e-journal

A systems approach to education for sustainability in higher education

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Purpose – The purpose of the research is to investigate education for sustainability (EfS) practice
and perceptions in three university contexts in England, Australia and Greece with a view to identify a
suitable systems model for effective EfS across the university.
Design/methodology/approach – Research tools involved interviews of key people engaged in EfS
(n ¼ 25) supported by observations plus appropriate documentary analysis as a basis to establish
perceived good practice, barriers and ways to improve EfS.
Findings – Clear vision, leadership and support for EfS were considered vital, while agreed
understanding about the importance, purpose and nature of EfS was necessary to achieve effective
EfS across the university. Wide consultation, consensual agreement and collaborative practice were
viewed as important to achieve collective views and coordinated action. A distributed model of
leadership in which individuals are responsible and collectively empowered to action is relevant to a
systems model for EfS. A systems model for coordination of EfS integrates approaches to governance,
curriculum and infrastructure management. Details of examples of good practice and ways to improve
practice are discussed.
Research limitations/implications – As the research was qualitative in design and focussed
on three universities, the sample size is restricted and there are limitations in the generalisability of
specific results outside of their contexts. However, the overall results have some broadly significant
implications and trends that have relevance for the university sector.
Practical implications – The structure and processes for an approach to systems organisation
and identified good practice, barriers and perceived ways to improve practice have relevance for
coordination of EfS across the university sector.
Social implications – The findings have significant social implications, as EfS has urgent and
important international priority, while universities have important functions in educating the next
generation of professionals across a wide range of contexts.
Originality/value – The paper is an original contribution to establishing an effective systems model
for EfS coordination; hence it is of significant educational and social value.

Keywords Higher education, University, Sustainability, International, Systems model

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Ketersediaan

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Informasi Detail

Judul Seri

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education

No. Panggil

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Penerbit

: Emerald Group., 2013

Deskripsi Fisik

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education Vol. 14 No. 4, 2013 pp. 367-383

Bahasa

English

ISBN/ISSN

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Klasifikasi

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Tipe Isi

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Tipe Media

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Tipe Pembawa

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Edisi

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Subjek

PENDIDIKAN

Info Detail Spesifik

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Pernyataan Tanggungjawab

Asmawati/Syahrial

Versi lain/terkait

Lampiran Berkas

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