Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions Research Articles

Determining the barriers contributing to ICT implementation by using technology-organization-environment framework in Ethiopian higher educational institutions

Information and communication technology (ICT) is an important element to improve teaching-learning practices. This paper is aimed to determine the barriers affecting the implementation of ICT in Ethiopian higher learning institutions by adapting the information system theory (i.e. Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework). The study employed a case study research method by using a qualitative research approach. Purposively the stakeholders from higher learning institutions, ministry of science and higher education, higher education relevance and quality assurance agency, and non-governmental organizations were participated in the semi-structured interview questions and focus group discussions. For qualitative analysis, QDA Miner Lite free version software was employed to identify the technology-organization-environment related themes. The findings were explained based on the TOE framework and indicated that technological, organizational, and environmental barriers which are determining the ICT implementation in the higher learning institutions of Ethiopia. These determined barriers by adopting the TOE framework were critical for the future strategic plan for the effective implementation of ICT in the higher learning institutions teaching-learning practices in the country.

Effect of Internal Branding on Employees’ Brand Supporting Behaviors: Empirical Evidence from the Higher Education Institutions of Ethiopia

Nowadays, companies are increasing their brand value by cooperating and committing to a consistent brand message in order for employees to understand the value embodied in the brand and brings the brand promise to their customers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of internal branding activities on the brand support behavior of employees at Welega University. The researcher used internal brand communication and brand-centered training and development activities as a feature of internal branding. This study followed a descriptive study design supported by a deductive study approach. The subjects of the survey consisted of all employees of the University. A dedicated, unlikely sampling procedure was used to track the last respondent. Data were collected from 346 respondents using a structured survey using a 5-point Likert scale. The findings of the association analysis show that the descriptive variables were statistically significant. The results of root cause analysis show that internal branding attributes, or the practice of internal brand communication, have a greater impact on the brand support behavior of university employees than on brand-centric training and further development activities. In addition, the results show that internal branding attributes are positively correlated with employee brand support behavior and that the university has excellent experience with these attributes, employees are very likely to support the brand.

The Effects of Adaptive Leadership on Organizational Effectiveness at Public Higher Education Institutions of Ethiopia

This study explores the effects of adaptive leadership practices on organizational effectiveness and the link and prediction of both constructs in higher education institutions located in the Amhara National Regional State of Ethiopia. The study adopted a descriptive survey and correlational research design with a quantitative method.The target population of the study consists of 5460 deans, directors, and academic staff members. The sample size was determined to be 620 using a sample size determination formula. A questionnaire with multi-item scales from prior developed models was adapted to gather primary data. Percentages, mean values, one-sample t-test, correlation, and regression analysis were used to examine the data. The findings revealed that leaders practice adaptive leadership at every level because of the current uncertain and dynamic challenges confronting institutions. Furthermore, leadership practice, characterized by adaptation and knowledge building, has led institutions to be effective organizations. The findings also indicate that the constructs have a positive and substantial association. This suggests that the more adaptive leadership is practiced in the institutions under investigation, the higher the goal attainment and organizational effectiveness will be.

Undaunted Souls: The Experiences of Blind Students at Bahir Dar University

ABSTRACT To the knowledge of the present researcher, studies on the experience of blind students in the Ethiopian higher education institutions are very limited, and thus this study is meant to make some contribution on the subject. The study focused on the experiences of 22 blind students, randomly picked from two campuses of Bahir Dar University. To that end, using a case study design, data were generated through in-depth interview, key-informant interview, and focus group discussions on the availability of support services, challenges participants experienced, and their coping mechanisms. Results of the study revealed that, though the university provided participants with some financial support on an annual and a monthly basis, several challenges were still affecting the participants’ academic and social experiences. The study has implicated the inclusion of blind students cannot be complete unless equal emphasis is given to ensure accessible instructional materials (in Braille or audio files), pedagogy, and facilities.

Determinants of Self-Esteem among Undergraduate Students of Public Higher Education Institutions in Ethiopia

Self-esteem is a person’s feeling of self-pride or worth that reflects a person`s overall evaluation of his or her own value. The aim of this study was to assess determinants of self-esteem among undergraduate students of public higher education institutions in Ethiopia. Cross-sectional study was conducted at three randomly selected universities found in Ethiopia. The study participants were consists of 382 randomly selected third year students from college of business and economics. The data covers demographic variables and 10-items validated Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20.00.Out of 410 distributed questionnaires for the study participants only 382 (207 male and 175 female) students with response rate of 93.2% were returned the questionnaires in this study. Accordingly, the result of our study revealed that female students has high mean score (33.67 ±4.14) than male students (27.47±2.89) of self-esteem. Multiple regressions analysis of our study also revealed that gender difference, residence and CGPA of students are significant predictors (or significantly related to) of self-esteem (P=0.000). This study concludes as the parental education, gender difference, residence, and CGPA of students are the main determinants of students’ self-esteem. But Parental occupation has no correlation and significant impact with students’ self-esteem. Thus, the researchers recommend further studies on this area by incorporating other variables and universities to boost the students’ self-esteem

Effectiveness and Key Success Factors for Implementation of Problem-Based Learning in Debre Tabor University: A Mixed Methods Study.

Problem-based learning has been adopted as a core educational strategy for education of health professionals in more than a dozen of higher education institutions in Ethiopia. Debre Tabor University College of Health Sciences (DTUCHS) is one of the adopters. However, its effectiveness has not been researched yet. Thus, the objective of this study is to assess the quality of PBL implementation, its effectiveness in developing desired student learning outcomes and factors that facilitate or impede PBL implementation. A cross-sectional study was conducted in DTUCHS from May to June 2018. We collected quantitative data from students and tutors using self-administered questionnaire. We complemented this with key informant interviews with academic leaders. We computed descriptive statistics from quantitative data while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. A total of 308 students, 42 tutors and 8 academic leaders were included in the study. Students, tutors and academic leaders perceived that PBL was effective in developing knowledge, problem-solving skills, self-directed learning skills and collaboration competencies. The implementation process showed the existence of clear objectives, appropriate cases, and reasonable workload. Students rated tutors' performance positively, and tutors also rated student learning affirmatively. However, unlike tutors, students thought that the assessment of student performance in PBL was not appropriate. The factors that facilitated PBL implementation were students' and tutors' buy-in, clear curriculum design, adequate infrastructure, commitment to hire more faculty and develop their teaching skills continuously and strong coordination and monitoring. The findings of our study support the introduction of PBL in a resource-constrained setting. Students, tutors and academic leaders perceived PBL to be effective in achieving desired student learning outcomes. Its implementation was considered consistent with the principles of PBL. Respondents identified the presence of enabling factors to implement PBL in Debre Tabor University (DTU).

Prevalence and associated factors of depression among Jimma University students. A cross-sectional study

BackgroundDepression is a common health problem among university students. It is debilitating and has a detrimental impact on students psychosocial, emotional, interpersonal functioning and academic performance, However, there is a scarcity of information on this regard in higher education institutions in Ethiopia, so the current study was conducted to assess the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among Jimma University students.MethodsAn institution-based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 556 sampled students selected by a multistage stratified sampling technique. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used to screen depression severity. Data was collected through a pretested, structured, and self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were checked manually for completeness and entered into Epidata manager Version 2.0.8.56 data entry software then exported to SPSS version 20 Statistical software for analysis. The obtained data were described using descriptive statistics as well as logistic regression analysis was done to determine the independent predictors of the outcome variable. First bivariate analysis was done and variables significant at p value ≤ 0.25 were entered into a multivariate logistic regression analysis to control for confounders. The significance of association was determined at a 95% confidence interval and p-value < 0.05.ResultThe prevalence of depression among the students was 28.2%. Having a mentally ill family member (OR = 2.307, 95%CI 1.055–5.049), being from the college of Social science and humanity (OR = 2.582, 95%CI 1.332–5.008), having sex after drinking (OR = 3.722, 95%CI 1.818–7.619), being hit by sexual partner (OR = 3.132, 95%CI 1.561–6.283), having childhood emotional abuse (OR = 2.167, 95%CI 1.169–4.017), having monthly pocket money between 500-999 ETB (OR = 0.450, 95% CI 0.204–0.995), and promoted academic performance (OR = 2.912, 95% CI 1.063–7.975) were significantly associated with depression.ConclusionThe prevalence of depression among Jimma University students was high and positively associated with being from the college of social science and humanity, history of a hit by a sexual partner, having a mentally ill family member, having more monthly pocket money, promoted academic performance, having sex after drinking and childhood emotional abuse. Therefore, establishing depression screening services on the campus and designing proper mental health intervention programs is recommended to tackle the problem.

Blended- Learning Approach for Ethiopian Education System : In Case of Second Generation University

Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are striving to provide effective learning experiences to address the needs of the digitally-oriented generation of learners. Blended learning has emerged as a solution to address these needs and has been adopted by various universities in developed country. However, not all Ethiopian second Generation University adopts blended-learning. Blended-learning refers to the systematic integration of online and face-to-face engagement to support and enhance meaningful interaction between students, teachers and resources. Blended learning offers many potential advantages and disadvantages that will largely depend on the quality of the learning design and model. Blended learning gives students with special educational needs the benefits of both online learning and in-person instruction. The paper proffered workable recommendation for implementing a blended-learning environment. In conclusion, the paper recommends that since Ethiopia is one of from developing countries must be intentional about skills acquisition so as to be well equipped to join their counterparts in other developed climes to play a significant and principal role in the ever dynamic sophisticated learning environment.

Re-thinking humanism as a guiding philosophy for education: a critical reflection on Ethiopian higher educat0ion institutions

This paper aims to articulate and clarify the very essence of humanism and then contextualize it to the Ethiopian context. In this case, I believe that a humanistic philosophy for education is the best approach that helps students become holistic beings – citizens who are both morally/intellectually and economically capable, autonomous, critical and responsible. Students of Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions (EHEIs), however, are characterized by a dearth of humanistic elements for education. They are marred with intellectual and moral decadence. The methodology is qualitative for it largely depends on reviewing literatures and policy documents on the issue. The upshot of this paper is that the ideals of humanism in education is not an extra – icing on the cake- it is an essential tool that would clean the academic environment from the entrenched overall moral and intellectual decay permeating EHEIs.

Effective Change Management for Sustainable Development in Higher Education Institutions

This study scrutinized the prevailing platform wherein change management is being practiced in Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions (EHEIs) as per the theoretical argument of implementing change programs with their long-term consequences in mind. In this study the researcher investigated the change management protocol of Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions (EHEIs) since the education sector is identified as the key to unlocking the economic potentials of the country. However, the sector is earnestly constrained by a number of factors which include, but not limited to, poor change management protocols. Hence, in this study the researcher aspired to make a theoretical contribution to the body of knowledge related to change management protocols in EHEIs. In view of that, this research is fundamentally designed to observe the change management protocol of EHEIs; and put forward change management practices that bring about sustainable development in the institutions and beyond. Thus, the study primarily focused on identifying effective leadership styles to be followed during periods of change and how it can generate positive change that helps the attainment of sustainable developmental goals in EHEIs. The paper also discussed leaders’ roles and deeds for effective management of change. A qualitative approach based on an extensive review of relevant literature is used to draw conclusions and recommendations. Accordingly, comprehensive enquiry of the data collected for the purpose of this study revealed that the development of new knowledge or insights that have the potential to influence behavior is the most important success factor for effective sustainable development. On the other hand, failure to progressively institutionalize change initiatives is the core cause why change initiatives often fail in EHEIs. The research findings, therefore, disclose that organizational learning should take place within the wide institutional context of inter-organizational relationships and an organization’s acquisition of understanding, know-how, techniques and practices of any kind of change and by any means need to be stimulated. Conclusively, the paper stresses that effective leadership is the key to success of every organization, for EHEIs to achieve sustainable development, the senior management of the institutions have greater role to play. Turning institutions to learning organizations and adoption of transformational leadership style are recommended for effective change management process. Keywords : Adaptation, Change Management, Organizational Learning, Organizational Leadership, Sustainable Development DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-7-03 Publication date: April 30 th 2020

Effective Change Management for Sustainable Development in Higher Education Institutions

This study scrutinized the prevailing platform wherein change management is being practiced in Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions (EHEIs) as per the theoretical argument of implementing change programs with their long-term consequences in mind. In this study the researcher investigated the change management protocol of Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions (EHEIs) since the education sector is identified as the key to unlocking the economic potentials of the country. However, the sector is earnestly constrained by a number of factors which include, but not limited to, poor change management protocols. Hence, in this study the researcher aspired to make a theoretical contribution to the body of knowledge related to change management protocols in EHEIs. In view of that, this research is fundamentally designed to observe the change management protocol of EHEIs; and put forward change management practices that bring about sustainable development in the institutions and beyond. Thus, the study primarily focused on identifying effective leadership styles to be followed during periods of change and how it can generate positive change that helps the attainment of sustainable developmental goals in EHEIs. The paper also discussed leaders’ roles and deeds for effective management of change. A qualitative approach based on an extensive review of relevant literature is used to draw conclusions and recommendations. Accordingly, comprehensive enquiry of the data collected for the purpose of this study revealed that the development of new knowledge or insights that have the potential to influence behavior is the most important success factor for effective sustainable development. On the other hand, failure to progressively institutionalize change initiatives is the core cause why change initiatives often fail in EHEIs. The research findings, therefore, disclose that organizational learning should take place within the wide institutional context of inter-organizational relationships and an organization’s acquisition of understanding, know-how, techniques and practices of any kind of change and by any means need to be stimulated. Conclusively, the paper stresses that effective leadership is the key to success of every organization, for EHEIs to achieve sustainable development, the senior management of the institutions have greater role to play. Turning institutions to learning organizations and adoption of transformational leadership style are recommended for effective change management process. Keywords : Adaptation, Change Management, Organizational Learning, Organizational Leadership, Sustainable Development DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/12-10-01 Publication date: April 30 th 2020

Improving the Amharic Sign Language (Signing and Interpreting Skills) of Special Needs and Inclusive Education Apprentices in Higher Education Institutions in Ethiopia: Debre Tabor University in Focus

Improving the Amharic Sign Language (Signing and Interpreting Skills) of Special Needs and Inclusive Education Apprentices in Higher Education Institutions in Ethiopia: Debre Tabor University in Focus

The Practices and Effectiveness of Internal Auditing among Public Higher Education Institutions, Ethiopia

The existence of multi-dimensional measures of internal audit effectiveness, and the findings of most prior studies are not consistent. As a result of this, to add knowledge to the existing literature and to give direction to the institutions, the study focused on the comparison of the practices and effectiveness of internal auditing among public higher education institutions in Ethiopia. With regards to the sampling techniques employed towards achieving the objective of the study, proportional stratified random sampling, purposive sampling and census were used for the selection of sample institutions, the relevant department and the appropriate respondents respectively. Following this, a total of one hundred sixty (160) questionnaires were distributed to the internal auditors of the sampled institutions out of which one hundred twenty-one (121) questionnaires were effective. The internal auditors were picked from eighteen sample universities out of the 30 target universities. The respondents were considered based on their direct attachment to the study area. By using analysis of moment structures (AMOS), the confirmatory factor analysis was used to identify a set of items which are strongly related to the variables. The Chi-Square test was applied to analyze the data. Top management support, organizational independence, adequate and competent internal auditors, internal audit charter, quality of internal audit work, career and advancement, management perception of internal audit function value, information technology, and objectivity of internal auditors were used as the proxy measures of internal auditing practices, whereas auditees’ evaluation, added contribution of internal audit, and auditing quality were used as the proxy measures of internal audit effectiveness. Out of these 12 variables employed in the confirmatory factor analysis, only 9 variables (top management support, organizational independence, adequate and competent internal auditors, internal audit charter, quality of internal audit work, information technology, objectivity of internal auditors, auditees’ evaluation, and auditing quality) were supported for further analysis. The findings of the study signified that, statistically, there was no significant difference in internal auditing practices and effectiveness among the public higher education institutions. The following could be the reasons for this insignificant difference: first, most public higher education institutions in Ethiopia are similar in policies, procedures, organizational contexts, rules and regulations, and organizational structure; and second, all the public higher education institutions share the same internal audit manual. It can be concluded that the use of electronic technology or modern auditing system instead of traditional auditing systems will improve the auditing activities of the institutions.

Use of Access Control List Application for Bandwidth Management among Selected Public Higher Education Institutions in Ethiopia

A cross-sectional survey on use of access control list application for bandwidth management among selected public higher education institutions in Ethiopia was conducted. The objective was to help academic institutions achieve sustainable quality of network service and bandwidth management. 100 information and communication technology staff of 3 directorates of universities and located at Haramaya, Dire Dawa and Odabutum were sampled, using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Structured questionnaire, interview and observation checklist used for data collection and analyzed to answer the research question. Results revealed a set of procedures performed by hardware, software and administrators, to monitor access, identify users requesting access, record access attempts, and grant or deny access to resources on the internet was used as access control list application. Also, revealed was qualitative data analysis that allowed students to bring their own devices (no matter the number) to connect to the campus-wide network. The implication of results in the three universities was that they were not taking bandwidth management seriously, which was evidenced by the absence of access control list application. It concludes that access control list application for bandwidth management is a necessity and Graphical Network Simulator software version 3 was recommended as appropriate for implementation.

Attitude of employees towards change Initiatives as influenced by commitment and job satisfaction: The case of selected higher education institutions in Ethiopia

Attitude of employees towards change Initiatives as influenced by commitment and job satisfaction: The case of selected higher education institutions in Ethiopia

Are commitment and job satisfaction affect attitude of employees towards change initiatives? (An examination of higher education institutions in Ethiopia)

This study aimed at examining the influence of organizational commitment and job satisfaction on attitudes of employees toward change initiatives in selected public universities in Ethiopia. Self-Administered questionnaires were prepared and distributed to 200 randomly selected teachers in selected universities via e-mail addresses. By using the average score of three scales, correlation and regression analysis was made to see the relationship and influences of commitment and job satisfaction. The findings revealed that employees` general attitude towards change initiatives is influenced by Job satisfaction (p&lt;0.05). However, it did not indicate the significant influence of employees` commitment to the attitude of employees regarding change initiatives (p&gt;0.05). These imply that job satisfaction may play a greater role in shaping the attitude of employees to change initiatives than organizational commitment. From the results, we recommend that leaders focus on things that can enhance job satisfaction during the implementation of change initiatives

A Cloud Based Electronic Office Framework for Ethiopian Public Universities (CBEOFEPU)

An effective cloud-based electronic office management system plays a crucial role in delivering services in a better way. The main goal of this research is to create a smart environment, a digital workplace solution, good communication, and collaboration between employers and Ethiopian higher education institutions and to add some cloud computing capabilities to the electronic office. The proposed system is intended to better drive the effective development of Smart society and to advance a step into an era of the paperless, replace the previous manual handling of documents with an efficient electronic system. The study uses questionnaire, Interview, and observation data collection techniques and the developed prototype and proposed framework evaluate by different users, experts in software engineering and related fields. This study proposes a private cloud platform architecture for electronic office in Ethiopian public universities Software as a Service. The Cloud-Based Electronic Office Framework (CBEOF) adapts the IBM Cloud Reference Architecture (IBMCRA), the NIST Cloud Reference Architecture, and the Microsoft Web Application Architecture to take advantage of all the considerations and capabilities of a cloud-based software architecture.

Modular/Block teaching: practices and challenges at higher education institutions of Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to investigate the practices and challenges of modular/block teaching in higher education institutions of Ethiopia. A descriptive survey design was used with instructors and students. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data and analysed quantitatively (descriptive and inferential statistics) and qualitatively (thematic analysis). The results showed variations in practice across different universities. It was found that modular/block teaching helps students to concentrate on one subject at a time but does not place emphasis on practical skills; this means that the theory and practice of the theory stay separate, which does not make learning credible. Additionally, it was found that due to the limited time given for one course, it was difficult to implement active learning. Generally, instructors and students faced challenges in the practice of modular/block teaching. Practically, the authors have made suggestions for the better implementation of modular/block teaching.

Types, Prevalence and Predictors of Sexual Harassment on Female Students of Higher Institutions of Ethiopia: The Case of Debre Markos University, Ethiopia

Sexual harassment is one of the biggest challenges of female students in higher institutions of Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to investigate the types, prevalence and predictors of sexual harassment on female students of Debre Markos University. A mixed design approach was employed and data were collected from female students (n=463)using stratified random sampling techniques and from administrative workers of the University (n=5). Quantitative data were collected using a modified version of Sexual Harassment Experience Questionnaire (SHEQ) (Fitzgerald et al, 1988) having 35 items with three dimensions of harassment (Gender harassment, Unwanted sexual attention, and Sexual Coercion. Qualitative data were gathered through FGD and in-depth interviews. Mean, frequency percentage and Pearson’s correlation were applied to analyze quantitative data. Thematic analysis was applied for qualitative data. The result showed that more than 36% of the participants had experienced at least one form of sexual harassment either on campus or off campus. A strong positive correlation was found between sexual harassment experience and unwanted sexual attention (r=.69, P&lt;0.001); sexual harassment experience and sexual coercion (r=.54, P&lt;0.001) and unwanted sexual attention and sexual coercion(r=.691).Female students who are non-café were mainly the victims of sexual harassment and the perpetrators were male students, instructors, taxi drivers and businessmen in the town. The findings suggest that female students face different forms of sexual harassment and the university has to make intervention to stop the problem. The finding has the implication that similar studies need to be conducted in other higher education institutions of Ethiopia.

Is There Association between Risky Sexual Behaviors and Depression Symptoms among Youth? A Case of Jimma University Students, Ethiopia.

Background Risky Sexual Behaviors (RSB) and Depression symptoms expose young people to various reproductive health problems including sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. To date the link between these two major public health problems lacks empirical evidence in the context of higher education institutions in Ethiopia. Objective The aim of this study was to assess association between risky sexual behavior and depression symptoms among Jimma University main campus students, Jimma, Ethiopia, 2016. Methods An institution based quantitative cross sectional study was conducted. A pre-tested questionnaire and modified Beck Depression Inventory II were administered to 700 students, selected by multi-stage stratified sampling, from the main campus of Jimma University. Descriptive statistics, simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze possible confounders. Presence of crude association between the dependent and independent variables was detected by bivariate logistic regression analysis. Variables with p value < 0.25 in bivariate analysis were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression to exclude the confounders. Adjusted odd ratios with 95%CI were computed to examine depression symptoms and other independent variables as predictors of RSB. Results RSB were reported by 30.2% students. Out of 222 (33.6%) students with depression symptoms 105 (47.3%) reported RSB. Students with moderate depression symptoms are nearly two times more likely to experience risky sexual behavior than students with no depression symptoms (AOR 1.9, 95% CI: 1-3.1). Students with severe depression symptoms are nearly two and half times more likely to experience RSB than students with no depression symptoms counterparts (AOR 2.6, 95%CI: 1.3- 5.1). Conclusion RSB were high among students with depression symptoms in the main campus of Jimma University. To help students overcome the challenges, recommendation was given for concerted action from the University, governmental and NGO, and the surrounding community to establish support services and various reproductive and mental health awareness programs within the campus.