Search Results for: joyline makani

CEGE Reflections – Dr. Joyline Makani

September 16, 2022 denisehinds Leave a Comment

“Research takes courage because we challenge ourselves to look beyond the obvious. It is human nature to feel comfortable with what we know or what we believe in. It takes courage to question our beliefs/biases and pay more attention rather than ignore information that does not confirm our beliefs – this is what research entails – requires checking your biases, following and interrogating the evidence where ever it leads you.”

– Dr. Joyline Makani –

Dr. Joyline Makani, Assistant Professor, School of Information Management

Read Dr.Makani’s full article here

Dr. Joyline Makani: Research Takes Courage

August 13, 2019 rbudd 2 Comments

Dr. Joyline Makani

To be engaged, today’s citizen needs to be able to tease out fact from fiction. Notably, it is not just about obtaining information and being able to cite the sources of one’s ideas but being able to digest information, think critically, and participate in dialogue among others with different perspectives.”

Dr. Joyline Makani

The Merriam Webster on-line dictionary defines “research” as a studious inquiry or examination; especially: investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws. Given the solemnity of that definition, we rarely recognize that we engage in “important” research daily, whether we are buying shoes, planning a trip, or considering food choices. In the end, we are what we research.

Is research for everyone? Or just academics? For answers, CFAME Connection reached out to Dr. Joyline Makani, the Management Librarian (Dalhousie Libraries) and Adjunct professor (Faculty of Graduate Studies) at Dalhousie University. Dr. Makani shares insight into why research is essential in a world that revolves around complexity and change. Join us as we begin a theme dialogue on the importance of research.

Dr. Joyline Makani:

Research is for everyone and is very necessary in the world today. Thanks to advances in information technology, we are witnessing an increasingly complex online information landscape with blurred lines between information consumers and information creators or producers.

Simply stated, anyone with a computer and access to the Internet can put anything they want onto the Internet. To heighten the complexity, there is no one, in most cases, evaluating or approving Internet content before it is made public. Thus, this type of landscape presents everyone with the challenge to develop and harness basic research skills in-order to successfully maneuver, gather and understand information and not just wait for academics to verify the truth.

In other words, analyzing information, and not just collecting it, is paramount in today’s world dominated by “fake news and alternative facts”. Each one of us engages in research daily, whether we are buying shoes, planning a trip, or considering food choices. In the end, we are what we research. As academics have long argued, research helps to shape our society.

More important, building a solid research skill set is increasingly becoming necessary for civic life, i.e., the ability to gather data and information, examine multiple perspectives and re-evaluate prior beliefs is the foundation for responsible and community-minded citizens. To be engaged, today’s citizen needs to be able to tease out fact from fiction. Notably, it is not just about obtaining information and being able to cite the sources of one’s ideas but being able to digest information, think critically, and participate in dialogue among others with different perspectives.

Research takes courage because we challenge ourselves to look beyond the obvious. It is human nature to feel comfortable with what we know or what we believe in. It takes courage to question our beliefs/biases and pay more attention rather than ignore information that does not confirm our beliefs – this is what research entails – requires checking your biases, following and interrogating the evidence where ever it leads you.

From the CEGE Connection Archives: First published April 18, 2017

Dr. Joyline Makani: Graduation 1931

July 17, 2018 rbudd Leave a Comment

Dal200a

This year, the Class of 2018 will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas and step onto the world’s stage. Graduations mark the ending of a demanding academic journey and signal the beginning of an adventure that awaits. It is a time of celebration and anticipation, of farewells and of new plans.

The Class of 2018 has the profound honour of being the class that welcomes Dalhousie University’s third century.

In January 2018, I received an e-mail from Joyline Makani who shared a video that featured the graduating class of 1931.

Dianne Landry, one of the Archives staff, discovered a 16mm film of the 1931 Convocation while doing some shifting of the collection. We took the original film and sent it to our film preservation service provider, Media Preserve to transfer the film to digital. The digital files just came back from Media Preserve and Creighton Barrett, the Archives’ Digital Archivist has put the file up on our Youtube channel. This 16 mm film was shot by R. Gordon Harris, the “Life Secretary” of the Class of 1931.

1931 marked the opening of the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto and the year that the Statute of Westminster went into effect, giving Canada full independence in national and international affairs. Those born in 1931 included Mordecai Richler, author, screenwriter and essayist, William Shatner of Star Trek fame and Alice Munro, writer and marvelous storyteller.

This archival treasure captures all the festivity and excitement of the Class of 1931. There is an eagerness to take on new challenges, a willingness to embrace life with exuberance and a hint of audacity. This was the generation that would experience the economics of the 1930’s, WWII, and the massive technological advances that sent us into space. Their voices may no longer be with us, but their hopes and efforts are embedded in the fabric of our nation, and in the spirit of a new generation ready to make their voices heard.

From all of us at CEGE Connection, congratulations to the Class of 2018. We know that whatever you do, you will be remarkable.

Joyline Makani: Strengthening Deeper Learning

July 11, 2017 rbudd 2 Comments

Joyline Makani

“We are so excited and the award was very unexpected. It has been a great month for research. Martine Durier-Copp and I have been celebrating along with our co-researches, Deborah Kiceniuk and Alieda Blandford. Our paper “Strengthening Deeper Learning through Virtual Teams in E-learning: A Synthesis of Determinants and Best Practices” which appeared in Vol. 32, No. 2, 2016 received the IJEDE Best Paper award for 2016 that was announced at the CNIE conference May 18, 2017 in Banff, Canada.

Joyline Makani

After several years of e-mail exchanges, Joyline Makani and I met for our first face-to-face conversation during my brief visit to Halifax in May. It was a celebration meeting. The prestigious IJEDE Best Paper Award seeks out cutting-edge research that responds to current realities. “Strengthening Deeper Learning…” offers an e-learning framework, one that could serve as the foundation of future empirical studies in e-learning. This is indeed exciting news!

Joyline explains:

Martine and I are passionate about e-learning. We see this as a global movement. E-learning is gaining popularity. Everyone recognizes the potential contributions to economic and social development offered via this delivery system. But we have yet to fully realize e-learning’s possibilities. Here is the main issue: most e-learning practices merely replicate traditional existing teaching methods and have not fully exploited the interactive and social components of peer learning.

The objective of our study was to identify the core skills and knowledge from research that reinforce each other and together promote deeper learning. We believe that the results from this study will strengthen e-learning program planning and delivery within higher education centres that are already engaged in e-learning, as well as convey important best practices for learning centres at the beginning stages of e-learning development.

Why is this important? Our research revealed that in 2012, an estimated 875,000 and 950,000 registered online students at colleges and universities in Canada take a purely online course at any one time (Contact North 2012 Report). In the same year, the U.S. had over 6.7 million students taking at least one online course, an increase of 570,000 students over the number reported in the previous year (Allen & Seaman, 2013). These are significant numbers. Martine and I believe there is a growing need for a stronger understanding of e-learning that encompasses the examination of ways in which e-learning promotes deeper learning. We need to uncover and pursue fresh e-learning strategies.

Next post: The Phenomenon of Conversation

Dr. Joyline Makani: Asking the Right Question

May 2, 2017 rbudd Leave a Comment

“Almost all research endeavors, no matter how complicated, can be reduced to a single question.”

Dr. Joyline Makani

Dr Joyline Makani

Claude Lévi-Strauss once declared that, “The scientist is not a person who gives the right answers, he’s one who asks the right questions.” Dr. Joyline Makani agrees unreservedly and elaborates on this idea in our next post in the series on the importance of research.

Successful research outcomes start with asking the right questions, because your questions must be answerable. To be able to effectively and successfully gather, follow, and interrogate the evidence you need to ask both factual and interpretive questions (ask: Who? What? When? Where? How?).

As Dr. Martine Durier-Copp noted, research is best accomplished by turning an issue into a question, with the intent of the research being to answer the question. Almost all research endeavors, no matter how complicated, can be reduced to a single question. The key is being clear on the question because it will make it easier for you to formulate a research strategy for finding the best information about this question. Basically, first ask what is the issue, what are you interested in or what are you curious about? You then take the thing you are interested in and turn it into a question.

Finding the answer will take you on a journey of discovery. We engage within an interconnected global world where information gathers at an exponential rate. You can find the answers by searching a variety of information sources: books, magazines, journals, websites, electronic databases.

But first, think about what kinds of information you need. Ask yourself: do you need competitor information, financial markets data, news/press releases, definitions, corporate reports, statistics, academic/scholarly articles, or government documents? Once you know the kinds of information you need, you can make a list of all the possible sources in which you think you can find that information.

While research may seem time-consuming, never fear. Librarians are your “short-cut” to success. To save valuable time I recommend asking a librarian. Expert librarians are very helpful at quickly identifying which kinds of sources can be used to find certain types of information.

A Place to Dialogue @ Killam Memorial Library

Dr. Joyline Makani: Research Takes Courage

April 18, 2017 rbudd 1 Comment

Dr, Joyline Makani

“To be engaged, today’s citizen needs to be able to tease out fact from fiction. Notably, it is not just about obtaining information and being able to cite the sources of one’s ideas but being able to digest information, think critically, and participate in dialogue among others with different perspectives.”

Dr. Joyline Makani

Dr. Joyline Makani:

Next post: Dr. Martine Durier-Copp on Research is Ongoing

Julia Yan on Research – A Graduate’s Response

August 15, 2019 rbudd Leave a Comment

Julia Yan MBA(FS) 2010, Vice President Regional Sales at TSX Trust & Listings Development, TMX Group

“My MBA journey added a strategic dynamic to my research capabilities. My approach to integrating and sharing knowledge evolved over the course of my studies. Academic efforts honed and defined my research competency, giving me greater freedom to objectively explore and assess ideas and constructs.”

Julia Yan, MBA (FS) Class of 2010

Julia Yan MBA(FS) 2010, Vice President Regional Sales at TSX Trust & Listings Development, TMX Group, is a passionate supporter of lifelong learning. Dr. Joyline Makani’s post on “Research Takes Courage” reflected Julia’s personal experience both as a student and a career professional.

“I agree with Joyline unequivocally,” Julia noted in a recent virtual interview. “It takes courage because we challenge ourselves to look beyond the obvious. Its about analyzing arguments utilizing inductive or deductive reasoning, judging assumptions, solving problems and formulating new ideas. Information is key. From planning a vacation to preparing for a work meeting, we rely on research to provide us with valuable insights to connect the dots.

Research involves critical thinking and the ability to explore and evaluate multiple points of view. It is more than the gathering of data and interpretation. Research demands us to venture beyond the act of obtaining information. We need to develop skill-sets that enable us to digest information, to reason, to validate, and participate in dialogue among others with differing perspectives.

My MBA journey added a strategic dynamic to my research capabilities. My approach to integrating and sharing knowledge evolved over the course of my studies. Academic efforts honed and defined my research competency, giving me greater freedom to objectively explore and assess ideas and constructs. I especially enjoyed team projects, which provided the opportunity to collaborate and research within the context of a diverse community. Together, we searched for a solution to a specific challenge or issue, which well-prepared me for the team approach at the TMX today.

Conducting thorough research is essential within my chosen career path. I rely on rigorous research and meticulous attention to accuracy to prepare for strategic meetings with corporate executives, to formulate IPO strategies, to access public venture capital in Canada, to navigate complex transactions, to optimize operational efficiency and to foster growth.

The most important lesson that I’ve learned over the past few years, is that it is essential to encourage others to actively engage in research initiatives. I enjoy contributing to economic forums, international trade missions, and roundtables at the federal and provincial level. Individual achievement is satisfying, but the greatest rewards come from working with others dedicated to seeking positive outcomes for our communities, local and global.

From the CEGE Connection Archives: First published April 25, 2017

Tyler Saito: Sharing Knowledge, Building Resilience

August 6, 2019 rbudd Leave a Comment

“Once we start on the learning path, the addiction to knowledge acquisition takes over. Life-long learning becomes embedded in everything we do…. Acquiring knowledge is only the beginning of a journey. Sharing knowledge sustains us on the road ahead.

Tyler Saito, Class of 2016

Tyler Saito, MBA(FS) Class of 2016

Tyler Saito, Director, Wealth Management Business Solutions at Coast Capital Wealth Management crossed the stage in 2016 to receive his MBA(FS). In a July 2017 virtual interview with CEGE Connection, Tyler shared his thoughts on the idea of “Deeper Learning” as presented by Martine Durier-Copp and Joyline Makani’s award-winning research. A recent MBA(FS) grad, Tyler outlined his next steps within the context of this research:

Reconnecting with friends and family. They were an invaluable support and encouragement all through my years of study. As well, I am committed to utilizing and mastering what I have learned in my chosen career path with Coast Capital Financial Management, an organization that reflects my values and gives a purpose to work. I enjoy engaging in community endeavours and have used my Dal experience to coach little league fast-pitch and establish a communication strategy within this dedicated organization. Acquiring knowledge is only the beginning of a journey. Sharing knowledge sustains us on the road ahead.

Fast forward to 2019. In a following up interview with CEGE Connection, Tyler spoke of his commitment of reconnecting with family and friends, sharing knowledge and engaging in community endeavours.

Tyler Saito:

Since graduating, my family became my focus. My wife and children gave me their full support during the time that I was involved in professional development. They kept me grounded.

Summer has come and I am right in the middle of softball season with my girls. Both of my girls play fastpitch. It is an exciting time. I have enjoyed being their coach, for at least one of them, over the past four years. Being a coach of a softball team has given me an extraordinary opportunity to foster sportsmanship, collaboration and discipline, values that will build resilience as these children grow into adulthood. Simple acts like sitting with the team before and after the game and sharing how they felt during the game or practice helps them bond and trust each other, knowing that they are in a safe environment. While the focus of the team is playing a game, I have learned that one of the keys of keeping kids in the game is helping them make great friends and gain a sense of belonging.

With warmer weather, I am back to cycling and running outdoors. Last year I was able to complete two triathlons and two Gran Fondos. When I am putting in a couple hours of running or cycling, it gives me time to think and mentally reset a bit. It is also nice that these activities are excellent enablers of disconnecting from electronics and just focusing on breathing and moving. There is an interesting sense of camaraderie among cyclists and among runners. We are all out to beat our own times and efforts. Neither activity ever gets any easier with time, you just get a little faster.

Tyler Saito, Global News Morning, Money Matters

Editor’s Note: Tyler’s commitment to sharing knowledge and research is evident on Global News Morning, Money Matters. Check out Tyler’s recommended “Summer Financial Reads to Help Your Bank Account.”

Tyler Saito, Global News Morning, Money Matters

Conor Falvey: Responding to the Challenges of Virtual Teams

May 23, 2019 rbudd 2 Comments

Conor Falvey
Research Assistant
Celnet – Collaborative eLearning and Networks Lab

Conor Falvey is a Dalhousie Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) student at Dalhousie University. She aspires to be an information professional with a passion for digital health, health librarianship, information policy, and research data management. Over 10 years of working in diverse fields, she cultivated a passion for solving information-related problems, especially the challenge of communicating about complex topics like healthcare in more accessible ways.

Community service is paramount in her work, research, and personal life. Her current focus is on ways to improve public health, optimize the health care system, and prepare health professionals for the digital future.

CEGE Connection reached out to Conor Falvey to discuss her recent involvement in the Public Service Commission’s leadership development program

Conor Falvey:

As governments in Canada join the movement towards remote work, the next generation of public service leaders will need effective training to face the unique challenges of virtual teams.

Dr. Joyline Makani, Dr. Martine Durier-Copp, Conor Falvey

On March 4-5, 2019, I had the opportunity to join Faculty of Management professors Dr. Martine Durier-Copp and Dr. Joyline Makani, in delivering an intensive workshop for students in the Public Service Commission’s leadership development program. Over two snowy days, students received an evidence-based introduction to virtual teamwork and e-leadership. Lessons were drawn from the ConnecT Framework, a tool developed by Dr. Durier-Copp and Dr. Binod Sundararajan based on cutting-edge research on virtual teams. The framework is currently the subject of a SSHRC-funded research project to test its effectiveness for the federal public service.

Dr. Joyline Makani

For many participants, the use of training simulations was a particular highlight of the workshop. Students were challenged to work together to reach the summit of Mount Everest – virtually, that is. Completing the Harvard Business School’s renowned Everest teamwork simulation underlined the importance of trust and communication in virtual teams (not to mention the perils of high-altitude climbing!).

Another round of ConnecT Framework training will take place at the Public Service Commission’s Learning Centre on May 29-30.

Dr. Martine Durier-Copp

Research is Ongoing – The SSHRC Partnership Engage Team

December 18, 2018 rbudd Leave a Comment

SSHRC Partnership Engage Team

“Sophisticated technologies have increased our opportunities to connect even as they have presented new challenges in how we communicate without the benefit of face-to-face interaction.”

Dr. Binod Sundararajan

Dr. Martine Durier-Copp, in an May 2017 interview with CEGE Connection maintained that research is ongoing and must be integrated within our day-to-day interaction and activities. Research goes beyond academic walls for it is the foundation of knowledge exchange and is a continual process.

Research is a core strength of Dalhousie’s Faculty of Management.

Dr. Joyline Makani

CEGE Connection recently learned that Dr. Martine Durier-Copp, Dr. Joyline Makani, Dr. Binod Sundararajan, Dr. Stéphane Mechoulan and Research Assistants, Alison Brown and Conor Falvey ( aka the SSHRC Partnership Engage Team) have been awarded a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Grant to explore virtual teams, e-leadership within the context of the public sector. Dr. Durier-Copp notes, “This is an exciting research initiative that will enhance our understanding of how project teams and working groups collaborate within a virtual environment.”

The professional landscape in the Canadian public service is increasingly dominated by project teams and working groups which collaborate virtually to address complex problems. Not constrained by traditional geographic and time boundaries, virtual teams like these can offer many advantages, if effectively managed: improved efficiency, leveraged expertise, increased ingenuity and innovation, and reduced costs. However, literature demonstrates that most virtual teams are established without planning or training, are not working to their full potential, and are leading to unsatisfactory outcomes and sometimes even conflict

In the coming months, the SSHRC Partnership Engage Team will develop, deliver, and assess the value and impact of a set of guidelines and best practices intended to enhance the management and leadership of virtual teams within the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Guidelines and training will be designed to meet the specific needs of virtual teams within the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, including cultivating trust, keeping employees engaged, leveraging technology to overcome communication barriers, aligning organizational goals, and clarifying roles, objectives, and expectations. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will benefit from finalized actionable guidelines that will enable enhanced productivity and innovation of its virtual teams and contribute to overall strengthened organizational performance and service to Canadians.

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