In search of a world-class university in Iran

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 522-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Nazarzadeh Zare ◽  
Javad Pourkarimi ◽  
Gholamreza Zaker Salehi ◽  
Sahba Rezaeian
Keyword(s):  
Data Gathering ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Statistical Population ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Comprehensive Universities ◽  
Innovation Research ◽  
World Class ◽  
World Class Universities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine faculty members’ views about the assessment of world-class university components in Iran’s comprehensive universities. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a descriptive methodology by using a survey method. The statistical population consisted of 8,548 faculty members of comprehensive universities all over Iran. Considering the large size of the population, the comprehensive universities were categorized into five clusters (North, South, East, West and Center). The authors selected the faculty members from different clusters using Cochran’s formula. A total of 367 faculty members were selected from five clusters. For data gathering, a researcher-designed questionnaire was used. In data analysis, statistical procedures including the Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Kolmogrov-Smirnov test, one-sample t-test, and Friedman test were performed. Findings The findings of the research showed that except for academic freedom, other components of world-class university in Iran’s comprehensive universities were lower than the mean. Practical implications The case study showed how Iran’s comprehensive universities can become world-class universities. The methods of this case study can also be used in other fields. Originality/value This study adds to the knowledge of a world-class universities. Therefore to reach a desired level in comprehensive universities’ preparation for converting to a world-class university, it is essential that the policy makers and organizers of Iran’s higher education system pay greater attention to items such as research motivation, research innovation, research budget increase, authority reduction on various university departments, internet bandwidth increase and laboratory facilities increase.

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.

Challenges for academic organizations' legitimacy in Colombia's transition to a postconflict context

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1011-1028
Author(s):  
Jacobo Ramirez ◽  
Claudia Vélez‐Zapata
Keyword(s):  
Business School ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Legitimacy Theory ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Organizations ◽  
Business Profitability

PurposeWe explore and explain how academic organizations attempt to establish legitimacy in a transition to a postconflict context, and we examine the ethical challenges that emerge from insightful approaches to formal education in such contexts.Design/methodology/approachWe use legitimacy theory to present a case study of a business school in Medellin, Colombia (herein referred to by the pseudonym BS-MED) in the empirical setting of the end of the most prolonged armed conflict in the world.FindingsWe identify the mechanisms implemented by BS-MED to comply with the Colombian government's peace process and rhetoric of business profitability and the faculty members' initiatives in response to social and academic tensions.Originality/valueThis study identifies the sources of the tensions and discrepancies between the regulatory and pragmatic versus moral and cultural-cognitive criteria of legitimacy in transitions to a postconflict context. This examination advances our understanding of the challenges that organizations face regarding changes to legitimacy over time. The extreme setting of our case positions academics as key players who lead the search for legitimacy. This study challenges the understandings of legitimacy in the literature on organizations, which rarely consider broader sociopolitical transitions to a peace context.

Exploring the nexus between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 822-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Le Roux ◽  
Marius Pretorius
Keyword(s):  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Listed Company ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This paper aims to explore the nexus between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness. It seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the nexus by obtaining in-depth insight from the sensemaking of those in practice. Design/methodology/approach A single exploratory case study design strategy was applied to a leading stock exchange listed company in the property industry in South Africa. Rich qualitative data were gathered by applying multiple data gathering techniques to a diverse group of employees within the case company. Findings This empirical study contributes a metaphor of a cog and chain and nine themes that elucidate employee sensemaking at the nexus. Integrated reporting was found to drive sustainability embeddedness and foster changes within the organisation. The themes offer in-depth insight into how employees made sense of integrated reporting as a driver for sustainability embeddedness. Research limitations/implications The findings emerged from a single case study that operated in a mandatory disclosure context and are therefore not generalisable. The findings reflect the intended outcomes of integrated reporting and further research to explore the unintended outcomes and challenges associated with integrated reporting is suggested. Practical implications The study contributes to a growing practice based agenda by offering a better understanding of how integrated reporting and sustainability are conceptualised and adopted in practice. Social implications The findings offer organisations’ guidance on integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness adoption which can have vast implications for society and the environment. Originality/value The study responds to gaps in the literature and calls for studies to explore the intersection between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness by engaging those in practice.

Publications by faculty members indexed in Science Citation Index and Scopus: an Iranian case study

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 1247-1258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Golnessa Galyani-Moghaddam ◽  
Hassan Jafari ◽  
Asghar Sattarzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Science Citation Index ◽  
Citation Index ◽  
National Level ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Science Citation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scholarly Publications ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
The Usa

Purpose The paper aims to report an investigation that was conducted to identify the scholarly publications by faculty members of the Allameh Tabataba’i University that were indexed in two international databases, Science Citation Index (SCI) and Scopus, from the year the databases first included Iranian-authored papers (1987 and 1989, respectively) through the end of 2015. Design methodology/approach Scientometric methods and social network analysis techniques were used to conduct the study and to analyze the co-authorship network. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were carried out on the data. Quantitative analysis was accomplished using Microsoft Excel, while the qualitative analysis was carried out using HistCite, VOSviewer and Pajek software. Findings Faculty members had the most international cooperation with colleagues from the USA and Switzerland, and they jointly authored papers with faculty and staff from other universities within Iran. The three institutions with the highest rate of co-authorship included the Islamic Azad University, Tehran University and Amir Kabir University of Technology. Practical implications The overall overlap among the two databases was about 21 per cent. The number of papers indexed by Scopus (583 records) was more than that by SCI (410 records). The total number of papers at an international level was much lower than that at the national level (6,426 records) in both the databases. Originality/value This paper provides insight into the scholarly works by the faculty of Allameh Tabataba’i University indexed in two international databases, SCI and Scopus. It also examines the co-authorship network structure.

Learning for the workplace: a case study in graduate employees' generic competencies

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 231-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ai‐Hwa Quek
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Generic Competencies ◽  
Current State ◽  
Successful Work ◽  
The One ◽  
Tertiary Training

PurposeThis study seeks to address empirically the current state of generic competencies considered to be important for successful work performance among Malaysian graduate employees. This study also aims to explain the elements of generic competencies that are needed to complement the tertiary training of students in workplace learning.Design/methodology/approachUsing the survey method, questionnaires (validated by a pilot test and with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.81) were administered to a purposive sample of graduate employees (n=32).FindingsResponses were factor‐analysed and correlated through the Pearson product‐moment correlation procedure. Drawing from the significant correlations ( p<0.01) of the factors extracted, this study highlights interpersonal skills, knowledge‐acquiring skills and flexibility as being highly important in contributing toward success in work performance. Additionally, these graduate employees also expressed value‐improving skills, practical orientation abilities and cognitive skills as being important for successful work performance. These generic competencies are important for enabling Malaysian graduate employees to transfer learning from the classroom to the workplace for success in work performance.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the financial constraints, this study is limited to Malaysian graduate employees. Therefore, the generalisability of the results is limited to other situations that are similar to the one discussed in this study.Originality/valueIn the Malaysian context, tertiary training probably needs to consider the development of generic competencies in students so as to enable them to transfer tertiary learning to meet the changing demands of the workplace when they graduate. In this direction additional research is recommended in Malaysia so that graduates can be better trained to contribute successfully in the workplace.

Special library in teacher training and information literacy

2014 ◽  
Vol 115 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 175-178
Author(s):  
May Chua
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Cultural Dynamics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Literacy Support ◽  
Teacher Trainees ◽  
Teacher Trainee ◽  
World Class ◽  
Multiplier Effects

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the underemphasized importance of libraries in cultivating information literacy habits in teacher trainees that in turn generate the multiplier effects of inculcating positive habits of information literacy of children in schools. Design/methodology/approach – By using Singapore's National Institute of Education (NIE) Library as a case study, this paper provides an overview of its institutional and cultural dynamics that create a favorable environment to cultivate information literacy in trainee teachers. Findings – NIE Library's unique embeddedness in the public education system and education research system allows it to provide world-class information literacy support for teacher trainees. Originality/value – Provides a description of how special libraries are vital in supporting a nation-wide effort in information literacy through the support of teacher trainee and education researchers.

Factors affecting Web 2.0 adoption: a case study

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Isfandyari-Moghaddam ◽  
Mansoureh Hosseini-Shoar
Keyword(s):  
Web 2.0 ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Statistical Population ◽  
Web 2.0 Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Academic Courses ◽  
Training Courses

Purpose – The main purpose of this paper is to identify factors affecting the adoption of Web 2.0 tools by librarians of academic libraries located in Hamedan, Iran. Design/methodology/approach – Methodologically, this survey is applied using a descriptive approach. The statistical population of the survey was 47 librarians of academic and college libraries located in Hamedan (Iran). The tool used for data gathering is a questionnaire made based on the relevant literature as well as authors' standpoint. It consists of 39 questions under ten broad factors. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS (version 16). Findings – Totally, ten broad factors affecting the adoption of Web 2.0 tools by the librarians were identified. The most effective factors are job conditions, changeability, skills, competitiveness, and saving time. Practical implications – To positively and effectively affect the adoption of Web 2.0 tools by librarians especially Hamedan academic librarians, holding training courses and related workshops, the inclusion of lessons regarding Web 2.0 tools and their application in the academic courses planned and run by LIS departments, implementing open and distance learning (ODL), attracting LIS professionals to the field of Web 2.0, buying needed software and hardware equipment, and addressing the importance of adopting and using Web 2.0 tools for academic and library managers should not be neglected. Originality/value – This study may contribute to the field in terms of better understanding of factors affecting the adoption of Web 2.0 tools and thus better usage of these and other emerging technologies in academic libraries and information centers.

scholarly journals Mind the gap: identifying barriers to students engaging in creative practices in higher education

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-220
Author(s):  
Lluís Solé ◽  
Laia Sole-Coromina ◽  
Simon Ellis Poole
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Intercultural Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Creative Processes ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeCreativity is nowadays seen as a desirable goal in higher education. In artistic disciplines, creative processes are frequently employed to assess or evaluate different students' skills. The purpose of this study is to identify potential pitfalls for students involved in artistic practices in which being creative is essential.Design/methodology/approachThree focus groups involving Education Faculty members from different artistic disciplines allowed for the identification of several constraints when creativity was invoked. This initial study used a quantitative approach and took place in the “Universitat de Vic” (Catalonia, Spain).FindingsFindings suggest a correlation with existing literature and simultaneously point at some nuances that require consideration: emerging aspects embedded in creative processes that may help decrease some limiting effects that being creative can generate.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitations of this research derive from the very nature of the methodological approach. Focus group has been the single used source. Other means of collecting data, such as the analysis of programs, could be used in the future.Originality/valueThis case study, while culturally specific, offers a useful insight into the potential of further work in non-artistic disciplines but crucially across disciplines. It has tremendous value for the development of intercultural understanding in the higher education sector, specifically in terms of assessment.

A codified executive education custom client engagement process

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 1035-1048
Author(s):  
Mark E. Haskins ◽  
Jennifer S. Hicks ◽  
Luciano Centini
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Executive Education ◽  
Working Relationships ◽  
Actual Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Client Engagement ◽  
Client Relationships ◽  
Engagement Process ◽  
World Class

PurposeThis article describes the motivations for, and the process of, creating an executive education (EE) custom client engagement service template to foster closer, more effective working relationships between EE custom clients and service providers. The outcome of that endeavor is presented in the form of a robust, final, client engagement template along with a discussion of benefits gained from its use.Design/methodology/approachFrom a case study perspective, this paper chronicles the actual process one leading business school undertook in order to craft a robust EE custom client engagement process template. That task is linked to the key literature on EE, client service, reflective practice, and collaboration.FindingsThe EE custom client engagement process template presented was found to be robust and useful in working with custom EE clients.Practical implicationsThe EE custom client engagement process template presented is immediately and easily used by others interested in (1) a process for monitoring and improving existing custom EE client engagements, (2) guidance on building a world-class process for acquiring and serving custom EE clients, and/or (3) adapting it to other university-based service functions.Originality/valueThe specific, detailed, and comprehensive nature of the EE custom client engagement process template presented is a new addition to the literature pertaining to managing and serving custom EE client relationships.

An evaluation of preventive maintenance framework in an Italian manufacturing company

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaustav Kundu ◽  
Fabiana Cifone ◽  
Federica Costa ◽  
Alberto Portioli-Staudacher ◽  
Matteo Rossini
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Maintenance ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Manufacturing Company ◽  
World Class ◽  
Maintenance Model ◽  
First Time

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide the description of an original framework for maintenance management plan development. The research aims to use in an integrated way different World Class Manufacturing (WCM)-based tools, in order to obtain a model which can be used for preventive maintenance in different industrial contexts.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, a conceptual framework of preventive maintenance was described and then it was evaluated through a qualitative study in an Italian company. The company was chosen based on an initial interview with the operations team and the model area was selected. Then, the location was reorganized in order to obtain a green field which could sustain the implementation of the framework tools.FindingsThe case study was carried out in a small-medium manufacturing company which produces quick-release couplings and multiconnections, ranging from medium to ultra-high pressure. The defined framework has proved to be easy to implement in a company with a corrective maintenance plan, allowing the maintenance department to embrace the preventive maintenance culture. The maintenance model has been well received from the employees.Practical implicationsThe framework allows a standardization of maintenance plans. Firstly, the standardization design itself allows finding previous wastes and consequent improvement areas. Then, it brings the improvement of a single machine which impacts all other machines in its family.Originality/valueThe added value of this study is the ability to integrate different WCM-based tools. Since the framework depicts a step-by-step process; it is also a starting point for companies that want to approach preventive maintenance for the first time.

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