Project Team: Dr. Leana Reinl ([email protected]), Dr. Felicity Kelliher ([email protected])
This PhD project was supported by the Fáilte Ireland Tourism Learning Networks programme from September 2006 – December 2008 and the RIKON research group, WIT, from January – August 2008. It had a lead time of 36 months, and commenced in September 2008.
The Project Aim
Learning networks are regularly promoted by academics and policy makers as a means to create sustainable competitive advantage in small firms by facilitating learning among entrepreneurs. Once established, the question remains whether such networks can transition from a facilitated learning environment to become independent learning communities in the longer term. The ‘learning value’ of these relationships beyond the facilitated learning environment remains elusive and requires exploration. The research objective of this project is: to explore the
elements and relationships that influence learning in ELCs after formal supports end. The proposed research objectives (RO) are:
1. To explore the construction of the social and learning infrastructure in an evolving learning community;
2. To examine the development, maintenance and management of the learning relationships and structures in the case community over time;
3. To map the factors supporting and impeding individual and collective learning in the case community;
4. To refine the learning community model based on the research findings.
Methods
This research consists of a longitudinal interpretive case study conducted over a four-year period, within a single sector’s network – the Irish Tourism Learning Network (TLN) initiative. The researchers tracked the independent network activities of selected past-participants of the facilitated TLN program, documenting post-TLN learning interactions in an ELC. The case study method incorporated the longitudinal observation of a number of sub-studies (naturally evolving sub-committees within the network) for the purposes of cross-validation. Supporting research techniques included individual interviews, past and real time ELC communication review and the maintenance of reflective research diaries.
Engagement Activity
The researchers engaged with 55 small tourism business owner/managers located in the South of Ireland representing over 100 businesses ranging from accommodation providers, food and beverage businesses, cultural and heritage attractions, and leisure activities. The findings will be disseminated to key industry / academic stakeholders in the coming months.
Impact
This applied research will have implications for stakeholders keen to establish and support independent learning networks and for practitioners keen to set-up and maintain effective learning communities in tourism and other sectors:
• The ELC model can be applied to facilitate deeper levels of learning in evolving learning communities and may potentially increase business and learning development in participating firms;
• Provides insights and guidance for policy makers and regional and national support agencies that seek to nurture learner autonomy on facilitated learning network programmes and develop sustainable autonomous learner communities in the longer term;
• The ELC model and findings have informed the design, development and delivery of the Interreg Green Innovation and Future Technologies (GIFT) learning network comprising 100+ small and micro-owner managers across a range of sectors including tourism, green technology and waste management;
• The findings encourage the development of long term learning relationships and enhanced multi-sector coopetition in pursuit of green business development objectives;
• Enables the delivery of focused, tailored learning strategies for micro-firm owner managers;
• The researchers will also present the findings in report format to key external stakeholders; the findings will provide strategic insights that can be maximized at a national level;
• The ELC model can be applied to other destinations and the researchers plan to conduct research in other countries;
• The ELC model is being refined as the researchers are currently engaging with an International multi-sector network- the GIFT network;
• Applied knowledge is being disseminated in both practitioner based and peer reviewed academic journals.
RIKON 2013.