Institutional Mission Research Articles

Compliance With Accreditation Standards on Diversity: Is Institutional Support the Missing Link?

The role of accreditation standards in fostering diversity and inclusion in academic programs remains poorly understood. Accreditation is one approach to increasing diversity through Standard A1.11. This study investigates the impact of the Accreditation Review Commission-Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) standards on diversity and inclusion in physician assistant (PA) programs and explores challenges faced by programs in achieving compliance. This qualitative exploratory study first reviewed diversity standards in accreditation documents among selected health professions; second, data on the frequency of citations from ARC-PA related to diversity were gathered and analyzed; finally, opinions from 23 PA faculty and leaders were solicited through semistructured interviews. Two research team members analyzed the data to identify themes. Most institutions sponsoring PA programs had preexisting diversity policies before the inception of standard A1.11 of the ARC-PA. Between June 2020 and March 2023, seven programs received 16 citations related to Standard A1.11. Interviews with faculty revealed 4 major themes: (1) the importance of institutional support, (2) early pipeline development of applicants, (3) prioritizing faculty and/or student diversity as key program goals, and (4) local context, with institutional support and pipeline development being most prominent. The inclusion of Standard A1.11 in the ARC-PA Standards signifies the growing recognition of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in PA education. Institutions can advance DEI in the PA profession by leveraging accreditation-related activities through leadership, partnerships, and accountability measures consistent with the institution's mission and applicable laws. Institutional support emerged as an important factor in compliance with diversity-related accreditation standards.

A Content Analysis of the Vision Statements of Top 10 Leading Universities in Indonesia

This study analyzes the vision statements of Indonesia's top 10 universities, as ranked by Times Higher Education in 2024. Vision statements are crucial for defining a university’s strategic direction, identity, and stakeholder engagement. The content analysis identifies recurring themes, including scientific advancement, innovation, community empowerment, and global competitiveness. While these statements articulate ambitious goals, potential challenges such as symbolic rhetoric and institutional isomorphism may hinder their effectiveness. The findings emphasize the need for vision statements that are actionable and aligned with the institution's mission. The study concludes with recommendations for further research on the practical implementation of these visions and the role of leadership, as well as strategies for embedding visions into institutional culture.

Integrating Technology in Tahfidzul Qur'an School Development Programs

Islamic educational institutions face the challenge of integrating information technology into their programs to enhance their long-term sustainability and effectiveness. However, there is limited research on how tahfidzul Qur'an programs can incorporate technological advances for improved school development. This study addresses this gap by exploring the development of an information technology-based tahfidzul Qur'an school program at Al Azhar International Islamic Boarding School. Utilizing an exploratory descriptive qualitative method, the research gathers insights from the school's founder to identify key strategies. The results indicate that careful planning, monitoring, and evaluation are essential for achieving long-term educational goals. Human resource development, seen as a valuable institutional asset, must be prioritized through regular training. Additionally, optimizing information media is crucial to increase the institution's visibility and attract prospective students. The novelty of this study lies in its focus on integrating technology into religious education management. The implications suggest that effective use of technology in tahfidzul Qur'an school programs can align graduate outcomes with the institution's vision and mission, setting a model for similar educational programs seeking sustainable development. Highlights: Strategic long-term planning is vital for program success. Human resource quality is crucial for institutional growth. Technology optimization attracts potential students and ensures program sustainability. Keywords: School Development, Information Technology, Tahfidzul Qur'an, Educational Planning, Human Resource Training

How higher education institutions may catalyse regional innovation ecosystems: The case of polytechnics in Portugal

This article explores the crucial role of higher education institutions in catalysing regional innovation ecosystems. In particular, it aims to study how polytechnics in Portugal have been involved in this process. The research utilizes an exploratory and reflective case study approach to present real-world evidence of collaborative efforts within innovation networks that involve both businesses and the social economy. Thus, the study raises awareness of collaborative innovation and entrepreneurship networks, emphasizing genuine interactive learning and knowledge exchange. Polytechnic institutions can enhance regional competitiveness by providing education and training for future entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals, as well as offering technological and managerial solutions that drive value creation and the emergence of new businesses and markets, potentially even on an international level. The study also emphasizes the fourth mission of higher education institutions, particularly polytechnic institutes, focusing on empowering communities through social innovation projects for sustainable local and regional development.

Diversity and Research in Spanish Universities. Weaknesses, Strengths, and Good Practices for Inclusive Research

Aim. Diversity and inclusion are part of the third mission of higher education institutions. One of the dimensions that must be considered in the process of institutionalising inclusion is research. Inclusive research allows for critical research and reflection on certain fundamental issues on the road to democratic citizenship, making a positive impact on people's lives while contributing to social change and transformation. However, the literature has evidenced barriers in the institutionalisation effort, such as those posed by the market conception. In this context, the study presented here analyses the involvement of higher education research with diversity, as well as its weaknesses and strengths, and finally contributes to the identification of proposals for improvement and good practices for inclusive research. Methods. This work was based on assumptions of the interpretative paradigm, using virtual, one-on-one, semi‐structured interviews with Spanish researchers from different universities –most of them leading national projects on inclusion. Results. The results show that research on diversity is beginning to be incorporated as an essential modality in university agendas. In parallel, it is thought that academic capitalism and competitiveness have pierced conceptions of research quality, and in doing so, diversity and inclusion principles are called into question. Conclusions. Currently, the strengths of inclusion research in higher education are not as robust as the weaknesses. Proposals are made for the improvement of inclusive and democratic research, and four principles are set out to promote the institutionalisation of research on inclusion in universities.

How do we assess social justice and leadership at institutions? A new study looks at mission statements

A new article in The Journal of Higher Education Policy and Research Studies, “The Complexity of Social Justice and Leadership on Campuses: An Analysis of Institutional Mission Statements,” explores how social justice and leadership function on 40 campuses that include social justice as part of their mission statement.

Museum-audience interaction within permanent exhibitions of natural history museums: a systematic literature review

ABSTRACT This article reviews the ways in which research into natural history museums has focused on interactions of visitors with permanent exhibitions. The review covers research articles published in peer-reviewed journals from 1990 to 2022. It analyses six aspects of museum-visitor interactions: (1) the conceptualisation, by exhibition curators, of interaction with visitors; (2) the mediation, by museum educators, between museum and audience, through supervised teaching and learning; (3) the interpretation, by visitors in their meaning-making process, of permanent exhibitions; (4) the influence exerted by exhibition qualities on museum-audience interactions; (5) the presentation of subject-specific content; and (6) the institutional mission and social impact of natural history museums, as reflected in their permanent exhibitions. This systematic literature review seeks to help researchers and natural-history museum professionals in their conceptualisation and development efforts, as they work to develop influential permanent exhibitions.

Optimizing the third mission of higher education institutions by predicting teaching behavior

PurposeThis article aims at presenting the concept of the Brazilian university’s third mission and its relevance for predicting teaching behavior. To that end, this article presents a conceptual model of that third mission in Brazil and how its relationship with stakeholders was built.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual article. The authors analyze the third mission and the Brazilian educational model to suggest predicting teaching behavior as a possibility to optimize the third mission in higher education institutions.FindingsThe Brazilian third mission is related to civilian participation, John Dewey’s democratic education management, Paulo Freire’s transformative education, Triple-Helix and the knowledge ecology. This association enables insight into the relevance of the third mission and into the need for professors’ participation.Practical implicationsRevealing the factors of behavior prediction to perform the third mission is the first mission of the theory of planned behavior. Based on these data, the theory suggests interventions without changing teaching behavior. This possibility might increase the adherence of the professor to activities related to the third mission.Originality/valueThis article contributes to studies on the development of the third mission and to the sharing of a conceptual model that is partially different from the European model, thus promoting broader results for stakeholders. The indications made here can lead to empirical studies to further approximate the higher education institutions and the various sectors of society. Moreover, there is room for investigations that aim at a conceptual convergence at the international level for the third mission, as it happens for teaching and researching.

Education for a Sustainable Future: Analysis of Universitiesvision and Mission Statements in Line With Global Sustainable development Goals

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the vision and mission statements of universities in the context of their alignment with the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to provide insights for strategic direction development in higher education institutions. Theoretical Reference: This study is grounded in strategic planning theory and its application within higher education, focusing on how institutional vision and mission statements can guide universities towards sustainable development. Method: A meta-synthesis approach is employed, synthesizing findings from multiple qualitative studies. Data collection includes a comprehensive literature review on higher education trends, best practices, and challenges, along with document analysis of vision and mission statements from various universities. Thematic analysis is utilized to identify key themes, trends, and challenges. Results and Conclusion: Key findings reveal current trends such as digitalization, globalization, and the integration of technology in teaching and learning. Emerging challenges include financial sustainability, accountability, and alignment with labor market demands. Best practices in vision and mission development emphasize stakeholder engagement, alignment with institutional values, concise and inspirational language, and adaptability to changing circumstances. The proposed vision and mission statements for the state university reflect aspirations for global recognition, interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurship, ethical leadership, and fostering sustainable and inclusive communities. Implications of Research: The study underscores the importance of strategic planning and innovation in higher education. Engaging stakeholders and fostering collaboration are identified as critical strategies for addressing the highlighted challenges. These findings provide evidence-based recommendations for the state university's strategic direction, ensuring it remains adaptive, resilient, and aligned with both global and national goals. Originality/Value: This research offers a novel synthesis of qualitative studies on strategic planning in higher education, providing valuable insights into effective vision and mission development. It contributes to the discourse on aligning university strategies with global sustainability objectives, offering practical recommendations for higher education leaders.

From mandala to flowchart: Managerial governmentality and the evidentiary technologies of Indonesia's Reformasi

AbstractWith the dissolution of an authoritarian regime, novel semiotic technologies are mobilized in the service of producing new political imaginaries. Through what visual and discursive practices can “democracy” be made visible? How can “good governance” be convincingly attested? This paper explores the evidentiary infrastructures of Indonesia's s‐driven democratic transition to introduce a broader reflection on the role of graphic artifacts in disseminating neoliberal ideologies of transparency and managerial notions of “good governance.” Since the end of Suharto's authoritarian regime, a new genre of graphic artifacts has proliferated within Indonesian government offices: colorful vinyl banners with flowcharts and diagrams illustrating institutional mission statements, bureaucratic procedures, and administrative structures. Marking a clear departure from the traditional iconography of the mandala‐like pre‐democratic state, these flowcharts are only partially successful. Their aspiration to be iconic materializations of an efficient new mode of governance betrays widespread anxieties that the Reform Era has fallen short of its reformist promise.

Symposium 5: Networked Learning: Classroom Experiences at AUT

This short paper describes a proposed case study which aims at exploring to what extent Networked Learning enhances classroom experiences at the authors’ institution and how the authors’ institution could adopt networked learning in producing Great Graduates, the authors' institution mission. The case study is significant with the re-definition of Networked Learning within an institutional context. The study employs an interpretivist research approach (Erickson, 1998) with a combination of direct observation and interview-like methods to understand the experiences of students and teaching academics in on-campus Networked Learning situations among all 15 study options at the authors' institution. Participants will include volunteered students and academics from various disciplines. The literature review indicates that the adoption of Networked Learning in classroom boosts students’ self-efficacy for social networking and professional development, enhances student-centred experiences with a community focus (e.g., social presence) and provides opportunities for students to further develop their critical thinking. The changing landscape of higher education, especially in this post global pandemic era, warrants the development of a case study approach within a particular context in order to further investigate the adoption of Networked Learning in enhancing teaching and learning processes. The findings will gain insights into achieving the strategic goal of student-directed learning at the authors' institution and could be applicable to higher education in general in order to improve teaching and learning experiences further. In short, it is an iterative process of developing one’s own Networked Learning application through the affordance of the Networked Learning principles and the practical accomplishment of teaching and learning practices at the course as well as the programme level. Limitations and possible future study are being identified from this proposal.

Using Learning Videos to Improve Student Learning Outcomes in Social Sciences Subjects in Class VII of Jambi City Labor Middle School

Research objectives are the most important component in learning after the student component as a learning subject. In the educational context, the issue of goals is a question of the mission and vision of an educational institution itself. The research that the researcher carried out was in the form of Classroom Action Research (PTK). Implementation of this Classroom Action Research (PTK) utilizes Learning Videos, so that students are directly involved in learning activities. This shows an increase from the previous cycle, namely in cycle I the value of student learning outcomes in social studies subjects using learning videos was 63.25. The highest score obtained by students was 90 and the lowest score obtained was 35. 11 students met the KKM of 70, and 9 students did not meet the KKM. The percentage of students who reach the KKM is 55%. This means that cycle II has fulfilled the expected student learning outcome category of completeness, namely 100%. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the achievement of student learning outcomes through learning videos in social studies subjects shows an increase in student learning outcomes.

Sand or grease effect? The impact of Islamic banking on the social mission of microfinance institutions

PurposeIslamic banking and microfinance institutions (MFIs) share the core objective of serving the underprivileged. This study aims to investigate whether Islamic banking development facilitates (greases) or hinders (sands) the social mission of MFIs.Design/methodology/approachData for 19 countries covering the period 2010–2018 were collected from the World Bank, Bank Focus and International Monetary Funds and analyzed using conventional econometric methods. Endogeneity-corrected techniques and alternative proxies were employed to ensure robust results.FindingsThe study revealed that Islamic banking development (proxied by the size of the Islamic banking assets) weakens the depth of outreach of MFIs (measured by average loan size). In countries with growing Islamic banking, MFIs appear to shift their focus toward wealthier clients, potentially due to market saturation among the poor. This is evidenced by MFIs offering larger loans, suggesting a mission drift toward profit maximization. Therefore, it can be inferred that competition from Islamic banks, to some extent, erodes the social mission of MFIs.Originality/valueThis study is among the few to examine the recent and comprehensive relationship between Islamic banking development and the social mission of MFIs.

KONSEP DALAM MERUMUSKAN VISI, MISI, TUJUAN DAN PROGRAM LEMBAGA PENDIDIKAN ISLAM

The era of Society 5.0 and Industrial Revolution 4.0 brought fundamental changes to the educational landscape, requiring Islamic educational institutions to adapt without losing their identity. This article examines the concept of formulating the vision, mission, goals and programs of Islamic educational institutions in the context of the digital era. This research uses a library research method with a descriptive-analytical approach. Data was obtained from primary sources in the form of the Al-Qur'an, Hadith, and the latest publications from reputable Islamic education journals, as well as relevant secondary sources. Data analysis was carried out through the stages of categorization, contextual interpretation and conceptual synthesis. The research results show that these four elements must be formulated based on the integration of modern management and Islamic values ​​interpreted contextually. The main finding is the concept of "technological ijtihad", namely an effort to reinterpret classical Islamic concepts to make them relevant to the digital era. The vision must respond to global issues, the mission includes Islamic "digital citizenship", the goals are formulated using SMART and VUCA Prime principles, while the program integrates Islamic boarding school values ​​with technology. This approach resulted in a creative synthesis between tradition and modernity, which gave birth to a "techno-spiritual" generation. This article contributes to providing a conceptual framework for Islamic educational institutions to formulate strategic directions that are in line with Islamic identity and the demands of the times, so that they can produce graduates who are superior intellectually, technologically and spiritually.

Student counseling with nursing students from Universidad del Valle: Search, meeting, permanent challenge

Introduction: The issue of student counseling, as all the issues involved in a comprehensive higher education perspective, includes irresolvable tensions which are always enlightening in discovering the answer to the question: what kind of human beings are formed in the university and what kind of society is going to be built with them? The search for the answer to this question has meaning and matters to all instances and participants in the educational community.Student counseling, comprehensive education, and human care: The practice of Student Counseling includes opportunities for personal and professional growth, along with social projection of students and faculty. For the institution and its academic programs, it constitutes a field for the concrete appplication of the principles and goals of what «ought to be» according to the institutional mission at both levels. In caring for the «other», it is essential to know who that other is. Student Counseling in the School of Nursing at Universidad del Valle has been based on this premise. Its practice has demanded and enhanced knowing the students, their original contexts, expectations, concerns, and difficulties plus their human and professional potentials. The reflections presented here include facts and voices, learnings and processes, limits and scopes of this experience, seeking to recall a memory that demands a place and to contribute to the discussion, fortunately ever-present, about the student as the center and sense of every educational process.

The European Union's use of contractors in security and defence: blazing its own path of institutional change?

ABSTRACT The rise of global power competition raises unique challenges for the European Union (EU) as it seeks to reconcile its security and defence aims with those of its encompassing member states while confronting both new and old types of warfare and threats on various geopolitical fronts. In this context, our study examines the role of contractors in the EU's approach to security and defence. Using new institutionalism, the study analyses changes to structure, personnel, and environment that empower and hamper the EU as it aims to enhance its capacity and role using contractors. The study finds that while organisational pressures push the EU to follow a path similar to the US in its security and defence outsourcing, the EU is charting its own path of organisational change and customising its use of contractors to align with its institutional values, mission, and processes for global engagement in security and defence.

Behind the scenes of doctoral success: a mixed methods approach to exploring PhD supervision courses in Swedish higher education institutions

ABSTRACT Doctoral education is a critical mission of higher education institutions (HEIs), and supervisors of PhD students have a prominent role in the process. The relevance of their role in a successful PhD experience and outcome raises an important question: how are PhD supervisors trained for their roles in the doctoral education process? In this work, we aimed to identify the formal training components in the syllabi of PhD supervision courses in Swedish HEIs. Accordingly, we used a mixed methods approach to thematic analysis to uncover themes in the publicly available syllabi of PhD supervisor courses followed by a quantification of the themes’ appearance per syllabi. Swedish higher education constitutes an ideal context for this study as most universities in Sweden require their faculty members to undertake a supervisory course before starting their supervisory activities. Our analysis showed that reflective practices, inclusive supervision, and the formal guidelines and processes of doctoral education were among the preeminent themes in PhD supervision courses. In conclusion, this study reveals the critical elements of PhD supervision courses in the Swedish HEI context and contributes to knowledge about the formal training of PhD supervisors by universities; therefore, it can potentially inform changes in the frameworks and practical design of such courses worldwide.

Green HRM Practices at a Historically Disadvantaged Higher Education Institution in South Africa: Implementation and Challenges

Historically disadvantaged higher education institutions (HDHEIs) struggle to respond to the ecological demands of influencing green behaviours at the workplace. HR departments are required to take a leading role through the adoption of green HRM (GHRM) practices. This study explored HR professionals’ experiences with the implementation of GHRM practices and the related challenges at a South African HDHEI. A qualitative approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 HR professionals. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse data. The findings revealed five themes linked to the GHRM practices: online advertisement and invitation of application, green recruitment and selection, green training and development, green performance management and green compensation and reward, with financial constraints, lack of awareness, complexity and lack of green capital as related challenges. The study concluded that an institutional green vision, mission statements and values should be developed and aligned with GHRM to promote environmental sustainability at HDHEIs.

UNTRM On the Global Scene: A Bibliometric Analysis of Its Scientific Production Indexed in Scopus

The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the publications of authors affiliated with the Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza (UNTRM) indexed in Scopus, in order to understand the scientific approach and research trends of this Amazonian institution. The methodology employed follows a qualitative, descriptive, non-experimental and longitudinal bibliometric approach, using the Scopus database for its broad academic coverage. A total of 455 documents related to the UNTRM were analyzed, including articles, contributions to conferences, reviews and other publications, without temporal restrictions. Data were downloaded in CSV format and processed using spreadsheets, open source software such as VOSviewer and bibliometrix R with Biblioshiny. The results reveal a significant growth in the number of UNTRM publications, with presence in high impact international journals and regional specialized sources. Prolific authors, prominent areas of knowledge such as Agricultural, Biological, Social, Environmental and Medical Sciences were identified, as well as a strong network of inter-institutional collaborations. The trend analysis showed a thematic diversity aligned with the institutional mission, encompassing biodiversity, environmental management, medicine, genetics and education, among others. In conclusion, this bibliometric study reveals a promising outlook for research at UNTRM, with remarkable growth, international presence, strong collaborations and thematic diversity relevant to the Amazon region.

Satisfaction in university students: a study of library services

The university library is a fundamental element in the mission of Higher Education Institutions since it provides a space to obtain information that serves as a basis for scientific knowledge. The objective of this research was to measure the satisfaction of students in the areas of Engineering and Technological Development with library services in a public university in southeastern Mexico. The method was quantitative, descriptive and correlational, with a non-experimental cross-sectional design. The population was 5,278 students and through simple random sampling with 95 % confidence and 5 % error, a sample of 360 students was obtained. The instrument reported a reliability through Cronbach's Alpha of α=0,896. The exploratory factor analysis showed a KMO of ,907, Barlett's test of sphericity gave significant values (X2= 2356,439, gl= 171, p≤ ,000) explaining a total variance of 55,517 % which demonstrates a valid and reliable instrument to measure student satisfaction with library services, the data evidenced a sustainable factor model to measure the construct in four dimensions: accessibility, services, human resources and functionality. The results reported that 25,8 % of the students were dissatisfied, indicating the highest degree of dissatisfaction in the availability of computers and Internet access. This research provides data to be considered for the continuous improvement of library services and contributes with methodological aspects that can be extrapolated to other contexts