scholarly journals No strings attached? Challenges and successes in creating a flexible, wire-free active learning classroom

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gillian (Jill) D. Ellern ◽  
Heidi E. Buchanan
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electronic Classroom ◽  
Technical Details ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper serves as a case study, detailing an academic library’s three-year process of redesigning, implementing, and using a library electronic classroom. The purpose of this paper is to share the challenges and successes of a library’s attempt to create a high-tech space that both accommodates active learning and is entirely flexible and free of wires. The paper provides technical details for implementing features such as wireless screen sharing and offers practical advice for librarians who are creating new teaching and learning spaces at their institutions. Design/methodology/approach This is a descriptive case study, which details the lessons learned in implementing an active learning space that incorporates technology such as wireless display to multiple screens. Findings There are still major challenges in having a truly wire-free classroom including authentication policies, wireless display technology, instructor’s station mobility, and student laptop control. Successes include flexible furniture, battery-power management solutions, and using multiple wireless devices in a single room. Practical implications Practical implications of this paper include recommendations for planning this type of upgrade in a library electronic classroom. Originality/value The unique feature of this case was the effort to combine the mobile features of a flexible learning space with some of the robust technology of a hardwired active learning classroom. This paper features technical details beyond what can be found in the library literature. For example, very little has been written about the issues involved in wirelessly displaying a computer screen to multiple devices in a classroom.

Leading with love and hospitality: applying a radical pedagogy to LIS

2019 ◽  
Vol 120 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 119-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole A. Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Classroom Management ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Ethnographic Case Study ◽  
Radical Pedagogy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to suggest that classroom instructors should reflect and revise their pedagogy to lead a classroom designed to produce future information professionals who will be prepared to serve their communities in a radical way. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews the literature related to radical and humanizing pedagogies and then features an auto ethnographic case study which details how the author implemented some of the strategies. Findings Formal study of pedagogy can improve the library and information science (LIS) teaching and learning process. Practical implications Examining pedagogy in a formal way yields concrete suggestions for improving classroom management and content delivery. Social implications Using a radical pedagogy can improve relationships between teachers and learners, and learners will be able to model the classroom strategies in their own professional practice. Originality/value The study builds upon current examples of radical practice in the field and examines how such practices can be instilled even earlier in LIS graduate classrooms.

scholarly journals Data ecosystems for protecting European citizens’ digital rights

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Calzada ◽  
Esteve Almirall
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Rights ◽  
European Cities ◽  
Data Infrastructures ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Research And Policy

Purpose This paper aims to spark a debate by presenting the need for developing data ecosystems in Europe that meet the social and public good while committing to democratic and ethical standards; suggesting a taxonomy of data infrastructures and institutions to support this need; using the case study of Barcelona as the flagship city trailblazing a critical policy agenda of smart cities to show the limitations and contradictions of the current state of affairs; and ultimately, proposing a preliminary roadmap for institutional and governance empowerment that could enable effective data ecosystems in Europe. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on lessons learned in previous publications available in the sustainability (Calzada, 2018), regions (Calzada and Cowie, 2017; Calzada, 2019), Zenodo (Calzada and Almirall, 2019), RSA Journal (Calzada, 2019) and IJIS (Calzada, 2020) journals and ongoing and updated fieldwork about the Barcelona case study stemming from an intensive fieldwork action research that started in 2017. The methodology used in these publications was based on the mixed-method technique of triangulation via action research encompassing in-depth interviews, direct participation in policy events and desk research. The case study was identified as the most effective methodology. Findings This paper, drawing from lessons learned from the Barcelona case study, elucidates on the need to establish pan-European data infrastructures and institutions – collectively data ecosystems – to protect citizens’ digital rights in European cities and regions. The paper reveals three main priorities proposing a preliminary roadmap for local and regional governments, namely, advocacy, suggesting the need for city and regional networks; governance, requiring guidance and applied, neutral and non-partisan research in policy; and pan-European agencies, leading and mobilising data infrastructures and institutions at the European level. Research limitations/implications From the very beginning, this paper acknowledges its ambition, and thus its limitations and clarifies its attempt to provide just an overview rather than a deep research analysis. This paper presents several research limitations and implications regarding the scope. The paper starts by presenting the need for data ecosystems, then structures this need through two taxonomies, all illustrated through the Barcelona case study and finally, concludes with a roadmap consisting of three priorities. The paper uses previous published and ongoing fieldwork findings in Barcelona as a way to lead, and thus encourage the proliferation of more cases through Cities Coalition for Digital Rights (CCDR). Practical implications This paper presents practical implications for local and regional authorities of the CCDR network. As such, the main three priorities of the preliminary roadmap could help those European cities and regions already part of the CCDR network to establish and build operational data ecosystems by establishing a comprehensive pan-European policy from the bottom-up that aligns with the timely policy developments advocated by the European Commission. This paper can inspire policymakers by providing guidelines to better coordinate among a diverse set of cities and regions in Europe. Social implications The leading data governance models worldwide from China and the USA and the advent of Big Data are dramatically reshaping citizens’ relationship with data. Against this backdrop and directly influenced by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Europe has, perhaps, for the first time, spoken with its own voice by blending data and smart city research and policy formulations. Inquiries and emerging insights into the potential urban experiments on data ecosystems, consisting of data infrastructures and institutions operating in European cities and regions, become increasingly crucial. Thus, the main social implications are for those multi-stakeholder policy schemes already operating in European cities and regions. Originality/value In previous research, data ecosystems were not directly related to digital rights amidst the global digital geopolitical context and, more specifically, were not connected to the two taxonomies (on data infrastructures and institutions) that could be directly applied to a case study, like the one presented about Barcelona. Thus, this paper shows novelty and originality by also opening up (based on previous fieldwork action research) a way to take strategic action to establish a pan-European strategy among cities and regions through three specific priorities. This paper can ultimately support practice and lead to new research and policy avenues.

scholarly journals Entrepreneurial preparedness: an exploratory case study of Chinese private enterprises

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 351-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine L. Wang ◽  
Mohammed Rafiq ◽  
Xiaoqing Li ◽  
Yu Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Future Research ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Private Enterprises ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Exploratory Case Study ◽  
Entrepreneurial Management ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to advance the conceptualisation of entrepreneurial preparedness (EP), and study how EP occurs in new venture creation and management. Design/methodology/approach – The paper primarily draws evidence from an exploratory case study of two Chinese high-tech private enterprises operating in the healthcare industry in Beijing, following a two-stage sampling process: informal, purposive sampling; and formal, theoretical sampling. Qualitative data collected from multiple semi-structured interviews within each firm were analysed using a thematic analytical framework. Findings – The paper advances the conceptualisation of EP as a cumulative, social and purposeful learning process. Accordingly, the paper highlights the roles of experiential learning, social learning and entrepreneurial goals (both performance and learning goals) as mechanisms that enable EP in entrepreneurial management. Research limitations/implications – The findings reveal idiosyncrasies of EP in a particular context. Future research may investigate different types of entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial firms. Furthermore, this study uses triangulation of retrospective interview data with concurrent interview and secondary data. Future research may pursue concurrent longitudinal case study data to unpack real-time events in entrepreneurial management. Practical implications – The findings have practical implications for entrepreneurs and “would-be” entrepreneurs to better understand their learning needs and how they can prepare themselves for entrepreneurial challenges. Originality/value – EP as an emerging concept within the entrepreneurial learning (EL) literature requires conceptual and empirical development. The paper advances the conceptualisation of EP, supported with empirical evidence. By articulating the cumulative, social and purposeful nature of EP, the paper contributes to the understanding of the human and social dynamics of EL.

Discovering inspiring teaching: immersive models of staff development

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Hennessy ◽  
Gill Adams ◽  
Elizabeth Mahon ◽  
Sarah Nixon ◽  
Andrea Pratt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staff Development ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Descriptive Case Study ◽  
And Training ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Staff Practice

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline an innovative method of delivering staff development in an higher education (HE) setting. The paper evaluates the processes behind the “Focus on Inspiring Teaching” week and outlines its initial impact on staff. Design/methodology/approach – This is a descriptive case study which highlights how an immersive staff development event can be used to enable HE teaching practitioners to utilise more inspiring approaches to teaching and learning. The paper draws on questionnaire evaluations (n = 43). Findings – The paper highlights how staff development events can be used to foster communities of practice for teaching staff. For this to be successful, staff needs to be committed to reflecting on their own practice and be sufficiently engaged to partake actively of staff development events. By establishing these communities, inspiring practice in teaching can be developed with successful outcomes. The paper outlines a model for staff development which could be established in other HE settings. Practical implications – Immersive staff development events are effective in achieving sustainable impact. To achieve success effective leadership and a team of committed teaching staff are needed. Success was also fostered by not making sessions compulsory whereby the staff could opt in for sessions to fit around teaching schedules. Originality/value – This paper will be of interest to those working in staff development and training and academic managers. It indicates how immersive staff development can have a positive impact on staff practice to bring about improvements to the student experience.

Macroeconomic environment of bull markets in Malaysia

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoke Yue Kan
Keyword(s):  
Stock Market ◽  
Capital Flow ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Bull Markets ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The aim of this paper is to investigate the circumstances and events surrounding bull runs in Malaysia from 1990 to 2015. The research question posed here is: What were the historical circumstances and events surrounding bull runs in Malaysia? Design/methodology/approach Case study approach is used. This research resorts to multiple resources such as academic journals, macroeconomic statistics, official publications, stock broker reports, annual reports of listed companies as well as articles from regional newspaper and magazines. Findings The results show that the bull runs in recent years happened with lower volatility after the Asian Financial Crisis. It can be conjectured that the specific environment in which the bull runs occurred can be somewhat different from period to period. Based on stylised facts and historical evidence, this study identified five major themes that were behind the bull markets in Malaysia, which include capital flow, spill-over effect from global development, change in ratings, speculative activities and investors’ sentiment, as well as government policies announcement. The findings have practical implications for investors who seek to understand and predict stock market boom through lessons learned from historical perspective. Research limitations/implications The analysis in this paper may have limitation, as the facts gathered are from secondary sources, which sources are derived from the observations of others. Therefore, secondary sources inevitably reflect the assumptions and biases of the people who wrote them. As the availability of data is limited by factors that are not under the control of the researcher, results may likely be limited in their generalizability. This case study does not attempt to establish causality or relationship between macroeconomic variables and stock prices. Further studies would therefore be necessary to examine the evolving nature of the relationship that may exist. Practical implications The findings of this study have significant policy implications for Malaysia, and also for other emerging markets. First, a prudent macroeconomic measures and concerted stance on fiscal, monetary and exchange rate policy to improve fundamentals and smooth volatility in the business cycle is vital for a bullish stock market. Second, the stock market derived significant benefits from openness to foreign capital and its resilience can be enhanced by fostering deeper and more liquid capital markets with diverse institutional investors, including domestic and foreign participants. Third, the environment that affects a stock market could be related to the political, regulatory and global environments. Malaysia stock market is susceptible to extreme events, capital flow, speculative activities and government interventions. Having a good grasp of which themes are operative at any point in time is central to investment decision making. Continuous rebalancing of portfolios based on information arriving in the market is also vital. Originality/value Previous studies on Malaysian stock market movement focus on quantitative analysis based on macroeconomic variable. This research is original in terms of giving background information and additional context to explain phenomena missed by quantitative research methods. The construction of quantitative model is also constraint by the measurability of non-quantitative data and data with different frequencies (such as annual, quarterly and monthly data). Therefore, it is important to contemplate the importance of non-quantitative factors, such as political, legal, regulatory and governance considerations. This study seeks to fill in this void.

scholarly journals Implications of the use of different payment models

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Villalba-Romero ◽  
Champika Liyanage
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Road Infrastructure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Payment Models

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the payment models and financing structures used for road Infrastructure projects under public private partnerships (PPPs) in the UK. Comparison of funding and financial structures in the selected case studies exposes the risks and values of the models of payment utilised. This research also aims to identify relationships with payment certainty and financing debt restructuring. Design/methodology/approach – The paper compares several case studies representing the evolution of private finance initiative road infrastructure in the UK context. Templates were completed using semi- structured interviews during data collection; and a qualitative content analysis approach was employed for case study analysis. Findings – Lessons learned from using different payment methods show the benefit and limitations of adopting different forms of PPP in road development. Refinancing of projects presents substantial risks to the viability of a project, and benefits gained by the private sector. Further, refinancing brings no significant benefits to the public sector as well. Practical implications – Performance of selected case studies highlights emerging issues that need to be considered when adopting a PPP procurement route in roads projects. Financial markets have supported these projects under different risk profiles and payment models. They also have the potential to play a greater part in capitalising long-term investment in road projects and increase private sector participation in infrastructure development, generating more competition and innovation. Originality/value – This paper provides case study comparison and practical implications of recent PPP developments in road provision in the UK and the evolution of public policy in the subject.

scholarly journals The digital transformation of entrepreneurial work

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Corvello ◽  
Monica De Carolis ◽  
Saverino Verteramo ◽  
Annika Steiber
Keyword(s):  
Rational Design ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Entrepreneurial Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Daily Work ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Working Practices ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper explores digital transformation's impact on the work of owners in entrepreneurial firms. The interplay between working practices and technology is analyzed, taking into account the organizations' specific contexts.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study design was applied. Eight cases of entrepreneurial firms, defined as companies that bring new products and services to the market by creating and seizing opportunities, were selected, with the goal to maximize the diversity of cases. The sample includes both small- and medium-sized firms, as well as high- tech and low- tech companies in equal number. Interviews have been used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data, which was analyzed in a structured way.FindingsThe digital transformation of entrepreneurial work, that is the daily work of entrepreneurs, is an evolutionary, practice-based phenomenon, rather than the result of rational design. The use of different digital tools is interrelated and depends on the characteristics, and dynamics of the surrounding environment.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study are relevant to entrepreneurs interested in understanding the dynamics of their working practice, to software development firms interested in entrepreneurs as customers and to institutions interested in the education of entrepreneurs.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first study which considers the interplay between digital technology and the daily activities of entrepreneurs, considered as a whole. It provides insights on how these interconnected dimensions evolve, thus contributing to understanding the work of entrepreneurs, and as a consequence the dynamics of entrepreneurial firms in the context of digital transformation of organizations.

scholarly journals Practice coordination by principles: a contemporary MNC approach to coordinating global practices

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Kristiansen ◽  
Roger Schweizer
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Single Case ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose In the mainstream international business literature on multinational corporations (MNCs), an authoritative central headquarter (HQ) that transfers standardised practices to its subsidiaries remains the norm. This study aims to explore how MNCs coordinate their management practices through principles. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on empirical findings from a qualitative in-depth single case study based on evidence-rich qualitative data including observations from how a high-tech MNC headquartered in Sweden coordinates its development practices. Findings An alternative informal coordination approach (i.e. coordination by principles) is identified. Additionally, antecedents and implications of the approach are presented. Practical implications Coordination by Principles may facilitate the internalisation of practices and be a feasible compromise between context adaptation and traditional standardisation, particularly for MNCs with highly heterogeneous research and development operations. Originality/value This paper highlights the importance of acknowledging that firm practices often are based on management ideas that HQs adopt to prevent loss of legitimacy. As such, this study contributes to the scarce literature that critically questions the assumption that HQs solely transfer practices to subsidiaries to improve subsidiary efficiency and performance.

scholarly journals The 11 commandments of publishing

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 442-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul De Lange ◽  
Lyn Daff ◽  
Beverley Jackling
Keyword(s):  
Journal Editor ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Scholarly Journals ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Publication Process ◽  
Publish Or Perish ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Editorial Review ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Publishing in scholarly journals is a practical necessity for academics. Put simply, this reality can be described as “publish or perish”. To be treated as a serious contender for tenure and promotion, scholarly research and activities directed towards publication are necessary aspects of faculty life. The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into “dealing” with the editorial review process of publishing from the perspective of a relatively new author. Design/methodology/approach Using the lens of Q and R theory, a case study approach combined with critical reflection provides a documented tour to enable other authors to enhance their understanding of the publication process through including references to associated reviews and correspondence with a journal editor. The review extracts from the editor and authors’ responses are discussed within the context of a theoretical schema and timeline. Findings Drawing from the theoretical schema, the paper identifies 11 lessons learned along the way to publishing, and these are summarised as the 11 commandments of publishing. Research limitations/implications Utilisation of the Q and R theory can assist researchers as they reflect on how to maximise their publication outcomes. Practical implications The 11 commandments provide a practical approach for those wanting to improve their understanding and likelihood of publishing success. Originality/value The originality of this paper is that it considers the publication process from a novice author who subsequently draws on the knowledge of more experienced co-authors. The findings are based on a theoretical schema that is transferable and able to be adopted by others to guide publication outcomes.

Corporate acceleration process: a systems psychodynamics perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1163-1180
Author(s):  
Piotr Wójcik ◽  
Krzysztof Obłój ◽  
Aleksandra Wąsowska ◽  
Szymon Wierciński
Keyword(s):  
Open Innovation ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Acceleration Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Third Phase ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Social Defenses ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the emotional dynamics of the corporate acceleration process, using the systems psychodynamics perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies inductive multiple case study of embedded 10 cases of corporate acceleration, covering both incumbent and startup perspectives, occurring in the context of a corporate accelerator.FindingsWe find that (1) the process of corporate acceleration involves three phases, each of them is dominated by a different emotional state (hope, anxiety and acceptance), triggering different behavioral responses; (2) as a means to deal with negative emotions, entrepreneurs and corporate acceleration program's team members develop different mechanisms of dealing with contradictories in subsequent acceleration phases (defense and copying mechanisms), which are reflected in their behaviors. Coping mechanisms with goal reformulation (i.e. refocus from the officially declared “open innovation” goals toward mainly symbolic ones) is an effective strategy to manage negative emotions in third phase of the acceleration.Research limitations/implicationsOur sample is limited to two relatively similar accelerators established by telecom companies, and therefore, our theoretical and practical conclusions cannot be generalized.Practical implicationsWe supplement the studies of corporate accelerators that imply how to design them better and improve decision-making rules with recommendation that in order to improve their effectiveness in terms of learning and innovations, their managers need not only to learn how to manage structural and procedural differences but also how to overcome social defenses triggered by corporate–startups cooperation.Originality/valueBy documenting a multidimensional impact of acceleration process, and especially shedding light on psychodynamic aspects behind such liaisons, this paper contributes to richer understanding of corporate–startup relationships, typically examined through a rationalistic lens of strategy literature. The study contributes to interorganizational research and open innovation literature, by showing that corporate acceleration process is marked by phases based on the type of emotions intertwined with the nature and dynamism of its life cycle. It indicates how these emotions are managed depending on their type.

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