This overview of current themes in vocational education and training policies and systems is presented in three parts. PART 1 treats the context of vocational education and…
Abstract
This overview of current themes in vocational education and training policies and systems is presented in three parts. PART 1 treats the context of vocational education and training and discusses the major issues influencing national Governments to change their role in vocational education and training. PART 2 discusses the common themes in how central Governments are changing their role in vocational education and training, particularly concerning the devolution of training responsibility to local bodies. The ways in which vocational education and training systems controlled by these local bodies are reacting to this increased responsibility are pursued in detail. PART 3 discusses the growing realization by central Governments that their responsibility for economic development and productivity can be discharged by a closer focus on vocational education and training, not at the delivery level, but at a policy level which includes both policies for vocational preparation of all citizens — particularly youth — and policies which promote new and existing enterprises which show high returns on investment and productivity.
Previous articles discussed the changing role of central Governments in vocational education and training, and treated in depth the devolution of training responsibility to local…
Abstract
Previous articles discussed the changing role of central Governments in vocational education and training, and treated in depth the devolution of training responsibility to local authorities and the ways in which the local authorities are proactively responding to this challenge. There is, however, a major role for central Governments in linking vocational education and training policy with policies aimed at overall economic development and productivity and the stimulation of employment. Such policy issues and strategies are discussed in this final section.
Part I treated the context of vocational education and training and discussed the major causes influencing national Governments to change their role in vocational education and…
Abstract
Part I treated the context of vocational education and training and discussed the major causes influencing national Governments to change their role in vocational education and training. This article discusses the consequences of this changing role, particularly as it concerns the devolution of responsibility for vocational education and training to local authorities — and the ways in which these local authorities are reacting to this increased responsibility. The issue of devolving funding is, however, generally unresolved by most Governments.
Visiting the libraries of the British Commonwealth offices in London, as I have been doing—going from Australia to Canada, then to South Africa and India—is an impressive reminder…
Abstract
Visiting the libraries of the British Commonwealth offices in London, as I have been doing—going from Australia to Canada, then to South Africa and India—is an impressive reminder of the magnitude of what used to be known as the British Empire, and of the power which it still exerts over the mind and spirit of mankind. Four continents are represented, and the libraries show how each has been impregnated with the ideals emanating from this small island in the fifth. Asia, Africa, Australia, America—the progress of civilisation in all has been directed or guided in large measure by British influence. The British Empire as a political fact has ceased to be, but Britain still reigns over an ideological empire, worldwide and imperishable.
Daniel G. Shimshak and Janet M. Wagner
As state funding for public higher education has declined, there is a rising demand for accountability. Past studies have relied on indicator ratios to look at the relationship…
Abstract
As state funding for public higher education has declined, there is a rising demand for accountability. Past studies have relied on indicator ratios to look at the relationship between funding and performance measures. This approach has some inherent problems that make it difficult to identify inefficiencies. This chapter will study efficiency in state systems of higher education by applying data envelopment analysis (DEA). DEA methodology converts multiple variables into a single comprehensive measure of performance efficiency and has the ability to perform benchmarking for the purpose of establishing performance goals. The advantages of DEA modeling will be shown by comparing results with those from a recent study of higher education finance based on publicly available data. DEA is shown to be feasible and implementable for studying state systems of higher education, and provides useful information in identifying “best practice” state systems and guidance for improvement. The value of DEA modeling to state policy makers and education researchers is discussed.
Marc Dreßler and Ivan Paunovic
The purpose of this paper is to explore brand innovation practices in small and medium enterprise (SME) wineries to found mid-range theory of brand innovation and to explain the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore brand innovation practices in small and medium enterprise (SME) wineries to found mid-range theory of brand innovation and to explain the interaction between upstream and downstream brand innovation during brand (re)launch.
Design/methodology/approach
This study deploys a qualitative research method. Data was collected through semi-structured telephone interviews with winery owners and managers from 20 German wineries. The approach explored both product and product line brands, organizational brands regarding upstream and downstream innovation and their mutual interaction.
Findings
The analyzed wineries provide evidence for up- and downstream brand innovation in the wine industry, thereby confirming previous findings that the wine industry is increasingly driven not only by tradition but also by innovation. The cases demonstrate that upscale SME wineries are able to distinguish between upstream and downstream innovation and integrate them in a meaningful way. Furthermore, the results point to the importance of team knowledge sharing and professional networks for successful upstream brand innovation, as well as social media for downstream brand innovation.
Originality/value
This paper presents a novel mid-range theory of brand innovation in winery SMEs, where resource constraints and a frugal approach to innovation demand for an integrated, hands-on approach.
Details
Keywords
Zoe Paskins, Holly John, Andy Hassell and Ian Rowe
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate an annual rheumatology regional audit programme that has been running since 2000 in the West Midlands with no additional funding…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate an annual rheumatology regional audit programme that has been running since 2000 in the West Midlands with no additional funding. Specifically it seeks to identify the strengths of, and difficulties with, regional audit and establish if, and how, regional audit differs from local audit.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was adopted and theoretical sampling used to select seven individuals with a range of experiences of the audit process. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted, recorded and transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
The programme was thought to be valuable with unforeseen educational benefits for trainees and in fostering positive relations across the region. Regional audit appears to overcome some of the problems with local audit by utilising resources effectively and having sound leadership. Barriers to regional audit included problems with communication between the organising panel and data collecting units, fostering ownership and ensuring closure of the “audit loop”.
Research limitations/implications
The findings are limited by the small sample and the single region nature of the study. The findings have informed a questionnaire to measure agreement to the perceptions identified and survey change of practice occurring as a result of previous regional audits.
Practical implications
The findings will inform future planning and hopefully ensure sustainability of this large unfunded programme; the findings will also be of use to other regions and specialties looking to adopt regional audit.
Originality/value
Regional audit offers a useful and feasible adjunct to national audit and this paper describes an evaluation of an innovative scheme.