Search results

1 – 10 of over 6000
Article
Publication date: 3 October 2023

Shrouk Abdelnaeim, Noha El-Bassiouny and Christian Hauser

This study aims at exploring the role of higher education service quality in affecting students' psychological well-being through the lens of the sustainable development goals…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims at exploring the role of higher education service quality in affecting students' psychological well-being through the lens of the sustainable development goals. This purpose is achieved through investigating the effects of functional and technical service quality dimensions on six psychological well-being dimensions, namely, environmental mastery, autonomy, self-acceptance, positive relationships with others, personal growth and purpose in life.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey, data were collected from 453 Egyptian students. The hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling via SmartPLS 4. The study's limitations are the inability to use probability sampling techniques and length of the survey that led to low response rates.

Findings

The results show that functional service quality is positively associated with students' autonomy, positive relationships with others and self-acceptance, while functional service was found insignificant in affecting environmental mastery or self-acceptance. Further, positive results are found in the relationship between technical service quality and students' environmental mastery and self-acceptance. On the other hand, a negative relationship is detected between technical service quality and students' personal growth. Lastly, technical service quality is found to be insignificant in affecting students' autonomy or personal relationships with others.

Originality/value

This study responds to calls for more studies investigating how service quality can shape and affect customer well-being. Furthermore, this is the first study to investigate the different roles played by functional and technical service quality in affecting six psychological well-being dimensions of higher education students. Drawing on a sample of 453 Egyptian students, this study provides a novel contribution about the Egyptian higher education context, which is both understudied in the service literature and the well-being literature.

Details

Management & Sustainability: An Arab Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2752-9819

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 May 2024

Nancy Bouranta, Evangelos L. Psomas and Dimitrios Kafetzopoulos

Online learning gained ground during the pandemic and has continued to be used in the post-Covid era. Items related to online learning should be included in service quality…

Abstract

Purpose

Online learning gained ground during the pandemic and has continued to be used in the post-Covid era. Items related to online learning should be included in service quality assessment. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of service quality, which includes the online learning dimension, on student satisfaction in higher-education in a blended learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 452 valid questionnaires were collected from business undergraduate students enrolled in public universities in Greece. A modified version of HEdPERF is used to evaluate service quality. Due to the extensive use of online learning, an additional dimension was added to the HEdPERF scale which focuses on online education, a field that has not yet been widely examined. Structural equation modeling is used to examine the relationships between service quality, and student satisfaction.

Findings

The research findings verify the six-structure scale of the HEdPERF instrument (non-academic aspects, academic aspects, reputation, access and programs issues and online learning), providing satisfactory results in terms of reliability and validity tests. Service quality dimensions such as academic aspects, access, program issues and online learning are the influential dimensions of student satisfaction in a blended learning context.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has expanded traditional service quality instruments to include the dimension of service quality of online learning.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2024

Achmad Supriyanto, Burhanuddin Burhanuddin, Sunarni Sunarni, Rochmawati Rochmawati, Dwi Kurnianing Ratri and Athalla Naufal Bhayangkara

This study aims to explore the influence of academic service quality on student satisfaction and loyalty, based on a study at Higher Education Legal Entities (HELE) in Indonesia…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the influence of academic service quality on student satisfaction and loyalty, based on a study at Higher Education Legal Entities (HELE) in Indonesia. HELE is a policy in higher education that empowers these institutions to become autonomous in management. Academic service quality (ASQ) is an essential aspect of fostering the satisfaction and loyalty of students.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the descriptive quantitative and regressive survey approach to examine the influence of academic service quality on student satisfaction and loyalty. The population in this study encompassed all students from HELE. Meanwhile, 750 students were purposefully selected from 16 HELE in Indonesia. Data were collected using validated and reliable questionnaires. The garnered data were analyzed using a structural equation model through Smart PLS 3.

Findings

This study finds that (1) there is a significant direct influence of academic service quality on student satisfaction in HELE, (2) there is a reasonably direct influence of student satisfaction on student loyalty in HELE. (3) ASQ of HELE has a feeble direct influence on student loyalty and (4) there is a moderate indirect impact of academic service quality on student loyalty, mediated by student satisfaction at HELE in Indonesia.

Research limitations/implications

The research was conducted across 16 HELEs in Indonesia. Many other universities do services and of course impact on satisfaction and loyalty for students, but are not included in this research. Besides that, other aspects are not included in this research either. Based on that condition, this result cannot cover all aspects of others in all universities in Indonesia.

Practical implications

The practical implication of this study’s results for the leaders of HELES is to commit to student-centered, service-oriented tactics and actions for establishing student loyalty. Besides, these institutions must prioritize developing and maintaining profitable customer relationships in this changing world and offer an agenda for the future research.

Social implications

The social implication will be indicated by higher universities to always improve the service quality of academics, with continuous improvement in the future. It has to do with every university so that student satisfaction improves, and student loyalty improves too. Exiting HELE in the future depends on the variables of service quality for stakeholders in the community around. If the community gets satisfaction, in the future, they will be back to support the HELE in the future.

Originality/value

The results of this study are original and novel, and strengthen the findings of previous research that there is an effect of academic service quality on student satisfaction. It confirms the effects of satisfaction on loyalty, along with the effects of academic service quality on loyalty mediated by satisfaction. These results rejected previous results that there are effects of academic service quality on student loyalty in HELE as organizations.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2024

Cong Doanh Duong, Thanh Hieu Nguyen, Thi Viet Nga Ngo, Van Thanh Dao, Ngoc Diep Do and Thanh Van Pham

The advent of artificial intelligence technologies, exemplified by platforms such as ChatGPT, has created a profound global impact, with a particular resonance in education. This…

Abstract

Purpose

The advent of artificial intelligence technologies, exemplified by platforms such as ChatGPT, has created a profound global impact, with a particular resonance in education. This research aims to integrate the information systems success (ISS) model with the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) paradigm to explore how information quality and service quality individually, jointly, congruently, and incongruently affect higher education students’ trust in ChatGPT, satisfaction, and continuance usage intention.

Design/methodology/approach

We employed a sophisticated methodology - polynomial regression with response surface analysis - and conducted our study with a sample of 468 higher education students selected in Vietnam using a three-phase stratified random sampling approach to evaluate the hypotheses developed.

Findings

The findings indicate that both information and service quality influence higher education students’ trust directly and positively in ChatGPT, satisfaction, and continuance usage intention. Moreover, a balance between information quality and service quality can increase students’ level of trust in ChatGPT, satisfaction, and intention to continue using it. Nevertheless, a significant incongruity between information quality and service quality will likely reduce trust in ChatGPT, satisfaction, and the intention to continue using the service.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first to offer a shred of empirical evidence about how information quality and service quality interact congruently and incongruently with each other to trigger higher education students’ trust in ChatGPT, satisfaction, and continuance usage intention of ChatGPT. It thus offers valuable insights for leveraging the benefits and mitigating potential challenges associated with adopting this innovative technology in educational settings.

Details

The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4880

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 November 2023

Nassir Ul Haq Wani, Amruta Deshpande, Neeru Sidana and Mohammad Mirwais Rasa

The fundamental purpose of this study is to analyse the determinants of higher education quality in Afghanistan based on insights from student perceptions. Understanding this part…

Abstract

Purpose

The fundamental purpose of this study is to analyse the determinants of higher education quality in Afghanistan based on insights from student perceptions. Understanding this part holds paramount importance in enunciating sound policies for the smooth functioning of the higher education sector of Afghanistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to classify students' background and demographic data, distinguishing their perception of higher education quality using a deductive research approach. A sample of 418 students from five top private universities in Afghanistan was chosen to assess their perceptions of higher education dimensions by employing a multinomial regression analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that extracurricular activities, students' scholarship status, parents' education, age, previous academic results and the university they attend significantly impact their perception of the quality of higher education.

Practical implications

This research is essential for education policymakers and university administrators. These findings can be replicated to develop regulations and target specific groups of students to ensure a favourable academic environment and boost the brand image of their universities. This would ensure long-term quality improvement and assurance outcomes, allowing higher education institutions to compete with regional and international institutions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to identifying the determinants of higher education quality based on the perceptions of the students in Afghanistan.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 December 2023

Maryam Ikram, Husaina Banu Kenayathulla and Syed Muhammad Umer Saleem

This research aims to determine the levels of education quality (EQ), technology usage (TU), students' satisfaction (SS) and the impact of EQ on SS. Also, it seeks to find out how…

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to determine the levels of education quality (EQ), technology usage (TU), students' satisfaction (SS) and the impact of EQ on SS. Also, it seeks to find out how TU as a moderator affects EQ and SS in Pakistani private higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 440 postgraduate students at eleven private universities in Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, participated in empirical research and data were obtained through the use of an online questionnaire. Simple random sampling was used to choose participants and partial least square structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings revealed that Pakistani private HEIs have a medium level of EQ, TU and SS. Furthermore, the data reveal the existence of a significant positive relationship between EQ and SS, whereas TU as a moderator was found to negatively affect EQ and SS.

Research limitations/implications

Postgraduate students of private HEIs in Pakistan were considered for this investigation and this study was limited to testing only in Punjab province. Another limitation of this study is that it was based on a research framework from previous research and literature. This study employed questionnaire surveys to conduct evaluations of teachers' teaching quality by university students. Furthermore, the questionnaire employed student self-evaluations to assess the quality of teaching. The research data would be more detailed if it were possible to include teachers' self-evaluations of their teaching quality.

Practical implications

The current study provides key insights for policymakers, higher education commission and HEIs. The results suggest leveraging the identified medium levels of EQ, TU and student satisfaction in Pakistani private HEIs. In an effort to boost the medium levels, policymakers are encouraged to enhance the teaching and learning experience by robustly integrating Web 4.0 technologies. Institutions can intervene strategically by investing in infrastructure and innovative tools aligned with students' technological needs. Likewise, policymakers and institutions can optimize learning management systems (LMS) by developing and implementing policies that encourage their adoption and optimization across HEIs. This may contribute to the accomplishment of the United Nations' sustainable development goal of providing quality education. Moreover, with the help of this research HEIs can establish minimum quality standards regarding academic teaching and learning materials. Implementing the above-mentioned practical implications might boost student satisfaction in HEIs which would benefit not only students but also the institutions.

Originality/value

The novelty of the article lies in the fact that it addresses the gap in the existing literature by exploring the levels of EQ, TU and student satisfaction in the context of private higher education in Pakistan. Furthermore, this study investigated whether TU served as a moderator in the relationship between student satisfaction and UNESCO-recommended EQ. This study elaborates on EQ indicators recommended by UNESCO in Pakistan’s private higher education sector.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 November 2022

Achutha Jois and Somnath Chakrabarti

The education services sector faces ever-changing global market dynamics with creative disruptions. Building knowledge brands can push the higher education sector beyond its…

Abstract

Purpose

The education services sector faces ever-changing global market dynamics with creative disruptions. Building knowledge brands can push the higher education sector beyond its geographical boundaries into the global arena. This study aims to identify key constructs, their theoretical background and dimensions that aid in building a global knowledge brand. The authors' research focuses on adapting and validating scales for global knowledge and education services brands from well-established academic literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have adopted a mixed methodology approach and a systematic literature review. Authors interviewed 18 subject matter experts as part of content and face validity to arrive at select constructs, dimensions and items. Quantitative methods with random sampling were adopted as the primary methodology. Initially, the survey was administered to 390 students to test preliminary results. The survey was also administered to 5,112 students at a later part of this study. Valid responses stood at 3,244 with a 63% response rate. Further, the authors conducted confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to test the reliability and validity of scales. This study analyzed composite reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity to finalize items for scales. The authors also validated the hypotheses based on the discriminant validity assessment scores.

Findings

Authors' key research findings are that academic stimulus, campus infrastructure and student intent play a significant role in campus culture and events design and experience at campus. Authors were able to bring out 16 key constructs and 55 critical dimensions vital to global education services brand building. This study also adapted and validated 99 items that meet construct validity and composite reliability criteria. This study also highlights that constructs such as student intent, academic stimulus, campus infrastructure scalability, selection mechanism, pedagogical content knowledge, brand identity, events experience and campus culture play a vital role in global brand recognition.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' work is fairly generalizable to education services and the higher education sector. However, this study must be extrapolated and empirically validated in other industry sectors. The research implications of this study are that it aided the authors in building theoretical background for student brand loyalty theory, student expectation theory and study loyalty theory. This study adds to the body of knowledge by contributing to theoretical concepts on students, knowledge culture, events, infrastructure and branding. Researchers can adopt the scales proposed in this study to build research models in higher education branding. This study acts as a catalyst for building theories in education services areas. Researchers can delve deep into proposed research aspects of campus infrastructure, knowledge infrastructure, campus knowledge culture, events design and events experience.

Practical implications

This study aids educators and brand managers to develop global education services and optimize their effort and budget. Administrators in the education services sector must focus on practical aspects of student perception, campus infrastructure, culture and events experience. Practically administrators can reorient their efforts based on this study to achieve global brand recognition.

Social implications

This study highlights that students are not customers but are co-creators of value in the education sector. This study provides scales and dimensions needed to build co-creation frameworks and models.

Originality/value

Most research in higher education branding has not covered wider aspects of global brand building. Existing theories proposed in higher education and education services articles cover only narrower aspects of campus infrastructure, culture, events design and branding. This study presents a comprehensive list of critical factors that play a vital role in global knowledge brand building. This study highlights the constructs and scales integral to building a global education services brand.

Details

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

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 September 2024

Isak Vento, Jesper Eklund and Jonas Schauman

This study explores the effect of language on service satisfaction among Finland-Swedes, a national minority language group in Finland, in the context of early childhood…

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the effect of language on service satisfaction among Finland-Swedes, a national minority language group in Finland, in the context of early childhood education. Models of public service satisfaction hold standard process and outcome related factors, such as availability and quality, as drivers of the satisfaction. However, although research has shown significant variation in satisfaction between different groups of citizens (race, ethnicity, age etc.), research has largely overlooked group specific factors as explanations for the satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A randomized survey experiment with a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design analyzed the impacts of language, service accessibility, and quality on service satisfaction. The data was analyzed with ANOVA.

Findings

The results revealed that language significantly impacts Swedish speakers’ satisfaction, suggesting that for minority groups, language may override typical satisfaction determinants like quality and accessibility. Interestingly, special linguistic needs are relatively more pertinent in low-quality services than in higher-quality ones.

Originality/value

The study shows how group related factors of public service, in our case language, in an important factor explaining satisfaction with the service. The findings have implications for the literature on citizens’ satisfaction with public services with demographic and identity facets, especially in a typical Nordic welfare state.

Details

International Journal of Public Sector Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3558

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 April 2022

Siti Hajar Hussein, Suhal Kusairi and Fathilah Ismail

This study aims to develop an educational tourism demand model, particularly in respect to dynamic effects, university quality (QU) and competitor countries. Educational tourism…

2039

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop an educational tourism demand model, particularly in respect to dynamic effects, university quality (QU) and competitor countries. Educational tourism has been identified as a new tourism sub-sector with high potential, and is thus expected to boost economic growth and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviews the literature on the determinants of educational tourism demand. Even though the existing literature is intensively discussed, mostly focusing on the educational tourism demand from an individual consumer's perspective, this study makes an innovation in line with the aggregate demand view. The study uses data that consist of the enrolment of international students from 47 home countries who studied in Malaysia from 2008 to 2017. The study utilised the dynamic panel method of analysis.

Findings

This study affirms that income per capita, educational tourism price, price of competitor countries and quality of universities based on accredited programmes and world university ranking are the determinants of educational tourism demand in both the short and the long term. Also, a dynamic effect exists in educational tourism demand.

Research limitations/implications

The results imply that government should take the quality of services for existing students, price decisions and QU into account to promote the country as a tertiary education hub and achieve sustainable development.

Originality/value

Research on the determinants of the demand for educational tourism is rare in terms of macro data, and this study includes the roles of QU, competitor countries and dynamic effects.

Details

Journal of Tourism Futures, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-5911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 September 2024

Sonali Singh and Sridhar Manohar

Education is one among the major service sectors which is continuously growing and contributing significantly to a country’s economy. Students’ positive feedback through…

Abstract

Purpose

Education is one among the major service sectors which is continuously growing and contributing significantly to a country’s economy. Students’ positive feedback through word-of-mouth (WOM) is one of the key influences attracting new admissions thereby providing competitive advantage for a university to sustain. There are numerous antecedents identified and implemented to enhance positive WOM and increase intakes in higher education however the students’ choice is still being unpredicted. This study attempts to develop a framework that exemplifies the links between service quality (SQ), relational trust (RT) and students' attitudes toward institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A correlational research design was adopted with a non-probability convenience sampling technique, the data were collected from students in public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) across India. Multivariate regression was the statistical tool used to estimate the path model. SmartPLS 3.0 software performing structural equation modelling (SEM) helped in determining the coefficient values.

Findings

The result of the study indicated the magnitude and directional relationship between SQ and trust and justified that they are the key determinants of building a positive attitude towards the institution, enhancing the intention to recommend it among peer groups.

Research limitations/implications

Academic institutions and their public relations departments must prioritize reducing SQ gaps and create strategies to build strong RT among all institution stakeholders to gain a competitive advantage. Socially, this study aims in assisting universities in establishing high-quality education.

Originality/value

The empirical estimation of the relationships between trust, attitude, quality and intention provides the reasons for incorporating and building positive WOM among students’ benefit institutions over the long run.

Details

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

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 6000