University Programs Research Articles

ADAPTING KIRKPATRICK’S MODEL FOR EVALUATING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN TOURISM WITHIN HIGHER EDUCATION

In the context of rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics and constant evolution in the tourism sector, the effectiveness of educational programs in tourism has become critically important for preparing professionals capable of adapting to new challenges. This article focuses on the use of the Kirkpatrick Model as a strategic tool for evaluating and improving professional higher education programs in tourism. Based on four levels of evaluation — reaction, learning, behavior, and results — the model is adapted to the specifics of educational programs in the field of tourism, offering a comprehensive analysis methodology. The aim of adapting the Kirkpatrick Model is to diagnose and address the vulnerabilities of educational programs, refine curricula, and introduce innovative courses that meet both current and projected sector needs. This approach is particularly relevant in the light of the rapidly changing requirements of the tourism industry, where it is crucial not only to provide up-to-date knowledge but also to develop students’ skills in critical thinking, adaptation, and innovative problem-solving. Applying to the Kirkpatrick Model to university programs in tourism ensures not only high quality of education but also its relevance and practical orientation. This paves the way for creating a new generation of tourism professionals, prepared to work effectively in the conditions of global competition and changing market demands. Such an approach not only improves educational programs but also enhances the international competitiveness of graduates, which is a key factor for success in the modern tourism industry.

Doctoral students’ perceptions of the English language proficiency completion criteria in Iran: making a case for English for General Academic Purposes (EGAP)

PurposeThis study set out to investigate PhD students’ perceptions of the criteria for showcasing English proficiency as part of the requirements for completing PhD programs in Iranian universities. The criteria included The Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology (MSRT) test, an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program, achieving the minimum score on the English section of the doctoral entrance exam, and gaining approval from supervisors regarding students’ proficiency.Design/methodology/approachQualitative data were collected by conducting interviews with 19 PhD students as well as a corpus of 325 students’ commentaries posted on an online forum. The data were then analyzed using the constant comparison method (Creswell, 2013).FindingsStudents held mixed feelings in relation to the new completion requirements and in particular, the MSRT test. However, they advocated egalitarian, objective, and need-responsive measures, which were better mirrored in the EAP program.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings were discussed with reference to the predictive validity, authenticity, and construct relevance of the MSRT test and the EAP program. Despite the absence of quantitative data on the comparability of high-stakes tests and the EAP program, the study offers implications for testing agencies, academic institutions, and tertiary students.Originality/valueA multitude of PhD students and candidates are affected by the results of the new policy. Accordingly, gaining a better understanding of students’ perceptions may assist policymakers in reconsidering their policies, if necessary.

Assessment of knowledge about first aid methods, diagnosis, and treatment of scorpion stings among health workers in Ouarzazate region, Morocco: A cross-sectional study

Scorpion envenomation (SE) is a critical and immediate medical emergency. It represents a major public health concern with significant cause of illness and death, particularly in rural regions where scorpions are more prevalent. Of note, administering appropriate first aid to scorpion sting victims is one of the most effective ways to reduce mortality. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the level of knowledge of the healthcare workers in managing such cases. This work aims to assess the levels of knowledge on the diagnosis and management of scorpion stings, as well as the attitudes toward scorpion stings, among doctors and nurses in the Ouarzazate region of Morocco. Our results showed that the prevalent health care age group is 30–39 years, and in terms of experience, the majority had less than 5 years. Additionally, the majority of the participants had no knowledge regarding scorpions’ identification. Moreover, only half participants (healthcare workers) received basic training in the management of scorpion stings and almost all of them have not benefited from continuing training. Hence, the current study showed that the understanding of scorpion sting management among healthcare providers in Ouarzazate province is inadequate to ensure proper care for sting patients, and thus including scorpion sting management in the university programs of health care provides along with clinical practice are highly required.

Research on the Docking Strategy Between the Curriculum System of Tourism Management in Colleges and Universities and the Needs of the Industry

This paper aims to explore effective strategies for aligning the curriculum of tourism management programs in universities with the demands of the industry, ensuring that educational content remains closely connected to the current practical needs of the tourism sector. By analyzing the current status of curriculum design in tourism management programs and combining it with the latest development trends and talent demands in the tourism industry, this study reveals the gaps and challenges between the curriculum and industry needs. The paper proposes a set of specific strategies for alignment, including optimizing curriculum design, strengthening practical teaching, and promoting university-industry collaboration, with the aim of enhancing the employability and industry adaptability of tourism management students. The results indicate that implementing these strategies can help better meet industry demands and promote the sustained development and quality improvement of tourism management education. Finally, this paper provides practical guidance and policy suggestions for the education reform of tourism management in colleges and universities.

STEM designation for accounting programs: Insights from accounting department directors

With the increasing demand for tech-savvy accounting graduates, numerous accounting programs are considering the value of obtaining STEM designation. We conduct semi-structured interviews of fourteen accounting department directors with STEM-designated graduate programs. The interviews encompass three broad themes: (1) Motivation for pursuing STEM designation and expected benefits; (2) Process for acquiring the STEM designation, including curriculum modifications and related challenges; and (3) Resources, faculty training and hiring, and outcomes of STEM designation. The interviewees submit that STEM programs are vital for attracting international students. They report other advantages, including increased program visibility, greater interest from domestic students in STEM programs, and enhanced career opportunities for students from a curriculum focused on data analytics. In addition, some interviewees report that their technology programs are the only ones gaining students. Participants further reveal that international students graduating from STEM accounting programs are securing employment with Big Four, regional, and local accounting firms. Finally, we relate the findings to change theory and discuss recommendations for university accounting programs.

Stakeholders’ involvement in economics and management programs quality assurance

Purpose This study aims to investigate the stakeholders’ (employers and students) involvement in economics and management programs quality assurance in Italian universities from the external audit perspective. Design/methodology/approach The research tests if employers are positively associated with the coherence between program objectives and job prospects, and if student involvement is positively associated with student orientation, tutorship and flexibility for specific types of students (differently abled students and working students). Based on data from the Italian Agency for Quality Assurance (ANVUR) in Italian universities, this study selects a sample of 44 bachelor and master university programs. Findings When a program coordinator assures coherence between competencies included in the study plan and job prospect, the employers’ involvement in the plan and management of the program increases and becomes more effective. High-quality services regarding student orientation, tutorship and flexibility for specific types of students increase the students’ involvement in university governance. Originality/value Findings contribute to literature extending the stakeholder theory in universities, better specifying how employers and students may play a key role in improving the quality assurance of teaching activities.

The Influence of Corporate Branding on Students' University Choice in Kenya

This article presents an exploratory study investigating the influence of corporate branding on the university choice of postgraduate students in selected universities in Kenya. The purpose of the research was to understand how internal, external, and service mix branding strategies shape students' perceptions and decisions. This study was significant as it sought to offer insights into the critical role of branding in the competitive higher education sector in Kenya. The study analyzed various branding strategies employed by universities, focusing on their effectiveness in shaping students’ perceptions of academic excellence, reputation, facilities, and overall value proposition. Data was collected through surveys with postgraduate students, providing a comprehensive view of the branding landscape. The findings highlighted that effective corporate branding significantly enhances the perceived academic strengths and unique programs of universities. The correlation between strong branding and perceptions of prestige was largely positive, as it required careful management to ensure that the emphasis on branding complements and enhances the actual quality and inclusiveness of the education provided. The promotion of state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive branding that communicated the overall value and benefits of attending the university, including career prospects and alumni success, positively impacted students' choices. The study concluded that corporate branding substantially influences students' university choices in Kenya. It recommends that universities invest in robust and consistent branding strategies that clearly communicate their strengths and unique offerings. The study recommends that universities use both traditional and digital media to enhance their brand presence and engage with prospective students. It suggests that universities continuously assess and adapt their branding strategies to stay competitive in the dynamic educational environment in Kenya.

Advancing Audiovisual Translation Education: Evaluating and Enhancing the Capabilities of English Undergraduates at the University of Mataram

This study aims to evaluate and develop the audiovisual translation (AVT) skills of English education undergraduate students at the University of Mataram. As the dissemination of information increasingly occurs through dynamic online media, mastering AVT techniques has become essential for future language professionals. The study will examine the quality of subtitle translations produced by students, as well as their ability to translate audio content into video captions - a new skill beyond traditional dubbing. By assessing current capabilities, the study seeks to reorient translation course curricula to better balance theoretical knowledge and practical application. Given the rapid technological advances in AVT, this study is critical in ensuring university programs adapt to emerging industry needs. The findings are expected to contribute to improving the quality of AVT education and enhancing the preparedness of English undergraduates to work as professional audiovisual translators. Ultimately, the study aims to empower the next generation of translators with the necessary skills to effectively convey information across multimedia platforms.

THE INFLUENCE OF MOTIVATION, PERCEPTIONS OF PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS, AND UNIVERSITY PROMOTIONS ON INTEREST IN STUDYING UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS MEDIATED BY ONLINE LECTURES (EMPIRICAL STUDY: INDONESIAN GO-JEK PARTNERS)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of Motivation, Perception, and Promotion of higher education on interest in studying undergraduate programs among prospective students from Go-Jek Indonesia's partners, as well as the mediation role of online lectures in this relationship. Data were collected cross-sectionally from 264 prospective students using a questionnaire as the primary data collection method. The results of the study show that the perception of prospective students has a positive and significant effect on the interest in undergraduate programs. Higher education promotion to prospective students, including the quality of education, reputation, and job prospects of graduates, has proven to have a negative and significant impact on their interest in choosing online lectures. Online lectures mediate the effect of perception and promotion, both directly and through online lecture mediation. This study is expected to provide new insights into the role of Online Lectures in mediating the relationship between motivation, perception, and promotion and interest in study undergraduate programs in universities in Indonesia.

An ‘E’ for ‘elite’ in EMI? Global, local and elite dimensions in the promotion of English-medium university programmes

ABSTRACT The move towards EMI in higher education has been connected to university internationalisation, which reflects neoliberal trends. Research has underscored the need to consider socio-economic factors, materialities and ideologies surrounding EMI. Our study taps into this line of inquiry by focusing on how Swedish universities promote EMI programmes in business and economics in four videos. We take a novel approach to examine discursively constructed ideologies surrounding EMI by conducting a critical multimodal analysis of the videos. The analysis reveals how the use and representations of English – combined with different symbols, artefacts and concepts – are used to position these EMI programmes as both global and local. References to international rankings and multinational business partnerships position them on the global education market. At the same time, the programmes are locally situated in the academic tradition and entrepreneurial context of Sweden. Images of nature, the fika, or Scandinavian design present them in a way similar to tourist destinations. Tokens of economic and cultural eliteness create an extra layer of distinction, contributing to the added ‘elite’ value of EMI, where English is both taken for granted and serves a gate-keeping function. Findings provide insight into how EMI is promoted to international students.

The university as an ally for active aging and quality of life

This article discusses the health status of older persons participating in an extension course lasting two years at the University of Santa Cruz do Sul/RS, Brazil, from a descriptive quantitative and qualitative study conducted in 2014 and 2015, with 47 persons over 60. Instruments were used to assess the elders' cognitive functions and overall health. The study presents the perspective of successful aging focusing on the following aspects: low probability of disease, good functional capacity (physical and cognitive), and active participation in the community. The studied sample has characteristics that corroborate the general health status and quality of life conditions, such as the many years of study, the continuous search for knowledge-related activities, the involvement in different physical and leisure activities, and socializing with family and friends. The research indicates that the insertion in university programs contributes to the prevention of cognitive decline and the general state of health, contributing to self-esteem and maintenance of mental health, which reflects in aging with quality of life.

English language needs of Iranian students of civil engineering: Are the courses aligned with workplace needs?

Although Iranian universities offer English for specific purposes (ESP) courses extensively, there are plenty of challenges in the process of teaching the courses. Drawing on multiple methods, this study explored what 5 civil-engineering ESP instructors, 5 company engineers, and 10 students expected to be included in their language courses suitable for workplace-specific requirements. It used multiple sources of data, including semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, field notes, and focus group discussions. Analysis of data showed that in addition to proficiency in general English, civil engineers need to discuss technical issues, attend conferences and seminars, read or write specific genres, and communicate orally, all of which require knowledge of both general and technical English. However, university programs are not specifically designed according to students’ specialized needs. This study contributes to the importance of needs-based curriculum development pertinent to engineering English challenges and highlights the significance of tailor-made language instruction. Furthermore, ESP educators, policy makers, course planners, and other stakeholders can take advantage of needs-based resources to help engineering students solve problems pertinent to their specialization.

The Role of Technology in Facilitating EFL Learning: A Case Study Approach

This research investigates how digital tools and resources are integrated into English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education to enhance learning outcomes. The study employs qualitative through interviews, questionnaires, and classroom observations. Interviews with 6 lecturers and 74 students as the samples provide in-depth insights into their experiences and perceptions. Classroom observations offer real-time evidence of how technology is used in practice, highlighting both its benefits and obstacles. Data is analyzed using thematic analysis for qualitative, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the role of technology in EFL learning at the English Language Learning and Education Study Program of University of Pahlawan Tuanku Tambusai during February to June 2024. The results show that the use of technology has been positively perceived by both students and lecturers, who recognize the ability to make learning more accessible, interactive, and tailored to individual needs. The widespread use of tools such as language learning apps, online resources, and multimedia presentations has contributed to more effective and enjoyable learning experiences. Despite these benefits, the research also identified significant challenges, including technical issues, inconsistent access to devices, and varying levels of digital literacy among students. These challenges sometimes hinder the seamless integration of technology into EFL learning. The technology has greatly contributed to the success of EFL learning at Universitas Pahlawan Tuanku Tambusai, addressing the challenges identified will be crucial for maximizing its potential. By investing in better support systems, infrastructure, and training, the university can further enhance the effectiveness of technology in fostering English language proficiency among its students.

Understanding barriers, enablers and motivational factors for Australian healthcare educators teaching university students on clinical placement using the validated Physician Teaching Motivation Questionnaire

BackgroundIn Australia, university clinical programs rely heavily on external healthcare professionals to provide a range of authentic clinical training and professional development opportunities for students. There is, however, a limited understanding of the factors that motivate these professionals to be educators and whether this varies across different healthcare disciplines within Australia. As the demand for clinical placements continues to increase, it is critical for the ongoing success of these programs that universities identify both the barriers associated with teaching and the benefits that enhance job satisfaction.MethodsA two-part questionnaire was emailed to 849 external healthcare educators teaching predominantly in Medicine, Medical Imaging, and Optometry programs at Deakin University. Part-one surveyed the socio-demographics, perceived benefits, and barriers to teaching, plus the utilisation of entitlements offered by the university. Part-two was modelled on Dybowski and Harendza’s validated Physician Teaching Motivation Questionnaire (PTMQ) and adapted to an Australian audience.ResultsOverall, 776 out of the 849 questionnaires were considered in the final participant pool. The response rate for part-one was 19.7% (n = 153/776) and 18.3% (n = 142/776) for part-two. Across all professions, altruism was the primary source of motivation for teaching in Deakin University’s healthcare programs. Medical Imaging educators placed a higher value on career-related teaching aspects compared to those in Medicine and Optometry (p < 0.003). The resources and benefits associated with teaching were generally perceived to be of minimal importance. External healthcare educators most commonly reported that there were no barriers to teaching (41.3%, n = 78) however, increased workloads and time constraints were the next most likely factors to affect teaching participation (31.8%, n = 60).ConclusionOur validated adaptation of the PTMQ successfully targeted healthcare professions not focussed on by Dybowski and Harendza. Altruistic motivation was the overarching theme for why Australian external healthcare educators contribute to teaching with some differences in career-driven motivation additionally acknowledged. Despite there being no key benefits or barriers to teaching participation, universities must remain cognisant of the factors that influence the recruitment and retention of external healthcare educators and how to optimise these for the ongoing success and sustainability of their teaching programs.

Examining the level of Entrepreneurship education and development within the South African higher education: Towards entrepreneurial university

In response to unemployment and socio-economic challenges in the South Africa's higher education institutions introduces entrepreneurship education (EE) with the aim to create sustainable job opportunities. However, higher education (HE) struggles to integrate EE within the university programmes and make it as practical as possible. Furthermore, fostering entrepreneurial mindset and intentions among students is not an easy task. The primary objective of this conceptual paper is to examine the level of entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intentions among the students within the South African higher education. We used qualitative case study methodology, to purposive select 30 articles using a google scholar search engine. The paper was driven by three research questions, namely, what is the level of entrepreneurship education among students in South African higher education? What are the entrepreneurial intentions of these students? Does the design of the EE curriculum foster students' entrepreneurial mindset and intentions? The findings identified a need to curriculum transformation that integrate EE across various disciples; not just a stand-alone module that fails to foster a broad-based entrepreneurial mindset. Furthermore, the findings shows that policy support and infrastructural development should be geared towards the growth and sustainability of EE programs and launching of innovation hubs and other support structures within universities to provide practical EE experiences.

Undergraduate Researchers and The Academic Librarian: Case Studies and Best Practices

The 2023 second edition of Undergraduate research and the academic librarian: Casestudies and best practices co-edited by Merinda Kaye Hensley, Hailley Fargo, and StephanieDavis-Kahl, reflects the recent socio-political cultural changes that have impacted the evolutionof academic library programs focused upon the undergraduate population and their researchskill development. Through the models chosen for this edition, programs which highlight thenecessity for remote learning, the needs of minoritized students and the overall benefits ofinitiating research skills at the undergraduate level are provided to inspire the reader. Theprograms described also provide creative collaborations between the academic libraries andvarious university programs. By providing program descriptions, reflections, recommendationsand best practices in each chapter, Undergraduate research and the academic librarianprovides guidance and creative suggestions for new librarians, academic librarians and researchand instruction programs seeking to address the research instruction needs of a diverseundergraduate student population.

Mapping local suitability for STEM work-related experiential opportunities in Georgia

Internships, job shadows, cooperative education programs, and other forms of experiential education can play a crucial role in students successfully transitioning from their undergraduate program to a career pathway. We collectively term these opportunities as work-related experiential activities (WREAs). While valuable, students’ access to these experiences can vary based on multiple factors, including their own socioeconomic background, access to social networks, university programs, and geographic context. Little research has been done on the last of these factors, and this paper helps fill this gap by developing a geospatial WREA opportunity index for STEM related opportunities, using census and point-of-interest data to identify census tracts with the greatest rate of WREA opportunity and attractive amenities for students. To do so, we draw on surveys and interviews across multiple college campuses in Georgia, both to identify desirable characteristics for students and to catalog the WREAs they have participated in. This index highlights disparities across college campuses, particularly between those located in metropolitan Atlanta compared to those in smaller cities in the state. This tool provides a way to quantify and visualize those differences in ways that can support investment in programs that help bridge opportunity gaps for students.

Does gender impact the relationship between perceived value and intentions of use of natural processing models?

Purpose In the era of artificial intelligence, natural language processing (NLP) models are revolutionizing numerous sectors. This research aims to explore the perceived value of them among university students. In particular, it aims to investigate how gender may influence students’ intention to use these models in educational contexts, highlighting potentially significant differences that could inform the implementation and adoption of educational technologies. Design/methodology/approach This study investigates the relationship between perceived value and students' intention to adopt NLP models, considering gender as a moderator. The research involves 562 students from the University of Salerno, in Italy, and uses confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the reliability and validity of the measurement scales. A regression model with robust errors is used to explore the moderating role of gender on the relationship between perceived value and intentions of use of NLP models. Findings The results reveal a significant positive association between perceived value and intention to use NLP models, confirming that students with higher perceived value are more likely to adopt these technologies. Furthermore, gender moderates this relationship, indicating that females are less prone to use NLP models than male counterparts. Originality/value Research takes on a significant role in the academic field, underlining the importance of adapting teaching practices to the increasingly widespread digitalization. The inclusion of NLP models in university programs emerges as a possible improvement of the learning experience, ensuring cutting-edge education in tune with the needs of the digital society.

Gender and Specialty Influence on Narcissism in University Students

Background: Narcissistic personality traits have garnered increasing attention in psychological research, particularly within academic environments where student behavior and performance are critical. Understanding these traits and their influencing factors is essential for improving student well-being and academic outcomes. Specific Background: The impact of gender and field of study on narcissistic traits among university students remains underexplored. Kernberg's (1970) theoretical framework provides a basis for investigating these traits through empirical measures. Knowledge Gap: While previous studies have examined narcissism broadly, there is limited research focusing specifically on how gender and academic specialization affect narcissistic traits among university students. Aims: This study aimed to identify narcissistic personality traits among university students and examine variations based on gender and field of study using a newly developed Narcissistic Personality Scale. Results: The research, involving 376 students from the University of Basra, utilized a 35-item scale validated through rigorous psychometric testing. The results indicated that the average narcissism score was significantly higher than the hypothesized mean. Male students exhibited higher levels of narcissism compared to female students, and humanities students scored higher than their scientific counterparts. Novelty: This study provides new insights into the prevalence and variance of narcissistic traits among university students, highlighting significant differences related to gender and academic specialization. Implications: The findings underscore the need for university programs to address narcissistic traits and their impact on student behavior and academic performance. Future research should investigate the longitudinal effects of narcissism and evaluate interventions aimed at reducing these traits. Highlights: Gender differences: males show higher narcissism. Humanities students exhibit more narcissistic traits. Calls for targeted university interventions. Keywords: narcissistic personality, university students, gender differences, academic specialization, psychometric scale

Ontario college media professor careers across five decades

ABSTRACT This exploratory research analyses the careers, teaching practices, and self-assessments of Ontario college media teachers in three parts of the Province and three time periods (those hired in the 1970s and 1980s, 1990–2007, and 2007–2022). I interviewed 15 retired media teachers and academic managers; also, 42 current instructors and academic managers answered a survey about their professional experiences. My analysis uses a feminist model of closure theory from the neo-Weberian sociology of professions (Witz, 1992) along with intersectional writing on identity to explain the gendered and racialised nature of the labour market in these geographically and historically specific areas and eras. At the beginning of the first period, privileged white middle-class men with connections to education and industry experience founded the programmes, eventually hiring privileged white women with relevant credentials, all teaching full-time. In the 1990s, the neoliberal practice of hiring substantial cohorts of non-fulltime (NFT) teachers, and a demand for graduate university credentials can be linked to the advent of joint university-college media programmes and an increase in hiring of administrative staff (Mackay, 2014). In the programmes themselves, I found that the institutionalised apprenticeship model of the early college changed to a skills-based curriculum, the current emphasis in all college programmes. In hiring, gender parity for white heterosexual women has been achieved in the central hub, and consciousness of race has grown over time. However, media teachers still do not match the intersectional diversity of their students due to credentialist and legislative professional closure in hiring and promotion among fulltimers. I theorise that this closure operates by requiring credentials for full-time positions that are not available to all, depending on intersectional class, race, sexuality, disability, neurodiversity, and age.