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1 – 10 of over 100000
Article
Publication date: 23 March 2012

Diana Burley, Cathy Gnam, Robin Newman, Howard Straker and Tanika Babies

The purpose of this paper is to explore conceptually the role of higher education consortia in facilitating the operational advancement of member institutions, and in enabling…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore conceptually the role of higher education consortia in facilitating the operational advancement of member institutions, and in enabling their development as learning organizations in a changing and competitive higher education environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This article synthesizes the literature on higher education consortia and organizational learning and develops propositions to support future inquiry.

Findings

While some institutions of higher education do indeed learn, the power that consortia hold to extend, expand, and exploit this learning may represent a vast, untapped resource. Through a better understanding of the role that consortium participation may play in organizational learning, a roadmap may be generated for higher education institutions to achieve the cultural and strategic shifts necessary to develop new directions for the delivery of educational content. This enhanced understanding also may help sustain the culture of, and innovative practices used by, learning organizations.

Research limitations/implications

Consortia have the potential to offer a wide variety of benefits to institutions of higher education through innovative structure, operations, and delivery methods, generating tremendous potential for institutions of higher education to become more effective learning organizations.

Originality/value

As institutions of higher learning continue to form collaborative partnerships through higher education consortia, interesting questions arise about the potential unexplored value of these institutional networks. This article suggests that the interplay of diverse practices and sharing of related organizational knowledge across institutions may provide an opportunity for learning and adaptation within them.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 January 2022

Gloria Lihotetso Matee, Nthabiseng Motlohi and Palesa Nkiwane

This study aims to investigate emerging perspectives and challenges which teaching staff and students in the Faculties of Business and Accounting, Health and Education as well as…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate emerging perspectives and challenges which teaching staff and students in the Faculties of Business and Accounting, Health and Education as well as Computing encountered in using Virtual Collaborative Learning during their classes in one accredited institution of higher education in Maseru district Lesotho. Previously conducted studies reveal that although similar studies to the current one have been conducted in different countries across the globe, conducting them in another different country such as Lesotho and in a different context might provide new information.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on Lev Vygotsky’s social constructivism as the theoretical framework because it is relevant and appropriate. The study was buttressed by constructivism paradigm, qualitative design as well as a qualitative case study. A purposive sampling technique was used in this study. A sample of 35 students and 11 teaching staff from the 3 respective faculties were used as participants of the study. This qualitative case study was based on online questionnaires issued to the participants using emails for data collection. Data were generated based on the themes which emerged.

Findings

The findings of the study suggest that majority of students found Virtual Collaborative Learning helpful and a user-friendly tool. However, lack of resources, clear instructions from the teaching staff and cooperation, internet connectivity issues, as well as data expenses have been identified as stumbling blocks that discourage students’ satisfactory engagement in Virtual Collaborative Learning. The findings further revealed various strategies including encouraging students to cooperate, grading students’ participation on online platforms and consultations could be used to overcome the challenges encountered in using Virtual Collaborative Learning. For generalisability and understanding of the breadth of the students and teaching staff experiences and challenges of Virtual Collaborative Learning, the authors recommend further study to be conducted on a larger representative sample, using the established themes of the current study.

Research limitations/implications

Using face-to-face interviews and classroom observations for data collection would have been more suitable for a qualitative methodology. However, due to COVID-19 regulations that restrict contact and limit lessons on online platforms, an online questionnaire was used for data collection.

Originality/value

This research reveals emerging perspectives and challenges which are encountered by teaching staff and students while using Virtual Collaborative Learning in one institution of higher education in Maseru Lesotho.

Article
Publication date: 18 March 2021

Bokolo Anthony Jnr.

The aim of this study is to develop a model grounded by the institutional theory to investigate blended learning (BL) implementation among faculty members in higher education and…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to develop a model grounded by the institutional theory to investigate blended learning (BL) implementation among faculty members in higher education and further validate the model.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative methodology was employed, and data were gathered through questionnaires among 188 e-learning directors, managers and coordinators at faculty/department in institutions, which implement BL.

Findings

Findings reveal that BL implementation by faculty members is significantly influenced by coercive, normative and mimetic pressures. Findings from this study also identified institutional initiatives that influence BL implementation. Accordingly, findings from this study provide insights into the institutional theory perspective toward BL. The findings support higher education to plan and initiate BL policies.

Research limitations/implications

Data were collected from faculty members in universities, colleges and polytechnics only. Besides, this research is one of the limited studies that explore BL deployment from the lens of faculty members.

Practical implications

This research contributes to the existing literature on the institutional theory and BL by presenting significant initiatives as practical suggestions for educationalist and policymakers. Therefore, this study provides practical implications to better understand BL initiatives by providing insights into how institutions can improve faculty members' satisfaction levels, improving course management, enriching teaching quality and enhancing learning content.

Social implications

The findings provided in this study can be employed to design practices, policies and a culture that support continuance use of BL systems among faculty members to achieve an effective institutional outcome.

Originality/value

This study contributes to existing BL adoption and develops a model to examine faculty member implementation of BL approach. This research has several suggestions for higher education in terms of practice to support adoption of BL. The developed model can also be employed by academics, administration and institutions to determine success initiatives for achieving an appropriate change in adopting BL in their institutions.

Details

Education + Training, vol. 63 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 11 December 2023

Nael H. Alami and Latifa K. Attieh

The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has largely transformed the higher education ecosystem and shifted the modes of delivery around the world. The rapid shift from…

Abstract

The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has largely transformed the higher education ecosystem and shifted the modes of delivery around the world. The rapid shift from traditional face-to-face teaching to online delivery was accompanied by a set of significant challenges. In Lebanon, the situation was exacerbated by a plethora of political, economic, and humanitarian crises. Even the most well-prepared Lebanese higher education institutions were facing an insurmountable challenge to maintain education quality under extremely strenuous circumstances and limited resources. The challenges included the absence of clear quality assurance mechanisms, problems associated with limited internet connectivity due to frequent electric power outages, the lack of teacher and student preparedness for online delivery, and the absence of online-ready curricula. Nevertheless, Lebanese universities were able to make the necessary adjustments for their students to complete their education using available resources and minimal training. The current chapter explores the challenges faced by private and public universities in Lebanon and the approaches utilized to overcome tremendous limitations. We discuss the lessons learned during the process of adopting online and hybrid classroom learning, and the opportunities for growth that were brought about by unforeseen circumstances. We also introduce the changes needed on the institutional, national, and regional levels to prepare for the post-pandemic era in higher education.

Details

Quality Assurance in Higher Education in the Middle East: Practices and Perspectives
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-556-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Muhammad Sabbir Rahman, Nuraihan Mat Daud, Hasliza Hassan and Aahad M. Osmangani

This research paper aims to provide an empirical examination to explain the relationship between trust, workplace spirituality, perceived risk and knowledge sharing behaviour…

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Abstract

Purpose

This research paper aims to provide an empirical examination to explain the relationship between trust, workplace spirituality, perceived risk and knowledge sharing behaviour among the non-academic staff of private higher learning institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology was adopted to examine the proposed relationship between trust, workplace spirituality, perceived risk and knowledge sharing behaviour. The study used survey data from 240 non-academic staff of private higher learning institutions in Malaysia. This research applied confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling to test the stated hypotheses of the proposed conceptual framework.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that workplace spirituality has a significant positive influence on knowledge sharing behaviour, whereas trust is found to have a positive effect, mediated by perceived risk, on the knowledge sharing behaviour among the non-academic staff of private higher learning institutions.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to private higher learning institutions in Malaysia, and used a cross-sectional research design. Further investigations into the moderating effect of socio-demographic variables are necessary.

Practical implications

The results of this survey provide constructive information towards understanding the extent of knowledge sharing predictors at the individual and non-academic staff levels in the context of private higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Thus, this empirical study serves as a baseline research for this unexplored scope as it provides new information in this field.

Originality/value

Previous studies have not tested the function of trust and workplace spirituality from the perspective of non-academic staff employed in private higher learning institutions.

Details

VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, vol. 46 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5891

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 11 December 2023

Bavly Hanna and Andrew Hanna

In light of Egypt’s expanding flow of online learning (OL), quality assurance (QA) has undoubtedly become a strategic priority. In the near future, QA strategy is anticipated to…

Abstract

In light of Egypt’s expanding flow of online learning (OL), quality assurance (QA) has undoubtedly become a strategic priority. In the near future, QA strategy is anticipated to be a major topic of discussion in educational policy talks. Critical policy concerns must be addressed, like sustaining globally acceptable QA standards and responding to the government’s and other stakeholders’ goals and objectives for OL. Our chapter aspires to offer a contribution to current literature in this regard. This chapter aims to investigate the aspects of QA in maintaining OL, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly, we analyze internal QA of OL in the Egyptian higher education (HE) sector through quality assurance and accreditation project (QAAP) and program of continuous improvement and qualifying for accreditation (PCIQA). We discuss the external quality assurance and accreditation of Egyptian HE institutions with a special focus on the national authority for quality assurance and accreditation of education (NAQAAE). We investigate the policies, practices, and quality standards that are employed by HE institutions to ensure the quality of online courses and programs through document analysis.

Details

Quality Assurance in Higher Education in the Middle East: Practices and Perspectives
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-556-1

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 25 July 2019

Katelyn Romsa, Bryan Romsa, Kevin Sackreiter, Jana M. Hanson, Mary Kay Helling and Heidi Adele Sackreiter

There is a wide consensus among higher education constituents that inclusive learning is essential for all students (Landorf, Doscher, & Jaffus, 2017). Despite this consensus, few…

Abstract

There is a wide consensus among higher education constituents that inclusive learning is essential for all students (Landorf, Doscher, & Jaffus, 2017). Despite this consensus, few theory-to-practice models exist demonstrating how to achieve this goal. Faculty and administrators from a public, land-grant university located in the Midwestern United States are addressing the challenges associated with implementing equity and inclusion at their institution through the development of a model that includes intentional use of theory for designing inclusive learning environments. A primary component of this model was to develop a campus-wide policy across all departments and disciplines. This policy was collectively created with stakeholders across divisions, departments, and disciplines to integrate universal inclusive learning throughout the institution to achieve the aim of inclusive excellence. The outcomes of this policy are in the preliminary stages, but the goal is that far-reaching educational gains will occur in helping students acquire the broad knowledge, higher-order thinking skills, and real-world experiences they need to thrive in a diverse global society. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a helpful way of examining how intentional application of theory might work in higher education institutions to achieve high quality, high-impact inclusive learning for all students.

Details

Strategies for Facilitating Inclusive Campuses in Higher Education: International Perspectives on Equity and Inclusion
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78756-065-9

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 September 2015

Muhammad Sabbir Rahman, Aahad M Osmangani, Nuraihan Mat Daud, Abdul Hannan Chowdhury and Hasliza Hassan

This empirical research aims to, to add value in the existing research on knowledge sharing, investigate the antecedents of knowledge-sharing behaviour by embedding trust and…

1977

Abstract

Purpose

This empirical research aims to, to add value in the existing research on knowledge sharing, investigate the antecedents of knowledge-sharing behaviour by embedding trust and workplace spirituality variable on non-academic staff from higher learning institution in Malaysia. The role of trust, perceived risk and workplace spirituality towards knowledge-sharing behaviour has attracted significant attention from researchers and practitioners to facilitate the culture of knowledge sharing in organization settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The units of analysis include non-academic staffs who are currently working in different higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Apart from descriptive study, this research applied confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling.

Findings

The result revealed that there is a strong relationship between workplace spirituality and knowledge-sharing behaviour. On the other hand, the perceived risk variables partially mediate the association between trust and knowledge-sharing behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

This research is a cross-sectional study. As a result, the limited sample size in this study may have an effect on the power of generalizability. Further research may be necessary to confirm the model across different industry to reveal the nature of the knowledge-sharing behaviour among the staff.

Practical implications

The findings from this research could help the policymakers and the respective authorities of higher learning institutions to create a knowledge-sharing culture that is needed to support knowledge sharing and knowledge management within the higher learning institutions.

Originality/value

This research not only adds value to knowledge-sharing literature but also used the variable like workplace spirituality under the context of Malaysian higher learning institution.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. 22 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2018

Muhammad Sabbir Rahman, Mahafuz Mannan, Md. Afnan Hossain and AAhad M. Osman Gani

The purpose of this research is to investigate the significant antecedents that influence students’ awareness of occupational hazards (AOHs) in their respective institutions. The…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the significant antecedents that influence students’ awareness of occupational hazards (AOHs) in their respective institutions. The researchers proposed a theoretical model consisting of three dimensions: knowledge sharing behavior (KSB), sense of spirituality (SS) and awareness of occupational hazards (AOHs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study targets students of different public and private higher learning institutions in Bangladesh with a total of 260 respondents, utilizing a survey questionnaire as the data collection instrument to test the proposed conceptual model. The structural equation modeling approach was used to test the proposed model.

Findings

The results show that SS has a mediating effect on KSB and AOHs at higher learning institutions.

Originality/value

The study contributes for first time to the theoretical novelty of the body of the existing literature in the domains of students’ KSB, SS and AOHs. The study also provides insight on future research directions by helping in identifying gaps in literature in this field and higher learning institutions in Bangladesh.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. 68 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 June 2018

Muhammad Sabbir Rahman, Mahafuz Mannan, Md Afnan Hossain, Mahmud Habib Zaman and Hasliza Hassan

The purpose of this paper is to examine the critical success factor of tacit knowledge-sharing behavior among the academic staff of higher learning institutions.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the critical success factor of tacit knowledge-sharing behavior among the academic staff of higher learning institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed among the academic staff of higher learning institutions in Bangladesh. Collectively, 150 usable responses were returned. Apart from descriptive statistics, this research applied confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess the measurement model and test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The findings from this empirical examination show that all the Big Five personality traits affect tacit knowledge-sharing behavior among the academic staff of higher learning institutions, except conscientiousness personality trait. However, the role of motivation, self-efficacy and mutual trust are also playing a significant role in tacit knowledge-sharing behavior. The CFA, SEM analysis confirmed the proposed conceptual model with a good model fit.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this research contribute to the understanding of the role of personality traits and other antecedents which play a significant role for the academic staff tacit knowledge-sharing behavior which are interesting for policymakers and authorities of higher learning institutions. As there was no sampling frame, the researchers applied convenient sampling technique in choosing the respondents.

Originality/value

This research plays a pioneering role where it contributes to the growing literature on the relationships between personality traits and other factors to construct a model for the tacit knowledge behavior by considering academic staff of higher learning institutions from a developing country’s perspective.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 32 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 100000