Are rankings and accreditation related? Examining the dynamics of higher education in Poland

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 193-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Rybinski
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
University Rankings ◽  
Quantile Regressions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Assurance Agency ◽  
The University ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This paper aims to analyse the relationship between two measures of university quality, the outcome and other characteristics of a mandatory accreditation and the university position in the national ranking. Design/methodology/approach Natural language processing (NLP) models are used to calculate the sentiment indicators for 1,850 accreditation reports from the Polish Accreditation Agency. The sentiment indicators, accreditation frequency and outcomes for 203 HEIs are used in correlation analysis, automated linear regressions and quantile regressions with the university position in the Polish Perspektywy rankings as the outcome variable. Findings High/low frequency of accreditation visits, excellent/poor accreditation outcomes and low/high frequency of negative inclination words in the accreditation report are followed by high/low university rankings. Quantile regressions reveal that these relationships vary with the quality of the university. Practical implications Publishers of university rankings may consider adding the accreditation features to the set of indicators used in such rankings. The machine learning methodology presented allows cross-country inconsistencies to be identified in the approaches used by accreditation agencies in Europe. The authors of the accreditation reports should be aware they can be mined by machine learning models and this should be considered when the reports are drafted. Originality/value This is a novel application of NLP models for analysing the relationship between the accreditation and rankings of universities. In other research, the author has applied NLP models to test whether quality assurance agency (QAA) accreditation in the UK can predict how students rate their university on whatuni.com website.

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.

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 The income-generating projects of a government academic institution in The Philippines

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-16
Author(s):  
Asterio T. Miranda ◽  
Lilibeth E. Tenedero ◽  
Juneth Lourdes Fiel-Miranda ◽  
Edwin R. Celestino
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Direct Influence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Correlational Research ◽  
Weighted Means ◽  
Generating Capacity ◽  
The University ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Frequency Counts

Purpose This study aims to determine the extent of implementation of income-generating projects (IGPs) of the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP). Design/methodology/approach It uses a descriptive-correlational research design, involving 126 respondents, composed of 5 members of IGP Board of management, 11 managers and 110 clients. Frequency counts, percentages, ratios, weighted means and multiple regression analysis are used to treat and analyze the data gathered. The assessment of the extent of implementation of IGPs results in a high extent of implementation, indicating that the emergence and development of IGPs significantly improved the income-generating capacity of UEP. Findings The test of the relationship between the extent of implementation and the profile of the IGPs in terms of length of operations prove that they are not significantly related, indicating that the length of operations has no direct influence on the implementation of the IGPs, and the extent of how IGPs are implemented does not largely depend on the number of staff the IGPs have. However, the average number of clients served is significantly related to the extent of implementation of IGPs. Originality/value In determining whether a relationship existed between the extent of implementation of IGP and the profile of the staff, the results prove that except for the age of the staff, the educational attainment and the number of trainings and seminars attended are found to have a significant relationship.

The role of executive functions in academic performance and behaviour of university students

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 444-455
Author(s):  
Carlos Ramos-Galarza ◽  
Pamela Acosta-Rodas ◽  
Mónica Bolaños-Pasquel ◽  
Nancy Lepe-Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
University Students ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Measurement Instruments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Proportional Relationship ◽  
The University ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is fourfold: first, to analyse the relationship between executive functions and academic performance; second, to identify the level of prediction executive functions have on academic performance; third, to determine the correlation between executive functions and academic performance; and fourth, to compare executive functions based on the level of academic performance. Design/methodology/approach The sample composed of 175 university students aged between 18 and 36 years (M=21.49, SD=3.22). The EFECO scale, the average student grade and a scale based on the diagnostic criteria for ADHD were used as measurement instruments. Findings Difficulties in executive functions: Difficulties in working memory (r=−0.30, p=<0.01) and difficulties in conscious supervision of behaviour (r=−0.29, p⩽0.01) have an inversely proportional relationship to academic performance (the greater the deficit of executive functions, the lower the academic performance). The regression analysis showed that executive functions explain 31 per cent of the variance of academic performance (χ2(25)=43.81, p <0.001). The study found that there is a relationship between all the executive functions and students’ behaviour in a medium to large magnitude. Research limitations/implications A limitation of this study was the size of the sample as it is not representative of the country. Nevertheless, the correlation among the variables studied here has the necessary magnitude for the proposed correlations to be found. Nonetheless, it is necessary that we perform a study with a larger number of participants in order to achieve adequate extrapolation of the results. Practical implications Data found in this study suggest that low academic performance of university students is related to a lower functionality of their executive functions. Originality/value The originality of the research lies in relating specific concepts of neuropsychology to explain the academic performance of university students. The research findings allow us to project new studies to improve the executive functions for the benefit of the university student.

scholarly journals Projecting university brand image via satisfaction and behavioral response

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-68
Author(s):  
Sharifah Alwi ◽  
Norbani Che-Ha ◽  
Bang Nguyen ◽  
Ezlika M. Ghazali ◽  
Dilip M. Mutum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Behavioral Response ◽  
Brand Image ◽  
Brand Positioning ◽  
Corporate Brand ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University ◽  
Malaysian Students ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
University Brand

Purpose This study attempts to ascertain the essential dimensions and components of university brand image, including the cognitive attributes (service/educational quality) and affective attributes (corporate brand image) of the university. Design/methodology/approach The study develops, explores and presents a student-consumer behavioral response model based on students’ experiences at university, exploring the relationship between these attributes with satisfaction and behavioral response [word-of-mouth (WOM)]. Findings Findings reveal that both branding aspects – brand experience and corporate brand image – follow a rational thought process first before an affective component is then taken into account, resulting in brand promise and loyalty. The study identifies several important cognitive brand image attributes and experiences that guide brand positioning for the Malaysian market, linking these to satisfaction and WOM. Research limitations/implications It was conducted in a single case-university and future research could replicate this in other schools/institutions. Cross-validation to other private institutions lies outside the scope of this study. Furthermore, although the study has identified specific attributes of university brands, they tend to be seen or interpreted as overall for both brand experiences and corporate brand image attributes because of the reflective nature of the construct, and also they tend to be seen as higher order rather than at individual levels. Further research is needed to analyze these dimensions using a quantitative approach at individual levels and testing the conceptual model as presented in the conceptual model. The study is focused on one Asian market (Malaysian students in X University) chosen for its potential growth in the future. Practical implications The present study contributes to the identification of specific students’ needs and attributes including courses and modules, reputable schools, the environment (e.g. campus – near to lecturer, international), helpful lecturers and the university location. Addressing the right brand attributes enhance and clarify the positioning aspect of the university brand, while simultaneously addressing the needs and wants of consumers. For example, by understanding the culture – consumer buying behavior within this setting, marketers or school administrators can identify exactly, which behaviors could be changed and by which mechanism i.e. talking to sponsors, and introducing activities to increase visibility/image in Malaysia. Interacting with sponsors can influence them toward sending students to X instead of to other universities in the UK. Originality/value The study contributes to theoretical knowledge in at least two different ways: by identifying possible corporate brand image attributes and experience that guide brand positioning (for the Malaysian market), and by exploring the relationship between these attributes and satisfaction and behavioral response (WOM) as proposed in the study’s conceptual framework. The study has identified the specific attributes that influence Malaysian students’ early interest in selecting X University via, for example, a recommendation from existing students at X, their sponsors, employers, the courses or modules X offers and location – in London. The study further revealed that corporate brand image attributes of business schools (cognitively and effectively) enhance corporate brand differentiation and positioning (Rauschnabel et al., 2016).

Assessing the relationship between closing prices and trading volume in the US livestock futures markets

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 413-428
Author(s):  
Dimitrios Panagiotou ◽  
Alkistis Tseriki
Keyword(s):  
Trading Volume ◽  
Futures Markets ◽  
Quantile Regressions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Feeder Cattle ◽  
Daily Data ◽  
The Us ◽  
Volume Relationship ◽  
Agricultural Futures ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between closing prices and trading volume in the livestock futures markets of lean hogs, live cattle and feeder cattle. Design/methodology/approach The parametric quantile regressions methodology is used. Daily data between January 1, 2010 and July 31, 2019 were used. Findings Findings suggest that the relationship between the two variables is non-linear. Price-volume relationship is positive (negative) under positive (negative) returns. Furthermore, co-movement is weaker at the lower quantiles and stronger at the higher quantiles. Results are in line with the empirical findings of the price-volume relationship in six agricultural futures markets from the study by Fousekis and Tzaferi (2019). Originality/value This is the first study that uses the parametric quantile regressions method in the livestock futures market, to examine the returns-volume dependence.

Factors influencing the adoption of digital reference services among the university librarians in Pakistan

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 1225-1246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asad Khan ◽  
Mohamad Noorman Masrek ◽  
Khalid Mahmood ◽  
Saima Qutab
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Ict Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Utaut Model ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Digital Reference ◽  
Digital Reference Services ◽  
The University

Purpose This study aims to explore the factors affecting the adoption of digital reference services (DRS) among the university librarians in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach Based on the adapted unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, the proposed study tested 12 hypothetical relationships through structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques. The study approach was quantitative based on a questionnaire distributed online to a sample of Pakistani university librarians and completed by 289 respondents. The questionnaire used in this study was developed from other validated instruments used in past empirical studies. Descriptive and inferential data analyses were performed through SPSS and AMOS for SEM. Findings The results revealed usefulness, ease of use and information and communication technology (ICT) skills as the significant predictors of the adoption of DRS. However, moderating influence of the demographic factors (age, gender and type of library) on the relationship of predictors with outcome variable was found insignificant. The findings of this study imply that individuals’ readiness for the adoption of DRS is present in the university libraries of Pakistan. Originality/value In the context of Pakistan, this study was the first attempt that investigated factors of the adoption of DRS at individual level. In addition, two new factors – namely, ICT skills and library type – were incorporated into the UTAUT model and were then evaluated in the Pakistani context. However, these two factors were found insignificant in influencing librarians towards the adoption of DRS. The intended study is equally useful for librarians in other countries in terms of understanding the factors that impact the effective adoption of DRS.

Developing the researching professional

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-170
Author(s):  
Vanja Orlans
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Training ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Assurance Agency ◽  
Doctoral Level ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Training And Research ◽  
Doctoral Work ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University ◽  
Counselling Psychology

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an overview and analysis of a professional doctorate that was designed specifically for the training of psychologists in the fields of counselling psychology and psychotherapy, namely, the Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DCPsych). Design/methodology/approach – This programme has needed to combine the demands of different professional bodies for the development of a range of clinical competencies with the doctoral level demands of the university and of the UK Quality Assurance Agency in terms of adherence to a required set of doctoral level descriptors. Findings – The paper presents a critical review of a number of key areas that have needed to be addressed in both the design and delivery of this programme. It addresses in some detail the interface between clinical training and research activities, demonstrating how these can intertwine and mutually complement each other. Specific issues that are addressed in the paper include the articulation of relevant doctoral level descriptors, the teasing out of key areas that define doctoral level work and the complexities of putting some of these into practice within the DCPsych programme. Originality/value – In particular, the paper reflects on the issue of critical capability at doctoral level, the challenge of making a significant contribution to the practice field and the implications for candidates of journeying towards a position of authority as they develop their doctoral work. The paper concludes with the suggestion that what has been developed is an extremely interesting and innovative programme that is not for the faint hearted.

scholarly journals Towards crisis protection(ism)? COVID-19 and selective de-globalization

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Layla Branicki ◽  
Bridgette Sullivan-Taylor ◽  
Stephen Brammer
Keyword(s):  
International Relations ◽  
Multinational Enterprises ◽  
Home Country ◽  
Extreme Event ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Risks ◽  
The University ◽  
Industry Sectors ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Drawing on Wendt’s (1995, 1999) thin constructivist approach to international relations this paper aims to critically examine how the measures taken by the Australian Government to protect the country from coronavirus (COVID-19) have prompted politicians and opinion-makers to mobilize globalizing and de-globalizing discourses towards divergent conceptualizations of national resilience. Design/methodology/approach The paper examines 172 Australian political and media articles, which focus on both COVID-19 and globalization/de-globalization published between February and June 2020. The data were imported to NVivo to enable in-depth thematic analysis. Findings The paper develops the concept of crisis protectionism to explain how COVID-19 has been mobilized in discourses aimed at accelerating selective de-globalization in Australia. Selective de-globalization is inductively theorized as involving material structures (i.e. border closures), ideational structures (i.e. national identity) and intersubjectivities (i.e. pre-existing inter-country antagonisms). Research limitations/implications The paper relies upon publicly available data about Australian discourses that relate to a unique globally disrupting extreme event. Practical implications Crisis protectionism and selective de-globalization are important to multinational enterprises (MNE) that operate in essential industry sectors (e.g. medical supply firms), rely upon open borders (e.g. the university sector) and for MNEs entering/operating in a host country experiencing antagonistic relationships with their home country. Originality/value The paper extends Witt’s (2019) political theorization of de-globalization towards a socialized theory of de-globalization. By rejecting liberal and realist explanations of the relationship between COVID-19 and de-globalization, this study highlights the importance and endogeneity of non-market risks and non-economic logic to international business and MNE strategy.

scholarly journals Fenix: A Semantic Search Engine Based on an Ontology and a Model Trained with Machine Learning to Support Research

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Cujar-Rosero ◽  
David Santiago Pinchao Ortiz ◽  
Silvio Ricardo Timaran Pereira ◽  
Jimmy Mateo Guerrero Restrepo
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Search Engine ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Semantic Search ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Machine Learning Model ◽  
The University ◽  
Semantic Search Engine

This paper presents the final results of the research project that aimed to build a Semantic Search Engine that uses an Ontology and a model trained with Machine Learning to support the semantic search of research projects of the System of Research from the University of Nariño. For the construction of FENIX, as this Engine is called, it was used a methodology that includes the stages: appropriation of knowledge, installation and configuration of tools, libraries and technologies, collection, extraction and preparation of research projects, design and development of the Semantic Search Engine. The main results of the work were three: a) the complete construction of the Ontology with classes, object properties (predicates), data properties (attributes) and individuals (instances) in Protegé, SPARQL queries with Apache Jena Fuseki and the respective coding with Owlready2 using Jupyter Notebook with Python within the virtual environment of anaconda; b) the successful training of the model for which Machine Learning algorithms and specifically Natural Language Processing algorithms were used such as: SpaCy, NLTK, Word2vec and Doc2vec, this was also done in Jupyter Notebook with Python within the virtual environment of anaconda and with Elasticsearch; and c) the creation of FENIX managing and unifying the queries for the Ontology and for the Machine Learning model. The tests showed that FENIX was successful in all the searches that were carried out because its results were satisfactory.

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