scholarly journals The travel of ideas: the dual structure of mobilized knowledge in the context of professional learning networks

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Livia Anna Julia Jesacher-Roessler
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Learning Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Organizational Levels

PurposeIn the context of professional learning networks (PLNs), there are many studies which address knowledge mobilization (KMb). The majority of these focus on how research is mobilized by various actors. This paper explores the concepts of KMb both on an individual and an organizational level and discusses the role of PLN participants and PLNs as catalysts for institutional change (IC). To illustrate this, a model was developed which draws on a concept that depicts the mobilization processes at the various levels.Design/methodology/approachThe model was developed by drawing on theoretical approaches to both KMb on an individual and an organizational level of schools. The strengths and limitations of the model are then assessed as part of an exploratory study. Interviews of PLN participants (n = 7) from two schools and detailed logbooks of two participants were used to reconstruct experiences of KMb in the PLNs and the process of KMb among schools. By contrasting two schools, the study traces how mechanisms of KMb occurred. Data sources were analyzed using a structured content analysis alongside a deductive–inductive code system.FindingsThe results of the exploratory study show that, although the model is able to map the KMb practices, some refinement is still needed. While the extension of concepts describing the work of knowledge mobilizer (KM) leads to a more theoretically differentiated perspective, the data also showed that PLN participants only partially define themselves as KMs. The connection to concepts of strategies of knowledge mobilizing on an organizational level led to an increased transparency in the theoretical model. The data showed that KMb is influenced by organizational and individual beliefs.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the current knowledge base through a theoretical model that addresses the underinvestigated topic of KMb regarding the link between the individual and organizational levels. With a special focus on individual and organizational levels, a connection between KMb and IC is provided. The theoretical framework and research findings from an additional explorative study can be used to further develop relevant insights into the actions of participants from PLNs that enable IC processes among their schools.

Academic's perceptions of work-integrated learning in non-vocational disciplines

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle A. Lloyd ◽  
Bonnie Amelia Dean ◽  
Michelle J. Eady ◽  
Conor West ◽  
Venkata Yanamandram ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Professional Learning ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Work Integrated Learning

PurposeWork-integrated learning (WIL) is a strategy that enhances student learning and employability by engaging students in real-world settings, applications and practices. Through WIL, tertiary education institutions forge partnerships with industry to provide students with access to activities that will contribute to their career-readiness and personal growth. The purpose of the paper is to explore academics perceptions of WIL from non-vocational disciplines, where WIL opportunities are less prevalent.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a qualitative, case-study methodology to unpack academics' reflections on the question “What does WIL mean to you?” Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 subject coordinators across a number of non-vocational degrees at one university in Australia. Open coding and thematic analysis was used to explore qualitative data and identify common themes.FindingsData suggest that academics largely have placement-based understandings of WIL that cause tensions for embedding WIL meaningfully in their courses. Tensions surface when WIL is perceived as a pedagogy that contributes to the neoliberal agenda that sits in conflict with theoretical approaches and that restrict notions of career.Originality/valueAlthough WIL is not relevant in all subjects, these understandings are a useful starting point to introduce WIL meaningfully, in various ways and where appropriate, in order to provide students opportunities for learning and employability development. The paper has implications for faculty, professional learning and institutional strategies concerning WIL for all students.

An overview of quantitative instruments and measures for impact in coproduction

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen MacGregor
Keyword(s):  
Professional Learning ◽  
Measurement Properties ◽  
Learning Networks ◽  
Impact Measurement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fields Of Study ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Do So

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the quantitative measurement tools used in fields of study related to coproduction, as an approach to mobilizing knowledge, in order to inform the measurement of impact.Design/methodology/approachAn overview methodology was used to synthesize the findings from prior instrument reviews, focusing on the contexts in which measurement tools have been used, the main constructs and content themes of the tools, and the extent to which the tools display promising psychometric and pragmatic qualities.FindingsEight identified reviews described 441 instruments and measures designed to capture various aspects of knowledge being mobilized among diverse research stakeholders, with 291 (66%) exhibiting relevance for impact measurement.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies that measure aspects of coproduction need to engage more openly and critically with psychometric and pragmatic considerations when designing, implementing and reporting on measurement tools.Practical implicationsTwenty-seven tools with strong measurement properties for evidencing impact in coproduction were identified, offering a starting point for scholars and practitioners engaging in partnered approaches to research, such as in professional learning networks.Originality/valueCurrent quantitative approaches to measuring the impacts of coproduction are failing to do so in ways that are meaningful, consistent, rigorous, reproducible and equitable. This paper provides a first step to addressing this issue by exploring promising measurement tools from fields of study with theoretical similarities to coproduction.

Contribution of knowing in practice to dynamic capabilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ane Isabel Linden ◽  
Claudia Bitencourt ◽  
Hugo Fridolino Muller Neto
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Health Care Organizations ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
The Board Of Directors

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the contribution of knowing in practice (KP) to the development of dynamic capabilities (DC) in the context of health-care organizations. Design/methodology/approach The authors develop a case study in a Brazilian hospital in three stages using the data collection techniques of interviews, focus groups, shadowing and conjoint analysis. The participants were health-care employees, supervisors, project managers and members of the board of directors. Findings This paper identifies the contribution of KP to develop DC based on strategic practices and their respective microprocesses as key elements to DC microfoundations. In the end, the paper points out a mutual contribution between the theoretical approaches. Research limitations/implications This proposal makes sense in organizations where the practices have a strategic nature, such as hospitals and service providers. Practical implications This study suggests an alignment between strategic and operational views, stimulating learning across organizational levels. Originality/value KP helps to give DC a tangible form by including a human dimension into microfoundations, giving voice to practitioners in the strategic decisions. The integration of KP and DC approaches allows organizations to perceive DC in daily practices making DC present in every organizational level, stimulating a continuous organizational learning process.

Using psychological capital at organizational levels of study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chalachew Almaw Tefera ◽  
William D. Hunsaker
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Psychological Capital ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Organizational Levels ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Methodological Considerations

PurposeSince the term's introduction two decades ago, “psychological capital” has been described as an intangible strategic organizational resource. However, there remains a dearth of research regarding its application, especially in the macro-management fields. This paper addresses this gap by elevating the individual-level psychological capital (ILPC) concept to an equivalent organizational-level psychological capital (OLPC) model with appropriate methodological considerations.Design/methodology/approachThe elevation of ILPC to OLPC is conducted using referent shift approach. Then, the proposed OLPC model is tested and validated using the partial least-squares structural equation modeling analysis technique.FindingsTesting the OLPC model adequately validated the basic requirements of reliability, validity, multicollinearity and redundancy analysis. To ensure the practical use of the proposed model, a simulation study was also conducted, and the results confirmed the strength of ILPC being elevated to a model of OLPC.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings imply a better understanding of psychological capital from a multilevel perspective and present cross-level opportunities to enrich the scholarly corpus. The current paper also provides an insight into psychological capital management efficiency at all organizational levels so that the greatest benefits can be obtained.Originality/valueThis paper shows, for the first time, the possibility of borrowing ILPC concepts to help enact OLPC in organizations by means of a survey study. This paves the way for further investigation into the use of psychological capital at strategic and other macromanagement levels. Finally, future studies are encouraged to triangulate and strengthen the main arguments presented here.

Cultivating a global professional learning network through a blended-learning program – Levers and barriers to success

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Tulowitzki
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Learning Networks ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Study Program ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Levers And Barriers

PurposeThis article reports on a study around a further education, blended-learning program aiming to establish globally active professional learning networks (PLNs). The questions guiding the research were: (1) What levers and barriers to establishing viable networks are identified by its members? (2) What – if any – indications of knowledge transfer within the networks can be identified?Design/methodology/approachThe networking aspect of the study program was analyzed using semi-structured interviews with its recent participants and graduates (n = 22), with the objective of gaining insights into elements that supported the creation and maintenance of a global, student-centered network and community in the program. Additionally, a document analysis of the master theses of all participants since the start of the program (n = 96) was undertaken to look for indications of knowledge transfers from one cultural and/or geographical setting to another.FindingsBlending online exchanges with face-to-face exchanges was seen as helpful in establishing a sustainable network. Additionally, having a low-barrier communication platform where it was socially acceptable to not only communicate about professional but also informal matters was described by virtually all participants as a promoting exchange and cohesion. Furthermore, about a fifth of all analyzed master theses contained indications of knowledge transfer, with instances of incorporating models or concepts from other contexts being the most prominent occurrence.Originality/valueThe findings offer insights into establishing sustainable blended-learning networks. They elaborate on key elements that supported and hindered the creation and viability of such networks. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of formal but also informal spaces for exchange.

scholarly journals Intracellular Acetyl Unit Transport in Fungal Carbon Metabolism

2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1809-1815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Strijbis ◽  
Ben Distel
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Metabolism ◽  
Citrate Synthase ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Glyoxylate Cycle ◽  
Carbon Sources ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Acetyl Coa ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dependent Pathway

ABSTRACT Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) is a central metabolite in carbon and energy metabolism. Because of its amphiphilic nature and bulkiness, acetyl-CoA cannot readily traverse biological membranes. In fungi, two systems for acetyl unit transport have been identified: a shuttle dependent on the carrier carnitine and a (peroxisomal) citrate synthase-dependent pathway. In the carnitine-dependent pathway, carnitine acetyltransferases exchange the CoA group of acetyl-CoA for carnitine, thereby forming acetyl-carnitine, which can be transported between subcellular compartments. Citrate synthase catalyzes the condensation of oxaloacetate and acetyl-CoA to form citrate that can be transported over the membrane. Since essential metabolic pathways such as fatty acid β-oxidation, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and the glyoxylate cycle are physically separated into different organelles, shuttling of acetyl units is essential for growth of fungal species on various carbon sources such as fatty acids, ethanol, acetate, or citrate. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on the different systems of acetyl transport that are operational during alternative carbon metabolism, with special focus on two fungal species: Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans.

scholarly journals A review of antecedents of employee turnover in the hospitality industry on individual, team and organizational levels

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung Woo Han
Keyword(s):  
Employee Turnover ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Motivational Factors ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Hospitality Sector ◽  
Organizational Levels

PurposeThe article is to review recent literature studies of employee turnover to identify antecedents of employee turnover in the hospitality sector to reduce the literature gaps and present a wider scope of turnover factor and understanding of employee motivational factors in their job decision.Design/methodology/approachThe recent literature studies published over the last two decades were reviewed and structured into the three levels of employee turnover factors, including individual, team and organizational level.FindingsThe antecedents on organizational levels were frequently studied and suggested as strong predictors to employee turnover in the hospitality sectors. The team and organizational factors also influence employee turnover, yet the factors on the team level may not have a significant direct impact but rather an indirect impact through the organizational or individual level. The factors of the individual level may not explain the fundamental reasons behind the turnover. Yet, it might be a more reliable predictor of employee turnover as factors on the other levels are often mediated by individual factors.Originality/valueThe article contributes to the knowledge base by articulating a wide range of updated employee turnover factors in the hospitality that brings an updated insight into employee motivational factors in the hospitality sector.

Innovation adoption and diffusion in business-to-business marketing

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 324-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannu Sakari Makkonen ◽  
Wesley J. Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Innovation Adoption ◽  
System Level ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Adoption And Diffusion ◽  
Business To Business ◽  
And Diffusion

Purpose – The current knowledge concerning how organizations adopt innovations is considerably less than the sum of its parts. The aim of this paper is to review the innovation adoption and diffusion approach and connect it with the main related theoretical fields within business-to-business marketing. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a conceptual discussion, the aim being to develop an integrative conceptual framework. Findings – The adoption and diffusion approach gives little indication of the effects on adoption of the established relationships and the wider relational setting comprising the direct and indirect influences between the network actors. It is rather the innovation and the related communication that are in focus. As a result, the innovation and its adoption and diffusion are considered unique phenomena, the actors are assigned the static roles of opinion leaders and change agents, social system can be defined, and there is no competition. The current theoretical approaches within the business-to-business marketing could provide support in building a more realistic view of adoption and diffusion in industrial context. Originality/value – The contribution of the proposed conceptual model lies in its capacity to take into account organizational behavior in the form of individual-level actions that underpin the adoption process and relate this intra-firm behavior to its wider network context, thereby facilitating the production of a system-level account and a holistic understanding of the phenomenon of adoption.

scholarly journals Libraries, museums and cultural centers in foreign policy and cultural diplomacy: a scoping review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Randolf Mariano ◽  
Andreas Vårheim
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cultural Diplomacy ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Centers ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Research Themes

PurposeLibraries, museums and cultural centers have long served as cultural ambassadors and foreign policy instruments, bridging diplomatic relationships among nation-states and institutions. The purpose of this scoping review is to ascertain and understand the emerging areas of research on libraries, museums and cultural centers in foreign policy and cultural diplomacy within broader research paradigms of international relations, social sciences, education and library and information studies by systematically mapping key concepts and identifying the types of studies and knowledge gaps.Design/methodology/approachUsing the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) Manual for Evidence Synthesis, relevant peer-reviewed journal articles, books and book chapters that were published over a wide time period in any language from various databases were systematically examined. Two reviewers worked independently to extract the data and reached a consensus regarding the inclusion criteria using the JBI’s data charting template.FindingsIn total, 6,436 citations were screened, and 57 documents were identified as eligible for inclusion. The following sequences were reviewed and explored: study characteristics, theoretical approaches and research themes. The research themes were grouped into broader ones that included goals, actors, strategies and instruments. Finally, the concentration and clusters of ideas and gaps that emerged in the identified studies were investigated, resulting in a discussion of the recommendations and directions for future research.Originality/valueThis first scoping review is a useful tool for investigating the changing and novel roles of libraries, museums and cultural centers in cultural diplomacy and foreign policy. Although substantial work exists on the topic, the potential remains for interdisciplinary research to challenge and extend the current knowledge about cultural diplomacy practices in libraries, museums and cultural centers.

Looking for learning in teacher learning networks in Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Anderson ◽  
Caroline Manion ◽  
Mary Drinkwater ◽  
Rupen Chande ◽  
Wesley Galt
Keyword(s):  
School Improvement ◽  
Teacher Learning ◽  
Teacher Development ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Network Activity ◽  
Learning Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Student Misbehavior

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the findings from a study of teacher professional learning networks in Kenya. Specific areas of focus included network participation, network activities, network leadership, and professional impact on network members and their schools. Design/methodology/approach The research was grounded in the literature on education networks and teacher learning. The research employed a qualitative design and was implemented from September 2015–March 2017, including three two-week field trips to Kenya. Data included network records, 83 personal interviews, 4 focus group interviews, 19 observations of network meetings, and classroom observation of network and non-network teachers in 12 schools. Findings Network participation had positive effects on teachers’ sense of professionalism and commitment to teaching and on their attitudes toward ongoing professional learning and improvement in student learning. Teachers also highlighted network benefits for learning to use new teaching strategies and materials, responding to student misbehavior and misunderstanding, and lesson preparation. Research limitations/implications Research constraints did not permit longitudinal investigation of network activities and outcomes. Practical implications The paper identifies challenges and potential focuses for strengthening the learning potential of network activities, network leadership, and the links between network activity and school improvement. Originality/value Prior research has investigated education networks mostly in North American and similar high income settings. This paper highlights the benefits and challenges for networks as a strategy for continuous teacher development in a low income low resource capacity context.

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