Institutions Of Higher Learning Research Articles

A School–University Partnership That Facilitates Adult-Specific Training: Perceptions of Life Sciences Teachers

This study examined the effectiveness of professional development (PD) strategies employed by the University of South Africa (UNISA) to empower teachers (as adult learners) to enhance learner performance in the life sciences (LS). The context of this study is the partnership between the Department of Education and institutions of higher learning. Based on the idea that well-planned PD fosters teacher participation, this study explored the factors that encourage (or discourage) teacher compliance with new initiatives. A qualitative research design with 10 purposefully selected samples was used. Data were collected through 10 individual interviews and a single focus group discussion. Data were analyzed using Creswell's method of coding. The findings indicate that the UNISA project emphasizes “care” and “learner-centeredness” and has a “bottom-up” approach, which strategically led to a conducive environment for teachers’ PD. It is recommended to normalize the retraining of teachers through partnerships using this strategy.

Hidden in plain sight: New partners for forensic nursing education

BackgroundBreaking disciplinary silos and increasing understanding for students has the potential to transform the future of healthcare, yet it can be challenging to develop interdisciplinary simulations. MethodsWhile integrating the AACN Essentials into a new course about forensics in the healthcare setting, innovative simulation design helped undergraduate nursing and pre-health track science students demonstrate specific sub-competencies. ResultsThe simulations resulted in self-reported increased student learning. ConclusionWith simulation-based experiences in both healthcare and chemistry lab settings, nursing faculty and students, science faculty and students interested in health sciences, public safety, and counseling services are ubiquitous to institutions of higher learning that house nursing programs and are all great partners in designing simulations in the interdisciplinary forensic science field.

Social barriers faced by students with sensory impairment in higher education in Tanzania

AbstractThis study explored the social barriers facing students with sensory impairment in Tanzanian higher learning institutions across different settings. Twenty‐seven students were involved in semi‐structured interviews, focus group discussions and open‐ended questionnaires. Students with sensory impairment reported that across the different settings, other people view them as incapable and as a socio‐economic burden. They also revealed that they were viewed as beggars. Their perceptions of these negative views resulted in their social isolation, and difficulties in forming and maintaining friendships. The study recommends setting up awareness‐creation campaigns aimed at demonstrating the capabilities of disabled people in Tanzania. In addition, the law governing the employment of disabled people in Tanzania should be enforced accordingly to increase their employment opportunities in different sectors.

ASSESSING SCHOLARSHIP: AN ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH APPRECIATION BY GHANAIAN ACADEMIC RESEARCHERS

The study sought to analyze academic research appreciation by research faculty of Ghanaian universities and colleges of education. The study is underpinned by the social exchange theory and used a quantitative approach, where an electronic questionnaire based on items and scales identified in literature was shared on social media platforms of academic faculties of Ghanaian universities and colleges of education. A total sample of 1175 was considered. The data generated from respondents’ submission of the electronic questionnaire was analyzed with SPSS using descriptive and inferential statistics, where means with standard deviations and independent samples t-tests with eta statistics were the units of analysis. The study revealed statistically significant differences in (1) access to research, (2) utilization of research, and (3) practice of and engagement in research between faculty of universities and colleges of education. The study found no significant difference in what respondents perceived of the worth of research between the two classes of faculty. The study identified that Ghanaian academic researchers have limited access to research, and moderately use existing research per their limited access. The study found that respondents consider themselves as having more to achieve in research as they identified as having moderate experience. In terms of perception of the worth of research, the study revealed that academic researchers see research as a very important dimension of their career for its relevance to their instruction. The study recommends that efforts should be made to bridge the difference in scholarship between universities and colleges of education. Again, research training and collaborations should be prioritized in higher education. Lastly, institutions of higher learning should ensure easy access to research.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0735/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Formulating A Competency Framework for Accountants On Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Standards and Finance Digitalization

Accountants are one of the most important professions nowadays because, with their education and experience, they can assist the government in building the nation. However, the recent trend shows that the demand for competent accountants is increasing due to the importance of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, coupled with the explosion of financial technology. Unfortunately, current working accountants and recent accounting graduates are struggling to meet these international demands, as employers are finding it difficult to find competent accountants who are knowledgeable about ESG and experts in financial technology. Thus, this paper intends to discuss and propose an accounting competencies framework that meets the needs of industries, supports government aspirations to develop via technological advancement, and balances social and economic development based on ESG principles. It is expected that this competency framework related to ESG and financial technology will benefit the accounting profession and higher learning institutions by allowing them to design more industrial-relevant training and educational qualifications. This paper is significant because it ensures there is no shortage of accountants with ESG skills and knowledge, and it can support a government plan to achieve net zero by 2050.

Enhanced learning engagement through teaching presence in online distance education

Distance education offers flexibility, affordability, and accessibility. However, it poses challenges such as learner isolation, limited interaction, reduced motivation, and low learning engagement. This study examines how the mediating effects of teaching presence can increase online learning engagement in distance education. A survey was conducted to test the mediating role of teaching presence on online self-regulation, interaction, and learning engagement among 853 undergraduate distance students from four institutions of higher learning and various distance courses in Zambia. The results indicate that teaching presence has a direct positive and significant effect on learning engagement, and an indirect positive and significant influence through self-regulation and online interaction. This highlights the importance of teaching presence in improving the quality and effectiveness of distance education. This study recommends enhancing, supporting, and promoting the teaching presence in distance education.

A Roadmap to Industry Based Curriculum in Higher Education Through Public-Private Partnership Model

Higher education in any country plays an important role in nation building. Education system has a social agenda to develop its human resource in a better way to meet the requirements of society. Several reforms were introduced to promote quality in higher education and make education accessible to every society. The continuous amendments in education policies are required to meet the present expectations of industry. The traditional approach of rote learning and memory level teaching shall not work out in the modern times where the requirements of industry are changing frequently. There is a need of an hour for the higher institutions to shift their approach from academic based curriculum to industry-based curriculum. Many higher education institutions are struggling to provide quality, affordable education and research to its end users. Thus, a collaborative approach needs to be followed in the form of public-private partnership model for facilitating practical learning in higher institutions and preparing the future budding managers to bridge the gap between skills required to meet industry expectations and the skills they possess. The aim of this paper is to explore about the PPP model for promoting industry-based curriculum in academics. The study is purely secondary in nature followed with exploratory research-design for giving a broader view on implementation of PPP model in higher institutions. The present study provides an integrated process through which the effectiveness and working of PPP model is well-explained.

Assessment of Risk Management Practices in Public Higher Learning Institutions: A Case of Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences

This study explores the risk management practices at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in Tanzania. It examines employees' perceptions, the challenges faced by management during the implementation of risk management programs, and the efforts made to address these challenges. Findings indicate a significant gap in awareness regarding risk management policies, substantial resistance to change, and financial constraints. The study underscores the need for enhanced communication, continuous training, and strategic resource allocation to improve risk management practices at MUHAS.

Effects of procurement risk management strategies on public procuring entities' performance

Organizations implement risk management to mitigate the effects of unforeseen events in their operation settings. The current study aims to investigate the relationship between procurement risk-management strategies and the performance of public higher-learning institutions registered by the National Council for Technical Education and Vocation Training in Tanzania. The findings of the study provide valuable insights that can influence the risk management strategies and performance management policies of public procuring entities. The Principal-Agent Theory guided the study. A convergent parallel mixed-method design was employed, utilizing a census method that included all 16 public high-learning institutions in Dar es Salaam as the sample. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data analysis involved descriptive statistics to compute percentages and means of school respondents. Multiple Regressions was employed for inferential statistics analysis. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis. The study identified risks affecting the performance of PEs including non-compliance risks, planning risks, managerial risks, contract management risks, and project delays. To address these challenges, the study recommends that entities should develop and adhere to their procurement plans, invest in capacity building to strengthen ethical practices to avoid unethical behavior, and address non-compliance issues. Entities should use a combination of strategies based on internal policies, experience, and the preferences of the procurement assignment.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Dramatic Approaches in Improving Oral Communication Skills among Arabic Language Students of Colleges of Education in North Central Zone Nigeria

Recent literature highlights a widespread issue of poor oral competence and communication skills among Arabic language students in Nigerian institutions of higher learning. Contributing factors, including the use of inappropriate teaching methods, have been identified. This study explores the impact of using drama techniques to enhance Arabic oral communication skills among students in Colleges of Education across North Central Nigeria. A pre-experimental design was utilized, with one group serving as the experimental group and the other as the control group. The intervention took place during the second semester of the 2023/2024 academic year, involving 51 students in their 200 level. The sample was divided into 26 students for the experimental group and 25 for the control group. To measure outcomes, a test and evaluation scale for oral expression skills was developed. Statistical analysis, including means, standard deviations, and independent sample t-tests, were applied. The findings indicated a statistically significant difference in favour of the experimental group, suggesting that drama techniques can be an effective approach for improving spoken Arabic, particularly within the Nigerian educational context

Challenges and Barriers in Accessing Financial Aid for Low-Income Minority Students in the United States

This paper presents a critical analysis of some of the major barriers that low income minority students in the United States encounter in their quest for scholarships. Higher education has emerged as a critical factor for social and economic mobility and stability in the last few decades. Financial aid has really played a crucial role in enabling low-income and minority students to study at institutions of higher learning. But there are so many factors that may limit such kinds of students from accessing such help. Some of the concerns highlighted are; the process of applying for a grant is complex, there is inadequate guidance and support, and the grant system is impartial. This is especially a problem for students who do not understand the financial terms or those who have language issues. While some schools provide financial aid workshops and counseling services, there is a lack of their availability and the quality of the services provided, thus making students desperate for the assistance they require. Hence, using data from online self-completed questionnaires and interviews and conducting a review of secondary data, this research work mainly aims to identify these challenges and then propose solutions.

First-generation distance learning students: can the perceptions of social support and sense of belonging influence academic persistence?

PurposeFirst-generation students (FGS) experience numerous challenges during their studies because of their background attributes and lack of social capital required to navigate institutions of higher learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of perceived social support and a sense of belonging on academic persistence among FGS at a distance e-learning institution in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional quantitative research approach was employed. The sample comprised 240 undergraduate students. While multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the influence of perceived social support and sense of belonging on academic persistence, mediation analysis was used to test for the mediating effect of sense of belonging on the relationship between perceived social support and academic persistence.FindingsThe results revealed that while perceived family support, perceived friendship support and perceived support from others did not significantly predict academic persistence, a sense of belonging significantly predicted academic persistence. The results also demonstrated that a sense of belonging significantly mediated the relationship between perceived family support and academic persistence. Further, the sense of belonging significantly mediated the relationship between perceived support from others and academic persistence.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of the study imply that distance learning institutions should strengthen student support mechanisms and institute steps to create learning environments that engender belongingness to enable students to persist academically and reach their academic goals.Originality/valueThis study outlines practical strategies that distance learning institutions could use to enhance support and bolster belongingness among students to help them complete their studies.

Echoes across cultures: navigating the diversity in transcultural professor-student communication

Increased globalization of the world has caused the frequent surge in the number of students studying internationally, especially in the United States. This has led to a situation where classrooms and institutions of higher learning have become more multicultural in nature, thereby demanding students, professors, faculty members and all relevant stakeholders to consciously seek to develop competence in thriving in transcultural learning environments. Therefore, this research attempts to examine the concept of culture, and how various elements of culture influence professor-students communication in classroom settings. In attempts to achieve this main objective, some of the themes discussed include the concepts of culture; transcultural communication; cultural dynamism; and building inclusivity in learning environments. The theoretical underpinning that this research was predicated upon is the Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory, with its comprehensive treatise of the 6 dimensions of distinguishing various cultures. Keywords: Culture, Transcultural Communication, Cultural Dynamism, Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory, Inclusivity of Learning Environment.

Green Human Resources Management Practices and Tertiary Institution Productivity in South West Nigeria

Abstract: Inadequate Implementation of Green human resources Practices in tertiary institutions in South West Nigeria has made the higher institution of learning to face challenges in integrating environmental conservatives policy in their operations. The study therefore examined the effect of green human resources practices on organizational productivity of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The study adopted a cross- sectional survey research design with the aid of structured questionnaire. The population for the study are the employees of the all the six (6) Federal polytechnics in South Nigeria, totaling 5028. From this population, an aggregate sample size of 371 participants were selected using Taro Yamane sample size calculator where proportional allocation was used to select participants for inclusion per tertiary institution. Structural equation modeling using Smart-PLS 4.0 was used for data analysis; as results indicated that GIO ( , T-statistic = 3.512, p < 0.05), GRCM ( , T-statistic = 8.385, p < 0.05), and GRS ( , T-statistic = 4.711, p < 0.05) have significant positive effects on organizational productivity. This highlights the importance of these green HR practices in enhancing productivity in the selected tertiary institutions in Southwest Nigeria. The study concluded that green human resources management practices is crucial in achieving optimal organizational productivity of the federal polytechnics in South West Nigeria. The study therefore recommended that the management of the federal Polytechnics in South West Nigeria should use environmental conservative employer branding to attract, select applicants and retain employees who have green orientation through a well-defined and circulated environmental sustainability human resources policy.

Exploration of Gender, Equity, and Information Access and Utilization of Services and Opportunities: Do Ugandan Universities Empower Students and Foster Belonging

Anchored in social justice theory, this study explored gender and equity perspectives on access and utilization of information on services and opportunities by students in Institutions of Higher Learning in Uganda. The goal was to determine whether such information created a sense of belonging. Information on services and opportunities required by students and sources of information provided by Ugandan HIL were examined. The study used a cross-sectional research design. Quantitative and qualitative approaches to collect data were used from six universities. Data was collected from 162 participants (150 students and 12 key informants) using surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and secondary reviews tools. The study identifies student’s representatives and religious leaders as the main sources of information. Although according to social justice theory recommends student’s engagement in activities that affect them universities excluded them from identifying, developing, packaging, disseminating, monitoring and evaluating of their information needs on S&Os. Most critical information required by students includes sexually transmitted infections, reproductive health, HIV/AIDs cooperate governance, career guidance and internship and job placement, scholarships and financial literacy. Generally, information on basic S&O provided by universities did not create a sense of belonging. Information on services and opportunities from university administration was perceived as difficult to comprehend, detached, without speaking to student actualities, yet students were not homogenous nor gendered beings. The insensitivity to gender and equity information needs of students affected more female male students, disabilities and those from disadvantaged communities. This article serves as an opportunity to advance discussions on gender inclusive and equity dimensions towards the creation of a sense of belonging in universities. This would require social justice and gender-inclusive trajectories aimed at dismantling gender-insensitive systems in universities.

Assessment of Vulnerabilities in Student Records Web-Based Systems for Public and Private Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania

In spite that HLIs in Tanzania use web-based systems for managing, storing and processing of HLIs information and data such as website contents, academic results and financial records. The HLIs web-based system have been compromised by attackers due to presence of vulnerabilities. The main objective of this study is to assess the vulnerabilities of Students Records Web-based Systems (SRWBS) for private and public Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in Tanzania using black-box testing methodology by employing two automatic vulnerability scanners namely OWASP ZAP (Open Webs Application Security Project Zed Attack Proxy; open-source tool) and Acunetix (proprietary tool). This study assesses the vulnerability of SRWBS for 3 private HLIs and 5 public HLIs in Tanzania. The results reveal the total of 29 vulnerabilities which include but are not limited to Broken Authentication and Session Management, Broken Access Control, Security Misconfiguration, Sensitive Data Exposure, Vulnerable JS (Java Script) Libraries, CSRF (Cros Site Request Forgery), Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities, XSS (Cross Site Script), DOM (Document Object Model) based XSS and Reflected XSS. SRWBS of public HLIs were found more vulnerable by average 44.2% than the SRWBS of private HLIs which were vulnerable by average of 37%. Based on these results, this study provides some recommendations for mitigating vulnerabilities and improving the security of SRWBS for private and public HLIs in Tanzania.

Gender factor and organisational citizenship behaviour among academics in South Africa

A company cannot grow unless its employees engage in meaningful behaviours. Therefore, higher learning institutions must foster organisational citizenship behaviour. An educational institution's overall operations are impacted by it, which significantly affects institutions’ operations, enhances the effectiveness of educators, and has a favourable effect on students' academic performance. However, the behaviours that men and women are expected to exhibit and how their actions are perceived are both influenced by their gender. Based on the role theory as the theoretical framework, this study explored the differences between male and female respondents' exhibition of altruism, conscientiousness, sportsmanship, courtesy, and civic virtue among academics. 253 academics were chosen at random from a group of 405 participants using a convenience sampling strategy. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and analysed through descriptive, factor analysis, and the Mann-Whitney U test. The means showed that employees of this institution appeared to be good citizens displaying all five citizenship dimensions. Furthermore, factor analysis results reported the extraction of five components. Thereafter, the Mann-Whitney test revealed that there were no discernible differences between the organisational citizenship behaviour scores of male and female respondents across all dimensions. These findings create an awareness of the importance of organisational citizenship behaviour in higher learning institutions and give managers a better knowledge of these behaviours. This study advocates that leaders should foster a strong organisational culture that promotes the exhibition of these behaviours within the workplace to make it easier for them to offer assistance to students, and colleagues and advance institutions’ goals.

Government Intervention, Internationalization Model and Higher Education Resource Flow: An Analysis of Higher Education in Late Qing Dynasty and Modern China

With the purpose of saving the country, the Qing Dynasty built new institutions of higher learning to impart western knowledge, which played a role in promoting the development of modern higher education in China. In order to explore the development context of China's higher education under different backgrounds in the late Qing Dynasty and modern times, this study reviews the relevant theoretical basis in recent years. This paper summarizes the formation of the education system in the late Qing Dynasty and modern China, the specific intervention of the government in higher education, and the flow of higher education resources in recent years, and analyzes its internal flow and external flow. Through the analysis of higher education in the late Qing Dynasty and modern times, it can be seen that the innovation and development of the internationalization mode of higher education is the inevitable requirement to realize the transformation of the internationalization power of higher education into the internationalization power of higher education. In addition to the classic model, co-construction model, satellite model and education cluster model, we should also actively explore and develop other new international education models, further expand the vision of running schools, enhance international awareness, accelerate the internationalization process of higher education, and achieve beyond the traditional higher education power. In order to provide reference for the future development of China's higher education internationalization under the background of "double first-class" construction.

Leveraging the Design Thinking Approach to Improve ICT Skills for Students in Higher Learning Institutions: The Case of FinHub Tanzania

Leveraging the Design Thinking Approach to Improve ICT Skills for Students in Higher Learning Institutions: The Case of FinHub Tanzania

Legal Culture and Disability Rights in Indonesian Islamic Higher Education: A Review of Practices

This research aims to examine disability rights in relation to Islamic universities in Indonesia, paying attention to the legal culture concerning equal opportunities for disabled people. As a qualitative study with an empirical legal research method, this research will therefore gather information from various sources to examine current practices concerning regulations, facilities, and academic and social support, and disability education in Islamic higher learning institutions. The findings indicate that there is a major disparity between the legislation and the realities on the field. Implementation of strategies is poor, and a number of strategies are even ineffectual. Lack of physical infrastructure, academic accommodations, and training on the disability topics are some of the main challenges regarding full inclusion. Based on the study findings, it is suggested to enhance and expand the existing policies that include all parties and policies based on Islamic values that support equality and social justice. The final section reiterates the call for the reform of institutional culture and the advocacy of continuous public education to achieve cultural change.