Effective advising: How does academic advising influence student learning outcomes in higher education institutions in Oman?

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of the academic advising system in higher education institutions in Oman, with an emphasis on the College of Banking and Financial Studies in Muscat. The study adopted a sequential mixed approach (SMA), combining qualitative and quantitative methods. A structured questionnaire involving 128 advisees, in addition to in-depth interviews with three advisors, have been employed in the data collection. The study used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and non-parametric tests of chi-square and Spearman rank correlation to conclude that advisee-induced factors as well as advisor-induced factors have an influential impact on the effectiveness of the academic advising process. Furthermore, the study established a positive link between advisee performance and satisfaction with academic advising. The implications of the factors influencing the academic advising process were discussed, and some recommendations were made to enhance the effectiveness of academic advising in higher education institutions in Oman.