Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!Can traditional university education evolve to truly prepare students for the complexities of the real world? Unlock the secrets to this revolutionary shift as we dissect the abandonment of conventional lectures and exams in favor of immersive, real-world problem-solving projects. We introduce you to the STAIRR framework—Structure, Transitioning, Authority, Inspiration, Reporting, and Rewards—crafted to anchor these transformative initiatives into the university's core. Delve into the significance of establishing centers of excellence that lend credibility and resources to these projects, ensuring they are not just passing trends but permanent fixtures within academia. We also uncover strategies to sustain momentum, even as faculty and staff evolve over time, striking a delicate balance between fostering creativity and maintaining robust institutional support.But the STAIRR principles aren't just limited to the realm of education. Envision how they can be seamlessly applied to create meaningful impacts across various spheres of life, from your professional world to your community and family dynamics. Reflect on the legacy you aim to leave and the seeds of growth you can plant today for a future that thrives beyond your direct involvement. Join our conversation as we explore how education is fundamentally about fostering lasting change and invite you to engage with these ideas, share your insights, and continue your journey of exploration and impactful learning.

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!Join the cast of Grease at....Where: Hartland International School, Dubai When: from June 12 to 15, 2024Timings:  7:30 PM daily and a 2:30 PM matinee on Saturday, June 15Tickets: https://ticketslover.com/dubai/events/mtdxb-presents-grease.In this episode Katheryne Nicole Alday and Stephen King interview James Mitchinson and Talya Mitchell as they share the magic behind Musical Theatre Group Dubai's upcoming production of the timeless musical "Grease." Ever wondered why "Grease" has remained a beloved classic for generations? Discover how this 1950s favorite gets a fresh, vibrant twist with local Dubai references and a diverse cast, making it a must-see performance for both theater aficionados and newbies alike.Talya and James recount how the bonds formed during rehearsals, especially in challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, translate into palpable onstage chemistry that enchants audiences. From personal anecdotes to the joy of seeing family members participate, this episode is a testament to the enduring power of community and the arts.Peek behind the curtain as we delve into the dynamics and demands of community theater. Get insights into the rigorous audition process, the balancing act of juggling full-time jobs with theater commitments, and the sheer dedication required to bring a production like "Grease" to life. Katheryne and our guests emphasize the cultural significance of classics like "Grease," underscoring the importance of keeping such vibrant pieces of art alive for future generations. Also, whilst lisenting can you spot all the iconic songs we slipped into the conversation? And can you tell which of Steve or Kathrynne won the challenge? (Just for fun!)Summer NightsHopelessly Devoted to YouThose Magic ChangesBeauty School DropoutTears on My PillowLook at Me I'm Sandra DeeAlone at a Drive-In MovieRock N Roll Party QueenProwlin (Grease 2)Charades (Grease 2)Tune in and celebrate the spirit of musical theater with us!

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!Embark on an auditory odyssey with us as Stephen King and Mikhail Skornyakov uncover the melodic intricacies of forging a career in music, in our latest interview with professional saxophonist, composer and conductor, Maksim Mintcaev.  Join us for a session resonating with insights, where every note is an invitation to explore the cadence of a creative musical career.

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!The curtain rises on an enthralling discussion about theatre and acting in the UAE. With a special collab with Redbeat MDX and the arrival of Desiree Barreto to our team,  we gain a deep insight into the creative minds of playwright Alex Broun and actor/producer Osman Aboubakr. Alex Broun: https://alexbroun.com/Osman AbubakrL https://www.osmanaboubakr.com/Redbeat MDX: https://www.instagram.com/redbeatmagazinemdx/Venturing into the heart of the UAE's theater scene, we cast a spotlight on the collaborative spirit that breathes life into the stage with a focus on their new play Torn which is presenting at The Junction in Al Serkal and at the QE2. Written and directed by ALEX BROUN, often referred to as the Shakespeare of short plays, "Torn" promises audiences an unforgettable 90 minutes of theatrical experience that will challenge perceptions and stir emotions. Featuring a talented ensemble cast, the production offers a poignant reflection on the ever-shifting landscape of love in a modern world where choices are plenty, yet nothing is guaranteed.Tickets: https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/91283/tornTorn Play: https://www.instagram.com/torn_playMany tips for would-be playwrights, producers and actors, and a prize giveaway towards the end. Also check: Instagram: torn_play Instagram: zstarsproductions

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!An experiment with music podcasts. Here is a Anti-Hero by Taylor SwiftLift Me Up by RihannaFlowers by Miley CyrusTake My Hand by Lady GagaDo let me know what you think.Arrangements and backing music from Hal Leonard, the world's largest sheet music publisher: https://www.halleonard.com/.

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!Discover the truth behind the curtain of sustainability promises, as we unravel the complexity of global commitments to a sustainable future. Is the global political and corporate leadership really committed to the long haul, or are they merely ticking boxes to appease a growingly conscientious society? The episode peels back layers of international pledges, evaluating their authenticity and the robustness of mechanisms in place to ensure these are not just empty promises.Today, we shed light on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, dissecting the shortcomings and challenges in actualizing these targets. From air quality improvement to combating climate change, the conversation critically examines the necessity of transparent monitoring and political willpower. By questioning global efforts and analyzing the potential for sincere change, we offer listeners an unfiltered perspective on the future of our planet and the projected 8.5 billion people who will call it home by 2030. Our in-depth discussion is not just an exploration but a call to accountability, underlined by the urgent need to transition from rhetoric to tangible action for a sustainable tomorrow.Original paper;King, S. and Paris, C.M. (2021) ‘UN sustainable development goals: a rubric to evaluate sincerity for implementing long-term sustainability pledges’, Int. J. Sustainable Society, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp.273–286

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!Embarking on a PhD can be a journey fraught with decisions, but none more crucial than the choice of a supervisor. In the grand finale of our incongruent series, we reach the climax of my doctoral tale, navigating the academic landscapes of Glasgow, Exeter, Westminster, and Portsmouth to uncover a mentor who will not only steer my research ship but also be the beacon for future groundbreaking studies. Switching gears, we tackle the oft-overlooked reality of the academic wallet, scrutinizing UK lecturer salaries through the lens of the single-pay spine and dissecting the financial anatomy of deductions and location-based variances -  contrasting the monetary climates of Scotland and London.

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!Embark on an academic voyage with us as we dissect the daunting financial mountains aspiring scholars must climb. Episode 4 of 'The Incongruent' peels back the layers on the high costs of PhDs and DBAs, and contrasts them with the more wallet-friendly doctorates by publishing or thesis. Our conversation doesn't just spotlight the price tags; we also tackle the often-ignored barriers to accessing necessary data sources, an undercurrent that can make or break research endeavors. If you've ever wondered just how deep you'd have to dig into your pockets or how far you'd have to journey for data to advance your scholarly ambitions, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!Embark on a journey of discovery with us as we investigate the practicalities of academic research and its implications for real-world business challenges. Our latest installment of the PhD pursuit series promises insight into the intricacies of proposing a study that's not only manageable but also fraught with the potential for fascinating results. Amidst the labyrinth of academic approvals and timelines, we examine the necessity of aligning research with teaching schedules and industry benchmarks, ensuring that the quest for knowledge is both efficient and effective.

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!Embark on an intellectual odyssey with us as we unveil the secrets to pinpointing the academic "Goldilocks zone" for PhD research topics—a pursuit that's neither too mainstream nor too obscure. Our journey in this episode is expertly guided by analytical titans like Google Trends and the Gartner Technology Hype Cycle, tools that arm scholars with the foresight to navigate the ever-shifting terrain of academic interests. We probe the symbiotic relationship between personal academic curiosity and the pulsating heart of collective scholarly wisdom, framing a PhD thesis that interweaves with the transformative themes of education and student employability.Wading into the complex waters of employability, we confront the stark contrasts between modernist metrics and post-modernist ideals, heralding a metamodernist approach that melds both to better align with the evolving job market. We illuminate the significance of mixed methods research in shaping education to fulfill the dynamic needs of employers. Join us as we dissect the transformative role of industry-organized competitions in enhancing graduate skills, a topic ripe with implications for curriculum reform and the future of higher education. This episode promises a compelling blend of theory, practice, and visionary foresight, pivotal for those invested in bridging the academia-industry divide.

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!This is the first of a multi-part series where I attempt to prepare a proposal to undertake a PhD-grade research project. I'm using two papers to help me: Perry, C. (2002) A structured approach to presenting theses: Notes for students and their supervisors. [Online]. Accessed 12 June 2015. http://users.ugent.be/~dgosseli/Presentations/PhD-Thesis-Approach.pdf. Shambare, R. (2019) Presenting a PhD research proposal: A guide for commerce students, African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 13:1, 109-123, DOI: 10.1080/20421338.2019.1638586.The writings have all appeared in 'human hand' on my LinkedIN account, and I have used ChatGPT to rewrite this into podcast format, and then Descript to add my virtual disembodied voice. This might not be the most exciting episode on the channel, but the series is worth listening to in case you are considering this expensive and time-consuming pathway/

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!Discover the transformative power of student awards as we converse with a distinguished panel of educators gathered for the 2023 edition of Middlesex University's Annual Learning and Teaching conference. Promising to build confidence, generate connections, and encourage collaboration, these accolades are more than mere symbols of recognition - they are stepping stones to academic victory and beyond. Joining me are Dr James Graham, Vaishali Raj Sharma, Afroz Nawaf, Dalilah Kalla and Nancy Slonims, and each offer unique and compelling tales and insights.Ever pondered the intersection of education, awards, and festivals? Tune in as we unveil how film, fashion and graphic design schools ingeniously incorporate these elements into their curriculum, providing students with unique experiences and opportunities. We'll delve into the stories behind partnerships with Warner Brothers Middle East and the winning formula behind Forbes' Best Media Center in MENA. In a broader context, we'll talk about the crucial role of authenticity in the creative industries, and how staying true to one’s creative self can prove to be that powerful catalyst for success. Ready to ignite your mind and feel inspired? Don't miss this enlightening journey through the world of student awards and authenticity.

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!In this episode we're connecting awards, pedagogy, and industry standards in a way you never thought possible. We won't shy away from the hurdles – the struggle to find relevant literature on industry-organized student award ceremonies and higher education pedagogy. But hey, we're equipped with 'Publish or Perish'. We'll comb through every piece of literature to find valuable insights and themes like academic capitalism and poverty alleviation and inclusion. This is just the beginning of our exciting research journey, and we can't wait to bring you along!

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!Ever wondered what makes a student tick? What are the factors that lead to a satisfied and motivated learner? Get ready to have these questions answered in our latest episode of the Incongruent podcast with host, Stephen King. We delve into the intricate world of student satisfaction within award programs, dissecting the complex nature of measuring satisfaction and its impact on a student's learning experience. We discuss award events, student satisfaction surveys, and quality models such as SERVQUAL, SERVSERF and HEdSERF, and reveal our proposed model, AWARDSERF.Stay tuned as we explore the intricate dynamics of student satisfaction based on research findings from India and China, discussing aspects like campus facilities, administrative support, career opportunities, and school reputation. We also tackle the various models and talk about their potential to empower educators and competition organizers. This is not just another podcast episode; this is a journey through the fascinating world of student satisfaction, a deep dive into what makes learning an award-winning experience. So, buckle up and get ready to learn, unlearn, and relearn with us!

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!What if there's a world within TikTok where norms are defied, yet engagement rates surpass those of mainstream content creators? Welcome to the intriguing realm of TikTok tarot content creators! In our latest episode, we unravel the unconventional appeal of these influencers, who effortlessly command the attention of audiences ranging from 10,000 to 1 million followers. These mavericks don't play by the TikTok rules, often posting longer videos, skipping typical hashtags, and shunning background music. Yet, they continue to enthrall their audiences, offering a more personalized and non-conventional approach to content creation.Here's a tantalizing teaser: these creators have mastered the art of sophisticated revenue generation, leveraging various technologies to monetize their content. From exploiting the platform's algorithmic capabilities to channel followers to intermediary platforms, to offering a diverse array of additional services, these modern spiritualists are redefining the entrepreneurial landscape on TikTok. But that's not all - they also tap into wellness discourse, offering a spectrum of pseudo psychiatric services and therapy to audiences numbering in the tens of thousands. As we unpack these fascinating insights, we also propose areas for future investigation, including the ethical implications and privacy concerns related to these practices. Stay tuned for this captivating exploration into the intersection of spirituality, technology, and digital entrepreneurship.

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!Ever wondered how the spiritual world of Tarot and Angel Card Healers navigate the digital realm of TikTok? My co-researcher, Natalie Katchouh and I journey into the captivating realm of these unique content creators and their adept use of digital marketing. We unravel the controversies they face, the dangers of propagating health and well-being information on social media, and the issues arising from internet addiction.In the latter part of our discussion, we draw connections between card readings and expressive art therapy, delving into the American Art Therapy Association's definition and relevant psychotherapy methodologies. We touch on how mental health care is evolving in digital channels and the ethical challenges this new frontier presents. We also share findings from our engaging research on the online existence of Tarot and Angel Card Healers, and the sentiment and commercial functions at play. Tune in for an insightful exploration into the intersection of social media, digital marketing, and mental health!Join us at the Conscious Breathing & Meditation, Mindfulness and Emotional Well-being Track in Room D at EWBIC on Friday, July 21, where we will present our final conclusions and results. For more information or to register, please visit: https://www.ewbi-canada.org/ewbic2023/.

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!This podcast supports a panel discussion I am moderating on June 15 at 2pm UAE time which explores the role industry awards play in a higher education programme.  This is part of Middlesex University's Annual Learning & Teaching Conference.This panel discussion features faculty members from across Middlesex University's international campuses who will discuss their experiences and successes in entering students' work into industry awards. The aim is to initiate a discussion on the importance of industry-judged awards in higher education, aligning with Middlesex University's priorities under "Transforming Learning." The creative industries place a high value on awards, and major international competitions include free or heavily-subsidised youth categories to identify exceptional creativity and instill a passion for the industry. The proposed discussion aims to inspire study into this under-researched subject, share good practices and inspire colleagues to consider incorporating industry awards into their own pedagogy to help students achieve success.For more information and to register: https://www.mdx.ac.uk/get-in-touch/meet-us/mdx-annual-learning-and-teaching-conference-2023/session-1b

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!This study was shared on May 4 at Middlesex University Dubai at the 2nd International Conference on Technology, Innovation and Sustainability in Business Management (ICTIS 2023). Find more information: https://www.mdx.ac.ae/ictis2023.AIMS OF STUDYThe aim of this auto-ethnographic study is to provide insight into the lived experiences of higher education faculty in their attempt to design a new educational module with an advertising/marketing specialism making the best use of  Artificial Intelligence (A.I.). This is in light of increasingly prevalent social robots, such as ChatGPT4, Dall-E, Designer etc., which are particularly disruptive within the field of advertising. The acceleration of A.I. applications across various fields of content creation has elevated the importance of a graduate’s self-efficacy in working with A.I. in terms of employability. The auto-ethnography will be presented in the form of an evocative narrative and will share feelings, hopes, aesthetic reactions, and moral dispositions.  As befitting a rigorous institutional auto-ethnography, the study will aim to explore the following research questions: Can AI be used to help develop teaching and learning materials?  How should we teach AI to advertising students?  What are the most effective and useful programs that infuse AI concepts within an advertising curriculum?  The authors are both affiliated with Middlesex University Dubai:Stephen King, Senior Fellow HEA, Senior Lecturer in MediaJudhi Prasetyo, PhD Candidate, Senior Lecturer in Computing, Informatics and EngineeringCorrespondence via s.king@mdx.ac.ae.

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!This study was shared on May 4 at Middlesex University Dubai at the 2nd International Conference on Technology, Innovation and Sustainability in Business Management (ICTIS 2023). Find more information: https://www.mdx.ac.ae/ictis2023.AIMS OF STUDYThe aim of this auto-ethnographic study is to provide insight into the lived experiences of higher education faculty in their attempt to design a new educational module with an advertising/marketing specialism making the best use of  Artificial Intelligence (A.I.). This is in light of increasingly prevalent social robots, such as ChatGPT4, Dall-E, Designer etc., which are particularly disruptive within the field of advertising. The acceleration of A.I. applications across various fields of content creation has elevated the importance of a graduate’s self-efficacy in working with A.I. in terms of employability. The auto-ethnography will be presented in the form of an evocative narrative and will share feelings, hopes, aesthetic reactions, and moral dispositions.  As befitting a rigorous institutional auto-ethnography, the study will aim to explore the following research questions: Can AI be used to help develop teaching and learning materials?  How should we teach AI to advertising students?  What are the most effective and useful programs that infuse AI concepts within an advertising curriculum?  The authors are both affiliated with Middlesex University Dubai:Stephen King, Senior Fellow HEA, Senior Lecturer in MediaJudhi Prasetyo, PhD Candidate, Senior Lecturer in Computing, Informatics and EngineeringCorrespondence via s.king@mdx.ac.ae.

Spill the tea - we want to hear from you!This study was shared on May 4 at Middlesex University Dubai at the 2nd International Conference on Technology, Innovation and Sustainability in Business Management (ICTIS 2023). Find more information: https://www.mdx.ac.ae/ictis2023.AIMS OF STUDYThe aim of this auto-ethnographic study is to provide insight into the lived experiences of higher education faculty in their attempt to design a new educational module with an advertising/marketing specialism making the best use of  Artificial Intelligence (A.I.). This is in light of increasingly prevalent social robots, such as ChatGPT4, Dall-E, Designer etc., which are particularly disruptive within the field of advertising. The acceleration of A.I. applications across various fields of content creation has elevated the importance of a graduate’s self-efficacy in working with A.I. in terms of employability. The auto-ethnography will be presented in the form of an evocative narrative and will share feelings, hopes, aesthetic reactions, and moral dispositions.  As befitting a rigorous institutional auto-ethnography, the study will aim to explore the following research questions: Can AI be used to help develop teaching and learning materials?  How should we teach AI to advertising students?  What are the most effective and useful programs that infuse AI concepts within an advertising curriculum?  The authors are both affiliated with Middlesex University Dubai:Stephen King, Senior Fellow HEA, Senior Lecturer in MediaJudhi Prasetyo, PhD Candidate, Senior Lecturer in Computing, Informatics and EngineeringCorrespondence via s.king@mdx.ac.ae.