scholarly journals Dynamic clustering to evaluate satisfaction with teaching at university

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1070-1081
Author(s):  
Francesca Bassi
Keyword(s):  
Latent Class ◽  
Markov Models ◽  
Teaching Quality ◽  
University Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University ◽  
Students Satisfaction ◽  
Class Models ◽  
Over Time

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to measure students’ satisfaction with the didactics in a large Italian university, that of Padua, giving special attention to its evolution over time in consecutive academic years. The overall level of the quality of the didactics is examined and its change over time is modeled. Moreover, the effect of courses’ and teachers’ variables on it is estimated.Design/methodology/approachLatent cluster class models and mixture latent class Markov models are estimated in order to identify groups of courses that are homogeneous for the level of the quality of the didactics. Evolution over the three academic years of satisfaction is monitored. The effect on the clustering and its dynamics of potential covariates is also examined.FindingsResults of model estimation reveal some interesting evidences that are important indications for the university management to define targeted strategies to elevate teaching quality.Originality/valueThe paper gives its original contribution both on the side of methods applied to analyze data collected with students evaluation of teaching and on the evidences obtained for a large university.

scholarly journals Evaluating quality of the didactics at university: the opportunities offered by latent class modeling

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Bassi ◽  
Renata Clerici ◽  
Debora Aquario
Keyword(s):  
Latent Class ◽  
Teaching Quality ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Measurement Scales ◽  
National Agency ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evaluation Of Teaching ◽  
The University

Purpose Students’ evaluation of teaching quality plays a major role in higher education. Satisfaction is not directly observable, nevertheless it can be measured through multi-item measurement scales. These instruments are extremely useful and their importance requires accurate development and validation procedures. The purpose of this paper is to show how latent class (LC) analysis can improve the procedures for developing and validating a multi-item measurement scale for measuring students’ evaluation of teaching and, at the same time, provide a deeper insight in the phenomenon under investigation. Design/methodology/approach The traditional literature highlights specific protocols along with the statistical instruments to be used for achieving this goal. However, these tools are suited for metric variables but they are adopted even when the nature of the observed variables is different, as it often occurs, since in many cases the items are ordinal. LC analysis takes explicitly into account the ordinal nature of the variables and also the fact that the object of interest is unobservable. Findings The data refer to the questionnaire to evaluate didactics to the students of the University of Padua. Within LC analysis allows an insight of scale properties, such as dimensionality, validity and reliability. Moreover, the results provide a deeper view in the way students use the scale to report satisfaction suggesting to revise the instrument according to the suggestion by the National Agency for University Evaluation. Originality/value The paper gives an original contribution on two sides. On the side of methods, it introduces a more accurate methodology for evaluating scales to measure the students’ satisfaction. On the side of applications, it provides important suggestions to the university management to improve the process of quality of the didactics evaluation.

scholarly journals Students’ satisfaction in higher education: the role of practices, needs and beliefs of teachers

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Bassi
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
University Management ◽  
Latent Growth ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
High Level ◽  
The University ◽  
Students Satisfaction ◽  
Over Time

Purpose The purpose of the paper is the analysis of the evolution of students’ satisfaction over time in a large Italian university and the effects on it because of some characteristics of the teachers: didactic practices, beliefs and needs with regard to teaching and learning. Design/methodology/approach The first step of the analysis identifies a latent construct, measured with items composing the questionnaire, and proposes a reduced set of indicators to measure satisfaction and to model its evolution over time (information collected in three consecutive academic years is available). A second step clusters teachers in homogenous groups with reference to their opinions, beliefs and needs, collected with a new survey conducted at the University of Padova, with the aim of developing strategies to support academic teachers. Then, a mixture conditional latent growth model is estimated with covariates affecting the latent parameters and class membership. Findings Model estimation identifies a large group of university courses with a high level of satisfaction, which stays constant over time, and a small group of problematic courses with low satisfaction, moreover, that decreases over the three considered academic years. Interesting significant effects of covariates related to both the teacher and the didactic activity are estimated. Originality/value Statistical analyses show that the implementation of innovative didactic practices and commitment to quality of teaching are important factors to be encouraged by the university management. On the contrary, the traditionalist way of teaching and a low passion for teaching do not improve students’ satisfaction.

Quality teaching through transformational classroom leadership

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Pounder
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Quality ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Educational Outcome ◽  
Classroom Context ◽  
Classroom Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University ◽  
Classroom Leadership

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to indicate that transformational classroom leadership has substantial benefits in terms of enhancing the quality of the classroom experience and associated educational outcome in the context of growing criticism of university teaching quality. It also aims to recommend the focus of future research to realise these benefits. Design/methodology/approach – The paper comprises a comprehensive review of literature on the outcomes of transformational leadership in a classroom context and identifies weaknesses in the research thus far. It then indicates an approach to capitalising the potential of this instructional innovation. Findings – Transformational classroom leadership has substantial benefits in terms of enhancing the quality of the classroom experience for both students and teachers. Research limitations/implications – This paper produces substantial arguments in favour of transformational classroom leadership as a means of enhancing teaching quality and educational outcomes. Nevertheless, the paper also recognises that research, thus far, has yet to indicate a systematic way forward to affecting its implementation. Practical implications – The transformational classroom leadership approach advocated in this paper has practical benefits for both students and teachers, especially at the university level. Originality/value – This paper draws attention to the potential benefits of transformational classroom leadership as a means of enhancing the quality of the classroom experience particularly for students. It also indicates a way forward designed to realise the benefits of this instructional approach.

Zmiana modelu zarządzania i nadzoru nad jakością kształcenia w szkolnictwie wyższym. Perspektywa doświadczeń Republiki Federalnej Niemiec

2020 ◽  
pp. 137-149
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Szewior
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Education ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
University Management ◽  
Strategic Partner ◽  
Higher Education Reforms ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Desk Research

The author focuses on the manner and effects of German higher education reforms that have changed the model of university management. The point of reference is the quality of education and its role, how universities ensure it, and how it is verified through evaluation and accreditation. These elements divide the article into two parts: a part about quality and a part about evaluation and accreditation. The analysis includes the impact of global processes and Europeanization. The research approach is characteristic for public policies, sciences of management and quality. The theories used in this article: the theory of systems and neo-institutionalism, as well as perspectives: the university as an active strategic partner, entrepreneurial university, the third role of universities. The publication is based on desk research and on the analysis of processes.

Technical services and user service improvement

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 505-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Huang ◽  
Katherine Wong
Keyword(s):  
Point Of View ◽  
Service Improvement ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Of Oklahoma ◽  
Online Catalog ◽  
Efficient Processing ◽  
The University ◽  
Technical Services

PurposeFrom the cataloging librarians' point of view, this paper aims to present how technical services, especially the cataloging department, can play important roles in the improvement of user services.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the practices of the University of Oklahoma Libraries.FindingsThe paper identifies several aspects in which technical services can enhance the quality of user services, especially in the cataloging department. A library's online catalog becomes the first point of access to the library's information resources. Its quality can be improved and enriched in many ways to raise users’ satisfaction. Aside from the improvement in technical aspects, efforts should also be made to promote collaboration between technical and public services so as to ensure efficient processing of materials and to meet the needs of library users.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is in showing that the quality of an online catalog and the cooperation between public and technical services are two of the key factors in achieving high quality of user services.

Quality assurance systems: enemies or allies of innovation in higher education institutions?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Ferreira de Mello Silva ◽  
Eduardo Raupp de Vargas
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
University Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
The University ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Innovation In Higher Education

Purpose This study aims to examine the extant literature to analyze the relationship between quality assurance (QA) and innovation in the higher education context. Design/methodology/approach This study selected 63 articles through a systematic literature review in Scopus and Web of Science databases and performed a descriptive and thematic synthesis-analysis on the sample. Findings The research identifies several perspectives discussed on QA systems covering experiences, criticisms and practice implications. The literature review shows there is no clear consensus on whether innovation in higher education institutions (HEIs) is fostered or hindered by QA processes. However, it seems that the likelihood of innovativeness and positive QA outcomes are directly linked to how these processes are managed in universities. Research limitations/implications This review highlights the university management concerns that emerge with QA issues as it is not yet clear to what extent innovation is actually promoted in scenarios where QA is applied. Hence, this literature review could be considered comprehensive but not exhaustive. Further studies are recommended to improve the understanding of how HEIs can both innovate and ensure quality at the same time. Originality/value The paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by advancing the opportunities and challenges that HEIs face due to QA system features.

Students’ satisfaction with hostel accommodations in higher education institutions

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 652-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke ◽  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa ◽  
Marcia M. Raphiri
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Item Score ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Higher Institutions ◽  
Students Satisfaction

Purpose There are several types of accommodation available to students of higher education institutions, and it is the responsibility of the institutions to focus on factors that can attract and retain students to their residences. This study aims to investigate satisfaction of higher institutions students with on-campus accommodation with an emphasis on the ethnicity of the students. Design/methodology/approach Using convenience sampling method, questionnaires were administered to students of selected residences in the study area. Mean item score was used to rank identified factors, whereas mean gap and Kruskal–Wallis K-test were adopted to examine the difference in opinion of students from various ethnic groups. Findings Overall, major features that make students dissatisfied with university-owned accommodations are enforcement of rule that compels all students to move out with their belongings during each recess, the effectiveness of the lift system, the size of wardrobe and closet, laundry service in the residence, numbers of electrical sockets and window quality. Considering dwelling unit features, neighbourhood, environmental, building quality and services provided by residence management, this study reveals that there is a significant difference in the satisfaction of students of diverse ethnic groups with their accommodation. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to on-campus residences owned by higher education institutions in South Africa. However, the findings of the study can be adopted for off-campus residences, and such owned by private individuals, agencies and other bodies provided are approved by the institutions. Originality/value The findings of this study will help management of higher education institutions to improve quality of services in their residences for the satisfaction of their students. Developers, contractors and other stakeholders involved in construction of these residences will also find the findings useful in designing and construction of the facilities.

scholarly journals Antecedents of organizational identification: implications for employee performance

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Syeda Wajiha Kazmi ◽  
Syeda Tuba Javaid
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Organizational Identification ◽  
Employee Performance ◽  
Quality Of Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Supervisor Support ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of three determinants of organizational identification (OID) on employee performance (EP) in the context of private business institutions. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 175 permanent faculty members from four top universities in Karachi, Pakistan, was interviewed using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. The data were inserted in SPSS 22 and SmartPLS v 3.2 for performing the analysis. Findings Results of the study showed a significant effect in perceived supervisor support on OID; OID; job satisfaction and EP; and mediating relationship. Conversely, an insignificant effect was observed in workplace incivility. Research limitations/implications It is highly recommended that organizations work on the areas that lead to enhancing their employees’ performance. Also, human resource should create a healthy culture that promotes initiatives, open-door policies and discourages power distance. Lastly, one of the key responsibilities of management is to strengthen their OID because employees are more likely to identify with their supervisors if they invest in the organizations they work for. Practical implications This study will help strengthen the relationship between supervisors and university employees. It will guide the supervisors to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of their subordinates and develop recreational policies and employee engagement activities. In addition, it will help develop a conducive environment and enhance the quality of education in the university and the society. Originality/value Understanding the determinants of OID on EP in the educational context is very important as it enhances the quality of EP and the overall quality of education of the institution.

scholarly journals Sustainable development of education: a home bank of management decisions of the university in ensuring the minimum requirements of legislation

2020 ◽  
Vol 208 ◽  
pp. 09007
Author(s):  
Natalya Mikhaylova ◽  
Sergey Verkhoturov
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Organizational Behavior ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
University Management ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Minimum Requirements ◽  
Balanced Model ◽  
Automated Tools ◽  
The University

The article discusses the issues of building a university management model focused on meeting the minimum accreditation requirements and legislative requirements in the field of higher education, ensuring the sustainable development of education. In the context of global informatization of the society, the information technologies are being introduced into the various fields of activity. The university management system did not stand aside. The authors propose the use of gamification technology through the automated tools that provide processing and analysis of big data, diagnostics of the quality of downloaded information. Gamification allows the target users to complete the assigned tasks subject to the certain rules and restrictions, which makes the process of performing them similar to a game. It simultaneously contributes to the development of the personnel, the creation of a process of rivalry, motivation and social interaction. Gamification allows the head of an educational organization to build a balanced model of organizational behavior, taking into account the model of behavior of the performers, to ensure the division of administrative and academic spheres of management. These aspects are important elements in the system of the sustainable development of education.

Formation of a system of risk-based internal control in educational organizations

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 2324-2344
Author(s):  
Tat'yana A. POZHIDAEVA
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
University Management ◽  
Educational Organizations ◽  
Educational Organization ◽  
Effective System ◽  
The University ◽  
Traditional Approaches

Subject. The article investigates the construction of a system of risk-oriented internal control of educational organizations’ activities. Objectives. The purpose is to develop a classification of risks associated with various activities of an educational organization, identify entities of internal control responsible for risk management, create a portfolio and risk register that serve as a basis for organizing an effective system of risk-oriented internal control and improving the quality of university management. Methods. The study draws on methods of detailing, observation, generalization, comparison, classification, etc. Results. Using the university case, I disclose approaches to risk classification, considering the specifics of educational organization's activities, the formation of a passport and risk register, enabling through internal control tools to identify opportunities for their mitigating and to make appropriate management decisions. Conclusions. It is possible and advisable to apply a risk-based approach to the organization of internal control in an educational organization along with traditional approaches that are aimed at identifying violations of the requirements of legitimate, targeted and rational spending of budgetary and extra-budgetary funds. It is necessary to classify and assess risks associated with various activities of an educational organization, to monitor the implementation of risk management initiatives.

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