University Policy Makers Research Articles

Working on scorched earth: Contemporary risks of higher education leadership critique through autoethnography

ABSTRACT Organisational autoethnographers in higher education weave compelling stories to connect their personal experiences to phenomena, often to illuminate or challenge extant norms in the culture and leadership of universities. While much has been written about the strengths and limitations of this method, there are emerging risks that may be poorly understood. While some autoethnographies in higher education have already led to unfavourable professional consequences, the growing prevalence of non-disparagement clauses in higher education employment contracts and separation agreements, and the surge in civil defamation action in society more broadly, may pose significant risks for researchers in this space. This research article blends autoethnography with consideration of these emerging risks, and while there is a focus on implications for Australian academics, these risks are not unique to this context, holding international relevance. Scholars may need to liaise with university policy makers and legal professionals to develop a best practice model for autoethnography that can enable researchers to be open about their experiences without fear of reprisal. Where overarching codes, models or policies exist that have nationwide buy in, universities may need to be brought to account to engage more sincerely and comprehensively with them.

Motivation, attitude, knowledge, and engagement towards the development of sustainability competencies among students of higher education: a predictive study

This quantitative research predictive study evaluates the roles of four variables in developing student sustainability competencies through a curricular intervention. We used the MAKE framework, i.e., (1) motivation, (2) attitude, (3) knowledge, and (4) engagement, to promote the sustainability competencies among students enrolled in four undergraduate courses during the semester of February to June 2022. We surveyed the students to determine the role of the MAKE framework variables in developing sustainability competencies. One hundred four students answered an online Google survey, which gathered the data we subsequently analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26 software. Linear regression statistical results confirmed that the four variables of MAKE have a significant correlation where motivation was highly associated with developing sustainability competencies of students. These findings can guide professors and university policymakers in implementing the MAKE framework to promote sustainable development education.

Speaking Skills Problems Encountered By Non-Native Arabic Learners At Universities In Northeast China

Speaking skills are critical in second language acquisition. This study investigates the most common speaking skills problems among non-native Arabic learners in universities in Northeast China and the differences between speaking skills problems based on gender and academic level. A quantitative research design was adopted. It used the questionnaire to collect data. The sample of this study included 104 Chinese students who learn Arabic from two universities in Northeast China. The results indicate that the most common problems with Arabic speaking skills are a lack of vocabulary, opportunities to meet native Arabic speakers, fear of mistakes, teacher-centered classes, and the teacher using too many students’ native languages in the classroom. Besides that, the results show no statistically significant difference in Arabic speaking skills problems based on gender. However, the findings show statistically significant differences in Arabic speaking skills problems based on the academic level. The learners of the second year have more Arabic speaking skills problems than the learners of the first year, and the learners of the third year also have more Arabic speaking skills problems than the learners of the first year. According to the findings, the study suggests recommendations for Arabic learners, instructors, and policymakers in universities in non-Muslim gathering areas in Northeast China.

Parenting Styles, Attachment and Emotional Support as Determinants of Adjustment to College Life among Fresh Undergraduates

Abstract: The study examined the relationship of parenting styles, attachment and emotional support with adjustment to college life among fresh undergraduates. The study employed a correlational design as a guide. Three hundred fresh undergraduates of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria -123 males; 177 females, who were selected through Stratified random sampling approach participated in the study. The Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ; α= .93); Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ; α= .92); Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ; α= .88); and Perceived Emotional Support Scale (PES; α= .89) were the instrument used for data collection. The data generated were statistically analysed with the aid of Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Multiple Regression Model. The statistical results showed that the three predictor variables jointly accounted for a total of 60% of the overall variance in adjustment to college life. Based on the contribution of each of the predictor variables, Authoritarianism and Permissiveness parenting styles, negatively and significantly predicted adjustment to college life. However, attachment styles, Authoritative parenting style and emotional support significantly and directly predicted adjustment to college life. Seeing the investigated variables had significant effect on college adjustment, it was recommended that university authorities and policy makers should design a program that will lessen the impact of negative parenting and improve secure attachment styles and emotional support among fresh undergraduates.

Unlocking the influence of psychosocial safety climate on work engagement and job satisfaction: exploring the mediating role of job demands

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the influence of psychosocial safety climate (PSC) on work engagement, job satisfaction and the mediating role of job demands among young academics in Malaysian research universities.Design/methodology/approachThe study participants consisted of 177 full-time lecturers employed by Malaysian research universities for at least one year. Respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique.FindingsThe findings reveal the significance of PSC in fostering work engagement and job satisfaction by mitigating the impact of job demands. However, the finding indicates that the relationship between job demands and work engagement was not statistically significant.Research limitations/implicationsThe necessity for a thorough three-wave research to precisely analyze the model’s longitudinal impacts was discovered in all correlation and cross-sectional studies.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that the university should focus on job design and PSC support to enable university management to investigate further avenues for minimizing the impact of job demands to support academicians in RUs and enhance their job satisfaction. The results also indicated that young academicians’ work engagement might be improved by appropriate job demands.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine these relationships among young academic staff in Malaysian universities. This paper offers recommendations to university policymakers on enhancing PSC, work engagement and job satisfaction among young academicians. It highlights the mediating role of job demands in Malaysian research universities.

Green Entrepreneurial Intention : The Role of Entrepreneurship Education and Entrepreneurial Self Efficacy

The purpose of this research is to examine how entrepreneurial self-efficacy functions as a mediator in the relationship between green entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurship education. This research used a survey method with a quantitative approach. A proportionate stratified random sampling method was utilized to calculate the sample for this study, resulting in 305 respondents from various undergraduate programs at Universitas Sebelas Maret and Universitas Negeri Semarang. This study uses data collection techniques using a closed questionnaire in the form of a Likert scale with five alternative answers. IBM SPSS Statistic 26 software was utilized in this work as a statistical analysis tool to examine the mediation effect using route analysis. The study's findings suggest that students' intentions to pursue green entrepreneurship can be influenced by entrepreneurship education, with entrepreneurial self-efficacy acting as a mediator. In order to boost students' entrepreneurial ambitions, university policymakers must incorporate entrepreneurship instruction within the curriculum. Universities should include material on green entrepreneurship in their programs to prepare students to face environmental challenges through business. In addition, it is important to develop training programs that focus on increasing confidence in entrepreneurship, such as through business simulation and mentoring. Policymakers also need to support entrepreneurship education programs that promote sustainable business by providing financial support and supportive policies.

Are menopausal symptoms a barrier to learning for healthcare students studying at higher education?: A contemporary issue

ProblemLittle is known about the impact of menopausal symptoms on healthcare students' ability to study at higher education level. BackgroundAttention on menopause is rapidly increasing in both the literature and media and is gaining political attention with particular focus on supporting those experiencing menopausal symptoms in the workplace. Policies are being developed to support individuals to remain in work for longer, reducing the number of people leaving the workplace due to challenging menopausal symptoms. However there is no evidence to suggest that support for higher education students experiencing menopausal symptoms is widespread. Whilst some higher education institutions and organisations are developing policies to support staff and, sometimes students, current literature does not reflect how students and their studies may be affected by menopausal symptoms. This is relevant to institutions where healthcare professions courses are delivered as this is thought to have contributed to the overall increase in the number of female students attending universities both in the UK and globally. A continued lack of understanding of menopausal symptoms' impact on students could not only be detrimental to the student experience, but it could also affect institutional reputations for being good places to study, resulting in increased attrition rates due to students withdrawing from courses because of the impact their symptoms have on their ability to continue studying. AimIn this Contemporary Issues article our aim is to raise awareness of how menopausal symptoms may affect a student's ability to study, and to reinforce the need for university policy makers and educators to recognise and support women at this turbulent time of their lives to continue to study.

Communication Skills Assessments and Rubrics In The Higher Education: A Meta-Analysis

Effective communication skills are crucial in the higher education system. Consequently, there is a growing concern about how higher education institutions can better equip students with the communication skills required for success in both academic and professional settings. The assessment of communication skills, especially in higher education, is complex and can have a substantial impact on students' academic achievements, preparedness for their careers, and overall professional growth. Due to this disparities and assessment challenges, this meta-analysis sought to answer the following research questions: (a) What are the assessments employed for communication skills in multi-discipline studies in higher education? (b) What are the “key findings” contributing to the issues of communication skills assessment in higher education? In this article, a meta-analysis was conducted to determine the types of communication skill assessments and other key findings concerning the assessment issues in this area. Sources were identified using Scopus, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, Taylor & Francis Online and Springerlink, and, after inclusion criteria were applied, 21 samples of articles were included in the meta-analysis. The findings demonstrate the existence of issues from the aspects of audience, mode, and purpose of the assessments, which mainly are: (1) impact of language proficiency and ICT competency; (2) communication skills approach to non-scientific audience; (3) blended assessment and feedback communication; (4) use of explicit and direct teaching assessment; (5) critical thinking and opportunity for justifying scientific ideas; and (6) benefit of early and continuous communication tasks. The review finds an extensive gap on the communication skills assessment related to higher-order thinking and problem-solving abilities in junior students. This meta-analysis may be of great interest to university policymakers, language lecturers, and academic lecturers from other disciplines who are searching for the best assessments strategies to measure students' communication skills.

Reform of Photography Education in Chinese Applied Universities in the Self-Media Era: Evidence from Responsible Persons in the Photography Major

Live streaming and short videos have become the most favored means of communication, and the prevalence of self-media has had a profound impact on traditional media industries, indirectly promoting reforms in Chinese photography education. This study delves into the current state of photography education in Chinese applied universities and the transformations undertaken in response to the challenges posed by self-media. The research covers the development status of university photography programs, the impact of live streaming and short videos on photography education, changes in teaching models, and the issues encountered during these reforms. Through in-depth interviews with heads and instructors of photography programs at five applied universities in China, and using NVIVO software for thematic analysis, the study examines the professional divisions, curriculum design, teaching methods, student employment rates, reform policies, and the challenges faced. The research finds that the prevalence of live streaming and short videos has had a positive impact on the dynamic imaging specialties within photography education, but has been detrimental to the static imaging specialties. Universities have actively reformed their teaching methods in response to market demands, yet still face challenges in integrating live streaming-related courses. This study provides the latest insights for practitioners in the Chinese self-media industry and offers valuable references for university policymakers and researchers.

Understanding International Students' Perspective of Health Service Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Hungarian University.

Understanding patient's preferences is important to delivering good quality services. Patients' feedback provides healthcare providers with valuable information about the services provided. The increasing number of international students enrolling in Hungarian Universities raises the need to ensure the quality of services meets international students' requirements, which includes healthcare. This study aimed to assess service quality in the University Health Center (UHC) from the international student's point of view to be used to improve the quality of services. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the university health center. We used a mixed methods approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. We used the importance-performance analysis (IPA) for quantitative analysis to understand expectations and perceptions in service research. The qualitative analysis was conducted from responses to reflection questions. The qualitative data were then analyzed using thematic analysis. 437 international students participated in the study, but only 402 (91.99%) were analysed. The gaps between the importance and performance of service quality were negative in all dimensions (P-value < 0.001). This suggests that there is an unmet need for student expectations and university health center performance. From the Importance factor, the highest and lowest were related to safety (4.54 ± 0.56) and efficiency (4.31 ± 0.66) dimensions. The Performance factor's highest and lowest mean scores were also related to safety (4.22 ± 0.72) and efficiency (3.91 ± 0.87), respectively. From qualitative analysis, there are two major themes several secondary themes from the thematic analysis of free-text responses were identified. The importance and performance analysis could provide useful information to university policymakers about university health center service quality. There is a need for improvement and obviating the importance-performance gaps, especially in the efficiency dimension. Decision-makers can use the IPA analysis results to allocate limited resources more effectively, giving special attention to possible organizational weaknesses for further direction.

Exploring the factors that influence academic performance in Jordanian higher education institutions

Since the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic hit the world, many universities have used digital asynchronous learning tools such as Digital Learning Management Systems (DLMS) to continue the educational process. Despite its global usage, only a few studies have investigated its quality in the Jordanian context during the COVID-19 period from a quantitative and qualitative approach perspective. Thus, the current study aims to explore the factors that influence academic performance in Jordanian higher education institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed methods research approach was employed to evaluate the quality of the teaching-learning process for Jordanian students in higher education institutions. The triangulated data focused on three core pillars namely if students saw a difference in their grades prior to, during, and after the pandemic, the challenges faced and improvement suggestions. Accordingly, the quantitative approach with an online questionnaire and the qualitative approach with structured interviews were applied to collect the required data from Jordanian students in higher education institutions. The results of the current study revealed that the evaluation of the teaching-learning process quality during the pandemic period affected students’ academic performance in different proportions based on their specialization area. In addition, the study results also identified the most important challenges that faced the students during this period and suggested procedures to overcome them and improve the distance learning process. The current study offers empirical evidence on critical success factors underlying digital learning management systems in the COVID-19 era, which can help policymakers in Jordanian universities and the ministry of higher education and scientific research to improve the quality of the teaching-learning process in the Jordanian context.

The Role of Perceived Entrepreneurial Feasibility in The Influence of Altruism on College Students' Social Entrepreneurial Intention

This study aims to analyze the role of perceived entrepreneurial feasibility as a mediator between altruism and college students’ social entrepreneurial intention (SEI). This research used a quantitative approach within a cross-sectional design. The sample for this study comprised 309 people (from a total population of 1.364 people) using proportionate stratified random sampling from several undergraduate programs in the Universitas Sebelas Maret grades of 2020th and 2021st. This research instrument used a questionnaire that was adopted and developed based on previous research instruments. Statistical analysis techniques were used to conduct descriptive, correlational, and mediation tests with path analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software. The results indicated that altruism has a significant direct effect on perceived entrepreneurial feasibility (β = 0,484; p &lt; 0,001) and SEI (β= 0,310; p &lt; 0,001). Furthermore, the results also revealed that perceived entrepreneurial feasibility plays a vital role with a strong direct effect on SEI (β = 0,523; p = 0,001) while also acting as a partial mediator between altruistic and SEI of college students. Therefore, university policymakers and educators need to integrate the values of altruism into the curriculum to increase perceived entrepreneurial feasibility and SEI among college students.

Generative Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Exploring Ways of Harnessing Pedagogical Practices with the Assistance of ChatGPT

There is a growing interest in using generative artificial intelligence (AI) for educational purposes within the higher education environments, while AI applications (such as ChatGPT) can transform traditional teaching and learning methods. ChatGPT is an advanced AI tool that generates new content and human-like responses. The purpose of this paper is to use ChatGPT as a research assistant in order to explore ways AI can be harnessed to enhance pedagogical practices in higher education. This is a qualitative study, in which the output-responses generated by ChatGPT provided a starting point for the investigation. AI can be harnessed to enhance pedagogical practices in higher education in various ways including personalized learning, automated assessment and feedback generation, virtual assistants and chatbots, content creation, resource recommendation, time management, language translation and support, research assistance, simulations and virtual labs. Other educational affordances that can strengthen the teaching and learning experience regard collaboration and communication, accessibility and inclusivity, as well as AI literacy. When implementing AI tools such as ChatGPT in higher education, ethical considerations (e.g., data privacy, transparency, accessibility, cultural sensitivity), potential misuses and concerns need to also be addressed. Although ChatGPT can aid the generation of content-ideas for further exploration, it is a complementary-supportive tool, and its output necessitates human evaluation and review. The integration of ChatGPT and other AI tools in the higher educational process/practices has implications for educators, students, design of curricula, and university policy makers.

Losing objectivity: The questionable use of surveys in the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects

Abstract The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) is one of the most well-known university rankings, recognized for its objective and reproducible methodology. In contrast, the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS), which ranks institutions by scientific subjects and is also elaborated by Shanghai Ranking Consultancy (SRC), introduces methodological differences that deviate from the ARWU’s objectivity. This is due to the use of SRC’s Academic Excellence Survey to define two of the GRAS’s five indicators. Specifically, the Top indicator counts publications in journals determined by respondents as top tier in their field, and the Award indicator does the same for prizes. An examination of this survey suggests the presence of potential biases, especially in participant selection and journal identification, among which an Anglo-Saxon bias is prominently evident. Likewise, there is a potential risk that the selection of journals in some cases may be influenced, potentially masking conflicts of interest, such as involvement in editorial committees that could sway this selection. As a result, relying on surveys instead of adhering to established bibliometric standards can lead to inconsistencies and subjectivity, especially if not rigorously conducted. Such methodologies pose a risk to the trustworthiness of tools crucial for university policymaking.

Implementation of Multicultural Education As Revitalization of National Awareness for Sociology Education Students

Despite the optimism of many scholars, activists, and educators for a fully multicultural world, the aims of people of colour and multiculturalists are still hindered by social problems such as racism, inequality, injustice, and poverty. This research aims to explore multicultural education in a nation that is becoming more aware, specifically focusing on students studying sociology education. The study method adopts a qualitative phenomenological approach that focuses on comprehending the significance of different experiences and human interactions. It is crucial to cultivate an understanding of students' sociology education in order to promote awareness of intercultural marriages in both academic and non-academic settings. Resistance to implementing intercultural education is present both within the organisation and from external sources. Multiculturalism aids students in understanding and valuing the various aspects of culture, language, ethnicity, religion, and race that contribute to the Indonesian nation, which is essential for the formation of national identity. Multicultural education theorists and policymakers in universities should challenge assumptions about ethnic and cultural dominance and promote the inclusion of the Indonesian language in multicultural education.

Extending the boundaries of academic entrepreneurship: demonstrating the instrumentality of new logics for addressing social inclusion

Academic entrepreneurship (AE) has gained widespread acclaim globally for bridging the gap between academia and industry, as well as addressing the issue of socio-economic inclusion and the impact of research. In this paper, we both relate to, and extend scholarly work in the domains of AE and social inclusion by investigating the process of AE from an interplay of institutional logics perspective, with an emphasis on the diversity strands to which academic entrepreneurs belong. Drawing on extensive fieldwork of 55 academic researchers affiliated with 6 UK universities, our findings highlight the co-existence of profession, science logic and market logic, combined with the new logics that we introduce—diversity and impact logics—in capturing value through AE for addressing social inclusion. We make an empirical and theoretical contribution by demonstrating the instrumentality of these logics as enablers and constraints on the process of AE. We also advance the theory on logics and AE by demonstrating how the intersection of logics creates different kinds of salient points and pressures for academics and university policy makers. Closely linked to this, we make policy contributions by putting forward policy insights that are bottom-up and tailored based on a thorough understanding of the experiences and views of academic entrepreneurs.

Academic communication with AI-powered language tools in higher education: From a post-humanist perspective

AI-powered language tools (AILTs) are commonly used by university students, yet there is a limited understanding of how students utilise and perceive these tools in everyday academic communication practice. Employing a post-humanist lens and based on over 1700 open-ended comments from a nationwide student survey, this qualitative study examined students' lived AILT experiences to explicate the impact of AILTs on academic communication in higher education learning and assessment. Thematic analysis of the data shows that students' academic writing is realised by assemblages of distributed spatial and personal linguistic repertoires, underscoring AILT's role in enhancing students' communicative performance and personal language development. AILTs are also conducive to transforming the academic writing process into an additional learning space. Students have developed a new identity as spatially advised learners, enabling them to assert their agency in terms of language development and subject-content knowledge while also holding critical perspectives on the limitations of AI. Furthermore, the findings point to divergent and eclectic student viewpoints on the ethical concerns of AILTs in assessment in the absence of university instructions. The study discusses implications for university policymaking and pedagogy in developing teaching and assessment methods that match students' stances and needs in AI-mediated academic communication.

Shaping the entrepreneurial mindset: Exploring the impact of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intentions among university students in the UAE: The mediating role of individual entrepreneurial orientation

AimThis study investigates the influence of entrepreneurship education (EE) on the cultivation of individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) and its subsequent role as a precursor to entrepreneurial intention (EI) among students within the higher education landscape of the UAE. Existing research has explored the correlation between EE and EI, yet a significant gap remains in understanding how EE shapes students' IEO and its collective impact on EI. This investigation addresses this gap by examining both the direct and indirect effects of EE on IEO, unveiling its consequential effects on the EI of university students.Grounded in neoliberal ideology, emphasizing market-oriented solutions and individual empowerment, this study uses the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and a validated conceptual model to explore how EE shapes IEO and influences EI. The UAE's unique socio-economic context, characterized by rapid economic diversification and neoliberal-aligned education reforms, provides a novel setting for this research. MethodologyAdopting a cross-sectional approach, data were collected from a sample of 245 university students using the convenience sampling method. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to assess model fitness, data reliability, and validity. Hypotheses were tested through structural equation modeling. ResultsEmpirical findings confirm the significant impact of EE in cultivating both IEO and EI across students from diverse academic backgrounds. The mediating role of IEO in the association between EE and EI is particularly noteworthy. This research highlights the pivotal role of EE in empowering and shaping students' entrepreneurial mindset, emphasizing the need for targeted entrepreneurship programs. ImplicationsThis research highlights the pivotal role of EE in empowering and shaping students' entrepreneurial mindset, emphasizing the need for targeted entrepreneurship programs. The insights offer valuable guidance for university policymakers seeking to enhance student entrepreneurship through diverse initiatives. Additionally, the study contributes to scholarly discourse by revealing the mediating impact in the relationship between EE and EI, thereby expanding the limited literature on IEO. By examining how EE aligns with neoliberal principles and addressing its efficacy, this study contributes to our understanding of the role of higher education institutions in promoting entrepreneurial attitudes and intentions among students in the UAE.

Beyond the good and the right: Rethinking the ethics of academic entrepreneurship from a relational perspective

This paper critically reviews the ethical resonance of the academic entrepreneurship (AE) phenomenon in light of contemporary concerns about ethics and responsibility in public engagements with science, technology and the commercialisation of technological discoveries through the creation of university spin-offs. In this context, we address the question of how we can know when we may consider AE as being ethical. We draw on the works on ethics of the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur ̶ one of the most influential thinkers of the twentieth century ̶ to provide an answer which encompasses but also goes beyond the association of ethics solely with ‘good’ purposes or ‘right’ norms to value it in each situation by paying special attention to how academic entrepreneurs behave in their relationships with others. We conclude that it is the manner and quality of open, generous, meaningful and appropriate ‘self-regulation’ that defines academic entrepreneurs as ethical individuals. The paper helps to improve the understanding of ethics in this field and may also illuminate academic entrepreneurs and university policymakers seeking to improve qualitative outcomes in university spin-offs.

Questioning Assumptions About Developing an Andragogy Study Program in Bosnia and Herzegovina

This paper analyses how the key actors involved (university professors, policy makers, and practitioners) perceive the need for launching an andragogy study program in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Drawing on the social field concept, the central argument posits that the perceptions of the three groups are shaped by their respective positions and interests concerning adult learning and education (ALE). The research methodology includes an analysis of university curricula and qualitative surveys based on the model of the problem-centred interview (PCI). The results show inter-group differences and intra-group congruence. University professors support the idea of launching an independent andragogy study program but have different visions of the implementation model. Policy makers and practitioners show less awareness of the need for such a program and for different reasons. The practitioners’ opinion is that the relevant competencies can be obtained through non-formal or work-based learning, while policy makers cite lower interest in studying social sciences.