The perfect storm in the midst of a pandemic: the use of information within an institution's concurrent crises

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek R Slagle ◽  
J.J. McIntyre ◽  
April Chatham-Carpenter ◽  
Heather Ann Reed

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the types of information that were shared by the institution, and faculty/staff responses to the information shared, with the goal of providing recommendations for other institutions facing concurrent crises.Design/methodology/approachThis mixed-methods case study examines a public university's experiences managing the Covid-19 pandemic crisis while simultaneously navigating financial challenges that had been building over time. Using data from university-wide mediated communications and a survey of on-campus stakeholders during the Covid-19 pandemic and university retrenchment process, this paper explores institutional communication, stakeholder response to organizational communication and faculty/staff reactions to information in the midst of concurrent crises.FindingsThe study found that the university used instructing and advising information within its messages from its top administrator but fell short of incorporating empathy for its stakeholders in its initial responses.Research limitations/implicationsUsing the situational crisis communication theory (Coombs, 2019), which recommends the use of an ethical base response to crises, implications are provided for other organizations facing concurrent crises during the Covid-19 pandemic, to also incorporate empathy in their messages to stakeholders whose livelihoods are being affected, across multiple platforms.Originality/valueWeathering the Covid-19 pandemic and long-term financial pitfalls have proven to be a disruptive phenomenon for higher education institutions. This research expands understanding of institutional communication and stakeholder reactions in a higher education institution facing both the Covid-19 crisis and a retrenchment.Peer reviewThe peer-review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-09-2020-0415.

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mário Franco ◽  
Heiko Haase

Purpose From a resource-based perspective, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the key success factors underlying inter-organisational partnerships in the university sport sector. Design/methodology/approach To attain this objective, the paper uses a qualitative approach, performing an exploratory case study in a Portuguese higher education institution. Four interviews with key informants and documentary analysis served for data collection. Findings Based on the case evidence, five generic success factors emerged: relationships, partner selection, complementarity, sporting performance and organisation, which are likely to determine the success of partnerships in the field of university sport. Practical implications University sport managers and other actors in the field should bear the major success factors in mind when taking strategic decisions. Specifically, relational capital and the complementarity of resources seem to be important in initiating and managing sport partnerships. Originality/value This exploratory study contributes to advancing knowledge of inter-organisational partnerships in a particular area: sport in higher education. More precisely, this research outlines which success factors are relevant in sport partnerships and deserve further investigation with other research designs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 919-938 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppina Iacoviello ◽  
Elena Bruno ◽  
Antonella Cappiello

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify, through the preparation of a theoretical framework, the drivers able to highlight the relationships between universities and stakeholders in the area of higher education. It also intends to stress the importance of intellectual capital (IC) regarding its contribution to create the quality of higher education. Design/methodology/approach The method, through the repetition of different “rounds” of interviews with questionnaires, tends therefore to create situations of comparison, verification and discussion of the different hypotheses prefigured, and then come to a convergence of both scenarios and dates of realization. Findings The paper provides a system of indicators for assessing the quality of relationships between stakeholders in the key processes of the universities. Research limitations/implications The paper provides a pilot model that needs further adjustments in itinere, based on rigorous empirical tests conducted to confer on it the characteristics of universal applicability within the university context. Practical implications The major contribution of the model is evident from the resulting interpretative process, which makes it possible to deduce, from the performance indicators, the strategies put in place by the university to achieve their goals, that is, to prepare any interventions for the optimization of the management of IC which can create the quality of higher education institution. Originality/value None of the models presented in the literature details the quality of the relationship between stakeholders in the key processes of the universities and therefore neither investigates the impact produced by them on the performance of the university nor on the way stakeholders perceive the usefulness of the knowledge transmitted or the level of customer satisfaction achieved, as indeed the most recent research on the subject envisages.


2009 ◽  
Vol 48 ◽  
pp. 68-81
Author(s):  
Birutė Galinienė ◽  
Algirdas Miškinis ◽  
Albinas Marčinskas ◽  
Greta Drūteikienė

Europos aukštojo mokslo erdvės kūrimas skatina šio kontinento aukštąsias mokyklas susimąstyti apie aukštojo mokslo konkurencingumo ir jo vertės didinimą. Tai pasiekti Lietuvos aukštosios mokyklos gali tik nuolat gerindamos studijų kokybę,savo įvaizdį ir reputaciją. Šiame straipsnyje aptariamos bendrosios studijų kokybės ir įvaizdžio gerinimo aukštosiose mokyklose teorinės prielaidos, jas iliustruojant tyrimų, kurie buvo atlikti visame Vilniaus universitete ir atskirai Ekonomikosfakultete, duomenimis. Visuose Vilniaus universiteto padaliniuose 2005–2006 m. atlikome keturis didelio masto tyrimus (įvertinome vidinį Vilniaus universiteto įvaizdį, studentų požiūrį į studijų kokybę, pradedančiųjų studijuoti Universitete ir jų tėvų lūkesčius, tų lūkesčių pokyčius po pirmojo studijų pusmečio) ir identifikavome pagrindines problemines sritis. Siekdami nustatyti šių problemų priežastis, mėginome pažvelgti dar giliau – atlikome tyrimą viename Vilniaus universiteto padalinyje (Ekonomikos fakultete), kuriuo aiškinomės, kokie veiksniai daro įtaką aukštosios mokyklos įvaizdžiui ir kaip Universiteto įvaizdis siejasi su siūlomų studijų kokybe.Reikšminiai žodžiai: studijų kokybė, įvaizdis, aukštoji mokykla.The impact of study quality on the image of a higher education institutionBirutė Galinienė, Algirdas Miškinis, Albinas Marčinskas, Greta Drūteikienė SummaryIssues concerning the image and reputation strengthening of higher education institutions have recently been given an important consideration in Lithuania and other European countries. In the article we will discuss the fundamentals of the university education quality and image strengthening in theoretical premises, and illustrate them using data of studies performed at the Vilnius University. The research results demonstrate that the quality of studies is the main factor in determining the image of a higher education institution. Key words: study quality, image, higher education institution.


2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayleigh Watson ◽  
Pauric McGowan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus with the university-based business plan competition (BPC) and proposes how the theory of effectuation might inform a new model. Such a purpose is timely given the under-challenged nature of the BPC methodology. Design/methodology/approach Extant literature pertaining to business planning and the business plan within entrepreneurship education and effectuation is reviewed; numerous conceptual issues which undermine BPC provision in its traditional form are then identified. In response to these identified issues, a series of principles which could underpin the introduction of an effectuation-led business coopetition (EBC) are outlined. Findings Strong emphasis on business plan production within a conventional BPC model raises questions about its capacity to release the entrepreneurial potential of the higher education institution student and provide them with an authentic and relevant entrepreneurial learning experience. Through using the ideas of effectuation to rethink provision, the action of business plan production can usefully be replaced with the action of business implementation. As well as facilitate a beneficial shift from competition to coopetition-based entrepreneurship education. Originality/value This paper valuably critiques the efficacy of a commonly employed yet under-challenged methodology for entrepreneurship education; the BPC. The propositions offered can guide competition provision in a more authentic, realistic and relevant way that is potentially better suited to inspiring and supporting entrepreneurial new venturing amongst students and graduates now rather than in the future. The paper thus has practical value to those designing and delivering competition-based entrepreneurship education.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1111-1129
Author(s):  
Shadi Moqbel ◽  
Rund Abu-Zurayk ◽  
Ayat Bozeya ◽  
Raed Alsisan ◽  
Abeer Al Bawab

Purpose This study sought to assess the process of initiating a sustainable recycling program at the University of Jordan. It illustrates the potentials of recycling, perceived awareness of recycling by the students and staff, as well as challenges to a sustainable waste recycling program. This study aims to identify the barriers and challenges that face a sustainable waste recycling program at the University of Jordan. Design/methodology/approach The study consisted of investigating waste recycling potential on campus, inspecting general environmental awareness toward recycling and running an experimental recycling study on part of the campus. A waste characterization study was conducted to assess the current waste status and recycling extent. A questionnaire survey was carried out to obtain information on the students’ and staffs’ awareness of waste recycling and management on campus. In the experimental recycling study, seventy units of waste segregation bins were distributed on campus. The recycling efficiency was evaluated at two schools; the School of Engineering and the School of Medicine. The administrative support and collaboration while running the recycling program were also observed. Findings Overall, waste recycling at the University of Jordan has an appreciable opportunity and potential. A substantial amount of waste can be diverted from going to the landfill. Data showed general positive recycling rates except for plastic. Also, the recycling rates show great potential for enhancing. The recycling at the University of Jordan faces several barriers and obstacles. The greatest barrier was identified as the lack of cooperation of the administrative system on campus. The administrative support for the recycling program was strong only at the initiation of the recycling program. Administrative support has a vital influence on the recycling program. It has the potential of boosting it or bringing it to halt. Future studies should focus on investigating recycling efficiency for the entire campus and focus more on increasing pro-environmental behavior among students and staff in higher education institutions. Originality/value The value of this research lies in it being conducted in a large campus university in a developing country. Also, the study used a diagnostic approach that is based on evaluating an environmental sustainability program as it evolves inside a higher education institution. The study illustrates the challenges that face universities in developing countries while adopting green campus initiatives.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 1351-1366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anxela Bugallo-Rodríguez ◽  
Pedro Vega-Marcote

Purpose Higher education institutions have a valuable dual role in disseminating the circular economy (CE) as a new sustainability paradigm. First, the university teaches students about this subject. Second, it prepares future teachers to incorporate sustainability into other educational levels. This paper aims to present the results of implementing a set of activities designed to improve the attitudes and actions of students to reduce their daily impact on campus and to be active agents for change to the CE. Design/methodology/approach The participants were students enrolled for the Degree in Primary Education at the University of Corunna. Following a qualitative approach, students’ proposals were analyzed using the key indicators identified by the European Commission to measure progress toward the CE. Findings The results demonstrate that these activities make students reflect and act on their daily impact. They propose and develop diverse solutions on campus, such as increased paper-, water- and energy-saving activities and discover the benefits of teaching for action. However, the indicators show that they do not apply the three principles of the CE in a balanced way. Research limitations/implications An improvement should analyze the same students in the following year to verify progress. Originality/value This experience with preservice teachers may help to extend the values and knowledge associated with integral sustainability and provide CE solutions on campus and in schools throughout the country.


2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Cadiz Dyball ◽  
Andy F. Wang ◽  
Sue Wright

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how the lack of staff engagement with a university’s strategy on sustainability could be an enabling lever for organisational change. It examines the attitudes and views of employees of a business faculty at an Australian metropolitan university as it attempts to adopt a holistic approach to sustainability. Design/methodology/approach – The paper opted for a case study using data from an on-line survey, semi-directed interviews with key management personnel and archival material. Responses were analysed using Piderit’s (2000) notion of ambivalence. Findings – The paper provides empirical insights into why staff lacked engagement with the university’s strategy on sustainability. It suggests that staff were ambivalent, displaying dissonance in their personal beliefs on sustainability, the university’s strategy and the extent of their intentions to support the university. Staff were willing to offer ideas on how the university could, in the future, change towards sustainability. These ideas allow the possibility for the university to learn to adjust the scope of the implementation of its sustainability strategy. Research limitations/implications – The research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to further examine staff attitudes on sustainability in higher education using Piderit’s notion of ambivalence. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions could allow a better understanding of harmony and dissonance in cognition of and intention for university sustainability strategies and initiatives by academic, professional and sessional staff. Practical implications – The paper includes implications for staff engagement with sustainability in higher education. Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified need to study how staff engagement with sustainability in higher education can be enabled for organisational learning.


Author(s):  
Erda Wati Bakar

The Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR) has become the standard used to describe and evaluate students’ command of a second or foreign language. It is an internationally acknowledged standard language proficiency framework which many countries have adopted such as China, Thailand, Japan and Taiwan. Malaysia Ministry of Education is aware and realise the need for the current English language curriculum to be validated as to reach the international standard as prescribed by the CEFR. The implementation of CEFR has begun at primary and secondary level since 2017 and now higher education institutions are urged to align their English Language Curriculum to CEFR as part of preparation in receiving students who have been taught using CEFR-aligned curriculum at schools by year 2022. This critical reflection article elucidates the meticulous processes that we have embarked on in re-aligning our English Language Curriculum to the standard and requirements of CEFR. The paper concludes with a remark that the alignment of the English curriculum at the university needs full support from the management in ensuring that all the stakeholders are fully prepared, informed and familiar with the framework.


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Noorlaila Hj. Yunus ◽  
Siti Musalmah Ahmad Fuad

Work-Life Balance (WLB) is an important factor that the Human Resource Management of private higher education Institution (PHEI) should concern about in order to gain high Job Performance in theinstitution. If there are WLB practices implemented by the university, the Human Resource Department (HRD) must always get feedback from the employees to continuously improve the WLB policy. This will benefit not just the employees but the most important to the PHEI by having a good productivities and high job performance employees. The result shows that most of the employees in the university have good social support from their colleagues at work place, friends and their families. This support have given them inspiration and motivation in doing their job properly and finally they might achieved high job performance. Eventhough the result were positive about the social support the employees receives, the top management including the HRD need to revise their policy of WLBespecially other factors that can influenced the employees to optimized their efforts in doing their job.


2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 200-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Darwin

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the challenges and obstacles encountered in the implementation of a mentoring program for Master of Business Administration (MBA) students at the University of South Australia (UniSA) Business School. The paper starts with an exploration into the need for a mentoring program, the trial and subsequent four years of implementation. The paper also explores the network model of mentoring and the reasons why this, rather than a more traditional model, was chosen for the program’s implementation. Design/methodology/approach – This exploratory case study uses data from over 600 students and their alumni mentors over a five-year period to evaluate and improve the program as well as cultivating a critical community of adult learners. Findings – Feedback from students indicates that the mentoring program is regarded by most as a value-added feature of their early learning as it offers support, if and when it is required, from those who have been there before. Research limitations/implications – Results are limited to one institution. However, as research into mentoring for higher education students is thin on the ground, this study contributes to our understanding of the positive impacts of mentoring on student success. Practical implications – This paper emphasizes the importance of business leaders giving back to their alma mater through mentoring current MBA students. It shows how mentoring can support learning and management development. Originality/value – This is an original study which explores ways to increase the learning of higher education students for positive social outcomes.


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