University Commitment Research Articles

Enriching Educational Landscapes

As an arts educator, I spent a month in Bhutan engaging Bachelor of Education students in project-based learning activities aimed at enhancing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These activities served as a dynamic capstone to their theoretical literacy unit. I documented students' collaborative efforts and creativity through photos and videos, which have been transformed into eBooks. These resources are now integrated into courses at my Australian university, enriching learning experiences for our culturally diverse student body with authentic examples of cross-cultural project-based learning. The eBooks showcase student outcomes and offer reflective analyses to inform future teaching practices, inspiring innovative and collaborative learning strategies globally. Moreover, these resources contribute to the university's commitment to global education and cultural diversity, demonstrating how experiential learning can transcend geographical boundaries and enrich the educational journey of students promoting global citizenship. To address a broader audience within Bhutan, and globally, the lesson plans and resources I developed to deliver the project-based learning activities, are now available on the Artist in Residence Education Program website. This provides an opportunity for any educator to access and adapt these materials to their own contexts. Teaching in Bhutan highlighted how factors like collectivist culture, religious beliefs, and the Gross National Happiness Index support traditional teaching practices and how complex it is to break down traditional teaching practises and encourage valid creative ways learning. The students greatly enjoyed the new activities and even requested additional lessons. It was rewarding to see them realise their potential for creativity and innovation in teaching, enhancing their approach to learning and self-perception as future educators. In conclusion, understanding sociocultural norms in Bhutan offers a wealth of insights that can inspire and inform academic approaches to teaching in countries with traditional forms of education and limited access to resources.

Uncertainty Avoidance, Perceptions of Emergency Remote Education, and University Commitment: A Cross-Country Analysis

Worldwide, there were significant changes in university courses due to COVID-19. One was a rapid transition to online courses, described as emergency remote education. The purpose of this research was to examine how students’ uncertainty avoidance (UA) affected their university commitment (UC) and whether their perceptions of emergency remote education (PERE) mediated this relationship. The b path of the mediation analysis (from PERE to commitment) was expected to be moderated by two variables: income and perceived quality of instruction. Students from universities in three countries (i.e., the United States (US), Pakistan, and South Africa (SA)) were assessed. The findings revealed that there were direct and indirect effects for this relationship for students from Pakistan, with a partial moderated mediation effect of perceived quality of instruction for students from Pakistan. Positive main effects of UA on UC were found for students from the United States, Pakistan, and South Africa. Potential explanations and implications for these results were explored.

Assessing the Potential for a PhD in Education Program with Specializations at LSPU-System: A Feasibility Study

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of offering a Doctor of Philosophy in Education program at LSPU. The study utilized a quantitative research design to gather data from 243 respondents consisting of teachers, education professionals, and stakeholders in the field of education. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis to evaluate the potential demand for the program, the availability of qualified faculty members, and the resources needed to support the program. The results showed that there is a high demand for advanced degrees in education, as evidenced by the majority of respondents expressing interest in pursuing a PhD in Education. The study also found that LSPU has an adequate number of qualified faculty members who meet the minimum requirements set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) policies and guidelines. Additionally, LSPU's status as a Center of Development in Teacher Education reflects the university's commitment to excellence in teacher education, which is directly relevant to the proposed PhD in Education program. The study concluded that LSPU is well-positioned to offer a PhD in Education program, given its available resources, qualified faculty, and high demand from potential students. This study's findings can provide valuable insights for LSPU in making informed decisions regarding the development and implementation of a PhD in Education program. The study's implications extend beyond LSPU, as other universities interested in offering similar programs can use these findings as a reference for their own feasibility studies.

Health sciences graduates: perception of their professional training and job placement.

The follow-up of health sciences graduates is relevant due to the commitment of universities to train professionals who contribute to solve the country's health problems. The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has health sciences graduates who join the workforce every year. To identify the perception of health sciences graduates regarding the curriculum and their incorporation into the labor market from 1994 to 2015, and compare it according to the degree program and campus. Observational, cross-sectional, comparative, quantitative study. The sample of 26,866 graduates was obtained from information of three decades of the institutional questionnaire for graduates applied by the General Directorate of Planning of the UNAM. Most graduates were females (68.4%), with admission to the degree course at between 19 and 20 years of age (65.4%). At least 47% had a job; incorporation into the labor market depended on not having an income, a higher grade point average, not having presented extraordinary exams, or failed subjects, among others. Adequate job insertion is associated with starting the degree course at age 18, having financial support, having an average of 8.1 or higher and perceiving low academic and teaching training.

THE PERCEPTIONS OF STUDENTS REGARDING GENDER EQUALITY POLICIES IN UNIVERSITIES

The study is about the perceptions of students of the University of Korca regarding the university's commitment to gender equality. Albanian universities have made significant efforts in gender mainstreaming. As part of a higher education institution, we must offer new generations a different path, free from prejudice and stereotypes, embracing people’s freedom and appreciating their individuality and originality. There is a significant commitment from the University of Korca (UNIKO) toward gender equality policies. The paper aims to point out the perceptions of students on gender equality policies followed by UNIKO and the commitment of the university to build an honest and communicative learning and work environment where people are treated equally and there is no discrimination, as well as a community which conveys trust, a sense of belonging and shared goals. A quantitative approach was used for this study. A questionnaire was conducted to measure the perception of students on gender equality policies in the university. The students were recruited in the four faculties of UNIKO. The study focused on students' knowledge of gender mainstreaming; their participation in trainings and activities focused on gender issues; equal representation in the decision-making units and awareness of gender equality and unconscious gender biases. The study showed a high interest of students in the gender policies of the institution, but a more visible involvement of students in informative activities and greater awareness to address gender issues is suggested.

Introducing process simulation as an alternative to laboratory session in undergraduate chemical engineering thermodynamics course: A case study from Sunway University Malaysia

This study demonstrates the successful integration of process simulation using CHEMCAD into Sunway University's Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics curriculum, replacing the traditional lab sessions. This approach has two main benefits, i.e., it provides early exposure to process simulation software, bridging theory and practice, and it supports new chemical engineering programs where labs may not be fully operational. Aligned with Sunway University's commitment to innovative educational approaches, the impact of this integration on the students’ learning experiences is evident through feedback collected from a comprehensive survey conducted with a group of seven students enrolled in Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics in April 2023. The survey's three sections gathered the students’ perceptions, enjoyed aspects, challenges faced, and suggestions. Findings highlight the students’ positive views on the integration, enhancing comprehension of thermodynamics concepts and real-world applications. They also recognized the value of hands-on simulation experience for essential process simulation skills. The students appreciated the practical relevance in highlighting thermodynamics’ real-world importance. Challenges related to software access and technical issues were addressed, with planned improvements. The students expressed interest in deeper learning, including complex simulations, graphical representation use, and external resource access. While many found the integration effective, suggestions for more hands-on engagement and research resource access were noted.

Empowering Communities: An Analysis of Extension Programs Focusing on Gift-Giving and Free Sim Card Registration in Oriental Mindoro

Embracing the adage Sharing is Caring, Giving is Loving, Mindoro State University (MinSU) exemplifies its dedication to fostering a culture of compassion and generosity within the Mindoro province. This study evaluates the multifaceted extension programs conducted by the College of Computer Studies (CCS) at MinSU Bongabong Campus. Extension activities serve as vital endeavors that bridge academic institutions with communities, addressing diverse needs through initiatives like seminar, gift-giving, and SIM card free registrations. Through qualitative and quantitative analyses, this study evaluates the implementation status of these programs across strategic, social, and service dimensions. Findings underscore the college's commitment to community engagement and excellence, affirming its role as a catalyst for positive change. Recommendations encompass deeper community engagement and expanding collaboration and partnerships with other institutions and stakeholders to address emerging challenges effectively and ensure responsive and comprehensive solutions to community needs.

Some Solutions to Enhance the Quality of English Language Education at the Secondary Level in the Foreign Language Department of Tan Trao University

This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the English language teaching and learning process at the A2 level among students at Tan Trao University, with the primary goal of enhancing students' language proficiency to meet the objectives of the National Foreign Language Project 2020. Utilizing two survey instruments—one for students and one for instructors—the research offers an insightful and in-depth examination of both sides of the teaching and learning process. The survey results indicate that students highly appreciate the curriculum used in their English language learning journey at the university, while also holding positive perceptions of their instructors' teaching abilities. The enthusiastic, dynamic teaching approach and integration of information technology demonstrated by the instructors underscore the university's commitment to improving the quality of English language instruction. However, despite the effective efforts of instructors, a majority of students continue to approach English learning passively. There is a need for students to cultivate a more proactive approach to self-study and research. This highlights the necessity for new strategies and interventions to stimulate students' self-directed learning and development in English language acquisition. It is imperative to consider and implement measures such as active teaching methodologies and creating conducive environments for self-directed learning, alongside promoting student engagement and autonomy in the learning process. These efforts will significantly contribute to enhancing the quality of English language education at Tan Trao University.

The Influence of Ethical Leadership and Knowledge Sharing on Employee Performance Mediated with Higher College Commitment

The Influence of Ethical Leadership and Knowledge Sharing on Employee Performance Mediated with Higher College Commitment

Sustainability consciousness among nursing students in Egypt: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundRecognizing nurses as pivotal change agents and urgent preparation for the next generation is crucial for addressing sustainability issues and cultivating a sustainable healthcare system. Reports highlight gaps in the integration of sustainable development goals (SDGs) into nursing curricula, prompting the International Council of Nurses to stress the importance of sustainable development in nursing education. The extent to which nursing students are aware of sustainability issues remains to be determined. This study addresses a global and Egyptian research gap by evaluating and comparing Sustainability Consciousness (SC) levels among nursing students at three universities, providing insights into awareness, attitudes, and behaviors related to sustainability.MethodsThis descriptive comparative study was conducted across three nursing faculties within three Egyptian public universities. The target population for this study was undergraduate nursing students enrolled in these universities during the academic year 2022-2023. This study used the extended version of the Sustainability Consciousness Questionnaire (SCQ-L) to measure individuals' knowingness, attitudes, and behaviors related to the three dimensions of sustainable development: environmental, social, and economic.ResultsMore than half of the nursing students across the three universities expressed unfamiliarity with the SDGs. Social media was the most common source of information across the three universities. Sohag University recorded the highest median (IQR) scores in sustainability knowingness (72.0, IQR: 70.0-81.0), attitudes (56.0, IQR: 53.0-61.5), and behavior (65.0, IQR: 60.0-69.0) across their respective dimensions, as well as in overall SC (195, IQR: 184.5-208.5). This was followed by Damanhour University, with a median score of 179.0 (IQR: 124.5-194), and then Alexandria University, with a median score of 116.0 (IQR: 85.5-153), all of which were significantly different (all with p values=0.000). Older students from rural areas exhibited higher SC median scores, while students with insufficient family income and no familiarity with the SDGs had lower SC scores.ConclusionsThis study highlighted the prevalent reliance on social media for information among nursing students across these universities, emphasizing the pivotal role of academic institutions in integrating sustainability development concepts in nursing education. Sohag University's notable commitment to sustainability practices has contributed to the higher SC of its students compared to Alexandria and Damanhour Universities. The study also identified age, place of residence, family income, and familiarity with the SDGs as consistent predictors of sustainability consciousness.

Considerations in developing a financial model for an academic statistical consulting centre

In operating an academic statistical consulting centre, it is essential to develop a strategy for covering the anticipated costs incurred, such as personnel, facilities, third‐party data, professional development and marketing, and for handling the revenues generated from sources such as university commitments, extramural grants, fees for service, internal memorandums of understanding and consulting courses. As such, this article describes each of these costs and revenue sources in turn, discusses how they vary over phases of a project and life cycles of a centre, provides a review of both historical and modern perspectives in the literature and includes illustrative examples of financial models from three different institutions. These points of consideration are meant to inform consulting groups who are interested in becoming either more or less centrally structured.

The Interplay Between Environmental Strategy and Green Human Resource Management on Environmental Outcomes Mediated by Ocbe

Universities, as esteemed higher education institutions, are increasingly recognizing their responsibility to address environmental issues and prioritize environmental conservation. This is demonstrated by the establishment of the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking by the University of Indonesia, which serves as a clear indication of the university's commitment to environmental sustainability. The objective of this study is to investigate the mutually beneficial connection between environmental strategy and green human resource management (GHRM) in terms of their impact on environmental outcomes, which is mediated by organizational citizenship behavior toward the environment (OCBE). The study will focus on 5 private universities situated in the Jakarta region. The findings demonstrated a correlation between green stewardship initiatives, which encompass both environmental strategy and green human resource management, and environmental outcomes. The direct correlation between OCBE and environmental outcomes also yields positive results. Nevertheless, the OCBE did not play a mediating role in the connection between green stewardship initiatives and environmental outcomes.

Gender mainstreaming in Albanian higher education institutions

Gender equality is a fundamental human right and the foundation for a sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous world. Achieving gender equality and women's empowerment is integral to each sustainable development goal. Higher education and research institutions must create a working environment and organisational culture based on equal opportunities and the promotion of good relations based on protected characteristics such as gender, race, disability, or age. The paper aims to examine the experiences of Albanian universities regarding gender mainstreaming. The aim is to understand the level of commitment of Albanian universities to achieving gender equality and to identify gaps and weaknesses. The analysis was based methodologically on gender indicators from several public and non-public Albanian universities and statistical indicators published by INSTAT for all Albanian universities. The analysis focused on gender indicators regarding access to education, progress in career and gender representation in decision-making bodies. The paper found that while implementing a gender mainstreaming strategy is important and shows progress, there are still many challenges. Horizontal segregation is still present. Women are less represented at the top position of academic career progression than their average presence among teaching staff. They remain underrepresented in academic and administrative leadership and decision-making positions in universities. This diagnosis allows for evident actual measures, reinforces existing structures, and defines goals based on the needs detected.

Innovations, Best Practices, and Distinctiveness in Academics – A Case of Srinivas University

Purpose: Improving Quality in higher education institutions including universities is important as both supporting infrastructure, technology, and the perception of stakeholders are changing. This paper aims to examine and showcase the unique approaches, exemplary practices, and distinctive features within the academic framework of Srinivas University. Through rigorous research and analysis, the article seeks to elucidate how innovative strategies and best practices contribute to the university's academic success, serving as a valuable case study for educators, administrators, and stakeholders in higher education. Methodology: Exploratory research method is used to collect and analyse relevant information using appropriate analysis frameworks. Results/Analysis: The case study presents a comprehensive analysis of various aspects of academic innovation and best practices within Srinivas University. Firstly, it scrutinizes innovations in curricular aspects, highlighting the university's endeavours to enhance curriculum relevance and responsiveness to industry needs. Secondly, it explores innovations in teaching-learning and evaluation methods, showcasing the university's commitment to pedagogical advancement and student-centric approaches. Thirdly, it examines best practices in academics, emphasizing the institution's effective strategies in student support, faculty development, and research promotion. Furthermore, the article evaluates the institutional distinctiveness in academics, emphasizing Srinivas University's unique attributes and competitive advantages. Utilizing the SWOC analysis framework, the ability of the university to plan and implement innovations and best practices is critically assessed, revealing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges. Outcome/Value: The article offers postulates of recommendation, providing actionable suggestions to further enhance the university's academic excellence and institutional distinctiveness. Type of Paper: Exploratory research analysis.

Exploring the mediating role of student commitment in the relationship between life satisfaction and general well-being in university students

Recently, the educational approaches in Turkey were rapidly transformed, shifting to hybrid education under official directives. The shift, initially from traditional to distance education and then to a hybrid model, significantly impacted the well-being of university students who had already been affected by the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and faced further social and psychological consequences. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of student commitment in the relationship between life satisfaction and general well-being in university students. Employing a snowball sampling method, conducted an online survey to gather data from students. The students were instructed to complete self-report questionnaires related to their commitment to university, life satisfaction, and well-being. Participants were 416 university students from two foundations and one public university in Turkey. In the first stage of the study, the construct validity of the measurement model was tested by conducting validity and reliability analyses on an item and factor basis. In the second stage, structural equation model analysis was applied and the fit values of the tested model were reported. The results showed that student commitment to higher education plays a partially mediating role in the relationship between life satisfaction and general well-being. The results suggest the significance of cultivating conditions that not only bolster life satisfaction but also promote university commitment, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of university students.

A Roadmap for European Universities Policy Recommendation to Achieve HEI Sustainability: The Case of INVEST EU Alliance

The European Union (EU) has emphasized the value of higher education, research, and innovation as engines for the continued socioeconomic and cultural advancement of Europe on several occasions. The European Universities Initiative (EUI), one of the most recent policy initiatives by the European Commission (EC) aims at advancing this agenda, via transnational collaborations of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to find new strategies for fostering European scientific excellence. This effort provides an administrative answer to the goals of European policy in terms of higher education, research, and innovation. This paper analyzes the potential benefits and risks the EUI alliances might face along four dimensions: their internal coordination, their methods of resolving conflicts, the commitment of member universities, and the cultural characteristics of the alliances. It is based on interviews with individuals holding key leadership and management roles in five member universities. We provide the case of INVEST EUI alliance as a complete case study for all the governmental, educational, structural, and financial challenges faced to draw a roadmap that can be used as policy recommendation for EU.

Academic Third Mission through Community Engagement: An Empirical Study in European Universities

Community engagement is fundamental for tertiary education, as it allows universities to connect with external stakeholders, create social impact, and improve the development of strategies for public engagement. The current study aims to evaluate the level of community engagement in tertiary education, assess the level of sustainable practices, and identify areas for improvement. The research employed a survey method, using a standardized questionnaire to gather data from 44 respondents, representing 35 European universities from nine countries. The survey covered various aspects of community engagement, such as university commitment, documentation, public awareness, investments, incentives, training, and stakeholder engagement. Quantitative analysis was employed using ANOVA and AHP to analyze the data collected from 20 questions. The results revealed that universities have a clear commitment to public engagement and have well-documented policies in place. However, there were areas identified for improvement, such as increasing investments to encourage public engagement and offering more training activities to support it. Additionally, the universities were found to have a limited target group for their community engagement activities and insufficient communication of the results of impact assessments. The findings of this study will be used to improve the development of strategies and enhance public engagement in tertiary education through the Academic Third Mission.

Professional Development of Physical Education Teachers in Luoyang Normal University

This qualitative study investigates the strategies utilized in the professional development of Physical Education teachers at Luoyang Normal University. Through interviews as the primary data collection method, the research identifies and examines ten key strategies implemented by the university. These strategies encompass workshops, mentorship programs, continuing education courses, action research projects, professional learning communities, technology integration, conference participation, peer observation and feedback, guest lectures, and dedicated professional development sessions. Each strategy contributes to fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation among PE educators. This study underscores Luoyang Normal University's dynamic approach to promoting ongoing development among its PE educators. The identified strategies collectively demonstrate the university's commitment to creating an environment conducive to continuous growth and excellence in Physical Education. These findings provide insights for institutions seeking to enhance professional development opportunities for PE teachers, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the field and improving educational outcomes.

Students’ use and assessment of Plateau State University Library, Bokkos

This paper focuses on use and assessment of various resources and facilities of the Plateau State University Library, Bokkos. The research was guided by seventeen objectives. A survey research design was the research method adopted in the investigation. The target population for the research was all the 499 students in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences that were on ground in 2022/2023 academic session. Since the population was manageable, there was no sampling. Hence, all the subjects were adopted in the research. The instrument used in the data collection was questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using simple statistics such as frequency counts and percentages, and tables were presented were necessary. The findings of the research revealed among others that the major issues associated with the poor patronage of the Plateau State University Library, Bokkos by the students of the institution were as follows: lack of enough textbooks and journals; collection contain so many outdated textbooks that were irrelevant to the student‟s needs; library‟s catalogue was in disarray; lack of stable source of electric power supply; and inconsistent internet connections with very low internet bandwidth. It was therefore, recommended among others that the library management should acquire more current text books and journals in both hard and soft copies and the university‟s lecturers (users) should be involved in the selection of the library‟s resources for acquisition in order to improve the quality / relevancy of the library‟s collection; there is an urgent need to reorganize the library‟s catalogue to reflect the library‟s collection; the university management should provide a constant source of electric power supply to the library; Internet connectivity should be made available all the time and internet bandwidth should be 4increased to reduce the time it takes to gain access into the internet databases in the library. The research then concluded that the Plateau State University library was bedeviled with so many factors that had inhibited the effective utilization of its resources and facilities by students. Hence, students avoided the patronage of the library‟s resources and facilities. However, it was believed that with proper funding, commitment of university and library managements and careful implementation of the recommendations noted in this research, the resources and facilities of the library will be greatly improved and the patronage of the library by students will subsequently improve.

Impact Editorial for Apex Journal of Business and Management for Celebrating Success

The College's unique approach to promoting entrepreneurial characteristics among its graduates is instrumental in preparing them for successful careers in business. By fostering a culture of innovation, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making, Apex College equips its students with the skills necessary to excel in their chosen fields and contribute positively to society. Apex College's community engagement initiatives, demonstrate the institution's dedication to addressing local needs and promoting social responsibility. The College's encouragement of entrepreneurial thinking and provision of resources, mentorship, and hands-on experience further contribute to the economic growth and job creation in Nepal. The Apex Journal of Business and Management, the College's flagship academic publication, serves as a vital resource for promoting research, education, and social change. The total sixty citations demonstrate referral of Apex Journal of Business and Management (AJBM) among scholars and academicians. Apex College's commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and entrepreneurship positions it as a leader in the field of business education and a driving force for positive change in Nepal. Keywords: AJBM, entrepreneurship, Clubs, commitments, achievements