https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1522-3982
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Abstract
This study examines the presence of “Effective Communication” (EC) and “Teamwork/Cooperative Learning” (TW&CL) competencies in undergraduate university programmes using a blue entrepreneurship approach, within the framework of a social and sustainable economy. As seen in previous studies, these two competencies are highly relevant to promote sustainable and blue entrepreneurship in undergraduate programmes. Eighty-one curricula were collected in nine Spanish public universities in southern Spain. QUAN (qual)→QUAL mixed methodology was used, which included a qualitative analysis and a quantitative comparative analysis form, aiming to build theoretical frameworks through explanatory diagrams to understand how EC and TW&CL are promoted in university programmes. The study found that EC and TW&CL competencies are highly valued and widely incorporated in university curricula. The qualitative analysis revealed the components and interconnections of these competencies, highlighting the importance of effective communication, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary teamwork. The survey shows the complementary nature of EC and TW&CL and suggests their integration in educational contexts. This study therefore contributes to the recognition of these specific competences in university degrees by providing data on their presence, type and relationships, so that educational institutions can better prepare students for future careers.
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Notes on contributors
Clotilde Lechuga-Jimenez
Clotilde Lechuga-Jiménez (PhD) is a Professor in Social Science Studies, Citizenship Education and Human Rights. She participated as Coordinator in Erasmus + Project KA203-051104 ‘Exploring European Cultural Heritage for fostering academic teaching and social responsibility in Higher Education (EU_CUL)’ and member 2019-1-UK01-KA203-061463 ‘Communities and Students Together (CaST)’. Her research focuses on Social Science Education, Cultural and Natural Heritage (ecosocial approach), Bilingualism Education (English/Spanish), Teaching and Training methodology, Lifelong Learning, Gender, Employability, Engaged Learning and University third mission commitment.
María-Belén Barroso
María-Belén Barroso, PhD in Communication for Sustainable Organisations and Master in Environmental Education from the University of Malaga (Spain). Director of Innovation and Impact at Almanatura, the first certified B Corp in Spain that has been working for the reactivation of rural areas in Spain for 25 years. Former Director of the AlmaNatura Foundation. Co-founder and advisor at Cronopios, communication laboratory, triple impact and biomimicry. Head of communication and member of the B Academics global steering committee. Member of the driving group of the B Andalucía Community and B Academics Spain.
Enrique Alastor
Enrique Alastor holds a degree in Pedagogy from the University of Malaga and the Pontifical University of Salamanca (SICUE-Séneca scholarship holder) and a degree in Psychopedagogy from the University of Seville. He holds an Official Master’s Degree in Methods and Theories for Historical Research from the Universidad Pablo de Olavide, and a Master’s Degree in University Teaching from the Universidad de Huelva. He is currently a lecturer in the Department of Theory and History of Education and M.I.D.E. at the University of Malaga, where he teaches at undergraduate and postgraduate level, directing both undergraduate and master’s degree final projects.
Juan-Carlos Tójar-Hurtado
Juan-Carlos Tójar-Hurtado Full Professor at the University of Málaga since 1989. Doctoral Theses, Ph. Dr., 1992. Expert in Program Evaluation and Environmental Education for Sustainability. Research team ‘Methods and resources for educational research and innovation’ (HUM-369). Author (until 2022) of more than 114 publications (12 books, 48 chapters and 54 journals). 23 Doctoral Theses Director. In teaching, he teaches in Pedagogy and Social Education degrees, and several official master’s degrees. Coordinator of a joint master’s degree in Environmental Education. He has participated in several projects of Educational Innovation for the improvement of teachers. She has coordinated and taught several teacher training courses at the University of Malaga and other universities such as Salamanca, Zaragoza, Oviedo, Lleida, Burgos, Santiago, La Coruña, Extremadura, Politécnica de Madrid… He has conducted research in several universities in Spain, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico, Chile and Argentina. He has directed and participated in several R&D projects funded by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (AECID) and the regional administration (excellence projects).