Education for sustainable development in Pakistani higher education institutions: an exploratory study of students’ and teachers’ perceptions

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1249-1267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zulkaif Ahmed Saqib ◽  
Qingyu Zhang ◽  
Jin Ou ◽  
Khubaib Ahmad Saqib ◽  
Salman Majeed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Private Universities ◽  
Education For Sustainable Development ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Teachers Perceptions

Purpose This study aims to determine the current state of implementation and effectiveness of education for sustainable development (ESD) in Pakistani higher education institutions (HEIs) using students’ and teachers’ perceptions of sustainability. Design/methodology/approach A survey on teachers and students was conducted in public and private universities in Punjab, Pakistan. Data from 1,915 students and 120 teachers were collected through semi-structured questionnaires implemented during face-to-face interviews. Students were asked to rank social, environmental and economic indicators of sustainability consciousness (SC) on a five-point Likert scale. Structural equation model and regression model are used to analyze the data. The perceptions of students and teachers were assessed from their knowledge of sustainability. Findings The occurrence of ESD in Pakistani HEIs is low and teachers have inadequate knowledge of sustainability. The holistic approach to ESD has a more pronounced effect on students’ SC as compared to the pluralistic approach to ESD. Also, there is a correlation between the students’ grades/class and the effectiveness of ESD. There is a need to pay more attention to implement ESD for undergraduate students in Pakistani HEIs. Originality/value The study stands out for using cross-sectional data from public and private universities of Pakistan. Furthermore, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in Pakistan which attempts to investigate the effectiveness of ESD in terms of students’ SC.

A step towards sustainable development in higher education in India by implementing new media technologies

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-100
Author(s):  
Maheshchandra Babu Jampala ◽  
Tina Shivnani
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
New Media ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Private Universities ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Media Technologies ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
New Media Technologies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on changing the dynamics of higher education in the Indian education system toward a paperless approach by implementing new media technologies. Design/methodology/approach The review paper highlights the need for sustainable development in higher education by using new media technologies by providing them with some real-time examples used in universities. This paper also highlights a different step toward the paperless approach in various universities in India. This paper draws the analysis based on the recent review of the literature as well as experience at the professional level. Findings The author discusses how the implementation of different new media technologies is helping universities in shifting toward a paperless approach for sustainable development and concern toward the environmental threat. To support the evidence, the authors have given some real-time examples through data collection and observations of various uses of new media technologies among private universities. Originality/value This paper provides an overview of various new media technologies and blends the critical issues of how technologies are changing the educational dimension toward a paperless approach among public and private universities in India. The paper also proposes to create a sustainable model by addressing the challenges by which the universities can support themselves and others.

Stakeholders’ perceptions of sustainable development of higher education institutions: an intellectual capital approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 911-942 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugénia de Matos Pedro ◽  
João Leitão ◽  
Helena Alves
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Its Region ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Economic Dimension ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This study aims to identify stakeholders’ perceptions of the effects associated with different components of intellectual capital (IC) on the sustainable development (SD) practices of higher education institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach The empirical approach uses a structural equation model to provide new empirical findings in relation to 738 students and 587 lecturers/researchers at seven Portuguese state HEIs through quantitative research. Findings The results obtained are, firstly, important contributions to the literature on the IC and SD practices of HEIs, as a relationship between these two constructs is confirmed, especially through relational capital (RC) and structural capital (SC). Secondly, the stakeholders considered show different perceptions of the influence of the components of HEIs’ IC on these institutions’ SD practices, and thirdly, perception of the economic dimension is most influenced. Practical implications The empirical findings indicate the need to provide better information about HEIs’ policies and practices of SD and how the latter contribute to the SD of the institution and its region of influence. Originality/value No previous studies investigate students and teachers/researchers’ perceptions of the social, environmental, economic and organizational dimensions of SD in HEIs and at the same time how those perceptions can be influenced by the components of IC (e.g. human capital, SC, RC) in that institution.

Predicting sustainable consumption of package-free bath products among students in higher education institutions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvin Patrick M. Valentin
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Environmental Behavior ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Purchase Behavior ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intention To Purchase

Purpose This study aims to examine the applicability of an extended version of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in predicting pro-environmental behavior, specifically the purchase behavior (PB) of package-free bath products, among students in higher education institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach Using a non-experimental survey research design, this study empirically tested an extended TPB model through structural equation modeling. The dataset was obtained through a survey of undergraduate students in three HEIs in the Philippines. Findings Environmental knowledge (EK) predicted attitudes toward purchasing package-free bath products. Attitudes, subjective norms and pro-environmental self-identity (PSI) predicted intention to purchase package-free bath products. Furthermore, the intention to purchase package-free bath products and perceived behavioral control predicted PB of the said item. Research limitations/implications The results imply that the addition of EK and PSI to the TPB is applicable in predicting pro-environmental behavior, specifically the purchase of package-free bath products. Practical implications The results showed how HEIs can encourage their students to purchase package-free bath products. Social implications The results highlight how social and economic factors play a role in promoting or inhibiting pro-environmental behavior among HEI students. Originality/value The findings support the inclusion of EK and PSI to the TPB for an integrative model that aims to improve the prediction of the purchase of package-free bath products.

Self-counciousness competence as driver of innovation and environmental commitment in higher education students

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 1507-1523
Author(s):  
Marian Buil Fabregá ◽  
Núria Masferrer ◽  
Josep Patau ◽  
Albert-P. Miró Pérez
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Commitment ◽  
Entrepreneurial Skills ◽  
Management Students

Purpose The purpose of this research is to analyse the relationship between entrepreneurial skills and innovation commitment and entrepreneurial skills and environmental commitment as drivers of awareness on sustainable development of higher education students. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 1,318 business and management students out of the 3,535 students of Tecnocampus Pompeu Fabra University in Spain during the 2017-2018 academic year was selected to conduct a survey regarding their entrepreneurial skills and sustainability commitment, resulting in a total number of responses of 515. A structural equation model is proposed to contrast the hypothesis. Findings The statistical analysis showed the existence of a positive relation between the entrepreneurial skill of self-consciousness, innovation and environmental commitment to foster sustainability and sustainable development. It is one of the few studies related to the self-conciousness competence of the entrepreneurial skills which found, as a novelty, that the entrepreneurial skill of self-consciousness is the skill with the greater impact on innovation and environmental commitment. Research limitations/implications The limitations of the study are that it is based on a sample of students taking entrepreneurship courses at a specific Spanish University that is not representative of all entrepreneurs in all universities. Practical implications The research proposes including entrepreneurial skills programmes in higher education and research programmes as a way to assure commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability. Originality/value Promoting entrepreneurial skills among higher education students could act as drivers for sustainable development.

Factors influencing innovation performance in higher education institutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mercy Asaa Asiedu ◽  
Hod Anyigba ◽  
Kwame Simpe Ofori ◽  
George Oppong Appiagyei Ampong ◽  
John Agyekum Addae
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Management Capabilities ◽  
Management Capabilities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between transformational leadership, knowledge management capabilities, organizational learning and innovation performance in the context of higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach Using a survey research design, data was collected from 219 respondents comprising faculty and administrative staff from two public and five private universities in Ghana. The data were analysed by using the partial least squares approach to structural equation modelling with the use of Smart PLS software. Findings The results revealed that transformational leadership significantly predicts knowledge management capabilities and organizational learning and also has a positive effect on innovation performance. Originality/value Although some studies have covered the theoretical and empirical analyses of links between transformational leadership, innovation performance and some knowledge management capabilities, this study examines the direct links between transformational leadership and knowledge management capabilities, on one hand, and transformational leadership and organizational learning on the other, as well as their overall effect on innovation performance, which has been less discussed in literature, particularly in the tertiary educational sector and in the Ghanaian context.

A new insight into alumni satisfaction model for Islamic higher education institutions (IHEI)

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 1411-1437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdur Rafik ◽  
Anjar Priyono
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Matrix Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Satisfaction Model

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore and decompose a satisfaction model using alumni’s perspective for Islamic-based higher education institutions (IHEI) with the antecedent of perceived quality and value and the consequence of loyalty. Design/methodology/approach A study was used, using 44-item, a ten-point Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 360 alumni from various classes started from the 1970s till 2000s. Theoretical-based, national qualification framework of Indonesian higher education and management-based considerations were involved in developing a survey. Data were analyzed using partial least square-structural equation model and decomposed into strategic management map using importance-performance matrix analysis. Findings The most important determinants of alumni satisfaction and loyalty in IHEI is the IHEI’s ability to develop career capability through enriching knowledge. Moreover, the presence of good environment and Islamic value embodiment supporting learning programs on campus is the most significant trigger for the knowledge development. Research limitations/implications The results were generated from a specific department. Additional studies are needed to test if the results are not department (institution)-specific. Practical implications This study provides strategic directions for management to improve the critical aspects of the system by providing the inputs to the extent to which the service quality delivered may contribute to end-customers’ satisfaction. Originality/value It contributes to the literature on satisfaction and service quality issues by incorporating ideological aspect, by investigating the feasible model of customer satisfaction in the perspective of alumni for IHEI.

The promotion of sustainable development in higher education institutions: top-down bottom-up or neither?

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 1429-1450
Author(s):  
Gisele Mazon ◽  
João Marcelo Pereira Ribeiro ◽  
Carlos Rogerio Montenegro de Lima ◽  
Brenda Caroline Geraldo Castro ◽  
José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade Guerra
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Bottom Up ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Strategic Role ◽  
Exploratory Factorial Analysis

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the sustainability approach within higher education institutions. Universities, as institutions of knowledge, play an important and strategic role in maximizing social and economic benefits in a hands-on way. However, some studies on sustainable development and HEIs reveal a distancing between students and the application of sustainable initiatives in universities. This fact differs from the premises of the Talloires Declaration, which points to students as a community and as global leaders and ambassadors for sustainability. Design/methodology/approach This paper mapped the approaches, present in the literature, used to develop sustainable campuses and in particular the apparent dichotomy between the changes indicated as top-down or bottom-up in HEIs. To that end, scientific articles focused on sustainable actions in HEIs were analyzed to identify implementation approaches for sustainable development and student involvement in the process. Findings Results have shown that sustainability promotion models in universities generally occur in a top-down manner, where students are receptors and not sources of development for sustainable policies in universities. Thus, the authors highlight the importance of students becoming central players in sustainable initiatives. Originality/value The article becomes original when it identifies the dichotomy between top-down and bottom-up approaches. It does so through multidimensional scaling and exploratory factorial analysis in scientific articles on the topic Sustainability Funding in Higher Education. These findings show that, unlike what is discussed in the literature, sustainability promotion in universities generally occurs in a top-down manner, where students are receptors and not active agents in promoting sustainability. In response to this, the authors discussed the importance of the bottom-up approach, where they are key players.

Perceptions of young entrepreneurial aspirants towards sustainable entrepreneurship in Pakistan

Kybernetes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahadur Ali Soomro ◽  
Hassan K. Almahdi ◽  
Naimatullah Shah
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Business Systems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sustainable Entrepreneurship ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
Main Components ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the perceptions of young entrepreneurial aspirants towards sustainable entrepreneurship in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on descriptive and cross-sectional data collected using a survey questionnaire. The study’s respondents were students, all of whom were studying for their Master’s degree of Business Administration (MBA) at several Pakistani universities (both public and private sectors). A total of 412 usable cases were used to obtain the outcomes. Findings By using the structural equation modeling, the findings suggest a positive and significant impact of eco-friendly people, green marketing factors, changing consumer behaviour and favourable market conditions on sustainable entrepreneurship. Practical implications The study’s findings are beneficial in understanding the concept of sustainable entrepreneurship and the significant factors that may affect sustainable entrepreneurship along with the main components in social and business systems. Organizations can reinforce these factors to stimulate sustainable entrepreneurship in future studies. Thus, the study contributes to filling the research gap in the area of sustainable entrepreneurship. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate and reveal young entrepreneurial aspirants’ perceptions on sustainable entrepreneurship. The findings help in understanding the sustainable entrepreneurship concept, particularly in a developing country.

Higher education for sustainable development: a systematic review

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 633-651 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yen-Chun Jim Wu ◽  
Ju-Peng Shen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Education For Sustainable Development ◽  
Research Trends ◽  
Complete Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to provide a complete understanding of academic research into higher education for sustainable development (HESD). Design/methodology/approach This study utilizes a systematic review of four scientific literature databases to outline topics of research during the UN’s Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD). Findings This study compares research trends and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO’s) strategic perspectives, worldwide topics and the number of studies. The results show that the research trends did not match UNESCO’s perspectives well and that researchers’ focus on popular events led to the variation between the numbers of articles each year. In summary, the findings indicate that most researchers base their topics on environmental issues, and research trends indicate the need for the integration of HESD. Practical implications This study provides a systematic review of higher education for academic research into sustainability, and it has implications for researchers and educators by identifying the gaps between the research conducted and the UN’s policies during the DESD. Originality/value This study attempts to offer an integrated view of HESD and to understand the bias of research trends during the DESD.

Empirical investigation of moderating and mediating variables in between transformational leadership and related outcomes

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 1123-1149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeevan Jyoti ◽  
Sonia Bhau
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Education Sector ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Business World ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the multi-layer effect of transformational leadership (TL) on employee-related outcomes, i.e. relational identification (RI) and satisfaction with leader (SWL). Further, role of leader member exchange (LMX) and the association period in between TL and RI as well as SWL shall also be examined. So, the present paper attempts to evaluate the moderated-mediated effect of TL on RI and SWL. Design/methodology/approach – The model has been tested in the higher education sector. Information regarding TL, LMX, SWL and RI has been procured from teachers. The data have been duly validated with the help of confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability has been assessed through Cronbach’s α and composite reliability. Structural equation modelling has been used for testing the hypotheses. Moderation has been checked through multi-group analysis. Findings – The results indicate that association period moderates the TL and LMX relationship. LMX mediates the TL and RI and SWL relationship. Finally, moderated- mediated impact of TL on RI and SWL have been found. Managerial, practical, social, economic implications and scope for future research have also been discussed. Research limitations/implications – This study represents a cross-sectional investigations as responses were gathered from respondents at a particular point of time. Moreover, the study is confined to government degree colleges operating in Jammu district only. In future longitudinal study can be conducted. Comparative study between private and public colleges can be undertaken in future. Practical implications – Leaders should focus on creating positive environment, where personal work goals of the subordinates are linked with organisational goals, with the help of role-person integration. Leaders should make their decisions more transparent by exhibiting consistency in their logic and reasoning. Remaining impartial in decision making will help leaders to instil trust and respect in the minds of subordinates. Trust among the followers can be increased through commitments and achievement of goals. Leaders should create more enthusiasm and optimism amongst the employees. Social implications – Leaders in education institutes should create social and emotional learning environment in the colleges. This can be done by arranging informal meetings, some kinds of fares, painting competitions and festive celebrations at collaborative level. This strategic action will help to provide an opportunity to all employees’ to come forward in an informal friendly environment, which will help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression; and improve the quality of relationship and ultimately enhance satisfaction among followers’ with respect to their leaders. The followers work for the achievement of departmental as well as the organisational goals in collaboration with their leaders. Originality/value – The paper has evaluated the moderation of association period between TL and LMX relationship in higher education sector which has not been explored earlier in leadership studies. Many studies have evaluated the direct impact but moderated-mediated impact of TL on RI and SWL has not been evaluated earlier, which will contribute equally to academic as well as business world.

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