The development and validation of a tool measuring administrators' attitude towards the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Program

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was the development and validation (D&V) of an assessment tool to measure administrators' attitudes towards the ‘Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Program (AEDP)’ in higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

A rigorous empirical method was followed encompassing four D&V phases: literature review, theoretical or face validation, validation with possible respondents or semantic validation and statistical validation. A pilot study was conducted among 150 randomly selected administrators from 50 different HEIs in India. The collected data were analyzed for statistical validation using exploratory factor analysis followed by confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

The final version of the 21-item three-dimensional scale was found effective having significant degrees of reliability and validity. Exploratory factor analysis endorsed the factor extractions and data adequacy. The average variance extracted (AVE) for the three constructs (0.59, 0.70 and 0.66, respectively) were higher than the threshold value of 0.5, authorizing the convergent validity. The Cronbach alpha values (0.79, 0.81 and 0.77) were higher than the threshold value of 0.70, endorsing factors as reliable. Confirmatory factor analysis ascertained the multi-dimensionality of the scale and model fit having passable convergent validity. Discriminant validity (DV) was determined using the Fornell-Larcker criterion.

Research limitations/implications

The newly developed “Administrators’ Attitude towards AEDP Scale” will serve as a valid psychometric tool for future research accosting AEDP implementation. It could be administered as an electronic tool as well, subject to potential adjustments reducing the identified ceiling effects and floor effects.

Originality/value

The scale is a unique addition to the allied literature based on an original empirical survey finding conducted in India.

Citation

Kundu, A., Gorai, J. and Angadi, G.R. (2023), "The development and validation of a tool measuring administrators' attitude towards the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Program", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-02-2023-0065