Modernisation of Higher Education – Willful Action or Wishful Thinking? The Case of Bulgaria

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 3-17
Author(s):  
Elena Blagoeva
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
National Level ◽  
Sustainable Growth ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Eu

The impact of the last global economic crisis (2008) on the European economy put a strain on higher education (HE), yet it also pushed the sector towards intensive reforms and improvements. This paper focuses on the “Strategy for the Development of Higher Education in the Republic of Bulgaria 2014-2020”. With a case study methodology, we explore the strategic endeavours of the Bulgarian government to comply with the European directions and to secure sustainable growth for the HE sector. Our research question is ‘How capable is the Bulgarian HE Strategy to overcome the economic and systemic restraints of Bulgarian higher education?’. Because the development of strategies for HE within the EU is highly contextual, a single qualitative case study was chosen as the research approach. HE institutions are not ivory towers, but subjects to a variety of external and internal forces. Within the EU, this is obviated by the fact that Universities obtain their funds from institutions such as governments, students and their families, donors, as well as EU-level programmes. Therefore, to explore how these pressures interact to affect strategic action on national level, the case method is well suited as it enabled us to study the phenomena thoroughly and deeply. The paper suggests the actions proposed within the Strategy have the potential to overcome the delay, the regional isolation and the negative impact of the economic crisis on the country. Nevertheless, the key elements on which the success or failure of this Strategy hinges are the control mechanisms and the approach to implementation. Shortcomings in these two aspects of strategic actions in HE seem to mark the difference between gaining long-term benefits and merely saving face in front of international institutions.

scholarly journals Validating the technology-assisted supplemental work scale (TASW)

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 475-481
Author(s):  
Kajal Kotecha ◽  
Wilfred Isioma Ukpere ◽  
Madelyn Geldenhuys
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Information Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
The Impact

The traditional advantage of using Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to enhance work flexibility also has a drawback of enabling academics to continue working even after regular working hours. This phenomenon has been referred to as technology-assisted supplemental work (TASW). Although TASW enhances academics’ work productively, they also have a negative impact on their family-life. The impact TASW has on academics and on higher education institutions can be understood by measuring the phenomenon properly by using a reliable and valid scale. The aim of this study is too validate a newly developed TASW scale by Fenner and Renn (2010). This study adopted a quantitative research approach and used an online survey to gather data. The sample included academic from a higher education in South Africa (n = 216). The results indicate that the TASW is a valid and reliable measure of technology among the sample of South African academics.

Lean Six Sigma in higher education institutes: an Irish case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 948-974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seamus J. O’Reilly ◽  
Joe Healy ◽  
Tom Murphy ◽  
Rónán Ó’Dubhghaill
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to a developing literature on continuous improvement (CI), enabled by Lean Six Sigma (LSS), in higher education institutions (HEIs). It reports on the key learning points arising from the initial steps taken by an Irish university on its CI journey. Design/methodology/approach A case study strategy was adopted following a participatory research approach. This approach supports reflexivity and also provides access to all relevant documentation and staff within the case university. Thematic analysis was supported by data reduction and display techniques. Findings The introduction of a LSS approach rather than a reliance on lean alone introduced a structured methodology (DMAIC) that supported simplification of a number of administrative processes. A number of specific improvements were achieved including: Cycle time and cost reduction; customer or employee satisfaction; and rework and error reduction. The findings support the importance of the Readiness Factors as identified by Antony (2014), with particular insight into the role of senior and middle management, the impact of training and deployment of expertise. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on an ongoing, longitudinal, empirical study of a single case study in Ireland. Originality/value This paper tracks the development of CI in a HEI in a longitudinal manner and adds to the emerging the literature in this area. The paper evaluates the role of management at various levels, analyses the use of LSS tools and techniques and evaluated the role of training and capacity building. Implications for Management are shared including: design and role of training programmes, role of champions at various organisational levels, including key functional areas and sustaining momentum.

scholarly journals The impact of the flipped classroom in higher education: a case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-23
Author(s):  
María José Sosa Díaz ◽  
Dolores Narciso
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Data Collection Instrument ◽  
Analysis Strategy ◽  
Degree Of Satisfaction ◽  
The Impact

Some of the new teaching models that have emerged, including the Flipped Classroom, can be key to reversing traditional educational practices. However, it is necessary to analyse in detail how these educational experiences are being implemented in the classroom, and how this is affecting students' learning. The present research uses a case study methodology. The objective is to analyse a higher education course taught using flipped classroom methodology and to assess the impact of the implementation of said pedagogical model on the students’ formative process. The study used a data collection instrument based on a structured interview and a data analysis strategy based on the Grounded Theory. In general, the results show that students tend to express positive opinions and a good degree of satisfaction with their experiences with this pedagogical method. Most students confirm that the method successfully stimulates cooperative learning and favours the practical acquisition of knowledge, stimulating in turn the development of a series of key competences in the educational process, along with capabilities such as organisation, autonomy and responsibility, among others.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of optometry students at a higher education institution: A case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusuf Simjee ◽  
Zothile Mncwabe ◽  
Keihara Sindhrajh ◽  
Rabia Khan ◽  
Maseeha Seedat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Higher Education ◽  
Black People ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Optometry Students

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak poses serious threats to the physical and mental health of individuals worldwide. The lockdown strategy and social distancing regulations adopted in South Africa have disrupted the day-to-day life activities of all people including students.Aim: To explore the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of optometry students at a higher education institution.Setting: The study population included optometry students currently registered at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, in Durban, South Africa.Methods: The study adopted a case study research design and used an online questionnaire and follow-up interviews to collect data. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaire that assesses depression, anxiety and stress subscales was used. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The interview data were analysed using thematic content analysis.Results: A total of 147 participants responded to the online questionnaire and consisted of majority black people (n = 98), female (n = 114) and second year (n = 58) students. The majority of the participants had normal scores for depression (n = 97), anxiety (n = 79) and stress (n = 107). Only a few participants had scores indicating severe or extremely severe depression (n = 13), anxiety (n = 23) and stress (n = 5). Follow-up interviews were conducted with 10 participants and of these, seven reported that COVID-19 had a negative impact on their ability to concentrate and they felt anxious about examining patients. Factors such as stigma and judgment were perceived as hindrances to seeking mental health help.Conclusion: Most participants had normal scores for depression, anxiety and stress; however, some participants presented with abnormal scores. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health should be highlighted and higher education authorities should plan and provide appropriate services to improve the quality of life of affected students.

scholarly journals Pendidik dan upaya manajemen formulasi lembaga pendidikan Islam yang kreatif menghadapi masa pandemi covid 9

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
Siti Makhmudah
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Boarding Schools ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
The World ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact

AbstracThis research shows several activities carried out in the home, working from home and studying from home. Learning from home is called online (learning with online sites). The design and application of long-distance learning literacy with the topic of Corona Virus 2019 Covid-19 aims to avoid this pandemic which is currently spreading completely and is very deadly. With this pandemic, it has not made the world of education lack sense in developing learning in the world of education at the RA, SD, SMP, SMA and Higher Education levels as well as Ponpes. Especially for students / learners who are still using via online as an intermediary for connecting their knowledge, while still minimizing the obstacles that occur during the online period. Therefore this discussion will be interesting. (1) the obstacles faced by students / learners, (2) the efforts made by the teachers / teachers / lecturers / educators, (3) the solutions made by the students / students and the teachers / teachers / lecturers / educators. This research uses a case study method and the research approach uses a qualitative case study method which is used to obtain information on the online learning process at the level of students who are still active in the world of higher education and Islamic boarding schools. The aim of the research is to find out to what extent, since the existence of Covid-19, all economies in the first world have collapsed as well as the world of education, including universities and boarding schools. The online school system will be implemented starting in the month of 2020. Not only in Indonesia but throughout the world. The correct formulation in this title is based on the formulation and composition in the right form in the form of the impact that occurs on students / students and teachers / teachers / lecturers / educators during the Covid-19 pandemic.Key words: Lecture Formulation, Creative Lectures, Covid Pandemic -19

KAJIAN DAMPAK KEBIJAKAN PENUTUPAN LOKALISASI TELEJU OLEH PEMERINTAH KOTA PEKANBARU

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
M. Zainuddin
Keyword(s):  
Social Order ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Policy Content ◽  
The Government ◽  
Closure Policy ◽  
The Impact

This research to analyze the impact of closure policy Teleju brothel by Pekanbaru govermentin 2010. Guidelines for works are Pekanbaru Local Regulations No. 12 of 2008 on Social Order-liness. Closure this brothel inflicts positive and negative impact for society.The research wasconducted to obtain early stage formula for the government to take action against the prostitu-tion activities. This research uses policy research approach with a qualitative method, becausein prostitution activities and prohibition by goverment is an assessment that needs to be done byanalyzing documents and unstructured interview.The results showed that after the closing of the Teleju brothel have an impact on the deploy-ment of a prostitution and affect the economy of the surrounding residents. Government seeksto tackle prostitution in Pekanbaru by moving the brothel, conduct regular raids and providetraining. The effort is considered to be less than the maximum because the handling is not basedon the root of the problem and not programmed properly. There are several causes of failure ofgovernment to overcome the prostitution problem in Pekanbaru, including: policy content isless focus on the prostitution problem, the government did not proceeds with data, lack of finan-cial support, contra productive programs between local government with the police and TNI,and the policy object is difficult to be given understanding.

scholarly journals A review of challenges and benefits of integration of CHP plant into the grid: a case study in Serbia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rade M. Ciric ◽  
Sasa N. Mandic
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Increase Energy Efficiency ◽  
High Voltage Supply ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Technical Solutions ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe Republic of Serbia must make significant efforts to promote and exploit renewable energy sources and increase energy efficiency in all energy sectors to ensure energy security and economic competitiveness, reduce the negative impact on the environment from energy production and use, and contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. Within the paper several issues of integration of recently realized CHP plant are introduced and discussed. Firstly, the legal and energy policy issues in the Republic of Serbia regarding connecting CHP to the grid are presented. The challenges and technical solutions for CHP connection to the grid, as well as power quality issues and the role of the CHP plant during the restoration of power supply during the maintenance of the substation and unplanned loss of high voltage supply, are presented and discussed. Finally, the impact of prospective massive integration of CHP on the energy balance and CO2 emission reduction in the province of Vojvodina in Serbia is investigated and discussed. Since it is the first CHP plant realized in Serbia, it is crucial that experience be shared to all potential stakeholders in the future energy efficiency projects.

Will We Lose If We Lose You? Players’ Absence, Teams’ Performance and the Overlapping of Competitions

2021 ◽  
pp. 152700252110084
Author(s):  
Levi Pérez
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Psychological Momentum ◽  
Risk Of Injury ◽  
European Football ◽  
The Impact

It is common for elite players to represent their respective countries in international competitions. However, there is a potential cost to the club team derived from that situation (risk of injury, fatigue, psychological momentum, etc.). This paper evaluates the impact of players’ absence on European football teams’ performance by focusing on the Africa Cup of Nations as the case study. The results indicate that the sending of players to the African tournament has a relatively small negative impact on teams’ performance. But this cannot be generalized to all the leagues and loses significance when corrected by players’ abilities.

scholarly journals Analyzing the Renewable Energy and CO2 Emission Levels Nexus at an EU Level: A Panel Data Regression Approach

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 130
Author(s):  
Mihail Busu ◽  
Alexandra Catalina Nedelcu
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Panel Data ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Co2 Emission ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
National Level ◽  
Renewable Energy Consumption ◽  
Urbanization Level ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2 ◽  
The Impact

In the past decades, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have become an important issue for many researchers and policy makers. The focus of scientists and experts in the area is mainly on lowering the CO2 emission levels. In this article, panel data is analyzed with an econometric model, to estimate the impact of renewable energy, biofuels, bioenergy efficiency, population, and urbanization level on CO2 emissions in European Union (EU) countries. Our results underline the fact that urbanization level has a negative impact on increasing CO2 emissions, while biofuels, bioenergy production, and renewable energy consumption have positive and direct impacts on reducing CO2 emissions. Moreover, population growth and urbanization level are negatively correlated with CO2 emission levels. The authors’ findings suggest that the public policies at the national level must encourage the consumption of renewable energy and biofuels in the EU, while population and urbanization level should come along with more restrictions on CO2 emissions.

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