scholarly journals A reflective commentary about teaching international non-accounting postgraduates amid COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Yong

Purpose This study aims to highlight the experience of teaching accounting to non-accounting international postgraduates both pre- and during COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach Reflections and anecdotal evidence from 550 students that experienced face-to-face and blended teaching mode in 2019 and 2020 were used. Findings The accounting course is contextualised to non-accounting disciplines. International postgraduates showed varying levels of adaptability towards the blended teaching approach. During the lockdown, students from India were more vocal and sought assistance more than those from China. Chinese students asked for assistance only when it was necessary. Excessive emails from students seeking reassurances and affirmations were common during the lockdown, and therefore, there is a greater need for pastoral care. Research limitations/implications This paper evaluates the impact of COVID-19 on international students enrolled in one accounting course in one university in 2019 and 2020. The comments based on personal observations and experience may result in some subjectivity and bias. Practical implications The findings will help academics, institutional leaders and support staff to evaluate and improve teaching quality and service to international students. Originality/value With the uncertainty caused by COVID-19 and the commercialisation of global education, this study adds to the discussion of teaching accounting to non-accountants during a crisis. It provides insights into the cultural influences and experiential differences relating to teaching international students.

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 1278-1292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huong Le ◽  
Jade McKay

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the voice of Chinese and Vietnamese international students through studying the similarities and differences in their learning experiences and the reasons underlying their experience. Design/methodology/approach In total, 57 Chinese and Vietnamese international students participated in focus groups and interviews regarding their experiences of higher education and their suggestions for improvement. Findings The findings show that Chinese and Vietnamese students had varying levels of challenges and different progress in the adaptation process and that Chinese students were more vocal and less satisfied with their experience of higher education than Vietnamese students. This is due to the mismatch in their expectation and the actual experience and the cultural influence. Research limitations/implications The sample size is relatively small. This study only looked at Vietnamese and Chinese students in one university, which might have limitations in relation to subjectivity and bias. Practical implications The findings provide useful implications for educators, institutional leaders and support staff to improve facilities, teaching quality and service to students. Originality/value In the current era of internationalisation, commercialisation and mobility in institutions around the world, this study advances current research and provides timely insight into the experiential differences of the Chinese and Vietnamese student experience and their voice.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 296-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Carpenter ◽  
Paul Munshower

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how rural teachers provided a PLC by leveraging virtual technologies to connect educators of like subject disciplines from several schools, foreign and domestic. Design/methodology/approach A phenomenological case study-based approach was leveraged to investigate established vPLCs at schools (Creswell, 2013; Stake, 2010). Qualitative data were collected from multiple sources to obtain rural teacher perceptions on the impact vPLCs had on their practice (Creswell, 2013). Findings Teacher collaborative teams build relationships comparable to teams that met face to face as part of a similar PLC and PD experience. Participant reflections in this investigation showed that rural educators favored face-to-face meetings; however, vPLCs provided similar teacher experiences to that of the face-to-face PBL model. Results indicated that educators recognized virtual collaboration just as valuable a tool for enabling PLCs than face-to-face collaborations while still offering similarities to improved teacher practice. Research limitations/implications The research was limited to teachers in rural settings in the USA (Texas) and in the Dominican Republic. The research was limited to teacher perceptions of change, and observed changes as part of their participation in a research-based virtual PLC model. The research was limited to the school setting over an academic year. Practical implications The findings from this study have practical implications for rural teachers and school implementation of a professional learning community model. Originality/value The promise provided by this study is that vPLCs may provide opportunity for rural schools to provide a job-embedded professional development model (Croft et al., 2010) for otherwise isolated teachers (Barrett et al., 2015).


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijay Pereira ◽  
Ashish Malik ◽  
Fabian Jintae Froese

Purpose This paper aims to explore the importance of the role of national business systems (NBS) in shaping human resource management (HRM) and organisational behaviour (OB) practices in the context of Asian countries. To this end, this paper presents a comparative overview of different NBS in selected Asian countries and how these variously impact HRM and OB at two levels and contexts, i.e. within and cross-national. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a topical review of the literature to unravel the complexity and challenges associated with studying this rich and complex area. Findings The findings suggest there is significant complexity in studying the impact of NBS on HRM and OB at a holistic and multi-level unit of analysis. The multiplicity of factors and levels of analysis, even at a level of within country analysis, highlights the sophisticated, in-depth and detailed nature of scholarship needed to unbundle and get a fuller understanding of this topic. Research limitations/implications Although recent research presents a within and cross-national analysis of NBS and its impact on HRM and OB practices from diverse Asian countries such as India, Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia, recent research offers only a focused analysis of few targeted HRM and OB practices, rather than a collective or a bundle of HRM practices. Practical implications The contributions point to several practical implications for HR managers as well as managers from other fields, covering several national and cross-national comparisons. Originality/value This paper offers a substantial contribution in the understanding of how various HRM and OB practices are embedded in a nation’s business system and through a variety of historical and cultural influences.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Clemons ◽  
Swathi Reddy Baddam ◽  
Raymond M. Henry

PurposeHow might an organization swiftly resolve supplier problems such that the issue does not reoccur? The purpose of this study seeks to understand the impact of different knowledge-sharing routines on measures of effective problem resolution.Design/methodology/approachData are collected from an automotive manufacturer's (buyer) database. A hierarchical linear model analyzes dyadic data collected from 155 problems across 24 suppliers.FindingsThis study reveals that different ways of communicating have differing impact on measures of effective problem-solving. Communication involving face-to-face interaction slows the process, whereas frequent communication can lead to swift resolution. Furthermore, management teams are more likely to lead to a “better” fix in that these teams are more likely to implement changes in the process or product.Research limitations/implicationsThe data are for a tier-one automotive supplier. Hence, the findings are limited by the extent to which other organizations may differ.Practical implicationsThe results provide insights for managers experiencing supply issues. Some forms of communication should be encouraged as they enhance the process. Moreover, the findings suggest there are consequences to pressuring a supplier to resolve a complaint quickly.Originality/valueVery few researchers can claim to have investigated observed collaborative mechanisms that occur between a buyer and its suppliers when resolving a problem. This research adds to the literature on the relational view theory as it applies to supply chain management and problem resolution.


Author(s):  
Graham Cole

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – In a world seemingly awash with technological innovations, a question which often arises is how to utilize them most effectively. That is one challenge faced by the higher education (HE) sector. Institutions grapple with finding ways to incorporate technology alongside conventional teaching methods. A significant development has been the growing tendency for universities to deliver course content using a “blended learning” approach. Information and communications technologies in the shape of online teaching resources are used in combination with established face-to-face tutoring methods. However, little is yet certain as to the impact of this approach on student motivation and their learning outcomes. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to digest format.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
José A. Folgado-Fernández ◽  
Paulo Duarte ◽  
José Manuel Hernández-Mogollón

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the role of communication, structural and intangible elements on both tourists’ rational and emotional engagement across five different types of events (nature, gastronomy, religion, theatre and music). Design/methodology/approach Responses from 1,528 tourists were obtained through a face to face questionnaire in five heterogeneous events in the Spanish region of Extremadura, a well-known cultural tourism destination. Linear regressions were used to evaluate focal constructs’ contribution (emotional and rational engagement, formal and informal communication and structural and non-structural elements) on tourists’ engagement across events. Findings The results revealed that tourist’s rational and emotional engagement depends on the type of event. Non-structural elements seem to be important for rational and emotional engagement for gastronomic and cultural events. Besides the impact of structural elements on rational engagement, all other factors seem to have a mixed influence. Therefore, practitioners must select the factors to highlight according to the type of events, besides structural factors. Practical implications The current results allow tourism managers to understand the mechanisms for tourists’ engagement in a multi-event scenario to strategically select and use and communicate each type of appeal when planning and communicating events to specific target audiences. Originality/value Unlike most studies that focus on a single event or typology, this study combines a set of heterogeneous events to provide a complete picture of tourism engagement for the tourism sector.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 642-651
Author(s):  
Rong Huang ◽  
Tao Xu

Purpose As the Chinese outbound travel market has become a paramount target for world tourism with significant growth potential, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the impact that the Chinese outbound travel market has on the European tourism industry. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews both academic and trade literature to provide an overview of the opportunities and challenges that the China outbound travel market might bring to the European tourism industry. Findings The paper presents the major topics relating to China outbound tourism research and the current research gaps. Chinese outbound tourists are not a homogenous group of tourists. The paper addresses opportunities and challenges from two key segments of China outbound travel (Chinese international students and Chinese senior tourists). Practical implications The paper calls for alternative and innovative research methods and research behaviour in tracking the impact of Chinese outbound tourists. Closer collaboration between academics and industry practitioners might provide a better understanding of this market. Originality/value The paper offers recent insights on the Chinese outbound tourism market based on an analysis of relevant literature by both academics and industry practitioners. This allows the relevant stakeholders to adopt proactive strategies to minimise potential negative impacts and maximise opportunities.


2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shakiba Kazemian ◽  
Susan Barbara Grant

Purpose The paper aims to explore “content” factors influencing consumptive and contributive use of enterprise social networking within UK higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach The methodology uses genre analysis and grounded theory to analyse empirical data from posts obtained through Microsoft Yammer and a focus group. Findings The findings reveal the motivators-outcomes-strategies and the barriers-outcomes-strategies of users. Motivators (M) include feature value, Information value, organizational requirement and adequate organizational and technical support. Barriers (B) include six factors, including resisting engagement on the online platform, emotional anxiety, loss of knowledge, the lack of organizational pressure, lack of content quality and lack of time. An Outcomes (O) framework reveals benefits and dis-benefits and strategies (S) relating to improving user engagement. Practical implications The research method and resultant model may serve as guidelines to higher educational establishments interested in motivating their staff and scholars around the use of enterprise social network (ESN) systems, especially during face-to-face restrictions. Originality/value This research study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic which provides a unique setting to examine consumptive and contributive user behaviour of ESN’s. Furthermore, the study develops a greater understanding of “content” factors leading to the benefits or dis-benefits of ESN use, drawing on user motivators, barriers and strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in UK education.


2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 339-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siham Lekchiri ◽  
Cindy Crowder ◽  
Anna Schnerre ◽  
Barbara A.W. Eversole

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of working women in a male-dominated country (Morocco) and unveil the unique challenges and everyday gender-bias they face, the psychological impact of the perceived gender-bias and, finally, identify a variety of coping strategies or combatting mechanisms affecting their motivation and retention in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach Empirical evidence was obtained using a qualitative research method. The Critical Incident Technique (CIT) was used to collect incidents recalled by women in the select institution reflecting their perceptions of their managers’ ineffective behaviors towards them and the impact of these behaviors. The critical incidents were inductively coded, and behavioral statements were derived from the coded data. Findings The qualitative data analysis led them to structure the data according to two theme clusters: The perceived gender-bias behaviors (Covert and evident personal and organizational behaviors) and Psychological impacts resulting from the perceived bias. These behavioral practices included abusive behaviors, unfair treatment, bias and lack of recognition. The psychological impact elements involved decreased productivity, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Practical implications Understanding these experiences can facilitate the identification of strategies geared towards the retention of women in the workforce, and Moroccan organizations can develop and implement strategies and policies that are geared towards eliminating gender-bias in the workplace and to retaining and motivating women who remain ambitious to work in male-dominated environments and cultures. Originality/value This paper provides evidence that sufficient organizational mechanisms to support women in male-dominated environments are still unavailable, leaving them to find the proper coping mechanisms to persevere and resist.


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Pauleen

Purpose Dave Snowden has been an important voice in knowledge management over the years. As the founder and chief scientific officer of Cognitive Edge, a company focused on the development of the theory and practice of social complexity, he offers informative views on the relationship between big data/analytics and KM. Design/methodology/approach A face-to-face interview was held with Dave Snowden in May 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand. Findings According to Snowden, analytics in the form of algorithms are imperfect and can only to a small extent capture the reasoning and analytical capabilities of people. For this reason, while big data/analytics can be useful, they are limited and must be used in conjunction with human knowledge and reasoning. Practical implications Snowden offers his views on big data/analytics and how they can be used effectively in real world situations in combination with human reasoning and input, for example in fields from resource management to individual health care. Originality/value Snowden is an innovative thinker. He combines knowledge and experience from many fields and offers original views and understanding of big data/analytics, knowledge and management.


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