Internal Learning Processes Research Articles

Projectification of a global organization – case study of the Roman Catholic Church

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand projectification processes of the global organization, based on the example of the Catholic Church’s activities. The Catholic Church is the oldest and the largest international organisation to be assessed also from the longue durée perspective. The Church as both a large and supranational organisation and a religious community has carried out a lot of social tasks. A part of its activity relating to the Church’s basic mission is carried out in these days in the form of various projects. In this paper, the authors demonstrate that seemingly unchanging structure, such as the Catholic Church, based on a determined hierarchy, strict principles and rules of conduct, is affected by the projectification processes. Design/methodology/approach The authors chose the method of a single case study. To analyse the projectification processes in the Church, the authors focussed on flagship mega-events of WYD programme, from which the following were selected: Rome (1985), Manila (1995), Sydney (2008), Rio de Janeiro (2013) and Krakow (2016). Findings The study demonstrates that organisational projectification processes can have a real impact on the strategic changes in the global organisation. Under the influence of significant projects, organisations can change internally and also redefine their way of interacting with the stakeholders. Projectification at the same time is a change and leads to it. The research also shows that projectification of a global organisation can intensify internal learning processes. On the one hand, “projectification agents” transfer project practices to various regions of the world, and, on the other, draw on local practices. Therefore, the projectification process is not simply transplanting the project “virus” into new places, but also a process of change and adaptation to the stimuli flowing from the environment. Originality/value The particularities, the distinctiveness of the projects of the Catholic Church can be an inspiration for others realizing projects. The experience of the Catholic Church in the implementation of WYD can be valuable for organisations implementing other projects that require involvement and activation of many, diverse stakeholders, for example, charitable projects or the so-called community engagement projects implemented by large international organisations, such as the World Bank, UNICEF, the UN, the Red Cross or humanitarian projects organised by NGOs in different parts of the world.

Musik – Sprache – (Sprach-)Bild. Zur Semiotizität italienischer barocker Gleichnisarien (2. Teil)

The aim of the present study is to describe some of the possible relations between music, language and verbal picture (or metaphor) which are given in the drammi per musica of the early 18th century and, especially, in four allegorical arias in Vivaldi’s opus La Griselda (1735). This paper sketches some aspects of the cooperation between librettist (Goldoni) and composer (Vivaldi) as well as the importance of metaphor for the interlinkage of music and language in such arias. The essay is divided up into two parts: the first part, which has been presented in ATeM 2 (2017), outlines the bipartite textual structure of the mentioned simile arias (metaphoric vs. literal stanza) which recalls the same two-piece structure of renaissance and baroque emblems. The second part which is presented in the following will focus on the interaction of poetic language, verbal image and Vivaldi’s music in the mentioned simile arias. Here it is explained why questions on musical semantics primarily require a theory of the sign occurrence before generalizations can be carried out on the level of sign systems. The contribution also sheds light on the central role of internal sign learning processes that may transcend arias, entire operas and other combined artworks.

Efektivitas Project Based Learning Model Melalui Proyek PKA-KKA Dalam Pembelajaran Audit Internal di Diklat JFA Ahli Polri

This action research aims to assess the effectiveness of internal audit learning in the education and training of internal police of the National Police through project based learning models. The project was chosen with consideration; there is a gap between the conditions of 24 training participants from the role of law enforcement (watchdog) and new roles as candidates for internal auditors (assurance and consulting). The research method uses qualitative and quantitative.The project provided in the form of "making PKA and KKA" with the audit object is the police work unit in their respective regions. Learning effectiveness was assessed by trainers quantitatively, pre post test, and qualitatively, observations, and by training participants through online surveys. The results showed that there was an increase in understanding of internal audit through an increase in the average value of 36.46 from the average value of pre-test, 50.42 to the average post-test score, 86.88. While the results of the observations indicate that the internal audit learning process has been effective with evidence of the activities of PKA and KKA participants and projects that can be completed properly. On the other hand, a qualitative assessment of online participants showed that 58.3% of participants rated learning as having improved internal audit understanding. The rest assessed that interactive learning (25%) and fun (16.7%).Keywords: Internal Audit, Project Based Learning Model

Organizational Learning of Absorptive Capacity and Innovation: Does Leadership Matter?

Following the process‐based definition of absorptive capacity, this study seeks to explore the mediating role of transformational and transactional leadership styles in the relationship between the three learning processes of absorptive capacity and innovation. Based on a survey in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it was found that transformational leadership mediates the relationship between exploratory and transformational learning processes and innovation. It was also found that transactional leadership did not mediate the relationship between the internal exploitative learning process and innovation. While several researchers have noted a need to develop a better theoretical understanding of the mechanisms explaining the interplay between absorptive capacity and innovation, we provide theoretical explanations of the underlying mechanism and further offer explanations as to why some firms are better able to convert external knowledge into strategic innovations when compared with others. The implications of these findings for theory and practice are delineated.

Collaborative resonant writing and musical improvisation to explore the concept of resonance

Resonance is often used to characterize relationships, but it is acomplex concept that explains quite different physical,physiological and psychological processes. With the aim of gainingdeeper insight into the concept of resonance, a group of ten musictherapy researchers, all colleagues, embarked on a joint journey ofexploration. This included an aim of letting the internal learningprocess be disseminated in a way that could give others insight, notonly from the findings, but also from the process. Findings includea dual understanding of resonance as (1) a visible and orderedphenomenon consisting of physical vibrations and acousticsounding that offers a clear logic, and (2) a metaphoricalconceptualization used to describe and understand complexpsychological processes of human relationships. The process ofcollaborative writing led to the discovery or development of a ninestepprocedure including different collaborative resonant writingprocedures and musical improvisation, as well as of a series ofmetaphors to explain therapeutic interaction, resonant learning andways of resonant exploration.

Living sustainability, or merely pretending? From explicit self-report measures to implicit cognition

Recent research supports that a person’s self-reported explicit attitude is not necessarily consistent with their implicit attitude. However, in sustainability research, implicit cognitive measures are still at their early stages, and consider primarily singular aspects of sustainability. Here, we pose that the degree of congruence of individuals’ implicit and explicit attitudes represents the foundation of any organization’s sustainability culture. Although many organizations assert that sustainable development represents an important dimension of their vision and strategy, in reality, sustainable development often translates simply into explicit self-presentation and reputation. Traditional methods such as surveys lack information on implicit measures and—since they collect data based solely on the explicit knowledge of the respondents, which may be biased by social desirability and impression management—can therefore not determine the degree of congruence between explicit and implicit attitudes. We implemented a browser-based application of the Implicit Association Test (IAT) regarding sustainability as a reaction time-based cognitive measure supported by an interactive and activating process that was completed by 114 executives. Additionally, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted among them to investigate their explicit attitudes. We calculated Pearson correlation coefficients and conducted repeated measures MANOVA and principle component analysis. Our data analysis demonstrated low congruence between explicit and implicit sustainability orientations (Pearson’s r ranging from − 0.10 to 0.31). Potential explanations for our findings relate to the effects of impression management and individuals’ lack of cognitive processing of their own sustainability orientation. In sum, exploring the potential incongruence between explicit and implicit sustainability orientations helps narrow an important knowledge gap and provides a basis for rethinking the impact of internal and external learning processes within and between organizational systems, society, and science.

Niche aggregation through cumulative learning: A study of multiple electric bus projects

This paper seeks to answer the question of how learning processes support niche aggregation. It brings together literature on strategic niche management and theoretical concepts derived from literature on project management and learning in project-based firms to analyze the ongoing standardization efforts for fast-charged electric bus systems in Europe. The analysis suggests that niche aggregation is a cyclical process that depends on two learning processes: knowledge sharing and knowledge accumulation. Whereas knowledge sharing is an interactive process that involves several organizations, knowledge accumulation is an internal organizational learning process that enables firms to move beyond local niche projects and engage in external networks. These learning processes are mutually reinforcing and jointly support niche aggregation.

Network as an Intangible Resource: An Evolutionary Approach within Indonesian Shipbuilding Industry

Shipbuilding as a megaproject has many uncertainties due to the overlapping design and construction activity. It is primarily driven by the substantial time and complexity involved in designing a ship and by the irregular pattern of demand from ship-owners. However, in shipbuilding operations nowadays, the role of other stakeholders has become increasingly relevant to address these issues and to improve firm's knowledge. This study argues that a characteristic of a successful shipbuilding project lies in the internal and external learning process which runs in parallel to all operations. Focusing on the small sample of firms, this paper will identify the process of routine, changes, and adaptation that is been practised and implemented across shipyards to produce a higher value product and service.

Role of Learning Process in Capability Development and Business Performance of East Java Manufacturing Firms: Resources as Moderator

The purpose of this research is to analyze how the influence of internal learning of employees, external learning obtained from suppliers and consumers, and ownership of processes and equipment, on the performance of the company. This research also examines the role of human resources as moderator in the relationship between process ownership and equipment with performance. The research population that became the object of this research covers all manufacturing companies operating in Indonesia. The population is a manufacturing company registered by the Manufacturing Company Directory published by the Statistics Centre Bureau of, 2010. The sample is determined by using purposive sampling technique, and the sample selected is a manufacturing company with criteria that have medium and large scale. From the results of hypothesis testing then some of the main findings are presented in this section. First, internal learning positively affects technological capabilities, indicating that ownership of tools and technologies is encouraged or enhanced by improving the internal learning process. The main findings of both studies indicate that external learning will encourage companies to increase their ownership of equipment and technology. Humans are recognize as controllers in the use and utilization of technology. This study is the first step to undertake the development of empirical studies by considering further factors that determine success in resource management and technology primarily through organizational learning. Furthermore, the findings of this study also indicate the factors of operating strategy that moderate ownership of tools and technology companies to performance.

The Performance of Pre‐Founding Entrepreneurial Teams: The Importance of Learning and Leadership

Entrepreneurial teams often struggle with simultaneous task and team challenges at an early stage of new venture creation. The way in which teams shape their teamwork is key in leveraging performance in the pre‐founding phase. Learning should help the team in establishing good teamwork and in expanding its members’ entrepreneurial capabilities. Leadership is needed to facilitate and guide this learning. Accordingly, we investigated learning and leadership as facilitators of performance in the pre‐founding phase. Specifically, we examined team reflexivity as a collective internal learning process and boundary spanning behaviour as an externally directed individual activity, operating at different levels in fostering team and individual performance. Charismatic team leadership was examined as a catalyst of learning, shaping team and individual performance ultimately. The multilevel mediation model was tested based on data from 196 members of 58 teams of a venture creation programme. Team reflexivity predicted team and individual performance. Boundary spanning behaviour was not related to performance. As hypothesised, charismatic team leadership predicted team and individual performance, both mediated by team reflexivity. This research highlights the relevance of team learning in pre‐founding teams and emphasises leadership in shaping learning and moving new ventures forward.

The Assessment of the Education Laboratory Performance by Using Balanced Score Card Method

This Research was conducted to measure the performance quality of the educational laboratories at the faculty of Islamic Education and Teacher Training in State Islamic University or UIN Imam Bonjol Padang, especially in the performance of the field Practice for Teacher Training laboratory (PPL), Computer and Islamic Education Practice Laboratory (PPAI) by using balanced score card method. In term of the method, four perspectives were used such as: financial perspective, customers (the users) perspective, internal business perspective, and growth and learning process. The foci of this study included: PPL, computer, and PPAI. The subjects of this research were 3 heads of the labors, 6 laboratory staff, 3 financial staff, and 90 students who were studying in semester VII at faculty of Islamic Education and Teacher Training in UIN IB Padang at academic year 2016/2017. Questionnaire, interview guide, and observation sheet were used as the instruments that have been tested their reliability and validity. Data analysis was employed by measuring the customer perspective questionnaires, internal business process perspective, and learning growth perspective. The finding of the study ­­showed that the performance of labor the PPL laboratory is 3.27 (65.35%) with good category. The Performance of computer laboratory is 3.05 (61%) with good category. The Performance of the PPAI laboratory was 2.76 (55.2%) with less good category. Overall, all three laboratory have 3.03 (60.6%) performance measurement result with good category.

Implementation of Internal Quality Assurance in Polytechnics: Evidence from Ghana

Quality assurance in higher education has become a global issue. There has been a growing interest of governments around the world that higher education institutions in their countries need to provide quality education to their students. This study investigated the implementation of internal quality assurance in two purposively selected Ghanaian Polytechnics. Qualitative methodology was employed using in-depth interviews based on a case study research design. The participants indicated that the internal quality assurance systems and practices in place in the Polytechnics included areas such as the availability of internal quality assurance policy, teaching and learning processes, curriculum design, evaluation and review, research performance, extension activities, student assessment practices, student-lecturer assessment and student support services. Infrastructure challenges, funding and budget constraints, human capacity constraints and lack of quality culture were found to militate against the implementation of quality assurance in the Polytechnics. It was recommended that Ghanaian Polytechnics should have clear policies and associated procedures for the assurance of quality and standards of their programmes and awards. They should commit themselves explicitly to the development of quality culture and quality awareness. Also, the necessary learning facilities, resources and support systems should be provided by the Polytechnics to ensure quality of teaching and learning. The products, environments, programmes and services provided by the Polytechnics should be accessible and usable, to the greatest extent possible, by all categories of students. Assistive devices should be provided for persons with disabilities where needed. Building internal capacity for quality assurance was also recommended.

ANALYSIS OF PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM USING COMPETENCY-BASED BALANCES SCORECARD (A STUDY IN BANJARMASIN STATE POLYTECHNICS)

Abstract The purpose of this study is to analyze performance based on competency using Balance Scorecard which is measured by four perspectives : College Financial perspective, customer perspective (which divided into three parts : students, stakeholders and graduates), college internal perspective, and learning and growth process perspective. It is expected that this research would lead into development process of the college, and find out the weaknesses or strengths of college organization which would give impact to the increase of college’s performance. This is a quantitative descriptive research. Total amount of population in this research is 208 people, which consists of students from grade 5 of business administrative. The population is chosen in consideration that they have experienced the longest term of learning process. Samples are taken from 4 classes which includes 106 students. Graduates are chosen from those who have been graduates and have at least 3 years working experience, that make 102 people, meanwhile employers are represented by 33 lecturers in Banjarmasin State Polytechnic, and stakeholders are chosen from both government institution and non government institution that makes 27 institutions. Those institutions are chosen by graduates recommendation. The result of reliability test of college financial perspective, customer perspective, university internal perspective and innovation and learning process perspective shows the value more than 0.6 alpha cronbach and it makes all of variables reliable. The average score of financial perspective is 3.514 and it shows that financial condition of the college is in good state, The average score of customer perspective is 2.947 which gives fair condition, the average score of stakeholders perspective is 3.418 that is in good state, and the average score of graduates is showing good state as shown in 3.119 point. College internal process perspective has the average score of 2.753 point and shows fair condition. Learning and growth perspectives average score is 2.929, shows fair condition. Keywords : Balanced Scorecard, Financial Perspective, Customer Perspective, Internal Process Perspective, Learning and Growth Perspective, College Performance

Self-underestimating students in physics instruction: Development over a school year and its connection to internal learning processes

Students' individual cognitive and motivational–affective characteristics play an important role for successful learning but are also influenced by learning processes. For ‘self-underestimating’ students, high content knowledge is not met by an according self-concept of ability. This study investigates the development of N=360 of these students over their ninth grade. Furthermore, it explores the connection between their development and their internal learning processes during physics instruction. Internal learning processes included the perceived fulfillment of their basic motivational needs, intrinsic motivation, and cognitive learning activity. Via latent class analysis, three developmental patterns were identified: students (1) whose self-concepts ‘improved’ and aligned with their high cognitive characteristics, (2) whose alignment ‘remained self-underestimating’, and (3) whose low self-concept prevailed and cognitive advancement ‘decreased’. Findings suggest that positive development is connected with higher internal learning processes. These results indicate that a positive development of ‘self-underestimating’ students is possible and should be supported by fostering internal learning processes.

Drivers of changes in product development rules

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the drivers that induce companies to change their rules for managing product development. Most companies use a form of rule-based management approach, but surprisingly little is known about what makes companies change these rules. Furthermore, this management technology also has developed over time into different versions, but what drives firms from one version to another has only been suggested, not empirically studied.Design/methodology/approach– The dynamics of the rules of five companies are analyzed over a period of more than ten years based on three rounds of interviews with 40 managers.Findings– Previous research has assumed that the dynamics of product development rules are based on internal learning processes, and that increasingly competent management will stimulate the implementation of newer and more complex rule regimes. However, the analysis here indicates that there are different drivers, both internal and external, that cause companies to adopt new rules or modify their existing ones, such as changes in organizational structures, organizational conflicts and changes in ownership or strategy. In addition, contrary to the predictions in previous research, companies sometimes move back and forth between different generations of rules. Companies that have moved to a more flexible third generation of rules might revert to their second generation rules, or supplement their flexibility with an increased level of management control and information systems. A model is proposed to explain the relationship between the drivers of rule change and the actual dynamics of rules, incorporating two sets of moderators: organizational moderators and rule-related moderators.Research limitations/implications– The findings indicate that many factors influence the modification of rules, and that there is no simple linear progression from one generation to another. Organizational learning is one among several other factors that influences the dynamics of rules for managing product development. Further research is needed to explore the dynamic relationship between different factors, the proposed moderators and changes to rules. Lack of historical record keeping in companies puts special requirements on research concerning rules.Practical implications– Companies need to consider how and why their present versions of rules have emerged, whether or not the existing rules can actually solve the challenges they face today, whether or not the rules support the intended company strategy, and what mechanisms influence their product development rules.Originality/value– A great deal of research has investigated the relationship between the uses of structured rule-based approaches to manage product development, but little is known about what makes these rules change. This is the first study to uncover the multitude of drivers that stimulate change in product development rules and to suggest sets of moderators that influence the outcome.

An adaption of Gagné’s instructional model to increase the teaching effectiveness in the classroom: the impact in Romanian Universities

Gagne’s instructional events are more focused on the human internal learning process than on the learning context. This study fills this gap because it presents certain instructional events that are focused on the construction of a positive learning context through the teacher–student relationship. Therefore, it’s proposing an adaption of Gagne’s instructional model to the learning context derived from observation of the instructional activities performed in the Romanian educational system. This paper added two new events (Learning organization and Final appreciation) to Gagne’s original nine instructional events. Out of these eleven, it’s considered that three in particular should be regarded as essential events in every teaching activity. These three particular events are categorised and defined in the first part of this study. The effectiveness of this newly proposed theoretical model was tested on a sample of 894 university teaching activities, using a systematic observational grid. The results indicated a significant correlation between the adapted model and students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the teaching activity. It is therefore suggested that this proposed model provides operational guidance for the development of instructional approach. The implications and the limitations of these findings are discussed and possible directions for new research are suggested.

Thai Secondary School of Representation about ICT Understanding in Proposed Learning Model

This research aimed to explore the teachers’ and students’ understanding of science concepts in secondary schools in Thailand and to suggest to proposed ICT learning model to make students aware of current science issues impacting on the society. A total of 165 (15 teachers and 150 Students) participated in the study. Students were from years 10, 11and 12 who studied information and communication technology subject in year 2012 and teachers who taught the same course. Research instruments consisted of a questionnaire, interview form for teachers, classroom observations and video recordings. The study was based on a widespread popular and influential conceptual modeling representation theory. In the model, ICT supports internal learning processes of representation (creating and self-organizing knowledge) and promotes collaboration and interaction (social processes and making meaning). Based on the results of this study a model has been developed in association with researchers from Western Australia and Thailand. It will be implemented in Thailand in early 2013. This model is tended to be more connected to people outside of the classroom rather than isolated, and the learning process tended more often to contribute to productive outcomes such as the solving of authentic problems.

The Role of Knowledge Intermediaries in Developing Firm Learning Capabilities

Regional innovation systems (RISs) literature has emphasized the critical role of interactive learning and knowledge exchange amongst firms and a variety of spatially connected innovation institutions as the foundation of regional innovation. Knowledge intermediaries have been analysed in terms of the technology-transaction services they provide firms and/or knowledge producers such as universities and therefore the role they play in facilitating interaction within the RIS. However, innovation also depends on the capability of the firm to learn. Some studies have suggested that intermediaries also play a role in that regard as participation in intermediary knowledge transfer programmes can contribute to the development of firm capabilities for problem-solving and learning. Our research is based on two case study intermediary programmes involving interviews with facilitators and participants. Our data show that knowledge intermediaries affect organizational learning capabilities by impacting on firms' network relationships, internal and external communication channels and internal learning processes which in turn affect the ability to interpret and use knowledge within the firm. This suggests that the role of knowledge intermediaries might be greater than facilitating interactions in the innovation system, as knowledge intermediation may affect the ability of firms to learn and absorb knowledge from their environment.

The complementary effect of internal learning capacity and absorptive capacity on performance: the mediating role of innovation capacity

Organisations are finding it increasingly more difficult to keep abreast with the pace of change. The continuous rise in the number of business opportunities and the increase in global competition require firms to combine internal and external learning processes to renew and reconfigure existing capabilities and knowledge to enable them to meet environmental demands and to innovate. This study aims to unravel the complex linkage between internal learning capacity and absorptive capacity and at exploring the joint effect of both knowledge generation processes on innovation capacity. This study also proposes innovation capacity as an antecedent of business performance. Using data from 952 industrial Spanish firms and the technique of structural equation modelling, we provide evidence on the joint effect of internal learning capacity and absorptive capacity on innovation capacity. We also show that innovation capacity acts as a catalyst for the effect of learning capacities on business performance.

Die >sich ewig wiederholende Arbeit< des Geschichtsbewusstseins - Sprache als Medium des historischen Lernens

The following paper investigates on the interrelation of language and historical learning. By taking both classic and more recent theories of language into account the author seeks to present different functional areas of language, which are central in the field of learning and teaching History: the epistemic, the pragmatic, and the social function of language. This stance is taken due to the assumption that historical learning is linked to language since it entails formative processes in a twofold sense: on the one hand as an internal and individual learning process, on the other hand as an external and culture affecting process.