Gudrun Helgadottir

Professor
USN School of Business
Department of Business and IT
Campus Bø (1-326)
I am a professor of tourism. My main responsibilities are teaching in the Master in Sustainability Management, leading the research group Sustainability Management, research and PhD supervision. I am on the team of instructors of the Developing Doctoral Supervision at USN. I am active in interdisciplinary research where my focus is on social sustainability, rural and regional development. My topics and contexts of study are for example horses in tourism, event management, cultural tourism, rural tourism and tourism sustainability.

Responsibilities

Research group leader Sustainability Management

 

Competences

Sustainability, tourism, event management, qualitative methods

CV

Curriculum Vitae – Dr Guðrún Helgadóttir

PROFESSOR 100%

University of South-Eastern Norway, USN School of Business, Department of Business and IT, Bø i Telemark, Norway

Education

1997 Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

1989 M.A. in art education, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

1983 Diploma in craft education and Teaching certificate for secondary schools, Iceland Institute of Education, Reykjavík.

1982 B.Ed. in wood- and metalwork and Teaching certificate for elementary schools, Iceland Institute of Education, Reykjavík.

Work Experience

Academic:

2018 - Professor of tourism, Department of Business and IT, USN School of Business

2014 – 2018 associate professor of tourism Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Telemark University College, Bø i Telemark, Norway

2007- 2021 Professor, Department of Rural Tourism, Hólar University College.

1997- 2007Lecturer, Department of Rural Tourism, Hólar Agricultural College.

2001-2003 Lecturer, Iceland Institute of the Arts, teacher education.

1999-2001 Lecturer, Iceland Institute of the Arts / University of Iceland, Faculty of Social Sciences; Post-baccalaureate teacher education program.

1995-1999 Lecturer The Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts / University of Iceland, Faculty of Social Sciences; Post-baccalaureate teacher education program.

1989-1994 Teaching assistant in art, teacher education, University of British Columbia.

1985-1986 Sessional in crafts, Iceland Institute of Education.

1982-1983 Sessional in crafts, Iceland Institute of Education.

 

Administration:

2022- Reseach group leader Sustainability Management, USN School of Business

2021-2023 Program coordinator Master of Sustainability Management, USN School of business, Department of Business and IT

2012-2014 Department head, Rural Tourism Hólar University College

2009-2011 Board member, Hólar Tourism Services.

2002-2003 Acting department head, Rural Tourism Hólar University College.

1999-2001 Cultural and creative industries consultant, Institute of Regional Development, Sauðárkrókur. 

1998-1999 Director, the Icelandic College of Art and Crafts, Reykjavík.

1997-1998 Director of studies, Hólar Agricultural College, Skagafjörður.

1996-1997 Assistant director, The Icelandic College of Art and Crafts, Reykjavík.

1995-1996 Head of continuing education, the Icelandic College of Art and Crafts, Reykjavík.

1995-1998 Department head teacher education, the Icelandic College of Art and Crafts, Reykjavík.

 

 

Graduate student supervision:

2013- Ingibjörg Sigurðardóttir, University of Iceland, Business administration. Co-supervisor. Submission of PhD thesis planned January 2017.

2016 Catherine Chambers Fisheries management and fisheries livelihoods in Iceland, PhD dissertantion University of Alaska Fairbanks, 115 pp. Co-supervisor.

2014 Guðrún Ólafía Brynleifsdóttir Leikið við ferðafólk. Upplifun á bakvið tjöldin. MA thesis 30 ECTS. Háskólinn á Hólum, Ferðamáladeild, 93 pp. [MA Thesis supervisor, Acting with tourists. Backstage experiences]

2014 Áskell Heiðar Ásgeirsson”Hamingjan er hér”. Samfélagsleg áhrif Bræðslunnar á Borgarfirði eystra.MA thesis 60 ECTS, Háskólinn á Hólum, Ferðamáladeild, 85 pp. [MA Thesis supervisor, „Happyness is here“. Social impacts of Bræðslan music festival in Borgarfjörður eystra].

2011 Arndís Árnadóttir Nútímaheimilið í mótun. Fagurbætur, funksjónalismi og norræn áhrif á íslenska hönnun 1900-1970. Hugvísindadeild Háskóla Íslands. 335 pp. [PhD supervisory committee The modern home forming. Aesthetics, functionalism and Nordic influence on Icelandic design 1900-1970. University of Iceland Faculty of Arts].

2011 Áslaug Sverrisdóttir Mótun hugmynda um íslenskt handverk 1850-1930.  Hugvísindadeild Háskóla Íslands. 358 pp. [Opponent for PhD defence, The development of concepts of Icelandic crafts 1850-1930. University of Iceland Faculty of Arts].

2007 Alma Dís Kristinsdóttir. (2007) Góðar stundir: safnfræðsla og fjölskyldur, M.Ed Háskólinn á Akureyri, 234 pp.,  42 ein. [M.Ed. Thesis supervisor, Good times: Museum education and families).

2005 Anna Vilborg Einarsdóttir (2005) Ferðalög til fortíðar. Sjávarbyggðir, arfleifð og nýsköpun í ferðaþjónustu 140 pp. [Opponent for Travel to the past: Fishing villages, heritage and innovation in tourism. M.Sc Faculty of geosciences University of Iceland].

2003 Ásthildur Björg Jónsdóttir. (2003) Listavefur krakka – Tölvu- og upplýsingatækni í myndlistarkennslu, M.Ed Kennaraháskóli Íslands, 129 pp. [M.Ed Opponent; The childrens´s art web, Iceland Institute of Education]

2000 Guðrún Hannele Henttinen. (2000) Textílmennt með augum textílkennara. 160 pp., MA verkefni, Félagsvísindadeild Háskóla Íslands [MA Thesis supervisor, Textiles through the eyes of textile teachers]. 

Undergraduate teaching

2014- Bachelor in Tourism management (180 ECTS), University College of Southeast Norway, courses taught:

6072 Introduction to tourism (7,5 ECTS taught in Norwegian), 6

095 Service management (7,5 ECTS taught in Norwegian), 

6078 Bachelor thesis (15 ECTS)

Part of the tourism module in Nature qualities, tourism and guiding (10 ECTS, taught in English).

2010 CEN4005100 Crises of identities, environments and economics: Effects on Nordic tourism Nordic PhD Course in Tourism, in connection with the Nordic symposium in hospitality and tourism, Háskólinn á Hólum 21.-24.9.2010. Coordinator.

2008- Master of tourism studies, Hólar University College (120 ECTS). Responsible for curriculum development. Courses taught:

ROR4210120 Trends and Traditions in Tourism Studies  (10 ECTS in English)

MÁL5110120   Seminar (10 ECTS in English)

AÐS4010120 Methodology workshop (10 ECTS in English)

VAV5010130   Chosen Topic (10 ECTS in English)  

2007- Diploma in event management (60 ECTS). Responsible for curriculum development. Courses taught:

ÍÞV2306120    Sports Events (6 ECTS in Icelandic)

HOV2106120  Festivals and Events (6 ECTS in Icelandic)

LOV2009100  Final Project in Event Management (12 ECTS)

2007- Bachelor in tourism, Hólar University College, courses taught:

LAT1106   Local area tourism case study (6 ECTS in English)

FER1206120    Tourism (6 ECTS in Icelandic)

EIR2306120     Qualitative Methods (6 ECTS in Icelandic)

MEA1706090  Cultural heritage (6 ECTS in Icelandic)

MOA2206120  Souvenirs and Folk Art (6 ECTS in Icelandic)

RAN2706120   Research and Tourism (6 ECTS in Icelandic)

MÁÍ3606120    Seminar: Tourism in Icelandic society (6 ECTS in Icelandic)

MEF1206110   Culture and Tourism (6 ECTS in Icelandic)

BAR3112120   BA Dissertation course coordinator (12 ECTS)

1996-2007 Hólar University College, Department of rural tourism Diploma in tourism, BA in Tourism. Curriculum development and instruction in methods, cultural and heritage studies. 

2001-2003 Iceland Academy of the Arts; curriculum development and instruction in a post-baccalaureate teacher education (60 ECTS)

1999-2001 Joint course Iceland Academy of the Arts / Faculty of social sciences, University of Iceland, curriculum development and instruction in a post-baccalaureate teacher education (60 ECTS)

1995-1999 Joint course The Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts / Faculty of social sciences, University of Iceland, curriculum development and instruction in a post-baccalaureate teacher education (60 ECTS)

1989-1994 Teaching assistant, art education, University of British Columbia, Canada. Taught a studio based introductory art education course.

1985-1986 Sessional in crafts, Iceland institute of education, Reykjavík. Taught leatherwork methods and design.

1982-1983 Sessional in crafts, Iceland institute of education, Reykjavík. Taught leatherwork methods and design.

 

Research projects

2016Cultural heritage tourism a cross-disciplinary research project instigated, by a research team in response to a call for key research areas for the University College of South-east Norway. 

2015Social sustainability of tourism in Iceland, in collaboration with the Icelandic Tourism Research Institute.

Funding: Hólar University College and the Icelandic Tourism Board 5.000.000 ISK.

Dissemination: Research report, conference presentations international and national 2016, peer reviewed publication planned 2017.

2014Sustainable tourism research group, led by Dr. Ingeborg Nordbø, Tourism studies, Department of Economics, Faculty of Sciences and Humanities, Telemark University College, Norway.

Funding: Telemark University College / University College of Southeast Norway

Dissemination: Conference presentation 2015, Two refereed publications planned 2017.

2012 Horses in protected areas in Iceland.

Funding application to Pálmi Jónsson nature conservation fund, 500.000 ISK

Dissemination: masters thesis Rebecca Schmudde

2011Horse events with Dr. Katherine Daspher Leeds Metropolitan University, UK Center for Event Management, Ingibjörg Sigurðardóttir Hólar University College, Kari Jæger, University of the Arctic, Thomas Heldt and Susanna Heldt Cassel Dalarna Universitet; studies at Landsmót íslenskra hestamanna and World Championships of the Icelandic Horse, participant observation at horse events.

Funding: Hólar University College, ERASMUS+

Dissemination: A conference presentation 2013, peer reviewed journal article 2016, planned presentations and publications in 2017 based on data collected summer 2017

2011-15 Riding Native Nordic Breeds with Ingibjörg Sigurðardóttir and Rhys Evans Högskulen for landbruk og bygdenæring, Jæren, Norge.

Funding: NORA

Dissemination: Presentations, handbook on horse tourism, conference proceedings.

2010 Inmovers and backmovers, a survey of migration patterns in small communities in the North Atlantic. Project leader Per Åke Nilsson.

Funding: NORA

Dissemination: Conference presentation, research report.

2009-2010 Contemporary art and visual culture in education. Project leader Helene Illeris.

Funding: Nordforsk

Dissemination: Peer reviewed journal article

2010 Survey of the implementation and effects of the coastal fishing programme. Research group at Hólar University College and Westfjords University Centre led by Sigriður Ólafsdóttir.

Funding: The ministry of fisheries

Dissemination: Research report.

2004-2007 Cultural tourism in Northern Iceland. With Edward H. Huijbens and Kristín Sólveig Björnsdóttir.

Funding: Iceland tourism research center,  Ferðamálaseturs Íslands.

Dissemination: Research report and presentations.

2004-2010 Images of the North, project leader Sumarliði Ísleifsson Images of the North.

Funding: The Icelandic Research Council

Dissemination: Peer reviewed article, conference presentations and –proceedings. 

2001-2004 Project leader Quality in horse based tourism, Department of rural tourism, Hólar Universtity College.

Funding: The Icelandic Horse Center

Dissemination: with Ingibjörg Sigurðardóttir, Rán Sturlaugsdóttir and Harpa Hlín Þórðardóttir in refereed and non-refereed publications and conference presentations.

2000-03 Project leader Iceland in  Nordisk slöjd set I Europaeskt perspektiv

Funding: NordFo.

Dissemination: Peer reviewed publications and conference proceedings

1989-1997 PhD research Icelandic craft teachers’ curriculum identity as reflected in life histories. A study based on in-depth interviews with teachers about their professional life history.

Funding: University of British Columbia, Icelandic Research Fund, Icelandic Student Loan Fund.

Dissemination: Refeered and non-refereed journals, conferences, presentations to professional organisations, curriculum development.

1989-1990 A brief study of the life and work of Halldóra Bjarnadóttir with special attention to her contribution to the development of education and home crafts.

Funding: Hagþenkir, the academic authors union.

Dissemination: non-refereed journal of the crafts association, conference proceedings and presentations.

1987-1989 Master’s thesis research A survey of the attitudes of Icelandic Art and Craft teachers toward curriculum and practice in their subject area.

Funding: The Icelandic Student Loan Fund and the University of British Columbia

Dissemination: Thesis, non-refereed publications and presentations.

1986-1990 With Skúlína Kjartansdóttir. The development of tanning and leatherwork in Iceland, manuscript commissioned by the Þjóðsaga publishing house and Leatherwork commissioned by Námsgagnastofnun publishing house.

Development Projects:

2016- SIU project Sustainable tourism: rural entrepreneurship and heritage. Educational cooperation between Kyrgyzstan, Georgia and Norway led by Anne Gry Sturød and Tim Abedzasse USN.

2014- SIU project Rural tourism in Kyrgyszstan led by Ingeborg Nordbø.

2014-2015 Landscape and quality of living in Ulefoss led by Professor Mikkel B. Tin, USN.

2009-2010 Tourism policy development for Skagafjörður municipality, led by Guðrún Þóra Gunnarsdóttir.

2004-2005  Supervisor of Gengið til móts við Galdra-Loft, an outdoor play based on local folk-lore in Hólar, Iceland.

2001-2003  Author of curriculum and teaching materials for the E.U. funded Leondardo da Vinci Project Learning Community, chaired by Continuing Education North West Region, Skagafjörður, Iceland.

2001-2003 Project leader Quality in horse based tourism, a research and development project, Iceland

2002 Assessor of the contract for collaboration on culture between the Ministry of Education and the municipality of Akureyri.

2001-2002 Project leader in Iceland for Routes, an E.U. funded Leondardo da Vinci Project of self-directed learning in study groups involved in regional development of tourism and crafts.

2001-2002 Advisor to the committee for Culture, sports and youth in the making of cultural policy for Skagafjörður municipality.

2001-2002 Advisor to the National Museum on heritage policy for 2003-2008.

1998-2000 Project coordinator for Culture naturally, a joint project be The Icelandic College of Art and Crafts and the municipalities of Blönduós, Dalabyggð and Seyðisfjörður. Funded by the Culture 2000 fund of Reykjavík Cultural Capital of Europe.

Editor experience

2015 Guest editor with G. Baldacchino and R.J. Mykletun, Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 14(1-2).

2013- Editorial board member, FORMakademisk

2012- Associate editor, Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism

2011- Advisory board member, European Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research

2010 Editorial board European Journal of Tourism Hospitality and Recreation

2010 Guest editor of a theme issue on Seaside festivals Event management, Vol. 14, No.4, 2010, with Anna Karlsdóttir and Philip Long.

1991-1992 Co-editor Educational Insights. A Journal by the Graduate Students in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia (1)1.

Professional service

2016 – steering committee Nordic research network within experience economy, established in Copenhagen June 2016.

2014 External advisor to the Evaluation commitee for academic promotions, University of Iceland, Reykjavík.

2013 External advisor to the Evaluation commitee for academic promotions, University of Iceland, Reykjavík.

2010- Member of the Graduate Studies standing committee, Hólar University College.

2008-2010 Appointed by rector to the Academic affairs committee,  Hólar University College.

2007- 2008 Chair of the Evaluation committee for academic promotions, Hólar University College, Skagafjörður.

2002-2004 Ministry of Education representative on the Board for Vocational Training in the Green Sector

2001-2003 Chair of teacher education board, The Iceland Academy of the Arts, Reykjavík

2003 Advisor for the Evaluation committee for academic promotions, The University in Akureyri, Akureyri.

2003 External advisor to the Evaluation committee for academic promotions, The Iceland Institute of Education, Reykjavík.

1997 Chair of the steering committee for curriculum revision in the arts. Appointed by the Minister of Education.

2000-2003 Chair of the admissions committee for teacher education at the Iceland Institute of the Arts. Appointed by rector.

1999-2000 Project leader appointed by rector, curriculum and study plan design for teacher education at the Iceland Institute of the Arts. Skipuð af rektor.

1991-2000 Founding member and representing Iceland in Nordfo, Nordisk Forum för Forskning och Utvecklingsarbete inom formning, handarbete och slöjd, samt duodji/sameslöjd.

1984-1986 President of the Wood and metalwork teachers’ association of Iceland.

Conference organisation

2015- Steering committee North Atlantic Forum 2017 Traditions and transformations for future sustainability of rural communities: Balancing Living Culture and Nature. To be held at University College of South-east Norway, campus Bø.

2015 Academic committee 24th Nordic symposium in hospitality and tourism, Reykjavík, Iceland, October 1st-3rd 2015.

2015 Steering committee North Atlantic Forum – Building Resilient Communities: Innovation, Culture and Governance in Place (www.pei2015.crrf.ca). Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada. September 14-16th.

2014 Steering committee 8. Ráðstefnan um íslenska þjóðfélagið. [8th conference on Icelandic society] Hólar í Hjaltadal, May 14-15th

2013 Steering committee Rural Tourism: Challenges in Changing Times (www.naf2013.holar.is). Held in Hólar, Iceland in partnership with Rural Tourism Department of Holar University College, Iceland. June 2013.

2008 Academic committee: Journeys of Expression VII: Celebrating the Edges of the World: Celebrating the edges of the world: Tourism and festivals of the coast and sea. Reykjavík, February 2008.

2001 Undirbúningsnefnd norrænu ráðstefnunnar Slöjden - Idealen om ett bra liv ?, NordFo, Reykjavík 8.-13. November.[Steering committee Sloyd, the good life ideal? Nordic conference]

2001 Undirbúningsnefnd ráðstefnunnar Menningarlandið, Menntamálaráðuneytið, Byggðastofnun og Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga, Seyðisfjörður 14.-15. May.[Steering committee, Culture country, , Regional Institute, Ministry of culture and education, Federation of Icelandic Municipalities]

1998 Undirbúningsnefnd alþjóðlegrar ráðstefnu Skólaþróun og listir í Háskólabíó, 4.-5. June.[Steering committee for the Educational reform and arts conference]

Public service

2010-2013 Chair of the Northwest region innovation and development fund, appointed by the minister of Industries and innovation.

2009-2013 Representing Iceland on the Regional Advisory Group Northern Periphery Programme, appointed by the minister of trades and industries.

2006- 2010 Chair of the Skagafjörður municipality standing committee for culture.

2006- 2010 Chair of the Northwest Iceland Culture Council.

2006-2009 Hólar University College representative on the board of Continuing Education North West Region, Skagafjörður. 

2004 Founding group for the establishment of The Guðbrandur Þorláksson Institute, by Hólar University College, University of Iceland and the Hólar Bishop´s See. Appointed by rector

2003-2004 Founding group for the establishment of the Icelandic Textile Center, in Blönduós, appointed by rector.

2003-2005 Board member Sverrir Hermannsson museum of small things, Eyjafjarðarsveit, appointed by rector.

2000 Regional Institute representative to the Ministry of Education taskforce on culture in rural areas. 

Publications in Cristin