bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stakeholder competency assessments as predictors of career success
Authors: Stumpf Stephen A.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the work on 360‐degree assessments as a stakeholder perspective and to support the argument that different competency assessments by different rater groups provide valid predictors of the objective and subjective career success of young professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

A 360‐degree assessment tool, the leadership inventory (LI), was completed by 330 individuals as part of their professional development. Eight competencies germane to the performance of young professionals were assessed by self, supervisors, peers, and direct reports. These rater assessments were used to predict one's satisfaction with his/her career, promotions, and salary changes.

Findings

Different rater groups assess the competencies differently, and these differences are relevant to career success. The results of object measures of career success held when gender, years of work experience, and two individual difference measures (i.e. proactivity and negative emotions) were controlled. In contrast, the self‐assessments of satisfaction with career success were attenuated when control variables were introduced.

Practical implications

Professionals can enhance their promotion potential and salary progression by developing and exhibiting the competencies of interest to their supervisors (most performance competencies), peers (gaining buy‐in and commitment of others, recognizing and promoting interdependence), and direct reports (providing direction that inspires action, fostering a climate of innovation and learning).

Originality/value

This article supports a broader use of different rater group competency assessments in understanding and enhancing the career success of professionals. It suggests the need for dialogue and research regarding when different rater assessments in 360‐degree assessment tools are an index of instrument validity.
Work schedule, work schedule control and satisfaction in relation to work‐family conflict, work‐family synergy, and domain satisfaction
Authors: Beutell Nicholas J.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of work schedules on work‐family conflict and synergy using the job demands‐resources (JD‐R) and conservation of resources models. The impact of resources including supervisor support, work schedule control and satisfaction, as well as the moderating effects of work schedules on conflict (synergy) and domain satisfaction are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative study examined responses from organizationally‐employed respondents (n=2,810) from the 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce using MANOVA and multiple regressions.

Findings

Work schedules were significantly related to work‐interfering with family (WIF) and work‐family synergy (W‐FS) but not for family interfering with work (FIW). Perceived supervisory support was significantly related to employee work schedule control and work schedule satisfaction. Perceived control of work schedule and work schedule satisfaction were significantly related to work‐family conflict and synergy. Work schedules moderated the relationship between work‐family conflict (synergy) and domain satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Although based on a national probability sample, this study may suffer from common method variance since all measures were from the same self‐report questionnaire.

Practical implications

The results do suggest that solutions like increased schedule flexibility for all workers may not be efficacious in reducing work‐family conflict or increasing work‐family synergy. Employee control over work schedule, employee satisfaction with work schedule, and supervisor support need to be considered as well.

Originality/value

This study examined the impact of work schedules on work‐family conflict and synergy. It is noteworthy since very little research has been conducted on work schedules and synergy. The results also broaden evidence for the JD‐R and conservation of resources models.
Urban, regional, national and global knowledge capital
Authors: Carrillo Francisco Javier , Metaxiotis Kostas , Yigitcanlar Tan
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the JKM 2010 annual special issue on knowledge based development (KBD) with reference to the multi‐level analysis characteristic of the field.

Design/methodology/approach

A description of the knowledge management approach at ESOC (European Space Operations Centre of the European Space Agency) is provided first. At the core of this approach is the breakdown of knowledge in individual technical domains followed by coverage analysis and criticality assessment. Such a framework becomes the reference for best knowledge acquisition, transfer and storage locus identification and subsequent knowledge management practices and guidelines.

Findings

KBD provides an integrated framework to account for multidisciplinary analyses and multilevel practices in knowledge capital generation, distribution and utilization.

Originality/value

The collection of papers included in the annual special issue on KBD provides a representative, composite view of the research topics and applications concerns in the field. Involving a number of disciplines and levels of analysis, issues ranging from the technological gatekeeper to global knowledge flows show the interdependence of KBD concepts and tools.
Leveraging learning behavior and network structure to improve knowledge gatekeepers' performance
Authors: Messeni Petruzzelli Antonio , Albino Vito , Carbonara Nunzia , Rotolo Daniele
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how universities' learning behavior (explorative or exploitative) and network structure (weak or strong inter‐organizational ties) can affect their capability to collect and diffuse knowledge, and thus to act as knowledge gatekeepers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology is based on the longitudinal study (from 2000 to 2007) of three UK universities (University of Cambridge, London's Global University, and Imperial College London), located in the area of London and selected on the basis of their knowledge mobility. In particular, to evaluate the knowledge mobility for each university, the paper considers the collaborative R&D relationships established by each university, in terms of joint‐patents registered at the European Patent Office (EPO).

Findings

The analysis has revealed that the universities' knowledge mobility is positively affected by both the explorative learning behavior and the establishment of strong inter‐organizational ties. Moreover, results have shown that an increase of the explorative speed can entail a less positive effect of the exploration on the universities' knowledge mobility, since they can become less able to consolidate and implement the acquired new knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

On the basis of these results, the present research provides interesting implications. In fact, recognizing the importance of explorative learning mechanisms, universities should enlarge and diversify their competencies and technological bases in order to be more effective knowledge sources and gatekeepers. Nevertheless, this shift towards new technologies and scientific fields should occur gradually, for instance towards more similar and contiguous technologies, so guaranteeing the necessary strengthening of skills and capabilities. Referring to the universities' network structure, the research suggests the importance of strong inter‐organizational ties as mechanisms that enable the transfer of knowledge. Hence, universities should promote the formation of stable and long‐lasting alliances and collaborations for favouring the creation of a trustworthy environment where knowledge can be exchanged and innovations rise.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing literature on knowledge gatekeepers, identifying its main performance, measuring it, and analyzing the impact exerted by two factors, as learning behavior and network structure.
External knowledge acquisition processes in knowledge‐intensive clusters
Authors: López‐Sáez Pedro , Emilio Navas‐López José , Martín‐de‐Castro Gregorio , Cruz‐González Jorge
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to try to assess the applicability of the SECI model (Nonaka and Takeuchi) to the processes of external knowledge acquisition for firms located on knowledge‐intensive clusters. The paper's intended contribution lies in improving our understanding about the different mechanisms that organizations can use to learn from this kind of environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses survey data obtained from a sample of knowledge‐intensive firms from Boston's Route 128, with custom tailored measurement scales. It applies a quantitative method based on questionnaire answers.

Findings

Findings show that external knowledge acquisition takes place through three different processes that raise important differences and similarities with the SECI model.

Research limitations/implications

Conclusions can only be generalized to firms located in knowledge‐intensive clusters. Nevertheless, some implications for management practice can be derived. Tacit knowledge from the environment requires different mechanisms in order to be successfully incorporated into the organization, whereas explicit knowledge acquisition can be managed more smoothly. Managers should pay special attention when designing channels for acquiring external tacit knowledge.

Practical implications

The SECI model reveals itself to be a powerful guide for starting research about external knowledge acquisition. Nevertheless, context specific variables can show industry or country preferred ways for learning in practice, so highly focused empirical research may be required to disentangle the peculiarities of tacit knowledge.

Originality/value

In the field of external knowledge acquisition by organizations, empirical works about testing widely spread theoretical models are very scarce. This paper takes the theoretical processes of the SECI model and extends them for external knowledge acquisition.
Planning for production efficiency in knowledge‐based development
Authors: Martinus Kirsten
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide conceptual foundations for a study exploring the capacity of hard infrastructure and amenities to influence the socio‐economic imprint of urban spaces. The paper argues that some urban developments are more economically efficient in generating innovation and knowledge than others.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the debate between urban density and infrastructure. Drawing on empirical evidence and economic production theory, it explores the spatial links between economic growth, innovation and knowledge productivity. It argues that the growing role of human capital in the production process has linked productivity to a city's mix and levels of infrastructure and amenities. It reviews five key infrastructure types for knowledge‐based developments.

Findings

This paper finds that the positive contribution of density to urban vibrancy and human connectivity is constrained by a city's infrastructure and amenity levels. It concludes that urban development cognisant of an appropriate mix and level of infrastructure and amenities will more likely enhance regional knowledge development and innovation than those which are not.

Social implications

The evidence presented in this paper has a broad range of strategic and practical socio‐economic implications, and contributes towards understanding how urban form can leverage social aspects of a city for economic growth.

Originality/value

Using an inter‐disciplinarian approach, this paper provides invaluable insights into the types of infrastructure and importance of urban form for knowledge‐based development. It contends that well‐planned knowledge‐based developments can be leveraged to ensure the successful implementation and delivery of national innovation and productivity priorities.
The role of information and communication technology (ICT) in mobilization of sustainable development knowledge: a quantitative evaluation
Authors: Mohamed Mirghani , Murray Arthur , Mohamed Mona
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to aim to quantitatively evaluate the importance of ICTs for sustainable development. A hypothesis about the criticality of ICTs to sustainable development has been tested. The consequences of other ICT elements on knowledge management also have been evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is carried out using surveys and interviews among members of the KM/ICT sustainable development community.

Findings

It has been found that ICT is critical for sustainable development. In effect, many respondents agreed that due to the geographical separation and multifaceted nature of international sustainable development, it cannot be carried out without ICT's support. However, for ICT infrastructure to be translated into worthwhile returns, the organization must adopt knowledge‐oriented ICT infrastructure. This is substantiated by ICT's role in decision quality, knowledge sharing, inter‐organizational links, and the contribution to the resolution of the implicit conflict between sustainability and economic growth.

Research limitations/implications

There was a imited amount of data subjected to statistical analysis. This may skew some of the results, and inflate the experimental error. However, the limited data is ascribable to the restricted nature of the targeted population itself.

Originality/value

The results in this paper address major issues surrounding the role of ICTs in sustainable development. The tackling of these issues is essential to the success of ICT in the sustainable development realm. The understanding and extrapolation of these results form a valuable guidance to the KM practitioners in supporting sustainable development.
Development and knowledge resources: a conceptual analysis
Authors: Millar Carla C.J.M. , Ju Choi Chong
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to provide a typology of governance structures (three were identified) that offers an integrated approach to understanding knowledge as a global resource and facilitates research on the growing competition for knowledge resources between multinational corporations (MNCs) from developing and developed economies in this twenty‐first century.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes and structures the social science research on the importance of knowledge as a resource and the role of MNCs in the knowledge creation and dissemination process. Second, the global debate on globalization, economic inequalities and economic development, the role of the state and international public policy, and the nature of international political economy and collective action was discussed. Third, a typology of three governance structures was introduced.

Findings

The paper provides a three‐fold typology of governance structures, exchange, gifts and entitlement, to clarify knowledge as a resource in international business and development research.

Social implications

The continuing prominence of MNCs in the context of the up and coming MNCs from the developing world will make the analysis of knowledge as a resource even more fundamental.

Originality/value

The integrated approach to the literature of economics, social sciences, anthropology, IB, and the formulation of a typology of governance structures for global knowledge resources MNCs from developed and developing economies are competing for, against a general framework for understanding the nature of knowledge resources and their role in development, especially on how knowledge resources can be created, governed, distributed and exchanged, has not been provided as yet – hence the value of this paper.
Planted deserts will prevent famine and sequester CO2
Authors: Issar Arie S.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to trigger the preparation of an international development plan, which will aim to settle the deserts, which form a third of the area of the continents of the world.

Design/methodology/approach

This plan will enhance projects aimed to provide food to the present and future starving populations.

Findings

Warnings that starvation on a global scale is approaching were heard at the meeting of the World Summit on Food Security, held at the Food and Agriculture Organization Headquarters in Rome (16‐18 November 2009) and at the UN Copenhagen Conference (7‐18 December 2009). The warnings were based on the observations that global temperatures are increasing due to the ongoing and forecasted increase in green house gases, and because of the increase in the population in the developing countries.

Practical implications

The settling of the deserts will be based on the conceptual model of Progressive Development, which will bring about the greening of the deserts by the utilizing the existing soil reserves and water reserves below and adjacent to the thus far empty and desolate regions. The development will proceed stage by stage from the utilization of shallow groundwater resources to the deeper aquifers and later to diversion of rivers flowing into the sea adjacent to the borders of the deserts.

Social implications

Development of renewable energy resources and technical education of local population and new settlers will progress simultaneously.

Originality/value

The plan revealed in the following paper is the original initiative of its writer.
A meta‐analysis of the relationship between debt and growth
Authors: Moore Winston , Thomas Chrystol
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Developing countries tend to be characterised by relatively high levels of indebtedness. The proceeds from debt can potentially have positive effects on growth, if the funds are employed to expand the productive capacity of the nation. The paper aims to investigate whether debt can be used to finance growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilizes meta‐analysis approach to address the issue. This approach allows researchers to combine the results from both published and unpublished research to gain insights regarding the directional and statistical significance of the relationship between the two variables.

Findings

The results suggest that there exist a positive relationship between debt and economic growth.

Research limitations/implications

The findings from the paper suggest that future research should be conscious of the effect model specification can have on the results on their studies. Indeed, when external debt, the fiscal balance, debt relief where included in the econometric specification the relationship between debt and growth was weakened.

Practical implications

Economic growth should be stimulated, if the proceeds from debt issues are utilized to finance investment in productive areas of economic activity.

Originality/value

While the relationship between debt and growth has stimulated a number of research papers, seminars and conferences, to date, however, no clear answer to the question is available. Through the use of meta‐analysis, this paper allows the reader to glean the main findings from this body of research.
Does corruption foster growth in Bangladesh?
Authors: Paksha Paul Biru
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to unveil the relationship between corruption and economic growth in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is designed to combine both theory and empirical work.

Findings

Bangladesh poses a positive relation between corruption and growth. This relationship has been significant since 1977 when Bangladesh embarked on a market economy and unleashed private investment, but failed to implement corresponding reforms in bureaucracy and major public utilities. As a result, consumers with rising income and producers with thriving business opportunities confronted public regulatory bodies for utilities and permits, and indulged in increasing corruption. Thus, both corruption and economic growth increased with the pace of privatisation and the market economy in Bangladesh. Hence, a positive association between corruption and growth, though spurious and co‐incidental, becomes apparent.

Research limitations/implications

A bigger sample size for survey can be covered in the future.

Practical implications

While corruption does not foster growth, it greases the wheels of commerce in Bangladesh's regulation‐heavy systems that would otherwise impede businesses.

Social implications

It can be argued that Bangladesh has the potentials to make growth performance even brighter if corruption can be further reduced through comprehensive liberalisation and bureaucratic reform.

Originality/value

Conventional wisdom suggests that corruption impedes economic growth. But this relationship is not that simple and straight forward in Bangladesh as it initially appears to be. Other institutional factors must be addressed before spurring growth in the country. This finding has implications to the development policymakers of Bangladesh or other emerging economies that experience both high growth and high corruption.
Simulation for emergency care process reengineering in hospitals
Authors: Shim Sung J. , Kumar Arun
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Using computer simulation, this paper seeks to model the emergency care process in a hospital and evaluate the effects of some proposed changes to improve patient wait times in the process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based upon a case study conducted at the hospital and uses historical data provided by the hospital to simulate the emergency care process.

Findings

The simulation results demonstrate that the changes proposed can shorten patient wait times in the emergency care process. The proposed changes involve adding another payment station and a new short‐stay ward in the process. Based upon the results, the paper supports the implementation of the changes proposed.

Research limitations/implications

A couple of limitations are recognized in this paper. First, the simulation does not consider varying the capacity of resources and locations involved in the emergency care process. Second, the simulation does not consider patients by clinical disciplines in which they are treated.

Practical implications

The simulation results show that computer simulation can be an effective decision support tool in modelling the emergency care process and evaluating the effects of changes in the process. The results would be helpful to those who are considering reengineering and improving emergency care or other similar processes in hospitals.

Originality/value

Based upon a case study using real‐world data, this paper extends the line of studies on computer simulation in healthcare by considering not only patient wait times in the emergency care process but also some ways to improve patient wait times and their effects on the process.
Performance effects of information systems integration:
Authors: Georgantzas Nicholas C. , Katsamakas Evangelos G.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the relationship between information systems (IS) integration and business performance in the context of the ad traffic system of a media company.

Design/methodology/approach

A system dynamics (SD) model that shows ad traffic system structure was developed and simulation scenarios were examined.

Findings

Simulation scenarios identify the dysfunctional effects of the lack of IS integration. The model shows how IS integration problems increase the dynamic complexity of business processes, resulting in poor business performance. It also shows how and why IS integration improvements can lead to superior performance.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers of business process management will benefit from a wider adoption of simulation and SD modeling approaches. The modeling process and model validation are discussed.

Practical implications

SD modeling can help organizations analyze and streamline their business processes through IT, significantly and sustainably improving their business performance.

Originality/value

Modeling the relationship between IS integration and business performance through time.
Developing a multi‐agent system of a crisis response organization
Authors: Gonzalez Rafael A.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the development of a multi‐agent system (MAS) used to simulate a crisis response organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an agent‐based approach, the model is developed using the GAIA methodology and implemented in the Java Agent Development framework.

Findings

The GAIA methodology can be combined with an additional GAIA2JADE process to bridge the gap between design and implementation. Keeping the MAS organization separate from the crisis scenario model enables testing different configurations of the crisis response organization in different scenarios.

Research limitations/implications

The simulation model is provided as proof of concept along with preliminary experiments. Additional detailed experiments and validation are ongoing.

Practical implications

The model can be configured differently to deal with an emergency scenario developed separately, providing a test bed for simulating coordination in crisis response. Such simulation forms the basis for exploring different coordination mechanisms and can also be adapted and extended for training and decision support.

Originality/value

The characteristics of the response organization and the study of structured vs emergent coordination fit with the capabilities and nature of a MAS. The structure and process are useful for modelling similar ad hoc, multidisciplinary organizations.
Sustainable enterprise modelling and simulation in a warehousing context
Authors: Tan Kah‐Shien , Daud Ahmed M. , Sundaram David
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The paper seeks to propose the concept of sustainable enterprise simulation models. The social, environmental and economic models are developed and simulated using iThink in the context of a warehousing and distribution company.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper has leveraged the systems dynamic paradigm to conduct sustainable enterprise modelling and iThink™ system to implement the models. It uses the design science research methodology for the proof of concept of the models and modelling processes. The models have been developed for a logistics management company and tested in the business settings. These models were finalised through a number of revisions and iterations of the design, develop, simulate and test and evaluate.

Findings

The paper addresses the interconnectivity between disparate sustainability dimensions for developing the models. The validity and usefulness of the sustainability models for the day‐to‐day decision making has been authenticated by the management of the warehousing organisation.

Originality/value

The paper implements system dynamics concepts of sustainability modelling and produces models of various sustainability dimensions which are original in nature and evolution. While the domain in which sustainable enterprise modelling was carried out was warehousing, the concepts and principles that were explored, developed and validated is applicable across most enterprises.
Real‐world learning opportunities in sustainability: from classroom into the real world
Authors: Brundiers Katja , Wiek Arnim , Redman Charles L.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Academic sustainability programs aim to develop key competencies in sustainability, including problem‐solving skills and the ability to collaborate successfully with experts and stakeholders. These key competencies may be most fully developed in new teaching and learning situations. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the kind of, and extent to which, these key competencies can be acquired in real‐world learning opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper summarizes key competencies in sustainability, identifies criteria for real‐world learning opportunities in sustainability programs, and draws on dominant real‐world learning models including project‐ and problem‐based learning, service learning, and internships in communities, businesses, and governments. These components are integrated into a framework to design real‐world learning opportunities.

Findings

A “functional and progressive” model of real‐world learning opportunities seems most conducive to introduce students (as well as faculty and community partners) to collaborative research between academic researchers and practitioners. The stepwise process combined with additional principles allows building competencies such as problem solving, linking knowledge to action, and collaborative work, while applying concepts and methods from the field of sustainability.

Practical implications

The paper offers examples of real‐world learning opportunities at the School of Sustainability at Arizona State University, discusses general challenges of implementation and organizational learning, and draws attention to critical success factors such as collaborative design, coordination, and integration in general introductory courses for undergraduate students.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to sustainability education by clarifying how real‐world learning opportunities contribute to the acquisition of key competencies in sustainability. It proposes a functional and progressive model to be integrated into the (undergraduate) curriculum and suggests strategies for its implementation.
Competencies for interdisciplinarity in higher education
Authors: Parker Jenneth
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The overall purpose of this paper is to clarify the current state of the debate with regard to competencies for interdisciplinarity (ID) for sustainable development (SD) in higher education, to provide further analysis, and to make suggestions for next steps on this basis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a critical literature review to identify key themes and gaps in the debate and considers how competencies for ID might be further supported.

Findings

The literature review demonstrates developments towards action competencies in ID for sustainability but with an over‐reliance on students guiding their own practice and reflection. Findings highlight potential elements of a more widely informed knowledge literacy, including philosophical, sociological and cultural aspects, that is needed to support the development of these competencies.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited to discussion of foundational aspects and does not cover possible pedagogical strategies, nor does it cover ways of assessing the attainment of competencies. The literature review is also limited by reasons of space.

Practical implications

There is a need for a concerted research effort in order to develop coherent sets of competencies to equip students for ID for SD and other‐related fields.

Social implications

These competencies are at the heart of the new forms of inter‐agency and inter‐professional working that is increasingly recognised as essential to deliver care and sustainability in a joined‐up world.

Originality/value

The originality is high as very little in the sustainability literature to date specifically analyses competencies and supporting knowledge for ID in an accessible manner.
A whole‐person approach to educating for sustainability
Authors: Margaret Podger Dimity , Mustakova‐Possardt Elena , Reid Anna
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of a whole‐person approach to educating for sustainability (EfS), with a focus on persons' identity, motivation and higher order dispositions. To propose that approach as an alternative to the prevalent focus on specific capabilities and competencies in higher education for sustainability. The paper brings to bear psychological research on the development of critical moral consciousness, research on dispositions for learning in higher education, and field research on spiritually inspired service‐learning.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, critical analysis is undertaken on the discourses that represent two fields of study in order to explore the application of the theory of the ontogenesis of “critical moral consciousness”. The model is applied to two discrete areas to consider implications for higher education – field research on grass‐root Baha'i‐inspired service‐learning and EfS, and students involved in design education.

Findings

The findings suggest that a whole‐person approach to EfS may yield more fruitful societal and personal benefits than traditional, and predominantly, behavioural approaches.

Research limitations/implications

The paper only refers to two case studies. One case study is of a faith based organisation used to represent a whole‐person approach to EfS in a social context. It could be that the findings of this case are influenced by perceptions of religious activity (for both authors and readers). The second case study is of a particulate discipline area – design. Whilst the findings represent learners in the design context, it may be that learners in different contexts have different (or similar) results.

Originality/value

Sustainability has now become a common orientation for learning. The paper contributes conceptual understanding of the types of dispositions higher education needs to foster, as well as congruent pedagogies, in order to nurture human motivations necessary to advance sustainability. In particular, there is a need for EfS to focus on the cultivation of critical moral consciousness and higher order dispositions as a specific orientation towards studies, work, and social interactions.
Teacher capacities for working towards peace and sustainable development
Authors: Helu Thaman Konai
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of values and beliefs rooted in “non‐Western” cultures in implementing global education initiatives such as education for sustainable development (ESD) at the regional and local levels. This is because many of these initiatives are often derived from “Western” cultures and values. Also to reaffirm the importance for educators to respect and use local and indigenous ways of life and knowledge systems in order to make teaching and learning more relevant and meaningful for Pacific students; and to advocate for the development of teachers' capacities to better contextualize their teaching and create more culturally inclusive learning environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Informed by the findings of her research on cultural values, educational ideas and teachers' role perception in Tonga, plus her work as the UNESCO Chair in Teacher Education and Culture at the University of South Pacific, the author presents her reflections on the need to further enhance teachers and teacher educators in the Pacific region.

Findings

The findings suggests that teacher education programmes that are designed to cultivate teachers' cultural competence may better contribute to making Pacific education more relevant and effective.

Originality/value

The ESD discourse often attaches importance to traditional and indigenous knowledge, but there is limited literature discussing how and for what purposes indigenous ways of knowing should be integrated into teacher education. This paper challenges the neglect of teachers in the international education reform discourses; points out the vital role of teachers in facilitating educational reforms, and contributes understanding of the types of teacher capacities higher education needs to foster for peace and sustainability through the case of the Pacific region.
Practical pedagogy for embedding ESD in science, technology, engineering and mathematics curricula
Authors: Hopkinson Peter , James Peter
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and highlight some recent examples of embedding education for sustainable development (ESD), within science and related curricula in ways that are meaningful and relevant to staff and students and reflect on different embedding strategies and discourses.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of recent selected UK and international teaching and learning practice drawing on an expert workshop and link to wider debates about student competencies and embedding ESD in the curriculum.

Findings

There are a number of practical ways of bringing sustainable development into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related subjects. Successful implementation requires linking teaching activities to the core activities of the STEM discipline. Reformist approaches to curriculum re‐orientation are more likely to be successful than calls for radical, transformational models.

Practical implications

Embedding ESD into the core curricula of STEM subjects is potentially difficult. This paper highlights practical ways of doing this which can be adopted and introduced within the mainstream of STEM curricula and have a greater chance of being taken up than bolt‐on approaches.

Originality/value

The treatment of ESD in STEM subjects is relatively under‐developed compared to social sciences, humanities and subjects allied to environment. The economic and social significance of STEM subjects means that STEM‐related subjects are integral to sustainable development and therefore STEM education must be re‐oriented to sustainable development.
Mirroring, Gestaltswitching and transformative social learning
Authors: Wals Arjen E.J.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify components and educational design principles for strengthening sustainability competence in and through higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that uses an exemplary autobiographical empirical case study in order to illustrate and support a line of reasoning.

Findings

A number of “Gestalts” of mind‐sets of sustainability competence and key elements of the learning processes needed for developing such competence have been identified.

Originality/value

This is one of the first papers to consider sustainability competence from a transformative social learning perspective. The value of the paper lies in its potential to help teachers of university courses in re‐designing their educational processes with sustainability competence in mind.
Competences for sustainable development and sustainability
Authors: Mochizuki Yoko , Fadeeva Zinaida
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw attention of the education for sustainable development (ESD) community to recent discussions on competence approaches and to examine the adequacy of a competence‐based model as the means of achieving educational and societal transformation towards sustainability. The paper analyses and highlights some important aspects of case studies of the contributing authors to the special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the review of relevant literature and reflections on the articles that constitute this special issue. It also reflects the authors' observations through their extensive interactions with theoreticians, practitioners and policy makers on ESD in the context of the United Nations decade of education for sustainable development (DESD) and higher education for sustainable development (HESD).

Findings

The paper recognises a highly complex nature of the conceptualizations of competences for SD and their articulation in educational programmes. It also highlights a growing interest in competence‐based approaches from institutions of higher education and their stakeholders in different parts of the world.

Practical implications

The paper provides a broad picture of influential international processes and diverse players driving competence‐based approaches in ESD and indicates a need for more coherent critical multi‐level analysis of such processes.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a broader debate on strategies of implementation of ESD and education for sustainability (EfS) by mapping arguments on competences for SD and sustainability with a particular focus on higher education institutions.
Content‐based indexing and teaching focus mining for lecture videos
Authors: Lin Yu‐Tzu , Yen Bai‐Jang , Chang Chia‐Hu , Lee Greg C. , Lin Yu‐Chih
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an indexing and teaching focus mining system for lecture videos recorded in an unconstrained environment.

Design/methodology/approach

By applying the proposed algorithms in this paper, the slide structure can be reconstructed by extracting slide images from the video. Instead of applying traditional shot‐change detection methods for general videos, a new edge‐based shot‐change detection algorithm is designed specifically for lecture videos. Besides, light influence and occlusions in the lecture video can be removed to obtain more accurate results. Moreover, the teaching focus can be extracted according to instructors' behavior based on the analyses of visual and audio information extracted from the lecture video.

Findings

Experiment results show the feasibility of the proposed method, that is, the slide shots can be correctly detected even if the illumination conditions are variant or the slides are obstructed by the instructor or students, and the teaching focus can be extracted to provide learners with an efficient way to study.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides only technical experiments, but lacks complete educational study. In the future, more subjective tests will be designed to examine the educational effects on students.

Practical implications

This paper proposes a practical indexing and teaching focus mining system for lecture videos which can help students learn.

Originality/value

The proposed algorithms for indexing and teaching focus mining are derived and applied in lecture videos in this paper.
iTest: online assessment and self‐assessment in mathematics
Authors: Joglar Nuria , Martín Diego , Manuel Colmenar J. , Martínez Iván , Hidalgo J. Ignacio
Published: September 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the activities designed and conducted with primary school, secondary school and university students to study the integration of alternative assessment and self‐assessment online tools in mathematics courses using iTest. iTest is an educational software tool born to support the continuous evaluation system promoted by the European Space for Higher Education (ESHE).

Design/methodology/approach

To cyclically design, implement and analyze the results of the activities a design‐based research methodology was followed which also facilitates the collaboration between researchers and teachers.

Findings

Students and Professors involved in the activities had positive attitudes towards the practical use of the tool. It was detected that iTest offers a good testing tool for units that focus on skills and procedural development as well as for units that are problem‐based and require visualization and manipulation of the geometric representation.

Originality/value

iTest is found to be an appropriate complementary software for evaluation in the ESHE. After all the experiences described in this paper, it is now possible to begin the design of a virtual learning environment for mathematics implementing iTest as the assessment and self‐assessment tool.
Opencast Matterhorn
Authors: Ketterl Markus , Schulte Olaf A. , Hochman Adam
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Opencast Community, a global community of individuals, institutions, and commercial stakeholders exchanging knowledge about all matters relevant in the context of academic video and promoting projects in this context. It also gives an overview of the most prominent of these projects, Opencast Matterhorn – a community‐driven open source solution for producing, managing, and distributing academic video.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper will demonstrate that Opencast Matterhorn is satisfying institutional needs to manage audiovisual content more efficiently as video is becoming a significant resource in research and education. Furthermore, the paper highlights that Opencast Matterhorn as a product and as a project is open for contributions from the research community and provides an excellent environment for the integration of research results from media analysis, multimedia authoring, search technologies, and other related fields.

Findings

Opencast Matterhorn provides a scalable open source solution for universities to manage academic video. Its service‐oriented architecture makes it customizable to institutional needs and open for contributions from users as well as media research.

Originality/value

The paper provides an insight to the idea of Opencast, the Opencast Community, and Opencast Matterhorn – and how they will help academic institutions to better manage and exploit the full richness of educational video.
Adaptive pervasive advertisement: scenarios and strategies
Authors: Rosi Alberto , Codeluppi Alessandro , Zambonelli Franco
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Starting from the premise that digital screens are pervading our everyday urban and social environments to serve a variety of purposes, the purpose of this paper is to show how screens can be made aware of what is happening around them and – based on specific strategies – adapt accordingly the advertisement flow to supply to users more engaging contents.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an overview of future pervasive advertisement scenarios, and sketches the architecture and implementation of a system for adaptive context‐aware pervasive advertisement. Subsequently, with the help of a simulation environment, the paper evaluates the performances of several adaptive context‐aware advertisement strategies, and compares them against non‐adaptive ones.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that, in a wide range of conditions, an advertisement system based on adaptive context‐aware strategies leads to a gain in terms of commercial value with respect to traditional non‐adaptive strategies for advertisement broadcasting.

Practical implications

A system for pervasive advertisement could be easily brought to life, leading advertisement companies to a much more targeted exploitation of the screen resource and, eventually, to higher revenues.

Originality/value

Adaptive advertisement systems can offer notable commercial advantages over traditional advertisement systems even when visitors demonstrate poor collaboration towards the system.