Anthony Mitchell and Sue Honore
The purpose of this article is to highlight the factors that need to be considered when implementing a blended learning solution in a group environment.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to highlight the factors that need to be considered when implementing a blended learning solution in a group environment.
Design/methodology/approach
The insights are based on the authors experience of delivering a blended learning module to successive cohorts of international Executive MBA candidates over a three year period. A range of post‐module evaluation mechanisms were utilized to collect quantitative and qualitative data and this was supported by face‐to‐face and online discussion with participants. In addition, the authors own reflections on the experience as faculty and e‐learning consultants has been taken account of in the interpretation of the results.
Findings
The importance of human behavioral factors over content and tool selection when implementing a blended learning solution cannot be ignored. The role of group dynamics in achieving the learning outcomes also needs to be considered, as does the perceived value of the approach to be taken by the participants. Findings relate to both the e‐learning experience and other learning methods experienced on the course, influenced partly by the students' expectations and preferences.
Practical implications
Key learning is shared with readers so that they can learn from the author's experiences such that anyone considering a blended learning approach in the future considers the three‐way partnership of the organization, the learner and the supplier.
Originality/value
This article will be of special interest to e‐learning developers or development specialists considering blended learning approaches as it draws their attention to the factors beyond the technological application itself which is where attention can become overly focused.
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Raymond Talinbe Abdulai and Edward Ochieng
The assertion that land registration guarantees landownership security is common knowledge. Thus, efforts at securing landownership in particularly, the developing world have…
Abstract
Purpose
The assertion that land registration guarantees landownership security is common knowledge. Thus, efforts at securing landownership in particularly, the developing world have concentrated on the formulation and implementation of land registration policies. However, over the years, whilst some studies claim that land registration assures security, a lot of other studies have established that security cannot be guaranteed by land registration. Also, there is evidence from research that has shown that land registration can be a source of ownership insecurity in some cases. The purpose of this paper is to critically analyse the underpinning principles of land registration and their application in order to establish whether or not land registration can actually guarantee ownership security.
Design/methodology/approach
It is a literature review paper that looks at the existing literature on landownership, security and land registration systems. The land registration principles that have been subjected to critical analysis are the publicity function of land registration, the legality of ownership emanating from land registration and the warranty provided by the State in land registration, specifically, under the Torrens system.
Findings
An analysis of the underpinning principles of land registration shows that land registration per se cannot guarantee ownership security and this helps to explain the findings of the numerous studies, which have established that landownership security cannot be assured by land registration. The paper concludes by identifying the right role of land registration as well as a mechanism that can effectively protect or secure landownership.
Practical implications
Land registration policies and programmes in the developing world are often funded by the international donor community and the findings provide useful insights regarding the actual role of land registration and for policy change in terms of what can secure landownership.
Originality/value
Even though there are two schools of thought regarding research on the link between land registration on one hand, and landownership security on the other, none of the studies has made an attempt to consider the nexus by critically examining the principles that underpin land registration to support their arguments.
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Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.
Abstract
Purpose
Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.
Design/methodology/approach
This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.
Findings
E‐learning has experienced significant growth in recent years, and has become particularly popular in the worldwide MBA market. The most common benefits of e‐learning include continuous learning, time saving and a reduction in travel costs.
Practical implications
Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.
Originality/value
The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.
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Johanna Sumiala, Katja Valaskivi, Minttu Tikka and Jukka Huhtamäki
The purpose of this paper is to re‐examine the subsidiarity rule in unjust enrichment and challenge some of its theoretical foundations and its unqualified application in unjust…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to re‐examine the subsidiarity rule in unjust enrichment and challenge some of its theoretical foundations and its unqualified application in unjust enrichment law as a whole.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses a comparative approach with South African and Brazilian laws as the main reference points, but it extends the analysis to common‐law jurisdictions elsewhere. It explores the extent and limits of the applicability of the rule in claims arising from the built environment. It analyses the interaction between the subsidiarity rule and the defence of change of position.
Findings
It concludes that, in three party cases, subcontractors may be able to use enrichment actions against owners to obtain an adequate redress. The exclusion of enrichment claims where there is a consensual distribution of risks and rewards normatively operates to validate any transferred benefit and eliminates any prospective normative gain or loss. However, policy‐based claims for unjust enrichment can be made even in the presence of such bargains.
Originality/value
The paper pioneers the analysis of subsidiarity rule in the specific context of the built environment. It presents an original examination of the interaction between the subsidiarity rule and change of position defence.
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If law's foundational promise lies in the belief that it promotes the social good, then we need to reassess the limits of that promise. Exploring the often problematic translation…
Abstract
If law's foundational promise lies in the belief that it promotes the social good, then we need to reassess the limits of that promise. Exploring the often problematic translation of legal goods into social ones, the central claim is that the legal discipline has been limited by a “legal imperative” that manifests itself in an excessive focus upon law as a social tool and attitude of complacency in the face of law's limits. Seeking to displace this approach, the author argues for an attitudinal shift that expresses honesty about limits, greater social inquisitiveness and care about law's promise.
Qinghai Li, Junzhe Ji, Jilei Huang, Christiane Prange and Deli Yang
Unlike well-documented market or behavioral uncertainty, patent uncertainty has been significantly under-explored in the field of international entrepreneurship. Drawing on an…
Abstract
Purpose
Unlike well-documented market or behavioral uncertainty, patent uncertainty has been significantly under-explored in the field of international entrepreneurship. Drawing on an institution-based view of strategy, this study investigated Netac, a Chinese knowledge-based international new venture (KINV), which was facing uncertainty over patents in China and the US. The aim was to address two questions: (1) how does patent uncertainty emerge in the context of KINVs? And (2) how can KINVs navigate patent hazards by interacting with national patent institutions?
Design/methodology/approach
A longitudinal single-case study approach was adopted as the most appropriate method for exploring novel business phenomena and dynamic processes.
Findings
Results suggested that a KINV can adopt strategies to build a unique identity and so better conform to the expectations of institutions that ultimately decide on patent validity. Strategies may involve building institutional awareness, amplifying mass media effects, and strategically managing the intellectual property and socio-emotional tensions between China and the US.
Originality/value
This study introduced the notion of patent uncertainty into research around international new ventures, highlighting how this type of uncertainty in the advanced technology sector can affect the end-product and patent licensing opportunities of KINVs. It also explored the institution-based view of company strategy in the internationalization process by emphasizing interactive institutional mechanisms, and the role of an organization’s identity when interacting with institutions. The study enriches the literature on institutional theory and organizational identity, and also suggests solutions for firms dealing with efforts by competitors to invalidate patents.