Analysing the determinants of higher education systems’ performance–a structural equation modelling approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 834-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tommaso Agasisti ◽  
Alice Bertoletti

Abstract This article deals with the relationships between the performance of higher education systems (HESs) and their potential determinants. The research employed data relating to twenty-nine European countries, within a time span of 15 years. The empirical work is based on a conceptual framework that has been tested through Structural Equation Modelling. The data was selected from a novel data set that we have built by gathering HES indicators from the major international databases. Among the more noteworthy results, we found no statistically significant correlation between graduation rates and research performance. Additionally, we found a moderate effect of public expenditure on HES performance. The article addresses the issue of the lack of a comprehensive set of systemic indicators for HES performance, providing a holistic picture of the relationship between HES determinants and performance, which, in turn, could help to provide an adequate evaluation of the policies in the field of higher education.

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 761-782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamil George Naoum ◽  
Carlos Herrero ◽  
Charles Egbu ◽  
Daniel Fong

Purpose It is axiomatic that construction is a fast-paced and competitive industry, which goes hand in hand with many construction professionals suffering from stress including construction project managers (C-PMs). The role of C-PMs is crucial to achieving project success as they are responsible for planning the project, organising human resources, controlling operations and the budget, and forecasting probable difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the causal relationships between stressors, stresses, stress-coping behaviours and their impact on the performance of C-PMs. Design/methodology/approach To investigate the relationships between stress and performance among C-PMs, a questionnaire was designed based on the extensive literature, and was sent to 150 C-PMs who had amassed at least five years’ direct working experience in the construction industry. A total of 44 completed questionnaires were returned. Correlation analysis and structural equation modelling were employed to understand the integrated relationships between these factors. Based on the data collected and analysis of the results, an integrated structural equation model of the stresses and performances of C-PMs was developed using AMOS version 22.0. Findings The results of structural equation modelling reveal the following: burnout is the type of stress that has the highest impact on the performance of C-PMs, being detrimental to their interpersonal performance (IPP) and positive for their organisational performance (OP), whereas physiological stress worsens the task performance of C-PMs and objective stress improves their IPP. The most active stressor towards the performance of C-PMs is “workgroup cooperation”, which has an impact on the IPP in a positive way but is detrimental to the OP. Career-developing environment, poor organisational structure and role conflict affect both stress and performance together. Originality/value This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the impact of various types of stress on the performances of C-PMs. The result constitutes a significant step towards the stress management of C-PMs in the dynamic and stressful construction industry.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 437-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugo Horta ◽  
Jisun Jung ◽  
João M. Santos

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 67-78
Author(s):  
Adel Alkhalil ◽  

Data science or specifically data analytics systems have become an emerging trend in information technology and have attracted many organizations, including higher education. Higher Education Systems (HES) involve very active entities (students, faculty members, researchers, employers) who generate and require large volumes of data that go beyond the structured data stored in the house. The collection, analysis, and visualization of such big data present a huge challenge for HES. Big data analysis could be the solution to this challenge. However, the rationale and decision process for the adoption of big data analytics can be difficult. Such a knowledge-driven process requires a multitude of technical and organizational aspects that must be accounted for to ensure informed decisions are made. Existing research and development indicates that the decision to adopt, although systematic research with a theoretical background is rare and none of the existing studies have considered diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory. This paper aims to support HES, by providing a systematic analysis of the determinants for the decision to adopt big data analytics. An integrated framework referred to as the Technology Organization Environment (TOE) framework is proposed. The proposed framework is validated using structural equation modeling. Eleven determinants are confirmed that influence the TOE-driven framework for data analytics in HES. The result is expected to contribute to on-going research that attempts to address the complex and multidimensional challenge that relates to data science and analytics implementation in HES.


2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 240-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asma Smeda ◽  
Mohd Fairuz Shiratuddin ◽  
Kok Wai Wong

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that may impact on the acceptance of the e-book amongst mathematics and statistics (MAS) students at higher education institutions in Libya. Design/methodology/approach A theoretical model has been developed based on the technology acceptance model (TAM). The factors divided into three groups: intrinsic variables represent the first group of factors that are related to the user or the potential users itself, such as Self-Efficacy and Resistance to Change. Second, extrinsic variables include all the factors that reflect the characteristics of the e-book and the infrastructure for universities, which are Mobility (M), Facilities (F) and Library Service Quality (LS). TAM constructs from Perceived Ease Of Use (PEOU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Attitude (AU) and Behaviour Intention (BI) represent the last group. Data relating to the constructs were collected through a self-administered survey in 2014. The developed model was measured and tested by structural equation modelling using AMOS (22.0). Findings The result confirmed that the structural model fits the data well. According to the results, TAM constructs have a significant impact on the acceptance of e-book among MAS students at universities in Libya. In addition, the intrinsic variables play the important role to predict students’ BI. Although the extrinsic variables were less important, Facilities was the strong factor in this group. Originality/value The adoption of e-book amongst higher education students in Libya is still quite low. Hence, identifying the factors that may contribute to e-book adoption is crucial. The contribution of this paper is to determine the factors that effect on the acceptance of e-book amongst MAS students at higher education institutions in Libya.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-183
Author(s):  
Farahiyah Akmal Mat Nawi ◽  
Abdul Malek A. Tambi ◽  
Muhammad Faizal Samat ◽  
Julaina Baistaman

Purpose of the study: This paper aimed to assess the analysis of the role of human capital investment (HCI) determinants and its remarkable contribution towards the education institution's performance by adapting the Malcolm Baldridge Criteria for Performance Excellence. Methodology: This research adopted a quantitative study and a survey tool comprises of sixty items with seven Likert scale was utilized as an instrument to assemble data from 309 lecturers in UiTM Kelantan. Next to test the research hypothesis data were then analyzed using the Structural Equation Modelling approach on the SmartPLS3 platform. Main Findings: The analysis demonstrated the influences of HCI determinants towards the UiTM performance. The coefficient of determination (R2) value of 66.9% suggested that the variance of institution performance could moderately be explained by the observed variables, namely knowledge, skill, and training. The result also indicates the highest positive significant value for skill towards performance with β=0.283, t-value= 1.981 and p<0.005. It is proven that a persistent skill development significantly contributes to the performance. Applications of this study: The research finding is useful to help the Ministry of Higher Education (MOE) in Malaysia to identify the relevant determinants in improving human capital quality. Novelty/Originality of this study: There were a lot of studies that were conducted involving higher education in Malaysia. But the only limited number of studies was conducted by scholars in assessing the main contribution of human capital investment factors towards the institution's success.


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