Serious games: leverage for knowledge management

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate if the use of “serious games” with students can improve their knowledge acquisition and their academic performance. Design/methodology/approach – The research is an exploratory investigation resorting to the use of a serious game to evaluate the evolution of the students’ competencies in project management, through questionnaires processed using a structural “learning model.” Findings – This research shows indeed that the use of “serious games” improves the knowledge acquisition and management competencies of the students with the evidencing of significant factors contributing to this improvement. Practical implications – The findings of this research show that serious games can be an effective tool to be used in teaching students particularly as traditional methods are less and less accepted by today's students. Originality/value – Although the use of games is not something new in education, it is still limited in teaching practices in higher education. This experiment can help lecturers and trainers to resort to them in their pedagogy and to conceive them according to variables that can enhance their effectiveness.

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Embedding employability within higher education for the profession of policing

Higher Education Skills and Work-based Learning ◽

10.1108/heswbl-06-2018-0061 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 319-328

Author(s):

Ian Pepper ◽

Ruth McGrath

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Research Study ◽

Longitudinal Research ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Content Type ◽

Educational Provision ◽

Professional Body ◽

The Impact ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of an employability module, the College of Policing Certificate in Knowledge of Policing (CKP), on students’ career aspirations, their confidence and wish to join the police along with the appropriateness of the module. This will inform the implementation of employability as part of the College of Policing-managed Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF). Design/methodology/approach A three-year longitudinal research study used mixed methods across four points in time to evaluate the impact on students studying the employability module. Findings The research suggests that the employability-focussed CKP was useful as an introduction to policing, it developed interest in the police and enhanced the confidence of learners applying to join. Lessons learnt from the CKP should be considered during the implementation of the PEQF. Research limitations/implications The ability to generalise findings across different groups is limited as other influences may impact on a learner’s confidence and employability. However, the implications for the PEQF curriculum are worthy of consideration. Practical implications As the police service moves towards standardised higher educational provision and evolution of policing as a profession, lessons can be learnt from the CKP with regards to the future employability of graduates. Originality/value Enhancing the employability evidence base, focussing on policing, the research identified aspects which may impact on graduates completing a degree mapped to the PEQF. The research is therefore of value to higher education and the professional body for policing.

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Nine emerging student needs

On the Horizon ◽

10.1108/oth-05-2017-0028 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 181-189 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Andrew Hines ◽

Alexandra Whittington

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Institutions Of Higher Education ◽

Student Life ◽

Student Needs ◽

Content Type ◽

World Cafe ◽

The Future ◽

The University ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose A research project exploring emerging student needs explored six aspects of student life: living, learning, working, playing, connecting and participating. Design/methodology/approach A modified version of the University of Houston’s “Framework Foresight” method was used to explore the future of six aspects of future student life. The resulting scenarios were analyzed for their implications, including the use of the World Café technique, and ultimately led to the identification of nine emerging student needs. Findings Nine specific emerging needs of future students could be used strategically by institutions of higher education to guide and inform planning and to generate innovative ideas for university offerings. Specific examples of offerings that would meet the projected future needs are recommended. Research limitations/implications In terms of research limitations, the paper is focused on the needs of students and does not purport to be an exhaustive analysis of all of the issues influencing higher education. It views the future of higher education through the lens of students and their emerging needs. Practical implications The paper is intended for educators, researchers and administrators to provide insight on how the needs of students, their key customers, are evolving. Originality/value This piece explores student life in its totality as way to more accurately identify student needs in the future.

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Spaces of performance: a storytelling approach to learning in higher education

The Learning Organization ◽

10.1108/tlo-11-2017-0104 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (6) ◽

pp. 410-421 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Kenneth Mølbjerg Jørgensen

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Learning Organization ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Theoretical Discussion ◽

Content Type ◽

Approach To Learning ◽

Conditions For Learning ◽

Research And Teaching ◽

And Control ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to provide a framework for reflecting on how different ways of configuring spaces in higher education (HE) condition the possibilities of learning. Second, the purpose is to construct a storytelling approach for the configuration of such spaces. Design/methodology/approach The paper’s conceptual purpose is achieved through a theoretical discussion of three concepts: performance, politics and storytelling. Findings Learning in HE needs reconsideration in terms of what kinds of learning are made possible through the discursive and material configuration of the spaces of research and teaching. In particular, the focus to some extent should move away from the management and control of learning toward what enables learning. Practical implications The literature on organizational learning and the learning organization comprise concepts, methods and tools that play different roles with regard to controlling, shaping and enabling learning. When the focus is on learning in HE, it is important to be aware of the tracks of learning these technologies enable. Social implications The interest in managing and controlling learning is often problematic in relation to the potential of HE to produce new and innovative forms of learning. Originality/value This paper introduces the term “spaces of performance,” which directs attention toward the material, discursive and relational conditions for learning. It also introduces a space of storytelling as a new principle for learning in HE.

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Exploring the relationship between dispositions to think critically and sustainability concern in HESD

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education ◽

10.1108/ijshe-07-2020-0251 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Kerry Shephard ◽

Qudsia Kalsoom ◽

Ritika Gupta ◽

Lorenz Probst ◽

Paul Gannon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Sustainable Development ◽

Critical Thinking ◽

New Zealand ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Educational Systems ◽

Content Type ◽

The Usa ◽

The Relationship ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose Higher education is uncertain which sustainability-related education targets should be sought and monitored. Accepting that something needs to be measurable to be systematically improved, the authors explored how measures relate to potential targets. This paper aims to focus on dispositions to think critically (active open-minded thinking and fair-minded thinking in appraising reasoning) as measures and explored how they related to sustainability concern as an indicative educational target. Design/methodology/approach This research included the development and testing of research instruments (scales) that explored dispositions to critical thinking and sustainability concern. Authors researched these instruments within their own correspondence groups and tested them with university students and staff in Pakistan, the USA, Austria, India and New Zealand. The authors also asked a range of contextualising questions. Findings Respondents’ disposition to aspects of active, open-minded thinking and fair-minded thinking do predict their concern about facets of sustainability but their strength of religious belief was an important factor in these relationships and in their measurement. Practical implications This research demonstrates the complexity of monitoring dispositions to think critically and sustainability concern in educational systems, particularly in circumstances where the roles of religious beliefs are of interest; and suggests ways to address this complexity. Originality/value This research integrates and expands discourses on ESD and on critical thinking in diverse disciplines and cultures. It investigates measurement approaches and targets that could help higher education institutions to educate for sustainable development and to monitor their progress, in ways that are compatible with their culture and values.

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Proposal for sustainability action archetypes for higher education institutions

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education ◽

10.1108/ijshe-01-2021-0026 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Francisco Elíseo Fernandes Sanches ◽

Matheus Leite Campos ◽

Luiz Eduardo Gaio ◽

Marcio Marcelo Belli

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Business Models ◽

Scientific Literature ◽

Higher Education Institutions ◽

Sustainable Business ◽

Content Type ◽

Sustainable Business Models ◽

The Subject ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose Higher education institutions (HEIs) should assume their role as leaders in the search for a sustainable future. Consequently, such institutions need to incorporate sustainability into their activities. However, this needs to be done holistically and not with isolated and independent actions. Therefore, this study aims to develop a structure of sustainability action archetypes to help HEIs holistically incorporate sustainability in their strategies. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of the literature was conducted focusing on the subject of sustainability in HEIs. Findings A structure of sustainability action archetypes for HEIs was proposed. Further, based on scientific literature, examples of actions were presented within each archetype. Practical implications This study provides HEI administrators and other organizations with a practical structure to enable the systemic incorporation of sustainability objectives and actions into institutional activities. Originality/value This study adapts the tool “sustainable business model archetypes” for a new purpose. This tool was initially developed to classify innovations of sustainable business models.

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Teaching with OER during pandemics and beyond

Journal for Multicultural Education ◽

10.1108/jme-04-2020-0027 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (3/4) ◽

pp. 209-218 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jennifer Van Allen ◽

Stacy Katz

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Personal Experience ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Learning Experience ◽

Open Educational Resources ◽

Learning Materials ◽

Content Type ◽

Student Access ◽

Subject Areas ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning materials openly licensed so that others may retain, reuse, revise, remix or redistribute (the 5Rs) these materials. This paper aims to raise awareness of OER by providing a rationale for using these learning materials and a strategy for educators to get started with OER during the collective crisis and beyond. Design/methodology/approach Using a broad research base and anecdotes from personal experience, the authors make the case that OER improves student access to learning materials and improves the learning experience in both PK-12 and higher education contexts. Findings The authors define and describe the benefits of OER to provide practical suggestions educators can implement during the pandemic and beyond. Practical implications To support educators in finding and using OER, this paper highlights repositories that include a breadth of various learning materials across subject areas and educational contexts. The authors provide specific suggestions for finding, personalizing and contextualizing OER. Originality/value This work not only provides an overview of OER with particular considerations for educators during the COVID-19 pandemic but also makes the case that OER should be integrated into classrooms beyond the pandemic.

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Work, resilience and sustainable futures

Journal of Work-Applied Management ◽

10.1108/jwam-11-2019-0036 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 22-41 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lee Fergusson ◽

Luke van der Laan ◽

Bradley Shallies ◽

Matthew Baird

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Are Kenyan lecturers motivated to teach?

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education ◽

10.1108/jarhe-08-2018-0164 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 599-607

Author(s):

Harry Kipkemoi Bett

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Contextual Factors ◽

General Assumption ◽

Faculty Members ◽

Current Status ◽

General Belief ◽

Teaching And Research ◽

Content Type ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a discussion on the overlooked side of motivation among Kenyan lecturers: the motivation to teach. Design/methodology/approach The paper is generally a review of the current status of lecturer motivation in Kenya in relation to their teaching and research. This has been done anchored on Herzberg’s two-factor theory. Findings While the general belief is that lecturers are more motivated to teach than to engage in research owing to immediacy of returns (from teaching), arguments are given showing that contextual factors may contribute to lecturer demotivation in their teaching. Practical implications There is need to increase the number of lecturers in higher education in Kenya so as to mitigate against the overwhelming workload affecting many faculty members. A balance between hygiene and motivators should also be borne in mind, especially in relation to teaching and research. Originality/value The general assumption in literature is that since many lecturers in Kenya are not engaging in research, they must be motivated to teach. This study, however, argues that many contextual challenges do not motivate lecturers in the country to teach.

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“Which hat do I say I'm wearing?”: identity work of independent coaching practitioners

European Journal of Training and Development ◽

10.1108/ejtd-11-2013-0125 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 38 (8) ◽

pp. 764-779 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Christina Evans ◽

David Lines

Keyword(s):

Lived Experiences ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Group Discussion ◽

Identity Work ◽

Content Type ◽

Self Identity ◽

Specific Category ◽

Exploratory Investigation ◽

Practical Implications ◽

Insight Into

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an insight into the complexities of the identity work performed by independent coaches, based on an investigation into their “lived experiences”. The emerging coaching industry has created opportunities for individuals wishing to pursue a career as independent executive/career coaches. Design/methodology/approach – This exploratory investigation was conducted using the principles of grounded theory, drawing on insights from “knowledgeable informants” (18 in total) gained through interviews and focus group discussion. Findings – Despite the attractiveness of pursuing an independent career, the findings surfaced a number of tensions in the way that independent coaches transform and perform their identity. One tension involves balancing notions of self-identity and “ideal work” with presenting a credible self to different client groups, the purchasers of their services. Research limitations/implications – As the research focused on a specific category of independent practitioners, more research is required to assess the generalizability of the findings to other categories of practitioners. Practical implications – A framework illuminating the processual nature of identity work among independent coaches is presented. This could be used to inform developmental conversations with aspiring independent coaches, or to support the content on formal coaching programmes. Originality/value – In drawing attention to the complexities of identity work performed by independent coaches, given the contingencies affecting their work, this research offers a different contribution to the coaching literature.

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Measuring perceptions of Muslim consumers toward income tax rebate over zakat on income in Malaysia

Journal of Islamic Marketing ◽

10.1108/jima-12-2016-0104 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 368-383

Author(s):

Abdullah- Al-Mamun ◽

Ahasanul Haque ◽

Muhammad Tahir Jan

Keyword(s):

Design Methodology ◽

Online Survey ◽

Legal Consciousness ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Content Type ◽

Leading Role ◽

Practical Implications ◽

People’S Perceptions ◽

Structured Questionnaire ◽

Significant Factors

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the variables that affect Muslim consumers’ perception towards tax rebate over zakat on income in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach A close-ended structured questionnaire was developed and a total number of 236 valid responses were collected through online survey from the Muslims residing in Malaysia. Findings This study found that halal-haram aspect of Islamic Shariah, legal consciousness and religiosity of Muslim consumers are positive significant factors for growing perceptions towards tax rebate over zakat on income in Malaysia. Research limitations/implications This study will definitely play an important leading role for the policy-makers and academicians in understanding the perceptions of Muslim consumers. Practical implications This study can assist zakat and tax authorities in Malaysia for taking corrective actions to adapt or improve the current policy on the basis of its Muslim consumers’ perception. Social implications The findings of this study can reduce the gap of understanding among Muslims in the society by letting other people’s perceptions towards tax rebate through zakat system in Malaysia. Originality/value As there are not enough studies in this area, this study will definitely play an important leading role for the countries or policy-makers or concerned zakat or tax institutions all over the world in capitalizing the practices which is highly and positively perceived by the Muslim consumers in Malaysia.

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