Selected Private Universities Research Articles

Communication of Private University Services During the Covid-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this study was to examine and analyze the communication of private university services during the Covid-19 pandemic. This research study was motivated by the Covid-19 pandemic that occurred in Indonesia and had a direct impact on various people’s lives, including the world of education in universities. The online learning process in the form of distance lectures is an alternative and a must in conducting lectures for students. Various problems arise when universities must carry out all activities online so that communication services at universities during the Covid- 19 pandemic are important, where students do not meet directly with lecturers and education staff. The research method used in this study was qualitative with a case study approach at universities that are partners of Universitas Islam Bandung at the Region IV Higher Education Service Institute, West Java, and Banten. The selection of research objects was carried out purposively and subjectively based on the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education, namely Universitas Sangga Buana, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Komunikasi Bandung, and Sekolah Tinggi Administrasi Sebelas April Sumedang. Data collection techniques are in-depth interviews with informants involved in service communication at selected private universities, observation, and literature study. The results showed that the communication of services carried out by private universities with students used e-learning, Zoom, Google meet, and Whatsapp groups. Barriers to online service communication occur when the internet network does not support it and many students go offline and do not comply with the health protocol.
 Keywords: service communication, relationship management, covid-19 pandemic

Influence of Librarians' Attitudes on Users' Patronage in Private University Libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria

The study investigated the influence of librarians' attitudes on users' patronage in private university libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria. Survey design was used for the study. The study population comprised 5,616 undergraduates in five selected private university libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria. The sample size of 365 was determined using Research Advisor’s Table. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the participants and questionnaire was used to collect data. The collected data was analyzed using frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and simple linear regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. The findings of the study revealed that three dimensions of librarians’ job attitude measured; interpersonal relationship (M=3.28), professionalism (M=3.16), and perception and image (M=2.97) were all highly rated by the respondents. The study further revealed that the librarians’ attitudes significantly influenced library patronage of undergraduates in private university libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria (R2= 0.034, β = 0.185, t(300) = 3.263, p < 0.05). The study concluded that librarians’ attitudes had a significant influence on library patronage in private university libraries in Lagos State. Based on the outcome of the study, it is recommended that the librarians should increase their self-confidence by being proactive and strive to be in the forefront of university activities in order to gain more visibility and launder the image of their profession.

The role of government policies on students' inter-university transfer among selected private universities in Kenya

This study assessed the influence of government policies on students' mobility in private universities in Nairobi County, Kenya. This study employed a descriptive quantitative survey design. This study targeted 26 registered private universities (including private university constituents where mobility rate records are too high) in Nairobi County, Kenya. The research sample size was 180 private university students and nine registrars. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used to analyse quantitative data. Descriptive analysis, inferential statistics, and regression analysis were used to analyse the findings. Descriptive statistics such as standard deviation, percentages, and mean scores were computed appropriately. Binary logistic regression analysis was adopted to find out the extent of the effect on the dependent variables of independent variables. The study concluded that government policies significantly influence the mobility of students in private universities in Nairobi County in Kenya. The Government agencies through the Commission for University Education (CUE), Ministry of Education (MOE), Kenya Universities and Colleges Placement Service (KUCCPS), and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) that are concerned with the welfare of students and need to control the alarming cases of student mobility should take measures to review the existing policies that guide learning in institutions of higher education and introduce systematic measures that can enhance student engagement while undertaking their studies.

Does course completion time affect student inter-university transfer? An investigation from selected private universities in Kenya

The objective of this study was to establish the relationship between the course completion time and student mobility. This study employed a descriptive quantitative survey design. This study targeted 26 registered private universities (including private university constituents where mobility rate records are too high) in Nairobi County, Kenya. The research sample size was 180 private university students and nine registrars. Version 22.0 of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used in the analyses of quantitative data. Descriptive analysis, inferential statistics, and regression analysis were used to analyse the findings. Descriptive statistics such as standard deviation, mean scores and percentages were computed appropriately. The Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to find out the extent of the effect on the dependent variables of independent variables. This study found that the mobility of students in Nairobi County, Kenya, is greatly influenced by course completion times. This study concluded that course completion time significantly influences students' mobility in private universities in Nairobi County in Kenya. Students who enrol in an academic institution of higher learning are determined to complete the whole course. It is, therefore, the role of any such institution to ensure that all possible controls are made to avoid delays in completion rates. The study recommended that private universities make deliberate efforts to ensure that course completion time improves in their study programmes.

REASONS FOR THE CHOICE OF NURSING AS A CAREER AMONG STUDENTS IN A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY IN MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Background: The choice of nursing as a career among students has been dramatically affected by the sudden rise of COVID-19 cases, in which the factors within the career may have caused motivation or demotivation. In this study, we determine the factors affecting the choice of nursing as a career among freshmen nursing students in a private university in Manila, Philippines. Methodology: A descriptive study using a survey methodwas employed on 110 respondents fromfreshmen students in a selected private university. Results: The most common reason that motivates students the choice Nursing as a career includes work itself (x=4.62), possibilities for growth (x=4.54), responsibility (x=4.44), achievement (x=4.44), and interpersonal relationship (x=4.39).Meanwhile, the least reasons are high-impact salary (x=3.89), advancement (x=3.85), and working conditions (x=3.85). Conclusion:Motivation plays a crucial role in the decision of students to pursue nursing as a career or profession. Identifying and understanding the reasons for choosing Nursing as a careercan assist nursing educators and policymakersin creating an environment that continues attracting and retaining passionate individuals in this noble profession. Recommendation: Educational institutions should invest in comprehensive career counseling programs among students before choosing an academic college program.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and their Impact on Academic Library Services: A Study of Some Selected Private University Libraries in Bangladesh

Purpose: The objective of this study is to find out the impact of massive open online courses (MOOCs) on academic library services by identifying the opportunities of adopting MOOCs as a library service. It also proposes a model how to employ MOOCs as a library service. Methodology: This study follows a questionnaire method to collect data from the private university librarians in Bangladesh. Out of the 108 private universities in Bangladesh, 75 universities were selected as respondents for the questionnaire survey. In total, 38 university librarians have responded to the survey. The response rate was 50.66%. Descriptive analysis was carried out to analyse the collected data. Findings: The findings of this study have revealed the current status of MOOCs as a library service. The majority of the librarians are aware of MOOCs, but they do not have connection with any specific MOOC platforms. The study also identified many opportunities for MOOCs in academic libraries, such as clearing copyright content and licensing, preservation of MOOC contents for users, and assisting with fair use of reading materials. Additionally, MOOCs offer opportunities for developing information literacy skills, fostering collaboration among academic institutions in building courses, providing motivational or library-related courses to users and library professionals, etc. Originality/Value: This is the first attempt to explore the status of MOOCs as a library service in the context of private university libraries in Bangladesh.

Implementation of Management Strategies and Academic Staff Retention in Private Universities in Southwest, Nigeria

Implementing management strategies to retain staff is an important issue for universities as it impacts the institution's quality of teaching, research, and administrative services. The study examined the implementation of management strategies and their impact on academic staff retention in nine selected private universities. The research sample comprises 1,736 academic staff members from these institutions. The study investigated the various management strategies employed by private universities to retain their academic workforce and explored their effectiveness in promoting staff retention. The paper utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A survey questionnaire was distributed among academic staff members to assess their perceptions of management strategies and their impact on retention. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with key university administrators to gain insights into the specific strategies employed and their rationale. The findings highlighted the management strategies that private universities adopt to retain academic staff and the implications of enhancing their staff retention efforts. The findings also informed university administrators and human resource professionals about the strategies that can greatly impact academic staff retention if implemented properly.The study concluded that formulation and effective implementation of management strategies will improve academic staff retention. By identifying successful practices and addressing areas for improvement, universities can enhance their ability to attract and retain talented academic staff. This, in turn, will contribute to the overall quality of the universities.

Information literacy skills as predictor of electronic information resources use by lecturers in select private universities in South-West Nigeria

This study examined the influence of information literacy skills on electronic information resources (EIRs) use by lecturers in private universities in South-West, Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The target population for this study comprised 3201 lecturers in fifteen selected private universities in South-West, Nigeria which were established between 1999 and 2007. Out of 3201 study population, the researcher used Taro Yamane statistical formula to get a sample size of 356. A multistage sampling technique was adopted for the study. Bourley Proportional Distribution Formula was used to distribute the figure proportionally across the selected universities to ensure that the universities were proportionally represented. Data were collected with a validated questionnaire. The internal consistency of the instrument was measured using Cronbach’s alpha test which ranged from 0.74 – 0.96. A response rate of 76.2% was recorded. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings from the study revealed that information literacy skills (βeta=0.441, t (275) = 8.156, p<0.05) has a positive and significant influence on EIRs use by lecturers of universities in South-West, Nigeria.

The Impact English Language Obstacles On Undergraduate Students at three selected private university in Mogadishu , Somalia

The Impact English Language Obstacles On Undergraduate Students at three selected private university in Mogadishu , Somalia

Assessing Internal Quality Assurance Mechanisms at Selected Private Universities in Ghana

The early 1990s saw a new phenomenon emerge in Ghana – it was the beginning of private higher education following the deregulation of the higher education sector. Since then, there has been an upsurge in growth and currently, there are 118 private universities dotted around the country. Although the emergence has increased access to higher education, it has presented concerns about the compromise of quality and standards in the sector. The aim of the study was to evaluate the internal quality assurance processes at selected private universities in Ghana with the view to developing a quality assurance model for the higher education sector. Using mixed qualitative research methodologies, the key findings were that the existing internal quality assurance practices focused mainly on planning and implementing the plan. The study concluded that there was a need for private universities to strengthen monitoring and evaluation, data collection, acting on feedback and benchmarking tools.

Academic reading challenges and strategies used by Chinese undergraduate students in a selected private university in Malaysia

Academic reading is an essential skill required of higher education for students and academic researchers. However, Chinese students lack reading skills and do not receive adequate reading instruction in academic reading. This study attempted to identify the academic reading challenges among Chinese students who study at UCSI University and to investigate the appropriate reading strategies employed by them. While being informed by the Sociocultural Theory of Learning (Vygotsky, 1978), the study used a mixed-methods research design which collected quantitative data from questionnaires and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews. Findings showed that the Chinese students lacked mastery of academic vocabulary and reading skills, typically in finding information. Another finding also showed that the Chinese undergraduate students used both cognitive strategies and metacognitive strategies in academic reading. The findings could help Chinese undergraduate students overcome their reading difficulties and propose suggestions to teachers on how to teach reading more effectively.

Bringing quality management to perspective in higher education institutions’ research output: A focus on selected private universities in Nigeria

Bringing quality management research into perspective is a critical need in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of most developing nations, including Nigeria. The existing literature has not sufficiently explained the relationship between total quality management implementation and the research performance in the educational industry, especially from a developing economy perspective. Therefore, this study investigated total quality management (TQM) and the research output of HEIs in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive design to draw insights from research-based faculty members of three reputable Universities in Nigeria and adopting the PLS-SEM analysis this study established the relationship between components of TQM tools, values, and methodologies on the research output of HEIs. Our study found that dimensions of TQM, specifically TQM tools and values were found to relate positively with HEI's research output. Our study suggests that implementing total quality management, especially through its various tools, values, and methodologies will be beneficial to improving HEIs' research outputs.

Collection development through open access resources: A study on selected private university libraries of Bangladesh

Collection development through open access resources: A study on selected private university libraries of Bangladesh

The effect of Appraisal Standards setting on Employee Performance in private Universities in Uganda

The study aimed at establishing the relationship between the appraisal standards and performance of employees in selected private universities in Uganda. It was carried out in two universities which were Kampala International University Bushenyi Campus and University of St. Joseph Mbarara. The study was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire and interview guide. It involved the administrative staff of the universities. The study was hence carried out amongst 60 staff members. The results were analysed using the descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages, the mean distribution and regression analysis was used to analyse the relationship amongst the variable. The study generally revealed that there was a significant relationship between appraisal standards and employee performance. The standards the appraisal focused on were mainly the employee behaviours, competences and achievements. The results indicated that the main behavioural targets were the employees’ relations with colleagues, relations with clients, relations with supervisors and the extent to which employees observed the code of conduct including the disciple. The competences assessed related to relevance of the staff qualifications are assessed, staff members ability to counsel students, the ability to communicate with clients, he staff skills to do the work is assessed and the staff skills to do the work is assessed. On achievement, the study examined the application of appraisal on determining participation and ability to contribute in meetings, the staff performance, the research output, the clients attracted to the organization, the level of attendance to duties and participation in training activities. On the whole the study recommended the need to enhance appraisal standards and ensure that all staff members are aware of the standards that are usually assessed so that they work towards achieving them.

Effective Learning of the Students of Private Universities in Bangladesh: Impediments and Way-out

Effective learning is vital for students in the tertiary stage. But it is often seen that students in Bangladesh are not effectively learning and often they are suffering from the lack of motivation and lack of skills, necessary for thriving in the contemporary world. This paper focuses on the importance of effective learning and how to achieve necessary study skills through effective study strategies. Further, this paper attempts to find out the underlying issues of demotivation of private university students in Bangladesh and the obstacles which hinder their effective learning along with examining the study habits of the students. This paper also suggests some recommendations as to how the identified obstacles and issues can be successfully sorted out by various strategies with a view to up-scaling effective learning by the students. Mixed approaches of qualitative and quantitative approaches have been adopted-qualitative for collecting necessary secondary data and quantitative for primary data. Secondary data have been collected from renowned universities and online sources. Primary data have been accumulated from the answers to a structured questionnaire consisting of 28 questions applied to 40 students on ‘Random Selection Process’ from a selected private university as a research sample. Finally, the data have been analyzed and presented through tables and figures.

Nexus Between Human Resource Management Practices and Employee Commitment in Selected Private Universities in South West, Nigeria

This study investigated the Human Resource Management (HRM) practices in private universities in South West, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the nexus between Human Resource Management (HRM) practices and employees’ commitment in selected private universities in South West, Nigeria. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The study population frame is 3,261 (three thousand two hundred and sixty-one) involving all academic staff members from the selected private universities. The Taro Yamane formula was used to statistically determine the sample size, which was 356 (three hundred and fifty-six). The study used primary data and collected responses from respondents in the selected private universities in South West, Nigeria through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics employed for data analysis were frequency counts, simple percentages, bar charts, mean scores, and standard deviations, while the inferential statistics utilized was the multiple linear regression with the aid of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 23. The findings of the study revealed that, HRM strategies have a substantial impact on employee commitment at a number of private universities in South West, Nigeria (β=1.001; t = 27.947, p<.05). The study concluded that the adoption of HRM practices such as employee evaluation and pension benefits has improved organizational performance in private universities in South West Nigeria. The study therefore recommended that to allow for increased organizational commitment, the variables of HRM practices namely training and development programmes, employee evaluation and pension benefits needs to be employed by universities and it should be modelled in such a way that the employers can make use of it for their universities operations.

Role of workplace happiness in achieving teachers' sustainable academic performance: a study on selected private universities in Delhi NCR

Role of workplace happiness in achieving teachers' sustainable academic performance: a study on selected private universities in Delhi NCR

An Analysis of the Impact of Motivation on Employee Performance: A Case Study of Selected Private Universities in Lusaka

The purpose of conducting this research was to analyze the impact of Motivation on employee performance. One of the major concerns of organizations is its profitability, hence the need for efficiency. Organizations are in continuous state of competition, and this has increased the need to improve employee’s performance in organizations. The major focus of the study was in the education sector particularly the selected private universities in Lusaka district. A sample of 143 respondents was used which included Professors, Top Admin staff, Lecturers and supporting staff members of the selected private universities of Lusaka district. Distribution tables, pie charts and percentage tables were used to analyse and simplify the primary data that was collected. It is vital for any Organization including the education sector to persistently discover different ways of motivating employees. Retaining their staff is very important for the growth and efficiency of the universities. From the findings it was revealed that, motivation can either increase or decrease performance of employees depending on the form of motivation used. Organisation should understand the motivating need of each employee to improve performance. The study concluded that employee performance in relation to motivation is a vital aspect influencing this research.

Diversifying Society's Leaders? The Causal Effects of Admission to Highly Selective Private Colleges

Diversifying Society's Leaders? The Causal Effects of Admission to Highly Selective Private Colleges

Diversifying Society’s Leaders? The Causal Effects of Admission to Highly Selective Private Colleges

Diversifying Society’s Leaders? The Causal Effects of Admission to Highly Selective Private Colleges