Evaluation of a global MBA programme

E-learning continues to develop rapidly supported by increasing sophistication of information technology and by better understanding of how to make content and delivery more effective. Moreover, new forms of e-learning support system are being introduced to higher education institutions in an effort to meet the student-centred learning paradigms recommended by UNESCO (UNESCO, 1998). The creation and implementation of effective quality assurance for such learning processes has been identified as one of the most challenging tasks. Jara & Mellar (2010) and Martínez-Argüelles et al. (2010) point out that the collection of student feedback should be a central part of strategies to monitor the quality and standards of teaching and learning in higher education institutions for both conventional learning and e-learning. Jara & Mellar (2010) note also that while research into e-learning abounds, studies that focus on the effectiveness of the provision of e-learning are limited, and that this is a gap to be filled. This article reports on the evaluation of, and the consequent changes to, the global e-learning MBA programme from the University of Bedfordshire. The research was conducted by three members of the MBA team - two Senior Lecturers and the E-learning Development Manager. The aim was to investigate the learning experiences and perceptions of the students and to evaluate the effectiveness of the e-learning support system

The Executive in African Governments (a Comparative Study).

My interest to undertake the study leading to this thesis was first aroused in May 1963, during the first meeting of the African Heads of States which established the OAU. Further inquiries revealed a political phenomenon that has been called African presidentialism. The advent of one-party government which was the basis of African presidentialism has been complicated by the intervention of the military in politics, or by threats of such intervention. A comparative study of African constitutions focused on the Executive was therefore, I felt, worth undertaking. The scope and purpose of the thesis is to examine the structure and organisation of the Executive in a comparative setting. The thesis is divided into four parts. The introductory part (Part One) aims to provide a historical and socio-political background to the study. Part Two deals with the various Executive forms in Africa: Chapter three deals with the monarchies. Chapter four with dual executive systems, and Chapter five with executive presidencies. The commonest system is that of the executive presidency; accordingly, Chapter five is considered to be the central part of the thesis. Executive presidency for African presidentialism) rests on the twin pillars of the one-party and on the civil service. Hence part three deals with an account of these two institutions in Africa. The last part deals with the advent of the military in Africa. Some of the major causes of coups d'etat are examined together with some case studies (chapter eight). This is followed by brief accounts of selected military regimes considered as Executives

The role of government and the international competitiveness of SMEs: evidence from Ghanaian non-traditional exports

PurposeThe nature of international markets and the challenges with respect to the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) makes it imperative to examine government support. The study aims to assess the role and effectiveness of government and the Export Promotion Agencies in supporting exports by non-traditional horticultural SMEs in Ghana.Design/methodology/approach The study employed a qualitative research design which involved semi-structured interviews with senior managers of six export facilitating institutions to gain understanding of the services offered to SMEs with respect to exports of non-traditional horticultural products.FindingsThe findings reveal inadequate cost-efficient sources of non-traditional horticultural export financing for SMEs. This is a hindrance to the international competitiveness of exporting SMEs in developing countries such as Ghana. In addition, effective and co-ordinated support from export promotion agencies was found to be critical.Originality/valueThe study highlights the importance of government's role in policymaking and implementation of export-led programmes for horticultural exporting firms in Ghana. Despite their strategic importance, this area of research has not attracted the attention of researchers, with little or traditional horticultural products

Patterns of language and auditory dysfunction in 6-year-old children with epilepsy

In a previous study we reported difficulty with expressive language and visuoperceptual ability in preschool children with epilepsy and otherwise normal development. The present study analysed speech and language dysfunction for each individual in relation to epilepsy variables, ear preference, and intelligence in these children and described their auditory function. Twenty 6-year-old children with epilepsy (14 females, 6 males; mean age 6:5 y, range 6 y–6 y 11 mo) and 30 reference children without epilepsy (18 females, 12 males; mean age 6:5 y, range 6 y–6 y 11 mo) were assessed for language and auditory ability. Low scores for the children with epilepsy were analysed with respect to speech-language domains, type of epilepsy, site of epileptiform activity, intelligence, and language laterality. Auditory attention, perception, discrimination, and ear preference were measured with a dichotic listening test, and group comparisons were performed. Children with left-sided partial epilepsy had extensive language dysfunction. Most children with partial epilepsy had phonological dysfunction. Language dysfunction was also found in children with generalized and unclassified epilepsies. The children with epilepsy performed significantly worse than the reference children in auditory attention, perception of vowels and discrimination of consonants for the right ear and had more left ear advantage for vowels, indicating undeveloped language laterality

Evaluation of a global blended learning MBA programme

This paper evaluates the design and implementation of a UK university’s global blended learning MBA programme which combines e-learning with face-to-face teaching. The primary aim of the research was to investigate the learning experience and perceptions of the students, and to use the findings to evaluate the effectiveness of the course design and delivery system. Action research was used, with longitudinal data collected over a threeyear period (2008–2010). Three survey rounds were conducted focussing on Oman, one of the UK University’s main overseas learning collaborating centres. The three rounds yielded 116 valid responses in total. The first survey showed a fairly high level of student satisfaction with the programme but also indicated areas that needed further improvement. The impacts of subsequent changes in the programme were investigated in the second and third surveys. Feedback from these helped develop further changes in the learning content and delivery approach of the programme. The study contributes to a better understanding of global blended learning initiatives, and offers insights to managers on improving course management, enriching learning content, enhancing teaching quality, and improving students’ satisfaction levels

Behaviours and attitudes towards a sustainable consumption of fashion

In the western society over consumption is common, as the market is saturated. Consumers have to adjust to the consumption society and follow new trends. The consequence of consumption is a topic that has been discussed more lately. Organisations, companies as wellas consumers are starting to understand the importance of this issue and more eco-friendly materials and products are becoming available. Over consumption is however still a big problem that many people are not aware of. Consumers in the western society tends to buy and own a lot more than is needed, and are offered clothes to very low prices. Workers in the developing countries and the environment have to pay a high price to satisfy the needs of people in the west. When consumers come to buying decisions they many times act against their own cognizance. This happens when consumers become aware of something. The question is how consumers act in this situation and deal with the dissonance. The purpose of the report was to get a deeper understanding about how consumers behave and what causes their decisions. Two focus group interviews where made, which has given deeper understandings about what attitude, behaviour and knowledge western consumers have and the relation between these factors. The question is, if consumers are willing to sacrifice theirown personal needs in order to protect the environment and improve the conditions of workers.The results showed that when the respondents become aware of the consequences of consumption, they often do not reflect over their purchases. They ignore it or find ways to make their purchase acceptable. Furthermore, the respondents have a good attitude towards choosing better alternatives and reflecting more over the purchases they make. However, the respondents believed that the personal needs such as looking good, following trends, getting admiration from others, are many times prioritised over being considerate about theenvironment and other people. A person’s living situation also affects how he/she consumes and therefore this is important to consider. The conclusion is that, more knowledge is necessary to influence consumers and it will also make them aware that their actions have consequences. Through discussions more knowledge can be gained concerning the subject. Consumers need to know why they should choose an ecologic product over a regular one and how they can contribute. More information is also needed and companies have to inform about the alternatives and make such products more available.Program: Magisterutbildning i Fashion Managemen

United States Policy towards the Horn of Africa: The Balance of external and regional Interests

The article is concerned with the United States policy towards the Horn of Africa, with a particular focus on the balance of external and regional interests.Maqaalku wuxuu ka hadlayaa siyaasdda dibadeed ee Maraykanka oo la xiriirta Geeska Afrika, iyadoo si gaar ah diiradda loo saarayo dheellitirka danaha dibadeed iyo kuwa goboleed.L'articolo si occupa della politica estera degli Stati Uniti relativamente al Corno d'Africa, con un particolare focus sull'equilibrio tra interessi esterni e regionali.Thomas Labahn (ed.