Private Universities Research Articles

A Descriptive Study on Locus of Control, Perfectionism, and Academic Procrastination among young adults

Many factors, particularly trait-like psychological dimensions, have been demonstrated to greatly contribute to procrastination, but the intricate interactions between these variables have gotten less attention. The purpose of the study was to assist young adults to navigate their academic voyage because these young adults often come across few stumbling blocks such as academic procrastination, locus of control and perfectionism in their academic work. The study group for this research consisted of 150 young adults (111 female, 37, male, 1 transwoman, 1 prefer not to say) and mostly belonged from undergraduate level from various private and public universities of Kolkata. Snowball sampling method was incorporated to identify the sample for the study. In this study, the “Rotter’s Locus of control scale”, “Academic Procrastination Scale by McCloskey” and “Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale” were used to collect data. The Pearson Correlation, descriptive statistics and other statistical analysis were used for data analysis. According to the findings obtained, a significant relationship was established between academic procrastination and perfectionism that might altogether affect the academic outcome and further there were also a significant negative correlation between the locus of control and academic outcome. Research can further be done by using other variables to understand the effectiveness of academic outcome. In addition, educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals can work together to guide young adults based on their beliefs and can help individuals in making informed decisions.

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in Improving Speaking Skills of Tertiary Level EFL Students of Bangladesh

In the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context, students must be given a proper foundation of communication skills necessary in various dynamic real-world situations. This study investigates learner perception of the effectiveness of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in improving the speaking skills of tertiary-level EFL students in Bangladesh. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect and analyze data from 30 students, of different private universities of Bangladesh. The data was gathered by analyzing the results from the survey. The results of the study showed there was a statistically significant improvement in the speaking skills of EFL students after the CLT intervention. The students demonstrated an increase in fluency and complexity in their speaking performance. Furthermore, findings revealed that the students had positive perceptions of CLT and found it effective in enhancing their speaking skills. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the benefits of using CLT as a teaching method in EFL environments. This suggests the importance of incorporating communicative and interactive activities in language classrooms to promote language learning and student engagement.

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in Improving Speaking Skills of Tertiary Level EFL Students of Bangladesh

In the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context, students must be given a proper foundation of communication skills necessary in various dynamic real-world situations. This study investigates learner perception of the effectiveness of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in improving the speaking skills of tertiary-level EFL students in Bangladesh. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect and analyze data from 30 students, of different private universities of Bangladesh. The data was gathered by analyzing the results from the survey. The results of the study showed there was a statistically significant improvement in the speaking skills of EFL students after the CLT intervention. The students demonstrated an increase in fluency and complexity in their speaking performance. Furthermore, findings revealed that the students had positive perceptions of CLT and found it effective in enhancing their speaking skills. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the benefits of using CLT as a teaching method in EFL environments. This suggests the importance of incorporating communicative and interactive activities in language classrooms to promote language learning and student engagement.

Preparing future nonprofit social enterprise leaders: a research-based instructional needs analysis

ABSTRACT Nonprofit social enterprises (NSEs) have the potential to alleviate social issues significantly through entrepreneurial means. However, their unique mission and challenges require a distinct type of leadership compared to traditional nonprofit organizations. This leadership model must integrate social work and business management competencies. Unfortunately, research suggests that finding leaders with this combination of competencies can be challenging for NSEs. This raises the question of whether master’s degree programs in public administration (MPA) and nonprofit management (MNM) adequately equip students with the necessary competencies to lead NSEs. In response to this question, researchers surveyed MPA and MNM faculty using a 14-item online questionnaire. The results indicate that there are significant gaps in the current curriculum, with neither program placing strong emphasis on NSE leadership competencies. However, MNM programs cover some of these competencies more extensively than MPA programs. The findings suggest curricular and pedagogical improvement opportunities in public and private universities’ MPA and MNM programs.

Mental Health and Black Male Graduate Students

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to understand how masculinity and race impact mental health among Black male graduate students. A qualitative study using in-depth interviews recruited Black male graduate students enrolled at a private university in the southern United States. Data were collected over zoom and recorded. Interviews were transcribed and the data were analyzed for similar themes. Twenty-nine Black male graduate students 23 to 51 were recruited. Participants reported the three main elements that impacted their mental health were (1) expectations, (2) pressure, and (3) being strong. These findings suggest that colleges need to develop programming to help Black men learn how to handle racial discrimination in positive ways. Additionally, findings also highlight the need for culturally relevant mental health services that let Black men know seeking help is ok and is what men do.

The impact of financial stress on student wellbeing in Lebanese higher education

BackgroundThe financial crisis has indirectly affected Lebanese university students, leading to economic distress. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the substantial negative impact of financial stress on the mental health and well-being of Lebanese college students.MethodsA quantitative research approach was applied and took place from June 13th to July 25th, 2023, targeting 1272 university students aged 17 and above from private and public universities across Lebanon through convenience sampling. The InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being scale (IFDFW), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beirut Distress Scale (BDS-10), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Well-Being Index (WHO-5) were used to assess the students’ well-being. Descriptive analyses of the data was performed using SPSS software version 25.Results1272 university students participated in this study, mostly females, with a mean age of 21.64 (± 4.43) years. Participants reported a lack of financial independence, unemployment, and no income. Positive associations were obtained between the BDS total scale as well as the PSS total and PSQI scores, while there was a significant negative relationship between IFDFW and PSQI scores. Those with a higher GPA, majoring in science/health and medicine, living in rural areas, and graduate students were linked to lower PSQI and BDS-10 scores. Financial aid and financial independence were associated with lower PSQI and BDS-10 scores. PSS-10 scores were higher among students majoring in science/health and medicine. Higher scores on the IFDFW scale correlated with lower BDS-10 and PSS-10 scores. In contrast, females had higher BDS-10 and PSS-10 scores. Scoring higher on the PSS-10 and PSQI scales, living off campus, or majoring in science/health and medicine, were associated with higher on the WHO-5 scale.ConclusionsA significant impact of financial stress on college students in Lebanon was obtained, affecting their well-being and mental health aspects. Marital status, gender, academic major, region of living, and financial independence also influences students’ experiences. Tailored support and further research are needed to address these multifaceted challenges.

Elite schools and educational inequality: Evidence from a private university in Kazakhstan

Neoliberal reforms in education led to the creation of elite schools which resulted in educational inequality that later often channels into economic and social inequalities. This research aims to deepen the understanding of the impact of elite secondary education on inequality in a post-Soviet context. The study empirically examines the gain in academic performance achieved by graduates of better-funded, better-quality, elite public secondary schools in Kazakhstan during their studies at a university, with a sequential mixed-method approach. Our quantitative analysis documents that they indeed perform better than their peers who have studied at mainstream public schools. The qualitative analysis underscores that elite schools in Kazakhstan, with superior infrastructure and academic standards, prioritize soft skill development, yet exacerbate educational inequality by limiting access to students without resources or means to relocate. This work has important policy implications most crucial of which is the efficiency of public funding policy that anchors educational inequalities. Our research highlights how neoliberal reforms in Kazakhstan have exacerbated educational inequality through the emergence of state-sponsored elite and private schools, echoing broader concerns about the negative impact of education marketization on equity in post-socialist contexts.

Entrepreneurial Intention and Gender: A Correlational Study in Business Administration Students from Private Universities in Perú

Entrepreneurial Intention and Gender: A Correlational Study in Business Administration Students from Private Universities in Perú

The Integration of the Cross-Cutting Themes of the Educational Model of a Private University with the Sustainable Development Goals

The Integration of the Cross-Cutting Themes of the Educational Model of a Private University with the Sustainable Development Goals

The Integration of the Cross-Cutting Themes of the Educational Model of a Private University with the Sustainable Development Goals

The Integration of the Cross-Cutting Themes of the Educational Model of a Private University with the Sustainable Development Goals

Major Factors of Young Teachers’ Burnout in Private Universities in Mainland China

This article takes young teachers in private universities in mainland China as the research subjects and carries out a literature review focused on teacher burnout and related contexts. The major factors of young teachers’ burnout are found to be the influences from the external environment in private universities, influences from the internal environment in private universities, and the influences from teachers’ own professionalism. Based on the author’s and the young teachers’ experience, the most effective strategy for releasing burnout among private university young teachers is using the motivation system, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and Herzberg’s two-factor theory. Once the sense of belonging is formed, the young teachers trust their prosperity is indivisible with the schools, and they inspire their work enthusiasm and creativity consciously.

One hundred years of Ecuadorian biomedical scientific output and its association with the main causes of mortality: a bibliometric study.

Historically, low-and middle-income countries have been scarce producers of biomedical research; only 2% of the global scientific output is produced by these countries despite accounting for 92% of the global burden of disease. In addition, few low-and middle-income countries have exhaustively mapped and analyzed their scientific production in health and its association with main local burden of disease. To evaluate the evolution of biomedical research in Ecuador over the last 100 years and its relationship with the main causes of mortality. A bibliometric study embedded in a systematic review design was carried out using biomedical publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) during the period 1920-2021. Information from the National Institute of Statistics and Census was used to identify the main causes of mortality. Our search strategy identified 16,697 publications related to biomedicine in Ecuador. Of these 3,225 articles met the criteria for this study. Since 2010, there has been an exponential increase in scientific production in biomedicine. This increase was predominantly based on cross-sectional observational studies (49.67%). During the period analyzed (1920-2021), biomedical production was distributed with 52.43% in clinical research, 37.79% in public health, and 9.77% in basic sciences. The research focus with the highest number of publications was epidemiology and surveillance system of diseases (23.44%). Additionally, private universities are the largest producers of biomedical research compared to public universities, 40.12% vs. 19.60%, respectively. Of the total biomedical research produced, 18.54% is associated with the main causes of mortality, and the Ecuadorian private university is the largest contributor to these studies compared to public universities, 39.97% vs. 16.72%. In one century, Ecuador produced 3,225 articles in biomedicine, according to our criteria. 18.54% of the total produced is aimed at solving the main causes of mortality in the country. Private universities are the leaders in scientific production related to health in Ecuador.

Spiritual Intelligence and Spiritual Care Among Nursing Students in a Selected University

Background: To ensure that nursing education adequately prepares nurses for comprehensive patient care, educators must develop a heightened awareness of the religious and spiritual elements involved in patient care. Moreover, educators must possess the ability to equip student nurses with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide spiritually-based care ethically. Methods: A descriptive-correlation study was conducted among 359 Nursing students in a non-sectarian, private university in the Philippines. Convenience sampling was employed using two adopted tools, the Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory (SISRI) and the Student Survey of Spiritual Care (SSSC) to collect the data. A Spearman rank order was utilized for the test of the relationship. The data analysis was done using SPSS version 28.0. Results: The study revealed a higher level of spiritual intelligence in terms of critical existential thinking (M = 19.39, SD = 4.65) and lowest with conscious state expansion subscale (M = 13.65, SD = 3.55). Overall, the students exhibited a moderate level of spiritual intelligence (M = 66.16, SD = 3.82). Moreover, Nursing students perceived a very positive experience (M = 4.60, SD = 1.26) in providing spiritual care. There is a moderate relationship between spiritual intelligence and the ability to give spiritual care (rs = 0.515, p = 0.000), which was statistically significant. Conclusions: Spirituality holds great significance within the field of nursing, as it carries profound implications for the provision of care to patients. Moreover, it represents an indispensable component of holistic nursing care.

Evaluating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Sustainability of International Trade in Agricultural Products in the Context of Crisis Management: An Assessment of the Agricultural Product Exporting Sectors in Antalya, Türkiye

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sustainability of international trade in agricultural products through semi-structured, in-depth interviews, focusing on businesses engaged in agricultural product exports in Antalya within the context of crisis management. While Türkiye ranks tenth in the world and first in Europe in terms of agricultural output, Antalya, one of Türkiye’s most economically significant cities, is among the top contributors to Türkiye’s economy in terms of foreign exchange earnings from agricultural product exports. According to the findings of the study, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the importance placed on the sustainability of agricultural product export activities. Türkiye’s prioritization of agricultural production and export has allowed the agricultural sector to positively differentiate itself from other sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic, turning the crisis into an opportunity. On the other hand, disruptions in global supply chains and increases in logistics and transportation costs due to the pandemic have led to various challenges to the sustainability of sector activities. Moreover, the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as increases in global and national inflation rates and particularly rising fuel and product prices, have resulted in sustainability problems in the agricultural product export sector’s activities today. To ensure the sustainability of activities in the post-pandemic period, effective crisis management strategies and planning are needed. However, according to the study’s results, the issue of crisis management in the agricultural product export sector has not received sufficient attention. To raise awareness about crisis management and ensure productivity, competitive advantage, and sustainability, increasing government support, establishing sectoral cooperation for joint action, and fostering collaboration between the private sector, public sector, and universities could be beneficial.

The Impact of Technological and Social Factors on Students’ Engagement in Online Learning: Evidence Based on Self-Determination Theory

This study addresses and investigates university students’ engagement and perspectives on utilising online learning in Bangladesh. The goal of this study is to pinpoint the variables that affect students' engagement technologically and socially and to understand the level of students' engagement in an online learning environment. This research used the quantitative method. The respondents to this research were undergraduate and postgraduate students from both private and public universities in Bangladesh, located in different locations. The number of respondents was 201. A structured questionnaire obtained via Google Form was used to determine the level of engagement and understanding of using online learning. SPSS was used to analyse the data that had been gathered. Outcome has demonstrated that the technological factor influences students’ engagement, such as the necessity of a device or gadget. Also, social factors like engagement in classes and mental health issues positively influence students’ engagement in online learning. Overall engagement in online classes is low because there is less communication and assistance from classmates, and students' engagement during online learning is influenced by mental health issues. The self-determination theory has been adopted to represent this study’s variables and also to understand students’ engagement in online learning. This research's recommendations, based on the findings, include the necessity for serious measures to support students' psychological wellbeing and their personal and financial concerns, and that more engagement with classmates should be ensured and improved by the academicians and university authority

P-120 Morphokinetic behavior in embryos leading to biochemical pregnancy

Abstract Study question Does embryos leading to biochemical pregnancy behave morphokinetically different than those leading to positive or negative pregnancy result? Summary answer Embryos that resulted in a biochemical pregnancy did not display evidence of abnormal morphokinetics on time-lapse imaging. What is known already One of the possible outcomes of the pregnancy test is a biochemical pregnancy; where the pregnancy test is positive but does not progress into a clinical pregnancy. Despite its unknown etiology, several associated factors have been suggested such as embryo aneuploidy, abnormal uterine lining, sperm DNA damage and so on. Embryo monitoring with timelapse imaging (TLI) may be a valuable approach to evaluate whether embryonic morphokinetics can predict the occurrence of a biochemical pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether embryos leading to biochemical pregnancy behave morphokinetically different than those leading to positive or negative pregnancy result. Study design, size, duration This cohort study was performed in a private university–affiliated IVF center between March/2019 and April/22. 753 women undergoing ICSI were split into three groups according to the pregnancy outcome: Biochemical Group (n = 30 cycles and 54 transferred embryos); Positive Group (n = 255 cycles and 444 embryos); and Negative Group (n = 468 cycles and 750 embryos). Generalized mixed models followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test were used to compare morphokinetics among the groups (post hoc achieved power > 90%). Participants/materials, setting, methods Injected oocytes were cultured in the EmbryoScope+ incubator, which recorded the following kinetic markers: timing to pronuclei appearance and fading (tPNa and tPNf), two (t2), three (t3), four (t4), five (t5), six (t6), seven (t7), and eight cells (t8), morulae (tM), start of blastulation (tSB) and blastulation (tB). Durations of second and third cell cycles (cc2 and cc3) and timing to complete synchronous divisions s1, s2, and s3 were calculated. The KIDScore ranking was recorded. Main results and the role of chance Embryos resulting in biochemical pregnancy behaved similarly to those embryos resulting in a clinical pregnancy in terms of tPNa, tPNf, t2, t3, t4, t5, t6, t7, t8, tM, tsB, cc2, cc3, s1, s3 and KIDScore ranking, but tended to present slower tB (p = 0.089) and s2 (p = 0.084). Embryos resulting in a negative pregnancy showed significantly slower embryo development in terms of tPNa, tPNf, t2, t3, t4, cc2, and KIDScore ranking compared to both Biochemical and Positive groups and differed from the Positive group only in terms of t6, t7, t8, s1, s2, and s3. Limitations, reasons for caution The use of historical cohort groups is a drawback. Despite the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the analysis, potential differences in the baseline characteristics cannot be ruled out. Wider implications of the findings Biochemical pregnancy is likely multifactorial, including both embryo and endometrial factors. Further research is needed to identify factors that can predict and prevent biochemical pregnancy. Trial registration number N/A

P-122 The impact of severe male factor on morphokinetic embryo development in low-prognosis patients according to the POSEIDON criteria: an analysis of 10366 injected oocytes

Abstract Study question Does severe male factor infertility (SMF) impact embryo morphokinetic behavior in low-prognosis women as stratified by the Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number (POSEIDON) criteria? Summary answer Embryos from SMF patients showed lower KIDScore ranking than those from non-SMF (nSMF) patients, which may justify the reduced clinical outcomes contrasted to Control group. What is known already It has been reported that 37.1% of poor responder patients (POR) have infertile male partners. While the maternal influence has been well-investigated, the role of seminal quality on reproductive outcomes in POR remains questionable. Embryo monitoring with timelapse imaging (TLI) may be a valuable approach to evaluate whether sperm quality relates to association between POSEIDON classification and the competences of developing embryos. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SMF impacts embryo quality and morphokinetic behavior in the four groups of low-prognosis women as stratified by the POSEIDON criteria. Study design, size, duration This historical cohort-study was performed in a private university–affiliated IVF center, between Mar/2019 and Apr/2022. Kinetic data were analyzed in 10366 embryos cultured in a TLI incubator until day five, derived from 2272 patients undergoing ICSI. Patients were split into eight groups according to the POSEIDON criteria and the presence or absence of SMF (<5 × 106 sperms/mL). Embryo morphokinetics were compared among the groups (post hoc achieved power > 90%). Participants/materials, setting, methods Injected oocytes were cultured in the EmbryoScope+ incubator, which recorded the following kinetic markers: timing to pronuclei appearance and fading (tPNa and tPNf), two (t2), three (t3), four (t4), five (t5), six (t6), seven (t7), and eight cells (t8), morulae (tM), start of blastulation (tSB) and blastulation (tB). Durations of second and third cell cycles (cc2 and cc3) and timing to complete synchronous divisions s1, s2, and s3 were calculated. The KIDScore ranking was recorded. Main results and the role of chance POSEIDON group 1 embryos showed significantly slower tPNa, tPNf, t2, t3, t4, t6, and t7 compared to those from Control group. POSEIDON group 2 embryos showed significantly slower tPNa, t4, t6, t7, t8, and tM compared to those from Control group. Embryos in POSEIDON 2 SMF subgroup took longer than those in POSEIDON 2 nSMF subgroup, and those in both Control subgroups, to achieve tPNf, t2, t3, t5, tSB. POSEIDON group 3 embryos showed significantly slower t8, and cc2 compared to those from Control group. POSEIDON group 4 embryos showed significantly slower tPNf, t2, t3, t4, t5, t6, t7, t8, s2, and s3 compared to those from Control group. For POSEIDON groups 1, 2 and 4, and Control group, the KIDScore ranking was significantly different between SMF and nSFM subgroups. KIDScore ranking was significantly different across all the subgroups in POSEIDON 3. Irrespective of sperm quality, implantation and miscarriage rates were significantly improved in Control subgroups compared to POSEIDON 2 subgroups, there were trends toward improved clinical outcomes in Control subgroups compared to POSEIDON 3 subgroups, and pregnancy, implantation and miscarriage rates were significantly improved in Control subgroups compared to POSEIDON 4 subgroups. Limitations, reasons for caution The use of historical cohort groups is a drawback. Despite the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the analysis, potential differences in the baseline characteristics cannot be ruled out. Wider implications of the findings The results presented contribute to the understating of the relationship between sperm quality and embryo morphokinetic behavior in POSEIDON patients. Embryo quality, as assessed by TLI-imaging, and clinical outcomes were significantly lower in POSEIDON SMF patients, suggesting that both oocyte (quantity and quality) and sperm are determinant of embryo development. Trial registration number N/A

Analysis of Job Demands for Private University Lecturers

Lecturer performance must be optimized in an effort to improve the quality of higher education. The aim of this research is to evaluate the job needs of lecturers at private universities in Makassar City. In this situation, work demands include various elements, such as work overload, time pressure, and clarity of tasks assigned (Role Ambiguity). Quantitative methods were used in this research. Questionnaires were distributed to lecturers at various private universities in Makassar City. The data collected was analyzed using the SPSS version 26 analysis program. The research results showed that what had a significant influence on lecturer performance was role ambiguity. Workoverload and time pressure have a positive but not significant effect. In addition, this research found that lecturers with more experience tend to be better at managing job demands compared to teachers with less experience.

Correlation Between Social Support and Entrepreneurial Intentions: Evidence from Private and Public Universities in Ghana

Abstract Based on the assertion that not all social ties promote entrepreneurship, this study investigated the correlation between social support and entrepreneurial intentions among 352 2019/2020 graduating university students sampled from private and public universities in Ghana. This study adopted a quantitative approach using questionnaires and a correlational analysis. The finding was that social support and entrepreneurial intentions have a moderate, significant positive effect on entrepreneurial intention among Ghanaian tertiary students; there was no statistically significant difference between students’ sex (male or female), birth order, and exposure to entrepreneurship on entrepreneurial intention. This study’s conclusions suggest that families and friends/peers are capable or willing to provide support to become entrepreneurs or are willing to use social support for venture creation. The findings have implications for practicing entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship educators, and policymakers.

The Role of Organizational Innovative Capabilities in Achieving Strategic Agility: An analytical study of the opinions of administrative leaders in private universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The changes in the business environment have caused organizations to focus a lot on improving their organizational innovative capabilities to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage by keeping pace with these changes and developing their strategic agility to meet the demands of their customers. This research investigates the role of organizational innovative capabilities in achieving strategic agility among administrative leaders in private universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Based on the nature of the research and the objectives it seeks to achieve, a descriptive-analytical approach has been relied upon. In this research quantitative method was used through questionnaires to collect data and the target samples were 238 administrative leaders, including deans of faculties/colleges, vice deans, heads of departments, coordinators of departments, and unit administrators who were selected through simple random sampling as academic and administrative leaders in private universities in all the cities in the Kurdistan region. The data has been analyzed with the help of several statistical methods, the correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regressions as a measure of the strength of the linear relationship and impact between the two variables of organizational innovative capabilities and strategic agility. Statistical data were analyzed and hypotheses were tested using the SPSS program. The results of the research showed that organizational innovative capabilities have a strong relationship with strategic agility.