BERNARD NARTEY, BSc,MPM(UP), M.CMT(Purdue), M. ASCE, PMP’s Post

📚✨ Dive Deep into the Shadows of Academia with "Price of Prestige" ✨📚 Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of academic excellence and the pursuit of prestige? Chapter 4 of "Price of Prestige" sheds light on a rarely discussed topic: The intricate link between academic hazing and the relentless chase for prestige in doctoral programs. 🔍 Unveiling the Hidden Truths 🔍 "Prestige and Power: Unveiling Academic Hazing" isn't just a chapter title; it's a journey into the heart of academia's unspoken challenges. We uncover how the quest for prestige can sometimes lead to practices that more closely resemble hazing, creating barriers rather than building bridges in the scholarly world. 💥 Breaking Down Walls 💥 "Breaking Social Hierarchies: Academic Hazing Exposed" reveals the impact of these practices on students and the academic community. It's a call to action, urging us to question and dismantle the outdated structures that hold back genuine intellectual growth and collaboration. 🔄 The Prestige Paradox 🔄 In "The Prestige Paradox: Impact of Institutional Culture on Academic Hazing," we explore how institutional culture perpetuates this cycle and what it means for those caught in its grasp. It's an eye-opening analysis that challenges us to rethink what we value in academic success. 🌱 A New Path Forward 🌱 This chapter is not just a critique but a beacon of hope for those feeling lost in the competitive tumult of doctoral programs. It offers insights, strategies, and the courage to pursue a more inclusive, supportive, and enriching academic journey. 📘 Whether you're a doctoral student navigating these challenges, an academic professional looking to inspire change, or simply someone intrigued by the complexities of higher education, "Price of Prestige" is a must-read. 👉 Dive into Chapter 4 to uncover the full story. Your view of academic prestige will never be the same. Get your copy now: books.writerser.com Let's start a conversation about making academia a better place for everyone. Share your thoughts, experiences, and let's pave the way for change together. #PriceOfPrestige #AcademicHazing #DoctoralJourney #HigherEducation #BookLovers #AcademicExcellence #ChangeMakers

📚 2.5 Days of rigorous teaching and learning, and we have wrapped up the first iteration of the PhD Course on "Conducting Literature Reviews" at Copenhagen Business School. Guiding emerging scholars is truly one of the most awarding aspects of being an academic. And this cohort was amongst the most diverse ones I have so far taught with research interests in Accounting, Corporate Governance, Architecture and AI, HRM, Feminist Studies, Humanitarianism, Sustainability, Inequality, and Organization. The previous iteration of this course was delivered at Trinity Business School for three years. Each year, watching participants grow more confident and clear in their approach and discover strategies that resonate with them is very rewarding. A special thanks to Mette Bechmann for helping students figure out the hidden gem of library resources. Even through a literature review is one of the most critical—and sometimes daunting—stages of academic research, it is often not taught in a systematic manner in most Business Schools. Bizarre, right? I learnt this craft through a combination of trial and error; some invaluable guidance from my PhD advisors Ruth V. Aguilera and Dima Jamali; reading some incredibly good and some not so good reviews; publishing some highly cited and award winning reviews (thank you to some of my wonderful co-authors) and by way of reviewing and commenting on developing work, including in my role as a consulting editor at IJMR. ✨ The Big Takeaway? A literature review isn’t just a step in the PhD process—it’s the cornerstone of a strong thesis. 🎯 To all current and aspiring PhD students: Remember, your literature review is more than a summary or synthesis—it's your story of how your research fits into and contributes to the broader academic conversation. A big thank you to everyone who attended and engaged with enthusiasm. Your questions and insights made this course a truly collaborative learning experience! #PhDLife #LiteratureReview #AcademicResearch #HigherEducation #LifelongLearning #Publishing

Let’s Stop Being Dumb, Let Us Be Smart Again In academia, intelligence has long been seen as our defining trait. But lately, we need to ask ourselves: Have we let go of the very essence that once made us “the smartest in the room”? Reading reflections like "Why I No Longer Believe We Can Say Academics Are the Smartest People" challenges us to rethink, regroup, and regain our focus on what it truly means to be intellectually rigorous, relevant, and—importantly—humble. Being "smart" isn't about titles or the number of publications. True intellectual merit comes from courage—the courage to question norms, to innovate with integrity, and to admit when we are wrong. It’s about impact: if our research isn’t reaching beyond the ivory tower, are we pushing humanity forward? We should be the vanguards of progress, not the gatekeepers of stagnation. So here’s a call to action for academics everywhere: Let’s take ownership of our roles as knowledge leaders, rethink our path, and commit to making real-world impact a core measure of our success. Let’s prioritize curiosity, seek out diverse perspectives, and bring the rigor back to our work. This isn't just a call to “be smarter” by traditional standards—it’s a call to be wiser, humbler, and more impactful. Let’s restore the public’s faith in academia and, more importantly, in ourselves. https://lnkd.in/eMSjWmep #Academia #IntellectualIntegrity #Innovation #Impact #Change #Australia #Queensland #NTEU #professors #academics #lecturers #universities #colleges #AustralianResearchCouncil #ARC #AustralianAcademyofScience

“Dreaming big and expecting small: The philosophy that got me into MIT” To achieve my goals, I nurture a pessimistic view that may not work for most people. Whenever I dream of achieving something, I highly entertain the possibility of that dream not becoming a reality in my mind. I have talked to many friends about this approach and many of them truly dislike this because it demotivates them. I completely get that. However, surprisingly, this philosophy works very well for me. Somehow, I am still very motivated to take action to make the dream that I truly believe is unrealistic, into a reality. In 2017, during university applications, I gave myself a 20% chance of getting into MIT for a PhD. Because of this, I was totally okay (very honestly) with not getting admitted into MIT. I knew that I had a good profile and I would get into some decent university. I was prepared to make any outcome workout for me, including getting admitted into my least preferred university. Because of this approach, I was really stress-free during applications, and it had a huge positive impact I believe. I knew many of my friends who were super stressed about the applications because of their high expectations. My low expectations kept me very calm. I was not too worried about getting my SOP reviewed by 15 seniors. I was not too worried about what my professors would write in their LOR. I was not too worried if my GRE/TOEFL scores would reach the university. I was too carefree to the point where I submitted my MIT application a few hours before the deadline. I reminded one of my Professors, who had forgotten to upload the LOR for MIT two weeks after the deadline. I am just writing this to share my approach that worked for me, but not for everyone. Tomorrow, Raj Abhijit Dandekar, Rajat Dandekar and I at Videsh are hosting a free webinar on building your profile to get into top universities! We will be sharing our stories and the approaches we took during the application process. The event is titled: “All about grad school application 2024” Tomorrow’s flagship webinar will cover the following: 1.⁠ ⁠Basics of applying 2.⁠ ⁠University shortlisting 3.⁠ ⁠Building a research profile 4.⁠ ⁠SOP crafting - how to tell a compelling story 5.⁠ ⁠LORs are not out of your control. How so? 6.⁠ ⁠How to get good LORs if you haven’t worked with professors? 7.⁠ ⁠What is a good, crisp resume? 8.⁠ ⁠Dealing with tests - GRE/TOEFL/IELTS 9.⁠ ⁠How to compensate for a low GPA? 10.⁠ ⁠Portfolio website crafting The webinar is at 7pm IST tomorrow. Here's the link: https://lnkd.in/gUQwQ4k7 This one hour may just change your life!

Did you know that the strength of your research network can significantly impact your PhD or doctoral journey? It's true – having a robust network of peers, mentors, and experts in your field can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and insights that can enrich your academic and professional path. In this video, we break down three essential steps you can take to build a powerful research network. These strategies are practical, actionable, and can make a real difference in how you connect with the academic community. Whether you're just starting your doctoral program or looking to expand your existing network, these tips are designed to help you navigate the process with confidence. Building a strong network doesn't happen overnight, but with the right approach, you can lay the foundation for relationships that support your academic goals and beyond. If you've ever felt unsure about how to reach out to potential mentors or how to make your work more visible to peers, this video is for you. 👉 Check out the video for a detailed guide on enhancing your academic network: https://lnkd.in/gQCPK78d And if you find the strategies helpful, consider sharing this video with fellow students who might be looking for ways to strengthen their own research networks. Your support could make a significant difference in someone else's academic journey. Remember, building a research network is about more than just adding contacts; it's about creating meaningful connections that foster growth, collaboration, and mutual support. So, take a moment to watch the video and start taking your first steps towards a more connected and fruitful academic experience. #academiclife #professor #doctoralstudent #doctorallife #doctorate #doctoratedegree #doctoratestudent

A story every PhD student relate 👨🏼🎓 An amazing journey began when you, fueled by a passion for unraveling the mysteries of the brain, joined your dream lab as a wide-eyed graduate student. From the outset, your PI recognized your raw potential and took you under his/her wing, nurturing your curiosity and guiding you through the intricate world of academic research. Together, you and your PI embarked on ambitious experiments, facing challenges head-on and celebrating victories as a team. Through late nights in the lab and countless brainstorming sessions, collaboration flourished, fueled by mutual respect and a shared commitment to scientific discovery. However, the journey was not without its trials. As deadlines loomed and experiments failed, tensions occasionally arose, testing the strength of the mentorship bond. Yet, it was during these moments of adversity that your partnership truly shone. PIs' unwavering support and encouragement bolstered your's confidence, while your resilience and determination inspired PI to push the boundaries of scientific inquiry. As the years passed, your relationship evolved beyond that of a professor and student; you and your PI became colleagues, collaborators, and friends. Together, navigated the highs and lows of academia, celebrating breakthroughs and persevering through setbacks with unwavering determination. Ultimately, the partnership yielded not only groundbreaking research but also personal growth and mutual respect. As you completed your PhD and ventured into the world as an independent researcher, you carried not only the knowledge gained from your mentor but also the enduring bond forged through the shared journey—a testament to the transformative power of mentorship in the world of academic research. #PI #PhDlife #PIstudentBond #academicreserach #knowledge #scientificjourney #collaborations #independentresearcher #PhDjourney

Unlike fields like literature, mathematics, or the sciences, which have been studied for centuries, the idea of entrepreneurship as a field of study has been around only for a couple of decades now. Yet, evolution in this field is more dynamic that most other fields, and most other fields hinge on entrepreneurship as a method of propagation. This constant evolution makes it essential for us to continually seek out new tools that can enhance the learning experience. It also remains critical to evaluate the tools that are currently being used, and ensure that they are helping cultivate entrepreneurs in the truest sense of what it means today. Over the past 1.5 months, under the Indigo IRIS Global Entrepreneurship program, I've had the immense pleasure of delving into this issue, working on a paper titled 'The Use of Business Plans as a Pedagogical Tool in Entrepreneurship Education'. Being part of a vibrant research community, where I've gained valuable insights and feedback from my fellow high school researchers and had the chance to support them as they passionately explore their unique topics, is an experience I would cherish for a long time to come. The experience has sharpened my research and organizational skills, fueled my passion for independent exploration, and deepened my respect for the dedication that researchers bring to their work. I, along with other fellow participants from the Indigo IRIS program, will be presenting our work at the Indigo Academic Conference this weekend, on the 7th and 8th of September. My paper will be presented as part of a panel titled Economic and Social Resilience: Policy Interventions, Inequality, and Sustainability. You can register for the conference as an attendee through the link below: https://lnkd.in/dFusctBi Please do join us to celebrate the culmination of weeks of tireless effort, and be inspired by the sheer variety of ideas you will get to witness!

Good morning my LinkedIn Community, Happy New Month! This morning as I reflect on the intense, enlightening journey that was the National University Dissertation Boot Camp, I'm filled with a profound sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Over the past two and a half days, I, alongside my fellow doctoral candidates, have been immersed in a rigorous program designed to propel us toward the completion of our dissertations with precision and scholarly rigor. The boot camp was no ordinary academic endeavor. It was a comprehensive dive into critical thinking, doctoral acumen, research study alignment, and the mastery of research methods to name a few. The dedicated NU faculty, with their wealth of knowledge and expertise, provided individualized support and insights that were nothing short of transformative. Their guidance was instrumental in demystifying the dissertation process and setting us on a path to success. What made this experience uniquely valuable was the emphasis on cohort relationships. Collaborating and engaging in both formal and informal discussions with peers and faculty not only enriched our learning but also created a support network that I am confident will extend beyond the confines of this boot camp. Completing a dissertation is a monumental task. It requires dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to scholarly excellence. This boot camp has equipped us with the tools and confidence needed to undertake this challenge head-on. It's a reminder that while the journey to completing a dissertation is arduous, it is immensely rewarding and a testament to our dedication to our fields of study. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the faculty members and my fellow scholars who made this experience so invaluable. Your support, insight, and camaraderie have left an indelible mark on my doctoral journey. To my fellow scholars, as we move forward, let's carry with us the lessons learned and the relationships forged during this boot camp. Remember, the path to completing your dissertation is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay focused, seek support when needed, and never lose sight of the impact your research will have on the world. Here's to our continued success and to making a difference through our scholarly contributions! #nationaluniversity #dissertationbootcamp #doctoraljourney #academicexcellence #scholarlyImpact #organizationalleadership #wegotthis

Bridging the GAP between Industry and academia is a NECESSITY !!! Over a decade of experience in both academia and industry has revealed a significant disconnect between our universities, schools, and the industry. This gap hinders our ability to keep pace with ongoing innovation and technological advancements. I have attended and enrolled in top leading academic and innovation instituations in the United States. I have observed how economics professors are often business owners and how engineering professors frequently serve as technical leads and consultant on ongoing projects ! Now going back to our nations in the region, we need to agree that it is essential to bridge this divide by fostering stronger collaborations between academic institutions and industrial organizations. And for that I advocate for more researchers and academics to join industry, and for more industry professionals to contribute to academia. Our nations need more "scholar-practitioners" to drive innovation and economic growth.

#Celebrating #StudentFeedback I’m humbled to have been recognised during our College's Mid-Module evaluations by the Head of College, Tom Domboka, and the College Academic Lead on Teaching Excellence and Student Experience, Dr. Russell Cowley for receiving the most mentions by students for the impact of my teaching - particularly highlighting my knowledge of the subject matter, passion and inspirational delivery methods, and ability to explain concepts in a way that every student could understand. Teaching can often feel like a thankless endeavour, balancing numerous KPIs alongside the demands of marking, publishing, pastoral care and industry engagements. It is therefore incredibly rewarding to receive this feedback from students and from the college's leadership. However, as Michalis Kourtidis PhD MCIPD aptly noted in yesterday’s faculty meeting (whose module also received the most overall rating), the key might lie in lecturers teaching subjects they are deeply passionate about and possess both theoretical and #industry #expertise in. For me, this was evident in the module #Continuous #Innovation, where my name was most frequently mentioned. Those familiar with my work since 2014 won’t find this surprising - it’s a field I live and breathe. As Higher Education faces ongoing disruption from AI and shifting generational dynamics, feedback like this from students - our "customers" - will be crucial in guiding the evolution of the sector, especially in the field of #Entrepreneurship #Education. Talking of #Continuous #Innovation and the evolution of the sector, this year, I integrated some of the insights from my PhD research into my teaching, resulting in immediate and measurable #impact, as highlighted above - a kind of real-world "proof of concept". With support from my supervisors Dr Charlotte Carey and Susan Sisay, look forward to disseminating my findings further in the new year. A special mention to all colleagues, such as Dianna Nderitu, whose names were also highlighted by students for their excellent and inspiring teaching. We are in the same boat. I see you and celebrate your impact! #HigherEducation #EntrepreneurshipEducation #ContinuousInnovation Dr Lucian Tipi Prof. Vikas Kumar Professor David Mba, FREng PFHEA STEAMhouse Dr Richard Oddy, SFHEA