Leadership and Competence Development in Higher Education : Integrating Personal Development and Skills in the Space of Digital Systems

It is an outstanding intellectual and leadership challenge in higher education to develop effective competence in decision making, complementary to and building upon the traditional programmes, and fit for the 21st century. The key obstacle is the gap between the systems of thought and organisation governing the established curriculum and the mechanisms driving thought and power in the digital age. The aim is to establish pedagogy for a re-appraisal of the relationship between human and machine contributions, and one capable of engendering the human-centred character of University, without depriving staff and students of the benefits offered by the availability of disparate knowledge systems. Part I outlines an object-based, context-driven methodology for competence development. Part II provides tutorial and lecture material for implementing this method. It is supported by examples and by suggestions for further independent studies. It is to assist students and tutors - indeed anyone wishing to develop a deeper understanding of - and competence in - problem formulation and decision making cutting across departmental and subject boundaries.