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benefits from a Postdoctoral grant from FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (reference SFRH/BPD/84038/2012) funded by POPH-NSRF-Typology 4.1-Advanced Training, co-financed by the ESF and by national funds of the Portuguese Ministry of Education and Science. Ana Rita Cruz also acknowledges the financial support from FCT (SFRH/BD/75893/2011).This article was stimulated by HARVEST Atlantic-Harnessing all resources valuable to economies of seaside territories on the Atlantic, project co-financed by the European INTERREG Atlantic Area through the ERDF. The contribution of Carla Nogueira as research assistant in this project is acknowledged.

Purpose -One of the key aims of the UK's Transformational Government strategy is to create a "joined-up" government where communications within and between public organisations is improved by the use of information technology. Data sharing is a key enabler of "joined-up" government but the implementation of the strategy presents a series of risks. The purpose of this paper is to articulate and assess the nature of those risks in relation to violations of existing laws using the National Pupil Database (NPD) in England as a case study. Design/methodology/approach -The paper investigates examples of violations of EU law relating to rights to privacy of data sharing practices within the UK public sector using an interpretive approach to existing published information. The case of the NPD illustrates how certain identified data sharing practices contravene existing laws and exposes this aspect of the Transformational Government strategy to heightened risk of a legal challenge. Findings -Four examples of violations of existing EU laws on privacy are identified from an investigation into the NPD for schools in England. The analysis exposes the imbalance between the data sharing practices underpinning the Transformational Government strategy in the UK and the requirements for fulfilling privacy protection rights to citizens enshrined in EU law. The findings reveal that data sharing practices as a key enabler of the Transformational Government strategy risks violating existing laws designed to protect privacy. The UK government risks a legal challenge, the outcome of which may seriously undermine the prospects for achieving the stated aim of improving efficiency and effectiveness across the public sector.Research limitations/implications -The paper is largely restricted to the NPD for schools in England. The findings would be strengthened by expanding the research into other areas of the public sector where data sharing practices have been implemented. Originality/value -The findings are a significant and timely contribution to understanding the data sharing/privacy tension that ministers and legislators need to address. The work provides an insight into where weaknesses exist within current arrangements that is of value to policymakers, legislators, human rights advocates and government authorities at both central and local levels.

PurposeThis article is a critical reflection of the development and implementation of one of the first online doctoral programmes in the UK set up at the University of Northumbria, Newcastle in 2000.Design/methodology/approachThe method adopted for analysis takes the form of a case study.FindingsEffective market research has to be undertaken to fully understand what students need and expect from an online programme of study. Course providers need to identify highly motivated students. Second, critical success factors focus on a well‐targeted curriculum that provides the skills and knowledge relevant to student needs, backed by exceptional faculty who provide innovative course design. Finally, there is a need for integrating the management, teaching and technical team to ensure a high quality and coherent programme delivery.Practical implicationsThe reflections in this article can be used as a guide by other faculties wishing to develop online programmes. The article highlights some of the pitfalls of developing and implementing online course delivery and proposes adopting instructional guides as an aid to course design.Originality/valueThe article provides an original insight into some of the operational, technical and managerial issues relevant to delivering an effective online programme of study at an advanced level.

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