Daniel S. Alemu and Deborah Shea
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which organizational level of functionality is affected by its leadership, its staff, the way task is performed in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which organizational level of functionality is affected by its leadership, its staff, the way task is performed in the organization (culture), and the structural and governance makeup of organizations. This study also determined the direct and indirect impacts of these variables on organizational functionality in general and drawing lessons to educational organizations in specific.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a quantitative study. Data from 185 participants were analyzed using SPSS software version 24. The data analysis procedure for this study followed various steps. First, multiple factor analysis was conducted to narrow the long list of items and to create a manageable list of construct variables for analyses. Then path analysis, using a series of multiple regression, was conducted to identify the degree of relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Finally, a path model coefficient diagram was created.
Findings
Using path analysis, a new model that depicts the level of interactions among the proposed variables and the extent and direction of influence of each variable on organizational level of functionality has been created. In addition, a path diagram that illustrates the model is provided and explained. This study also determined the direct and indirect impacts of these variables on organizational functionality. Finally, conclusions and implications of the study for educational organizations were presented.
Research limitations/implications
It should be noted that path analysis studies, by nature, are based on assumptions provided by the researchers. Hence, future studies using different variables and different assumption may not necessarily generate the same result. In addition, this study looked at a broader view of organizations rather than a specific type.
Practical implications
This study expanded the use of organizational diagnosis frameworks, beyond studying organizational performance, to study organizational level of functionality which can be used to diagnose the level of function (or dysfunction) of organizations in a holistic manner.
Social implications
The present study contributes to the body of literature in organizational diagnosis in various ways; chief of which is the creation of a new path model which shows the direct and indirect effects of specific variables in numeric terms.
Originality/value
Unlike previous studies on the topic, this study suggests that organizational level of functionality should be studied using variables internal to the organization, because any two organizations of similar purpose and capacity, located in similar environment, could function differently due to factors internal to the organizations. Investigating organizational level of functionality using variables internal to the organization is assumed to provide a deeper diagnosis and self-assessment as it minimizes the noises created by variables external to the organization. All the variables in this study are therefore carefully selected to be internal to organizations.
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This article discusses the use of online asynchronous discussion boards as a valuable tool for connecting students to leadership concepts, theories, and models in introductory…
Abstract
This article discusses the use of online asynchronous discussion boards as a valuable tool for connecting students to leadership concepts, theories, and models in introductory leadership survey courses. Recommendations are given for designing effective discussion boards that engage students and enhance their learning. Student outcomes include construction of knowledge, relevant connections between course material and personal lives, and critical reflection.
S. Kara, P. Pornprasitpol and H. Kaebernick
Aims to develop a selective disassembly methodology for generating an optimum disassembly sequence for end‐of‐life (EOL) products.
Abstract
Purpose
Aims to develop a selective disassembly methodology for generating an optimum disassembly sequence for end‐of‐life (EOL) products.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents a selective disassembly methodology for EOL products. In order to achieve this, Nevins and Whitney's methodology for assembly was modified. In addition, a Java‐based software was developed to speed up the generation of all possible disassembly sequences.
Findings
Finds that the methodology developed by Nevins and Whitney for assembly is applicable to disassembly process. In addition, the winnowing process for disassembly is much easier than for assembly because of the selective disassembly approach, which automatically provides a significant constraint on possible sequences.
Research limitations/implications
Provides an easy to use and visual disassembly sequence generation tool for end‐of‐life products.
Practical implications
Disassembly is one of the significant cost drivers in achieving close loop manufacturing. Application of the methodology proposed in this paper will significantly reduce the disassembly time by providing a disassembly sequence for the selected components with reuse potential.
Originality/value
Provides a graphical representation of disassembly sequences at different stages of the process, which allows the user to visualize the disassembly process.
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This article seeks to suggest that pedagogical forums published in two major professional associations' publications can contribute to the literature on collection for academic…
Abstract
Purpose
This article seeks to suggest that pedagogical forums published in two major professional associations' publications can contribute to the literature on collection for academic historians.
Design/methodology/approach
The author surveys the literature on historians' information needs and surveys articles published in the pedagogical forums for what they reveal about historians' use of electronic resources.
Findings
The forums provide useful bibliographic information regarding e‐resources for faculty and collection officers alike; additionally, they provide a useful starting point for discussions of desired learning outcomes, leading to better support for teaching/curricular needs.
Research limitations/implications
Findings are limited to academic historians and are also skewed toward US historians, since more articles on e‐resources appeared in the forum dedicated to US‐historical pedagogy than in the forum encompassing historians of all areas.
Practical implications
Similar research could be done on pedagogical forums in other academic fields.
Originality/value
This paper examines a field's pedagogical methodology to draw conclusions about collections management for that field.
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The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive summary of the current status of undocumented immigrants in the United States, with a particular focus on the DREAM Act, as…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive summary of the current status of undocumented immigrants in the United States, with a particular focus on the DREAM Act, as a policy option to confront the realities of immigration in our nation.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review is presented providing the context to understand the livelihood of undocumented immigrants in the United States. This summary is supported by an analysis of the benefits and shortcomings of the DREAM Act.
Findings
It is clear that immigration reform has emerged as one of the most compelling issues in our country. This examination highlights that the DREAM Act cannot be enacted as a policy in a vacuum. Rather, the DREAM Act will need to operate in concert with other policies (i.e., education, economic, health care, immigration) to offer a foundation for future immigration reform policies.
Practical implications
Several states support policies that welcome undocumented immigrants seeking a college education. This paper presents valuable information highlighting the need for reform and action considering current demographic and immigration trends.
Original/value of paper
This paper serves as a resource providing a detailed summary of the current status of undocumented immigrants in the United States. In addition, it provides an analysis of the benefits and shortcomings of the DREAM Act.
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Trista Hollweck, Deborah M. Netolicky and Paul Campbell
The aim of this paper is to define pracademia and conceptualise it in relation to educational contexts. This paper contributes to and stimulates a continuing and evolving…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to define pracademia and conceptualise it in relation to educational contexts. This paper contributes to and stimulates a continuing and evolving conversation around pracademia and its relevance, role and possibilities.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is a conceptual exploration. It draws upon existing and emerging pieces of literature, the use of metaphor as a meaning-making tool, and the positionalities of the authors, to develop the concept of pracademia.
Findings
The authors posit that pracademics who simultaneously straddle the worlds of practice, policy, and academia embody new possibilities as boundary spanners in the field of education for knowledge mobilization, networks, community membership, and responding to systemic challenges. However, being a pracademic requires the constant reconciling of the demands of multi-membership and ultimately, pracademics must establish sufficient legitimacy to be respected in two or more currently distinct worlds.
Practical implications
This paper has implications for knowledge mobilization, networks, boundary spanners, leadership, professional learning, and connecting practice, policy, and research. While the authors are in the field of education, this exploration of pracademia is relevant not only to the field of education but also to other fields in which there is a clear need to connect practice/policy with scholarship.
Originality/value
This paper provides a new definition of pracademia and argues that pracademia identifies an important yet relatively unknown space with many possibilities in the field of education.
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Deborah Shepherd and Christine Woods
Interest in academic entrepreneurship is gaining attention as pressure on academic institutions to be more entrepreneurial increases. To date, emphasis has been on the transfer…
Abstract
Interest in academic entrepreneurship is gaining attention as pressure on academic institutions to be more entrepreneurial increases. To date, emphasis has been on the transfer and commercialisation of research with little discussion focused on the entrepreneurial potential of university teaching. Drawing on Schumpeter’s theory of entrepreneurship, in particular the combining and recombining of resources and the concept of resistance, we provide an illustrative case study of one entrepreneurial academic venture that emerged from the teaching activities of a university. We examine how this venture, the ICEHOUSE, has evolved and been sustained despite pressure from competing logics from its partnering institutions. We argue that multiple and competing logics by various stakeholder groups led to ‘resistive tension’ which has supported the growth of the organisation.
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Bharath Rajan and Sujatha Natarajan
Value creation in management education has been argued to happen throughout an academic programme. This study adopts a learner-centric value-perspective approach that advances the…
Abstract
Value creation in management education has been argued to happen throughout an academic programme. This study adopts a learner-centric value-perspective approach that advances the view that value creation is not a unitary occurrence but accrues in different forms in each phase of the learner journey process. As learners progress through a management programme, we focus on four key phases in the learner’s journey – pre-admission, pre-programme commencement, programme duration, and post-programme completion. These phases correspond to the learner’s transitioning from a prospect to having secured admission to actively attending classes to having graduated. Accordingly, in each phase of the learner journey in an Indian management education programme, this study (a) maps the institute’s actions, (b) identifies the learner touchpoints, and (c) evaluates the potential learner engagement levels from the respective touchpoints. This study categorizes the emergent value in each phase in the learner journey as the exploration of value, the commencement of value, the formation and augmentation of value, and the accrual of value. The study then concludes with identifying future research areas. Such an approach to deconstructing value can aid management institutions in nurturing talented and engaged learners.
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Deborah E. Swain and Patrick Roughen
This paper aims to describe how knowledge management (KM) in planning can support the sustainability of innovation in a hybrid, joint-use facility. The case study research studies…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to describe how knowledge management (KM) in planning can support the sustainability of innovation in a hybrid, joint-use facility. The case study research studies ImaginOn, a 15 year-old children’s library and theater for young people in Charlotte, NC.
Design/methodology/approach
This research used KM model analysis of qualitative data about tacit-explicit knowledge, intellectual capital (IC) and cognitive modes of collaboration. Both historic documents and primary data (from field study observations, interviews and a questionnaire) were analyzed for informal KM practices. Semi-structured and unstructured interview questions about innovation were used.
Findings
This study found evidence of tacit knowledge sharing, the growth of IC and the operationalization of collaboration to promote innovation. Although traditional KM terms were not used by staff, an integrated model framework demonstrates how KM practices promote innovation in planning joint-use facilities.
Practical implications
Although a study of a diverse cultural collaboration rather than two libraries, the KM practices that supported innovation and collaboration in this hybrid, joint-use facility might be applied to libraries. Future KM model research on joint-use organizations could investigate merged businesses, government programs and non-profits.
Social implications
The library and theater institutions in ImaginOn impact the lives of children and parents in meaningful ways that support community understanding, art, diversity and social interaction.
Originality/value
Research on joint-use libraries began in the 1960s. This case study provides unique model analysis of KM practices in a hybrid, joint-use facility (a library and theater). The innovative success and sustainability of ImaginOn illustrates the application of KM for strategic planning and aligning IC and business assets.