Neil Peach | University of Southern Queensland (original) (raw)
Papers by Neil Peach
An ongoing challenge for education and training providers is to ensure learners can achieve maxim... more An ongoing challenge for education and training providers is to ensure learners can achieve maximum learning and recognition for their vocational education pathways. The strategy and case to be presented could best be described as the 3 'p's approach to the provision of vocational education and training, that is: I. How we support people in their education and training II. What processes we use to provide education and training? III. The place where the learning opportunities are provided. The aim of this paper is to share an educational and training strategy that has been successfully implemented in an Australian enterprise. The strategy provided education and training for the members of the enterprise in a multidisciplinary manner from a certificate through to a degree outcome, entirely through work-based learning (WBL) pedagogy. The research was conducted with six candidates (employees of the enterprise) through their educational journey applying a range of WBL activities including projects and initiatives to improve processes and performances in the workplace. Each candidate's program involved designing the learning component following an initial phase of review of their previous learning's and qualifications with a learning advisor. This process was deemed as 'the learning review'. The other component of this phase was to develop a learning plan to encapsulate an area of study or disciplinary process that would be relevant to the individual candidate. This process was deemed as 'the learning journey plan'. The second phase was for each candidate to prepare and undertake a problem based/research led learning activity through one or more workplace project/s with the support of the employer. The final phase involved a structured review and development of a final project report to outline the outcomes and learning's achieved through the work based projects. The research undertaken included post-program interviews with the six candidates and the General Manager and provided an example of a relatable model for all workplaces as well as education and training provider. Many firms have adopted traditional training approaches in their organisations to develop their brought to you by CORE View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk
Journal of work-applied management, Jun 5, 2017
Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which work-based learning could pote... more Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which work-based learning could potentially improve education and training pathways in Australia. Design/methodology/approach-The paper reviews education and training provision in Australia through a contextualisation of the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) with work-based learning pedagogy to determine the extent to which it might contribute to improved outcomes for learners. Findings-People seeking to advance their career aspirations can consider the application of work-based learning to support lifelong learning pathways through the AQF. Research limitations/implications-There is a need for further longitudinal studies on the outcomes of work-based learning for organisations, individual learners and education and training institutions. Practical implications-The application of effective WBL approaches has the potential to create a much larger flow of learners from experiential and vocational backgrounds into undergraduate programmes and onto higher education programmes using a consistent and effective pedagogy. Social implications-By actively considering the opportunities for learning at work and through work learners, educators and business managers may recognise that there would be more demand for work-based learning. Originality/value-This paper represents an initial action research study which examines the role WBL can provide for lifelong learning.
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Jul 11, 2011
Facilities, May 17, 2013
Purpose – This paper aims to outline an implementation model and framework for those facilities m... more Purpose – This paper aims to outline an implementation model and framework for those facilities management (FM) professionals who are seeking to enhance the strategic role of FM within their organisations, through the development of strategic asset management (SAM).Design/methodology/approach – The project was implemented using an action research framework to capture key outcomes and findings at the same time as formal project management techniques were used to govern activities and actions across multiple dimensions.Findings – As a result of the project, the University of Southern Queensland has significantly matured in its understanding of its real estate portfolio. In particular it has now recognised the importance of appropriate and effective investment, optimal utilisation of space, the latent opportunities residing within an under utilised or “lazy” portfolio and the significance of SAM in support of organisational objectives and priorities.Research limitations/implications – This case study provide...
Planning has been shown to be a key ingredient in organisational success. However, the challenges... more Planning has been shown to be a key ingredient in organisational success. However, the challenges confronting contemporary organisational management are making it increasingly difficult for senior managers to allocate sufficient time and focus to substantive strategic thinking and planning. As well, in higher education settings such as universities, extensive government reforms are compelling academic and general managers to integrate approaches to corporate planning and management with academic planning and management. This creates difficulties and challenges in reframing past ways of doing things, but at the same time affords significant opportunities to those institutions that are able to harvest the benefits of these synergies. This paper explores those elements of strategic planning which are unique to university settings and, in so doing, puts forward a methodology for integrating the needs of faculty and academe with that of enterprise and institution. This exploration reveals the centrality of program management and portfolio analysis in relation to academic offerings and considers what may be necessary to further develop these techniques as universities seek to simultaneously increase the market appeal and academic rigour of their courses and programs.
The aim of the research in this dissertation is twofold. First, from a wide ranging survey of the... more The aim of the research in this dissertation is twofold. First, from a wide ranging survey of the themes, principles and approaches to sustainable development, the objective is to establish a method of measuring whether or not business and industry are contributing to sustainable development. The second objective is to then use this method of measurement (called the Business Sustainable Development Index [BSDI]) to evaluate the contribution to sustainable development of selected Australian firms. The three pillars approach to sustainable development and the capitals theory approach to its measurement are the theoretical bases for the measurement framework developed in this research (Elkington 1999; Figge and Hahn 2002; Faucheux and Muir 1997). The framework departs from previous methods employed for the measurement of business contribution to sustainable development in that it: • is a synthesis of an index method of measuring contribution to sustainable development, used at the macro level, and a conventional ratio analysis approach to measuring business performance. Current methods predominantly
Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association Conference, Apr 20, 2017
This case study describes the evolution and renewal of quality and planning processes at the Univ... more This case study describes the evolution and renewal of quality and planning processes at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) within the context of nation-wide initiatives to enhance the quality of learning and teaching in Australian universities. It describes USQ's newly adopted 'student learning journey' planning framework and shows how it is influencing the development of process-driven, quality improvement at USQ. It describes how this renewed approach to planning cuts across organisational silos to focus on the university's services to students. Context matters in a planning approach based on students' learning journeys. As a consequence, new processes lead to a breakdown in traditional barriers between academic and administrative organisational structures as all sectors of the university work together to ensure that administrative processes maximise students' opportunities for learning. This risks challenging traditional notions of academic cultu...
The knowledge economy is compelling business leaders to adopt creative approaches to become and r... more The knowledge economy is compelling business leaders to adopt creative approaches to become and remain relevant and competitive. Business has the opportunity to use many of the learnings from art and philosophy in order to effectively respond to this situation. This article takes insights from creative artists and thinkers such as Dante, Yeats, Chomsky and TS Eliot and connects them with contemporary developments in professional learning, practice and reflection (with particular reference to the work of Hager et al., (2012) Kemmis et al., (2012) and Boud et al., (2006). The purpose of these connections is to illustrate the value of an emergent approach to tertiary education known as work based learning. The article is a departure from traditional views of work-based learning as it suggests that work based learning is a creative and innovative response that builds capability for both individuals and organisations. Within this context, significance is afforded through reflective pract...
Planning has been shown to be a key ingredient in organisational success. However, the challenges... more Planning has been shown to be a key ingredient in organisational success. However, the challenges confronting contemporary organisational management are making it increasingly difficult for senior managers to allocate sufficient time and focus to substantive strategic thinking and planning. As well, in higher education settings such as universities, extensive government reforms are compelling academic and general managers to integrate approaches to corporate planning and management with academic planning and management. This creates difficulties and challenges in reframing past ways of doing things, but at the same time affords significant opportunities to those institutions that are able to harvest the benefits of these synergies. This paper explores those elements of strategic planning which are unique to university settings and, in so doing, puts forward a methodology for integrating the needs of faculty and academe with that of enterprise and institution. This exploration reveal...
This paper sets out just one element of a long term project in which the authors have employed el... more This paper sets out just one element of a long term project in which the authors have employed elements of activity theory and expansive learning theory to analyse both the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF: 2013) and application of contemporary workbased learning approaches. The framework for the review is built around 6 key areas of performance identified in previous reviews of education systems and qualifications frameworks (AQF Council 2009; Bradley et al., 2008; Burke et al., 2009; CEDEFOP 2010 & 2013; CEDEFOP & ETF 2013; Commonwealth of Australia 2009; deWeert 2011; Education and Culture DG & EQF 2013; Guthrie et al., 2011; Hackett et al., 2012). The researchers are progressively working through the sequence of learning actions within an expansive learning cycle (Engestrom & Kerosuo, 2007) and this paper represents one aspect of the work being undertaken as part of a step two [i.e. analysis] in the seven step expansive learning cycle. Through this analysis we present a ...
The range of contemporary national enquiries into higher education provides evidence that academi... more The range of contemporary national enquiries into higher education provides evidence that academic futures continue to change. In the USA, the Spellings Report (2006: ix) came to the 'uneasy conclusion that the sector’s past attainments have led our nation to unwarranted complacency about its future'. Concerns included inequitable access to post-secondary education, and variable standards and outcomes including the low literacy skills of some graduates. In Australia, the Review of Higher Education Discussion Paper (2008: 1) focused on a sustainable role for higher education in a rapidly changing society.
The aim of the research in this dissertation is twofold. First, from a wide ranging survey of the... more The aim of the research in this dissertation is twofold. First, from a wide ranging survey of the themes, principles and approaches to sustainable development, the objective is to establish a method of measuring whether or not business and industry are contributing to sustainable development. The second objective is to then use this method of measurement (called the Business Sustainable Development Index [BSDI]) to evaluate the contribution to sustainable development of selected Australian firms. The three pillars approach to sustainable development and the capitals theory approach to its measurement are the theoretical bases for the measurement framework developed in this research (Elkington 1999; Figge and Hahn 2002; Faucheux and Muir 1997). The study is grounded on the proposition that in a business setting 'what you don't measure you can't manage'. However, there are difficulties at both the conceptual level and the practical level which make the measurement of b...
An ongoing challenge for education and training providers is to ensure learners can achieve maxim... more An ongoing challenge for education and training providers is to ensure learners can achieve maximum learning and recognition for their vocational education pathways. The strategy and case to be presented could best be described as the 3 ‘p’s approach to the provision of vocational education and training, that is: I. How we support people in their education and training II. What processes we use to provide education and training? III. The place where the learning opportunities are provided. The aim of this paper is to share an educational and training strategy that has been successfully implemented in an Australian enterprise. The strategy provided education and training for the members of the enterprise in a multidisciplinary manner from a certificate through to a degree outcome, entirely through work-based learning (WBL) pedagogy. The research was conducted with six candidates (employees of the enterprise) through their educational journey applying a range of WBL activities includi...
Journal of Work-Applied Management
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which work-based learning could pote... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which work-based learning could potentially improve education and training pathways in Australia. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews education and training provision in Australia through a contextualisation of the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) with work-based learning pedagogy to determine the extent to which it might contribute to improved outcomes for learners. Findings People seeking to advance their career aspirations can consider the application of work-based learning to support lifelong learning pathways through the AQF. Research limitations/implications There is a need for further longitudinal studies on the outcomes of work-based learning for organisations, individual learners and education and training institutions. Practical implications The application of effective WBL approaches has the potential to create a much larger flow of learners from experiential and vocational backgrounds into und...
... 1 Page 73 Page 3. reasons, academic planning and strategic planning seem to be strange bedfel... more ... 1 Page 73 Page 3. reasons, academic planning and strategic planning seem to be strange bedfellows, or even strangers in the night. ... Cyert and March (1992), in their ecology of decision-making in organisations, cited the issues of loose coupling explicitly: ...
Page 1. Academic Futures: Inquiries into Higher Education and Pedagogy '- Edited... more Page 1. Academic Futures: Inquiries into Higher Education and Pedagogy '- Edited by iPED Research Network 1 CAMBRIDGE SCHOLARS PUBLISHING Page 2. %i \ I' PREFACE 1PED (inquiring pedagogies) <www.coven1 ...
An ongoing challenge for education and training providers is to ensure learners can achieve maxim... more An ongoing challenge for education and training providers is to ensure learners can achieve maximum learning and recognition for their vocational education pathways. The strategy and case to be presented could best be described as the 3 'p's approach to the provision of vocational education and training, that is: I. How we support people in their education and training II. What processes we use to provide education and training? III. The place where the learning opportunities are provided. The aim of this paper is to share an educational and training strategy that has been successfully implemented in an Australian enterprise. The strategy provided education and training for the members of the enterprise in a multidisciplinary manner from a certificate through to a degree outcome, entirely through work-based learning (WBL) pedagogy. The research was conducted with six candidates (employees of the enterprise) through their educational journey applying a range of WBL activities including projects and initiatives to improve processes and performances in the workplace. Each candidate's program involved designing the learning component following an initial phase of review of their previous learning's and qualifications with a learning advisor. This process was deemed as 'the learning review'. The other component of this phase was to develop a learning plan to encapsulate an area of study or disciplinary process that would be relevant to the individual candidate. This process was deemed as 'the learning journey plan'. The second phase was for each candidate to prepare and undertake a problem based/research led learning activity through one or more workplace project/s with the support of the employer. The final phase involved a structured review and development of a final project report to outline the outcomes and learning's achieved through the work based projects. The research undertaken included post-program interviews with the six candidates and the General Manager and provided an example of a relatable model for all workplaces as well as education and training provider. Many firms have adopted traditional training approaches in their organisations to develop their brought to you by CORE View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk
Journal of work-applied management, Jun 5, 2017
Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which work-based learning could pote... more Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which work-based learning could potentially improve education and training pathways in Australia. Design/methodology/approach-The paper reviews education and training provision in Australia through a contextualisation of the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) with work-based learning pedagogy to determine the extent to which it might contribute to improved outcomes for learners. Findings-People seeking to advance their career aspirations can consider the application of work-based learning to support lifelong learning pathways through the AQF. Research limitations/implications-There is a need for further longitudinal studies on the outcomes of work-based learning for organisations, individual learners and education and training institutions. Practical implications-The application of effective WBL approaches has the potential to create a much larger flow of learners from experiential and vocational backgrounds into undergraduate programmes and onto higher education programmes using a consistent and effective pedagogy. Social implications-By actively considering the opportunities for learning at work and through work learners, educators and business managers may recognise that there would be more demand for work-based learning. Originality/value-This paper represents an initial action research study which examines the role WBL can provide for lifelong learning.
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Jul 11, 2011
Facilities, May 17, 2013
Purpose – This paper aims to outline an implementation model and framework for those facilities m... more Purpose – This paper aims to outline an implementation model and framework for those facilities management (FM) professionals who are seeking to enhance the strategic role of FM within their organisations, through the development of strategic asset management (SAM).Design/methodology/approach – The project was implemented using an action research framework to capture key outcomes and findings at the same time as formal project management techniques were used to govern activities and actions across multiple dimensions.Findings – As a result of the project, the University of Southern Queensland has significantly matured in its understanding of its real estate portfolio. In particular it has now recognised the importance of appropriate and effective investment, optimal utilisation of space, the latent opportunities residing within an under utilised or “lazy” portfolio and the significance of SAM in support of organisational objectives and priorities.Research limitations/implications – This case study provide...
Planning has been shown to be a key ingredient in organisational success. However, the challenges... more Planning has been shown to be a key ingredient in organisational success. However, the challenges confronting contemporary organisational management are making it increasingly difficult for senior managers to allocate sufficient time and focus to substantive strategic thinking and planning. As well, in higher education settings such as universities, extensive government reforms are compelling academic and general managers to integrate approaches to corporate planning and management with academic planning and management. This creates difficulties and challenges in reframing past ways of doing things, but at the same time affords significant opportunities to those institutions that are able to harvest the benefits of these synergies. This paper explores those elements of strategic planning which are unique to university settings and, in so doing, puts forward a methodology for integrating the needs of faculty and academe with that of enterprise and institution. This exploration reveals the centrality of program management and portfolio analysis in relation to academic offerings and considers what may be necessary to further develop these techniques as universities seek to simultaneously increase the market appeal and academic rigour of their courses and programs.
The aim of the research in this dissertation is twofold. First, from a wide ranging survey of the... more The aim of the research in this dissertation is twofold. First, from a wide ranging survey of the themes, principles and approaches to sustainable development, the objective is to establish a method of measuring whether or not business and industry are contributing to sustainable development. The second objective is to then use this method of measurement (called the Business Sustainable Development Index [BSDI]) to evaluate the contribution to sustainable development of selected Australian firms. The three pillars approach to sustainable development and the capitals theory approach to its measurement are the theoretical bases for the measurement framework developed in this research (Elkington 1999; Figge and Hahn 2002; Faucheux and Muir 1997). The framework departs from previous methods employed for the measurement of business contribution to sustainable development in that it: • is a synthesis of an index method of measuring contribution to sustainable development, used at the macro level, and a conventional ratio analysis approach to measuring business performance. Current methods predominantly
Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association Conference, Apr 20, 2017
This case study describes the evolution and renewal of quality and planning processes at the Univ... more This case study describes the evolution and renewal of quality and planning processes at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) within the context of nation-wide initiatives to enhance the quality of learning and teaching in Australian universities. It describes USQ's newly adopted 'student learning journey' planning framework and shows how it is influencing the development of process-driven, quality improvement at USQ. It describes how this renewed approach to planning cuts across organisational silos to focus on the university's services to students. Context matters in a planning approach based on students' learning journeys. As a consequence, new processes lead to a breakdown in traditional barriers between academic and administrative organisational structures as all sectors of the university work together to ensure that administrative processes maximise students' opportunities for learning. This risks challenging traditional notions of academic cultu...
The knowledge economy is compelling business leaders to adopt creative approaches to become and r... more The knowledge economy is compelling business leaders to adopt creative approaches to become and remain relevant and competitive. Business has the opportunity to use many of the learnings from art and philosophy in order to effectively respond to this situation. This article takes insights from creative artists and thinkers such as Dante, Yeats, Chomsky and TS Eliot and connects them with contemporary developments in professional learning, practice and reflection (with particular reference to the work of Hager et al., (2012) Kemmis et al., (2012) and Boud et al., (2006). The purpose of these connections is to illustrate the value of an emergent approach to tertiary education known as work based learning. The article is a departure from traditional views of work-based learning as it suggests that work based learning is a creative and innovative response that builds capability for both individuals and organisations. Within this context, significance is afforded through reflective pract...
Planning has been shown to be a key ingredient in organisational success. However, the challenges... more Planning has been shown to be a key ingredient in organisational success. However, the challenges confronting contemporary organisational management are making it increasingly difficult for senior managers to allocate sufficient time and focus to substantive strategic thinking and planning. As well, in higher education settings such as universities, extensive government reforms are compelling academic and general managers to integrate approaches to corporate planning and management with academic planning and management. This creates difficulties and challenges in reframing past ways of doing things, but at the same time affords significant opportunities to those institutions that are able to harvest the benefits of these synergies. This paper explores those elements of strategic planning which are unique to university settings and, in so doing, puts forward a methodology for integrating the needs of faculty and academe with that of enterprise and institution. This exploration reveal...
This paper sets out just one element of a long term project in which the authors have employed el... more This paper sets out just one element of a long term project in which the authors have employed elements of activity theory and expansive learning theory to analyse both the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF: 2013) and application of contemporary workbased learning approaches. The framework for the review is built around 6 key areas of performance identified in previous reviews of education systems and qualifications frameworks (AQF Council 2009; Bradley et al., 2008; Burke et al., 2009; CEDEFOP 2010 & 2013; CEDEFOP & ETF 2013; Commonwealth of Australia 2009; deWeert 2011; Education and Culture DG & EQF 2013; Guthrie et al., 2011; Hackett et al., 2012). The researchers are progressively working through the sequence of learning actions within an expansive learning cycle (Engestrom & Kerosuo, 2007) and this paper represents one aspect of the work being undertaken as part of a step two [i.e. analysis] in the seven step expansive learning cycle. Through this analysis we present a ...
The range of contemporary national enquiries into higher education provides evidence that academi... more The range of contemporary national enquiries into higher education provides evidence that academic futures continue to change. In the USA, the Spellings Report (2006: ix) came to the 'uneasy conclusion that the sector’s past attainments have led our nation to unwarranted complacency about its future'. Concerns included inequitable access to post-secondary education, and variable standards and outcomes including the low literacy skills of some graduates. In Australia, the Review of Higher Education Discussion Paper (2008: 1) focused on a sustainable role for higher education in a rapidly changing society.
The aim of the research in this dissertation is twofold. First, from a wide ranging survey of the... more The aim of the research in this dissertation is twofold. First, from a wide ranging survey of the themes, principles and approaches to sustainable development, the objective is to establish a method of measuring whether or not business and industry are contributing to sustainable development. The second objective is to then use this method of measurement (called the Business Sustainable Development Index [BSDI]) to evaluate the contribution to sustainable development of selected Australian firms. The three pillars approach to sustainable development and the capitals theory approach to its measurement are the theoretical bases for the measurement framework developed in this research (Elkington 1999; Figge and Hahn 2002; Faucheux and Muir 1997). The study is grounded on the proposition that in a business setting 'what you don't measure you can't manage'. However, there are difficulties at both the conceptual level and the practical level which make the measurement of b...
An ongoing challenge for education and training providers is to ensure learners can achieve maxim... more An ongoing challenge for education and training providers is to ensure learners can achieve maximum learning and recognition for their vocational education pathways. The strategy and case to be presented could best be described as the 3 ‘p’s approach to the provision of vocational education and training, that is: I. How we support people in their education and training II. What processes we use to provide education and training? III. The place where the learning opportunities are provided. The aim of this paper is to share an educational and training strategy that has been successfully implemented in an Australian enterprise. The strategy provided education and training for the members of the enterprise in a multidisciplinary manner from a certificate through to a degree outcome, entirely through work-based learning (WBL) pedagogy. The research was conducted with six candidates (employees of the enterprise) through their educational journey applying a range of WBL activities includi...
Journal of Work-Applied Management
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which work-based learning could pote... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which work-based learning could potentially improve education and training pathways in Australia. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews education and training provision in Australia through a contextualisation of the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) with work-based learning pedagogy to determine the extent to which it might contribute to improved outcomes for learners. Findings People seeking to advance their career aspirations can consider the application of work-based learning to support lifelong learning pathways through the AQF. Research limitations/implications There is a need for further longitudinal studies on the outcomes of work-based learning for organisations, individual learners and education and training institutions. Practical implications The application of effective WBL approaches has the potential to create a much larger flow of learners from experiential and vocational backgrounds into und...
... 1 Page 73 Page 3. reasons, academic planning and strategic planning seem to be strange bedfel... more ... 1 Page 73 Page 3. reasons, academic planning and strategic planning seem to be strange bedfellows, or even strangers in the night. ... Cyert and March (1992), in their ecology of decision-making in organisations, cited the issues of loose coupling explicitly: ...
Page 1. Academic Futures: Inquiries into Higher Education and Pedagogy '- Edited... more Page 1. Academic Futures: Inquiries into Higher Education and Pedagogy '- Edited by iPED Research Network 1 CAMBRIDGE SCHOLARS PUBLISHING Page 2. %i \ I' PREFACE 1PED (inquiring pedagogies) <www.coven1 ...