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Article
Publication date: 16 May 2023

Simona Andreea Apostu, Mirela Panait, Iza Gigauri and Patrick Blessinger

The article aims to identify the determinants of the urbanization process given the magnitude of this phenomenon and also its economic, social and environmental implications and…

Abstract

Purpose

The article aims to identify the determinants of the urbanization process given the magnitude of this phenomenon and also its economic, social and environmental implications and pressure on public authorities to find viable solutions in the context of sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on regression analysis with urbanization growth being the dependent variable and enrollment in higher education, GDP, value added by industry and female labor force as independent variables.

Findings

The main factors that favor urbanization are the increase in population, industry value-added and the female labor force. Urbanization is an objective that must be pursued differently by public authorities in developed and developing countries, given the different realities they face-population growth in developing countries, and population aging and international migration in developed countries.

Research limitations/implications

The present research has limitations generated by the selection of independent variables, which is why in future directions, the research will consider the use of other indicators such as the number of graduates, exports as percent of GDP or migrations as a percentage of the total population. Given the complexity of the phenomenon of urbanization, future research will focus on groups of countries as they resulted from the clustering made by this article.

Practical implications

The impact of higher education on urbanization is low, which is why the intensification of partnerships between municipal authorities and universities could be a solution that ensures not only the transfer of knowledge from academia to the public sector but also from entrepreneurs increasingly aware of the importance of promoting SDGs for urban development in the context of the challenges posed by global warming. The involvement of women in the labor market is essential for the intensification of the urbanization process. The increasing presence of women in the labor market generates an increase in the income of families, an increase in the level of education and an intensification of national and international migration. The research findings can be used by policy and decision-makers to develop appropriate urbanization and education policies and strategies.

Originality/value

The existence of inhomogeneous clusters is noticeable, which demonstrates the complexity of the urbanization phenomenon that is present in all countries around the world, but under the influence of different factors such as the export of natural resources (mainly oil) or the intensification of industrial activity. Taking into account the variables used, this study stands out in the multitude of articles published in the international mainstream.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 May 2023

Abhilasha Singh and Patrick Blessinger

The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences between labour market requirements in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the 21st century and university graduates’…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences between labour market requirements in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the 21st century and university graduates’ level of knowledge, skills and aspects of competence (KSAs) qualification benchmark.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a discourse analysis methodology, which is a qualitative and interpretive method of analysing texts. The content for the analysis was extracted from Scopus, Ebscohost, Proquest, Google Scholar, Web of Science, news, publications, thesis papers, dissertations and other research papers. A narrative approach for analysing the content was adopted.

Findings

The findings reveal that new graduates often encounter difficulties in searching for jobs due to a lack of awareness of how to conduct an employment search that best aligns their KSA with the requirements and needs of the labour market. The study concludes that to increase the employability of graduates, higher education institutions should reduce the KSAs gap by collaborating with the private sector and providing students with relevant, industry-based job experience before graduation.

Originality/value

This study investigates the gap between graduate KSAs and labour market requirements in the 21st-century UAE. The findings of the study encapsulate the weaknesses and shortcomings of the current educational systems amid the reform agenda in the UAE. It also deliberates upon the state-of-the-art recommendations regarding making the country a knowledge-based economy and society.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 December 2019

Denelle Mohammed, Edrea Chan, Rezwan Ahmad, Aleksandar Dusic, Cheryl Boglarsky, Patrick Blessinger and Rana Zeine

The purpose of this paper is to analyze job-related stress, motivation and satisfaction in higher education institutions, and assesses their implications on health in various…

1187

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze job-related stress, motivation and satisfaction in higher education institutions, and assesses their implications on health in various industries including higher education. In total, 52 higher education faculty and administrators from institutions in more than 16 countries participated in the study that utilized the organizational surveys, Organizational Effectiveness Inventory® from human synergistics. Subgroup analysis was done to compare faculty and administrators; males to females, private, public, for-profit and not-for-profit institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess health implications, 160 respondents employed in seven industries were surveyed using a custom medical/stress questionnaire to collect self-reported data on levels of job-related stress, motivation and satisfaction as well as the presence of several medical conditions, including myocardial infarction, stroke, angina pectoris/coronary heart disease, hypertension, gastro-esophageal reflux disease and diabetes mellitus. The results from each of the two surveys were statistically analyzed separately.

Findings

Results show undesirable levels of job-related stress, motivation and satisfaction in some segments of higher education employees; as well as associations between poorer health and high stress levels. The study established a potential justification consequently, the authors recommend organizational offerings of: stress relief programs; health fairs and health club memberships; stress management workshops; use of mobile apps for stress relief; job description reviews to eliminate work-related demands; changes to managerial styles that align with the culture of employees; re-evaluation of organizational structure; and enhanced communication amongst workplace management and employees.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this study include small sample sizes and the presence of confounding factors that were not considered. In addition, this study did not look into whether occupational position or occupational difficulty compromised the nature of work causing employees to experience lower levels of satisfaction, since the extent to which employees feel satisfied with their work may influence their physical well-being.

Originality/value

There are a number of factors that can affect employees with regards to medical illnesses in a job-related setting. There are three factors in particular that have been shown to negatively affect the health of employees: job-related stress; motivation; and satisfaction. These effects have not been studied in depth in faculty and administrators of higher education institutions, hence this study seeks to achieve that.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 October 2019

Edward Daly, Denelle Mohammed, Cheryl Boglarsky, Patrick Blessinger and Rana Zeine

Facilitation and Task Facilitation are important components of healthy supervisory/managerial relationships among higher education professionals. Juniors are guided by superiors…

Abstract

Purpose

Facilitation and Task Facilitation are important components of healthy supervisory/managerial relationships among higher education professionals. Juniors are guided by superiors who play a supervisory/managerial role in professional development. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of Interaction Facilitation and Task Facilitation on supervisory/managerial relationships among higher education professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

The Human Synergistics International Organizational Effectiveness Inventory® was used to survey faculty and administrators at public and private higher education institutions. The authors analyze Interaction Facilitation and Task Facilitation, which focuses on people-oriented and task-oriented skills, respectively.

Findings

The authors demonstrated the negativity of current organizational cultures on organizational effectiveness measures in higher education institutions. The authors analyze Interaction Facilitation and Task Facilitation, which focuses on people-oriented and task-oriented skills, respectively. Results revealed average scores for both measures fell undesirably below the Historical Averages and Constructive Benchmarks in private and public not-for-profits, private for-profits, faculty, administrators, males and females.

Practical implications

To increase follower satisfaction and improve task and contextual performance in higher education institutions, the authors recommend defining the leader’s influence within supervisory/managerial relationships, increasing flexibility in contextual/situational factors, clarifying the role of supervisors, aligning individual and organizational goals in millennials, and maintaining collegiality.

Social implications

The findings suggest that organizational effectiveness in higher education institutions may benefit from thoughtful revision of leadership strategies, better alignment of individual with organizational goals, and continuous cultivation of constructive organizational cultures.

Originality/value

This study has identified the need to ameliorate the practice of Interactive Facilitation and Task Facilitation styles in higher education institutions. Ineffective supervisory/management styles in higher education have a negative impact on the organization cultures reducing the practice of constructive work behaviors.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 3 August 2020

Abstract

Details

Leadership Strategies for Promoting Social Responsibility in Higher Education
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-427-9

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 24 July 2020

Abstract

Details

University–Community Partnerships for Promoting Social Responsibility in Higher Education
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-439-2

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 26 August 2020

Abstract

Details

International Perspectives on Improving Student Engagement: Advances in Library Practices in Higher Education
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-453-8

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 19 August 2020

Abstract

Details

Integrating Community Service into Curriculum: International Perspectives on Humanizing Education
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-434-7

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 28 August 2020

Abstract

Details

Improving Classroom Engagement and International Development Programs: International Perspectives on Humanizing Higher Education
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-473-6

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 16 September 2020

Abstract

Details

Designing Effective Library Learning Spaces in Higher Education
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-782-9

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