International Journal of Knowledge and Learning (10 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Stakeholders Views of Children with Special Needs in Saudi Arabia  
  by Mohaned Ghazi Abed 
  Abstract: This study examined stakeholders views concerning students with special needs in Saudi Arabia, and their perspectives on inclusion or exclusion from mainstream schools. A qualitative study was conducted using open-ended interviews. The research sample included 21 parents and 32 teachers as stakeholders representing a range of individuals directly involved in education in the Special Needs arena in the Saudi context. The results revealed that a number of stakeholders opposed those children with SEN being included in general schools. Moreover, knowledge was found to be lacking among stakeholders regarding legislation for children with special need. Analysis of the findings clarified the stakeholders perceptions of special needs education. Based on these, practice implications for reforms in education for SEN children in the Saudi are discussed.
  Keywords: Children; Inclusion; Special Needs; Stakeholders; Saudi Arabia; reformative actions; mainstream schools; Special Needs arena; inclusive education.
  
  
• A Multivariate Econometric Perspective on Distance Learning and Livelihood Status in India  
  by Unmilan Kalita 
  Abstract: Open and distance learning (ODL) has stood as a pivot pillar of Indias framework for education, wherein knowledge has reached the countrys nooks and corners, indirectly propelling its growth and development for decades. The main objective of this study is to examine whether ODL impacts livelihood status of people in India. The study involves a multivariate analysis of ODLs effect on livelihood, considering Indias GDP per capita (state-wise) as proxy for the livelihood variable. Observations indicate that ODL exerts significant positive impact on GDP per capita, strongly underlining the case for pursuing ODL policy in the states. The impact of Indias gender parity index, life expectancy at birth, Human Development Index (HDI) and self-help groups (SHG) on GDP per capita is studied while their interrelationship with ODL is observed through a bivariate analysis.
  Keywords: Open and distance learning; Gross domestic product; Livelihood; Human Development Index; Life Expectancy at Birth; Self Help Groups.
  
  
• Assessment of Stress Factors among Post-Graduate Students- A Case of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligah (INDIA)  
  by Nawab Ali Khan 
  Abstract: Many researchers on the pitch of behavioural science have carried out empirical researches on stress and finished with the line that the topic needed more consideration. As the time growing from development to developed, every area is cored with extensive work and practices. So is education, as one of the major areas of economic and sustainable development. Education is a sector where every now and then, innovations are inculcated which creates the environment of hard work and drudgery. The present study investigated the extent of stress factors among post-graduate students of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (India). Various stressors in Academic life and Intrapersonal life of students were identified. Convenience sampling method was used. Data was collected using questionnaire and 165 students were taken for the analysis. Findings showed that in academic life of the students, work is being overloaded and students are not getting enough facilities to complete their tasks and projects. As far as their intrapersonal life is concerned, lack of self-discipline and fear of failing are the factors that were found to be the reason for their stress. Results also showed that students are not sure about whether they are studying the right degree which creates the environment of stress.
  Keywords: Stress; Post-Graduate Students; Academic Life; Intrapersonal Life; Economic Development.
  
  
• Managing Dynamic Work Teams for Innovation: Integrating Knowledge Management and Organization Behavior using the Dynamic Fractal Organization (DFO) Model  
  by Farhan Mir, Ahmad Siddiquei, Muhammad Hayat, Muhammad Razzaq 
  Abstract: In contemporary knowledge creating companies, teams must develop a systematic approach to integrate and create knowledge throughout the organization in order to adapt to the highly changing environment. We employed Dynamic Fractal Organization (DFO) model presented by Nonaka (2014) as knowledge lens to propose the existence and development of dynamic teams aiming to enhance their knowledge creating ability at a rapid pace for sustainable innovation. The proposed framework highlights the significance of knowledge culture in promoting knowledge vision, trust between members, commitment, willingness for knowledge creation, teamwork orientation as an ongoing contribution to the distributed leadership, through the various phases of knowledge creation. A Qualitative case study approach was employed besides conducting 24 in-depth interviews and a detailed document analysis. Further, observations from an app development company GeniTeams were evaluated to have a holistic overview of underlying phenomenon. Case study findings confirmed that, existence of such knowledge creating mechanism support teams that are working in a multilayered networked setting. Results also revealed that GeniTeam was able to develop a management model that fosters innovation with a realization among management to support upward knowledge spiral. Finally, we discuss the major outcomes and implications from integration of knowledge management and organizational behavior models.
  Keywords: Sustained Innovation; Dynamic Fractal Model; Knowledge Creation within dynamic Teams; App Development Company.
  
  
• Coaching leadership style: A learning process  
  by Jan Terje Karlsen, Morten Emil Berg 
  Abstract: The purpose of the paper is to outline a coaching leadership style based on an optimistic view of individuals. It is a method based on optimism, self-efficacy, positive emotions and learning. Focus is on the employee who wants to develop his potential and become the best version of himself. The aim is to achieve both personal and organizational goals. The paper describes how a method consisting of two learning processes can help to implement a coaching leadership style in practice. Learning 1: Using mental models to understand ones own situation and how others think. Learning 2: Using tools to change ones own and others behavior. The paper shows that to succeed with a coaching leadership style, leaders must have a large toolbox, which includes tools such as self-management and a give-culture.
  Keywords: Coaching; leadership; learning.
  
  
• Himalayan Outbound Programme (HOP) at a leading business school of India as valuable learning experience for meeting MBA learning goals-A Case  
  by Kamal Kishore Jain, Neelni Goswami 
  Abstract: The paper highlights the success story of a business school in achieving the learning goals of its MBA programme using experiential learning by way of Himalayan Outbound Programme (HOP). The paper describes the triggers for adopting Himalayan Outbound Programme, the process followed, challenges faced, and the results achieved. The data for this study is based on the personal observations of the authors who have personally observed the adoption and implementation of the initiative by the Institute. The data was also obtained from the official records of the Institute. The findings revealed that programme has been highly successful in achieving the learning goals of the Institutes MBA programme. The programme has helped in shaping and developing the future managers by exposing them to work in a challenging and uncertain environment where success can only be achieved by working in teams. The process, methodology and the challenges faced in the course of the design and implementation of HOP as described in this case will provide useful insights to any institution that aspires to use experiential learning.
  Keywords: Experiential Learning; Instructional Innovation; Assurance of Learning; MBA Learning Goals.
  
  
• Cooperation and relationship in the Triple Helix model of innovation  
  by David López Jiménez, Eduardo Carlos Dittmar, Jenny Patricia Vargas Portillo 
  Abstract: During the last decades the cooperation between universities, companies and government has helped generate new knowledge, transfer technology and create incubators of small and medium enterprises (SME), and spin-offs. The Triple Helix model, which is the focus of this research, represents a paradigm for the university within this three-way relationship, with the development of the entrepreneurial university concept. In fact, business-minded universities have grown significantly in socio-economic terms, with the development and registering of patents, as well as in activities related to spin-offs. Spin-off companies created from universities help transfer knowledge and scientific research to the business sector, and facilitate communication between universities, the market and society. In recent years, technological change and cooperation between business and universities have become increasingly important. Competition in business, and the need for companies to collaborate more closely, is reshaping universities in terms of the research they undertake and their relationship with the state.
  Keywords: innovation; enterprise; entrepreneurial university; government; Triple Helix model; relationship; cooperation.
  
  
• The Impact of Behavioural, Cognitive and Emotional Dimensions of Student Engagement on Student Learning: The Case of Azerbaijani Higher Education Institutions  
  by Zafar Hasanov, Panayiotis Antoniou, Elchin Suleymanov 
  Abstract: This study examines the relationship between student engagement and academic attainment. A random sample of 548 full-time second-year and third-year undergraduate students from 6 Higher Education Institutions in Azerbaijan was obtained. The study methodologically compares and merges two psychometric self-report measures, the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) and the Burch Engagement Survey for Students (BESS), which capture three fundamentally different dimensions of engagement, namely behavioural, cognitive, and emotional. The data were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multiple linear regression. The findings of the study support the multidimensionality notion of engagement as suggested by the prominent student involvement theories and claim that all three dimensions are to a different extent statistically significant determinants of academic success. Regression results reveal significant relationships between students academic achievement and engagement both for one-dimensional and three-dimensional engagement models. Compared to traditionally-used measurements, the three-dimensional CFA model provides better explanation of academic outcomes. The results of this study could have implications for university academic staff and policymakers in utilizing the benefits of each engagement factor to improve institutional quality.
  Keywords: student engagement; behavioural engagement; emotional engagement; cognitive engagement; learning outcomes; higher education.
  
  
• Career Growth and Development: The Buzzword Is Continuing Education  
  by Preeti Bhaskar, Amit Joshi, Gaurav Chopra 
  Abstract: This paper focuses on the importance of continuing education among employees in information technology companies in India. The study also identifies the factors which influence employees for continuing education and its impact on their career growth and development. A systematic survey of the 315 employees working in the top ten IT companies was conducted to accumulate primary data. Factor analysis was used to identify the factors for continuing education and career growth and development. The analysis of the study stipulates that factors including- financial investment, time requirements for completing the course, employment opportunities and acquiring new skills play an important role among employees for continuing education. This study also reveals that continuing education has a positive impact on career growth and development. With the help of continuing education, employees get professional growth (better career opportunities, job security, salary increment, and promotion) and personal growth (personality development, development of interpersonal skills, development of technical skills and self-confidence). Research reveals that providing financial support and time for continuing education by employers motivates the employees as they perceive that companies value them, in turn, effectively improves employee retention. Information technology companies can provide continuing education by making tie-up with educational and training institutes, e-learning certification courses, external & internal training. Continuing education boosts the confidence of the employees and also helps the organization to develop.
  Keywords: Continuing education; Career development; Professional growth; IT companies.
  
  
• The Influence of Knowledge Management Processes on Fintech Innovation: Lebanon Evidence
  by Rand Al-Dmour, Ahmed Al-Dmour, Nifessia Rababeh, Hani Al-Dmour 
  Abstract: This study aims to examine the impact of knowledge management process on Fintech innovation in commercial banks operating in Lebanon. In order to accomplish this aim, a conceptual framework based on knowledge-based theory and literature review was developed. The data for this research was collected through a self-administered questionnaire with 181 respondents. The target respondents were managers of commercial banks in Lebanon. The empirical findings of the study suggest that the practice of knowledge management functions practice has a positive and significant relationship with Fintech innovation. The findings also provide support for the moderating effect of only two demographic characteristics of bank managers; experience and position on the relationship between knowledge management and Fintech innovation in commercial banks in Lebanon. The study findings may aid future researchers in their quest to understand the inherent relationships that lie between the constructs’ questions and provide a platform for banking managers in their efforts to improve their innovation strategies through knowledge management. Furthermore, research recommendations, limitations and future directions are discussed in the last sections.
  Keywords: Knowledge management; Acquisition; Integration; Utilization; Digital financial innovation.