Knowledge exchange through collaborative learning communities

Purpose – To investigate how Collaborative Learning Communities (CLC) can be developed and managed in Higher Education Institutions (HEI), involving international HEI partners, business clients, students and staff, with the aim of delivering real value to all parties involved. Design/methodology/approach – Using a case study approach, the paper elaborates on the creation of two CLCs on the modules Electronic Marketing (BA (Hons) Marketing) and Collective Enterprise (Master of Business Administration). Findings – The traditional in-class teaching needs to be extended using multiple platforms if HEIs are to deliver a collaborative student learning experience. The facilitation and management of the CLCs is most effective when supported by online and offline communication channels and supervision. Originality/value – The paper extends the current understanding of CLCs whilst also providing significant insights into the challenges of managing such CLCs in practice. This is useful to other HEIs wanting to integrate external parties in their student learning communities.