword(s):  
Life Experience ◽  
Organizational Transformation ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Narrative Form ◽  
Product Lines ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Important Message ◽  
Inclusive Approach ◽  
Brand Dilution ◽  
Socially Relevant

Purpose This study aims to help students to relate their theoretical knowledge in managing change in a crisis. It is more relevant in today’s pandemic situation and could be a morale booster for many entrepreneurs who are struggling to sustain. Design/methodology/approach It is based on managing real-life change situation in organization, and it is presented in narrative form. Findings CERA India could successfully transform and sustain in Covid-19 pandemic situation with an inclusive approach, without losing their identity. Research limitations/implications This study is based on consulting experience and success story of one organization in pandemic situation. Important message is in a crisis, organizations can sustain partnering with people. But, this depends on the prevalent culture of the organization. Also, other organizations before replication need to ascertain the problem of their brand dilution, for shifting their focus to other product lines. Practical implications This story can be used in organizational change management classes, and students may be assigned to document their lessons. At the end of the story, some possible areas of investigation for students are listed for getting appropriate direction. Social implications In this pandemic situation, this study is socially relevant, as it shows how organizations can sustain with a human face. Originality/value This study is original and based on real-life experience in managing organizational transformation in a crisis situation. The name of the organization is imaginary, as organization did not like their name in public. This is one reason of not using their data for tabular presentation.

scholarly journals Unlocking innovation in the sport industry through additive manufacturing

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 456-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlon Meier ◽  
Kim Hua Tan ◽  
Ming K. Lim ◽  
Leanne Chung
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
New Products ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Small Range ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Fast-changing customer demands and rising requirements in product performance constantly challenge sports equipment manufacturers to come up with new and improved products to stay competitive. Additive manufacturing (AM), also referred to as 3D printing, can enhance the development of new products by providing an efficient approach of rapid prototyping. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current adoption of AM technologies in the innovation process of the sports industry, i.e. level of awareness; how it is implemented; and it impact on the innovation process. Design/methodology/approach This work followed a qualitative research approach. After conducting a research of the current literature, this paper presents findings that include case studies from different companies, as well as a semi-structured interview with an outdoor sports equipment manufacturer. Companies from all over the world and of different sizes from under 100 employees to over 70,000 employees were considered in this research. Findings Literature research shows that AM brings many possibilities to enhance the innovation process, and case studies indicated several obstacles that hinder the technology from fully unfolding. AM is still at the early stage of entering the sports equipment industry and its potential benefits have not been fully exploited yet. The findings generated from the research of real-life practices show that AM provides several benefits when it comes to the innovation process, such as a faster development process, an optimised output, as well as the possibility to create new designs. However, companies are not yet able to enhance the innovation process in a way that leads to new products and new markets with AM. Limitations, including a small range of process able material and an inefficient mass production, still restrain the technology and lead to unused capability. Nevertheless, future prospects indicate the growing importance of AM in the innovation process and show that its advancement paves the way to new and innovative products. Research limitations/implications Limitations exist in the qualitative approach of this study, which does not include the quantitative verification of the results. Originality/value Very few studies have been conducted to investigate how firms can harvest AM to increase their innovation capabilities. How firms can use AM to shorten product development time is an emerging topic in business and operations but has not been studied widely. This paper aims to address this gap.

A peer approach to the evaluation of adult support and protection processes in North Ayrshire

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 155-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Burns
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Case Conference ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Authority Area ◽  
Adult Support

Purpose By adopting a “peer approach,” the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the adult support and protection process in North Ayrshire from the perspective of patients, service users and carers. Design/methodology/approach A research design was co-produced by health and social care staff and people with lived experience of ASP processes and experiences. The semi-structured interview design explored the ASP inquiry, investigation and case conference stages of the ASP process. Findings The study found some examples of good practice as well as some areas for improvement. The variability of experience, the provision of information, use of advocacy services and plans for future systematic evaluation of experiences were identified for possible improvement. Research limitations/implications The design somewhat limits generalizability; the sample size is small and although the findings and innovative approach involving those with lived experience may have wider appeal, the specific recommendations pertain to a specific local authority area in Scotland though these too may interest practitioners and researchers in other authorities. Practical implications The recommendations stand to improve services and process accessed and experienced by adults at risk of harm. Working with people with lived experience takes services closer to co-producing, designing and evaluating services and processes. Originality/value This study has high originality. Local value is high and is also likely to be valuable to those interested in adult support in protection generally and peer approaches across fields.

Creating a framework for the successful implementation of energy retrofit projects

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-55
Author(s):  
Kathy O. Roper ◽  
Bryan Pope
Keyword(s):  
Life Experience ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Efficient Solutions ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Specific Situation ◽  
Research Strategies ◽  
Public Park ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Retrofit

Purpose – A framework for the successful implementation of energy retrofit projects in all settings, including those found within some non-profit organizations, is proposed. Strategies for overcoming common challenges along with experiences gained through a real-life case study of a multi-facility retrofit project were researched. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This research incorporates strategies identified in existing literature with a variety of techniques and includes information from a detailed case study involving the retrofit of multiple buildings within a public park. Combined research strategies and real-life experience through the case study are used to develop a framework for recommended framework to analyze the completion of retrofit projects. Findings – Common obstacles encountered by energy retrofit projects in the USA and Europe were identified. The retrofit case also experienced these challenges in varying degrees. Application of these practices was implemented and applied to each specific situation within the project and documented for analysis. Originality/value – Current research tends to be focused on the implementation of energy efficient solutions as justified by a quick rate of return and long term savings. However, few projects in not-for-profit situations where a grant or donation is the funding source, and ROI is not measured from a traditional financial standpoint, have been researched.

Sectoral entry-barriers for entrepreneurial activities – a Russian start-up between challenging global markets and local conservative path dependencies

foresight ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 649-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Thurner ◽  
Liliana Proskuryakova
Keyword(s):  
Planning Process ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Entry Barriers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activities

Purpose Sectoral foresight activities often identify technological opportunities but leave the question open who will pursue them. Entrepreneurial activities have become increasingly important for the introduction and commercialization of new technological solutions. The same is true for Russia’s oil and gas industry, which requires a major technological upscaling to stay competitive. Promising start-ups, however, often face high barriers and fail to commercialize superior technological solutions. The purpose of this study is to show how industry-specific entry barriers can hamper start-up activities. Design/methodology/approach This paper discusses the experiences of a Russian oilfield service start-up in commercializing a self-developed technology for increasing the productivity of oil wells. Findings The start-up faced conservatism from corporate decision-makers, declining oil prices and suboptimal protection of intellectual property rights. The company overcame most barriers through moving into other markets outside of Russia, as closing a deal with customers in the USA and Canada went much faster than the extended business cycles of national oil companies. Originality/value This paper connects sectoral foresight activities to the real-life experience of a start-up. The findings suggest that entry barriers need to be addressed by the planning process to really pave the way for a greater impact of entrepreneurial activity.

Optimal maintenance level of equipment with multiple components

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anil Rana
Keyword(s):  
Life Experience ◽  
Sea Water ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Water System ◽  
Optimal Level ◽  
Maintenance Cost ◽  
Optimum Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Optimal Maintenance ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to provide a method for selection of an optimum level of repair by replacement of an equipment based on its cost. In a ship where the engineer has a vast variety of equipment and systems to operate and maintain within limited time frames and availability of human resources, it is often difficult to disassemble a whole equipment to replace a faulty component. It is instead a lot easier to just replace the faulty equipment with whole new equipment. However, such a decision comes at an enormous capital cost. Therefore, the key question is, can we have a model to help us arrive at a decision on the correct level of carrying out repairs? Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a model based on cost and convolution of failure distributions of critical sub-components of an equipment. Necessary assumptions based on real life experience have been incorporated in the model. Findings – The paper used an example of a particular type of motor driven sea water centrifugal pump which was commonly used in main engine sea water system, firefighting system, air conditioning system, etc. The pump had one of the highest failure rates in the ship (approximately one failure per 150 days) and the engineers found it cost and time effective to replace the entire pump on failure rather than carrying out replacement of the failed components. The model analyzed that the engineer’s hunch was not off the mark. Research limitations/implications – The implication of the work presented in the paper will be savings in maintenance cost and downtime due to optimal level of repairs on a multi-component equipment. The limitations of the work are assumption of independence of failures of components. This may not be true in all the cases. Further, opportunity based maintenance has also not been considered. Originality/value – The originality of the paper lies in the presentation of a method for selection of an optimum level of maintenance for a multi-component equipment

Market entry of a western company in the Middle East

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Rupert A. Brandmeier ◽  
Sebastian Hain ◽  
Florian Rupp
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Market Entry ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Joint Venture ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intercultural Management ◽  
Set Up

Subject area Entry of a service sector company based in Europe into the Middle East market with focus on Saudi Arabia. Study level/applicability The students should have some familiarity with case studies and should be able to successfully solve easy cases. This case can be used in all courses of general economics and management. It is best suited for courses on market entries, risk management in international business, intercultural management or developing and emerging markets. Case overview Two market entry options are discussed: joint venture set-up with partner and independent direct investment without local partner. A tangible real life experience of the Middle East market will enhance the theoretical presentation and help students to gain practical solutions. Expected learning outcomes The students should be aware of risks and opportunities in the Middle East and Saudi Arabian markets for western companies from the service sector. He/She should be able to prioritize relevant economic data and simultaneously discuss several different options by dealing with complex situations. Supplementary materials Teaching note.

UAV Testbed Training Platform development using Panda3d

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 450-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fawaz Annaz
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Measurement Unit ◽  
Optical Encoder ◽  
Rotating Platform ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Game Engines ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The paper aims to report the development of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Testbed Training Platform (TTP). The development is to enable users to safely fly and control the UAV in real time within a limited (yet unconstrained) virtually created environment. Thus, the paper introduces a hardware–virtual environment coupling concept, the Panda3D gaming engine utilization to develop the graphical user interface (GUI) and the 3D-flying environment, as well as the interfacing electronics that enables tracking, monitoring and mapping of real-time movement onto the virtual domain and vice verse. Design/methodology/approach – The platform comprises a spring-shuttle assembly fixed to a heavy aluminium base. The spring supports a rotating platform (RP), which is intended to support UAVs. The RP yaw, pitch and roll are measured by an inertial measurement unit, its climb/descend is measured by a low cost infrared proximity sensor and its rotation is measured by a rotary optical encoder. The hardware is coupled to a virtual environment (VE), which was developed using the Panda3D gaming engine. The VE includes a GUI to generate, edit, load and save real-life environments. Hardware manoeuvres are reflected into the VE. Findings – The prototype was proven effective in dynamically mapping and tracking the rotating platform movements in the virtual environment. This should not be confused with the hardware in loop approach, which requires the inclusion of a mathematical model of the hardware in a loop. The finding will provide future means of testing navigation and tracking algorithms. Research limitations/implications – The work is still new, and there is great room for improvement in many aspects. Here, this paper reports the concept and its technical implementation only. Practical implications – In the literature, various testbeds were reported, and it is felt that there is still room to come up with a better design that enables UAV flying in safer and unlimited environments. This has many practical implications, particularly in testing control and navigation algorithms in hazardous fields. Social implications – The main social impact is to utilise the concept to develop systems that are capable of autonomous rescue mission navigation in disaster zones. Originality/value – The authors are aware that various researchers have developed various testbeds, at different degrees of freedom. Similarly, the authors are also aware that researchers have used game engines to simulate mobile robots or sophisticated equipment (like the VICON Motion Capture System) to measure to perform complex manoeuvres. However, the cost of this kind of equipment is very high, autonomous movements are planned in restricted environments and tested systems are only autonomous in certain setups. However, the idea of mapping the dynamics of an avatar flying object onto a 3D-VE is novel. To improve productivity and rapid prototyping, this paper proposes the use of commercially available game engines, such as the Panda3D, to create virtual environments.

Using bonus and awards for motivating project employees

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 4-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuck C.H. Law
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Employee Performance ◽  
Human Resources Management ◽  
Real Life ◽  
International Assignments ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Life Project

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the appropriate uses of bonuses and award in recruiting and motivating project employees. Design/methodology/approach It is a conceptual discussion of human resources management (HRM) practices, supported by the author’s professional experience and observations in real-life project settings. Findings Bonuses and awards not only provide extrinsic financial rewards but also provide positive feedback to recipients. Extrinsic financial benefits (such as sign-on bonus, and retention bonus) may enhance the total compensation package and positively affect an employee’s job-related decision at least for the short term. He/she may accept a job offer or choose to stay on a project longer until the completion of a critical milestone because of the bonuses. However, positive recognition of employee performance (through the use of spot award, holiday award, or non-financial certificate of appreciation) is also a useful means to motivate employees. In addition, managers on international assignments need to pay attention to practices specific to host countries. Practical implications The practices discussed in this paper are based on real-life experience and observations. When they are used properly in conjunction with other HRM arrangements, bonuses and awards can be used to mitigate and delay turnover, and to motivate employees to increase their work performance. Originality/value This paper not only draws on theories and information from the HRM and project management literature but also draws from the author’s own management experience. Thus, the relevance and validity of the proposed concepts and practices have been proven in actual functional and project management settings.

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