Browsing by Author "Mannan, Abdul"

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    Open Access
    Contribution of Higher Education Institution in Post Conflict Recovery and Development: A Case Study of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea
    (2008-09) Mannan, Abdul; Nukuitu, Albert
    PCF5 Sub-theme: Governance and social justice // The recovery of social institution such as education is one of the major tasks in societies that have suffered armed conflict. Peace building represents an extraordinary set of social and political experiments focusing on the creation of politico-legal structures and development projects. Very often peace process is focused on rebuilding basic education with little focus on higher education that require long time frames and extended engagement with local community and social institutions. // The University of Papua New Guinea maintained a University Centre in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (former North Solomon Province) before the crisis, ceased functioning early in the war, but re-established during the war. Delivery of educational courses at different locations of the Region has been difficult due to tension between conflicting groups, lack of infrastructure, logistics and communication. This paper examines how the University of Papua New Guinea through its open and distance learning program created a positive impact to the post-conflict recovery and development in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The paper further reported how the University Centre delivered courses, seminars, workshops, training; organized conferences and lectures; and conducted research that contributed to the establishment of functional political institutions, building civil society, and enhancing economic development and government capacity. // Paper ID 77
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    In Search of a Dual Mode Organisational Structure
    (2008) Mannan, Abdul
    PCF5: Cross-Cutting Theme // The importance and potential of open and distance learning is widely recognized internationally and rapidly growing in developing countries. The rapid expansion of lower level education, and the need for continuous upgrading of qualifications and skills for the workforce have increased pressure on Institutes of Higher Educations (IHEs) to increase access. The existing capacity of the IHEs is inadequate to meet the growing demand and there is a remote chance of an expansion in the higher education system in the near future mainly due to financial constraints. The private sector distance learning institutions are structured as mostly single mode institutions and in some cases are generally extensions of overseas institutions. The organizational structure of distance learning programs of public institutions is based on dual mode model. // Dual mode institutions in most cases have established a unit within their organizational structure as college or department with limited autonomy and authority. These administrative units are under enormous pressure to grow and deliver courses with limited capacity and technical knowhow. Programs development and delivery through the distance mode usually depends on the mercy of the academic departments whose primary responsibilities are to serve the on-campus students. Distance education programs in some cases are treated as cash cow to augment their income. Thus the effectiveness of the current organizational structure is in question for the promotion and development of distance learning programs. This paper provides an understanding of the magnitude of issues on structural adjustment which will stimulate discussions and allow people to share experiences. // Paper ID 258
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    Open and Distance Learning Student Retention: A Case Study of the University of Papua New Guinea Open College
    (2008-09) Mannan, Abdul
    PCF5 Sub-theme: Governance and social justice // Research in student retention has long been of interest to scholars in North America and Europe, and last two decades, research on student retention has become sophisticated, with one important line of enquiry being the development of a theoretical model on student dropout by Tinto. Most of the research assessed the predictive validity of Tinto model or to develop alternative model to study student retention in two and four year colleges and universities. These researches focused on traditional and non-traditional students, but few about retention of open and distance learning students. Comparatively, student retention problem has been a great concern in open and distance learning institutions than traditional colleges and universities. Student retention is an important factor of accelerating human capital formation for national development in a global knowledge economy. // This study assesses the current level of academic and social integration within the University of Papua New Guinea Open College as perceived by the students. In order to developing a retention policy and improving student support services, a comprehensive picture of the current academic and social integration climate in the UPNG Open College was assessed. Using Tinto’s conceptual model, an institutional academic and social integration assessment instruments was developed in measuring the current integration climate. Findings of the study indicated differences of student perception on current and expected level of integration climate in the Open College. Implications for policy directives and improvement of support services are also discussed. // Paper ID 76
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    Role of Open and Distance Learning in Accelerating Outcomes of the Millennium Development Goals
    (2006-10) Mannan, Abdul
    PCF4 // The paper addresses the objectives and the anticipated outcomes of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the Oceania Islands Region, with special reference to Papua New Guinea. It questions the pessimistic perceptions towards the achievement of the targets of the MDGs, increasingly being paraded as unrealistic and not achievable. Among the factors identified as the major impediments in achieving the MDGs include limited access to education, lack of knowledge, and information in a geographically dispersed and culturally diverse population. // National policies on the MDGs emphasise the need for expansion of the education system, which focuses on the conventional method of delivery of basic educational services in building human and social capital, fostering community and life-long learning and knowledge sharing. The paper further seeks to explain the role of Open and Distance Learning as an intervening strategy to break the conventional business as usual, to providing basic educational services and dissemination of information and knowledge that effects personal and community life of individuals. // The paper also further discusses the role of ICT to strengthen the delivery of mass education and information services to the marginalized and un-reached. It is concluded that collaboration and networking among the ODL providers and stakeholders is necessary to reach the millions, and to accelerate the achievement of MDGs. // Paper ID 144