A framework for managing innovation in higher education: lessons learnt from the UAE iPad initiative
Document Type
Article
Source of Publication
Learning and Teaching in Higher Education: Gulf Perspectives
Publication Date
3-10-2021
Abstract
Purpose: Managing educational innovation in higher education institutions is a complex process that requires specific strategies based on research and proven frameworks. The aim of this paper was to examine how Bolman and Deal’s (2003) theoretical framework can be used to analyse organisational change processes and to evaluate the progress and outcomes of an educational innovation initiative at a university in the Gulf. This educational innovation involved the use of iPads in curricular practices to enhance pedagogical strategies and student learning outcomes. Design/methodology/approach: An ethnographic case study methodology was used to make an empirical inquiry that investigated data obtained from direct observations, informal interviews, holistic field notes and documents to better understand a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context. Findings: A critical analysis of this iPad initiative suggested that the main areas of leading and managing this innovation, through Bolman and Deal’s framework, were effectively centred around the human resources, structural and political frames but were less affected by the symbolic frame. Originality/value: The authors provide suggestions, based on their experiences as faculty members and academic administrators, on how such innovations can be effectively led and managed. In addition, a new cross-cultural model is proposed for managing future educational innovations in higher education, particularly in the Gulf region. This new model could also be used to effectively evaluate the implementation and management of other educational changes such as those precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
DOI Link
Publisher
Emerald
Volume
17
Issue
1
First Page
16
Last Page
28
Disciplines
Education
Keywords
COVID-19, Educational innovation, General education, Leading and managing, Mobile technology
Scopus ID
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Wilson, Kenesha and Sy, Jobila, "A framework for managing innovation in higher education: lessons learnt from the UAE iPad initiative" (2021). All Works. 4145.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/4145
Indexed in Scopus
yes
Open Access
yes
Open Access Type
Gold: This publication is openly available in an open access journal/series