Optimizing learning simulation to support a quinary career development model

Co-authored with Kristen Betts, (Drexel University (US)), Angela Dressler (Victoria University (Australia) & Lars Svensson (University West (Sweden))

In a competitive global economy, career placement and advancement are based on education, training, and the ability to apply knowledge, skills, and experience within dynamic work environments. While education and training provide the foundation for knowledge and skill development, it is through learning simulation and work‐integrated learning that students acquire practical experience and engage in professional development while preparing for new careers, career advancement, or career transition. Therefore, this paper presents (a) a quinary career development model designed by
faculty and administrators in the United States, South Africa, Australia, and Sweden; (b) an overview of learning simulation to support career development; and (c) learning simulation activities from the four countries that can be integrated into undergraduate and graduate/post‐graduate face‐to‐face, blended/hybrid, and online programs. (Asia‐Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 2009, 10(2), 99‐119).
Keywords: Work‐integrated learning, learning simulation, training, online education, blended education, career development, cooperative education, professional development

University of Johannesburg, South Africa, Department of Town and Regional Planning

Paper presented to Workshop organised by the African Centre for Cities and the Association of African Planning Schools - The Revitalisation of Planning Education in Africa

The impact of challenges facing land use management on property development and possible ways towards addressing these challenges

In Lewis, M.P., Coetzee, M.J., Davies, G. and Kihato, M. (Editors). (2008): Planning Africa 2008: Shaping the Future. E-proceedings of the Planning Africa 2008 Conference, Sandton, South Africa.

Urban Planners within the public sector as well as the private sector are on a constant basis faced with a number of challenges relating to/in respect of Land Use Management. These challenges are not only impacting on the day-to-day operations of an Urban Planner, but are also impacting directly on Property Developers thus impacting (directly and indirectly) on urban land markets. A Property Developer must be aware of these possible challenges as this can impact on his or her development when it is least expected with possible major effects on the feasibility of the project. In some (probably most) instances the property developer can do very little to address these issues. It would then be up to the Urban Planner to overcome/address/take care of these challenges or to try and minimize the impact of such challenges. Property Developers should however play an active role in assisting the Urban Planner to timeiously identify and address the challenges.

This paper is set out to challenge Urban Planners as well as Property Developers to identify and to face up to these challenges.

In this paper the reader will be provided with a basic understanding of Land Use Management, the nature of Property Development and the requirements for successful property development to assist in ensuring a common understanding of the basis of this paper.

The more prevalent challenges currently facing the Urban Planner and Property Developer will be identified. It is envisaged that this will encourage the Urban Planner as well as the Property Developer to confront these challenges as well as to identify possible new challenges.

If these challenges are not identified and addressed, it can influence urban land delivery and thus impact negatively on urban land markets. It could further impede the notion of co-operative governance as well as the relationship between government and the private sector.

It is important for professionals and developers to work together to overcome these challenges facing Land Use Management and to assist towards creating and implement a system that would be to the advantage of the community it is suppose to serve. If these challenges are addressed, it will be possible for developers to provide products that are affordable and developments that are more cost effective and still attaining the required return on investment.

It is often said that time is money. If there is a time saving on a development from its inception to finalisation, more funds could be available for further developments with the resultant spin-offs.

It is not claimed in/through this paper that the challenges identified are the only challenges that exist. It is also not claimed that these challenges would be the most important in all cases. It is further not claimed that the proposals to address these challenges are the only workable solutions. It can however provide a basis for policy makers and partnerships between policy makers and the private sector in confronting these challenges.

The South African higher education qualifications framework and work integrated learning: kill or keep? A town and regional planning

Co-authored with Susanne Taylor. (2008). In WACE/ACEN Asia Pacific Conference 2008 E-Proceedings - Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Transforming Futures

An Appropriate Land Use Management System for Present-Day South Africa – How Roles could change

In Cullinan, M., Madell, C. and V Watson (eds) (2006): Proceedings of the Planning Africa 2006 Conference

This paper is set out to create a basis for further/ongoing discussion on the possible characteristics of an appropriate Land Use Management (LUM) System. It is to set the basis for discussion from a premise for future change from ‘control orientated’ systems towards more ‘facilitative’ systems.
A number of planners recognize the fact that changes need to be effected to existing LUM Systems. There are however existing aspects that can be used. These can form the basis for any new LUM System for the present-day South Africa.
Those involve do however need to rethink there role and this should be reflected in a new system. A move away from the ‘them’ and ‘us’ between officials and developers/consultants. In the paper reference will be made to some of the more important historical forming factors which create the basis from where changes are to be made.
Certain characteristics of LUM Systems in other countries will then be looked into.
Changes that were implemented, what led to these changes and some of the successes and the problems will be highlighted so as to identify which of these can be implemented in South Africa.
From the above, links will be made to typical characteristics of an appropriate LUM System for present-day South Africa. Through this possible ‘new’ roles can be identified.
It is not claimed in/through this paper that the proposals are the only workable solutions, but it can provide a basis for further discussions between policy makers and between policy makers and the private sector.