Despina Kanellou | University of Brighton (original) (raw)

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Papers by Despina Kanellou

In order to overcome the gap between the cultural heritage sector and the ICT world, which is slo... more In order to overcome the gap between the cultural heritage sector and the ICT world, which is slowing down the successful use and implementation of ICT; this paper presents the methodology behind the creation of a ‘Network of Expertise’. The main objective of this network is to support the understanding of both worlds. The methodology known as learning networks integrates action learning techniques with the network approach producing a very powerful mechanism for sharing knowledge between different organisations. This presentation will also present the results of evaluation of the Network of Expertise.

In 2007 the University of Brighton, UK and the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa collabor... more In 2007 the University of Brighton, UK and the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa collaboratively established five Profitnet learning network groups of SME owners and managers in the city of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. These groups met for three hours, once a month, and followed a specific agenda including a business plan presentation, action learning and a creativity workshop by an external speaker. In July 2008, after seven months of group operation, semi structured interviews were conducted with a cross section of participants. Data from these interviews is analysed using Kolb’s learning style inventory to consider the variables that affect individual learning within groups Each of the sections of the Profitnet meeting appear to have different strengths in facilitating learning. Overall, the blended learning approach of the Profitnet meeting produces consistent learning across very different sector specific groups. Variables such as gender, firm size and degree of innovation seem to have more of an effect on the learning emerging from action learning as opposed to creativity workshops. Our conclusion is that group facilitators need to recognise the effect that different variables will have on the learning experience of Profitnet members.

In order to overcome the major challenges and gain from the opportunities phased by the Cultural ... more In order to overcome the major challenges and gain from the opportunities phased by the Cultural Heritage (CH) institutions as they enter into the digital world, EPOCH developed the Network of Expertise Centers in CH. This paper presents the main methodological elements, and the roadmap behind the creation of the Network of Expertise in CH. The main objective of this network is to support the understanding of both worlds, provide training and facilitate knowledge acquisition of the CH+ICT domain, improve methodologies and techniques to fit better with the needs of the users and debate new ways to introduce and use technology in the CH institutions. The methodology known as Learning Network integrates action learning techniques with the network approach, producing a very powerful mechanism for sharing knowledge between different organisations. The vision is to create a network of centres, organised in a Europe-wide network, integrating a number of local CH and ICT institutions, policymakers, companies, research institutions and other stakeholders with a regional mission to improve the sector. The paper will further discuss the lessons learned and the successes and challenges encountered during the implementation of the network.

There is a variety of programmes and schemes supporting learning and innovation in SME. Most of t... more There is a variety of programmes and schemes supporting learning and innovation in SME. Most of the existing innovation policies have focused on specific groups such as the New Technology Based Firms and the High Growth ones, neglecting the majority of SME. The discussion will introduce a framework for classifying the various support systems addressed to small businesses. It will then discuss the results of the evaluation exercise of Profitnet and Profitnet Plus programmes in Sussex. More specifically it will refer to the following aspects of the programme: (i) the economic impact achieved by the programme, (ii) the members benefits in terms of business and innovation skills and innovation capabilities (iii) the collaboration and interaction induced by the programme and (iv) the members’ perceived satisfaction of the programme operations. The discussion will conclude with offering the conclusions drawn for policy support of learning and innovation in SME.

In order to overcome the major gap between the Cultural Heritage (CH) and the Information and Com... more In order to overcome the major gap between the Cultural Heritage (CH) and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) world, which is slowing down the successful use and implementation of ICT technologies; this paper presents the methodology behind the creation of the Network of Expertise. The main objective of this network is to support the understanding of both worlds, providing training and facilitating knowledge acquisition of the domain from all perspectives, improving methodologies and techniques to fit better with the needs of the users, and debating new ways to introduce and use technology in CH that fits with the needs of the CH institutions. The methodology known as Learning Network integrates action learning techniques with the network approach producing a very powerful mechanism for sharing knowledge between different organisations. The vision is to create a network of centres, organized in a Europe-wide network, integrating a number of local CH and ICT institutio...

In order to overcome the major gap between the Cultural Heritage (CH) and the Information and Com... more In order to overcome the major gap between the Cultural Heritage (CH) and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) world, which is slowing down the successful use and implementation of ICT technologies; this paper presents the methodology behind the creation of the Network of Expertise. The main objective of this network is to support the understanding of both worlds, providing training and facilitating knowledge acquisition of the domain from all perspectives, improving methodologies and techniques to fit better with the needs of the users, and debating new ways to introduce and use technology in CH that fits with the needs of the CH institutions. The methodology known as Learning Network integrates action learning techniques with the network approach producing a very powerful mechanism for sharing knowledge between different organisations. The vision is to create a network of centres, organized in a Europewide network, integrating a number of local CH and ICT institutions, policymakers, companies, research institutions and other stakeholders with a regional mission to improve the sector. The paper will further discuss the lessons learned, successes and challenges encountered during the implementation of the network.

The accepted wisdom in the Travel and Tourism (T&T) industry-with very few exceptions-has so far ... more The accepted wisdom in the Travel and Tourism (T&T) industry-with very few exceptions-has so far placed the emphasis on disintermediation or the disappearance of traditional intermediaries like travel agents, tour operators or even the Global Distribution Systems (GDSs). Relevance: There is evidence on which to base an alternative scenario of development of the T&T channel which has far reaching implications for policies relating to electronic commerce.

In order to overcome the major gap between the Cultural Heritage (CH) and the Information and Com... more In order to overcome the major gap between the Cultural Heritage (CH) and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) world, which is slowing down the successful use of ICT technologies; this paper presents the methodology behind the creation of the Network of Expertise. The main objective of this network is to support the understanding of both worlds, providing training and facilitating knowledge acquisition of the domain from all perspectives. The methodology known as Learning Network integrates action learning techniques with the network approach producing a very powerful mechanism for sharing knowledge between different organisations. The vision is to create a network of centres, organised in a Europe-wide network, integrating a number of local CH and ICT institutions, policymakers, companies, research institutions and other stakeholders with a regional mission to improve the sector. The paper will further discuss the lessons learned, successes and challenges encountered ...

In order to overcome the major gap between the Cultural Heritage (CH) and the Information and Com... more In order to overcome the major gap between the Cultural Heritage (CH) and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) world, which is slowing down the successful use and implementation of ICT technologies; this paper presents the methodology behind the creation of the Network of Expertise. The main objective of this network is to support the understanding of both worlds, providing training and facilitating knowledge acquisition of the domain from all perspectives, improving methodologies and techniques to fit better with the needs of the users, and debating new ways to introduce and use technology in CH that fits with the needs of the CH institutions. The methodology known as Learning Network integrates action learning techniques with the network approach producing a very powerful mechanism for sharing knowledge between different organisations. The vision is to create a network of centres, organized in a Europewide network, integrating a number of local CH and ICT institutions, policymakers, companies, research institutions and other stakeholders with a regional mission to improve the sector. The paper will further discuss the lessons learned, successes and challenges encountered during the implementation of the network.

In order to overcome the major gap between the Cultural Heritage (CH) and the Information and Com... more In order to overcome the major gap between the Cultural Heritage (CH) and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) world, which is slowing down the successful use of ICT technologies; this paper presents the methodology behind the creation of the Network of Expertise. The main objective of this network is to support the understanding of both worlds, providing training and facilitating knowledge acquisition of the domain from all perspectives. The methodology known as Learning Network integrates action learning techniques with the network approach producing a very powerful mechanism for sharing knowledge between different organisations. The vision is to create a network of centres, organised in a Europe-wide network, integrating a number of local CH and ICT institutions, policymakers, companies, research institutions and other stakeholders with a regional mission to improve the sector. The paper will further discuss the lessons learned, successes and challenges encountered ...