Supporting faculty mentoring through the use of creative technologies

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra L. Franko ◽  
Jan Rinehart ◽  
Kathleen Kenney ◽  
Mary Loeffelholz ◽  
Barbara Guthrie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Department Chairs ◽  
Junior Faculty ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Junior Faculty Member ◽  
Senior Faculty ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa

Purpose – Mentoring of junior faculty members (i.e. professors) in higher education has been documented to be critical to their academic success which most often takes the form of receiving tenure and/or promotion to higher academic ranks at universities in the USA. A “junior faculty member” would be defined as someone who has not yet been tenured or promoted and is usually within the first five years of their academic appointment. However, mentoring relationships can sometimes be difficult to build and momentum for continuous mentoring throughout the pre-tenure period can be a challenge to maintain. One of the concerns identified by mentees is the importance of regular meetings with mentors and the concomitant difficulty of knowing what to address in these meetings so as to make them productive and helpful. Mentors, most often senior faculty members, note that they do not always know the most relevant issues to discuss with junior faculty during mentoring meetings. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In an effort to address these issues, the authors describe here the development of using creative technology to support a new mentoring system that provides structured prompts and reminders to both mentors and mentees and uses tools to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the mentoring relationship. Findings – This paper highlights a pilot program, describing the rationale for and stages in the development of an e-mail-based and mobile-based program to improve the quality of mentoring for junior faculty at one higher education institution. Focus group data provided by stakeholders (e.g. faculty, department chairs, and associate deans) are provided. Originality/value – Professional development and academic success for junior faculty members may be strengthened by greater attention to formal mentoring strategies such as the one described here.

scholarly journals Induction of junior faculty members of higher education institutions in Eritrea

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-114
Author(s):  
Zecarias Zemichael
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Staff Development ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Junior Faculty ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Academic Rank ◽  
Socialization Process ◽  
Job Description ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how the graduate assistants (GAs) are inducted into the system and ethos of the institutions of higher education (IHE) in Eritrea. The paper serves in the purpose of creating more conducive and supportive work environment in IHE facilitating the socialization of junior faculty members to the culture, standards and system of the institutions. Design/methodology/approach The research adhered a combined approach of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Data were gathered through a Likert scale questionnaire and in-depth interviews. The study was conducted in seven IHE involving 165 participants. Findings The GAs’ knowledge of job description, access to institutional information, sharing of resources, the quality of guidance and support provided, supervised teaching and feedback are discussed in detail. Results revealed that the GAs shoulder vital responsibilities but they receive poor induction at individual and institutional levels. GAs complain for lack of job description clarity and lack of transparent institutional communication at work. Holding first degree, GAs teach senior courses without any prior induction, pedagogic trainings and unsupervised. The GAs are recruited on the basis of the colleges’ long-term staff development plan, but little is done. Practical implications Despite their academic rank, the GAs represent 64 percent of the national academic staff (ADF, 2010). Creating conducive work atmosphere for the junior faculty members in the institutions is a long-term investment on institutional capacity building and quality assurance of the institutions’ performance. Social implications Induction of the newly recruited junior faculty members to the social, professional and the institutional ethos is a socialization process that would minimize the professional isolation and inefficiency of new recruits.

scholarly journals Documenting and evaluating Data Science contributions in academic promotion in Departments of Statistics and Biostatistics

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lance A Waller
Keyword(s):  
Department Chair ◽  
Data Science ◽  
Junior Faculty ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Junior Faculty Member ◽  
Senior Faculty ◽  
Academic Promotion ◽  
Academic Communities ◽  
Lively Debate ◽  
Evaluation Of Data

The dynamic intersection of the field of Data Science with the established academic communities of Statistics and Biostatistics continues to generate lively debate, often with the two fields playing the role of an upstart (but brilliant), tech-savvy prodigy and an established (but brilliant), curmudgeonly expert, respectively. Like any emerging discipline, Data Science brings new perspectives and new tools to address new questions requiring new perspectives on traditionally established concepts. We explore a specific component of this discussion, namely the documentation and evaluation of Data Science-related research, teaching, and service contributions for faculty members seeking promotion and tenure within traditional departments of Statistics and Biostatistics. We focus on three perspectives: the department chair nominating a candidate for promotion, the junior faculty member going up for promotion, and the senior faculty members evaluating the promotion package. We contrast conservative, strategic, and iconoclastic approaches to promotion based on accomplishments in Data Science.

scholarly journals Documenting and evaluating Data Science contributions in academic promotion in Departments of Statistics and Biostatistics

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lance A Waller
Keyword(s):  
Department Chair ◽  
Data Science ◽  
Junior Faculty ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Junior Faculty Member ◽  
Senior Faculty ◽  
Academic Promotion ◽  
Academic Communities ◽  
Lively Debate ◽  
Evaluation Of Data

The dynamic intersection of the field of Data Science with the established academic communities of Statistics and Biostatistics continues to generate lively debate, often with the two fields playing the role of an upstart (but brilliant), tech-savvy prodigy and an established (but brilliant), curmudgeonly expert, respectively. Like any emerging discipline, Data Science brings new perspectives and new tools to address new questions requiring new perspectives on traditionally established concepts. We explore a specific component of this discussion, namely the documentation and evaluation of Data Science-related research, teaching, and service contributions for faculty members seeking promotion and tenure within traditional departments of Statistics and Biostatistics. We focus on three perspectives: the department chair nominating a candidate for promotion, the junior faculty member going up for promotion, and the senior faculty members evaluating the promotion package. We contrast conservative, strategic, and iconoclastic approaches to promotion based on accomplishments in Data Science.

Exploring student satisfaction and future employment intentions

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa James ◽  
Dongkoo Yun
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Education Student ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Effect

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that affect higher education student satisfaction and to understand students’ perceptions of their academic success and future employment expectations at a particular institution. Design/methodology/approach This study analyzes institutional performance related to students’ satisfaction and their preparedness for future employment endeavours. The questionnaire is designed specifically for students who are eligible to graduate, and the survey is implemented over the institutional website via the student portal and a total of 750°-seeking undergraduate students (target population) are invited to participate. Findings The descriptive results of this study suggest that while student satisfaction may be relatively similar for all academic programmes, there are differences in the perception of career expectations based on chosen academic programme. Most notably, the results also indicate students’ expectations for employment did not have a negative effect on their satisfaction with the higher education institution (HEI). In contrast, they were mostly satisfied with their academic and personal development. In essence, they felt prepared for the workplace and satisfied with the skills and knowledge developed at a university, regardless of job expectations. This paper suggests that institutions may wish to heighten their focus on academic factors in their efforts to retain students and improve their student academic experience. Originality/value This study is conducted at a small-sized (less than 5,000 students) higher institution in Canada that primarily provides undergraduate courses and focusses on students’ employment expectations and their rating of the academic experiences. This study can assist HEIs in developing policies related to student retention and success. HEIs may find this study useful in developing policies and programmes related to transitioning from undergraduate studies to the workplace.

Factors predicting job satisfaction among faculty members of a Saudi higher education institution

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 296-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Al Kuwaiti ◽  
Hasan Ali Bicak ◽  
Saeed Wahass
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Ordinal Scale ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Overall Job Satisfaction

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the level of job satisfaction among faculty members of the health sciences program at a Saudi higher education institution; and predict the influence of various factors on overall job satisfaction. However, this study is quite different since it intended to evaluate the level of job satisfaction of faculty members using a self-structured questionnaire and ascertained the various factors influencing the overall job satisfaction of Saudi academics. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory study design was adopted and Academic Job Satisfaction (AJS) survey was administered to 943 faculty members of the health sciences program through an online system. A total of 850 faculty members responded to 47 items and one global rating item (overall job satisfaction) using a five-point ordinal scale. Findings The level of job satisfaction of health sciences’ faculty members on all dimensions of AJS is observed to be high (>3.5) except salary, which is shown as medium (2.5–3.49). Regression analysis indicates the factors other than Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) administrative policies and interpersonal relationships are significant predictors of overall job satisfaction; and salary is the most significant predictor of overall job satisfaction among health sciences’ faculty members. Originality/value This study adds a value to the existing literature by exploring the factors influencing job satisfaction of health sciences’ faculty members working in Saudi Universities. This would aid policy makers to focus on these factors, thereby improve and maintain job satisfaction among healthcare academics.

scholarly journals Analysis of Tinto’s student integration theory in first-year undergraduate computing students of a UK higher education institution

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 97-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandros Chrysikos ◽  
Ejaz Ahmed ◽  
Rupert Ward
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Retention ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Integration Theory ◽  
First Year ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Student Integration ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Uk Higher Education

Purpose Retention is one of the key performance indicators in university quality assurance processes. The purpose of this paper is to identify the causes leading to low retention rates for first-year undergraduate computing students in a UK higher education institution (HEI). Design/methodology/approach The study applies Tinto’s student integration theory, and connects it with the behavioural patterns of students. Data were collected from 901 students using Pascarella and Terenzini’s questionnaire (integration scales). This data were combined with student enrolment information and analysed using the structural equation modelling technique. Findings The study results indicate that Tinto’s student integration theory is useful in analysing student retention, but this accounts for only a modest amount of variance in retention. Nevertheless, important relationships amongst student’s initial and later academic goals and commitments have been identified through this new approach to analysing retention. The largest direct effect on retention was accounted for by initial goals and institutional commitments, followed by later goals and institutional commitments. In addition, the results show that academic and social integration constructs can have an influence on the student retention processes. When all, or some, of these relationships are operating towards students’ benefits, appropriate services or programmes, such as student support systems, can have their maximum benefits. Originality/value The authors mapped behavioural-related retention factors using a learning community lens. The study explored students’ social and learning experiences within the context of a UK HEI by employing Tinto’s model. This is the first time the model has been tested in this context.

Building quality culture in higher education

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 331-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liselott Lycke ◽  
Ingrid Tano
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Culture ◽  
Planning And Control ◽  
Control Education ◽  
Functional Teams ◽  
And Control

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach to build a quality culture within a higher education institution. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on Action research and a Case study. Findings The authors show the result of the mapped processes of a higher education institution, Management planning and control, Education, Research and Support, and describe how the mapping was performed, working in cross-functional teams. Further on, they discuss the result of the pilot and the plan for implementation. Originality/value A process-oriented approach in higher education institutions, with its complexity, creates opportunities for successful quality assurance and control when having an integrated quality assurance system.

Higher authority organizational stressors among higher education deans: a multiple case study

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfred Huan Zhi Chan ◽  
Mohd Dahlan Malek ◽  
Ferlis Bahari
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Higher Education Management ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Stressors ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Education Deans

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify higher authority organizational stressors encountered by higher education deans. Design/methodology/approach This current research employed a qualitative approach utilizing a contextual paradigm with a multiple case study methodology. Findings Out of ten investigated deans in a public higher education institution in Malaysia, nine reported experiences of organizational stressor elements arising from higher authority. Three non-overlapping subthemes were systematically discovered. Practical implications Successful identification of these higher authority organizational stressors has implications for higher education management policies. Policies that reduce or eliminate these stressors may create a positive and progressive environment for deans and the higher education field. Originality/value This study will thus serve to promote a deeper understanding of higher authority organizational stressors encountered by higher education deans.

scholarly journals Employability outcomes for university joint honours graduates

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Pigden ◽  
Andrew Garford Moore
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Highly Skilled ◽  
Employment Rates ◽  
Cent Point ◽  
The Uk

PurposeIn the UK, the vast majority of university students specialise and study just one subject at bachelor degree level, commonly known in the UK as a single honours degree. However, nearly all British universities will permit students if they wish to study two or even three subjects, so-called joint or combined honours degrees, internationally known as a double major. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether the study of a joint rather than a single honours degree had an impact on employment outcomes six months after graduation.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analysed the complete data set provided from the Higher Education Statistics Agency Destination of Leavers from the Higher Education survey. The data were analysed to establish whether there was a difference in the highly skilled graduate employability of the joint honours students. The authors established whether there were any differences inherent in completing a joint honours degree in a post-1992 higher education institution, by nation within the UK or within a Russell Group higher education institution.FindingsThe authors found an approximately consistent 3 per cent point negative gap nationally in the highly skilled employment rates of joint compared with single honours graduates. This gap was at its lowest in the highly selective Russell Group universities (−1.52 per cent points) and highest in post-1992, vocationally oriented universities (−7.13 per cent points) and in Northern Ireland universities (−12.45 per cent points). Joint honours graduates of Scottish universities fared well, with a +3.09 per cent point advantage over the national average for joint honours. The authors found that universities that had a higher proportion of joint honours graduates generally had a lower employability gap between their joint and single honours graduates.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focussed on joint honours degrees in the UK where the two or three principal subjects fall into different JACS subject areas, i.e. the two or three subjects are necessarily diverse rather than academically cognate. Future work will consider the class of joint honours degrees where the principal subjects lie within the same JACS subject area, i.e. they may be closer academically, although still taught by different academic teams. This grouping will include, for example, pairs of foreign languages, some social sciences pairings such as politics and sociology, and pairings such as history and theology from the historical and philosophical subject area.Originality/valueThe potential disbenefits of studying for a joint honours degree are apparent in this study. Joint honours students may face organisational, academic and cultural challenges that require a positive, conscious and sustained effort to overcome, on both the part of the student and the higher education institution. In particular for graduates of the post-1992 universities, it appears that there is a negative relative impact on highly skilled employment. This impact is lessened if the university is Scottish (four-year degrees with in-built breadth of study) or where the proportion completing joint honours degrees is relatively high.

Information security policy compliance: a higher education case study

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaled A. Alshare ◽  
Peggy L. Lane ◽  
Michael R. Lane
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Information Security ◽  
Security Policy ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Security Measures ◽  
Timely Manner ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this case study is to examine the factors that impact higher education employees’ violations of information security policy by developing a research model based on grounded theories such as deterrence theory, neutralization theory and justice theory. Design/methodology/approach The research model was tested using 195 usable responses. After conducting model validation, the hypotheses were tested using multiple linear regression. Findings The results of the study revealed that procedural justice, distributive justice, severity and celerity of sanction, privacy, responsibility and organizational security culture were significant predictors of violations of information security measures. Only interactional justice was not significant. Research limitations/implications As with any exploratory case study, this research has limitations such as the self-reported information and the method of measuring the violation of information security measures. The method of measuring information security violations has been a challenge for researchers. Of course, the best method is to capture the actual behavior. Another limitation to this case study which might have affected the results is the significant number of faculty members in the respondent pool. The shared governance culture of faculty members on a US university campus might bias the results more than in a company environment. Caution should be applied when generalizing the results of this case study. Practical implications The findings validate past research and should encourage managers to ensure employees are involved with developing and implementing information security measures. Additionally, the information security measures should be applied consistently and in a timely manner. Past research has focused more on the certainty and severity of sanctions and not as much on the celerity or swiftness of applying sanctions. The results of this research indicate there is a need to be timely (swift) in applying sanctions. The importance of information security should be grounded in company culture. Employees should have a strong sense of treating company data as they would want their own data to be treated. Social implications Engaging employees in developing and implementing information security measures will reduce employees’ violations. Additionally, giving employees the assurance that all are given the same treatment when it comes to applying sanctions will reduce the violations. Originality/value Setting and enforcing in a timely manner a solid sanction system will help in preventing information security violations. Moreover, creating a culture that fosters information security will help in positively affecting the employees’ perceptions toward privacy and responsibility, which in turn, impacts information security violations. This case study applies some existing theories in the context of the US higher education environment. The results of this case study contributed to the extension of existing theories by including new factors, on one hand, and confirming previous findings, on the other hand.

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