Private Higher Education Institutions Research Articles

Challenges and Prospects of Private Higher Education in Pakistan

Private Higher Education (PrHE) in Pakistan has experienced significant growth in recent decades, contributing substantially to the nation's educational landscape. This study explores the multifaceted challenges and prospects confronting PrHE in Pakistan. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, the research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the current state of PrHE and its potential trajectories. The desk research was used to gather information and data from books, journals, reports, databases, and online resources, including relevant websites related to PrHE in Pakistan. The challenges facing private Higher Education Institutions (PrHEIs) in Pakistan encompass diverse dimensions. Financial sustainability emerges as a prominent concern, with institutions grappling with funding constraints, tuition fees, and students' economic realities. Quality assurance and accreditation processes pose inherent challenges, necessitating a robust framework to uphold educational standards and credibility. Furthermore, issues related to governance, regulatory frameworks, and equity in access underscore the complex landscape within which PrHE operates. Despite these challenges, the prospects for PrHE in Pakistan present opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and positive contributions to national development. The sector has demonstrated adaptability, responding to evolving demands by introducing diverse programmes and modes of delivery. The potential for public-private partnerships, industry linkages, and global collaborations offers avenues for enhancing educational quality and relevance. Moreover, the role of PrHEIs in fostering entrepreneurship and addressing specialised educational needs is critical for addressing the evolving demands of the job market. This research underscores the need for a strategic and collaborative approach to address the challenges while capitalising on the prospects within PrHE in Pakistan. By identifying key areas of improvement and fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation, policymakers, educators, and stakeholders can contribute to the continued development and sustainability of PrHEIs in the country. Keywords: Growth, Challenges, Prospects, Private Higher Education, Pakistan

Students' Satisfaction with Library's Service Quality and Services in a Flexible Learning Environment

Services of the library in selected private higher education institutions in Isabela, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research examines satisfaction levels in terms of affect of service, library as a place, and information control. It also investigates satisfaction with library services such as Library Information Service, Circulation Service, Reference Service, and Internet/Online/Web Service. The study further explores whether there are significant differences in satisfaction levels among students grouped by program. Results indicate that students are moderately satisfied with the library's service quality and very satisfied with specific services. No significant differences are observed based on program groups. Additionally, identified problems include a lack of electronic resources, slow internet, and difficulties accessing recent online journals. The findings underscore the importance of continuous assessment to enhance library services, improve staff training, and address technological challenges.

Students' and lecturers' perceptions of computerised adaptive testing as the future of assessing students

The Covid-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for the increased adoption and acceptance of technology in teaching and learning, forcing higher education institutions (HEIs) to re-look at their assessment strategy as learning, development, and engagement move more fluidly into the online arena. A total of 623 lecturers and students in private HEIs in South Africa shared their views on adopting computerised adaptive testing (CAT) prior to its implementation at their HEI in their respective modules, and their perceptions of such a testing methodology. Our study found that lecturers and students were comfortable engaging in online learning, with a large percentage being the most comfortable with assessing and completing exams, tests, and activities online. Positive perceptions of adopting CAT as an assessment tool for their qualifications were expressed, with the majority recommending their HEI to implement CAT.

Engaging and Retaining Students in Online Learning

Before the COVID-19 outbreak, universities were already exploring the potential of online education. Colleges and universities throughout the world became more reliant on online learning management systems (LMSs) and videoconferencing tools like ‘Zoom’ and ‘Microsoft Teams’ during the 2020-2021 campus’ lockdowns. The transition from traditional face-to-face teaching to online learning presented significant difficulties for universities, particularly those that depended heavily on international students. The project reported in this paper was undertaken in Australia in 2021 at the request of a private higher education institution. A new student-centric version of the Moodle learning management system (LMS) was created to maximise the platform’s pedagogical, communicative, and informational capabilities. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how online learning platforms that are flexible, utilise embedded interactive features and resources, and are freely available can enhance and support the delivery of quality online education. The paper discusses how well-designed learning management systems have the capacity to motivate, engage and retain students in online learning. Academics, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as those working in curriculum development and information technology at institutions of higher learning, may find this article to be of interest and value. Keywords: online, Moodle, Learning Management System (LMS), pandemic

Effect of Stress Management Practice on Employees’ Performance: Evidence from Private Higher Education Institutions in Ethiopia

Effect of Stress Management Practice on Employees’ Performance: Evidence from Private Higher Education Institutions in Ethiopia

The Role of the Board of Directors in the Implementation of Enterprise Risk Management in Malaysian Private Higher Educational Institutions

The Role of the Board of Directors in the Implementation of Enterprise Risk Management in Malaysian Private Higher Educational Institutions

Employee engagement at a private higher education institution during the COVID-19 pandemic

Orientation: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, organisations, including higher education institutions, had to shift their thinking regarding traditional work models to new ones conducive to the lockdown.Research purpose: This study investigated employees’ levels of engagement during work-from-home (WFH) within a private higher education institution in South Africa in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.Motivation for the study: While some studies have looked at the effect of WFH on employee engagement, few studies could be located that look at this phenomenon within a private higher education setting.Research approach/design and method: This study adopted the positivistic research paradigm using a quantitative research approach. The target population included 133 personnel. Total population sampling was used, and the data were collected by administering an online survey using the 17-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). Descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), independent sample t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and effect sizes were used to analyse the data. A satisfactory response rate of 79% was realised.Main findings: The study found that despite the difficulties and anxieties brought about by the radical shifts to WFH, the personnel could still thrive and show high levels of engagement. This was attributed to positive drivers of engagement such as autonomy, psychosocial safety, convenience, social union, and most importantly, organisational support.Practical/managerial implications: Work-from-home is regarded as a viable work arrangement for the foreseeable future. Private higher education should take note of the suggestions put forward to improve, sustain and manage employee engagement successfully.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to the body of knowledge surrounding employee engagement in the WFH context within the private higher education sphere.

Determining Significant Factors for Selection of Private Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia using Binary Logistic Regression

This study aims to statistically identify significant factors that influence IPTS selection in Malaysia using binary logistic regression. There are three phases in this study namely Identification of Variables, Distribution of Questionnaire and Analysis of Results. The variables used in the questionnaire were adapted from the past study of the authors. Nine factors in the selection of HEIs were identified and adapted in this study. Questionnaire was selected as the research tool and electronically distributed to the students of seven IPTS throughout Terengganu with a total response of 305. Results were loaded into SPSS for statistical analysis using descriptive, exploratory, normality, correlation, reliability, and binary logistic regression. The results reveal three significant factors in the selection of IPTS namely Cost, Social Factors and Job Prospects. Although accuracy is high, the model is not suitable for prediction since the variation is less than 70%. Findings for this study could support IPTS marketing strategies and better understanding of IPTS selection criteria in Malaysia.

Factors Affecting E-Learning Performance in Private Higher Education Institutions: An Empirical Analysis

This research investigates the determinants of e-learning performance in private educational institutions in the Sindh region. Employing a quantitative methodology, the study utilized a closed-ended questionnaire for data collection. The survey was conducted at five private universities in Sindh with a focus on their experiences with e-learning implementation in traditional classrooms. A total of 250 questionnaires were collected, out of which 233 underwent thorough examination. Structural equation modeling, specifically Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), was employed to analyze the proposed conceptual model, using variance as a basis for assessment. The study reveals that the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) constructs related to effort expectancy exert a significant and positive influence on student behavior. Conversely, the performance expectancy variable does not exhibit a statistically significant impact on student e-learning performance. Furthermore, student performance is directly affected by other factors, such as organizational structure and extrinsic motivation. In contrast, concerning student behavior, extrinsic motivation emerges as the sole influential factor. The study's findings suggest that elements shaping behavior, including organizational structure, extrinsic motivation, and effort expectancy, play pivotal roles in enhancing student e-learning performance.

The Relationship Between Service Quality and Student Retention in Private Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia

The Relationship Between Service Quality and Student Retention in Private Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia

The impact of sustainable internal branding on teaching staff’s commitment: application on private higher education institutions

ABSTRACT This study aims to extend the boundary of knowledge about internal branding, which touches on two disciplines: marketing and human resources management in an attempt to understand the constructs of internal branding and their impact on the commitment of service providers (higher education teaching staff members) so that they support the brand promise of the university and maintain a competitive edge for private universities in Egypt that function in a very competitive market. Data were collected from 402 members of teaching staff to test the proposed model and hypotheses using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results prove the fitness of the suggested model and that the constructs of internal branding (supervisory support, effective internal communication, clear vision and values) do have a significant impact on teaching staff commitment except for the construct of directed training programs (DTP), contrary to previous literature which might be because teaching staff commitment may require variables other than training programs which in turn rings a bell for private universities’ management to partially reconsider the budgets directed to training for teaching staff or it could be due to cultural differences as previous literature was mostly conducted in different cultures, thus a value addition of this study.

Nutritional Status and Physical Activity Level of Administrative Employees in a Private Higher Education Institution

Abstract The low level of physical activity as well as overweight/obesity are associated with chronic diseases, which are the predominant causes of mortality, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and the physical activity level of administrative collaborators in a private high education institution. A cross-sectional study was performed in 2023 in administrative collaborators of an university located in Niteroi, RJ. Collected data: personal information and health data (questionnaire), weight and height for nutrition status (“adequate body weight or overweight/obese” according to body mass index) and physical activity level (“low or adequate”) according to international questionnaire (IPAQ, short version). Statistical analysis: SPSS, v.21. Results: A total of 54 administrative collaborators (female 70.4%), with means: 37.7 (10.9) years old, body weight 78.0 (22.3) kg, body mass index 28.2 (6.4) Kg/m², with no statistical difference in age by sex (p=0.78) and higher body mass index in men (p=0.012) compared to women. Overweight/obesity was observed in 61,1% (n=33) (CI: 46.9; 764.1%) of the sample. Low physical activity level in 37% (n=20) (CI: 24.3; 51.3%) and adequate in 63% (n=34) (CI: 48.7; 75.7%) of the administrative collaborators, with no statistical difference by nutritional status (p=0.89) nor by sex (p=0.96). It is necessary the development of actions to promote regular physical activity practices among administrative collaborators, including institutional programs for this purpose. These actions can minimize the risk of obesity/overweight, in addition to other complications associated with low level of physical activity. Keywords: Employees. Exercise. Nutritional Status. Resumo O baixo nível de atividade física, bem como o sobrepeso/obesidade estão associados à doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, principais causas de mortalidade, especialmente nos países em desenvolvimento. O objetivo foi avaliar o estado nutricional e o nível de atividade física de colaboradores administrativos de uma instituição privada de ensino superior. Estudo transversal realizado no ano de 2023 em colaboradores administrativos de uma universidade localizada em Niterói, RJ. Os dados coletados foram: informações pessoais e dados de saúde (questionário), peso e altura para estado nutricional (“peso corporal adequado ou sobrepeso/obesidade”, conforme índice de massa corporal) e nível de atividade física (“baixo ou adequado”) de acordo com questionário internacional (IPAQ, versão curta). Análise estatística: SPSS, v.21. Foram avaliados 54 colaboradores administrativos (sexo feminino 70,4%), com médias: 37,7 (10,9) anos, peso corporal 78,0 (22,3) kg, índice de massa corporal 28,2 (6,4) Kg/m², sem diferença estatística na idade por sexo (p=0,78) e maior índice de massa corporal entre homens em relação às mulheres (p=0,012). Sobrepeso/obesidade foi observado em 61,1% (n=33) (IC: 46,9; 74,1%) da amostra. Baixo nível de atividade física em 37% (n=20) (IC: 24,3; 51,3%) e adequado em 63% (n=34) (IC: 48,7; 75,7%) dos colaboradores administrativos, sem diferença estatística por estado nutricional (p=0,89) e sexo (p=0,96). Conclui-se serem necessárias ações que promovam a prática regular de atividade física entre colaboradores administrativos, incluindo programas institucionais para esse fim. Essas ações podem minimizar o risco de obesidade/sobrepeso, além de outras intercorrências associadas ao baixo nível de atividade física. Palavras-chave: Funcionários Atividade. Exercício Físico. Estado Nutricional

THE MODERATING EFFECT OF VERBAL LINGUISTIC INTELLIGENCE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPEAKING ANXIETY AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS AMONG ENGLISH MAJOR STUDENTS

The ultimate goal of this study was to determine the moderating effect of verbal linguistic intelligence on the relationship between speaking anxiety and communication skills of the second year to fourth year English major students in the private higher education institutions (HEIs) in Region XI. Adapted survey questionnaires validated by experts were given to a sample of 300 students. Findings revealed that the of speaking anxiety, communication skills, and verbal linguistic intelligence are high. Moreover, findings revealed that speaking anxiety is significantly related to communication skills. Verbal linguistic intelligence also showed a positive significant relationship to communication skills. To determine the moderating effect of verbal linguistic intelligence, a logistic hierarchical regression was employed in this study. In this case, the findings revealed that verbal linguistic intelligence has no significant moderating effect on the relationship between speaking anxiety and communications skills. Students who have higher or lower levels of verbal linguistic intelligence demonstrated the same degree of communication skills as influenced by speaking anxiety. However, results revealed that separately speaking anxiety and verbal linguistic intelligence are important contributors to communication skills. KEYWORDS: Applied linguistics, education, speaking anxiety, communication skills, verbal linguistic intelligence, moderating effect, Philippines

Patterns of Relationships Between College Teachers’ Leadership Competence and Work Engagement in Selected Private Higher Education Institutions in Davao Region: The Mediating Impact of School as Professional Learning Community

This study explores the correlation between leadership competence and work engagement among college teachers in Davao region's private higher education institutions. Adopting a mediation model, it investigates the influence of the school as a professional learning community on this relationship. Through a quantitative nonexperimental descriptive-correlational approach, 105 college teachers who were selected using cluster sampling technique from selected private higher education institutions participated in the survey. The findings reveal high levels of leadership competence, work engagement, and perception of the school as a professional learning community among the college teachers. It was also found that there are significant positive correlations among leadership competence, school as a professional learning community, and work engagement. Furthermore, the study identifies the school as a professional learning community as a significant mediating factor, partially explaining the correlation between leadership competence and work engagement. These results underline the importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative school environment to enhance leadership competence and teacher engagement in Davao region's private higher education institutions. This study sheds light on the crucial role of school as a professional learning community, offering insights for educational policymakers and administrators seeking to champion leadership competence and work engagement of college teachers in the 21st century.

Attributes, Challenges, and Performance of Women Leaders in Private Higher Education Institutions in Cavite: Basis for Strengthening Management Development Program

This study was conducted to investigate the attributes, challenges, and performance of women leaders in private higher education institutions in Cavite as a basis for strengthening management development program. Specifically, the study aimed to describe the profile of the participants; the most dominant attributes of women leaders; the most difficult challenges being encountered by women leaders; and their level of performance. This was also conducted to assess the relationship between the dominant attributes and profile and the most difficult challenges and profile, and the level of performance and profile of the participants; relationships between the dominant attribute and challenges and level of performance and most challenges encountered and performance of women leaders as well as propose a management development program to be used by private HEIs. This research considered total enumeration of 103 women leaders of 15 selected private HEIs in the province of Cavite. The conduct of surveys, interviews and focus group discussions were done to gather data. The study employed the descriptive and correlational research designs with mean, frequency, standard deviation, Mann-Whitney U Test, Kruskal Wallis H Test, and Spearman’s correlation as statistical tools. Likewise, this applied qualitative research method to solicit deeper insights from the participants by posting questions focused on their experience, explicit expectation, challenges, and further aspirations as a woman leader in an HEIs in Cavite. The results showed that majority of women leaders were married, with an average age of 41 to 50. Many were either with units in master’s or master’s graduates and with units in doctorate and with more than 16 years as a women leader. The most dominant attributes of women leaders are integrity and the ability to build teams, while maintaining the balance between the work and life remained to be most challenging experience. People management got the highest mean. Significant differences were noted in the dominant attributes, most difficult challenges, and level of performance across the profile. Significant relationships were also identified between the dominant attribute and most difficult challenges encountered; dominant attributes and level of performance; and most challenges encountered and performance of women leaders. In terms of performance, women leaders were found to be very good in people management. A proposed management development program was recommended which maybe integrated to the plans of the respective private HEIs.

Quality Management System Practices among Higher Education Institutions in Region XII, Philippines

Quality Management System (QMS) is a structured framework or set of processes and procedures an organization implements to consistently deliver educational services and administrative processes that meet or exceed established quality standards. This study examined the QMS practices among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Region XII, Philippines. Using an embedded mixed-method research design, data were collected through surveys and interviews with deans, faculty, students, and quality assurance directors. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to treat the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data. The quantitative results initially indicated that the private and public HEIs mostly practice the implementation substantially and consistently, indicating that the majority of instances or situations involve the application of the practice, demonstrating a commendable level of adherence. Qualitative probes elaborated on various QMS practices employed by private and public HEIs related to leading, planning, engaging, empowering, cultivating, and governing. Moreover, the quantitative results revealed that the QMS practices are the same across HEIs regardless of categories and groups of respondents. With this result, typical features of QMS practices employed by private and public HEIs uncovered in the qualitative results encompass leadership and governance support, policy development, implementation, academic support, academic environment, and data quality management. The overall outcomes of this research are the proposed policy recommendations to enhance QMS practices in HEIs, highlighting components related to communication, performance monitoring and analysis, stakeholder engagement and feedback, transparency and accountability, benchmarking and competitive analysis, professional development, and well-being. The research findings imply that by adopting and enhancing QMS practices, HEIs can significantly improve educational outcomes, stakeholder satisfaction, and institutional reputation, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the academic environment.

The achievement of digital leadership sustainability and business performance through the implementation of business intelligence, artificial intelligence, and quality learning in private universities in Jordan

The objective of research is to explore the impact of business intelligence systems, artificial intelligence, and digital leadership sustainability on the quality of learning and business performance at business schools of private universities in Jordan. Upon gathering and scrutinizing the research materials, a grand total of 281 samples were judged suitable for analysis using PLS software. The findings of this study suggest that the implementation of business intelligence systems, artificial intelligence, and digital leadership sustainability positively contribute to improving both the quality of learning and the performance of enterprises. The results demonstrate that the implementation of a business intelligence system, and Competitive Intelligence, directly and positively impacts the enhancement of learning quality and company performance. Furthermore, Artificial intelligence has a positive influence on the quality of learning and the performance of businesses, namely through the utilization of Deep learning, Digital Data, Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), and Data Safety and Security. Furthermore, digital leadership sustainability exerts a direct and favorable impact on the caliber of education and organizational achievement, encompassing Digital Competence, Flexibility and Agility, Interconnected Thinking, and Employee Orientation. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the level of education, encompassing Summative Assessment, Formative Assessment, Quizzes, and Presentations, is positively associated with enhancing firm productivity. Curiously, the present results contradict previous studies suggesting that the variables being examined had an influence on achieving digital leadership sustainability and business performance. Generally, the main research outcomes recommend that corporations should start adopting strategies related to enhancing learning effectiveness and improving business performance. This research focuses on the major aspects of business cleverness systems, artificial intelligence, and digital leadership sustainability to enhance the quality of learning and business performance in the business capabilities of private institutions of higher education in Jordan.

Research on the Construction of a New Business Talent Training System in Private Colleges in the Context of the Digital Economy

In the context of the digital economy, this paper explores how private higher education institutions can construct a contemporary business education talent development system. The analysis delves into the present challenges confronting business education in private colleges, proposing a set of strategies including reforms in the curriculum, innovation in teaching methodologies, and the integration of industry and education. A significant emphasis is placed on the necessity of digital technology and data analysis skills, as well as cross-cultural communication and collaborative abilities for business professionals. The objective of this research is to enhance the adaptability and practical effectiveness of business education, in order to fulfill the societal demand for highly qualified business professionals.

Fatores determinantes da ambidestria organizacional no desempenho acadêmico nas instituições de ensino superior privadas

ABSTRACT Purpose: This research aims to measure the impacts of determining factors of organizational ambidexterity on academic performance in private higher education institutions (HEIs) in Brazil. Originality/value: This study investigates predictive, mediating, and moderating relationships in a model that has yet to be explored in the literature. Design/methodology/approach: This theoretical-empirical research uses questionnaires containing 172 Brazilian private HEIs and analyzes them through structural equation modeling. Findings: The results indicated that entrepreneurial orientation positively influences academic performance directly or is mediated by organizational ambidexterity. Learning orientation does not directly influence academic performance, but the result is significant when mediated by organizational ambidexterity. Although not substantial, market turbulence shows a medium moderation in the relationship between ambidexterity and performance. The indirect path between entrepreneurial orientation and academic performance mediated by organizational ambidexterity was stronger than the direct path without the mediation of ambidexterity. In conclusion, ambidexterity is presented as a relevant construct to mediate entrepreneurial orientation and learning orientation in the performance of private HEIs in Brazil under conditions of market pressure.

Work Challenges, Opportunities, and Job Performance of Non-Teaching Personnel in a Private Higher Education Institution

The research aimed to investigate the relationship between work challenges and opportunities and their effect as predictors of job performance of non-teaching personnel at a Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Bacolod City. While most research on HEIs focuses on faculty and students, this study aimed to shed light on the experiences of non-teaching staff. The study examined the level of challenges, opportunities, and job performance of the respondents and the relationships among these three variables. It also sought to determine if work challenges and opportunities could predict job performance. The study used a descriptive-correlational design and selected 153 permanent non-teaching personnel, including administrative heads and support staff, who had worked for six months or longer in the HEI. The findings showed that respondents faced mild workload challenges, job-related stress, communication, and working conditions. They were provided ample opportunities for training, mentorship, and recognition of learning. Regarding performance, the respondents excelled in task, contextual, and adaptive performances. The study revealed no significant relationship between challenges and job performance. However, a significant relationship was found between the opportunities provided and job performance. Finally, the study determined that opportunities were significant predictors of job performance. In conclusion, the study suggests that when opportunities are effectively leveraged, the job performance of non-teaching personnel can be enhanced.