Academic Staff Research Articles

Digital literacy education for UK undergraduate pharmacy students: a mixed-methods study.

Digital literacy is increasingly crucial in pharmacy practice, and relevant education and training are required to prepare the future workforce. This study aims to explore the current and planned inclusion of digital literacy education in the undergraduate curricula of UK pharmacy schools. A mixed-methods approach was conducted with two phases. The first involved a content analysis of published curricula from all 30 UK pharmacy schools. The second phase included a survey based on the Health Education England Digital Capabilities Framework, distributed to academic staff across all pharmacy schools. Data from 14 pharmacy schools' curricula were included in the analysis, with 10 reporting digital literacy education. Key themes identified from the analysed documents included understanding of health informatics, applied informatics, information technology skills, and the emerging digital health technology. Nineteen respondents from 16 schools participated in the survey; digital literacy inclusion was reported by 18 participants. There was variable alignment of digital literacy competencies with the Health Education England framework. Digital literacy was mainly integrated into existing teaching sessions, predominantly through self-learning (n = 12). Electronic Health Records and remote counselling were the main focus areas within the curricula. Challenges in implementing digital literacy include a lack of expertise (n = 13), and time constraints (n = 10). The trend towards embedding digital literacy in UK pharmacy curricula is clear, but disparities suggest the need for a more unified strategy. Recommendations include establishing a specific digital literacy framework aligned with professional needs, improving accessibility and transparency in curricula documents, and investing in faculty development.

Structural equation modeling analysis of health belief model-based determinants of COVID-19 preventive behavior of academic staff: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionDespite COVID-19 being highly contagious and spreading to several countries, the university community has overlooked prevention measures. For more than five decades, the Health Belief Model (HBM) has been a widely used conceptual framework in health behavior. structural equation modeling(SEM) analysis is an advanced statistical method capable of rectifying failures of the basic models and showing complex relations Thus this study aimed to determine the magnitude of COVID-19 prevention behavior and identify its associated factors using HBM and SEM analysis.MethodAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among academic staff of the University of Gondar in Ethiopia from April 10 to May 10/2021. Daniel Soper’s sample size calculator was used to determine the sample size. Proportional allocation to each campus followed by a simple random sampling technique was employed to select study subjects. A pre-tested, structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Structural equation modeling analysis was employed to show the relationship between health belief model constructs and their effect on preventive behavior.ResultA total of 602 academic staff participated. The magnitude of good COVID-19 preventive behavior was 24.8%. The HBM explained 55% of the variance in preventive behavior. Perceived barriers (β = -0.37, p < 0.05), self-efficacy (β = 0.32, p < 0.05), perceived susceptibility (β = 0.23, p < 0.05), and perceived benefit (β = 0.16, p < 0.05) were the direct significant predictors of COVID 19 prevention behavior.Conclusiononly a quarter of the academic staff have good COVID-19 preventive behavior. The HBM explained a great amount of variance in preventive behavior and Perceived barriers, benefits, susceptibility, and self-efficacy significantly associated with prevention behavior. Carefully planned intervention that considers those significant perceptions should be designed and implemented to raise COVID-19 prevention behavior.

Critical thinking, assessment, and educational policy in Palestinian universities

This study examines the relationship between critical thinking and grades at the tertiary level, focusing on their social, political, and ethical implications. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study combines survey data collection with in-depth interviews to generate comprehensive insights into the complex relationship between critical thinking and grades. The survey targets 173 faculty members, while the interviews focus on seven selected academic staff members from Palestinian universities, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the research objectives. Results showed that grades often hinder critical thinking skills and creativity, leading to rote memorization and limited creativity. The study also highlights the political implications of grades, as standardized testing influences education policies and curriculum decisions. Faculty members expressed criticism of the prioritization of grades, citing conventional evaluation methods, temporal limitations, and resource constraints. As critical thinking is crucial for comprehensive student development, contributing to problem-solving, decision-making, creativity, innovation, effective communication, and active citizenship, the study proposes diverse approaches to strike a balance between valuing grades and nurturing critical thinking abilities. By fostering critical thinking abilities, Palestinian students can enhance their preparedness for academic pursuits, personal growth, and societal contributions.

Inclusion in Ukrainian universities from an inside perspective

This study investigates the state of inclusivity in Ukrainian universities, focusing on the perceptions of university staff amid the country's ongoing sociopolitical transformations. Here we report on the perceptions of 820 staff members from various professional roles, including academic, management, and support positions, this research explored inclusivity through diverse lenses, encompassing work experience, interactions with students with disabilities, and self-identification with vulnerable groups. Most respondents assessed a moderate to high level of inclusivity, indicating a positive overall outlook on inclusive practices within these institutions. Notably, perceptions of inclusivity vary slightly across different professional roles, with academic staff expressing a marginally lower level of perceived inclusivity than their counterparts. However, these variations are not statistically significant, suggesting a uniform perception across staff categories. Furthermore, the study revealed that personal experience in working with students with disabilities does not substantially alter staff perceptions of inclusivity. Similarly, self-identification with vulnerable groups only marginally influences these perceptions. This suggests that while individual experiences and identities are factors in inclusivity perceptions, their impact is not profoundly different. This research contributes to understanding inclusivity in higher education, particularly within environments undergoing significant social and political changes.

Echoes of Stress: Maternal psychological distress in the intersection of work and pregnancy within Pakistani higher education

Pregnancy involves a diverse set of physical and emotional challenges for women, and these challenges are intensified further for working women. Domestic and professional roles for working women pose severe impediments in antenatal phases. The present study aimed to explore the experiences of antenatal women working in an academic setting in Pakistan, with a focus on the challenges posed during pregnancy. Methodology: A qualitative analysis was conducted through interviews with three academic staff members. This approach provided key themes regarding the challenges faced by these women during pregnancy. Results: The analysis revealed several key themes. Absence of Inclusive Infrastructure and Administrative Support: This contributes to a heightened glass ceiling effect. Ergonomic Concerns: Physical fatigue from moving within the campus area, coupled with a lack of medical facilities, intensifies psychological distress, posing severe challenges for improved maternal well-being. Ambiguous and Discriminatory Workplace Policies and Attitudes: These further contribute to emotional stress for these women. Conclusions: This research highlights the need for a persistent and comprehensive organizational structure that includes inclusive policies, support systems, and flexible scheduling options. Such measures are necessary to address the multilayered nature of stress encountered during the antenatal period by working women, thereby fostering a conducive and holistic work environment.

Exploring the Impact of Experience, Department, and Course on the Perception of the Internationalization of Curriculum (IoC) Among Staff at UTAS-Salalah

The internationalization of Curriculum (IoC) is a significant aspect of higher education to prepare graduates for a globalized world. This study explores academic staff perceptions of IoC at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Salalah (UTAS) in Sultanate of Oman, addressing a gap in the literature on IoC in non-Western contexts. Furthermore, the study explores the perspectives of academic staff regarding the implementation of IoC at different levels within the institution, department, and courses. Not only this, it also explores how these perspectives may vary based on the number of years of experience, as well as the differences in perceptions among different departments. Additionally, the study explores the perceptions of academic staff regarding the three fundamental levels of IoC, namely awareness, competence, and expertise. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among all academic staff at UTAS. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVAs, and paired t-tests. Results revealed that perceptions of IoC did not vary significantly based on years of experience or across departments. However, perceptions varied significantly across the three core levels, with expertise rated highest and awareness lowest. Strengths and weaknesses were identified within each level. This study contributes to the understanding of IoC in non-Western settings and informs institutional policies and practices. A holistic and contextually sensitive approach is needed, involving staff development, institutional support, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Finally, the findings represent a significant step towards a more inclusive understanding of IoC in the Omani context and beyond.

Should academic staff be the arbiters of peace in the classroom when the war rages outside? Gatekeepers of a national conflict in higher education

Should academic staff be the arbiters of peace in the classroom when the war rages outside? Gatekeepers of a national conflict in higher education

Participation for protection: New perspectives on the value of young people’s involvement in research addressing sexual violence

Within our research to address sexual violence, we have developed an approach supporting collaboration between young people and academic staff called YRAP (Young Researchers Advisory Panel). YRAP exists to support young people’s influence in research addressing sexual violence – both in our university and beyond. In this article, current and former YRAP members, as well as current and former academic supporting staff, reflect on our experiences and learning. We also highlight the importance of finding new ways to explain the value and contribution of our work through the development of an infographic and model called Participation as Protection.

Excellent Service with the 3A Concept (Attitude, Attention, Action) at LPPP State University of Malang

This research aims to obtain information about excellent service with the concept of Attitude, Attention, and Action carried out at the Malang State University Education and Learning Development Institute (LPPP UM) office. The research method used is descriptive qualitative. Data collection was carried out through interviews with educational staff, observation, and documentation. The data obtained were analyzed using the Miles &amp; Huberman model. The results showed that excellent service carried out by academic staff at LPPP UM has implemented the 3A concept well. Excellent service provided with the idea of Attitude has three main things, namely a polite and physically harmonious appearance, serving with a positive and logical attitude, and serving with an attitude of respect. Excellent service with the concept of Attention also has three main things, understanding sincerely, respecting behavior, and devoting full attention to guests. Excellent service with the Action concept has five main things, including always noting what guests want, recording guest needs, confirming and summarizing guest needs, trying to realize guest wishes as expected, and thanking guests.

The Alignment of Accounting Curriculum with Market Requirements: The Iraqi Case

This research investigates the alignment between Iraqi university accounting courses and industry demands to enhance the standard and relevance of accounting education. The primary research method was a questionnaire, aiming to understand how well accounting courses at Iraqi institutions meet market requirements. The study's methodology comprised two parts: examining the current accounting curriculum and conducting a follow-up survey using diverse sources and analytical techniques. A total of 350 surveys were distributed to academics and employers, yielding 87 responses from academic staff and 102 valid responses from employers. The study analyzed the latest accounting curriculum, demographic data, relevance ratings for courses, and assessments of essential work skills using SPSS software. Results revealed diverse demographics, with significant responses from academics (58%) and employers (51%). Findings indicate both convergence and divergence in the perceived importance of specific accounting courses, suggesting gaps between theoretical concepts and practical applications. The report underscores the need to align Iraq's accounting curriculum with business needs. Recommendations include systematic curriculum assessments, increased industry-academia collaboration, continual professional development for educators, and a broader focus on skills. This study provides evidence-based suggestions for improving accounting education in Iraq to meet evolving market demands.

Challenges with measures used for assessing research impact in higher education institutions

Internationally, there has been a push for the prioritisation of research impact beyond its scholarly contribution. Traditionally, research impact assessments have focused on academic impact and quantitative measures, at the expense of researchers for whom research impact cannot be quantified. Bibliometric indicators and other quantitative measures are still the most widely used method for evaluating research impact because these measures are easy to use and provide a quick solution for evaluators. Conversely, metric indicators fail to capture important dimensions of high-quality research. Hence, in this study, we explored challenges with metric indicators. We adopted a case study of the University of Cape Town and used document analysis, a questionnaire survey to collect data from academics and researchers, as well as semi-structured interviews with a sample of academic and research staff. The findings highlight common challenges with quantitative measures, such as bias and discipline coverage, and the ability of measures to drive researchers’ behaviour in another direction. We propose the adoption of responsible research metrics and assessment in South African higher education institutions for more inclusive and equitable research impact assessments.

The identity of clinical associates in psychology: a cross sectional, national survey

BackgroundThe Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP) is a new psychological profession within the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. This paper considers the processes developing the CAPs’ professional identity, specifically how their roles are embedded within services.MethodsThis study utilised an online survey of CAPs and all academic, clinical and managerial staff involved with CAPs. An inductive thematic analysis was undertaken.ResultsA total of 164 participants responded to the survey. Five themes were identified: Widening Access to Psychology, Workforce Development, Navigating the Unfamiliar, Trained [Master’s level] Professionals and An Emerging Ethos. In addition, key skills and unique contributions from CAPs were identified.ConclusionsA clear professional identity is emerging, with CAPs depicted as offering versatile interventions in diverse health care settings, fostering a positive and encouraging integration of psychological expertise into the healthcare service. The study highlights areas for development to facilitate the growth and advancement of the role within the psychological workforce.

Mental health content in the physiotherapy undergraduate curriculum in South Africa.

Knowledge about mental health in physiotherapy practice is essential as mental health can impact physical health. Little is known about the mental health content in the South African physiotherapy undergraduate programme. Our study explored the mental health content in the undergraduate physiotherapy programme at eight universities and the perceptions of academic staff at an identified training institution in South Africa and stakeholders about the relevance of mental health in the undergraduate physiotherapy programme. Our study employed a concurrent-mixed method design, which consisted of: (1) the administration of a survey to academic leaders or lecturers undertaking mental health teaching at universities and (2) an online interview that included stakeholders and a focus group to gauge perceptions of academic staff at an identified institution in South Africa. Seven of eight universities participated in our study. All the universities had a psychology module and agreed that it is crucial to have mental health content in the curriculum. There is diversity in the mental health content between the universities. There is a need for consistency in the mental health content at all universities to ensure that all students receive the same skill set to have an impact on the quality of care. There is a need to include mental health content at universities offering theoretical and practical undergraduate programmes.

Restorative Quality Assessment of Academic - An Islamic Motivation for Circular Nation-Building

A circular nation-building initiative emphasising zero-dysfunctionality is an urgent step to restore national education. The nose-diving performance in the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment, PISA 2022, is a wake-up call to power up the people manning the education sector. The study analysed and identified the alarming situations signalling the urgent need for rectification based on the empirical data acquired over 30 years. The analysis points to evidence of fake claims of performance in academia as the main hub of human resource development and the primary factor that shadows the loopholes of education quality. Springboarding from there, the study recommends steps for the betterment of the sector. Qualitative assessment of academic staff via restorative assessment (RES-Q) measure assimilating the functional from the dysfunctional academics is the identified first step. Functionality, in this regard, is defined by the functions aligned to the fulfilment of national needs. Local universities' declining popularity prompted RES-Q map construction for root cause-to-solution to uplift the education sector. Detailing educator assessment needs leads to RES-Q inquisitive analysis to detect and fix issues without derailing from the national strategic alignment (NSA). Deploying RES-Q today should empower educators and in turn, revive learners’ interests in tertiary education. Through the corrected cycle of critical mass, the reshuffling of academics based on their dominant strengths must be pursued. The talent appropriation strategy is commensurate with the gratefulness in Islamic morality that simultaneously forbids the waste of resources.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors of Academic and Administrative Staff at Izmir Bakırçay University towards Rational Drug Use

Objective: It is aimed to evaluate the knowledge level and behaviors of university staff about rational drug use, and to create literature on intervention studies. Materials and Methods: The descriptive study was carried out online among the academic and administrative staff of İzmir Bakırçay University. Its population consists of 308 university personnel and the sample was not selected. A 20-question questionnaire and a 21-item Rational Drug Use Scale were sent to all personnel who accepted the study, and 219 personnel (71.1%) participated. Independent variables, sociodemographic characteristics and substance use habits are the dependent variable scale score. SPSS 20.0 statistical package program was used. Descriptive statistics, number and percentage distributions, differences between groups were evaluated with Chi-Square and Fisher's exact tests. Results: 89.9% of the participants had good knowledge of rational drug use, and their average score was 38.4±3.5. The level of knowledge of women, academic staff and participants aged 40 and over is higher (p=0.015). Conclusion: Academic staff and female employees aged 40 and over have higher RHR knowledge levels. In order to gain Rational Drug Use behavior, both health professionals and the society should be provided with extensive training opportunities and drug policies should be developed.

The Role of HRM Functions in the Sustainable Performance of Pakistani Private Schools: A Post-Pandemic Status Quo Analysis

The following quantitative study assess the role of HRM functions to drive the sustainable performance within the Pakistani private schools in the post-pandemic context. The COVID-19 pandemic has been able to fundamentally disrupt the educational decorum worldwide, forcing the schools to possibly adapt towards unprecedented issues. In this study, we investigate the ways in which HRM operations—including hiring and selection, training and development, performance reviews, and staff retention—have bolstered Pakistani private schools' resilience and long-term viability. Data was gathered from a representative sample of HR staff members, teachers, and administrators at private schools using a survey-based methodology. The association between HRM practices and sustainable school performance was determined by statistically analyzing the data with an emphasis on academic quality, staff well-being, and operational continuity. The findings of the study reveal that effective HRM practices have played an important role to mitigate the negative influences of the pandemic, specifically through the strategic workforce planning, employee engagement, and professional development. Schools which adapted towards a proactive HRM approach exhibiting higher employee retention levels, rectified academic outcomes and job satisfaction in comparison to those with relatively less structured HR functions. The study presents that investment within the strong HRM functions is important to assure the sustainable performance of the educational institutions for the future crises. The research in consideration provides actionable insights related to the policymakers and school administrators to strengthen the HRM frameworks to increase the long-term viability of the private educational institutions in Pakistan.

LIBRARIANS’ PERCEPTION ON THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AS A TOOL FOR INFORMATION SERVICE PROVISION IN KASHIM IBRAHIM LIBRARY, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA

Social media have become an indispensable and current trend of communication in the modern era today, as a result of this, academic libraries adopt social media such as Facebook, X (formally Twitter), YouTube, and Flickr for effective and efficient information services provision in the 21st century. The study investigates the librarians’ perception on the use of social media (SM) as a tool for information service provision in Kashim Ibrahim Library, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. A total number of 91 copies of the questionnaire were administered to the respondents and a total of 85 were returned and found useful for the study. All data were categorized and analysed using tables, frequency, and simple percentage were used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that SM are used to render various library services. However, the major challenges faced by the academic library staff when using SM for information services provision include inadequate power supply, inadequate bandwidth, security privacy and copyright issues, high cost of Internet services. The study recommended that the academic librarians should be encouraged in the use of SM to develop their skills in information services provision.

Relationship between perceptions of service quality on students' satisfaction: A case study of Myanmar commercial university (MCU)

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between perceptions of service quality on students' satisfaction, A case study of Myanmar Commercial University (MCU). In the SERVQUAL model of service quality, five factors were used for this study: tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy. The target population is 343 students from online classes who actively enrolled during the academic session of half-year of 2022 in Myanmar Commercial University (MCU). A sample of 185 students was selected using the simple random sampling method. According to the findings of the study, all five dimensions of the SERVQUAL model. This indicates that students are strongly satisfied with the service provided to them; hence; their perception is good. Myanmar Commercial University (MCU) must train both academic and non-academic staff to possess the organization's knowledge and to be courteous and friendly with students at all times. Myanmar Commercial University (MCU) should provide prompt service, and extra priority must also be given to service-related problems.

Influence of Job Burnout on Employee Performance Among Academic Staff Of Tertiary Institutions In Ekiti State, Nigeria

The study examined the influence of job burnout on employee performance among academic staff of tertiary institutions in Ekiti State. Specifically, the study investigated the influence of emotional exhaustion; examined the influence of depersonalization and determined the influence of personal accomplishment on employee performance among academic staff of tertiary institutions in Ekiti State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised academic staff of tertiary institutions in Ekiti State. The sample size was 344 respondents and was determined through Yamani sampling model. Primary data used for the study were gathered through the administration of structured questionnaire. Data gathered were analyzed using multiple regression. The result showed that emotional exhaustion has significant effect on employee productivity (t=3.454, t= 2.776 and t=-2.910, p&lt;0.05); It further showed that depersonalization has significant effect on employee performance (t=1.397, t=3.314 and t=2.697, p&lt;0.05); Furthermore, it showed that personal accomplishment has significant effect on employee performance (t=4.054, t=4.452, and t= 5.086, p&lt;0.05). The study concluded that all the constructs (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment) of the explanatory variables were significantly related to employee performance among academic staff of tertiary institutions in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Keyword: Depersonalization, Emotional Exhaustion, Employee, Performance, Job Burnout, Personal Accomplishment. Proceedings Citation Format Faleye, O.C. &amp; Adelugba, I.A. (2024): Influence of Job Burnout on Employee Performance Among Academic Staff Of Tertiary Institutions In Ekiti State, Nigeria. Proceedings of the 38th iSTEAMS Multidisciplinary Bespoke Conference. 15th–19th July, 2024. University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. Pp 143-162. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/ACCRABESPOKE2024P15

THE ROLE OF PERSON-ORGANIZATION FIT IN THE EFFECT OF INTRA-ORGANIZATIONAL POLITICAL BEHAVIOR ON WORK ALIENATION

The purpose of this research is to determine the role of person-organization fit in the effect of the perception of intra-organizational political behavior on work alienation of academics working in higher education institutions where tourism education is provided. In this regard, the research population consisted of academic staff working in faculties, colleges, and vocational schools of state and foundation universities in Turkey where tourism education is given. In this context, data were obtained from 385 academics by applying online and face-to-face questionnaires. AMOS program was used to test the measurement model, and PROCESS Macro was used to test the hypotheses. The study determined that intra-organizational political behavior had a significant and positive effect on work alienation. However, the moderating role of person-organization fit in this relationship is not significant.