A framework for managing innovation in higher education: lessons learnt from the UAE iPad initiative

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.

Liderlik Yönelimi ve Örgütsel Özdeşleşme İlişkisinde Psikolojik Sözleşmenin Aracı Rolü: Adana İli Örneği

“…Politik çerçevede lider, koalisyonlara, çatışmalara ve güç inşasına yönelmektedir. Politik çerçevede örgüt bir orman olarak kabul edilmektedir (Wilson & Sy, 2020). İnsan kaynakları çerçevesi, örgütü bir aile olarak görmektedir.…”

Education innovations: new wartime experience of Ukrainian universities

“…industrial, business, or educational) needs constant innovation to remain sustainable" (Serdyukov, 2017). "Innovation in education is a systematic and strategically planned change that can be extremely complex and multidimensional" (Wilson, & Sy, 2021). Education innovation is considered in different aspects: as a separate branch of scientific knowledge and a subject of methodological research; scientific problems of innovative processes in the modern philosophy of education and training.…”

Challenges and innovation of management in higher education: Ukrainian dimension

“…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 (Wilson & Sy, 2021). Although there are several research papers dedicated to the topic, the Ukrainian context is not enough studied and requires further analysis.…”