scholarly journals The Contribution of Student Leadership to School Transformation

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-141
Author(s):  
Malcolm Groves ◽  
Malcolm Groves

This paper reports preliminary findings from case study research in three English secondary schools where a new or recently appointed head has incorporated stakeholder engagement as a key part of their improvement strategy. In each school, developments initiated independently by each head in relation to student leadership are reported. These appear to be re-thinking the boundaries of current practice in relation to student voice, particularly with respect to developing the leadership role of students as agents of change and in beginning to extend that beyond the school into their communities.The research focuses on seeking to understand the processes of change in each case. The models and practices adopted by each head in implementing change are analysed and the effects of this experience, as reported by the students, are considered. Initial findings highlight factors that appear to contribute to successful developments, and the paper concludes with suggestions for further research and investigation to confirm this. KeywordsStudent voice, student leadership, stakeholder engagement, school transformation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naresh N. Motiani ◽  
Abhay Kulkarni

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the role of leadership in implementing Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in a knowledge process outsourcing/business process outsourcing (KPO/BPO) service environment. KPO/BPO organizations present unique operational challenges such as client contractual obligations, young worker age profile, high attrition, dynamic outsourced business processes, technological disruptions to list a few. To implement LSS in such an environment, leadership plays a crucial role. While it is known that leadership is a critical success factor for LSS implementation, their role in a recently evolved KPO/BPO sector is hardly studied leading to high failures. The present study aims to address this gap. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study research method is used. A case study protocol consisting of research outline, data collection plan, interview schedule and list of expert reviewers was prepared. A semi-structured interview schedule of the case organization was used that covered exploring the leadership role in terms of their leadership style, communication, employee engagement and their ability to guide program in entire LSS implementation process. Further depth is obtained by considering dimensions of LSS implementation process such as actors involved, processes adopted, performance outcomes, implementation challenges and competency requirements. Primary and secondary data from two case studies yielded rich insights and helped to answer the research questions around role of leadership in LSS implementation for the KPO/BPO service environment. Findings This research case study demonstrates key leadership competencies that lead to successful implementation of LSS in two KPO/BPO organizations. To handle implementation challenges, a combination of LSS and transformation style of leadership style was observed. Leadership role focussed on coaching and empowering, rather than telling and controlling. Apart from the 17 leadership competencies seen in published literature, the authors observed 12 specific competencies (7 interpersonal and 5 LSS) in two case organizations that enabled effective LSS implementation. This study also gives an in depth understanding of the leadership role and enabling competencies during LSS implementation. Research limitations/implications Because of the inherent limitations of case study research method, researchers and practitioners must be cautious to the extent of generalization of findings and the conclusions. Practical implications Positioning leadership to managing the LSS implementation in KPO/BPO service operations helps in innovative adaption of standard improvement methodologies (such as LSS) to address their specific problems and deliver on the overall organizational goals. Originality/value Current study explores in depth how leadership role impacts LSS implementation in two KPO/BPO case organizations. Studies focussing on LSS service operations model in a KPO/BPO environment are not extensively published, especially those covering leadership role during LSS implementation.


2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 152-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul F. Steinberg

This article considers the role of generalization in comparative case studies, using as exemplars the contributions to this special issue on climate change politics. As a research practice, generalization is a logical argument for extending one’s claims beyond the data, positing a connection between events that were studied and those that were not. No methodological tradition is exempt from the requirement to demonstrate a compelling logic of generalization. The article presents a taxonomy of the logics of generalization underlying diverse research methodologies, which often go unstated and unexamined. I introduce the concept of resonance groups, which provide a causeway for cross-system generalization from single case studies. Overall the results suggest that in the comparative study of complex political systems, case study research is, ceteris paribus, on par with large-N research with respect to generalizability.


2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mieczysław Adamowicz ◽  
Aldona Machla

The subject of this research are small and medium enterprises (SME) in the Polish economy, the support of this sector by local government and the functioning of small and medium enterprises in the local system of the town and commune of Pułtusk. The aim of this study is to present the condition and the role of SME in the local systems in light of the selected features of this sector in the country and evaluation of support for SME given by local government of the town and the commune. The case study research methods applied were literature research, documentation review and survey-based research using questionnaire. The survey was conducted in spring, 2014, on a random sample. The research resulted in learning the profile of a local entrepreneurs and the action characteristics of SME in the examined unit. The diagnosis of the sector’s situation was made, the stimulating and limiting factors of its prosperity were identified. The SME support system of local government and the entrepreneurs’ expectations towards commune government in the field of development of local enterprises were evaluated. The results and conclusions confirm the need for development of local government activity in formulating and implementation of the development of local enterprises policy.


Author(s):  
Muh Khoirul Anam ◽  
Haris Santoso

Financial institutions are currently needed by all people because financial institutions are considered to be quicker in providing business capital loans. Previously, conventional banks were the only financial institutions operating in the financial sector or loans to the community before Islamic financial institutions, now with the development of financial institutions sharia society mostly prefers sharia finance rather than conventional, plus BMT which operates in the middle to lower class, this is what causes many people to take Islamic financial institutions because they prioritize family systems, so this study focuses on: 1). How is the application of murabahah financing at BMT As-Salam to brick businesses in the Ngreco Kandat Kediri village, 2). What is the role of murabahah financing at BMT As-Salam towards brick business in the Ngreco Kandat Kediri village, 3). How did the brick business increase in the Kandat Kediri Ngreco village after obtaining murabahah financing at BMT As-Salam. Research on the role of murabahah financing in brick business uses a descriptive qualitative approach with a type of case study research that refers to the interpretive postpositivistic thinking paradigm. The technique of collecting data is in-depth interviews, observation and documentation. The results of this study indicate that the application of murabahah financing at BMT As-Salam is very different where loans for business capital of bricks that should use mudharabah or musyarakah at BMT These salads use murabaha. Besides that the role of BMT As-Salam is very influential on brick business and before BMT As-Salam arrived, brick entrepreneurs still had difficulty finding capital to improve their business but after taking murabahah financing at BMT As-Salam, their efforts experienced an increase and prosperity life.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 316-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Cohen ◽  
Sotirios Karatzimas

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of the Troika’s advent played in the progress of the budgeting and the financial reporting systems reform at the Greek central government level. Design/methodology/approach The approach of an extreme country case study is adopted. The data used in the paper have been identified through document analysis performed on the relevant documents produced by the Troika, the Greek Ministry of Finance, and other relevant sources. The reform process is seen through the lens of the neo-institutional theory and the resource dependency theory. Findings Although both reforms targeted the introduction of best international practices – particularly useful in periods of financial distress and scarce resources – the advent of the Troika affected their progress and changed the priorities. As a result, the reform was redirected toward strengthening the cash budgeting system. Research limitations/implications The study is subject to the limitations of an extreme case study research. Practical implications This is a case where resource dependency changes political priorities and directions and affects the evolvement of state budget and accounting reforms under way. Originality/value The role of external fund providers in public sector financial management reform priority-setting, in the case of a developed Eurozone country, is analyzed. The study contributes to the research agenda on accounting practices in times of austerity.


Author(s):  
Suzanne Zyngier ◽  
Frada Burstein ◽  
Judy McKay

This chapter introduces the theory and model of governance as a means of implementing knowledge management strategies in large organizations. It draws on case study research into the governance of knowledge management strategy implementation in a major scientific research and development facility. It suggests that the implementation of strategy through such a framework operates to ensure the delivery of anticipated benefits in an authorized and regulated manner. Furthermore, the authors hope that an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of internal governance processes will not only inform researchers of a better design for studying knowledge management systems, but will also assist in the understanding of risks and the role of evaluation and review in the implementation of those strategies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (20) ◽  
pp. 8641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela M. Salvioni ◽  
Alex Almici

The circular economy transition increasingly points to the need for a change in corporate culture, namely toward sustainability. This change can be supported by improving relations with relevant stakeholders, engaging comprehensively with them, and creating strong awareness about issues such as ecosystem protection, health-related safeguards, and the careful use of resources. In this regard, through stakeholder engagement and a review of traditional business models, the circular economy can contribute to transforming the corporate culture to ensure the concurrent enhancement of economic, social, and environmental dimensions. This study verified the role of stakeholder engagement in establishing and strengthening the sustainability culture in a company transitioning toward a circular economy. The case study research methodology was applied, referencing a single firm—operating in the oil and energy industry—representing one of the best practices in the international context, even if some efforts are still required to reduce downstream emissions. The findings underline the contributing role played by stakeholder engagement in establishing values and principles compliant with environmental protection and community wellbeing. Thus, this study contributes to the existing stakeholder engagement literature and sheds light on the practical implications and emerging issues.


10.1068/a3287 ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 489-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm Tait ◽  
Heather Campbell

The relationship between local government officers and elected members is central to the decisionmaking processes associated with planning, as with many other areas of public policymaking. Legal responsibilities and issues of accountability and legitimacy lie at the heart of the relationship between officers and members, with interaction mediated and constituted through ritualised communicative encounters such as committee meetings and associated reports, and less formally through ad hoc contacts. Given the importance of this relationship it is striking that there has been relatively little research into the influences on officers and members within everyday planning practice. In this paper we will explore the extent to which a consideration of the language used in planning practice can inform our understanding of the relationship between planners and politicians. Thinking within the planning field about the role of language as a mechanism for reflecting and constituting power has been dominated by the work of Jürgen Habermas and Michel Foucault. However, despite the increasing attention focused on the importance of language and communication, work within the planning community has tended to concentrate on normative issues of how planning ought to operate in society rather than situating these theories within the ‘real’ world of practice. The objectives behind the case study research evaluated in this paper are therefore twofold. First, to explore the role of language and discourse in reflecting and constituting relations of power in a planning authority on the south coast of England and, second, to explore the value of Foucault's and Habermas's ideas as tools of research in planning. On the basis of this study we conclude that there are some important theoretical and methodological difficulties in connecting the ideas of Habermas and Foucault to the world of everyday planning practice.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 359
Author(s):  
Misnawati Misnawati ◽  
Hasbi ◽  
Abd Rasyid J ◽  
Yusriadi Yusriadi ◽  
Saidna Zulfiqar Bin-Tahir

The Family Hope Program (PKH) is one of government policy programs in poverty alleviation by involving the main actor who called PPKH. This study aimed to describe the task and function of PPKH in empowering the sick society in Bone Regency. Qualitative approach used with case study research. Data collection techniques used was interviews, observation, and documentation. The instrument in this study was the researcher himself as a human instrument, while the informants selected by a purposive method. Data analysis techniques used an interactive model includes data collection, data reduction, data presentation, verification, and conclusion. The results of the study showed that PPKH has carried out their roles well as representatives and technicians but have not been optimal in their roles as facilitators and educators.


2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 545-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina Närvänen ◽  
Evert Gummesson ◽  
Hannu Kuusela

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a network perspective to the study of collective consumption. The authors examine the characteristics of heterogeneous consumption collectives formed around a Finnish footwear brand. The case is both theoretically and practically relevant. It differs from previous research by featuring consumer grassroot activities, face-to-face interaction and strong pre-existing social relationships. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative case study research was conducted with different methods of data generation including interviews, participant observation and cultural materials such as newspaper articles and photos. Findings – A new concept of collective consumption network is introduced. Five kinds of consumption collectives are identified, including place focussed, brand focussed, activity focussed, idea focussed and social relations focussed consumption collectives. The strength of ties as well as the role of the brand varies within the collectives. Practical implications – Suppliers should find an appropriate network position, where they can enable and support shared value creation. Developing skills to identify and cultivate weak links as well as mobilize resources are important. Originality/value – The findings illustrate the heterogeneity and complexity of collective consumption. In particular, the paper discusses the way self-organizing and emergent consumption collectives and the supplier interact and integrate resources within the network.


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