Mission Of University Research Articles

The role of institutional factors in shaping university mission statements: A topic‐modeling approach

AbstractMission statements are common instruments for the strategic positioning of universities. However, there are few large‐scale, cross‐national studies examining the factors that influence the content of universities' mission statements. We address this research gap, exploring the content of 413 mission statements from European universities by applying correlated topic modeling (CTM). Moreover, relying on institutional theories of organization, we study factors that explain differences in the content of mission statements. Our findings reveal six distinct topics addressed in mission statements. The prevalence of a specific topic is significantly shaped by the cultural rationalization of the universities' national context, the university's founding context, and institutional control. Our findings not only contribute to research on universities' strategic positioning but also shed light on the diffusion of global trends across organizations and the determinants of their adaptation. Moreover, our study offers an illustrative example of how big data analytics can enhance public administration research.

When the university desires, but society refuses: a case study of universities’ missions in the context of contribution to development

ABSTRACT Despite the extensive literature concerning university missions such as education, research, and service, providing a coherent view of how universities contribute to society's economic, social, political, and cultural (ESPC) spheres is rare. Therefore, this study is dedicated to understanding the university's economic, social, political, and cultural missions in Iranian society. To achieve this, the researchers have conducted a comprehensive study of the missions of universities in Iran, serving as a valuable case study. This qualitative research used the qualitative survey strategy. The researcher interviewed 23 experts in the national university system to gather data and then conducted a thematic analysis of the interview data. The case study shows that Iranian universities have diverse missions, including two economic, one social, two political, and two cultural missions, but limited contributions to society development (desire-refusal paradox). The research highlights the crucial role of society's demand characteristics in shaping the extent of university contribution to development. This influence is more significant than the efforts to diversify and update university missions. A low level of society's demand for science and technology, or minimal stakeholder participation in shaping university missions, can severely constrain the realization of various university mission types. Therefore, By providing an integrated view, this study underscores the necessity of developing policies that not only expand university missions but also foster the level of society's demand for these fields. This approach will help bridge the supply-demand gap and enhance the university's contribution to society's development.

University mission statements and anti-fraud disclosures: public vs private universities in Indonesia

Purpose Corruption remains a major issue in Indonesia, necessitating the commitment of various parties, including higher education institutions, to prevent and combat it. The primary aim of this study is to ascertain the extent of commitment by Indonesian universities, as expressed through their mission statements, in creating effective, accountable and transparent institutions (SDG No.16). This is examined by analyzing the amount of fraud and anti-fraud information disclosed on their websites. In addition, this study compares the commitment of public and private universities in disclosing anti-fraud information on their websites. Design/methodology/approach This study used content analysis of university mission statements and anti-fraud information disclosures on the websites of 25 public and 25 private universities in Indonesia, using the University Fraud Prevention Disclosure Index. Findings The findings indicate that public universities disclose mission statements encompassing a greater integrity structure compared to private universities. Consequently, public universities are more likely to disclose anti-corruption prevention efforts as part of their commitment to realizing SDGs No.16 than private universities. Research limitations/implications The analysis was conducted over a limited timeframe, with the possibility of periodic updates on university websites. Originality/value There is limited research examining university mission statement disclosures and the level of anti-corruption disclosure in higher education institutions in developing countries, such as Indonesia.

MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY LEVERAGES LAND-GRANT MISSION TO PURSUE AGE-FRIENDLY STATUS

Abstract Introduction Mississippi is experiencing outmigration and a decreasing birthrate, resulting in an aging population, which is of growing concern across sectors. The state’s Department of Health led an Age-Friendly Public Health System application and is facilitating a broader Age-Friendly Ecosystem Initiative. As a member of the ecosystem advisory board, MSU was asked to lead the state in pursuing Age-Friendly University (AFU) status. Methods The University representative on the taskforce worked with MSU Divisions of Academic Affairs and Access, Opportunity, and Success (AOS) to assemble a working group to consider this opportunity. The group consisted of individuals from the Office of Outreach and Engagement, Interdisciplinary Studies, the Gerontology Education Program, the new College Of Continuing and Professional Studies and Cooperative Extension. The group 1) reviewed the AFU principles, 2) assessed where MSU has current initiatives that align with AFU goals, 3) considered where there are opportunities to develop new AFU-relevant work, 4) developed a proposal for the Provost and President, and 5) prepared and submitted an application to the AFU Global Network (AFUGN). Throughout the process the group has centered the unique role of the land-grant university mission in meeting the needs of the older adults. Results and discussion Upon acceptance of the application by the AFUGN in August 2023, the Division of Access, Opportunity, and Success agreed to manage the designation as a convening body and “conscience” for the University. AOS convenes the working group monthly, promotes AFU-relevant activities, and monitors activities for AFUGN required reporting.

Soft skills in the graduate profile for the professional development of engineers

In a globalized and highly competitive world, people with leadership are required to make decisions critically and reflectively; Therefore, it is important to include in the student's professional training soft or transversal skills that allow them to function successfully in any area of life, mainly the work according to their graduation profile. The objective of this research is to analyze and determine if the study programs of the Alternative Energies and Environment (EAMA) career of the Technological University of Puebla (UTP), provide the student during their academic training with the soft or transversal skills, essential for effective performance in the labor market. Knowing the situation of graduates will contribute to improving the teaching-learning process and fulfilling the university's mission of training competitive professionals with a human sense who strengthen the processes of the productive and service sectors at the regional and national level that contribute to social development.

Critically evaluating university mission and vision statements

Critically evaluating university mission and vision statements

The regional mission in a merged multi-campus university college: a case study from Western Norway

ABSTRACT Recent years have seen an increasing institutionalisation of the regional mission of universities, coinciding with mergers of institutions from different regions to form large multi-campus universities that span across them. This study examines how such a merger has shaped the regional mission of a polycentric higher education institution in Western Norway. We find that even when the regional mission is at the core of a merged HEI’s identity, translating it into practice can be challenging because the regional mission can be understood and implemented in very different ways within the merged institution. These differences can emerge from the geographical stretch of merged multi-campus HEIs, exposing such institutions to several regional eco-systems with varying needs; from the identity stretch of old institutional structures, where pre-merger HEIs may have taken different roles in their respective regions; and from differences in modes of regional collaboration across faculties. Whilst managing the tensions that arise from these differences, merged multi-campus HEIs must also create synergies within the institution to serve regional needs better, on which the legitimacy of such mergers may critically depend. This in turn leads to a tricky balancing act between local adaptation and the harnessing of synergies within multi-campus HEIs. We conclude that managing these tensions effectively is key to successfully solving the regional mission for such institutions.

Implementation of the Third Mission of the University: case of Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences

On the example of the activities of the Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule des Mittelstands Bielefeld – FHM Bielefeld, Germany) as a key par­ticipant in the UNICOM project, the modern university’s implementation of its Third Mission – its fulfillment of its public purpose and observance of public responsibility – is considered. A comparative analysis of the four missions of a modern university was carried out, thanks to which the necessary relationship between them was re­vealed as an integral prerequisite for the successful functioning and development of a modern university. A modern university implements its Third Mission primar­ily in close interaction with communities and industrial communities – both local (primarily) and quite distant (additionally). At the same time, the university must find a balance between meeting the needs of different social groups, guided both by the principles of social responsibility and the interests of the university and these groups. FHM’s training concept is to be close to practice and compact in the transfer of knowledge. This concept is based on four essential characteristics: application-oriented, profiling, interdisciplinarity and internationalization. Four main organi­zations in the structure of FHM Bielefeld enforce the active networking of people, with the motivation and expertise to enable groundbreaking projects and solutions aimed to strengthen the innovation ecosystem of the city. Applied research and third mission are conceptualized in the steps of preconditions, activities, results and con­sequences. The third mission includes the implementation of a cooperation project with a civil society actor or the implementation of a continuing education program designed together with a company. The close interaction of universities with local communities is primarily aimed at ensuring the interests of university stakeholders from local civil society and should be based on academic virtues and values.

Correction: English medium instruction in Ethiopian university mission statements and language policies

Correction: English medium instruction in Ethiopian university mission statements and language policies

Professional identity development of advanced practice nurses: Evaluating its integration in curricula and relevance for professional practice

Professional identity development of advanced practice nurses: Evaluating its integration in curricula and relevance for professional practice

From Educator to Broader Impacts Professional: A Case Study Analysis of the BI Toolkit Approach

Increasing emphasis is being placed by granting agencies on the need for specialists who support the translation of research into societal benefits. This societal benefit is often referred to as broader impacts (BI), and BI is important for acquiring grant funding and fulfilling land-grant university missions, among other benefits. However, few career paths lead directly to becoming a BI professional, so individuals moving into BI work need to transition from another career, which requires learning about BI. This case study examines the experiences of four former classroom teachers making the transition to both teacher educator (a teacher of teachers) and BI professional, and the ways in which their transition was supported using the Center for Advancing Research Impacts in Society (ARIS) BI Toolkit. Implications for onboarding using this toolkit are described and recommendations are made for how to use the ARIS BI Toolkit for transitioning BI professionals.

Features of electronic (virtual) internationalisation of higher education in Russia and Kazakhstan

Introduction. The use of information and communications technologies in the sphere of higher education has received its new embodiment in promoting universities into the global educational space. The aim of the study was to find out how electronic internationalisation is implemented in some universities in Russia and Kazakhstan and what the prospects for its development are. Materials and methods. The survey was implemented on the basis of the methodology for scrutinising Englishlanguage pages of university websites, developed by the Russian Council on International Affairs in 2015. Materials from 5 English-language versions of websites of state universities in Russia and 5 websites of state universities in Kazakhstan were used. The used methods involved induction of empirical material collection; comparative method of studying the results; analysis and generalisation. Results. The most stuffed website sections of all selected five Russian universities are “About the University” (100%), “Contacts” (96%), “University History” (90%), “Admission” (96%), “University Mission and Strategic Goals” (93%), “Science and Research” (90%), “Units and Departments” (80%), “Foreign Partners” (80%). In 80% of the universities, all or most (2/3 of the total number) curricula in the English language have no news blocks in English or additional materials about the programmes (presentations, videos, booklets, etc.). The section “Career” in English is the most problematic in almost all of the surveyed universities. It is singled out as a special section only in 60% of the explored Russian universities. The most stuffed website sections of all selected five Kazakhstani universities are “Contacts” (84%), “About the University” (60%), “Admission” (60%) and “Science and Research” (50%). The other sections are less than 50% complete. Moreover, the section “Career” (28%) is the most problematic in terms of data content. The study showed that the Russian state universities which are in the top 5 in terms of student numbers are striving to improve the English-language versions of their websites and translate website sections into other popular languages. The survey of the Kazakhstan universities showed the opportunities for the development of electronic internationalisation in the country. Conclusion. Electronic internationalisation is a new promising form of international communication for universities in Russia and Kazakhstan. Some recommendations were formulated to develop electronic (virtual) internationalisation for both countries: translation of websites into other foreign languages; regular updating of information along with the development of strategic and marketing plans; promoting international identification of universities; use of digital marketing; due account of the immersive nature of internationalisation.

Current Status of the Autonomous Major Selection System (Undeclared Major System) and the Direction of Operation

This paper is a study on the current state of the university's the autonomous major selection system and the direction of its operation. To this end, we examined the concept, implications and current status of the undeclared major system, and expressed opinions on the direction of operation. Additionally, it assesses the potential impact of this system on university education.</br>The autonomous major selection system, known by various names such as the Undeclared Major System, Wide-Area System, and Liberal (autonomous) Major Department, allows students to enter university without committing to a specific department. Students typically spend one year studying broadly before choosing a major. While this system has its advantages and disadvantages, past implementations have generally received more negative feedback than positive.</br>Due to policies from the Ministry of Education, universities must thoroughly prepare for the non-major system, which will be implemented in earnest starting from the 2025 academic year. Several considerations are crucial to ensure the successful operation of the Undeclared Major System. Universities need to carefully examine and proactively address issues such as curriculum design, student management, and administrative support. Opinions on these matters have been presented in this paper.</br>The critical point is that the non-major system must robustly address the fundamental questions of what a university's core mission is, what should be taught, how to cultivate talent, and how to provide education for the future. Only then can this system be effectively established in each university, ensuring a cohesive academic ecosystem.

Incentivizing Impact Through Innovation and Knowledge Transfer: An International Review of University Policies

Research universities incentivize and reward knowledge production and knowledge transfer (KT) through their policies, including policies for tenure and promotion (T&P) and intellectual property (IP). Digital technology, societal expectations, and practices of research have changed the range, form, and accessibility of knowledge products. This paper examines T&P and IP policies at highly ranked global research universities to assess how policies account for faculty activities that broaden the impact of their scholarship, particularly through IP and open schol- arship. We find that while many incorporate these factors in policy, the majority do not do so comprehensively. In some cases, recognition of new forms of scholarship is constrained by the brevity of T&P policy or the delegation of criteria setting to individual schools or departments. Example policy language is provided to illustrate the ways that universities can articulate the evolving forms of KT. We recommend that universities develop policies for T&P that are both aligned in purpose and offer sufficient depth to describe the many ways that faculty contribute to university mission, both through their disciplines and through broader public service.

THIRD MISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY: VISION, STRUCTURE, EXPERIENCE

The proposed paper is devoted to an examination of the concept of the Third Mission of universities, which is considered to be a pivotal aspect of their social responsibility. The study offers a comprehensive examination of the global experience in the implementation of the Third Mission, encompassing diverse approaches and practices aimed at addressing socially significant issues, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and engaging with local communities and stakeholders. The paper presents an overview of the experience of Kazakhstani universities in the implementation of the Third Mission, demonstrating the adaptation of global practices to local conditions and their contribution to regional development. The paper yielded the following outcomes: substantiation of the practical dimensions of the Third Mission of Universities, which may prove beneficial for furtherresearch and implementation in the domain of higher education; identification of avenues for adapting successful practices by integrating social responsibility into the activities of universities, including the formation of effective partnerships, the promotion of innovation, and interaction with local communities; identification of pivotal points for further enhancement of the concept of social responsibility in the field of higher education.

University entrepreneurship: entrepreneurial orientation, networks, market orientation, and sustainable development

PurposeThe literature identifies the need to understand better the role of universities’ entrepreneurial orientation (EO), even while this remains an unexplored field. This study seeks to overcome this shortcoming and put forward empirical evidence on the EO of universities and it examines the moderating effects of networks, knowledge and trust, market orientation, and implementing sustainable development goals (SDGs) on the design and development of entrepreneurial universities.Design/methodology/approachTo test the conceptual model, the authors used a sample of 125 questionnaires obtained from Portuguese higher education institutions, and it was deployed a structural equation model by a partial least squared as the estimation method.FindingsThe results show that the different dimensions of EO significantly influence the design and development of entrepreneurial universities. Furthermore, our findings show how market orientation and SDGs have moderating effects on the development of university entrepreneurship.Practical implicationsAs for practical implications, the results point to the influence EO holds over entrepreneurial universities, and this causal relationship undergoes moderation by networks, knowledge and trust, market orientation and SDGs. As such, HEI rectors, deans and directors need to leverage these moderating effects, fostering human capital and universities’ active initiatives and policies to conceive and develop more entrepreneurial universities.Originality/valueOur research model seeks to contribute to advancing studies on the EO of universities and assists in better understanding EO within the scope of influence of the third university mission as entrepreneurial institutions.

Embedding the Third Mission of universities in humanitarian crisis response: Profiling the role of the University of Duhok in addressing health needs of internally displaced people and refugees

This article attempts to contribute to the debates on the role of the higher education sector in addressing the immediate and long-term challenges incurred as a result of humanitarian crises. The focal point of consideration is profiling the role of the University of Duhok, Iraq, in addressing health needs of internally displaced people and refugees. The article demonstrates the nexus between the so-called Third Mission and the range of responses the University provides to support the health needs of displaced populations in Duhok Governorate. It is argued that the higher education sector has to be recognised and positioned as a key stakeholder in the process of humanitarian relief and local recovery.

The role of universities in enabling open innovation through the development of digital competence of faculty

The concept of open innovation, which involves the intentional exchange of internal and external knowledge to accelerate innovation, has been widely discussed in business management but, in recent years, has also entered the academic community. This concept aligns closely with the university's mission to advance knowledge, foster creativity, and address real-world problems. The present study aims to examine the role of universities in promoting educational innovation as a form of open innovation through developing the digital competence of faculty and using external sources of knowledge. Accordingly, this study explores the following research questions: 1) What educational innovations are facilitated by developing faculty's digital competence? 2) To what extent are these educational innovations linked to external knowledge sources? The study is based on the following research methods: scientific literature review, focus group discussion with faculty members, and conceptual model development through data triangulation. The findings position digital competence as an enabler of educational innovations and highlight the university's role in creating a conducive environment for open innovation by enabling collaboration with various actors, accessing and sharing knowledge and empowering the participation of diverse stakeholders. Moreover, the study concludes that enhancing faculty digital competence, integrating external knowledge through collaborative spaces, fostering industry partnerships, and investing in digital infrastructure can create a dynamic ecosystem that supports open innovation as an educational innovation.

A Content Analysis of Vision and Mission of Private Universities in Mogadishu in the Light of Competitive Advantages

This study aims at analyzing the vision and mission of eleven private universities run in Mogadishu based on their competitive advantages. Quantitative analysis was applied where the author used coding in QDA MINER.LITE 1.4.1 for data analysis under three categories reflected by the content of the vision and mission posted on their official website, namely; Academic & Research, Values & Culture, and Social Need & Development. Each category has a sub-category. The results of the study generally showed that the non-competitive advantages of the universities 71% while competitive advantages scored up 29%. The study also explored that the most competitive advantages of the universities concentrated on the dimensions: values & culture and social needs & development. Besides, there is a variance among the universities regarding their non-competitive advantages and competitive advantages. Finally, the study recommends enhancing the quality of the statement strategies of the vision and mission for the private universities in Mogadishu in line with national and international standards.

Pengaruh Kompensasi Non Finansial terhadap Kepuasan Kerja dan Dampaknya terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Universitas Baturaja

Purpose: The writing of research aimed to give analysys regarding the impact of non-financial compensation on job satisfaction and its effect on the performance of Baturaja University. Research methodology: This study used a quantitative method. Data was collected by creating a research instrument that was distributed to 53 employees of Baturaja University as the research sample and analyzed using path analysis Results: The results of the study show that there is a significant effect of non-financial compensation on employee performance through the mediation of the job satisfaction variable Limitations: This study has limitations in terms of the sample, which is restricted to employees with a tenure of 3 years after being appointed as permanent employees, totaling 53 people. It is hoped that the sample size and other independent factors can be expanded for future research. Variables such as the work environment, leadership, career development, and other related topics may also influence the improvement of employee performance. Contribution: As additional information to expand knowledge, it can also be used as a reference for researchers who will conduct similar studies in the future. Furthermore, it can provide input or contribute ideas to the University in improving employee performance through satisfaction indicators, so that employee performance becomes better and aligns with the University's Vision and Mission.