A composite index for measuring performance in higher education institutions

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (9) ◽  
pp. 983-1001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Asif ◽  
Cory Searcy
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Composite Index ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Composite Indices ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Integrated Performance ◽  
Hierarchy Process

Purpose – Governments and funders are increasingly linking the funding of higher education institutions (HEIs) to their performance. Performance indicators (PIs) provide a means to measure and track performance of HEIs. The purpose of this paper is to provide a structured framework for mapping out key PIs and developing a composite index for measuring performance in HEIs. Design/methodology/approach – The paper makes use of the analytic hierarchy process to develop the framework. The application of the framework is demonstrated through a case study. Findings – A structured approach to determining key PIs and developing a composite index in HEIs is elaborated. The framework developed in this paper is consensus-based, knowledge-intensive, and allows input to and ownership of the decision process and its output. Practical implications – While there are numerous PIs; organizational resources and capabilities to manage these PIs are usually limited. HEIs must manage and improve their performance within their unique contexts. This paper provides a methodology to do so. Originality/value – The process of mapping out key PIs and developing composite indices for integrated performance measurement are not adequately understood and need further research. The framework discussed in this paper has not been elaborated on in previous publications.

Determining improvement needs in higher education benchmarking

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Asif
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Quality Initiatives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Hierarchy Process

Purpose – A critical step in all benchmarking methodologies is “to determine what to benchmark.” Although benchmarking methodologies have been noted in the literature, the need has arisen for the development of structured approaches to determine priority improvement needs. The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for determining improvement needs in higher education benchmarking. Design/methodology/approach – The paper makes use of the analytic hierarchy process to develop a framework. The application of the framework is demonstrated through a case study. Findings – The framework discussed in this paper is consensus-based, allows different viewpoints to be integrated, and promotes input to and ownership of the decision making process and its outcomes. The feedback of the participants confirmed the usefulness of the approach. Practical implications – The previous research has established that determining improvement needs in benchmarking was mostly unsystematic and ad hoc based. And failures in precisely determining improvement needs can result in a lack of alignment between processes to be benchmarked and strategic priorities of higher education institutions (HEIs). The developed framework can help determine priority improvement needs aligned with the strategic priorities of the HEI. Originality/value – Since continual improvement is an essential element of all quality initiatives, the framework provides a starting point for benchmarking as well as other improvement initiatives such as total quality management.

Strategies to promote sustainability in higher education institutions

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 1018-1038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Issa Ibrahim Berchin ◽  
Vanessa dos Santos Grando ◽  
Gabriela Almeida Marcon ◽  
Louise Corseuil ◽  
José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade Guerra
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Public Institution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Federal Institute ◽  
Sustainability In Higher Education ◽  
Education Science ◽  
Education In Brazil

Purpose This paper aims to analyze strategies that promote sustainability in higher education institutions (HEIs), focusing on the case study of a federal institute of higher education in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach The research was based on a scientific literature review on sustainability in HEIs, to identify the recurrent actions for sustainability in these institutions; and a case study of a federal institute of higher education in Brazil, to illustrate how these actions are being implemented by HEIs. Findings Concerns about sustainability, prompted by the Brazilian federal legislature, led federal HEI to change its internal processes, infrastructure and organizational culture toward sustainability. Practical implications The findings presented in this study, more specifically the sustainability plan of the Federal Institute for Education, Science and Technology of Santa Catarina, aligned with the recommendations proposed, can be used and replicated in other HEIs. Originality/value Scientific literature about organizational changes led by sustainability concerns, in HEIs specifically, still needs more attention in the academia. By addressing the case of a Brazilian public institution of higher education, this paper contributes to the literature on sustainability in higher education by reporting the process of implementation of a sustainability plan.

The use of an analytic hierarchy process to evaluate the flexibility and adaptability in architecture

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine De Paris ◽  
Carlos Nuno Lacerda Lopes ◽  
Alvaro Neuenfeldt Junior
Keyword(s):  
Multicriteria Analysis ◽  
Practical Case ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scientific Analysis ◽  
Criteria Importance ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
Complex Subject

PurposeInvestigation of housing adaptability is related to understanding factors that influence project transformation. Factors may be associated with the design and project stage as also alternative uses to existing buildings. To structure methodology for criteria analysis of adaptability, the research aims to verify the importance level of factors related to adaptability and flexibility context in architecture.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a multicriteria analysis and a diagnosis performed with architecture professionals, criteria importance identified in a bibliographic survey is contacted.FindingsWith harmonious results, key elements highlighted in the diagnosis are discussed. Adaptability and flexibility are mainly related to balance in the design of spaces and their connections, so the user can have control administrating the organization of their habitat.Originality/valueAs a complex subject, involving legal, social and cultural issues, the multicriteria method supports the scientific analysis of data. The results can be used in a practical case study as assessment of housing adaptability and flexibility, as a useful tool to decision support in architectural project.

Coaching and mentoring in higher education institutions: a case study in Oman

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-322
Author(s):  
Ahmed Nawaz Hakro ◽  
Priya Mathew
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Organizational Development ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Open Communication ◽  
Thick Description ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach

PurposeUniversities and higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly recognizing the value of coaching for professional and organizational development. This study is designed to investigate whether Cognitive Coaching, implemented as a programme in an HEI in Oman, made any difference to the behaviour and attitudes of employees holding leadership positions in academic, administrative and professional services departments. It also explored the factors that hindered or supported the coaching programme and offers recommendations to strengthen coaching initiatives in similar contexts.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect feedback from the 15 participants of the programme. A case study approach was adopted in this study for an in-depth examination of the effectiveness of coaching interventions.FindingsThe findings suggest that coaching can be an effective approach, facilitating personal and professional development and also contributing to the achievement of organizational goals.Research limitations/implicationsAs a case study of a coaching programme in a single institution, the findings of the study are not generalizable to other contexts, though a “thick description” of the context in which the study took place will enable institutions in similar contexts to draw lessons from the experience.Practical implicationsThis study discusses the benefits of a coaching programme for an HEI in the Middle East. Suggestions to strengthen coaching include board level endorsement and sensitivity to cultural nuances in coaching relationships.Social implicationsOne of the effects of a coaching programme is the collegial atmosphere that it can foster. This can have wider impacts on the community as there is more open communication and trust engendered amongst employers and employees belonging to different cultural backgrounds.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to report the findings of a systematically organized coaching programme in an HEI in the Middle East.

Countering extremism through service learning: narratives learned from journalism students

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 686-697
Author(s):  
Maria Robert Bou Zeid
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Higher Educational ◽  
Journalism Students

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the case of the Aspiration, Communication and Transformation campaign conducted by journalism students to counter extremism as a form of experiential learning in Lebanese higher educational context. It documents the views and experiences of students in a service learning (SL) project for redressing a timely social issue. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a descriptive case study methodology involving a portraiture naturalistic approach for data gathering. It conducted semi-structured interviews with three participating students to learn from their experiences in countering extremism. This was complemented by two interviews with the instructor in charge of the project and an external stakeholder. Findings Results emphasized the combination of applying the broadcast technical skills of the course to countering extremism in a volatile political context. Research limitations/implications The findings are only a mild reflection of countering extremism through SL since it focused on a single case study involving a limited number of participants. However, the study offered common sense conclusions having broader applicability. Practical implications This topic is of particular importance to higher educational institutions and communities working on countering extremism through education, particularly in contexts rife with violence and ideological indoctrination. Social implications This paper has social implications on promoting awareness about extremism as a challenging social debacle. It presents workable recommendations for fostering a stronger relationship between higher education institutions and communities to defy extremism. It shows the importance of connecting curricula to community needs. Originality/value This paper fills a gap in the literature pertaining to the role of higher education institutions in countering extremism through SL in Lebanon and the MENA region.

Enhancing voice of customer prioritisation in QFD by integrating the competitor matrix

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 217-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zafar Iqbal ◽  
Nigel Peter Grigg
Keyword(s):  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Importance Ratings ◽  
Voice Of Customer ◽  
Hierarchy Process

PurposeQuality function deployment (QFD) is a quality improvement methodology using a system of interrelated matrices, where the influence of any one matrix may meaningfully change the concluding outcomes. In these interconnected matrices, the voice of customer (VOC) matrix and competitor matrix have a strong relationship. The current practice of finding improvement ratios (IRs) does not incorporate competitors' rating in a way that fully utilises competitors' rating information. The aim of this article to enhance VOC importance ratings by utilising the application of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) combined with the geometric mean (GM).Design/methodology/approachThe current practice of computing IRs may divert QFD practitioners' attention from a potentially important VOC to less important VOC. In the first step using the existing competitors' ratings, a matrix of multiple comparisons is generated for all competitors. In the second step GM for each VOC is integrated with present VOC importance ratings to set new ratings.FindingsA QFD case study from the published literature is used to illustrate the application of new method. It is described how the existing results of the case study may divert to flawed decisions. It is further corroborated that in this way re-ranking of existing VOCs better achieve the goal of customer satisfaction in relation to VOC ratings and competitors' rankings.Originality/valueBy employing this method, competitor rating can be transformed to two dimensional results, which provide a better picture to practitioners in observing their company's position and in improving VOC rating as well.

Multi-criteria supplier selection model using the analytic hierarchy process approach

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 326-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinod Yadav ◽  
Milind Kumar Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Analytic Hierarchy Process ◽  
Automobile Industry ◽  
Supplier Selection ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Selection Model ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Hierarchy Process

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a supplier selection model for an automobile company using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach. Supplier selection is now growing to be an important but complex issue, as it involves a large number of factors and decisions. These factors have complicated operational and financial implications. Design/methodology/approach – A case study of an Indian automobile company is used to illustrate and propose a supplier selection model using AHP approach. Findings – Key criteria of the supplier selection problem are identified based on the literature review and case study. Then, a model is proposed for supplier selection using AHP approach followed by a detailed sensitivity analysis. Practical implications – This paper contributes to supplier selection process, and points out the importance of supplier selection. It proposes a supplier selection model for an automobile industry which often faces heterogeneous supply environments. The proposed model provides key criteria for supplier selection in Indian context. This model may have high acceptability, where a large number of suppliers are available to supply the materials or provide the services. Originality/value – The proposed model can provide guidelines and directions for managers involved in purchasing function to effectively select suppliers on the basis of the identified criteria in the heterogeneous manufacturing environment.

Campus sustainability in Chinese higher education institutions

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Lo
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Energy Conservation ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Chinese Higher Education ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Campus Sustainability ◽  
The Government

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the focuses, motivations and challenges of achieving campus sustainability in Chinese higher education institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach – A multisite case study was conducted in Changchun City, Jilin, where eight HEIs of various types were examined. Structured interviews with school managers, students and government officials were accompanied with analysis of relevant documents. Findings – The focuses of sustainability among the studied HEIs were on water and energy conservation and on non-technical initiatives. The focuses can be explained by motivations and challenges. The HEIs are motivated by government and financial pressures and face challenges in limited accessibility to funding. The reliance of non-technical initiatives has negatively impacted student welfare and has become unpopular among students. Practical implications – The government is advised to increase funding to HEIs in relation to sustainability and to make the funding more equitable. The HEIs are advised to modify sustainability practices that severely affect the daily lives of students, to share the benefits of water and energy conservation with their students and to involve students in sustainability governance. Originality/value – This paper adds to the existing literature in two ways. First, it expands the geographical reach of the literature to developing countries, in general, and to China, in particular. Second, it adopts the multisite case study research approach to study the whole spectrum of Chinese HEIs and highlights the differences among these HEIs when it comes to sustainability.

Understanding the relationship between university characteristics and prestige

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Başak Topaler ◽  
Nur Ayvaz-Çavdaroğlu
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Turkish Higher Education ◽  
Prestigious Institution ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Being a prestigious institution depends on gaining respect in the eyes of various stakeholders with diverse expectations. Existing research is silent on how university characteristics affect judgments of prestige and, therefore, presents an incomplete picture of prestige dynamics in higher education. This paper aims to fill this gap in the literature by empirically examining the stakeholders’ evaluation of university characteristics in terms of prestige value. Design/methodology/approach The entire population of universities (public and private) in Turkish higher education constitutes the sample of the study. The analytic hierarchy process technique is applied to ascertain how stakeholders prioritize university characteristics in terms of prestige value, and regression analysis is used to determine the effects of these characteristics on university selectivity. Findings The findings suggest a novel conceptual model of university prestige, which establishes its multilayered and fragmented nature. Accordingly, universities may be subject to multiple prestige hierarchies based on universal or context-specific criteria, in the eyes of various stakeholders, and based on different markers of success. Research limitations/implications The empirical analyses are limited to the stakeholder groups that are key to university outcomes in Turkish higher education, and to selectivity in admissions as the only visible marker of success in this context. Originality/value The study enhances existing literature that posits that universities are subject to a single prestige hierarchy based on common metrics of performance. It illustrates the uneven landscape in which university prestige evolves by developing a wider and deeper focus on university characteristics.

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