Research on senior leadership in higher education systems is urgently needed, particularly in the context of system-wide transformations. This study focuses on a critical juncture in Ireland, during which Institutes of Technology (IoTs) collaborated to undergo 'redesignation' as Technological Universities (TUs). Based on interviews with the fourteen presidents of the IoTs, this research employs the Community of Practice framework to analyse their interactions, strategies, and approaches to a policy-initiated, systemic change. Despite decades of pervasive competition, these senior leaders formed a community of practice as they worked collectively to achieve the common goal of TU status. Four key themes emerged: Embracing a more expansive external role; Acknowledging obstacles to collective leadership; Forming groups, collaborating and competing; and Leading calmly and fostering unity. The findings of this study advance our understanding of three interconnected fields: senior leadership practices in higher education, the interplay of collaboration and competition in higher education; and the facilitation of policy-induced systemic change within higher education systems. Our findings have significant implications for institutional leaders, policymakers and scholars aiming to comprehend and improve leadership practices in higher education.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the key challenge(s) experienced by employers, employees and academics during work based learning (WBL) programmes at undergraduate level. The idea of academic mentors is proposed as an aid to addressing the challenges common to WBL programmes. Design/methodology/approach – The case study presented in this paper involves a large multinational organisation and a higher education institution, both of which are based in Ireland. Interviews were used to explore the outcome(s) of a WBL programme. Findings – The challenges associated with WBL place demands on the design of curriculum, pedagogy and accreditation. The use of academic mentors can help translate academic knowledge into workplace practice; and address challenges which are common in WBL programmes. Practical implications – The understanding of best practice in the design of WBL programmes is enriched. A role for academics as mentors is identified and the implications explored. Originality/value – The success of WBL can be linked to the relationships that form between employers, employees and academics. There is evidence that the academic is central to the development of these relationships.

This working paper focuses on gaining an in-depth understanding of consumer attitudes towards marketing on social networking sites. As consumers devote greater amounts of time and access these sites more frequently marketers must find an effective means of reaching them via this media. This however poses a great challenge to marketers as the purpose of social networking sites resides in its name 'social networking'. People use these sites to communicate with one another. The issue facing marketers now is how to encourage communications regarding products and services on these sites. This paper presents the findings of focus groups carried out to investigate these issues.

©MercuryPublications This article examines current practice in relation to the use of the Irish language for branding within the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector. It identifies the motivations for the use of a minority language (Irish) and the benefits and limitations associated with its use. Data was collected in two stages. Firstly, a survey was conducted to examine the views of companies that use the Irish language. Secondly, in-depth interviews were conducted to explore the key issues arising from the questionnaire. The interviews were conducted with seven companies and an industry expert. The companies believe that although customers do not often use Irish they value companies that use the Irish language. The respondents indicate that using Irish can promote customer loyalty and help to develop consumer awareness. However, companies need to be cognisant of the potential for alienation and misinterpretation of the company brand by customers who are unfamiliar with the language.

This paper focuses on attitudes toward quality programmes within small to medium Irish service businesses. In addition, the level of quality programme implementation is established and perceived benefits of and impediments to implementation are uncovered. The findings indicated that positive attitudes toward quality models were not widespread amongst respondents; however attitudes were more positive amongst those who had implemented a quality model previously. Awareness and adoption levels of quality models are somewhat low. Encouragingly, perceived benefits related to implementation of a quality model appear to increase upon implementation, while the existence of perceived impediments decreases. This indicates a need for concentrated promotion of the benefits of quality models for small business, in order to improve attitudes and increase adoption levels within small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

This paper focuses on attitudes toward quality programmes within small to medium Irish service businesses. In addition, the level of quality programme implementation is established and perceived benefits of and impediments to implementation are uncovered. The findings indicated that positive attitudes toward quality models were not widespread amongst respondents; however attitudes were more positive amongst those who had implemented a quality model previously. Awareness and adoption levels of quality models are somewhat low. Encouragingly, perceived benefits related to implementation of a quality model appear to increase upon implementation, while the existence of perceived impediments decreases. This indicates a need for concentrated promotion of the benefits of quality models for small business, in order to improve attitudes and increase adoption levels within small to medium enterprises (SMEs).