Academic Quality Research Articles

STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES ON THE MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF CAMPUS AUTONOMY IN TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY NEPAL: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

Purpose: This study investigates stakeholder perspectives on the implementation of campus autonomy at Tribhuvan University. It aims to explore how stakeholders perceive campus autonomy, identify opportunities and challenges associated with it, and examine its benefits and drawbacks. Methodology: The study is based on a qualitative research method utilizing thematic analysis. It focuses on four main themes: structural challenges, institutional sustainability, governance and accountability, and collaboration and coordination. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, and thematic analysis was employed to extract valuable insights from stakeholders. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal the complexities involved in autonomy implementation. It highlights the significance of strategic planning, capacity development, addressing disparities, upholding academic freedom, maintaining coordination, and striking a balance between autonomy and accountability to foster innovation and enhance educational outcomes. Conclusion: Implementing campus autonomy in Nepal's higher education system requires careful planning, capacity-building, good governance and accountability, and fostering collaboration and coordination to address challenges and stimulate innovation. Implication: The research provides valuable insights to stakeholders for improved decision-making, academic quality, governance, innovation, stakeholder engagement, and policy recommendations in developing a high-quality higher education system. Originality/Value: The research's originality lies in aligning its implementation with stakeholders' expectations for quality development in higher education through campus autonomy. Stakeholder insights and opinions offer valuable understanding of campus autonomy, including its benefits, challenges, and potential implications. These insights inform decision-makers and policymakers, aiding their efforts to enhance campus autonomy and improve educational systems.

Proposal of a Course-Classification Support System Using Deep Learning and its Evaluation When Combined with Reinforcement Learning

The National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE) awards academic degrees based on credit accumulation. These credits must be classified according to predetermined criteria for the selected disciplinary fields. This study was conducted by subcommittees within the Committee for Validation and Examination of Degrees, the members of which should be well-versed in the syllabus of each course to ensure appropriate classification. The number of applicants has been increasing annually, and thus, a course-classification system supported by information technology is strongly desired. We proposed a course-classification support system (CCS) and an active CCS system for awarding degrees in NIAD-QE. In contrast, in this study, we construct a CCS using deep learning, which has been significantly developed in recent years. We also propose a method “CLCNNwithXoL” combined with the reinforcement learning method. We evaluate its effectiveness using the data submitted.

Kontribusi kompetensi guru terhadap kualitas layanan akademik di MAN se-Kabupaten Kulon Progo

Purpose − The aim of the study was to determine the contribution of educator competencies to academic service quality, to know the contribution of pedagogic competence to academic service quality, to know the personality competency contribution to service quality, to know the contribution of professional competence to academic service quality, and to contribute social competence to academic service quality in MAN Kulon Progo Regency.
 Method − This type of research is quantitative research. The variables of this study are pedagogical, personality, social, professional, and academic service quality competencies. The population in this study were 134 teachers. The sample of this study was 100 respondents, taken proportionally random sampling with an error rate of 5%. The data collection technique uses a questionnaire. The analysis uses multiple linear regression.
 Findings − Conclusion of the study: teacher competence contributes positively to academic service quality, meaning that the higher the competency of the teacher, the higher the quality of academic services. Pedagogic competence contributes positively to the quality of academic services, meaning that the higher the pedagogical competence, the higher the quality of academic services. Personality competencies contribute positively to academic service quality, meaning that the higher the personality competency, the higher the quality of academic services. Professional competence contributes positively to academic service quality, meaning that the higher the professional competence, the higher the quality of service for the academy. Social competence contributes positively to academic service quality, meaning that the higher the social competence, the higher the quality of academic services.

Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Medical Students due to Prolonged Sitting

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition among medical students, attributed to their sedentary lifestyle and prolonged periods of sitting due to the demanding nature of medical education. This health concern not only affects their academic performance and quality of life but also has implications for their future professional practice in healthcare. Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence and severity of low back pain among medical students at Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore, and to assess its impact on their daily functioning and academic activities. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months, involving 169 medical students aged 18-25 years from various programs (DPT, MBBS, BDS, Pharm-D). Participants were selected through stratified random sampling. The study utilized the Oswestry Disability Index and the Visual Analog Scale to measure the severity of LBP and its impact on daily activities. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Out of 169 participants, 56.8% reported experiencing LBP. Among those with LBP, 69.8% described their pain as mild, 27.1% as moderate, and 3.1% as severe. Regarding disability, 63.5% of the affected students reported minimal disability, 25% moderate disability, 7.3% severe disability, and 4% were crippled. The study highlighted a significant correlation between prolonged sitting and the incidence of LBP among medical students. Conclusion: The high prevalence of low back pain among medical students at Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College indicates a need for targeted interventions. These include ergonomic adjustments, promotion of physical activity, and incorporation of musculoskeletal health education into medical curricula. Addressing these factors is essential for improving the health and academic performance of medical students and preparing them for healthier professional practices.

Pedagogical Management: The Key to Enhancing Academic Performance and Educational Quality

The purpose of this research is to determine the significance of pedagogical management (PM) in the teaching practice of instructors and the relationship between it and students' academic achievement. 23 scholarly papers were reviewed bibliographically in order to perform the investigation. The findings show a strong correlation between high-quality instruction and efficient pedagogical administration. It highlights that the instructor is the change agent in this process and that the student's educational transformation depends on their own personal growth. The conclusion highlights the significance of PM as a crucial component in obtaining quality education and emphasizes how the quality of the teaching process reflects on the quality of education. The present study holds significant value for the educational sector because it emphasizes the necessity of concentrating improvement efforts on teacher preparation and classroom management skills. These have been identified as critical points, particularly in higher education, where a pedagogical management crisis has been identified

The model of joint integrative and organisational activity of the pedagogical department and a university resource and methodological centre

Relevance. The relevance of the study is conditioned by the fact that the general logic of building a university management model in accordance with the long-term practice of various institutions is based on the conditions of a market economy, civil society, and democratic and political systems. It defines an integrative way of thinking about the cultural and social functions of universities. Purpose. The purpose of the study is to consider a model of joint integrative and organisational activity of the pedagogical department and the resource and methodological centre of the university. Methodology. The study utilized institutional, process, and scenario approaches to examine the joint activities of the pedagogical department and university resource-methodological center. Results. The model of joint integrative and organizational activity of the pedagogical department and the university resource-methodological center aims to improve teaching quality, support scientific development, and disseminate pedagogical knowledge. This model emphasizes strategic management, interdisciplinary research, and cooperation with both academic and socio-economic partners. It promotes the integration of faculty staff, provides opportunities for student development, and enhances the competitiveness of graduates in the labor market. Conclusions. The joint model of the pedagogical department and university resource center fosters a competitive, adaptable institution responsive to societal and scientific changes. This approach underscores education's role in social development and advocates for increased collaboration to improve academic quality and community integration. Keywords: universities; higher education; strategies; concepts, integration

Heterogeneous university research and firm R&D location decisions: research orientation, academic quality, and investment type

Universities play an important role in regional development and innovation and engage with the industry through various channels. In this paper, we examine the role of heterogeneous characteristics of university research, in particular universities’ orientation towards basic or applied research and the quality of this research, in attracting firms’ R&D investment. We analyze the location decisions in the United States by foreign multinational firms at the level of metropolitan areas. We contrast research and development projects and explore whether they are driven by different factors. We find that the drivers of location choice differ importantly as a consequence of the type of the focal R&D investment of the firm. Universities with an orientation towards applied scientific research and exhibiting higher academic quality of applied research attract more R&D investment focusing on development activities. In contrast, firms’ investments in research activities are attracted by the academic quality of basic scientific research of local universities. Hence, increased university emphasis on academic engagement and applied research may have negative consequences for industrial research in the region.

Analisis Akuntabilitas Kinerja Sekolah dari Perspektif Teori Pemangku Kepentingan

This research explains on how a school accounts for its performance due to to comply its accountability to its stakeholders. Meanwhile, the purpose of this study is to enrich stakeholder theory discourse on the application of performance measurement in schools. This is a case study research by using qualitative approach. A private high school in the East Jakarta to be a case. Data is collected through documentation and interviews with the principal, two vice principals and an officer of school public relations. This study finds (1) the stakeholders of private school consist of the government, the school foundation, and parents. (2) The school conducts performance measurement as a tool for complying school’s accountability. (3) School prepares some reports in term of learning resources, financial resources, and asset management to report school’s performance for its stakeholders. (4) As school managing the three types of resources, it creates value, namely the excellent level of students’ academic and non-academic quality. This paper concludes that using performance measurement and report it to its stakeholder for complying accountability is a form of school’s interaction with stakeholders. This relationship is significant for school to attain its value in delivering education service.

Examining university performance and services through discriminant analysis across faculties and college affiliations: A comprehensive mapping of the student experience

Today, there is a greater focus on worldwide academic excellence and quality of education. The industry can be more selective nowadays because there is a wide range of graduates due to a variety of institutions offering many qualifications of different standards and quality. For a higher education institution to be successful, quality of performance and services needs to be ensured and delivered. In this paper, discriminant analysis was used as a means of analyzing the effect of 18 variables upon the dependent variable university’s faculty performance and services which the respondent is affiliated. The study revealed that the student’s overall health had the lowest Wilk’s Lambda value of .930 and the largest Mahalanobis D 2 and significance values of .034 and .001, respectively. In the final model-building, health, inclusive access, and internet accessibility emerge as principal determinants influencing students' engagement with the performance and services of the university. The discriminant analysis can aid educational institutions in identifying their strengths and weaknesses concerning these factors, enabling them to formulate plans for enhancing their performance and services.

The first national subject benchmark statement for UK higher education in policing: the importance of effective partnership and collaboration

PurposeThe Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education in the UK focuses on maintaining, enhancing and standardising the quality of higher education. Of significant impact are the development of subject benchmark statements (SBS) by the QAA, which describe the type and content of study along with the academic standards expected of graduates in specific disciplines. Prior to 2022, the QAA did not have a SBS to which higher education policing programmes could be directly aligned.Design/methodology/approachOver 12-months, a SBS advisory group with representatives from higher education across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, The College of Policing, QAA, Police Federation of England and Wales and policing, worked in partnership to harness their collective professional experience and knowledge to create the first UK SBS for policing. Post publication of the SBS, permission was sought and granted from both the College of Policing and QAA for members of the advisory group to reflect in an article on their experiences of collaborating and working in partnership to achieve the SBS.FindingsThere is great importance of creating a shared vision and mutual trust, developed through open facilitated discussions, with representatives championing their cause and developing a collaborative and partnership approach to completing the SBS.Practical implicationsA collaborative and partnership approach is essential in developing and recognising the academic discipline of policing. This necessarily requires the joint development of initiatives, one of which is the coming together of higher education institutions, PSRBs and practitioner groups to collaborate and design QAA benchmark statements.Social implicationsThe SBS advisory group has further driven forward the emergence of policing as a recognised academic discipline to benefit multiple stakeholders.Originality/valueThe SBS for policing is the first across the UK. The authors experiences can be used to assist others in their developments of similar subject specific benchmarking or academic quality standards.

Implementation of Data Mining to Predict Student Study Period with Decision Tree Algorithm (C4.5)

Graduating on time is what every student wants to accomplish in college. Students of Prof. Dr. Hamka Muhammadiyah University are one of those who have this dream. Based on 2020 graduates data from the Tracer Study, 60% said the university had a high enough impact on improving competence. This data indicates that university needs to evaluate improvement of academic quality. Often, students have difficulty finding information about important factors that support achieving timely graduation. A prediction analysis is needed to provide information about the student's graduation study period. For this analysis, data mining is implemented using the classification function of the decision tree (C4.5) algorithm with RapidMiner tools. The methodology for implementing data mining follows the stages of Knowledge Discovery In Database (KDD), beginning with data collection, preprocessing, transformation, data mining, and evaluation. The research findings consist of visualization and decision tree rules that reveal GPA as the most influential factor in determining a student's study period.There is other information, namely, students graduated on time (less than equal to 4 years) amounted to 170 or 54.5% and students did not graduate on time (more than 4 years) amounted to 142 or 45.6%. Testing the performance of decision tree (C4.5) utilizing confusion matrix through RapidMiner tools, resulted in accuracy reaching 83.87%, with precision of 87.50% and recall of 91.18%. Provides evidence that the decision tree algorithm (C4.5) has optimal performance to provide valuable information about predicting student graduation in order to increase student enrollment with the right study period.

Evaluation of the Quality of Academic Programs from the Perspective of Students in the College of Arts and Social Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University

Objectives: This study assesses the quality of academic programs in the College of Arts and Social Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University from the students' perspective. It examines variations in perceived program quality among the college's scientific departments.
 Methods: The study employs a descriptive survey approach, utilizing a questionnaire with 48 items across five dimensions to gauge the quality of academic program performance from the perspective of first-stage undergraduate students. A five-point Likert scale measures students' attitudes. The study population comprises all first-stage undergraduate students with a minimum of 75 credited hours across various programs, totaling 761 students for the spring semester of 2020. It consists of 336 students.
 Results: The overall evaluation of the quality of academic programs in the college, from the students' perspective, was rated as "moderate." It revealed that the quality levels of academic programs in the departments of Media, Arabic Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, and Geography were higher than the remaining departments: History, Information Studies, Tourism, Music, and Musicology. It identified significant differences in response means across all dimensions of academic program quality based on scientific department. No statistically significant differences were found in student responses across quality dimensions when considering the variable of gender.
 Conclusions: The study suggests implementing targeted programs in scientific departments to maximize the advantages of academic accreditation and improve academic program quality. It also recommends creating effective monitoring programs to address feedback from accreditation bodies and international evaluators, focusing on identifying strengths, weaknesses, and optimal methods for enhancement.

ANALISIS KECENDRUNGAN METODE PENELITIAN TESIS MAHASISWA DI PROGRAM STUDI MAGISTER MANAJEMEN PENDIDIKAN UNIVERSITAS JAMBI

The need for a research methodology is not without reason because conducting research requires a systematic method, where with a research methodology a study can be accounted for because it has a fairly high level of credibility. Research methodology is the basis for a researcher to draw conclusions so that he can find reliable solutions to problems using scientific measurements. Initial observation results show that the research methods for students' theses in the Master of Education Management Study Program vary, but have not been identified so the direction of the trend is not known for certain. Meanwhile, information about trends in research methods and the factors that influence them is important information in curriculum development and the basis for program decision making related to efforts to improve academic quality in the Master of Education Management Study Program at Jambi University. This research aims to determine the trend of methods used by students in the Master of Education Management Study Program and the factors that influence them. The object of the research is the theses of students from the 2021 and 2022 Master of Education Management Study Program. The data was processed using non-test techniques through interviews, questionnaires and documentation, and then analyzed descriptively qualitatively. The research results show that: 1) The research methods for students' theses at the Master of Education Management Study Program at Jambi University vary, including qualitative methods (case studies, document studies, centralized interviews, phenomenology) and quantitative methods (surveys); 2) The factors that determine a student's choice of research method are: thesis supervisor; competency in student understanding of research objects; and the influence of college friends.

From an Input to an Output: The Discursive Uses of External Research Funding in Academic Career Assessment

AbstractSuccess in the competition for external grants has become an important indicator when progressing in academic careers. Drawing on interview data with academics across various career stages and academic fields at one Finnish university, the study identifies four discourses that elucidate why research grants are deemed significant in advancing an academic career. The findings indicate that it is appealing for universities to use research funding success as an assessment criterion due to its connections to authoritative discourses in higher education and research policy. For example, funding success is seen as a symbol of high academic quality and as a signal of an individual’s ability to thrive in a resource-scarce environment. However, in the context of limited resources for research and the introduction of new societally oriented funding instruments, utilizing funding success as an assessment criterion overlooks academics’ different prerequisites for gaining funding.

Academic Impact and Quality of Life Among Otorhinolaryngology Residents During COVID-19 Pandemic in South India.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a major public health crisis. Residents entered the frontline in triaging and treating COVID-19 patients, working overtime to meet the growing demand. Surgical practice and educational activities were restricted, thus affecting resident training. There was also a great risk to their mental health. Our study aims to assess the academic impact and quality of life including mental health status among year I, year II and year III otorhinolaryngology residents during the pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted among postgraduates and junior residents working in otorhinolaryngology departments in institutions across South India in October 2020. Quality of life, severity of anxiety and depression, and academic impact were assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF, GAD-7, PHQ-8 and Academic impact questionnaires respectively via Google Forms. A total of 303 responses were obtained. Inpatient and outpatient clinical activity were affected irrespective of the year of training. Surgical training was also affected especially among the final-year residents (year III) with a mean score of 4.42. The maximum median WHOQOL-BREF score of 14.66 was found in the social domain and 13.33 in the psychological and social domains in men and women respectively. The majority (43%) of 114 men had mild anxiety, while among women, a slight preponderance (33.9%) of severe anxiety was noted. Most of the residents (75% of men and 66.6% of women) had no symptoms suggestive of depressive disorder, however, 19.3% of the men and 29.6% of the women were found to have major depression. The impact of the pandemic on resident training and mental health has been immense. The study outcome may help residents comprehend and perceive the extent of the same, and explore methods to be equipped and overcome similar circumstances in the future.

A Study on the Academic Quality Compliances for Online Based Examinations at Higher Education Institutions in Kuala Lumpur

In the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, the shift towards online-based examinations has become a prominent feature. This study aims to investigate the academic quality compliances associated with the implementation of online-based examinations in higher education institutions within Kuala Lumpur. The research is motivated by the growing reliance on technology in education and the need to ensure that online assessment methods meet established academic standards. The study adopts a mixed-methods research design, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. A sample of higher education institutions in Kuala Lumpur will be selected to participate in the study, encompassing diverse academic disciplines and varying sizes of institutions. The quantitative phase involves administering surveys to students, faculty members, and administrators, focusing on their experiences, perceptions, and challenges related to online-based examinations. Concurrently, the qualitative phase includes in-depth interviews with key stakeholders to gain deeper insights into the nuances of compliance issues. The research aims to identify the key academic quality compliances pertinent to online-based examinations, considering factors such as security, integrity, fairness, and reliability. Additionally, the study will explore the effectiveness of existing measures and strategies implemented by institutions to address these compliances. Findings from both the quantitative and qualitative analyses will be triangulated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of academic quality compliances in online examinations. The outcomes of this research will contribute valuable insights to higher education institutions, policymakers, and educational technologists. Recommendations for enhancing academic quality in online-based examinations will be proposed, taking into account the unique challenges and opportunities within the educational context of Kuala Lumpur. Ultimately, the study aims to inform the development of robust guidelines and best practices for ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of online-based examinations in higher education institutions.

Self-Reported Preparedness and Factors Influencing AI Tools Integration in Teaching Among Master's Degree Students in a Selected Teachers Education College

Against the backdrop of the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors, its increasing integration in the field of education has garnered attention for its potential to enhance teaching effectiveness and overall academic quality (Rosales et al., 2020; Wartman, 2018; Chassignol et al., 2018; Chen et al., 2020). This study focuses on the self-preparedness of Master’s degree students and the factors influencing the integration of AI tools in teaching practices within a selected Teacher Education college, recognizing the critical role of AI in shaping the future of education (Fitria, 2021). The findings revealed a positive correlation between self-preparedness and various factors, emphasizing Ai’s transformative potential in education. Recommendations include inclusive professional development, gender-responsive training, and ongoing support for educators. Collaborative networks, research and development, policy guidelines for ethical AI use are suggested. The study underscores the need for ongoing research on AI’s long-term impact and cultural influences in education, prioritizing diversity and ethical considerations for effective implementation.

Factors Affecting Students on Enrollment in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs)

Community colleges are vital to the higher education system in Nepal. A Community college can act as a medium of globalization in today’s competitive world. The community college can be a great asset for local community to contribute higher education at local level. It has greater contribution to empower the weaker sections of the society through higher education. But the choice of students towards these higher educational institutions is not satisfactory. Majority of the students staying at Kirtipur enroll in colleges specially located in Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Lalitpur Metropolitan City. So, the purpose of this study is to identify the major factors which are attracting students to enroll in private colleges outside Kirtipur. The study was conducted among 133 students staying in Kirtipur but studying outside Kirtipur Municipality. The result of the study shows academic programs, college fees, educational facilities, quality education and promotion have positive effect on students’ enrollment, location and social factors have no effect on it.

Analítica del aprendizaje utilizando la herramienta digital Canva en la asignatura de Estudios Sociales

Digital teaching resources are facilitators of the teaching-learning process, to which a learning analytics is applied to corroborate their growth assessments in students. The research objective is to apply learning analytics using the digital teaching resource, Canva, for the transformation of academic quality in the subject of Social Studies. A quantitative methodology was used due to the research's purpose, which demonstrates that digital teaching resources improve teaching quality. The theoretical methods employed were the synthetic analytical and the inductive-deductive, while the empirical aspect involved mathematical statistical methods. The key results indicate that activities utilizing Canva as a digital teaching resource led to superior evaluation quality compared to traditional methodology. This improvement is attributed to motivation and the active teaching methods employed with the teaching medium.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF INSTITUTIONAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF OTHER KNOWLEDGE

This document was prepared based on the critical analysis regarding the evaluation process of learning, and the importance of institutional assessment, in the visions of the following authors: 1. ABREU JR, N., with the Article “Systems of Higher Education Evaluation Brazilian” that discerns as the Institutional Assessment, the Brazilian System of Higher Education Evaluation and academic quality; 2. BRANDALISE, MAT, and Article: “Institutional Assessment of School: concepts, contexts and practices”, which focuses on the external Institutional Assessment, Self-assessment of schools, and institutional development; and yet: 3. SOUZA, SMZL, with the Review “Institutional Assessment: elements for discussion”, which discusses the Assessment practices, the design of the school, and the importance of improving the quality of work. Our main goal in producing this paper was to perform a comparative analysis on the critical contributions of Institutional Assessment for planning and management of diverse knowledge, based on the main themes that are presented in the articles and review analyzed. In our methodology, also, we make bibliographical research of others, to enrich our theoretical foundation and preparation of this article.