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While education may initially seem "off-topic" for the APMF, the shift to the knowledge economy has certainly brought education in all its forms (school, higher education, vocational, and adult) back into focus. And education by itself has for years been a commodity spurning big and small businesses alike. Yet there is so much to be done in improving educational systems to better serve Asia business that our lack of attention to this key economic and business driver over the years is negligent to say the least! It is generally accepted that one of the reasons behind Japan and Singapore's rise to economic powerhouses was the emphasis on education. Though certainly problems continue to exist with rote learning methods and excessive pressure at school level, an educated workforce has facilitated the development of a core of knowledge in the populace that has increased both global competitiveness and acted as a solid deterrent against foreign "educational colonialism". Problems remain even in these countries and others that have invested in their human resources in this way. Apart from the aforesaid over-reliance on didactic learning resulting in a lack of questioning or creative skills, the "brain drain" where many of the most intelligent and accomplished complete their education overseas and elect to stay there, over-reliance on prestigious qualifications rather than practical work-related skills, low academic and educational-sector salaries, poor funding and the rocky road to privately funded education, are all obstacles that must be overcome. Education is a commodity in Asia. And even though it is a less-than-glamorous (and less lucrative) business field, petty entrepreneurial scoundrels abound, especially in the provision of English language services. So much so that in Thailand, a former Prime Minister is alleged to have "bought" his degrees. Recently, text book scams have been the subject of controversies in Thailand. In China, a report several years back suggested that over 90% of educational materials in the most prestigious universities were illegal copies. In Indonesia, the problem of intellectual piracy is even more pronounced. The advent of the "knowledge economy" makes education even more critical. Intellectual capital is severely lacking in many countries attempting to build new economy cyberports/corridoors. Those that do have the educational capital (as in the massive programming and systems talent in India), find their talent being lured to more lucrative economies. Much transfer of knowledge that should have occurred from the prescence of developed economy expatriates in developing countries was lost due to an inability of many local workers to "learn" from that experience - a result of both the short-term view of the local workforce and governments, and lack of training skills of expats who assumed the role of "experts" rather than "trainers" or "facilitators". This week's feature articles include both general articles and specific case studies of education at work in Asia (notably China, India, Australia and Indonesia) with a special focus of quality assurance of educational systems and educational management.
The business school in the new millennium Controversy has always surrounded business schools: they are almost regarded as a necessary evil. Their credentials have been impugned from within academia, and from the outside business community. Periodically committees are formed and reports written on how to overcome the perceived deficiencies. From contemporary literature themes emerge, and the opportunity is taken to both look back and to look forward. Globalisation, partly mediated through the Internet, presents even greater challenges, as do the rise of corporate and virtual universities, heightened competition among schools, finding and nurturing appropriate staff, achieving critical mass and serving the entire economy, working with relevant partners inside and outside the university setting, maintaining quality, and undertaking research meeting the needs of various constituencies. Schools cannot be all things to all people, and need to prioritise their mission objectives in the light of those stakeholders for whom they will decide to dedicate most of their energies.
Keywords: Business schools, Globalization, Knowledge economy, Internet, Management
development, Entrepreneurialism
The communication experiences of education managers: identifying strengths, weaknesses and critical incidents Education managers from various education settings were asked to record the three most typical work-related incidents of communication within a specified time-frame. They were also asked to identify the strengths and weaknesses of communication practices at work. The resultant data provide insight into the existing communication climate within education organisations, and the problems which need to be overcome. Specifically, the main findings were of persistent communication problems between managers and staff, the organisation of meetings, the transmission of information and the use of appropriate communication channels. The data suggest that there is a need for improved communication to facilitate the more effective management of education organisations, and to improve relationships between education managers and their staff. Greater communication skills training for managers is therefore recommended. This paper also considers areas where further research is indicated.
Keywords: Communication, Education, Management, Corporate culture
Management styles grounded in interpersonal roles: focus on heads of school in India Research in educational settings has indicated, inter alia, that the organizer and administrator's personality (principal's), ways of working, the nature of her/his interpersonal relationships and administrative practices or behavior are likely to be some of the important reasons behind the differential performance of schools. Perhaps, this is so because "experience without wisdom" can be a trap. Headships who reflect on their own interpersonal behavior create opportunities for components of the school (teachers, students, non-academics and parents) to realize their individual capabilities in the face of rapidly changing demands of growth and job satisfaction (e.g. reduced interpersonal conflicts). Every such stakeholder has an eye on the managerial capabilities of the principal of the school. Thus, more interpersonally skillful and gifted the leadership available in a school, the more performing the institution.
Keywords: Management styles, Management roles, Schools
Indonesian students' perceptions of choice criteria in the selection of a tertiary institution: strategic implications Intense competition for full-fee-paying foreign students in higher education in many countries mandates the need for the identification of the criteria considered important by this customer group for the purpose of strategy development. Past research in this area has overlooked the needs of this important segment and has focused mainly on either administrators or the faculty's perspective. A sample of potential students from Indonesia participated in this study and a number of choice criteria were identified. Also discusses strategic implications.
Keywords: Education, Students, Indonesia, Competitive strategy
Restructuring vocational education in Hong Kong The reversion of Hong Kong to Mainland China has led to swift and major changes in the economic base, and a consequent change in the vocational education and training needed to support economic prosperity. To meet the requirements of the new environment, the Vocational Training Council is leading a restructuring of the seven technical institutes and two technical colleges of Hong Kong to become a new invigorated single organisation, the Institute of Vocational Education, with a revised structure, management culture and curriculum. Reports on interviews with the principals of the technical institutes. Explores their views on the planned changes and their approach to managing large-scale change. Concludes that the process to date has largely avoided the destructive results of comprehensive change and has resulted in optimism for the future of vocational education in Hong Kong.
Keywords: Hong Kong, Vocational training, Change, Education
The effect of anomie on academic dishonesty among university students Anomie describes the individual's lack of integration in social life. The construct has been linked to various types of activities and concepts but no research appears to have been undertaken linking it to academic dishonesty. The literatures on anomie and academic dishonesty are examined, measurement instruments are identified and a survey is carried out among undergraduate students of a business school. The psychometric properties of the instruments are confirmed and correlates are investigated. The point is made that besides seeking ways to curb academic dishonesty, universities need to foster the development of an internalized code of ethics among students. Limitations are noted and directions for future research are indicated.
Keywords: Ethics, Students, Australia, Universities
Mechanics, problems and contributions of tertiary strategic alliances: the case of 22 Australian universities This study reports the mechanics, problems and contributions of international strategic alliances involving 22 Australian universities. The findings suggest that the majority of Australian universities have a framework for internationalisation initiatives, with top university management being instrumental in initiating joint ventures with overseas institutions even though inadequate resources are provided especially at the pre-negotiation and implementation phases of the partnership. Our study shows that Australian universities believe they bring to the partnership high quality higher education and reputable credentials while their overseas partners' major contributions include financial resources and market opportunities.
Keywords: Joint ventures, Alliances, Australia, Higher education
Education under the municipal administration in Pakistan The elementary education system in Pakistan is fragmented into state controlled, municipal, and private education. The first is over-controlled under the hierarchical structure, without any system of accountability or democratic control and is subject to political intervention. In urban areas, elementary education is totally left to the municipalities. Owing to their multi-purpose nature, lack of clarity in the local government laws, and absence of central discipline and administrative control, the real interest of education could never be guaranteed among the municipalities. The political and administrative élite are fulfilling their educational needs from private sector, which is expanding speedily under the auspices of the government. Practically, State and Municipal education is left only to the poor people, who have no say in society. In such circumstances the only option is the establishment of the "education authorities" at division, district or the local level. This step will ensure the involvement of the related interests in planning, administration and maintenance of the educational institutions. It will also enhance a sense of participation and accountability among the educational community and equip the system with local knowledge.
Keywords: Pakistan, Education, Management, Private sector, Accountability
The relationship between college experience and academic performance among minority students A number of factors have been identified as important to the retention and success of minority students in American higher education. Foremost among these factors are college experience variables like academic integration and social integration. The purpose of this study was to model the relationship between college experience and academic performance for minority students enrolled in an American institution of higher learning. Using structural equation modeling techniques, a model of the college experience consistent with past research was proposed and tested. The results provide support for the proposed model. Implications of the findings for improving research and practice in the field of educational management are outlined.
Keywords: USA, Higher education, Minorities, Students, Integration, Modelling
A whistleblowing code for educational institutions This article discusses three important aspects of assessment within schools, namely, planning, testing and policy development. From the outset, emphasis is placed on the importance of planning for teaching and learning. It is argued that the development of assessment strategies at this stage is significant in terms of establishing clear learning outcomes for lessons taught. Some of the more widely used tests are also discussed in terms of how they might assist teachers to identify specific difficulties children may have with learning. The final section considers policy development in schools and suggests a possible framework for action. Throughout the article reference is made to recent research which supports the development of formative assessment strategies in the classroom context. It is concluded that planned assessment strategies have the potential for enhancing the quality of teaching and learning within the classroom.
Keywords: Assessment, Planning, Policy, Schools
Quality assurance in subject gateways: creating high quality portals
on the Internet This paper presents the development of guidelines for assuring quality and consistency in the creation of high quality information gateways and portals on the Internet. This method is presented as a transferable model for quality assurance in the use and development of learning technologies, and as an example of good practice in the management of information on the Internet. The paper demonstrates the importance of quality assurance as part of the process, illustrating how structured guidelines can be used to support the transfer of good practice.
Keywords: Quality assurance, Internet, Model, Information management
Quality assurance of computer-assisted assessment: practical and
strategic issues This paper takes as its starting point observations and concerns of quality assurance staff in UK HEIs about the use of computer-assisted assessment (CAA) collected in the 1999 National Survey into CAA. The issues raised are grouped into three categories: pedagogical; operational; and institutional; and the quality assurance issues for each area are addressed. Emphasis is placed on the institutional management of CAA, the development of quality assurance regulations and protocols and the evaluation of CAA systems. The paper makes suggestions about the co-ordination of CAA within an institution and speculates on the future developments in computerised assessments and the increased importance of ensuring quality.
Keywords: Assessment, Quality, Management, Evaluation, Technology
Focus groups as a quality improvement technique: a case example
from health administration education States that growing numbers of experienced adult professionals are pursuing higher education on a part-time basis and are enrolling selectively in university and workplace-based undergraduate, graduate, and continuing professional education programs. As competition for this growing population of lifelong learners increases, the assessment of student satisfaction requires more attention. This article discusses the advantages of focus groups - a structured group interview technique - over other techniques for assessing the satisfaction of adult learners, presents key aspects of focus group methodology, and provides a case illustration of focus group methodology applied to quality improvement in a professional master's level management program that serves adult professionals who are employed full-time in the health professions.
Keywords: Adult education, Education, Focus groups, Quality improvement
Investors in People in further and higher education: the critical issues The initial enthusiasm for further and higher education institutions to achieve the Investors in People (IiP) award appears to have faded. The reasons for this are many, and varied, and this paper examines the critical issues being encountered. It considers the need for strategic development and effectiveness, and suggests a new management paradigm is necessary if IiP accreditation is to be achieved.
Keywords: Strategy, Management, Paradigms, Education
Managing the changes inherent in developing the Learning Society:
issues, choices and strategies The range of items included within the lifelong learning challenge is substantial - pre-entry activities, widening access, multiple entry points, interrupted study, continuing personal education, continuing professional development. This article discusses some of the implications for higher education arising from lifelong learning including: definition of levels, of progression, of curriculum design and assessment, of record-keeping and management, of quality assurance and of staff, educational and organizational development. The concept of "innovative universities" is discussed as a possible guide for short-term institutional strategies. In the longer term, as students want their qualifications to have international portability and recognition, lifelong learning will need a supportive, coherent climate involving government, institutions, employers, trade unions, professional and voluntary bodies, the media and other shapers of attitudes, opinions and values.
Keywords: Learning, Adult education, Continuing professional development, Skills, Learning
styles
Towards quality higher education in Indonesia Discusses the Indonesian government's strategy to upgrade higher education in the country through various development programs, the Engineering Education Development Project (EEDP) being one of them. Underlying all these, Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in all aspects of higher education are paramount. This article also identifies a number of fundamental changes to the education system that need to happen in order to successfully implement these various programs
Keywords: Higher education, Quality assurance, Quality programmes, Autonomy, Policy,
Indonesia
Assuring quality and standards in globalised higher education Relates higher education to the labour market, noting that the pace of change in national and international economies requires higher education to encourage the development of people who can act effectively in turbulent circumstances. Shows that quality and standards are open to interpretations which depend upon the interpreter's perspective. Argues that the extra-institutional scrutiny of quality and standards is appropriate where higher education is expected to respond to national needs, but that the method used needs to be adapted to institutional context. Discusses the potential that ISO 9000, or an analogue, might have for an extra-institutional quality assurance system that is economical in operation.
Keywords: Higher education, ISO 9000, Labour market, Quality, Standards
Modelling module evaluation in marketing education Quality assurance in higher education has been a subject of much interest and debate among academics, management of higher educational institutions, and the funding bodies, for some time now. Almost every higher educational institution has adopted some form of student evaluation mechanism as a part of this drive for quality assurance. This paper argues that evaluation systems existing in many institutions are not specific enough to provide useful guidelines for staff and management to improve on their provision. Many evaluation systems the authors have come across are too general, being institution-wide, standard questionnaires which fail to provide much insight into how students evaluate instructor-related factors and module-specific factors. Under these circumstances, the objective of this paper is to present a model of instructor and module evaluation as a guideline for the development of more focused student evaluations within the context of marketing education.
Keywords: Evaluation, Higher education, Improvement, Marketing, Quality assurance
As always we have only skimmed the surface of relevant articles this week and only those that are particularly relevant for Asia-Pacific managers. Many other articles are available as well including those focusing on other countries and international perspectives.
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