scholarly journals Using the QFD Matrix as a Major Continuous Improvement Tool to Improve Organizational Quality

2021 ◽  
pp. 763-789
Author(s):  
Ahmed Mansour Mohsin ◽  
Fernando F. Padró ◽  
Karen Trimmer
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
International Student ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Student Needs ◽  
Central Piece ◽  
Different Parts

This is a case study of an Australian higher education institution (HEI) using quality function deployment (QFD) to identify areas of improvement in serving and meeting the needs of international students enrolled at this university. The composite institution reflects what is currently happening at the time of this writing as part of a process of determining international student needs and ensuring that these are met while meeting academic and institutional requirements (IR). The use of QFD fills a major gap since most methodologies practiced do not focus on either capturing the international students' voice or align these with IRs to enhance the opportunities for successful completion of a degree and meeting student personal and professional expectations. Results are incomplete at this time and thus cannot be reported, but a discussion of the approach is provided, and initial observations are presented to adequately describe the use of QFD and processes and tools used to complete different parts are the central piece of the process, the house of quality (HoQ).

scholarly journals Using the QFD Matrix as a Major Continuous Improvement Tool to Improve Organizational Quality

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Mansour Mohsin ◽  
Fernando F. Padró ◽  
Karen Trimmer
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
International Student ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Student Needs ◽  
Central Piece ◽  
Different Parts

This is a case study of an Australian higher education institution (HEI) using quality function deployment (QFD) to identify areas of improvement in serving and meeting the needs of international students enrolled at this university. The composite institution reflects what is currently happening at the time of this writing as part of a process of determining international student needs and ensuring that these are met while meeting academic and institutional requirements (IR). The use of QFD fills a major gap since most methodologies practiced do not focus on either capturing the international students' voice or align these with IRs to enhance the opportunities for successful completion of a degree and meeting student personal and professional expectations. Results are incomplete at this time and thus cannot be reported, but a discussion of the approach is provided, and initial observations are presented to adequately describe the use of QFD and processes and tools used to complete different parts are the central piece of the process, the house of quality (HoQ).

Understanding the Heterogeneity of International Students’ Experiences: A Case Study of Chinese International Students in U.S. Universities

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 607-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tang T. Heng
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Extracurricular Activities ◽  
International Student ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Small Extent ◽  
Chinese International Students ◽  
Content Preparation ◽  
Heterogeneous Nature

Scholars have critiqued the current understanding of international students for glossing over its diversity, resulting in the reification of the “international student experience” as either homogeneous or clustered along nationality. Through a qualitative case study of 18 Chinese international students, this article examines the heterogeneity of their experiences despite a common nationality. Findings reveal that Chinese international students’ communication in English, engagement with subject content, preparation for the future, and participation in extracurricular activities vary by year of study, field of study, and, to a small extent, gender. Even within a single nationality, experiences of students are uneven and intersect across various categorical lines, suggesting the possibility that other international students may encounter diverse and intersectional experiences as well. Findings point to how we need to re-conceive and research international students by examining the heterogeneous nature of their experiences, and how higher education institutions can differentiate support given to internationals.

scholarly journals Attracting International Students: Experiences of Asian Countries and the Case of University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mai Thi Kim Khanh ◽  
Chau Huy Ngoc
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Foreign Students ◽  
International Student ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Cultural Elements ◽  
Social Sciences And Humanities ◽  
National University

In recent years, internationalization of higher education has become a guiding agenda and a policy both at the Party and Government’s levels, and of which international student recruitment is seen as an important measure which could improve higher education institutions’ international orientation, contribute to reputation and international university rankings. Hence learning from countries which have successfully internationalized their higher educations in order to draw lessons for universities in Vietnam to utilize their existing advantages and remedy shortcomings in internationalization is a necessity. This article serves as an overview of experiences of Asian countries based on studies conducted in China, Taiwan, and Korea, which suggest that languages and distinctive cultural elements could be important factors attracting international students to these Asian destinations. University of Social Sciences and Humanites will then be presented as a Vietnamese higher education institution that could become a destination of foreign students using its distinctive strengths, namely Vietnamese language and Vietnamese Studies programs and cultural exchange activities.

“Do you eat dog meat and monkey? . . . I didn’t know anything about China back then”: Problematising Chinese heritage students through the lens of critical interculturality

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-88
Author(s):  
Ashley Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Teacher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
The Self ◽  
The Other ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Heritage Students ◽  
The World

Universities throughout the world contain people of Chinese heritage studying, researching or working in higher educational institutions. This paper offers a case study example from a higher education institution in China in analysing the fluctuating identity positions of Chinese heritage students. From a critical intercultural perspective, the study explores Chinese heritage students’ reflexivity about perceptions of their own Chineseness and foreignness. The paper argues against labeling or categorizing Chinese heritage students as local or international students as the notions are biased insofar that they negate the possibility for identity. Thus, a critical intercultural lens is used as a way to problematise a deeper engagement into dialogues about the self and the other. The paper also problematises the implications the study has for teacher education in terms of attempting to move beyond essentialist logics and practices in how Chinese heritage students are understood and researched.

scholarly journals Vietnamese Graduate International Student Repatriates: Reverse Adjustment

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 449-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anh T. Le ◽  
Barbara Y. LaCost
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
International Student ◽  
Culture Shock ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
The U.S

The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of Vietnamese international students who have returned to Vietnam after graduation from a U.S. higher education institution. The findings suggest that participants found it harder to readjust to Vietnam than to adjust to the U.S. even though they had lived most of their lives in Vietnam. Time in the U.S. had changed them considerably, making it difficult for them to fit back into their old lives in Vietnam. Most of them did not expect to experience reserve culture shock, and most had made real efforts to fit back into the Vietnamese environment and culture.

scholarly journals A model of the factors affecting international postgraduate students’ pursuit of degrees: A case study

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-69
Author(s):  
Desmond Wesley Govender ◽  
Sujit Kumar Basak
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
International Student ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Stress Accommodation ◽  
Graduate International Students ◽  
University Experience ◽  
Academic Degrees

The aim of this paper is to present a model of the factors affecting international students’ pursuit of their academic degrees in tertiary institutions. This was achieved by identifying factors that commonly affect international postgraduate students. This was a questionnaire based case study with a sample of 24 post-graduate international students from one university in KwaZulu-Natal. Questionnaires were analysed using SPSS (version 21.0) and WarpPLS (4.0). WarpPLS (4.0) was used to draw up a statistically based model regarding the factors affecting international students in pursuit of their academic degrees. Results from the model show that financial stress, accommodation challenges, cultural shock, loneliness/homesick, communication skills and evaluation of their (previous) university experience affect students in their pursuit of their academic degrees in higher education. These findings could be used by students themselves to make them aware of possible challenges that lie ahead as well as by staff in international student offices at higher education institutions.

Exploring factors influencing international students’ decision to choose a higher education institution

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa James-MacEachern ◽  
Dongkoo Yun
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
International Students ◽  
International Student ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Student Cohorts ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Actual Decision

Purpose There is little research into small higher education institutions and international students’ choice in selecting these institutions. The purpose of this paper is to understand the factors that influence international student choices in selecting a small institution. In particular, this study compares the differences between Chinese students and other international students in selecting an institution, specifically based on sources of information used, usefulness of the information, pull motivations, and reference groups/items. Design/methodology/approach This research study examined undergraduate international students at a small-sized Canadian higher education institution. “International students” were surveyed – as the total population included all students who are studying at the institution on a study permit or a temporary resident (visitor) visa. All full-time and part-time international students attending the institution were eligible to participate in the survey regardless of their faculty or major. For the sampling process, international students at the institution were intercepted on campus using convenient sampling and personal interview method to participate in the survey. In addition, students were invited within the classroom to volunteer to complete the survey. They were able to complete either a paper-based survey or an online survey by following a hyperlink. Findings Results indicate that international students considered “the university’s website” as the most used information source but perceived “direct communication from the institution” as the highest ranked usefulness of the information when selecting a small institution. Further, findings indicate that international student cohorts perceived “environmental cues and educational facilities” as the most important pull motivational factor and the institution itself as the reference that has the most significant influence on student decision making. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted on students who were surveyed following their enrolment and attendance at the institution. Students were surveyed at various stages of their undergraduate studies. As a result, some of these responses may be several years from the actual decision of selecting an institution and student recall may not be accurately reflected. In addition, examining student decision making prior to, during, and immediately following their choice of institution would most likely create better information as student attitudes and perceptions would be recorded closer to the actual decision. In addition, given that these students are attending the institution their actual experience on-campus may have impacted their responses either positively or negatively. Practical implications This study provides insight into international student choice in choosing smaller institutions. These findings can support recruitment policy and strategy for international students and may assist in enhancing institutional performance. Social implications The study reinforces the need for policy makers, institutional leaders and recruiters to understand motivations to pursue overseas studies and to ensure push, pull, and structural factors are aligned for successful student recruitment outcomes. While there is commonality among international student cohorts, there are also significant differences that need to be addressed by institutions and destinations for international students. These findings are presented from one small higher education institution in Canada. Originality/value This study created new knowledge regarding international student decision making in choosing to study at a small higher education institution. The study compared the key factors that influenced decision making and identified differences among Chinese students and other international students. There is little research into the international student decision making and small institutions. This study provides unique insight into international student choice and influences on their decision making.

scholarly journals Empowered to Serve?: Higher Education International Center Directors and Their Roles on Campus Internationalization

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugo Garcia ◽  
Jon McNaughtan ◽  
Xinyang Li ◽  
Mi Chelle Leong ◽  
Andrew Scott Herridge
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
International Student ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Student Growth ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
The World ◽  
Or Manager

Colleges across the world have increased the representation of international students. This increase is associated with a desire to globalize, while others see international student growth as an opportunity for additional revenue, with some past research labeling these students the “cash cow." The services offered to these students has been called into question and little research has been dedicated to the supports that institutions offer. Some institutions have sought to centralize the supports they give students through the development of a center dedicated to international students, that is led by a director or manager. Our study focuses on the role and empowerment of these international center leaders. We utilized a multi-institution case study approach, guided by the empowerment framework. Findings include international center directors reporting their sense of empowerment is founded in their desire to serve, sense of autonomy and the sense of meaning they find engaging in the work.

scholarly journals Geographies and Cultures of International Student Experiences in Higher Education

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 412-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Perez-Encinas ◽  
Jesus Rodriguez-Pomeda
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
International Students ◽  
International Student ◽  
Topic Model ◽  
Student Experiences ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Probabilistic Topic Model ◽  
The World ◽  
Student Reports ◽  
Different Parts

Updated research is required on the geographies of the cultural issues that shape international students’ experiences. The growing number of students traveling to different countries implies a need to cater to cultures and values from different parts of the world. Apart from cultural and geographical aspects, there is scarce knowledge about similarities between students’ experiences abroad that takes into account their countries of origin (and, to some extent, their cultures) within those mobility flows. Using a probabilistic topic model on 59,662 international student reports from 167 countries on their mobility experiences, we examine links between the students’ experiences and their countries of origin. The results show that the geographical features of the reports are connected not only to cultural issues, but also to other factors that might affect their international experience.

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