SMEs and HEIs: Observations from Brunei Darussalam and Germany

2020 ◽  
pp. 095042222094474
Author(s):  
Jana Heilmaier ◽  
Mayyer Ling

This paper explores the role of higher education institutions in enhancing the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) ecosystem in Brunei Darussalam, particularly with regard to improving the spirit of entrepreneurship and the motivation to seek opportunities independently to propel the country’s transition economy forward. A qualitative methodology was adopted for data collection, using semi-structured interviews with Bruneian and German SME owner/managers and sales representatives. The economics perspective of the institutional framework was employed to identify the formal and informal constraints faced by SMEs in Brunei Darussalam. Recommendations are offered to inform the relevant stakeholders about the key issues faced by SMEs so that appropriate forms of guidance and benchmarking can be provided to facilitate the country’s economic development.

10.29007/nptx ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seapei Nozimbali Mogoane ◽  
Salah Kabanda

This study examines the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in addressing cybersecurity challenges, in the wake of a prominent shortage of skills, specifically those related to information and cybersecurity professionals. Using qualitative semi structured interviews, the study sought to identify the factors influencing the offering of an information and cybersecurity curriculum at HEIs. The findings show that internal influencing factors were top management and individual academic’s awareness of information and cybersecurity, internal expertise, offering the program only at postgraduate level, and the workload and bureaucracy associated with having the program. External factors perceived to influence information and cybersecurity curriculum at HEIs include pressure from industry and stakeholders as well as institutional bodies that help shape curriculum development.


Author(s):  
Mafuzah Mohamad Salina Daud ◽  
Mohd Zainal Munshid Harun

Transforming Malaysian Higher Education Institutions to an exceptional level has become one of the main challenges in pursuing strategic vision and the ability to strengthen our Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that could become a medium to the country economic development as well as facing global intense competition. Specifically, the role of HEIs leader is needed to transform their institution to a new paradigm. Thus HEIs leader have to furnish and equip themselves with a high leadership attributes. The main objective of this study is to investigate top leader attributes in Malaysian HEIs and it effect toward university innovation. The questionnaires were distributed to managers from various faculties and departments’ of public HEIs in Klang Valley. The findings shows, leading changes attributes of leaders is the most significantly related and asserted as the most difficult leadership challenges faced by the leader in enhancing and encouraging the spirit of innovation in HEIs.


Author(s):  
Luís Ferreira ◽  
Bruno Barbosa Sousa

This research seeks to understand the type of influence that the hotel sector in Portugal can achieve in its consumers, being the tourism sector an area in constant growth. To that end, a qualitative methodology was adopted, using semi-structured interviews, as a data collection tool to understand the type of use that hotels attribute to social networks, as well as the results obtained from their practices. In the investigation nine hotels were analyzed, presenting a diversified sample between the participants in terms of capacity, as well as recognition, proving that, in a general way, social networks help in the divulgation of the hotel, presenting these as a direct channel for consumers, facilitating brand exposure as well as interaction with customers.


Author(s):  
Arthur Rubens ◽  
Francesca Spigarelli ◽  
Alessio Cavicchi ◽  
Chiara Rinaldi

Purpose Over the past few decades, higher education institutions (HEIs) have become key players in regional economic development and knowledge transfer, which has led to a third mission for HEIs and the entrepreneurial university. The purpose of this paper is to assess the challenges of HEIs in fulfilling the third mission for economic development and the changing role of being an entrepreneurial university, and the changes that need to be implemented to fulfill this new mission. Design/methodology/approach The authors have drawn on current literature to examine academic entrepreneurism and the entrepreneurial university, and how universities are fulfilling their third mission. Findings The findings from our review of the literature demonstrated the varied economic and social benefit of universities conducting external third mission/entrepreneurial activities in the community, as well as how the changing role and expectations of universities to become more entrepreneurial, has not only changed the expectations and role of university administrators, faculty and staff but also the business community which they serve. The review also showed the varied challenges for universities in fulfilling the third mission of economic development. Research limitations/implications Although ample literature and cases about universities’ third mission of economic development and the new entrepreneurial university (especially with research universities) were available, literature or research was limited on the specific challenges and obstacles faced by administrators, faculty and departments in fulfilling this mission, and few studies recommended changes that needed to be implemented in HEIs to support this new mission. Practical/implications The paper supports the potential role that HEIs play in implementing economic development in their communities or region. The paper also highlights some of the necessary resources and policy changes that policymakers and university administrators need to implement to reward and recognize faculty in conducting outreach activities as part of the university’s third mission. Originality/value The findings from this study highlight the challenges and barriers for faculty, staff and HEIs in fulfilling the third mission and becoming an entrepreneurial university.


2017 ◽  
Vol 49 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 321-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sushil S. Chaurasia ◽  
Anna Frieda Rosin

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the applicability of Big Data in higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews was employed to get insights from 23 experts from the Indian higher education sector. Respondents included higher education specialists from information technology, administration and academicians from public and private funded institutions. Findings Based on competitive advantage and data complexity, four major application areas were identified for the use of Big Data in higher education. These application areas are reporting and compliance; analysis and visualization; security and risk mitigation; and predictive analytics. Research limitations/implications Qualitative methodology is suitable to explain constructs and relationships between constructs, but it does not explain the magnitude of the relationships. The lack of Big Data experts in higher education constrained the ability of this research by leading to repeated themes. Finally, including participants from other countries would have assisted further in generalizing the findings. Originality/value As both interest and reluctance persists about Big Data, it calls for the application across industries and cost-benefit analyses. A number of researchers have studied the use of Big Data in various fields associated with the applicability, the data availability, the cost, the competence, the privacy, the relevance and the ownership. Very few publications explicitly address the integrative use of Big Data in higher education. So the current study examines the applicability of Big Data analytics in higher education institutions.


2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 225-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gideon J.P. Maas ◽  
Mike Herrington

For decades, entrepreneurs have been identified as critical change agents in socio-economic development. It is probably safe to say that some countries have had more success than others in the promotion of entrepreneurship; and in that context it can be argued that South Africa's successes are not yet clear. The promotion of entrepreneurship through the involvement of higher education institutions (HEIs) is by no means an easy task, but they have an important role to play. Although South African HEIs are focusing on various elements of entrepreneurship promotion, there is no clear evidence of an integrated effort from HEIs to develop entrepreneurial skills and activity. The authors argue that without such an integrated effort entrepreneurship development in South Africa is likely to be constrained.


2022 ◽  
pp. 44-69
Author(s):  
William Williams ◽  
Helena H. Knight ◽  
Richard Rutter ◽  
Megan Mathias

This chapter examines the inter-relationships between government policy and higher education in the development of entrepreneurship in Oman. Grounded in Isenberg's entrepreneurship ecosystem framework, the role of higher education in driving entrepreneurialism, as a distinct subset of ‘education capital', is examined in the context of policy development and implementation in Oman. Interviews are utilised to gain insights into government initiatives deployed in the Omani higher education sector to develop indigenous entrepreneurs. Findings point to a dislocation between the approaches adopted in Omani higher education institutions and the context in which they have been employed. This is evidenced through three emergent themes: a desire for ‘joined-up' policy on entrepreneurship, the role of higher education institutions in encouraging entrepreneurship, and the challenge of work preference. The study concludes that a lack of holistic appreciation of the entrepreneurial ecosystem precludes the emergence of entrepreneurship as a driver of sustainable economic development in Oman.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 69-76
Author(s):  
Trevor Omoruyi ◽  
Grażyna Rembielak

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of the RM approach in the experience of international students in business schools within the UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The Relationship Marketing (RM) strategy has gained recognition over the years, especially within the last decade, which can be seen in the Higher Education (HE) sector. The HE sector has in recent times been highly competitive, especially in the global market. Despite this growth in competition, there has been little or no effort in the application of RM strategy by HE Institutions competing in the global marketplace for international students. The growing competition has been driven by the goal HEI’s have to internationalise and attract, recruit and retain the best international students. Higher Education Institutions have become aware of the contributions that international students bring to these institutions. Hence, efforts are geared towards retaining international students. This study considers the role of using RM with international students. The relevant data was collected from face-to-face semi-structured interviews and focus groups, which were conducted with university managers and international students across four universities in the UK. The study identifies several impacts of using RM on international students’ overall experience. It further highlights aspects of the RM approach that are more significant to international students’ experience. The study concluded that the RM approach positively affects international student experience if effectively developed and implemented.


Author(s):  
Isaac Kofi Biney

This paper explores the role of discussion method in teaching for improving learning in higher education institutions. Teaching and learning are inseparable. However, teaching becomes effective only when it leads to meaningful learning. The lecture method for teaching dominates the classrooms in higher education institutions and is receiving negative comments from all stakeholders. Discussion method is considered superior by experts as it is more democratic by nature. It is inclusive, participatory and holds the key for empowering learners to be critical thinkers. A descriptive narrative design was employed for conducting the study. Qualitative techniques were employed at several stages throughout the study. Purposive and accidental sampling procedures were used. Semi-structured interviews guide were used for collecting data and ideas from the participants. It emerged that discussion method for teaching in classrooms possesses the power to stimulate quiet and shy-looking learners open up, think, participate and follow the instructions offered during discussions in the classrooms. It is recommended that the discussion method for teaching be employed because it creates an equal playing field for students to think critically and contribute to lessons.


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