A review and perspective on Lean in higher education

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 442-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
William K. Balzer ◽  
David E. Francis ◽  
Timothy C. Krehbiel ◽  
Nicholas Shea
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Organizational Development ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unit Level ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Organizational Development And Change

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the accumulated body of research on Lean in higher education, draw conclusions to help guide successful Lean implementations and propose future research directions to establish a rich base of knowledge that informs both practice and research. Design/methodology/approach This literature review examines the academic literature regarding the use of Lean in higher education across 64 publications. EBSCO definitions were used to assess and present the synthesized results, which are detailed at the department/unit level and at the organizational level. Findings Overall, Lean appears to have significant and measurable value when used to improve academic and administrative operations in higher education. Such improvements are effective at the department/unit level or throughout the entire institution. However, implementing Lean within an institution is a serious undertaking that is most impactful if it involves long-term, strategic planning. Research limitations/implications The groundwork has been established for the development of conceptual frameworks to further guide Lean initiatives in higher education. Such frameworks, together with further integration of organizational development and change management literature will define best practices when implementing Lean locally and throughout the institution. Originality/value At the time of this writing, there has been no systematic review or integration of the published literature about Lean in higher education. This review provides a highly useful starting point for researchers interested in further developing theory about quality in academic institutions.

Multiteam systems as integrated networks for engaging ambidexterity as dynamic capabilities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin P. Dean
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Dynamic Environment ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Integrated Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Systems Model ◽  
Near Term

PurposeThis inquiry aims to determine the features and mechanisms that specially enable a multiteam system (MTS) to develop ambidexterity that can deal effectively with rapid changes in dynamic environments. The MTS is an emerging organizational unit comprised of tightly integrated networks of teams that may originate from one or more firms. The inquiry also considered how an MTS can engage those features and mechanisms to maximize ambidexterity as dynamic capabilities for increased innovation and long-term adaptation under complex, volatile conditions.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual inquiry integrates the emerging research on MTSs with theory and studies relating to ambidexterity and dynamic capabilities. This inquiry focuses on the attributes and linkages that specially characterize an MTS. It analyzes these to determine the key mechanisms and interactions enabling and engaging ambidexterity at MTS unit level.FindingsMTSs can engage powerful mechanisms for ambidexterity functioning as dynamic capabilities at meso-organizational level. The attributes and linkages that distinguish an MTS from other units enable it to deal effectively and efficiently with near-term task demands by simultaneously balancing the essential tasks of exploration and exploitation, and by being able to rapidly adapt by reconfiguring taskwork and reallocating resources as required for sustainable innovation and long-term success within a dynamic environment.Practical implicationsThis inquiry provides valuable insights for designing MTSs that are equipped with selected teams, flexible memberships, specialized skills and permeable interfaces. Autonomy for an MTS allows the unit to span internal and external organizational boundaries to gain access to new discoveries and to exchange information and material resources for increased innovation. Ambidexterity as dynamic capabilities facilitates exploitation of current resources by efficiently reconfiguring taskwork and reallocating materials for adaptation and competitive advantage.Originality/valueThis inquiry appears to represent the most integrative effort to examine the underexplored potential of MTSs for developing and engaging ambidexterity functioning as dynamic capabilities. The inquiry appears to be a first effort at articulating a concept of MTS ambidexterity distinct from organizational ambidexterity. The analysis synthesizes a systems model that guides organizational leaders and opens new opportunities for future research.

scholarly journals Exploring academics’ identities in today’s universities: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Mula-Falcón ◽  
Katia Caballero ◽  
Jesús Domingo Segovia
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
International Studies ◽  
New Governance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Bibliographic Search ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Clear Predominance

Purpose The study aims to analyse international studies on the impact that new forms of control and performativity in higher education have on academics’ identity. The aim was threefold, namely, to provide an overview of the main published findings; to establish biases and future lines of research and to offer a starting point to stimulate a debate on the future of universities. Design/methodology/approach The present study consists of a systematic review aimed at providing an overview of the main professional identities (PIs) described in the literature in the past 10 years. A bibliographic search was conducted on the Web of Science, SCOPUS and Education Resources Information Centre, which yielded a total of 26 articles that were subsequently subjected to thematic analysis. Findings The study provides an overview of the types of identities developed by academics as a result of the new forms of control. Among the main findings, this study reveals a clear predominance of PIs characterised by submission to the new neoliberal demands. The professional, social and health consequences associated with these identities are also highlighted. Finally, a proposal is made for future research to better understand how these new PIs are constructed and developed. Research limitations/implications Because of the chosen filters or databases, the study could have omitted possible articles relevant to this review. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to replicate such a study by expanding, for example, the languages used. Originality/value This study helps us to obtain a detailed description of the different identities generated as a consequence of the new governance of higher education. Furthermore, possible implications for mitigating this situation are mentioned.

Resilience and entrepreneurship: a systematic literature review

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1129-1154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Korber ◽  
Rod B. McNaughton
Keyword(s):  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Entrepreneurial Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Multi Level

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review existing literature at the intersection of resilience and entrepreneurship. It identifies six scholarly conversations, each of which draws on distinct notions of resilience and entrepreneurship. Based on those conversations, shortcomings in the existing literature are discussed and avenues for future research are outlined.Design/methodology/approachA systematic multi-disciplinary review of 144 papers that are categorized into six scholarly conversations to build the foundation for a critical discussion of each line of inquiry.FindingsThis paper identifies six conversations or research streams at the intersection of entrepreneurship and resilience: resilience as traits or characteristics of entrepreneurial firms or individuals, resilience as a trigger for entrepreneurial intentions, entrepreneurial behavior as enhancing organizational resilience, entrepreneurial firms fostering macro-level (regions, communities, economies) resilience, resilience in the context of entrepreneurial failure, and resilience as a process of recovery and transformation. The review revealed these publications imprecisely define constructs and use a limited amount of the extant scholarship on both entrepreneurship and resilience. Future research should take a more holistic approach to explore entrepreneurship and resilience from a multi-level and longitudinal perspective, especially in the context of socio-ecological sustainability.Originality/valueThis paper incorporates insights on resilience and entrepreneurship across academic disciplines to show how future contributions could benefit by incorporating research from other fields. In doing so, it provides a starting point for more nuanced discussions around the interrelationships between the different conversations and the role entrepreneurs can play in promoting a positive, long-term trajectory for a socio-ecological system.

Communication barriers in an interorganizational ERP-project

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 214-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annika Andersson
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Development ◽  
Enterprise Resource Planning ◽  
Resource Planning ◽  
Communication Barriers ◽  
Knowledge Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Erp System ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Managerial Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore and analyze communication patterns and bridging activities to be able to describe communication barriers in an interorganizational enterprise resource planning (ERP) project and some ways to overcome those. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical arena was an interorganizational ERP-project, which implemented an On-Premise ERP-system. The goal for the team, assembled from both the buyer and supplier, was to implement an ERP-system, with a fixed price calculated from the expected resources and time needed, half a year. Participant observations, complementary interviews and documentation studies were accomplished, to be able to find and describe communication barriers for organizational development. Findings – Communication barriers were found, such as technnological concerns, micro-level discussions, limited bridging activities and openness to change. Research limitations/implications – The present study, concerning one single, interorganizational ERP-project provides a starting point for further research concerning communication barriers in ERP-projects. Further research could look at the implications communication barriers could have for the buyer and supplier organization in a long term. Practical implications – In managerial implications, some ways to overcome those barriers are discussed. Originality/value – Communication barriers found, and their impact on knowledge development within interorganizational ERP-projects, is described. The paper offers a starting point for future research concerning communication barriers. Results could be used of managers to understand communication barriers and their implications for knowledge development and organizational change.

The Challenge of CBE Programs

2017 ◽  
pp. 92-115
Author(s):  
Julie Uranis ◽  
Tanja Bibbs
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Competency Based Education ◽  
Education Leaders ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Competency Based ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Higher Education Leaders ◽  
Programs Of Study

Using the student lifecycle as a framework, the authors explore the administrative and technological considerations pertaining to competency-based education (CBE). The goal of this chapter is to familiarize readers with the administrative issues surrounding the development of CBE programs. While the chapter is not all-inclusive, it should serve as a starting point for higher education leaders interested in CBE, especially those lacking the resources to develop a program outside existing governance, policies, and systems. This chapter may serve as a guide for institutional leaders working through the administrative challenges related to CBE programs. The authors address aspects of recruitment, marketing, pre-admission support, admissions, advising, orientation, registration, billing, programs of study, access to institutional resources, transcripts, and key performance indicators. The chapter concludes with future research directions as well as solutions and recommendations.

Exploring Semantic Tagging with Tilkut

2011 ◽  
pp. 130-148
Author(s):  
Sari Vainikainen ◽  
Pirjo Näkki ◽  
Asta Bäck
Keyword(s):  
User Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Social Bookmarking ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Semantic Ontology ◽  
Test Use

Social bookmarking is one of the earliest examples of social media services. In bookmarking services there are two main approaches for adding metadata: user-generated freely chosen tags and keywords based on taxonomies or semantic ontology. This chapter presents a social bookmarking service Tilkut that combines the benefits of both of these approaches. Tilkut utilizes both freely defined tags and semantic tag suggestions based on predefined ontology. This chapter describes two different versions of the service and user experiences from a small scale user study and long-term test use in real context. Work related knowledge sharing was selected as a primary use case for the second version. The results from the first user studies were used as the starting point when developing the second version of Tilkut. A survey and workshop were organised to get more information of the requirements for enterprise use. In this chapter, we explain our approaches to adding semantics to social bookmarking, present the experiences, and discuss future research directions.

The rise of China's geointellect?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Romi Jain
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Power ◽  
Belt And Road ◽  
China’S Foreign Policy ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Power Project

Purpose A qualitative development is discernible in China’s pursuit of global influence in knowledge following the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China has embarked on expanding the frontiers of its higher education and research enterprise in different geographies, a subset of its global power project. This paper employs the geointellect concept to analyze this phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach The paper applies the geointellect model, formed inductively, to illuminate China’s geographical expanse in higher education and research. Findings The BRI has provided a platform for China to shape the educational architecture of the participating countries, apart from receiving a boost in its prestige by leading educational alliances and opening overseas research centres. In quantitative terms, it has made progress in specific knowledge metrics. Nevertheless, certain challenges and limitations need to be overcome. Research limitations/implications The role of a foreign policy in boosting a country’s knowledge profile has been identified. Future research directions have been provided in using the geointellect model. Practical implications This study provides a direction to evaluate the implications of China’s foreign policy for its knowledge segment, especially in terms of capturing its leading prowess in higher education and research. Originality/value It contributes a conceptual model to capture the different facets of China’s geointellect, with foreign policy, geography, higher education, and research being its constituents.

Model-based teaching of physics in higher education: a review of educational strategies and cognitive improvements

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Cascarosa ◽  
Carlos Sánchez-Azqueta ◽  
Cecilia Gimeno ◽  
Concepción Aldea
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Science Teaching ◽  
Physics Education ◽  
School Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Special Importance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
Model Based ◽  
Starting Point

PurposeUntil relatively recently, science teaching was based on conveying theoretical concepts. Nevertheless, in the last few years we have gradually understood the importance of building mental models that represent scientific reality. Model-based science teaching has been used at a school level with satisfactory results. However, only a few studies have been published so far on science modelling in higher education.Design/methodology/approachThe present thematic review analyses the concept of model in science and the works published in recent years on models in physics education.FindingsThroughout these years, special importance has been given to the acquisition of student learning models. These models can either be introduced in the teaching process or acquired by students in their learning process using specific teaching tools. As a conclusion of this review, the authors say that although such strategies are increasingly used in the teaching of science at a school level, few works delve into the importance of acquiring models in higher education. More specifically, there are few research works published in the context of teaching physics in university courses.Originality/valueThis study review and analyses works published on this issue and aims to provide knowledge as a starting point for future research.

Social media and consumer engagement: a review and research agenda

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 268-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Barger ◽  
James W. Peltier ◽  
Don E. Schultz
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Consumer Engagement ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Antecedents And Consequences ◽  
Area Of Concern ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose In “Social media’s slippery slope: challenges, opportunities and future research directions”, Schultz and Peltier (2013) asked “whether or how social media can be used to leverage consumer engagement into highly profitable relationships for both parties”. The purpose of this article is to continue this discussion by reviewing recent literature on consumer engagement and proposing a framework for future research. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews the marketing literature on social media, paying particular attention to consumer engagement, which was identified as a primary area of concern in Schultz and Peltier (2013). Findings A significant amount of research has been conducted on consumer engagement since 2010. Lack of consensus on the definition of the construct has led to fragmentation in the discipline, however. As a result, research related to consumer engagement is often not identified as such, making it difficult for academics and practitioners to stay abreast of developments in this area. Originality/value This critical review provides marketing academics and practitioners insights into the antecedents and consequences of consumer engagement and offers a conceptual framework for future research.

A model for managing service encounters for neo-luxury consumers

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie Canziani ◽  
Kittichai Watchravesringkan ◽  
Jennifer Yurchisin
Keyword(s):  
Social Class ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Service Encounters ◽  
Theoretic Model ◽  
Luxury Brands ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Markets ◽  
Future Research Directions

Purpose – This paper aims to explore a theoretical relationship among perceptions of consumer social class, the perceived legitimacy of customer requests for service and the delivery of intangible services. It focuses the discussion on service firm encounters with non-traditional consumers seeking to purchase from luxury brands. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the literature for current trends in strategies of luxury brands and characteristics of evolving global and Asian consumer markets for luxury and neo-luxury goods and draws a theoretic model with propositions. Findings – Evidence suggests that service providers can improve efforts to expand services to the newly rich and trading-up neo-luxury consumer markets by focusing on the intangible elements of the service delivery system. Particular emphasis is placed on enhancing employee treatment of neo-luxury customers during service encounters by understanding the influence of employee perceptions of consumer social class and evaluations of the perceived legitimacy of customer requests for service. Originality/value – The paper contributes to the theoretical discussion in luxury brand management by suggesting that employees are influenced by impressions of customer worth and other attributes when determining responses to customers during service encounters. Implications for practitioners and future research directions for academics based on the framework are presented.

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