Developing Closer Ties with Business Michael Burgess & Mike Turner An Avenue for Lifelong Learning for South East Asian Universities

About The Authors Michael Burgess and Dr. Mike Turner: Lecturers and Business Consultants. In Vietnam, Australia, Mongolia, Hong Kong. Research Areas: Michael Burgess: Organisations in Vietnam. Mike Turner: Entrepreneurship in Vietnam / Mongolia. Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner :

Presentation Outline Problem Identification System Constraints Higher Education Challenges Organisational Changes The Trans Pacific Partnership The Role of the Educator Education Constraints Structure Changes Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner :

Before any action can be taken to solve a problem, one needs to recognise that a problem exists. How do we see a problem? Globally? Nationally? Locally? Culturally? We all see things differently. Problem Identification Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner : Source: Nature 1 July, 2010, Vol. 466(7302): p.29.

What might be a problem for Business Education in Vietnam? Globally The low Global Competiveness Index (GCI). Nationally Great strides forward but the GCI increases do not yet parallel. Locally Possible Structural Constraints. Problem Identification Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner :

Every system must have at least one constraint otherwise it would be a perfect system. The concept of the ‘weakest link’. A constraint: Anything that might limit a system from achieving higher performance versus its goal. The existence of a constraint is not negative: It represents an opportunity for organisational development and improvement. System Constraints Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner :

Academics and Administrators: The development of a collaborative culture; Both groups understanding and accepting that commercial practice is a necessity; Gaining agreement that a competitive advantage is the key to the sustainability of the enterprise. Perhaps a Constraint: To be understood; To be addressed in context. Higher Education Challenges Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner :

The Transfer of Knowledge: Inside; Alongside; Outside. The need to develop structures that allow: Internal flow between: Academics and Administrators; and Students, Academics and Administrators. External flow between: Educators, business and all other stakeholders. Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner : Higher Education Challenges

We live in a world of relationships, not a world of things. Industrial management emphasises a trusting environment: Growth and empowerment of the individual are the keys to unlocking corporate success. The education market cannot continue in isolation from the influences and ever changing needs of the labour market: Both markets are interdependent. Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner : Organisational Changes

“ If you don’t have a strategy you will be... part of somebody else’s strategy.” “ If you don’t have a strategy you will be... part of somebody else’s strategy.” Alvin Toffler (Author) Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner :

The Trans Pacific Partnership 9 Country agreement being discussed NOW: Australia Brunei Chile Malaysia New Zealand Singapore United States Vietnam Japan and South Korea are also interested Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner :

This Partnership is designed to: Enhance trade and investment among the TPP countries; Promote innovation; Promote economic growth and development; Support the creation and retention of employment. Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner : The Trans Pacific Partnership

The TPP represents great potential for changes to commercial alliances in the Asia-Pacific region: Especially for nations such as Vietnam seeking deeper integration into the world’s economy. The key to a successful future means the shaping of commercial relationships: But before this can be undertaken on a global macro- level, it also has to be undertaken at the micro-level. This also means educational change. Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner : The Trans Pacific Partnership

As educators, we have three prime tasks: Design the organisation and its architecture: To encourage the learning process; Be the stewards of the vision: That inspires staff and students and is transmitted to others; and Teach learning and critical thinking: Developing systematic understandings of how to approach and exploit change. Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner : The Role of the Educator

The challenge for the education system in Vietnam, and in all South East Asian countries, is to: Understand that interfacing with industry requires tools, concepts and flexibility derived not only from learning, but also from understanding… Of interest, this matches the 2010 Directive of the Prime Minister of Vietnam, that states: ‘…it is necessary to grasp thoroughly the perception: developing higher educational scope must be parallel with ensuring and enhancing training quality.’ Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner :

Teachers of Technical and Vocational Subjects: Must be both skilled workers and experienced teachers before taking a post as a trainer. This will help meet market needs; This will re-inforce quality education; This also helps remove errors in teaching; Increases competency based skilled workers. Must keep up with technological changes while in service. Essential professional development. Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner : Education Constraints

Techniques, like skills, may depend on the context within which they are interpreted. Organisations can grow by: Developing and allocating human resources; Investment in research and development; Embracing technological advancements; Continuous learning at all levels. Education and Business benefit from relationships with each other in contexts of research, growth and sustainability. Education Constraints Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner :

Structure Changes How to structure against constraints? The key word is ‘organise’ Activities need to be performed that are simultaneously orientational and instrumental. The process of acquiring experience which shapes judgement: Can be facilitated by creating flexible structures with business; and Working with those who have already demonstrated qualities of judgement in business. Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner :

Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner : Typical hierarchy structure: A rigid structure; In this example 5 people, only 4 interactions (one way); No horizontal communication opportunities; ‘Do as I say’ mentality. Moving to… Structure Changes

Relationship structures: In this example, 5 people, 10 combinations of interactions; Vertical and horizontal communication; Opportunities for functional, not rigid leadership; Open channels of communication and idea flows. Co-ordination Vs Control: Which is preferable? Structure Changes Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner :

Conclusion For some 20 years, Vietnamese education has undergone complex renovation and reform. The next step is further integration: With the educational needs of the labour market structure (both nationally and internationally); Anticipating changes in economic, education and other relationships for example, arising from the Trans Pacific Partnership As Vietnam continues its economic transition. Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner :

Education in Vietnam is a complex matrix system: Further achievements may be achieved by considering the structures at the local level; and Having regard to the requirements of the Government of Vietnam. A systemic view that will allow: Educators to identify the relationships that are important to success both internally and externally; An integrative, system-focused approach to educating, and associating productively with business. Conclusion Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner :

Thank You Closer Educational Ties with Business Burgess & Turner :