Joseph KK Ho publication folder: 2016

Plagiarism has been frequently discussed both as a research topic and as a key concern in the real-world business education setting. This paper conducts a literature review on plagiarism and highlights the soft complexity nature underlying the plagiarism theme. It maintains that dissolving, based on Ackoff’s Interactive Planning methodology, rather than solving or resolving the plagiarism problem is more effective, given this nature of soft complexity of plagiarism. To dissolve plagiarism by a teacher alone, however, is too demanding to ask for. Nevertheless, by making use of the digital social media ecosystem to provide a stimulating e-learning environment to students, a teacher, as a gardener in cyberspace, is still able to contribute to the plagiarism-dissolving process.

Keywords: Ackoff’s Interactive Planning methodology, digital social media ecosystem, e-learning support, management education, plagiarism, systems thinking

An earlier version of the paper appears in the journal of European Academic Research as: Ho, J.K.K. 2014. “On plagiarism-dissolving: A Research Note” European Academic Research 1(11) February: 4274-4290.

Introduction

The topic of plagiarism is pervasive in the education sector: news on plagiarism comes up from time to time; plagiarism has been committed by students and by academics; the topic of plagiarism has been frequently raised at staff meetings at educational institutions that have been participated by this writer as a part-time teacher on business subjects. This prompts the writer to conduct a review on the problem of plagiarism. In this paper, such a review is conducted with a systems thinking lens, and mainly from the standpoint of a teacher in the business education field.

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Friday, February 5, 2016

A review on the Multi-perspective, Systems-based (MPSB) Research sub-Systems Movement (sub-SM)

A review on the Multi-perspective, Systems-based (MPSB) Research sub-Systems Movement (sub-SM)

Joseph Kim-keung Ho

Independent Trainer

Hong Kong, China

Dated: February 6, 2016

Abstract:

As an essentially personal academic journey all along, the Multi-perspective, Systems-based (MPSB) Research is inevitably not well understood in the academic community. At the same time, over the last two years, the MPSB Research has been evolving quite fast. This paper tries to uncover the structure of the MPSB Research as a sub-Systems Movement (sub-SM) in terms of its evolutionary paths. Its aims are: (i) to make the MPSB Research comprehensible to the academic community, (ii) to serve as a consolidation effort on the MPSB Research as well as (iii) to invite academics to participate in this intellectual venture. In the discussion, the notion of sub-Systems Movement has been formulated and employed.

Keywords a sub-SM map, a sub-Systems Movement (sub-SM), key MPSB notions, systems thinking, the MPSB Research, the Systems Movement,

An earlier version of the paper appears in the journal of European Academic Research as: Ho, J.K.K. 2014. “Mapping and explaining the Multi-perspective, Systems-based Research sub-Systems Movement” European Academic Research 2(9) December: 11880-11900.

Introduction

The Multi-perspective, Systems-based (MPSB) Research was launched by the writer in 1992 as the research theme for the writer’s Ph.D. Degree programme at the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, the University of Hong Kong. This research programme culminated in the production of a Ph.D. thesis of Ho (1996a) which was also summarized in Ho (1995; 1996b). Recently, the revitalized MPSB Research programme has been reviewed by Ho (2014a). This paper makes an attempt to uncover the structure of the evolutionary paths of the MPSB Research to date so as to achieve the following three related aims:

Aim 1: to make the MPSB Research comprehensible to the academic community.

Aim 2: to consolidate the MPSB Research works in an organized diagrammatic form made to date.

Aim 3: to invite academics to participate in this intellectual venture as a community-based one.

This endeavor to explain, review and synthesize the MPSB notions and the evolutionary paths of the MPSB Research in the form of a System Movement map is deemed necessary to meet the three related aims. The main reason is that this research has essentially been a one-man intellectual venture, thus not much known to the academic community. To pave the way for the discussion of MPSB evolutionary paths, a description of the newly developed MPSB Research notions is provided in the next section. These notions are inevitably referred to in the mapping and explaining exercise.

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An introduction on the Facebook-based questionnaire survey method for academic research in business studies

An introduction on the Facebook-based questionnaire survey method for academic research in business studies

Joseph Kim-Keung Ho

Independent Trainer

Hong Kong, China

Dated: February 6, 2016

Abstract:

The subject of online survey has been discussed in both the academic community and the business community, especially by survey tool vendors. This paper examines a specific type of online survey, i.e., Facebook-based questionnaire survey for academic research, based on the writer’s recent experience in this form of research exercise. The findings from these exercises largely agree with the evaluation viewpoints from the academic community in general. Nevertheless, this paper also points out that the contemporary technological platform and tools for conducting online survey via social network sites, such as Facebook are more user-friendly, more widely available and more powerful than ten years ago. The paper also serves to inform university students, mainly on business studies, who are interested in doing online survey research on how to do so, especially in an agile research mode. In this sense, this paper has pedagogical value, other than academic value.

Key words: academic research, agile research mode, Facebook, online questionnaire survey

An earlier version of the paper appears in the journal of European Academic Research as: Ho, J.K.K. 2014. “A Research Note on Facebook-based questionnaire survey for academic research in business studies” European Academic Research 2(7) October: 9243-9257.

Introduction

Conducting academic research, especially by students in universities, has always been a challenge – it can be time-consuming, intellectually testing and communication-intensive, among others. In this paper, the writer examines Facebook-based questionnaire survey as an agile approach for academic research. Agility implies leanness, flexibility and responsiveness in this case. Here, the aims are:

Aim 1: to review Facebook-based questionnaire survey as an agile academic research method, mainly for university students in business studies[1].

Aim 2: to offer an account of how to conduct Facebook-based questionnaire survey based on the writer’s recent experience with this kind of research approach.

The discussion, the writer believes, offers both academic and pedagogical values, especially to university students in business studies who are involved in doing dissertation projects with tight time-constraint.

[1] The emphasis on business studies arises from the writer’s main teaching experience on subjects in business studies. Most likely, the content here should be useful to students in social sciences.

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A study of complexity sources on housing affordability (HA) in Housing Studies

A study of complexity sources on housing affordability (HA) in Housing Studies

JOSEPH KIM-KEUNG HO

Independent Trainer

Hong Kong, China

Dated: February 5, 2016

Abstract:

In Housing Studies, housing affordability (HA) is a key concept. This is especially relevant to Housing Studies in Hong Kong as the city has long been reported to have the worst housing affordability status in the world. This paper examines the sources of complexity of the housing affordability notion and concerns based on literature review, newspaper articles study and a Facebook questionnaire survey. It argues for the methodological relevance of using the systems-based Housing Imagination evaluation framework of Ho (2014a) to examine complex Housing Studies topics such as housing affordability. Indeed, housing affordability is conceptually complex and housing affordability concerns in the real world are very often also intricate.

Key words: Facebook-based questionnaire survey; Housing affordability; Newspaper articles study; The systems-based Housing Imagination evaluation framework; The System Complexity model

An earlier version of the paper appears in the journal of European Academic Research as: Ho, J.K.K. 2015. “An examination of the sources of complexity on housing affordability (HA) as a concept and concerns in Housing Studies” European Academic Research 2(10) January: 13128-13152.

Introduction

In Housing Studies, housing affordability (HA) is a key topic of study, see, for example, Balchin and Rhoden (2002: chapter 11). Typically, the HA topic examines (i) effects of house price/earnings ratios and house price/income ratios, (ii) affordability among people of different profiles and (iii) ways of increasing affordability (Balchin and Rhoden, 2002) and (iv) the reasons for high housing prices (Lau and Li, 2006). Two concepts appear fundamental, i.e., housing affordability and affordable housing. The former is about people’s housing concerns while the latter is more on housing solutions and products. Both concepts deal with the core attribute of affordability. For Stone, Burke and Ralston (2011), there are three main questions in housing affordability study: (i) affordable to whom?, (ii) on what standard of affordability?, and (iii) for how long? In Hong Kong, where the writer lives, it has long been reported to have the least housing affordability status in the world, e.g., Liu (2014) and Holliday (2014). Thus housing affordability is described as a big issue (Lam, 2012) or the Number 1 priority (South China Morning Post, 2014) in the city. Out of both teaching and research interest, the writer makes an attempt to uncover the complexity sources of the housing affordability notion and concerns via literature review, newspaper articles study and a Facebook-based questionnaire survey. It then argues for the relevance of using the systems-based Housing Imagination evaluation framework of Ho (2014a) to study housing affordability concerns.

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A proposed systems-based Housing Imagination evaluation framework for research and pedagogical practices

A proposed systems-based Housing Imagination evaluation framework for research and pedagogical practices

Joseph Kim-Keung Ho

Independent Trainer

Hong Kong, China

Dated: February 5, 2016

Abstract:

For a new subject in Housing Studies (HS), Housing Imagination (HI) needs to establish its theoretical foundation more clearly, which includes the formulation of HI methodologies and theoretical frameworks. This task is taken up in this paper, which proposes a systems-based HI evaluation framework for examining Housing Studies-related phenomena. It is argued that such kind of theoretical frameworks and methodologies are also useful for improving pedagogical practices on HI. Other than that, the paper recommends more usage of real-life examples for illustration in HI pedagogical practices. Finally, this paper lauds the value of mutual learning between (a) HI theoretical development efforts and (b) HI pedagogical practices as well as the contribution of contemporary systems thinking to HI theoretical development.

Key words: a systems-based HI evaluation framework, Housing Imagination, inquiry system, pedagogical practices, system complexity, systems thinking

An earlier version of the paper appears in the journal of European Academic Research as: Ho, J.K.K. 2014. “An Elaboration of a Systems-based Housing Imagination Evaluation Framework for Research and Pedagogical Practices” European Academic Research 2(4) July: 5099-5121.

Introduction

As a newly established subject, Housing Imagination (HI) needs a clearly articulated and sound theoretical foundation. While its intellectual root and its core investigation approach have been described in Ho (2014a; 2014b), both its methodologies, theoretical frameworks as well as pedagogical practices need to be further clarified, enriched and refined. This paper examines three HI issues as related to theoretical development and pedagogical practices:

Issue 1: How can an HI approach produce valid knowledge for Housing Studies?

Issue 2: How can an HI approach be capable in investigating HI phenomena and issues that very often possess tremendous soft complexity?

Issue 3: How can the subject of HI be taught to students more effectively?

The first issue is related to the topic of Inquiry System (IS) while the second issue touches on the notion of system complexity and the need for HI methodologies capable of dealing with high system complexity. These two issues are inter-related. Clarifying these two issues contribute to improved HI pedagogical practices (Issue 3). The ensuing discussion is going to address these issues in details.

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Thursday, February 4, 2016

A study on the elusiveness and charm of empowerment via the managerial lens

A study on the elusiveness and charm of empowerment via the managerial lens

Joseph Kim-keung Ho

Independent Trainer

Hong Kong, China

Dated: February 5, 2016

Abstract:

The empowerment notion, albeit being around for many years, has been described as highly elusive, loose and attractive in the academic literature. Its intellectual influence spans both the business management and non-business management domains. In this paper, the empowerment notion is examined based on a literature review, including newspaper article study, and a Facebook-based questionnaire survey on its perceptions in Hong Kong. By doing so, it further clarifies the essence of the empowerment notion as well as informs learning and practices in the business and non-business sectors. Overall, the paper mainly examines the empowerment notion from the managerial perspective. Finally, it recommends mastery of literature review skills, e.g., on learning empowerment, to strengthen an individual’s managerial intellectual learning capability.

Key words: Delegation; Empowerment; Facebook-based questionnaire survey; Literature review; Newspaper article study

An earlier version of the paper appears in the journal of European Academic Research as Ho, J.K.K. 2015. “An examination on the elusiveness and charm of empowerment via the managerial lenses” European Academic Research 3(2) May: 1743-1762.

Introduction

From time to time, the notion of empowerment comes up in the literature of business management as well as other social sciences, e.g., housing studies. It catches the writer’s attention in his teaching activities, especially with one of the writer’s student doing a final-year dissertation on this topic. On top of that, as an intellectual concept, empowerment is said to be “highly elusive”, “attractive” and “loose” (Lincoln et al., 2002). This sets up the context that motivates the writer to conduct a literature review and a Facebook-based questionnaire on empowerment. Specifically, the paper aims at:

(1) reviewing the essence of the empowerment notion

(2) examining people’s perceptions on and experience with the empowerment

Achieving these two aims should inform the theoretical development of the empowerment concept as well as students in social sciences, e.g., management and housing studies, to learn this concept. The two aims are also related: knowledge on the essence of the empowerment notion enables a better evaluation of people’s empowerment perceptions and experience. The present study, nevertheless, is done mainly via the managerial lens so as to make the scope of study manageable.

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Sunday, January 31, 2016

A study of work-life balance for managerial intellectual learning in Hong Kong

A study of work-life balance for managerial intellectual learning in Hong Kong

Joseph Kim-Keung Ho

Independent Trainer

Hong Kong, China

Dated: February 1, 2016

Abstract:

In the study of managerial intellectual learning by Ho (2013; 2014a; 21014b), a key issue is what factors influence a manager’s intellectual learning process. This led to the theoretical formulation of Managerial Intellectual Learning Capability-building Mechanism (Ho, 2014b). It has been suggested that such a mechanism involves the factor of dynamic work-life balance management. This paper examines, as an intellectual exercise, more closely how work-life balance could affect managerial intellectual learning. A brief pilot survey has been conducted using the writer’s Face-based social network with his Hong Kong students to gather some preliminary findings. The findings facilitate further exploration on this topic of relationship between work-life balance and managerial intellectual learning. In general, the preliminary findings indicate that most of the writer’s student-respondents feel that their work-life balance status is largely satisfactory and that work-life balance status does not have impacts on managerial intellectual learning, job performance and quality of life. Nevertheless, the research design and research findings, based on a small non-random sample, are not good enough to support further statistical analysis with external validity. Meanwhile, the survey research findings, being inconclusive, display the complexity as well as idiosyncrasy of the relationship between work-life balance, professional development and management education study effort (as a surrogate measure on managerial intellectual learning), quality of working life and quality of life/ authentic happiness.

Key words: Facebook-based questionnaire survey, Managerial intellectual learning (MIL), Managerial Intellectual Learning Capability-building Mechanism (MILCBM), Work-life balance (WLB)

Introduction

The topic of the managerial intellectual learning (MIL) has been studied by this writer, which resulted in the publication of three papers published in the journal of European Academic Research, i.e.,:

· Ho (2013) on the basic managerial intellectual learning process (MIL) framework that is systems-based.

· Ho (2014a) on the notion of Multi-perspective, Systems-based (MPSB) cognitive filter for management and its relationship with the managerial intellectual learning process.

· Ho (2014b) on the notion of the Managerial Intellectual Learning Capability-Building Mechanism (MILCBM) for propelling the managerial intellectual learning process.

In this paper, the writer further explores how an individual’s work-life balance (WLB) status is related to the MILCBM, thus shedding more light on how WLB could influence an individual’s managerial intellectual learning process. Knowing how WLB affects an individual’s MIL should inform an individual’s endeavour to manage his/her MIL process more effectively. The discussion in this paper is based on the writer’s literature review effort and some recent Facebook-based questionnaire survey’s findings in Hong Kong.

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An earlier version of the paper was published in European Academic Research as: Ho, J.K.K. 2014. “An examination of the underlying concern of work-life balance for managerial intellectual learning” European Academic Research 2(6) September: 7516-7536.