Public Higher Education Institutions Research Articles

The effects of leadership behaviours on departmental performance in Ethiopian public research universities

AbstractDespite the abundance of research linking leadership behaviours to organisational effectiveness in various sectors, there is a lack of empirical studies that investigate how leadership behaviours influence performance in the context of research universities. The present study examined the effects of leadership behaviours on departmental performance in public research universities in Ethiopia. The study employed a quantitatively driven embedded type of mixed methods design. The participants of the study were 1176 academic staff (969 instructors and 207 department heads). They were selected from four public research universities using a simple random sampling technique. In addition, 14 key informants were selected using a purposive sampling technique based on their teaching‐learning, research and leadership lived experiences in higher education institutions and interviewed using semi‐structured guiding questions. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires composed of demographic questions and adapted versions of two scales: Multifactor Leadership Questionnaires and a new tool for measuring global academic performance. The quantitative data were analysed using frequency, percentage, multiple correlations and regression, one sample t‐test, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Version 23.0 of Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) and SPSS‐23 were used for data analyses. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using open code version 4.03 software. The analyses showed that transactional leadership dimension and teaching‐learning dimension of departmental performance were practised predominantly. Dimensions of leadership behaviour were found to be positively and significantly related to dimensions of departmental performance. The joint contributions of dimensions of leadership behaviour were larger than their separate contributions, thereby supporting the formulated alternative hypotheses. Implications of the findings were discussed.Context and implicationsRationale for the studyLeadership is one of the indispensable factors that determine organisational success. However, empirical study findings that show the effects of leadership behaviours on departmental performance in public higher education institutions were scarce.Why the new findings matterThe new findings matter because the transactional leadership dimension of leadership behaviours and the teaching‐learning dimension of departmental performance are practiced predominantly in the sampled research universities. The findings demonstrated that the stated dimensions of leadership behaviour are positively and significantly related to departmental performance. It is more informative and contributes to knowledge and practice that the combined contributions of leadership behaviours are larger than their separate contributions.Implications for practitionersThe findings of the study have policy and practical implications for improving effectiveness of higher education leadership and departmental performance dimensions: the teaching‐learning process, research and community services in the context of Ethiopian public research universities. This finding further implies that schools and department heads need to use a combination of appropriate leadership behaviours in order to improve departmental performance dimensions.

Knowledge management drivers and its results: a quantitative study in a public higher education institution

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of knowledge management (KM) drivers on perceived KM results in a public higher education institution. A structured theoretical model based on leadership, people, processes, knowledge processes, technology, learning and KM results was developed and tested.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted with the employees of a public higher education institution where an administrative reform was initiated. A valid sample of 257 respondents was obtained. The data were obtained from the application of a structured questionnaire based on the KM drivers and their results. A five-point Likert-type scale was used to measure respondents' answers. The main data analysis technique was structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results indicate knowledge processes, leadership and people factors have a positive and significant impact on KM results. On the other hand, organizational processes, technology and learning factors were not significant. However, the service length of servants in the institution influences the perception of knowledge drivers.Practical implicationsPublic institutions should be attentive to people with more time of service because they may have difficulties with technological advances, reorganization of processes and adaptation to new ways of sharing knowledge.Originality/valueThis study advances on the analysis of KM results in the public sector and tests the moderation effect of time of service.

Overview of Brazilian Higher Education: The Perspective of the Civil Engineering Program

This scientific article proposes an enhanced analysis of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Brazil, focusing on Public HEIs (Federal, State, and Municipal) and Private HEIs (Community-based, Confessional, Philanthropic, and for-profit). The adopted approach stems from a meticulous historical analysis of face-to-face Civil Engineering courses, considering the various intermediary regions in Brazil. The study is based on data from the National Higher Education Assessment System (SINAES), the Higher Education Census, as well as demographic and territorial data provided by IBGE, and information from CONFEA. The theoretical framework of this article is grounded in the essential concepts of Brazilian Higher Education, Higher Education Institutions, the National Higher Education Assessment System, Civil Engineering Courses, and the Civil Construction Industry. A relevant factor incorporated into this analysis is the impact of territory, encompassing not only physical and environmental characteristics but also cultural and infrastructural issues.

Senses and meanings of primary health care academic visions in nursing

Introduction: Primary Health Care (PHC) has acquired different meanings for different people, at specific times and places, which poses important challenges for its understanding. Objective: To analyze the meaning(s) and sense(s) of Primary/Basic Health Care in the academic views on Nursing/Health in the context of undergraduate Nursing courses offered at two public Higher Education Institutions. Materials and methods: Qualitative study with an exploratory approach. Semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis were used as data collection techniques. Results: The senses/meanings of Primary Health Care converge with the population's gateway to the health system at the first care level and with the first contact of a person with the health service. However, it is still considered as a less important service within the care network. Conclusion: Primary Health Care means a relevant possibility for Nursing/Health care through health promotion and disease prevention actions, with a commitment to respond to most of the population's health needs.

Why might home-based work duties be perceived by female academics as extreme? A qualitative study

PurposeThis study aims to answer the following question: Why might home-based work duties be perceived by female academics as extreme?Design/methodology/approachWe employed a qualitative research method through semi-structured interviews with 33 female academics from three public universities selected from amongst 26 public institutions of higher education in Egypt. Thematic analysis was subsequently used to determine the main ideas in the transcripts.FindingsWe find that the sudden implementation of home-based work makes the academic duties of female academics extreme. Moreover, the following four factors help explain the extremity/intensity of the home-based work of female academics: mental and physical fatigue resulting from WFH, the inability to adequately meet family commitments when working from home (WFH), poor resources for home-based work and reduced ability to focus on the obstacles facing them in their academic career.Originality/valueThis paper contributes by filling a gap in human resources management and higher education in which empirical studies on female academics WFH and extreme academic duties have been limited so far.

Skills of future workforce: skills gap based on perspectives from academicians and industry players

<span lang="EN-US">Apart from having specific knowledge, graduates are expected to possess a set of soft and hard skills to be employed. This study aims to identify soft and hard skills relevant to the future workforce in the electrical and electronic (E&E) industry based on two perspectives; academicians from public higher education institution (HEI) and E&E industry players. Further, the study aims to investigate skills gaps between two stakeholders. A total of 50 academicians and 31 industry players in Malaysia were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent t-test. In terms of soft skills, analytical thinking skills, communication skills, and discipline were more perceived by academicians, whereas decision-making skills, teamwork skills, and discipline were more favored by industry players. For hard skills, both players favored technology use, except for organizational capabilities which were perceived more by academicians while troubleshooting was favored more by industry players. This study contributes to the collaboration between public HEI and the E&E industry to address the skills gaps, which will benefit all stakeholders. This study focuses on the skills that are perceived more by both stakeholders.</span>

Factors affecting the retention of millennial academics

Orientation: South African higher education institutions (HEIs) face significant challenges in attracting and retaining younger-generation academics. This results in a critical shortage of a talented pool of scholars required for succession and the sustainability of HEIs over the longer term.Research purpose: This study aimed to explore the factors affecting the retention of millennial academics in South Africa.Motivation for the study: The retention of millennial academics is essential to the success of HEIs. Research on the factors affecting the retention of this cohort of academics is scarce despite their growing importance in sustainable HEI practice.Research approach/design and method: The study adopted a cross-sectional qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews to collect the data. The sample included 14 millennial academics representing various public HEIs in South Africa. Thematic analyses were applied to analyse the data.Main findings: The findings showed that five factors should be considered to retain millennial academics: career and growth opportunities, work environment, rewards, leadership and work–life balance.Practical/managerial implications: The study concluded that an integrated talent retention strategy should be developed that, at a minimum include opportunities for career development, employee growth, healthy employee–employer relationships, employee support and market-related compensation to retain millennial academics.Contribution/value-add: This research contributes to the limited knowledge of the factors affecting the retention of millennial academics.

THE PROS AND CONS OF ARTICLE 207 OF THE 1988 FEDERAL CONSTITUTION OF BRAZIL

Purpose: This article focuses on Article 207 of the 1988 Brazilian Constitution. It then discusses the pros and cons of this article, which gives full rights to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in relation to their teaching and administrative autonomy. The social problem is as follows: Do HEIs (Higher Education Institutions) violate the law or not, as they are protected by Article 207 of the 1988 Brazilian Constitution? The aim of this study is to show how HEIs use Article 207 (BRAZIL, 1988) in their selection processes for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Brazil.
 Method: This investigation used the Experience Report as its method and the qualitative approach as its approach.
 Results and Discussion: The results of this study show that HEIs do violate the law. Unfortunately, there seems to be no supervision by public bodies, except when the MEC (Ministry of Education) or another recognized body visits these institutions to qualify or disqualify their courses at national level and even internationally (institutions other than the MEC). On these occasions, unfortunately, many camouflages are made by these HEIs. Reading this article, it becomes clear that the university autonomy of Article 207 of the 1988 Federal Constitution (BRAZIL, 1988) does not in fact guarantee democracy within the HEIs, especially when it comes to entering and remaining as a student, teacher and/or employee/servant, especially in public HEIs.
 Implications of the Research: This experience report explores the possibility of re-evaluating Article 207 of the Brazilian Constitution of 1988, to the extent that the autonomy guaranteed to Higher Education Institutions in Brazil is more effective, linked to constant inspections by public authorities without prior warning. Thus, it is understood that, although "enslaved" to a higher order represented by the Brazilian government and the legislation in force in Brazil, Brazilian universities will indeed be secular and for everyone.
 Originality/Value: This research and article, although short, raises for discussion a crucial point for guaranteeing democracy in access to higher education and postgraduate studies in Brazil, which is little debated. There is a lot of talk about autonomy within Brazilian universities today. However, there is little questioning of this autonomy and how harmful and lethal it can be to democracy within them.

RISK FACTORS AND CHALLENGES IN THE FACILITIES DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

This research undertakes a comprehensive exploration of innovative risk management within the Facilities Departments of public higher education institutions in Phutthamonthon District, Nakhon Pathom Province. The research identifies specific risk factors and challenges unique to these departments while proposing a set of tailored risk management guidelines. Key findings unveil a spectrum of risk categories, including maintenance-related issues, environmental concerns, operational constraints, and technological challenges. These findings underscore the pressing need for heightened risk awareness and the development of formal risk management practices within Facilities Departments. The study's recommendations encompass the adoption of systematic risk assessment, strategic resource allocation, technology integration, and measures to enhance environmental resilience. These insights hold substantial implications for governance, resource allocation, risk culture, and technology integration in public higher education institutions. By bridging the empirical gap and providing actionable recommendations, this research contributes significantly to the enhancement of operational excellence in public higher education institutions, aligning them with the demands of the contemporary educational landscape.

Higher education teacher educators’ perceptions about approaches to teaching in a blended learning mode in a developing country

The strong association between educators’ perceptions and teaching approaches must be considered when improving teaching quality in BL environments in higher education institutions (HEIs). Consequently, every effort to effectively initiate and implement instructional innovations and practices at the higher education level is highly dependent on educators’ perceptions, attitudes, characteristics, and approaches. However, there have not been many empirical studies to ascertain the relationship between teacher educators’ perceptions of and approaches to teaching in a BL mode. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the connection between educators’ perceptions and approaches to delivering instructions in a BL mode in a developing country. The study used a mixed-methods approach involving 10 participants in the qualitative data collection phase and 71 respondents in the quantitative data gathering phase from one public HEI in Ghana. While a thematic inductive tool was employed to analyze the qualitative data, R-package version 0.88 (2022) was used to analyze the quantitative data. The study’s results revealed a significant relationship between educators’ perceptions and approaches to teaching in a BL context. However, the study found no correlation between educators’ perception or approach and their ages or experiences of teaching in a BL mode. The findings of the study may encourage teachers to adopt a more positive attitude toward providing quality information to students learning in a BL environment.

Maturity Model for Sustainability Assessment of Chemical Analyses Laboratories in Public Higher Education Institutions

The increasing demand for sustainable products and services has become a constant requirement for the different stakeholders in an organization. Higher Education Institutions (HEI) have a crucial role in training conscious and competent professionals to lead these changes. Chemical analyses laboratories bring together the proper mix, where the adoption of mature and efficient management systems proves to be crucial not only to better train the institutions’ human resources but also to cooperate in recruiting research projects and other services to benefit society. Maturity models assist in the needed stages for sustainable growth to take place. This paper proposes a maturity model based on standardized norms to guide adjustments related to quality, risks, safety, and environment of chemical analyses laboratories in public higher education institutions. This research was done in four stages: theoretical research about maturity models, sustainability, and integrated management systems; survey with laboratories; case study at a chemical analyses laboratory of an HEI; and structuring and validating a maturity model. As the main results, it was observed that more than 80% of public laboratory managers believe it would be relevant to adopt a maturity model to help organize the laboratory’s internal and external processes. 86% of public laboratory managers understand that using management systems can contribute to hiring new services. We can also observe that 42.9% of public laboratory managers do not know any maturity model. As conclusion, the model includes eight dimensions, 31 subdimensions, and 204 management practices to assess and guide chemical analyses laboratories to sustainable maturity levels.

Effect of combined physical exercise on inflammatory markers and the relationship with body composition in young women

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of eight weeks of combined physical exercise of moderate intensity on inflammatory markers, as well as its relationship with body composition in young women recently admitted to a Public Institution of Higher Education. MethodsLongitudinal, intervention study, in which 59 female participants aged 18–25 years were evaluated before and after a combined physical exercise program for eight weeks. Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention for analysis of C-reactive protein and inflammatory cytokines. Weight and height were measured to calculate body mass index and body composition was evaluated by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry before and after the intervention. Statistical analyzes performed were t-test, Willcoxon test and Spearman's correlation. This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee and the Free and Informed Consent Form was signed by all participants. ResultsAfter the intervention, there was a reduction in the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF and IL-12), while the anti-inflammatory (IL-10) and CRP did not change; reduction in the total body gynoid fat mass and in the percentage of body fat; increased trunk and total muscle mass. Body composition was negatively correlated with the pro-inflammatory interleukins IL-1β and IL-6 and positively correlated with CRP. ConclusionsCombined physical exercise for eight weeks acted to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, fat mass and increase in muscle mass. Inflammatory markers correlated with body fat before the intervention, suggesting the participation of visceral adipose tissue in the release of these markers in female university students.

INTEGRATING OPEN DISTANCE LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AS A TRANSFORMATIVE SHIFT IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

Background and Purpose: The threat brought about by Coronavirus or Covid-19 had made a huge impact not only on the economic, tourism, and health sectors, but it also hardly hit the education system of the world at large. Specifically, this pandemic crisis has caused higher education institutions (HEIs) to abruptly shift to open distance learning (ODL) as a response to the call for continued education despite the global health threat.
 
 Methodology: Using quantitative approach and purposive sampling that led to soliciting good responses from 320 respondents from both private and public HEIs in Melaka, this study explains the reality, the readiness and willingness of learners and lecturers have experienced in ODL.
 
 Findings: Findings indicate that technology use in ODL teaching and learning offers a lot of opportunities for both learners and lecturers. The instructors and learners perceived that ODL is effective with the use of technology merging the old and the new. Three aspects were indicated from this study namely 1) interaction between learners or among themselves as peers and 2) technical support and 3) pedagogical demands. Nonetheless, there were some challenges faced by both lecturers and learners such as; unreliable internet access, high costs associated with bandwidth, technophobia and inadequate pedagogical skills of online lecturers found from this study too.
 
 Contributions: Thus, it is deemed important to identify and understand learners’ experiences in an online education technology course facilitated through various digital platforms. It is time we accept blended learning if not ODL. Blended learning has grown in use across HEIs to replace traditional classroom learning.
 
 Keywords: Blended learning, continuity, digital, open distance learning, fundamental shifts.
 
 Cite as: Hoo, F. J., Mohd Amin, M. N., Raihan, I., Mohd Faeez, I., Mohd Izzuddin, M. P., & Nur’Ain, M. (2024). Integrating open distance learning in higher education institutions as a transformative shift in teaching and learning. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 9(1), 121-138. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol9iss1pp121-138

Rethinking teacher training from an inclusive and community dialogical perspective

This quantitative survey using a structured questionnaire with closed questions and a sample of 340 participants from 20 courses (bachelor's and master's degrees) at public higher education institutions in the Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro region of the Portuguese university (University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro) and polytechnic (Polytechnic Institute of Bragança) subsystem aims to list a group of proposals for reflection and future implementation that can fill or mitigate gaps and weaknesses identified in the disciplines of the curricula related to internships. The analysis of the data reveals indicators indicating the need for a (formal and conceptual) rethinking of inclusive intervention in the context of supervision in the field of teacher training. These indicators include problems with operating in a multifaceted educational setting, enhancing an interdisciplinary, integrated and inclusive approach, rearranging curriculum and reconsidering the functional profiles and competencies of teaching staff. Therefore, the construction of a professional culture that favors an integrative and inclusive approach through the assumption of a broad profile of professional competence capable of training the teacher in a multidimensional educational context is crucial. We evaluate the necessity of encouraging research of this type involving additional factors, populations and samples in order to enable the extrapolation of data and findings to a national level providing significance and technological foundations for decisions made within the context of public education policy.

Methods of Takhrij Al-Hadith Teaching and Learning in Public Higher Education Institution

Methods of Takhrij Al-Hadith Teaching and Learning in Public Higher Education Institution

Valorization of research results for knowledge and technology transfer in public higher education institutions

Public higher education institutions (universities) in developing countries are making great strides regarding action geared to the valorization of research results oriented toward transferring knowledge and technologies to society and the market. Such valorization implies huge challenges for research staff in these institutions as well as for the body of directors and the whole administrative team. The current research arose from the lack of specialized knowledge on the topic of this particular area of valorization in developing countries such as Colombia. The article delves into the experience of the University of Cauca, located in the southwest Colombian city of Popayan, concerning the valorization of research results aimed at transferring knowledge and technologies from research groups to the business sector and to public organizations. As of 2018, in its research system the university boasted 160 registered research groups. Selected for the study were those with the highest scientific readiness level, featuring important research results from the execution of science, technology and innovation projects backed by external financing and within the last 10 years. Characterization of the research results was carried out based on international references (such as the Technology Readiness Level, TRL) and on the particularities reported in the various results generated by the research groups selected. The case study concludes in putting forward a route for the valorization and transfer of knowledge and technologies associated with results from higher education institution research within the contexts of developing countries and regions with a low-to-non-existent business presence.

Academic managers’ roles and challenges in migrating to interim online teaching: a higher education context

ABSTRACT Despite the important roles that academic managers play and the growing body of literature on online learning, research on the organisational level, such as management, remains underexplored, particularly within the context of interim online teaching. Therefore, our study aimed to fill this gap by examining academic managers’ key roles and the challenges they experienced in migrating to interim online teaching. This case study involved eight academic managers from private and public higher education institutions in the Philippines, who were selected through purposive sampling. Using semi-structured interviews, the findings indicated that their roles and challenges across the six leadership functions intensified and expanded during the transition to interim online teaching. It is further revealed that these challenges and roles were shaped not only by individual and institutional factors, such as university culture and structure, technological resources, and institutional policies, but also by larger contextual factors, such as national policies, economic conditions, and the country's technological readiness. Implications for management development, policy-making, and future research are discussed.

External aspects that stand out in the self-perceived employability of engineering students and recent graduates

The purpose of this study is to analyse the relationship between the self-perceived employability of engineering students and graduates and their employment situation. Methodology: A total of 505 individuals participated in this study, including recent graduates and senior students from five engineering programs at a public higher education institution in Colombia. This research adopted a quantitative methodology with a non-experimental cross-sectional design and a correlational scope. The data were analysed using inferential statistics. Findings: Based on the results, perceived employability considerably depends on four factors: the level of job performance, the number of promotions, work experience, and the education–job relationship. Originality: In the current labour context, employability is an important tool for graduates who are entering the labour market and must face a variety of challenges, such as the decline in work opportunities, the rapid development of technology, and the need for lifelong learning. According to the literature in the field, employability is significantly influenced by these kinds of external factors.

``We Walk on the Same Corridors of Our University'': Contemporary Reflections of Sinhala--Tamil Relations in Sri Lankan Public Universities

Inter-ethnic relations amongst students in public higher education institutes (HEIs) in Sri Lanka are weak. This deficit deprives students of experiencing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to be productive citizens the country demands. Considering the violent history both Sinhalese and Tamils share, there is a dearth of minority discourse in Sri Lanka. As a consequence, research that explores inter-ethnic dynamics within public HEIs in the island nation is also minimal. Similarly, being mindful of the fragileness of Sri Lanka’s race relations, it is unclear how responsible local authorities should facilitate educational reforms to foster student success. To address this literature gap, the present inquiry conducted a document review to identify contemporary student and instructor perspectives associated with learning in state-run universities. A total of nine newspapers and blog posts by students, journalists, and academics that critically discuss learner experiences in minority-dominant Jaffna University were chosen after a careful evaluation. Using thematic analysis, three key themes were generated. As per the obtained results, inclusiveness and appreciation between Tamils and Sinhalese learners remain a challenge. Moreover, local security forces continue to suppress minority student voices, leadership, and civic engagement. Further, there is a need for governmental interventions to systematically implement DEI policies to improve the quality of learning spheres for students. Overall, this interpretative research lays out key observations associated with race relations in Sri Lankan HEIs.
 Keywords: diversity, inclusion, minority groups, interethnic relations, multiculturalism, cultural awareness

Study on Employee Engagement in Higher Education Institutions: A Comparative study on Private and public HEIs

Employee engagement is a vital aspect in any organization, including Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). It refers to the level of commitment, motivation, and involvement of employees towards their work and the organization they work for. In the context of HEIs, employee engagement is crucial as it directly impacts the quality of education and overall performance of the institution. This paper aims to analyze and compare the level of employee engagement in private and public HEIs, and identify the factors that influence employee engagement in these institutions. According to the latest research, employee engagement is a critical factor in the success of any organization. When employees are engaged, they are more productive, motivated, and committed to their work. This study aims to explore the various factors that contribute to employee engagement and how it impacts overall organizational performance. Through in-depth interviews and surveys, we will gather valuable insights into the drivers of employee engagement and the best practices for fostering a positive and engaging work environment. Stay tuned for the results of our findings and the implications for your organization's success. Employee engagement is a multifaceted concept that is influenced by a range of factors, including leadership, communication, work culture, and job satisfaction. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of employee engagement, it is important to consider the interplay of these various elements within the organizational context. Effective leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the engagement levels of employees. Leaders who demonstrate empathy, provide clear direction, and support the professional development of their teams are more likely to foster a sense of purpose and commitment among employees. Additionally, open and transparent communication channels are crucial for keeping employees informed and engaged with the organization's goals and initiatives. Moreover, creating a positive work culture that promotes collaboration, recognition, and work-life balance is essential for sustaining high levels of employee engagement. Organizations that prioritize the well-being of their employees and offer opportunities for growth and advancement are more likely to experience greater levels of engagement and productivity. As we delve deeper into our research, we anticipate uncovering key insights into how organizations can leverage these factors to enhance employee engagement and ultimately drive improved performance and International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management (IJSREM) Volume: 08 Issue: 02 | February - 2024 SJIF Rating: 8.176 ISSN: 2582-3930 © 2024, IJSREM | www.ijsrem.com DOI: 10.55041/IJSREM28484 | Page 2 success. Stay tuned for the upcoming results that will provide actionable recommendations for enhancing employee engagement within your organization.