HLRC - Higher Learning Research Communications (E-Journal)
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Internationalization: From concept to implementation
Get PDFHigher education is in a phase of rapid internationalization, with practices and impacts ranging from curriculum reform to satellite campuses to affiliated partner institutions. Internationally, higher education institutions are increasingly engaged with issues pertaining to technology integration. The primary reason for this is a growing acceptance of the importance of student-centered and heuristic learning, and the emergence of mobile devices as learning tools. The purpose of this case study is to describe and provide evidence for technology integration as an internationalizing practice that promotes and enables mobility for the brand, staff, and students of Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS). This paper is also concerned to show technology integration as an internationalizing practice that promotes and enables brand, staff, and student mobility. In responding to the nascent trends in technology, and the continuing impacts globalization is having on higher education, BMIHMS has demonstrated that technology integration is an effective internationalizing practice.DOI: 10.18870/hlrc.v3i4.166
What is mLearning and how can it be used to support learning and teaching in Econometrics?
Get PDFThis research project analyzed the integration of mobile learning technologies in a postgraduate course in Finance (MSc in Finance) at Dublin Institute of Technology, where econometrics is an important course component. Previous experience with students undertaking econometrics modules supported this analysis, where the researcher detected a clear need for learning support. Econometrics courses are heavily supported by the use of sophisticated statistical software, the availability of which is normally restricted to designated labs in the college. As a result, this project has developed an application that facilitates students’ access to econometrics course work, where a mobile device was used. The main objective of the project was to enable students to bring their course material home with them and use it anywhere, at any time, so that the basic material covered in class could be consulted and reviewed as many times as the students need. The results of this project are very encouraging, as evidence suggests mobile technologies can play a positive role in improving students’ learning experience. Teachers should consider using mobile technologies to support their work in the classroom. In this context, smart phones and PC tablets, the devices used during this study, have proved to be particularly effective.DOI: 10.18870/hlrc.v3i1.6
Quality assurance of post-graduate education: The case of CAPES, the Brazilian Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education
Get PDFCAPES Foundation, The Brazilian Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education, was created in July 11th, 1951, some few years after the end of World War II, by the initiative of Anísio Teixeira, a pioneer Brazilian educator. At the same time, Alvaro Alberto, another open mind leader pioneer created CNPq, The Brazilian National Research Council. CAPES is linked to the Ministry of Education, and CNPq to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. Since its creation, CAPES has been responsible for the evaluation and financial support of graduate courses at master and doctorate levels, covering the entire Brazilian graduate system including both public and private institutions. The evaluation procedures consist of critical analysis of annual reports of each course and their re-evaluation every third year. The systematic process includes the recognition and approval of new courses proposed by the universities and research centers.A national plan, designed to establish and support training and development of human resources for strengthening science and technology activities in Brazil, was initiated six decades ago. This plan, named PNPG, can be viewed today as a successful program in terms of the significance of its general output. During this period, this program has been consolidated and is functioning only in the departments or other subdivisions of public or private universities and research centers that are officially accredited to offer degrees at one (Master's) or both (Master's and Ph.D.) levels. Since its beginning, in 1951, a substantial investment has been applied to develop this plan. This investment has been worthwhile since S&T activities were institutionalized; many scientific and technological achievements have been made. To reach such advances the existence of an effective system based on a group of multi-funding agencies was an essential additional factor for the attained advances. Highlights of these advances have been stressed out before by a report in the Science journal as "Research in Latin America" (Guimarães, 1995). In this work we present and discuss the current data and status of the Brazilian venture for developing human resources and for the formation of an active community dedicated to Science and Technology (S & T), also giving a general vision of its importance for the present and future development of the country.DOI: 10.18870/hlrc.v2i3.7
Lifestyle entrepreneurs: Insights into Blackpool’s small hotel sector
Get PDFBranded chains dominate sections of commercial hospitality provision; however, the vast majority of firms in the sector are micro businesses employing 10 or fewer staff. In fact most are so small as to employ no permanent staff. In many cases, those running these businesses are not classic entrepreneurs driven by a need to maximise profits and build a business empire. Actually, many are best described as lifestyle entrepreneurs, their key motives are more associated improving their quality of life. This paper reports on the owners of a significant sample of Blackpool hotels. For most, this is their first entrepreneurial venture.DOI: 10.18870/hlrc.v2i4.8
Introduction: Special Issue on Hospitality
No full textIn the era of globalization, the economic contribution of the tourism, hospitality and leisure industry to the world’s GDP is significant. Tourism represents one of the main sources of income for many countries; tourism creates jobs, enhances exports and contributes to the economic welfare of a host country. Although the contribution of tourism, hospitality and the leisure industry in the era of globalization has been broadly recognized, there are also numerous challenges that this industry faces.Higher Learning Research Communications is publishing this special issue with articles focusing particularly on the development of tourism, hospitality and leisure in the globalized world. The issue consists of a selection of 4 papers from authors that contribute to the understanding of recent developments in this industry, as well as strengths and weaknesses, threats and opportunities for the tourism, hospitality and leisure industry in the globalized world.“Challenges and Opportunities of the World Tourism from the view Point of Ecotourism”, by Fredy González Fonseca, analyses the potential options of ecotourism as a key driver of sustainable economic development for local communities. Despite the benefits this sector presents to local communities in Mexico, the author argues that there is non-existent support from the national or local governments and no equitable tourism legislation protecting potential natural resources, which could be used for future ecotourism activities.On “Economic Competition, Sustainability and Survival of the Dodo: The Eastern Island Case and the Tragedy of the Common Effects”, Pedro Moreira examines the results of a series of decision games obtained under a quasi-experimental design. Behavioral patterns were analyzed and extrapolated to explore the terminal effects of competition trends on the survival and economic viability of organizations and travel destinations in restricted environments.Marina Mattera & Alberto Moreno Melgarejo write on the “Strategic Implications of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Hotel Industry: a comparative research between NH Hotels and Meliá Hotels International”. The study outlines the best practices of two leading Spanish hotel corporations: NH Hotels and Meliá Hotels International. By identifying actions undertaken by the most important firms of the sector, these hotels can serve as an exemplar and be replicated by other firms. The authors note that a firm can enhance their positive impact on their operating environment by increasing sustainability practices, improving understanding of the triple bottom line and minimizing negative social as well as environmental footprints.Finally, “Lifestyle entrepreneurs: Insights into Blackpool’s small hotel sector”, by William Rowson and Conrad Lashley, examines branded chains that dominate sections of commercial hospitality provision. The study acknowledges that those managing small accommodation properties, in the form of guest houses and small hotels, have more lifestyle ambitions for their commercial operation rather than classical entrepreneurial motives.We would like to thank Carmen M. Mendez for all her support during the development process of this issue and also Higher Learning Research Communications for giving us this opportunity to publish the special issue. We thank all the reviewers for their assistance and support in the review process of the papers for this special issue.Ruth Rios-Morales, Les Roches-Gruyè University of Applied SciencesIan Jenkins, Glion Institute of Higher Educatio
Editorial
Get PDFThis issue of Higher Learning Research Communications (HLRC) fosters thought on the challenges that higher education faces in light of internationalization, regulations, and fulfilling students’ expectations. Higher education outlooks are described and analyzed with a focus on fulfilling requirements and preparing for the future, while students’ motivations and needs are explored in ways that support the achievement of educational goals.In a grounded essay, Orphanides identifies ten priority areas that European higher education must address in order to succeed at the implementation of the Bologna Process, providing a guide to engage the educational system to effectively address these challenges.Gersten emphasizes the need for general education that adapts to contemporary societal and business needs but remains rooted on the original principles of liberal arts, integrated as a way to cultivate human beings who are good citizens, developing critical thinking skills and the ability to join the business world as a competent professional.Marouchou studies the relevance, impact and role of the students’ viewpoint on how learning occurs, describing learning conceptions that go from low level, where the student is just a receiver of the subject knowledge to high level, where the student sees learning as the way to self-development into a responsible human being.Complementing the general perspective of higher education, Yob and Crawford describe a conceptual framework for mentoring based on the specific behaviors and characteristics of doctoral students.As a whole, the authors of this issue present ideas, evidence and calls for action that aim to challenge educators through the labyrinth of curriculum design, general education, learning outcomes and student mentoring; depicting the complexity and multi-dimensionality of higher education
World business leaders interaction in higher education: A novel experience
Get PDFThis article describes a disruptive approach that offers higher education students and faculty the experience of learning from world business leaders and interacting with fellow members at their institutions. The World Business Forum event was transmitted live to 36 higher education institutions in 19 countries. Webcast and social media discussions around the event were used to create both a local University community and a global Laureate community. The World Business Forum is a two-day event, produced by HSM Global that serves as a platform for the ideas and trends that are shaping the future of business. In 2011, twenty business and political leaders spoke at the event. Through its partnership with HSM, Laureate was able to broadcast the event to auditoriums on university campuses and to add live content and discussion around speakers, making the webcast relevant to an academic audience. Universities were provided with academic, technical and communication manuals to guide them through the implementation of the event on campus. The network-wide webcast had participation of 36 higher education institutions in 19 countries, and 56,400 viewers. The Laureate- hosted Facebook page generated 2,900 “likes,” 3,000 “posts” and 410,000 views and Twitter produced thousands of tweets from around the world. Both the participation on campuses and social media indicated that the webcast provided broad access to the event and created a global forum for students and faculty to participate in the event.DOI: 10.18870/hlrc.v2i1.57
American accreditation: Why do it?
Get PDFA review of the history and purpose of accreditation followed by a brief case study of how a small specialist institution outside of the USA went through the process of becoming accredited. The changes needed inside the curriculum and inside the organization in order to make this significant organizational development are reviewed and discussed.The paper concludes with some discussion as to why a non-US based institution might decide to become accredited by an outside agency.DOI: 10.18870/hlrc.v2i3.7
Accreditation Processes in Mexico: Origins and Relevant Changes
No full textThe author discusses the origins and relevant changes that have occurred in Mexican higher education, regarding institutional and academic programs assessment and evaluation.-------Los Procesos de Acreditación en México: Origen y Cambios RelevantesResumenEl autor discute el origen y cambios relevantes que se han dado en la educación superior en México, en cuanto a evaluación y acreditación de programas e instituciones.DOI: 10.18870/hlrc.v2i3.73PDF document contains both the original in Spanish and an English translation
The European credit transfer and accumulation system: The UDLA case in Chile
Get PDFUniversidad de Las Américas - UDLA, is a Chilean University with 30.000 students located on 6 campuses. One third of students are working adults. A university like UDLA requires a flexible educational model to fulfill the learning requirements of different kinds of students and of the ever-changing conditions of the labor market that its graduates face. Following the ETCS, Credit System of Universidad de las Américas (SCUDLA) is a student-centered system based on transparency of outcomes and learning processes, which facilitates the planning of teaching, the evaluation of learning, and the recognition and validation of qualifications. SCUDLA is a tool that helps to design, describe and provide programs leading to an academic degree or a professional title. SCUDLA can be applied to all kinds of programs, regardless of the status of the students and the modality of learning.DOI: 10.18870/hlrc.v2i3.7