Zoekresultaten

Higher Education and Wicked Problems

The challenges we collectively face, such as climate change, are characterized by more complexity, interdependence, and dynamism than is common for educational practice. This presents a challenge for (university) education. These transition challenges are often described as wicked or VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) problems. In response, educational innovations that are inspired by ecology such as living labs are starting to emerge, but little is known about how learners engage within and with these more ecological forms of education. This work is an exploratory study into how learners navigate VUCA learning environments linked to tackling sustainability transition challenges, with a focus on the positive qualities of these experiences. This is done through interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of seven students (using semi-structured interviews) of the MSC Metropolitan Analysis, Design and Engineering program, a joint degree from Wageningen University and Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. The main findings, which are both psychological and educational, of this exploration include openness to new experiences (1), flexibility (2), a process appreciation of learning (3), a desire to create a positive impact on one’s direct biophysical environment (4) and society (5). In addition, we discuss the potential limitations of the malleability of these different qualities and propose future avenues for research into ecological learning for universities. This work closes by highlighting recommendations for educators to consider when designing or engaging in ecological forms of higher education that connect students to sustainability transitions.

As sure as tax, rain or death

We hear about disruptive technologies and live in a VUCA world (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous). New technologies will change business models as they have always done. However the four VUCA factors have varying impacts on business “which defies confident diagnosis and befuddles executives” (Bennett & Lemoine, 2014).They identify four potent weapons to fight digitalisation dragons: agility, information, restructuring, and experimentation.This blog compares earlier waves of technology with the digitalisation wave. Currently, 40–60 percent of customer value is not created within the focal company but in the supply chain (KPMG, 2016). The same holds for the purchasing-turnover ratio: 20 to 85 cents of every euro sold was purchased from suppliers (Van Weele et al., 2017, p. 35). In current business models B2B sales and procurement play dominant roles. The blog (Part I & II) discusses the impact of disruptive technology on business models with a focus on procurement (purchasing).1500 words

Future of cultural tourism for urban and regional destinations. Deliverable D2.2 of the SmartCulTour ‘Horizon 2020’ project (grant agreement number 870708).