Change In Higher Education Research Articles

Moving Toward Institutional Culture Change in Higher Education: An Exploration into Cross-functional Professional Learning Communities

Moving Toward Institutional Culture Change in Higher Education: An Exploration into Cross-functional Professional Learning Communities

A Multi-Organizational Network’s Evolving Efforts to Diversify the STEM Professoriate

AbstractMulti-organizational networks are increasingly understood as powerful levers for inducing change in higher education, particularly for fostering more diverse and inclusive organizations. Yet, there is limited scholarship on how these networks successfully change colleges and universities. This case study follows the evolution of one network effort, tracing how its theory of action changed over time. Through a close examination of semi-structured interviews and case-related artifacts, we generated a rich picture of network leadership, learning, and implementation. Future network leaders and funders will find this work useful. Scholars, too, will find that our work responds to numerous calls to examine how data-driven and equity-focused change efforts are successfully sustained in postsecondary education.

Empowering virtual collaboration: harnessing AI for enhanced teamwork in higher education

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought about a significant change in higher education. It has led to the adoption of more digitally advanced and collaborative models. This paper examines the potential of AI in promoting dynamic virtual teamwork and improving the collective experience in the academic world. It discusses how AI tools can be integrated into various sectors of virtual teamwork, such as academic learning, group projects, communication, assessment, research collaboration, administrative efficiency, engagement strategies, and continuous feedback mechanisms. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of AI's role in these areas, showing how AI can personalize learning, facilitate complex group tasks, streamline communication, and provide real-time feedback. Ultimately, this will prepare students for the challenges of the professional world and enhance educational efficacy. The paper evaluates the significance of AI in each sector, offering insights into how higher education institutions can use these technologies to create an environment that fosters advanced virtual collaboration. The paper argues that strategic integration of AI is crucial in equipping students with the necessary skills and competencies for the evolving digital landscape of the 21st century.

Problems and prospects of hybrid learning in higher education

ABSTRACT This study was initiated at a time of unprecedented uncertainty, as lecturers and educational institutions across the world tried to manage the move to online education as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It started with lecturers’ perspectives of their performance during that time to identify innovative teaching strategies beyond the priority of emergency teaching. The main goal was to identify the occurrence of more permanent changes in Higher Education after the pandemic. The research was based on a qualitative approach where faculty members were interviewed about their activities before, during and after lockdown periods. Data collected was analysed with the help of an algorithm based on Artificial Intelligence. Ultimately, it was possible to gather and evaluate practical solutions related to hybrid learning in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, leading to recommendations for stakeholders in Higher Education.

Influence of education on improving the employment prospects of individuals with disabilities

The occurrence of disparities in income among various social groups is defined by the economic term social inequalities. In the subject literature, this term is often used in association with the individuals with disabilities and their uncertain position in the job market or the barriers that they face in the education process. Thus, this paper attempts to fill an existing research gap by answering the research question of how the employment level will change among individuals with disabilities with a specific level of education if the number of individuals with disabilities with higher education changes. The main goal of the conducted study is to analyse the impact of the population size of individuals with disabilities of working age on their employment level in Poland, taking into account differences in the level of education. Particularly, the focus is on the relationships between the level of education and earning potential. To obtain answers to the research question, a national and international literature analysis was conducted, and in the empirical part, a panel regression model was employed. The results of the panel regression analysis indicate a significant impact of the interaction between the population of individuals with disabilities and the level of education on employment in Poland. Education plays a significant role in the employment outcomes of individuals with disabilities, and this dependency is also influenced by the demographic factor of population size. The interpretation of indicators may indicate a significantly higher demand for vocational and technical skills in the labour market, compared to contributing to higher employment rates of individuals with disabilities possessing these specific qualifications.

THE ROLE OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN INCREASING ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS IN THE CONTEXT OF UNIVERSITIES

In the face of rapid change and increasing complexity in higher education, quality management (QM) is emerging as a useful tool for universities to adapt and optimize their processes. This paper emphasizes the importance of implementing effective QM systems in academic institutions, highlighting their significant impact on organizational effectiveness. The research aims to investigate how QM implementation can enhance efficiency within universities. It achieves this by analyzing current QM practices, identifying areas needing improvement, and proposing specific solutions. The study reveals a diverse range of QM approaches across institutions, reflecting their unique structures and processes. While many universities have initiated QM systems, the success and coverage of these initiatives vary. Key areas identified for potential improvement include decision-making transparency, interdepartmental communication, and the integration of student feedback. The research also highlights gaps, such as the lack of systematic QM implementation, unclear performance indicators, and difficulties adapting to rapid changes in higher education. The overarching message of this paper is that a well-implemented QM system can be a strategic asset for universities, supporting both academic and administrative processes. QM implementation has been shown to increase organizational efficiency, leading to improved academic processes, reduced administrative costs, and increased satisfaction among students and staff. The research findings underscore the need for continued investment and commitment to QM in higher education. By embracing QM principles and practices, universities can enhance their overall performance, adapt to evolving challenges, and provide a higher-quality educational experience. This research not only contributes to the existing knowledge base on QM in higher education but also provides practical recommendations for institutions seeking to improve their organizational effectiveness.

Perspectives on disruptive change in higher education. A critical review of digital transformation during COVID-19

ABSTRACT Higher education institutions have always been changing concurrently with larger societal developments. This paper addresses digital transformation in higher education (DTHE) during a disruptive crisis, e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding different perspectives on DTHE during the pandemic is important, as the meaning allocated to the unfolding events holds the potential to shape future decision making. We conducted a critical review of 22 academic papers published in the first year of the pandemic. A thematic analysis revealed divergent perspectives of how the pandemic was affecting DTHE, with the material pointing in the direction of the pandemic as an accelerator of ongoing changes in higher education. The papers unanimously understood DTHE as multi-dimensional and as an ongoing, long-time process entangled with digital transformations in other sectors already initiated before the pandemic. Although this review is limited to research carried out during the first year of the pandemic, further studies might address a longer time-period, by studying changes in higher education and research in consequence of a disruptive crisis.

Libraries and National Education Policy (NEP 2020) of India in higher education

Purpose This study aims to provide an overview of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, identify areas where libraries can play crucial role in effective implementation of NEP 2020 and explains the role of libraries in higher education for implementation of NEP 2020 in India. Design/methodology/approach For the purpose of the present research, the researcher has evaluated The “National Education Policy 2020” document consisting of 65 pages. The contents of NEP 2020 are evaluated to find out major areas of working for libraries and in the context of major areas, the crucial role which a library can play in implementation of NEP 2020 is described. Hence, the research methodology followed is “descriptive research method”. Findings NEP is bringing out tremendous positive changes in higher education in India. The changes can be effectively implemented with the help of libraries and library professionals to adapt to course, curriculum, research and infrastructure-related changes. The challenges of the 21st century in the field of higher education are related to personality development, strengthening of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), internationalisation of higher education, specific skills and values for students, motivation for researchers and teachers as well as for equity and inclusiveness of higher education can be effectively imparted by libraries and it can contribute as a catalyst for overall national development. Research limitations/implications The study covers NEP of India 2020 and the role of libraries in HEIs of India are described. Practical implications NEP 2020 and its implementation are mandatory in HEIs in India. All universities and colleges in India had started implementing India’s NEP 2020, and hence, accessing the role of libraries in higher education for the successful implementation of NEP 2020 is essential. Elaborating on the “Role of Libraries under National Education Policy 2020” of India, libraries play a very important role in implementing the NEP 2020 of India. The sub-chapters from 9 to 19 under Chapter III on higher education are thoroughly studied by the researcher and on the basis of the contents related to NEP in the higher education system of India, the library parameters that can identify the role of libraries in NEP 2020 are explained. Social implications Libraries contribute to “personal development” as well as “to inculcate certain prescribed skills and values”. “Interdisciplinary research” is intended to develop an active community of research in various disciplines as well as to increase the efficiency of both physical resources and human resources. Promoting interdisciplinary research is done through libraries. Many libraries have developed “inclusive education centres” to provide library facilities to visually impaired and disabled students. Originality/value Overall personality development, strengthening of educational institutions, optimistic move towards multidisciplinary education through identification of business skills and specific skills and values, internationalisation of education, a motivation factor for students, teachers and researchers as well as equity and inclusiveness in higher education are all the areas occupied by libraries. It is described elaborately and it is of social and educational value for all.

The digital aspects of the wellbeing of university teachers

IntroductionIn the past few decades more and more studies have put the mental health and wellbeing of university lecturers in the limelight, especially considering the fact that lecturers’ scope of responsibilities have been significantly transformed and expanded as a result of the massification and diversification of and structural changes in higher education. These changes intensified the workload, already rather high, thus negatively affecting lecturers’ wellbeing. It is worth investigating how the increasingly marked presence of digital technologies affects the characteristics of teachers’ workload. In this study, we intend to investigate the impact of digitization on the various areas of workload and work activities of university lecturers at a large university with many faculties, on the one hand, and teachers of institutions teaching in minority languages, on the other.MethodsThe online questionnaire compiled and based on the findings of our previous qualitative study was completed by teachers at one of Hungary’s biggest universities, the University of Debrecen, and lecturers at other institutions of higher education providing for the Hungarian ethnic minority across borders and affiliated with the University of Debrecen, altogether 596 people. The database created obtaining the data was named Central and Eastern European Teachers in Higher Education (CEETHE, 2023), IBM SPSS 29 software was used to analyze the data.ResultsDigital technology plays a basic role in lecturers’ work. Its importance is shown by the fact that the majority of respondents (54%) experiences significant or very severe stress in connection to technological problems. The majority of time spent with digital devices is included in working hours, so these technologies play a prominent role in dissolving the boundaries between professional and private life. Furthermore, many people find their use more exhausting than mental work performed without relying on them.ConclusionBy continuously developing the digital competency of university lecturers it is possible to mitigate the stress triggered by technological problems as well as reduce screen time. It is necessary to ensure that institutions of higher education introduce policies that ensure work-life balance for teachers.

Ensuring quality higher education in Ukraine in times of war

This study focuses on exploring the issue of ensuring quality higher education in the conditions of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It synthesizes and analyzes literature sources, legal documents, secondary data, original (survey) data, and the author’s experiences with enhancing the quality of higher education. Using analysis of the legal documents, such as the National Doctrine of the Development of Education, the Law of Ukraine ‘On education’, and the Law of Ukraine ‘On higher education’, I study the legal framework for Ukrainian higher education. Using secondary data obtained from online sources, I find irrefutable evidence of mass destruction from Russian military aggression on educational institutions of Ukraine and the educational process in general, and specific initiatives from the Ukrainian state, Ukrainian universities, and international institutions to support the Ukrainian higher education system in wartime conditions. Using original data collected through surveys, I present first-hand information on the processes of changes in higher education in Ukraine under the conditions of Russia’s ongoing military aggression and the issue of ensuring quality higher education through the prism of the experience of students at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. Using the author’s personal teaching experience in the implementation of joint global classrooms, I analyze the possibilities of developed partnerships for motivating students and ensuring quality higher education in the conditions of war. Based on the analysis and synthesis of secondary data, I identify the main responses of the higher education system of Ukraine which enable it to maintain the quality of higher education as the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals during the war, namely (i) improvement and wider implementation of an online education system; (ii) organization of work of higher education institutions relocated from the occupied territories to territories controlled by Ukraine; (iii) support of international institutions; and (iv) partnership programmes with partner universities. The analysis of the results of the survey of students highlighted that the top priority of a Ukrainian university during wartime should be the safety of all participants in the educational and research process and high-quality education, and the most serious problems that create obstacles to ensuring the quality of education are the distressed psychological states of the participants in the educational process and organizational issues in the conditions of military aggression. By analyzing the experience of the implementation of joint global classrooms format, I also highlight that this format can be an effective additional measure in motivating students and ensuring the quality of higher education in the difficult conditions of war, and a developed partnership plays a crucial role in its implementation.

Development of Educational Video Capsules for Active Learning in Environmental Sciences through Universal Design for Learning

Social changes in higher education have led to a transformation in teaching innovation for developing a critical and creative mentality in students. To this end, video capsules have emerged as an optimal tool that allows combining the management of information and communication technologies and collaborative work. Video capsules were elaborated by groups of students for the virtualization of the laboratory practices of the subjects Environmental Microbiology and Biochemistry of the Degree in Environmental Sciences for two academic years (2022–2023 and 2023–2024), paying special attention to the principles of Universal Design of Learning. To assess the impact of this activity on the knowledge acquired by the students in the laboratory practices, the marks from these academic years were compared with the previous academic year (2021–2022) without the generation of video capsules. Moreover, an evaluation of the development and acquisition of cross-curricular competencies was carried out. The generation of video capsules by the students tended to increase the average grade obtained in the laboratory practices of both subjects. Furthermore, instrumental, interpersonal, and systemic competencies obtained by the students by performing the video capsules improved their transversal skills. The creation of video capsules during laboratory practices and the methodology used had a very positive direct influence on the academic outcomes of the subjects and facilitated the acquisition of transversal competencies for the students.

Islamic Higher Education on Innovation and Transformation Challenges; A View of Management Change

Changes in the management of higher education are based on the increasingly complex needs of society, one of which is marked by the birth of the State Islamic Religious College. State Islamic Religious Universities (PTKIN) are currently able to compete with other State Universities in Indonesia. The existence of PTKIN continues to survive with its distinctive characteristic, namely the integration of religious science and general science. These integration efforts continue to be improved continuously as an effort to change the scope of university management. This study aims to describe the challenges of change management in Islamic-based universities. The research method used is a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) with research objects, challenges, and strategies for managing change in Islamic universities. The current era of disruption is also influential in managing changes in higher education, such as digitalization that occurs in every educational process in higher education, including Islamic-based universities. With the main guidelines of the Qur'an and Sunnah, Islamic universities continue to innovate to respond to modernization. For this reason, human resources in Islamic-based universities develop strategies to face challenges in managing changes such as mastering 21st-century skills consisting of critical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, innovating in using learning methods related to technology and no less important is balancing spirituality with digitalization in the era of disruption. Changes in the management of Islamic-based universities start from changes in terminology that give birth to consequences for integrating religious and general sciences in the educational process and the implementation of digitalization in every line of management of Islamic-based universities.

Innovative Teaching and Learning

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has brought about significant changes in higher education. Institutions are now required to adapt their teaching methods in order to meet the changing needs of the workforce. This study aimed to explore how educators perceive the impact of 4IR on higher education, the innovative teaching and learning strategies they have implemented, and the challenges they face in doing so. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 educators from various disciplines at a South African university. The study revealed that educators have a comprehensive understanding of innovative teaching and learning within the 4IR framework. They recognize the importance of integrating technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics, into their teaching methods. The study identified several innovative strategies that educators have adopted, including project-based learning, flipped classroom models, simulations, virtual reality, and interdisciplinary collaborations. These strategies prioritise hands-on learning, real-world applications, technology integration, and cross-functional experiences. They also foster essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability. However, the study also highlighted challenges faced by educators, including the need for continuous upskilling, finding a balance between theory and practice, overcoming resistance to change within institutions, and ensuring all students have equal access to technology. The findings highlight the importance of aligning higher education curriculum and pedagogical approaches with the demands of the 4IR. By embracing innovative teaching methods that leverage technology and promote essential skills, higher education institutions can effectively address the challenges and opportunities of the 4IR.

Central and Eastern Europe in Academic Internationalization: Peripherality, Neoliberalism, and Knowledge Production

The article reflects on knowledge production in the context of research internationalization, seen as an aspect of a broader trend in the changing higher education and other academic institutions. It focuses on Central and Eastern Europe as a post-communist and (semi)peripheral region, which has been the subject of historical and theoretical analysis often accompanied by epistemological reflection among researchers. As an introduction to the theme of the issue, the article addresses questions concerning epistemic approaches to Central and Eastern Europe via critical reflection on the “post-socialism” framework. The authors discuss major analytical responses of scholars in this research field, including the authors of articles published in this issue of Studia Litteraria et Historica, such as peripherality, postcolonialism, and rethinking of the category of the “East”. In the concluding part, they outline possible directions for further inquiry, including a spatial-temporal conceptualization informed by Wallerstein’s historical social science as well as ethical considerations in the current political context shaped by international security concerns as much as epistemic ones.

Communication climate and organisational trust to readiness for change in higher education

Communication climate and organisational trust to readiness for change in higher education

Periods of Technological Change in Higher Education

Periods of Technological Change in Higher Education

Importance of undergraduate institution prestige in physics faculty hiring networks

Reforming the professionalization experiences of future faculty members, including their undergraduate experience, provides a possible means to create scalable change in higher education. However, this requires an understanding of where faculty undergraduate training occurs. We analyze data from 7748 tenure-line faculty members across 611 U.S. physics departments, including their undergraduate alma mater and their employer university. The resulting undergraduate professionalization network reveals a prestige hierarchy similar in strength to those previously found in hiring networks at the Ph.D. level, indicating that the road to faculty jobs begins during undergraduate admissions. Furthermore, 42% of physics faculty members earned their undergraduate degrees from institutions outside of the United States. These results reinforce the importance of institutional prestige in academia and offer a potential strategy for driving systemic change. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

REVOLUTIONIZING NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT: IMPLEMENTING MARKET-LED STRATEGIES

This paper examines the implementation of market-led strategies in Nigerian university management and its transformative impact on higher education institutions. In response to changing societal needs and economic demands, Nigerian universities are increasingly adopting market-led approaches to enhance their competitiveness, relevance, and sustainability. By embracing principles of market orientation, customer focus, and responsiveness to stakeholders, universities seek to improve student recruitment, academic program development, research commercialization, and industry collaboration. Through case studies and empirical analysis, this study assesses the implementation process, challenges, and outcomes of market-led strategies in Nigerian university management. The findings highlight the potential benefits of market orientation in enhancing institutional effectiveness, fostering innovation, and driving organizational change in higher education.

Student Engagement Variations across Institutions and Disciplines: Findings from Azerbaijan

Although student engagement has been a widely researched area known to improve student learning and a topic of scholarly debate for many decades now, this has yet to be the case in Azerbaijan. Data from the National Survey of Student Engagement, conducted among 433 undergraduate students of the 18-23 age range (M = 21.37, SD = 1.43) at eight universities in Azerbaijan, allowed us to examine variations in the conditions meant to foster student engagement, as well as students’ perspectives on improving their educational experiences. Specifically, we looked at differences related to academic challenges, learning with peers, teacher experiences, and campus environment. Student engagement varied across disciplines. Small universities in the capital city provided better collaborative learning conditions. However, students at regional universities were more satisfied with the quality of student-faculty interactions. Nonetheless, students saw a strong need for fundamental changes in higher education in Azerbaijan, focusing on improving the quality of teachers, teaching and the curriculum. The study provided an overview of student engagement variations across institutions and disciplines and how students conceptualise necessary improvements in student experiences. Institutional leaders must understand the variations for seeking essential changes in the HE system to effectively accommodate students’ needs and expectations.

Social dimensions as resources in promoting academic well-being: the case study of the University of Foggia.

Recently, scholars have focused more on changes in higher education, leading to significant insights into the working lives of academics and certain related processes, such as stress or well-being. The interest in academia is also justified by the role of universities as institutions that promote health and well-being, serving as a bridge between society, the world of work, and the local community. This study aims to identify social factors that can enhance the well-being of academic workers (lecturers and technical-administrative staff), highlighting how processes linked to social identity, based on the dynamics of identification with a territory or an organization, can serve as resources that promote well-being. Researchers conducted the survey on 198 workers at the University of Foggia (South Italy). Correlation and reliability assessments were first performed between the variables. Finally, a SEM study was completed. The goodness of fit of the model seems to be sufficient. The social aspects examined in the study, namely, organization identification, territorial well-being, and place attachment, were positively and significantly correlated with general well-being. Findings of the study demonstrated that for teaching and technical-administrative staff, among the key components for enhancing well-being in the academic setting was the social dimension of relationships, understood both inside and outside the university. Therefore, acting the belonging process to an area, implementing and strengthening relations with the social actors involved, as well as on the sense of belonging and identification with an organization, can have precise impact in enhancing well-being.