Capital or people – what is the true purpose of education?

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanweer Ali
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Mainstream Economic ◽  
Capital Theory ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proper Role ◽  
Economic Progress ◽  
True Purpose

Purpose The purpose of this study is to present the book Education, Economy and Society, edited by Salim Vally and Enver Motala (UNISA Press, Pretoria, 2014), which highlights the main concepts introduced and discussed. Design/methodology/approach The study primarily summarizes the critique of human capital theory (HCT) which is developed in the book. This is done using different approaches and is comprehensive in scope. The study also introduces some of the alternative visions of education as presented by the contributing authors. The author of the review also draws on other literature which addresses the same fields. Findings HCT dominates the discourse on the role of education in society, but the concept is hard to measure and evidence of its importance is scant. Despite the criticism of this theory, it continues to dominate the mainstream economic theory. Research limitations/implications The main premise merits more systematic study, ideally drawing on more extensive literature, and extending beyond the confines of any one country. As a review, this study aimed to maintain a focus on this one important collection. Social implications HCT tends to promote a view of education as a tool of material economic progress. This excludes a discussion of social justice and de-emphasizes the role of education in advancing individual fulfilment and in strengthening democratic values. A view of useful human activity outside of production within a corporate environment is also ignored. This book covers all of these ideas. Originality/value This study draws attention to an important book which discusses the proper role of education in economic development and critiques policy making in South Africa. The book is broad enough in scope to be of relevance to educators, academics and policy makers in the developing and developed worlds.

scholarly journals The role of uniqueness in destination branding: the case of historical Portsmouth harbor

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandros Apostolakis ◽  
Shabbar Jaffry ◽  
Faye Sizeland ◽  
Adam Cox
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Regional Level ◽  
Destination Branding ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
City Brand ◽  
High Profile ◽  
Local Resources

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential for utilizing a unique resource, such as the Historic Portsmouth Harbor, in order to differentiate the local brand. Design/methodology/approach – The objective of the paper is to examine the role of unique local resources and attractions as a source of competitive advantage through destination branding. Findings – The main findings of the paper indicate that policy makers and destination managers should more proactively utilize the unique elements of the Historic Portsmouth Harbor “brand,” as opposed to the commonplace “waterfront city” brand. This could be achieved by staging events of international significance or through a bid for gaining world heritage status. In addition to that, the paper argues that in order for this branding initiative to have a higher impact, a prominent high profile individual should be appointed. This individual could act as a leader or “brand ambassador” in order to attract stakeholder interest and participation. Originality/value – The paper could be of value to destination managers and marketing organizations in a local, sub-regional and regional level.

The truth (as I see it): philosophical considerations influencing a typology of fake news

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-158
Author(s):  
Caitlin Candice Ferreira ◽  
Jeandri Robertson ◽  
Marnell Kirsten
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Alternative View ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Power Structures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the philosophical considerations of fake news and provide an alternative view to current conceptualizations of its binary nature. Through an evaluation of existing research, a typology of fake news is presented that considers the possibility that the propagation of fake news about a brand, may be stemming from the brand itself, a previously unexplored field in the literature. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper based on extensive literature review on the fields of fake news and knowledge creation, resulting in the creation of a synthesized typology. Findings The role of power structures greatly influences the ability for a brand to respond to fake news. Externally constructed disinformation is seemingly more difficult for a brand to address, as a result of having limited control over the message. Internally constructed information, while stemming from the brand itself provides the brand with more control, but a greater public distrust as the source of the fake news seems to confirm the disinformation. Practical implications This paper presents a typology that contrasts the source of the construction of disinformation and the extent to which the facts have been fabricated. Furthermore, this paper provides future researchers with an alternate understanding of the conceptualization of fake news. Originality/value This paper is the first of its kind to establish a typology of fake news on the basis of the source of construction of disinformation. The source plays an important role when assessing the associated brand risks and developing an approach to combat potential negative implications.

The politics of margin squeeze in telecommunications: diverging paths of the US and EU

Info ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuat Oğuz
Keyword(s):  
Competition Policy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Case Law ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Socialist Calculation Debate ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Usa

Purpose – This paper aims to study the historical origins of margin squeeze cases in the USA and Europe. Design/methodology/approach – The author compares and contrasts major margin squeeze investigations in the USA and the European Union (EU) in terms of the role of efficiency and fairness and shows their roots in the socialist calculation debate of the 1940s. Findings – It was found that the USA and EU diverge in their approaches towards margin squeeze claims. While the USA case law focuses more on efficiency, the European Commission makes decisions based more on fairness and “protection of rivals”. This shows that political and ideological preferences influence legal decision-making. Research limitations/implications – The paper is limited to major cases in telecommunications. It leaves aside cases in other areas. Thus, the author cautions that the generalization of the findings of the paper to all margin squeeze cases, or competition policy in general, may be difficult. Originality/value – While there is extensive literature on margin squeeze cases in the USA and EU, there is little work on the historical and ideological connections. The paper contributes to the literature by drawing attention to political influences over technical decisions.

Secrets and knowledge management strategy: the role of secrecy appropriation mechanisms in realizing value from firm innovations

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 297-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Hannah ◽  
Michael Parent ◽  
Leyland Pitt ◽  
Pierre Berthon
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Dynamics ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Knowledge Management Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore in depth the mechanisms that organizations use to keep their innovations secret. This paper examines how, when and why secrecy appropriation mechanisms (SAMs) can enable innovators to appropriate value from their innovations.Design/methodology/approachBuilding from an extensive literature review of innovation and secrecy, the paper presents a number of implications for theory and research in the form of testable propositions.FindingsThis conceptualization proposes that SAMs can have both positive and negative effects on a number of organizational dynamics. SAMs involve tradeoffs, and the key to understanding whether they create value to organizations lies in understanding that these tradeoffs exist and the nature of these tradeoffs.Practical implicationsWhile most managers recognize the importance of secrecy in innovations, many struggle with the practical challenges of doing so. The paper presents guidance for managers to overcome these challenges.Originality/valueThis paper adds to previous research that has identified secrecy as an important appropriation mechanism for firms by digging deeper into the details of SAMs and exploring their sources, characteristics and effects.

Libraries and technology: Canadian and Malaysian copyright exceptions

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 415-425
Author(s):  
Ratnaria Wahid
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Extra Effort ◽  
Library Community

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a snapshot and a comparative analysis of copyright exceptions available for libraries. It frames the differences and similarities, leading to discussion as to what extent copyright exceptions help libraries cater the changing technology. Design/methodology/approach This paper introduces the role of copyright exceptions in balancing owners and users interests. It explains evolving libraries activities due to technological development and how copyright exceptions significantly applies. Several factors in Canadian and Malaysian statutes are compared, namely, the rights granted, purposes allowed, beneficiaries affected, works involved, and conditions attached. This signifies to what extent the library exceptions cater to the changing needs and circumstances. It emphasizes the importance of awareness and understanding in order for libraries to serve its role effectively. Findings Both countries consider the use of new technologies in its library exceptions. Malaysian statute adopts a general approach which can either be flexibly or rigidly interpreted. Comparatively, Canada adopts a more specific and detail approach that might restrict beneficial activities. This paper calls for extra effort for policy makers to allow more control of digital works that may serve libraries activities. Originality/value There has not been any comparative study in the library literature on copyright exceptions for libraries in Malaysia and Canada. This study aims to provoke such discussion and how each country may learn from each others practices. It should be useful to the whole library community, particularly to both countries.

Cloud libraries

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 19-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayank Yuvaraj
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Literature Survey ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Computing Platform ◽  
Cloud Computing Platform ◽  
Theoretical Foundations

Purpose – The present paper is an attempt to describe in detail the concept of Cloud computing in conjunction with libraries. It describes in detail about Cloud libraries, transition of libraries toward Cloud, its need, features, Cloud library components, types of Cloud libraries, Cloud library infrastructure, key players as well as role of Cloud librarians. Design/methodology/approach – Based on an extensive literature survey, the basic conceptions of Cloud libraries were developed. Findings – Various concepts of Cloud libraries have been proposed in the literature that will be instrumental in understanding the theoretical foundations of Cloud libraries. Originality/value – Till date no any theoretical foundation exists on the concept of Cloud libraries. The paper is one of the first attempts to give shape to the libraries based on Cloud computing platform.

Finding “good enough” metrics for the UK’s research excellence framework

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Research Assessment ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Excellence Framework ◽  
Alternative Vision ◽  
Research Excellence ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to encourage discussion about the potential role of metrics in research assessment. Design/methodology/approach – The paper considers the results of the UK’s 2014 Research Excellence Framework, and the potential of metrics to reduce the size of future exercises. Findings – The paper suggests that a battery of non-robust metrics selected by the higher education institutions could support a greatly reduced peer-reviewed exercise. Practical implications – Policy makers should reconsider the role of metrics in research assessment. Originality/value – The paper provides an alternative vision of the role of metrics in research assessment, and will be of interest to policy makers, bibliometricians, and anyone interested in HEI research assessment.

Industry's role in employability

2015 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 151-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vidya M. Iyer ◽  
Kartik Dave
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Practical Skills ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Changing Trends ◽  
Indian Context ◽  
The World ◽  
Large Deficit

Purpose – The world is seeing a large deficit in employable workforce. An employable workforce is developed with appropriate combination of academic and practical skills. Practical skills are better developed with industry intervention rather than in classrooms. Changing trends of economic activity have steadily changed the business thought. The purpose of this paper is to assess the role of industry in developing employability by studying employability from the value chain and “Demand-Supply” of workforce models. The scope is limited to Indian context. This paper is a part of the research on factors influencing employability in India. Design/methodology/approach – Literature review, expert interviews and authors’ own experiences and understanding. Findings – It has been found that most of the countries in the world are facing a shortage of skilled and employable workforce. We examined various literature content and studied specific instances in the Industry. The study has shown that in the cases where industry has been actively involved in identifying training needs, the supply of manpower has been adequate. So, it is found that industry's role in employability is crucial and impacts on other macro policies for human development. Social implications – As this paper is a part of a larger study on “Factors impacting employability in India,” it is of paramount importance to Indian researchers, students and policy makers. The paper and the research are oriented to identifying causes to the problem of employability, so that systemic changes can be identified. Originality/value – This paper is based on large amount of literature that is existing in various sources. All the literature has been thoroughly read and assimilated. Suitable references have cited and others have been acknowledged. Most importantly this is an original work of the authors and their views.

Lifestyle entrepreneurs in winemaking

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 385-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Dominici ◽  
Fabio Boncinelli ◽  
Enrico Marone
Keyword(s):  
Economic Theory ◽  
Family Business ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Profit Maximization ◽  
Mainstream Economic ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Explorative Study ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate non-pecuniary motivations and benefits of involvement in the wine business. Combining these motives with winery owners’ characteristics, attitudes and implemented strategies, the aim is to identify different winery owners’ styles in small-medium family-run firms. Design/methodology/approach The applied method is a qualitative explorative study involving in-depth interviews with Tuscan winery owners. They have hands-on involvement in the winemaking process, own a family business and supervise all of the production phases, from grape growing to bottling. Findings The study highlights the key role of non-economic motivations for winery owners. Passion, independence and a desire to live close to nature are predominant compared to pecuniary motivations, such as profit maximization. Therefore, the “lifestyle-oriented” style, characterized especially by the achievement of non-pecuniary benefits, represents the prevailing style amongst the interviewed winery owners, in contrast to the “business-oriented” style, which features typical producers described by mainstream economic theory. Originality/value The findings of this study are pivotal because they can facilitate a better understanding of how family-run wineries make decisions related to, e.g. firm size, staff management, product quality, exports and sustainability.

Are trade unions learning?

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-94
Author(s):  
Sabina Siebert
Keyword(s):  
Workplace Learning ◽  
Trade Unions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Human Capital Theory ◽  
Employment Relations ◽  
Capital Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Partnerships ◽  
Positive Learning Environment

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider whether a university‐based conception of learning in the workplace might bridge the differences that separate the critics and advocates of workplace learning promoted by trade unions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the role of work‐based learning in trade unions.FindingsFor trade unions the meaning of workplace learning is a contested area. Critics associate it with a corporate oriented policy of upskilling the workforce, premised on a simplified, firm‐specific notion of the human capital theory. In contrast, advocates of workplace learning promoted by trade unions consider it an opportunity to develop the basic and higher level skills of members while revitalising the movement. This paper proposes a way forward for union involvement in work‐based learning that tackles the concerns of radical trade unionists and fulfils the hopes of advocates, namely to work in collaboration with universities.Originality/valueThe literature on the role of trade unions in promoting workplace learning focuses on the tension between critics who challenge a unitarist and consensual view of learning, and advocates who believe that learning partnerships between employers and trade unions facilitate more conciliatory employment relations and create a positive learning environment for the members. This paper assumes a different perspective by proposing a way forward for union involvement in workplace learning, namely to work in collaboration with universities.

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