Identifying elements contributing to effective online learning delivery in higher education institutions – a systematic literature review

Purpose The shift from in-person to online education was among the disruptive changes catalysed by the pandemic. Although today online learning modes outpace traditional ones, there is limited information on effective online learning design and delivery approaches to allow educators to effectively combine pedagogy and andragogy with technology in pursuit of Education 4.0. Methodology The authors performed a Systematic Literature Review, looking at relevant academic peer-reviewed journal articles, published within the last 5 years. A thorough filtering process narrowed the sample of articles down to 44, which were then taken further for a Thematic Analysis. A set of aspects contributing for effective online learning delivery were identified as emerging themes among the final sample of papers, classified under the 4 core modes of learner interactions. Findings Communication between lecturers and students remains a fundamental factor for academic success. The student awareness of “self” is an essential in an online learning delivery mode, due to the process enforcing self-regulation. There is discrepancy between educators and students’ perspectives in various instances, with a debate over the effectiveness of both pedagogies and andragogies for adult learning. The spotlight is on student-centric design, immersive learning experiences, simulations and interactive multimedia, non-traditional subject-authentic assessments, and content access and accessibility. Popular methods for learning enhancement such as the “flipped classroom” approach do not perform as effectively in online settings, while scheduling lengthier amounts of time for self-directed learning are recommended. Research limitations/implications There is clear necessity for the establishment of frameworks to guide the education process, whether that is for fully online or blended learning approaches. The dynamic growth of online learning naturally leads to the question regarding the overall educational effectiveness of online delivery and making steps in the direction of establishing such framework has implications for both academic and support staff at higher education institutions. Having formulated a conceptual framework based on the emerging themesin the final samples of studies, the authors recommend primary research to be undertaken with both students and educators. Originality/Value A central force in speeding the UK’s recovery from the pandemic in times of Education 4.0, it is essential that universities establish a robust framework for assessment of the quality of online learning delivery. The study encourages university authorities to consider the features of effective online learning while calibrating and responding to individual student needs in the interest of continuous improvement of the quality of student experience

Impact of implementation of digital record systems on service setting. A case study of care homes in the United Kingdom

Purpose With the lifespan increase of the UK population, care homes are experiencing greater pressure to improve the quality of their settings to meet the demand for longer term care of residents. Among the biggest challenges for care home staff has been documentation management. Staff are required to accurately complete and submit care records during each shift as per the Care Quality Commission regulations. Technological advancement has allowed the UK health care sector to implement new digital systems to make the services more efficient and reliable. However, despite the increasing number of care providers using electronic care recording to capture data on service users, the research on the efficiency and efficacy of those systems remains limited. Methodology Survey and observational data were provided by an organisation managing 5 care homes in the United Kingdom, that have recently implemented an electronic care planning system. The authors analysed the quantitative data to compare the care note taking process in pre and post implementation of the e-system. Findings The statistical analysis identified that the total number of care notes being recorded had significantly increased across the sample. The e-system enabled an increase in fluid notes being recorded too. Survey data portrayed that 53% of staff felt using an electronic system improves accuracy and 67% agreed using a system let them record information quicker, although that does not result in staff having extra time to spend on “meaningful” activities with service users. Research limitations/implications The study provides an insight into whether an e-system brings sufficient return to justify the investment of its implementation, highlighting the exact areas of care and service quality impacted by its use. From an academic perspective, the research furthers the existing literature by demonstrating the impact of digital systems beyond medication intake recording. The study is practical for healthcare managers exploring the possibility of implementing an e-system, seeking to understand the benefits and limitations of such investment, presenting the views of both residents and staff. 2 Originality/Value Technological advancement has allowed the UK health care sector to implement new digital systems to make the services more efficient and reliable. However, despite the increasing number of care providers using electronic care recording to capture data on service users, the research on the efficiency and efficacy of those systems remains limited

Rethinking risk management in times of crisis:the effect of COVID-19 on small and medium-sized enterprises in Scotland

PurposeThe Scottish economy was experiencing steady growth prior the hit of the COVID-19, with the pandemic causing the government to announce extreme lockdown measures with unprecedented impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Whilst some of the industry sectors in Scotland took a lighter hit, a large part of the organizations had to either adapt or completely disrupt their business. An essential aspect of their survival, risk management (RM) was among the areas requiring the most significant acceleration. This study compared the RM practices implemented by Scottish SMEs prior and after the outbreak as well as examined the attitudes of key decision-makers in the SMEs in relation to risk, including their perceived readiness for another crisis of similar significance.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey based on ISO 31000 RM guidelines was distributed to 232 Scottish SMEs. Based on the official government reports and existing knowledge on how SMEs around the world have handled crisis events within the past 20 years, the authors developed the hypothesis that crisis events significantly accelerate SMEs' RM implementation. Around 13 items were tested in relation to the hypothesis and responses were tested via two-tailed T-test to establish significant statistical difference.FindingsThe research provides insight into the current state of risk management practices implemented by Scottish SMEs. As expected, SMEs showed significant difference in their RM implementation prior and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Whilst this has been viewed as a positive, motivations, priorities and approaches in managing risk demonstrated by the SMEs is questionable with views to their sustainable long-term recovery. The study highlights the lack of confidence instilled within the SMEs that they can handle another crisis of similar significance and provides directions for further investigation and improvements with the aim of helping the SMEs prepare better to mitigate the consequences of future crisis events.Originality/valueIn academic sense, the study offers a tested universal framework and a detailed questionnaire for assessment of RM strategy, applicable to organisations of various type, size and geography. Several implications with regards to managerial practices have been highlighted, including the neglect of the SMEs’ own internal environments and its significance in their risk strategies, the predominantly reactive approach to RM displayed by most Scottish SMEs as well as the neglect of compliance risk leading to potential quality and customer satisfaction issues preventing SMEs from full post-crisis recovery

Impact of Digital Communication Tools on Stakeholder Engagement in Construction Project Management in the United Kingdom

In 2011 the Government of the United Kingdom called for all publicly subsidized construction projects to incorporate the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) Level 2 within its operations by 2016, making it a mandatory tender requirement in all public contracts. As a result of this, the percentage of construction firms implementing BIM as a way of improving stakeholder engagement increased from 13% by 2011 to 73% in 2020. The increase in successful embracement of BIM technology in the past years puts the UK among the global leaders propelling construction advancement via effective use of digital communication technology. BIM’s integration however has not come without challenges. Examining the literature published since the law introduction in 2011, this research explores the relationship between the utilisation of digital communication tools towards the extent of stakeholder engagement in construction projects. The authors examine the benefits experienced by UK construction firms and evaluate the challenges involved in the implementation of Building Information Modelling. The article proposes a direction for further research into the area, with potential for practical implications with long-lasting impact

Effective stakeholder engagement in the planning application process of new build major construction projects in Scotland, United Kingdom

Complex in nature, the Planning Application (PA) process of construction projects requires effective Stakeholder Engagement (SE). Looking at a “project” holistically, SE within the construction context has received good attention throughout the years. Little emphasis has been placed on what is considered effective stakeholder communication, preferred methods, and perceived stakeholder significance when it comes to the PA stage. The authors surveyed participants from complex new build construction projects in Glasgow, Scotland. The research outlined the key stakeholders involved in the PA process of the construction sites, examined the communication links between them and further investigated their preferred methods of communication. Further, the 58 participants were asked to determine the level of influence of each of the involved stakeholders in relation to 4 different aspects of the PA process-Planning, Design, Programme and Cost. The most common communication issues were highlighted along with their causes and potential preventative measures. The study contributes to the underdeveloped PA process stakeholder engagement niche, presenting structured stakeholder tiers, based on their influence towards each aspect of the PA process. In addition, it determines primary and secondary success factors for effective stakeholder engagement and provides recommendations for tackling the communication challenges during PA

D2A-Ala peptide derived from the urokinase receptor exerts anti-tumoural effects in vitro and in vivo

D2A-Ala is a synthetic peptide that has been created by introducing mutations in the original D2A sequence, 130IQEGEEGRPKDDR142 of human urokinase receptor (uPAR). In vitro, D2A-Ala peptide displays strong anti-tumoural properties inhibiting EGF-induced chemotaxis, invasion and proliferation of a human fibrosarcoma cell line, HT 1080, and a human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line, HT 29. D2A-Ala exerts its effects by preventing EGF receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation. To test D2A-Ala in vivo, this peptide was PEGylated generating polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-D2A-Ala peptide. PEGylation did not alter the inhibitory properties of D2A-Ala. Human tumour xenografts in the immunodeficient nude mice using HT 1080 and HT 29 cell lines showed that PEG-D2A-Ala significantly prevents tumour growth decreasing size, weight and density of tumours. The most efficient doses of the peptide were 5 and 10 mg/kg, thereby relevant for possible development of the peptide into a drug against cancer in particular tumours expressing EGFR

D2A sequence of the urokinase receptor induces cell growth through αvβ3 integrin and EGFR

The urokinase receptor (uPAR) stimulates cell proliferation by forming a macromolecular complex with \u3b1v\u3b23 integrin and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, ErbB1 or HER1) that we name the uPAR proliferasome. uPAR transactivates EGFR, which in turn mediates uPAR-initiated mitogenic signal to the cell. EGFR activation and EGFR-dependent cell growth are blocked in the absence of uPAR expression or when uPAR activity is inhibited by antibodies against either uPAR or EGFR. The mitogenic sequence of uPAR corresponds to the D2A motif present in domain 2. NMR analysis revealed that D2A synthetic peptide has a particular three-dimensional structure, which is atypical for short peptides. D2A peptide is as effective as EGF in promoting EGFR phosphorylation and cell proliferation that were inhibited by AG1478, a specific inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase activity of EGFR. Both D2A and EGF failed to induce proliferation of NR6-EGFR-K721A cells expressing a kinase-defective mutant of EGFR. Moreover, D2A peptide and EGF phosphorylate ERK demonstrating the involvement of the MAP kinase signalling pathway. Altogether, this study reveals the importance of sequence D2A of uPAR, and the interdependence of uPAR and EGFR

Data on the inhibition of cell proliferation and invasion by the D2A-Ala peptide derived from the urokinase receptor

The data presented in this article are connected to our research article entitled \u201cD2A-Ala peptide derived from the urokinase receptor exerts anti-tumoural effects in vitro and in vivo\u201d (Furlan et al., 2018). These data further extend our understanding of the inhibitory effects of D2A-Ala peptide. Dose-response curve using a wide range of concentrations of D2A-Ala shows that this peptide has no effects per se on proliferation of rat smooth muscle cells (RSMC). However, D2A-Ala dose-dependently inhibits epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced RSMC proliferation. Kinetics lasting up to seven days revealed that D2A-Ala peptide completely blocked EGF-promoted RSMC proliferation. Moreover, D2A-Ala peptide inhibited invasion of HT 1080 cells towards RSMC