Has the Internet Spawned a New Generation of Professors?

The Internet is rapidly changing the nature of professorship and offers a whole new academic lifestyle. With the growth in virtual education, and the slow but steady adoption of online coursework by "traditional" universities, the creation of a new type of professor becomes apparent. Virtual professors live in a world where multiple responsibilities are balanced by integrating technology into their lifestyles. The new age of technology has spawned a new type of professor.

To be a strong virtual professor requires high technology and high pedagogic knowledge of the subject matter (McAnally-Salas, Lavigne, & De Vega, 2010). Low technology skills and high pedagogic knowledge didn’t work well as professors couldn’t share or express their knowledge. Likewise, high technology and low pedagogic knowledge limited depth of explanation. Both technology and knowledge must blend together to create effectiveness. 

Online professors don’t have the same level of wiggle room than traditional professors and must navigate an environment that is more concise. As professor’s online knowledge increased it was found that they were more exact, shifted toward the Socratic Method, and created multilogues with students (Coppola, Hiltz, & Rotter, 2002). The very structure of online courses changed the core abilities and competencies of professors to be more finite.

Online professors are very good at task management as their work becomes integrated with their lifestyle. Some may be checking class postings on their cell phones while waiting at the grocery store and others could be sitting in a coffee shop spending an hour correcting papers. The life of an online professor affords more flexibility throughout the day but requires a higher level of self-motivation and commitment.

All of this integration between technology and life generally means a person could be working longer into the evening even though the intensity of that work may be less. With blurred home-work boundaries it may seem as though they are more likely to experience stress and burn out. According to a study of virtual academics online professors are less likely to get burned out than their traditional colleagues (McCann & Holt, 2009).

The nature of today's academic is changing with the times. Virtual professors will have more flexibility with their time as classes are 24/7 asynchronous but also must check into their classes on a regular basis. They will be conducting research at different times of the day and evening while still grading papers. The lifestyle of the new professor is one that requires a new way of looking at occupation and work. There is a blend of life and purpose other occupations may not offer and has spawned a whole new way of educating students. 

Coppola, N., Hiltz, S. & Rotter, N. (2002). Becoming a virtual professor: pedagogical roles and asynchronous learning networks. Journal of Management Information Systems, 18 (4). 

McAnally-Salas, L., Lavigne, G. & De Vega, C. (2010). Online course instructional design from the professors’ pedagogic knowledge and technology skills. Problems of Education in the 21^st Centure, 19.

McCann, J. & Holt, R. (2009). An exploration of burnout among online university professors. Journal of Distance Education, 23 (3).

 

Advanced Industries Power Exports

Advanced industries are those that develop innovative solutions to market problems. When matched with labor skills, education, business clusters and progressive policies spur exports and employment at a levels unseen in other industries. A report by the Brookings Institution finds that advanced industries only account for 9% of employment but accounts for 60% of exports and 17% of Gross Domestic Product.

The development of products requires a level of innovation where research, skill, investment, and industry come together to create an exportable product. Many of the county's strongest industries are clustered in metro areas which make it possible to rejuvenate these areas while still strengthening the nation. We can see this example in places like Detroit and San Jose California.

As to date national economic policy has not been focused on developing hubs and clusters that are better able to meet market needs and push the nation even further ahead of the competition. There have been some movement in that direction but not enough pro cluster policies have made their way into public debate and government policy. 

America's strength relies on its ability to lead the market with new products. Without offering a competitive advantage such as a highly innovative industries there is less reason to invest in the U.S. when production costs are cheaper in emerging nations. Market leaders are not as influenced by costs as copy cat market followers. 

It would be wise to consider other supporting literature that confirms Brookings Institution's findings and consider incorporating such ideas into policy making. Focusing on advanced clusters in cities that have appropriate core competencies and infrastructure can raise the U.S. from a net importer to a net export. Doing so across multiple hubs and clusters can create sustainable growth.

Brookings Institution (Februrary 3rd, 2015). Americas Advanced Industries. Retrieved from http://www.brookings.edu/research/reports2/2015/02/03-advanced-industries#/M10420

Are Rude and Aggressive Managers Destroying Your Business?

We have become accustomed to the hard nosed manager that guides employees on the really important aspects of business. The problem is, such managers, even though well intentioned, lower satisfaction in the workplace and are counterintuitive to development. A study of 200 full-time adults found that positive relationships superseded mentoring even though both contributed to organizational commitment and job satisfaction (Madlock & Kennedy-Lightsey, 2010).

The image of the strong and tough manager that gives it to their employees straight is something that should be left in the manufacturing plants of yesteryear. The same can be said of the sarcastic and aggressive personality we often associate with upward mobile career oriented people. Their ability to develop greater commitment and satisfaction among employees is likely as them having a sunny disposition.

Researchers found that mentoring behaviors and positive verbal communication created higher levels of communication satisfaction, organizational commitment and job satisfaction. The opposite occurred when the managers were seen as verbally aggressive. Rude and aggressive managers may just be destroying your organization.

In a nutshell people didn’t like working with aggressive managers and often shun interacting with and listening to their needs. Companies that fill their ranks with gruff management personalities may find their turnover rates, absenteeism, industrial unrest, and commitment at rock bottom (Hargie, Tourish, & Wilson, N., 2002). The end result can be expected, as employees opt for better environments.

The next time your organization seeks to select a new manager consider the personality as an important predictor of results. Doing so may just help your organization foster the motivation and commitment needed to master the complex environments it navigates in. Seek those personalities that can hold people accountable, mentor them to the next level, and still maintain positive communication.

Hargie, O., Tourish, D., & Wilson, N. (2002). Communication audits and the effects of

increased information: A follow-up study. Journal of Business Communication, 39,

414-436.

Madlock, P. & Kennedy-Lightsey, C. (2010). The effects of supervisors’ verbal aggressive and mentoring on their subordinates. Journal of Business Communication, 47 (1)

Considering Economies of Scale In Louisiana's Higher Education Budgets

Economies of scale can be applicable to higher education as it is to the business world. Improving economies of scale is result of finding value through increased production. In the higher education world economies of scale could mean a number of different things depending if you are looking at a single higher education institution or a statewide system. The need to take a better look at economies of scale are becoming apparent in places like Louisiana that have a projected $300 million shortfall this year.

A few ideas have been thrown around amongst legislators and each will debated soon as they scramble to make the numbers work. The debate cannot be complete without a discussion of economies of scale that discover new efficiencies while pushing for higher levels of value. A laundry list of rough ideas can spark thought on which ideas may or may not be beneficial as states struggle with budgeting criteria.

Consolidate Degrees: Consolidate less popular degrees into larger degrees that are less costly to maintain. If much of the curriculum is shared and similar competencies are learned it can save money by removing redundancy throughout departments.

Collaborate on Less Popular Degrees: When programs are too expensive for a university to maintain on its own it may consider finding other universities that would like to share their time and resources on these less popular programs and/or classes to reduce costs for everyone.

Collaborate With Corporations on Research: Research is expensive and collaborating with end users may not only pick up the pace of research but also encourage greater resource allocation. The more research developed that has practical use upon completion is a benefit in raising the value of higher education institutions.

Standardize Curriculum: Core courses can often be standardized while allowing more variability in upper level courses. A basic math or writing class doesn't need to be rewritten by each professor to be successful.

Move Online: Online education offers opportunities to reduce expenses associated with facilities, parking, maintenance, staff, etc... as students can learn from home without having to attend all of their courses on campus. Online education can be standardized which also reduces expenses.

Shared Services Among Universities: Universities have an expensive support network of internal and external service suppliers. Finding places where universities can share resources and services reduces costs and helps balance budgets.

Lease Unused Facilities: The legacy cost of buildings is a growing challenge among aging universities. Leasing and sharing time in facilities that are not fully utilized by universities can mitigate expenses.

The Benefits of Staying Home and Living Mooch Economics

Young people are staying home longer and delaying their inevitable jump out of the nest egg into real life. Some may wonder why this is happening when their Baby Boomers left home while still in their late late teens (18). If you think about why they are doing this and the benefits it brings them you can't blame them for smart  mooching economics.

In the past young people couldn't wait to get out of the house in hopes of striking out on their own. Working for minimum wage they took their sleeping bags and roomed with their friends. Over time they got a better job, earned more money, and eventually found someone they wanted to marry. Not long after that they were buying their very first starter home.

Those days are gone and they are not likely to become popular again soon. Over the Great Recession young people couldn't find employment, needed a degree, had material wants, and became influenced by other cultures. No longer was a healty person who was willing to work ensured that they would have a job that would support them.

When jobs aren't plentiful and it is nearly impossible to pay for much beyond car insurance, cell phone and movies it can be difficult for people to move out. A couple hundred dollars a week just isn't going to cut it with the cost of living and other expenditures are twice their income.

Of course young people also grew up during a time when they were provided with lots of electronics, toys, and cosmetics that were associated with a heightened consumer culture. Asking them to throw away the toys and surface stuff they are being judged by their peers on doesn't make a whole lot of sense at an age where image is everything.

Europeans and Middle Easterners are accustomed to staying longer in their parents house. Culture has changed and young people are looking more for security. Staying at home is fine with today's open parenting styles.  If parents aren't pushing them out they shouldn't worry about it, grab a bag of Cheetos and play a video game.

Likewise, if they are attending college and going to be saddled with debt they might as well minimize their expenses as much as possible and stay with their parents. With a little luck their parents won't kick them out until a few years after full time employment.

We may say we want our children to move out as soon as possible but that doesn't make a practical sense for those who are going to struggle to make ends meet. It is much better for them to stay home, finish college, and pay off their student loans before getting married and starting their own nest. If you want one way to lower your debt...stay home and mooch off your parents as long as possible!

Three Ideas from Louisiana Legislature on How to Reduce Their Higher Education Budget

Budget crisis recently hit Louisiana in the tune of $1.6 billion dollars with $300 million projected to be taken out of higher education (1). Lawmakers are struggling to determine which actions they can take that will lessen the burden and avoid painful cuts to educational quality. The methods they choose will likely be watched closely by other legislative bodies who are struggling with some of their own budget issues.

Ideas can be good or bad depending on its impact. In the complex higher education system not every idea works well in isolation. There are multiple factors that come to play in the complex web of political, financial, and market oriented aspects of higher education. Sometimes it is better to use multiple methods to approach a problem and adjust thereafter when needed. 

Considered three ideas proposed (2):

Tax Exemptions: One of the proposals is to remove tax exemptions for business. In the short run it will likely work but many business come to rely on those tax exemptions and new businesses will consider these exemptions when deciding a location to start a business. he end result could be loss of business to other states and cities.

What could work better is adjusting tax exemptions to support higher education. Instead of removing them to shift short term money to colleges it may be a more comprehensive solution to switch tax exemptions to those organizations that support higher education in some way; or some variation of reducing and shifting tax exemptions. It would help businesses that hire graduates, collaborate in research, provide services, or in some other way encourage a self-sustaining educational system.

How might this help higher education? As companies receive exemptions they will factor these ideas into their investment decisions. Investment decisions related to higher education service, products, or quality can reduce costs and better hedge the advantages of having universities in the area in the first place. It is not an immediate solution but it will strength the university system to be more competitive in the future. 

Variable Price Per Program: In this method it is hoped that by allowing the free market to work those programs that have worth more can charge a higher price than those that don't. Medical programs, engineering, or any other high value degree can charge more to attend and therefore reduce the reliance on state aid.

The problem with this method isn't that programs have inherently different value on the market but that programs will out price what the average person can possibly afford. Those who come from stronger financial means will be pushed into high value programs because of pay and not ability. Many of our best and brightest will be left behind and blocked by social class.

Moreover, if programs can go up in value they should also go down in value. Maybe that is appropriate. I would hate to have less poets, philosophers, and artists in society only because their programs aren't worth anything on the market but that may be life. Maybe some of these art programs shouldn't be charging the amount of money they do but that is a broader question. 

Private Contractors for University Service: Privatization is a popular method of lowering costs. Expenses associated with unionized positions that have high pay and great benefits can eat up budgets. Privatization offers an opportunity to lower those costs by transferring the jobs to a private contractor that can specialize in certain competencies with lower costs; albeit with lower wages.

Outsourcing is helpful in balancing budgets but is likely to create a lot of anger and seen as a direct attack on unions. Ultimately, without some type of change it is likely closing of programs, lay offs, and other adjustments will be made. Vested interests won't be excited about loosing even more government paid positions.

There are only a few short term solutions and all have to do with draconian cuts. It can be extremely difficult to cut so deep and quick. One of the best ways to avoid unnecessarily damaging one facet of higher education is to do a combination of a number of methods but at much less intensity. Instead of trying to take too much from one area, such as outsourcing, it may be possible to spread it around creating more of a collective adjustment.

Another solution is to adjust the higher education model to ensure that universities become more sustainable by finding new uses for facilities, starting online programs, and adjusting strategies find ways to save and earn money. It is much better to start applying the financial screws to force change now versus having a larger collapse down the road.

Lower Oil Prices and Optimism Fueling Consumer Spending

The 4th Quarter saw a slow down of growth from 5 to 2.6% but consumer spending popped up 4.3%. This is good news as 70% of the economy functions from consumers spending. Growth might have slowed in the 4Q but people are more optimistic about their future and this can create positive signs for economic growth in the first half of this year.

According to Sam Bullard a senior economist at Wells Fargo, "Sharply lower oil prices do present downside risk to business investment, but accruing benefits to the consumer in the form of lower gasoline prices should increasingly offset the near-term drag(1)."

As consumers save money at the pump and heat on their homes they are naturally going to spend that extra money somewhere. Americans are not great savers. Nearly 75% of people live pay check to pay check while only 25% have enough to cover 6 months of expenses (2). 

If we aren't going to save that money most likely it is going to be spent somewhere. We love to eat, buy clothes, go to the moves, and take trips. All that extra money will make its way into the market to fuel sales and great economic activity. Watch the restaurant, retail, and beauty markets next quarter.

It isn't all about the money saved from oil as this doesn't consume the largest percentage of American budgets. As optimism rises Americans simply like to spend more money. It is the psychological effect of feeling good about one's life and prospects for the future.

Oil isn't the only thing working in American's favor as hiring is increasing and wages are starting to rise. A few percentage points in income could lead to even more spending. As the economy moves forward we will find that the combination of events coming into play at different times will hopefully keep us happy, optimistic and motivated.