Scientific Realism and the Study of Higher Education Curriculum and the Student Experience

Author(s):  
Calvin Smith

This chapter elaborates and exemplifies the use of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in the analysis of the effects of curricula designs on student learning and experience in higher education. A brief didactic account of the origins of structural equation modelling is used to expose and explore fundamental assumptions, metaphysical and ontological commitments, and alternative views in the field. This is followed by an exemplification of the method by use of a case study of its application in studying a higher education curriculum design (work-integrated learning). The chapter argues for the adoption of a realist account of latent variables on the basis that the constructs they represent are in principle manipulable, even though experimental manipulation is not typically a feature of research on curricula in higher education.

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-39
Author(s):  
Ayomide Olawale Akintimehin ◽  
Sunday Ayoola Oke

Abstract Automobile repair service hazards are risk factors for multiple severe accidents, and scientific proof reveals a relationship between repair activity hazards and accidents in the auto-mechanic workshop. In this research, the investigators approximated the impact of risk factors for automobile repair activities, using novel parameters, for severity of hazards and influences on subjects, and based on literature. Next, insights into the relationship between latent variables which are appraised by manifest variables using the structural equation modelling were pursued. The respondents answered questionnaires on probability of hazard occurrence, severity and some identified measured variables. The authors appraised 44 out of the 80 and 98 out of 99 distributed questionnaires for the first and second modules, respectively. The risk levels ranged between low and medium for the medium scale establishment due to the nature of work done in the automobile repair centre which exposes the workers to the level of risk. For the second module involving the use of structural equation modelling, the factor loading was the least for safety behaviours (0.06) and highest for machine efficiency (0.90). Of the fifteen hypotheses formulated six were accepted. It is concluded that the safety behaviour of workers depends safety on the workers in the firm irrespective of other factors such as management commitment to safety, environmental contributions and safety, communications. Understanding the impact of risk factors for automobile repair activities in workers is necessary in elevating awareness absent these parameters and to eliminate accidents.


2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 240-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asma Smeda ◽  
Mohd Fairuz Shiratuddin ◽  
Kok Wai Wong

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that may impact on the acceptance of the e-book amongst mathematics and statistics (MAS) students at higher education institutions in Libya. Design/methodology/approach A theoretical model has been developed based on the technology acceptance model (TAM). The factors divided into three groups: intrinsic variables represent the first group of factors that are related to the user or the potential users itself, such as Self-Efficacy and Resistance to Change. Second, extrinsic variables include all the factors that reflect the characteristics of the e-book and the infrastructure for universities, which are Mobility (M), Facilities (F) and Library Service Quality (LS). TAM constructs from Perceived Ease Of Use (PEOU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Attitude (AU) and Behaviour Intention (BI) represent the last group. Data relating to the constructs were collected through a self-administered survey in 2014. The developed model was measured and tested by structural equation modelling using AMOS (22.0). Findings The result confirmed that the structural model fits the data well. According to the results, TAM constructs have a significant impact on the acceptance of e-book among MAS students at universities in Libya. In addition, the intrinsic variables play the important role to predict students’ BI. Although the extrinsic variables were less important, Facilities was the strong factor in this group. Originality/value The adoption of e-book amongst higher education students in Libya is still quite low. Hence, identifying the factors that may contribute to e-book adoption is crucial. The contribution of this paper is to determine the factors that effect on the acceptance of e-book amongst MAS students at higher education institutions in Libya.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-183
Author(s):  
Farahiyah Akmal Mat Nawi ◽  
Abdul Malek A. Tambi ◽  
Muhammad Faizal Samat ◽  
Julaina Baistaman

Purpose of the study: This paper aimed to assess the analysis of the role of human capital investment (HCI) determinants and its remarkable contribution towards the education institution's performance by adapting the Malcolm Baldridge Criteria for Performance Excellence. Methodology: This research adopted a quantitative study and a survey tool comprises of sixty items with seven Likert scale was utilized as an instrument to assemble data from 309 lecturers in UiTM Kelantan. Next to test the research hypothesis data were then analyzed using the Structural Equation Modelling approach on the SmartPLS3 platform. Main Findings: The analysis demonstrated the influences of HCI determinants towards the UiTM performance. The coefficient of determination (R2) value of 66.9% suggested that the variance of institution performance could moderately be explained by the observed variables, namely knowledge, skill, and training. The result also indicates the highest positive significant value for skill towards performance with β=0.283, t-value= 1.981 and p<0.005. It is proven that a persistent skill development significantly contributes to the performance. Applications of this study: The research finding is useful to help the Ministry of Higher Education (MOE) in Malaysia to identify the relevant determinants in improving human capital quality. Novelty/Originality of this study: There were a lot of studies that were conducted involving higher education in Malaysia. But the only limited number of studies was conducted by scholars in assessing the main contribution of human capital investment factors towards the institution's success.


Author(s):  
Rick H. Hoyle

This chapter discusses applications of structural equation modelling (SEM, or causal modelling) in clinical and health psychology research. It outlines path diagrams, measurement models, structural models, the inclusion of latent variables, validity (factorial and construct), and measurement invariance. Structural hypotheses are also explored, along with caveats for the use of SEM.


2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 834-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tommaso Agasisti ◽  
Alice Bertoletti

Abstract This article deals with the relationships between the performance of higher education systems (HESs) and their potential determinants. The research employed data relating to twenty-nine European countries, within a time span of 15 years. The empirical work is based on a conceptual framework that has been tested through Structural Equation Modelling. The data was selected from a novel data set that we have built by gathering HES indicators from the major international databases. Among the more noteworthy results, we found no statistically significant correlation between graduation rates and research performance. Additionally, we found a moderate effect of public expenditure on HES performance. The article addresses the issue of the lack of a comprehensive set of systemic indicators for HES performance, providing a holistic picture of the relationship between HES determinants and performance, which, in turn, could help to provide an adequate evaluation of the policies in the field of higher education.


2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2and3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Swati Mishra ◽  
S. M. Khan ◽  
P. C. Mishra

In this article, a search for antecedents latent variables of organizational commitment from organizational health, occupational role stress, and social support for Indian Nationalized Bank Managers was made. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to assess the fit of the model that identified autonomy, cohesiveness, goal focus, role overload, and responsibility for the person as statistically significant antecedents of organizational commitment. Our models provided a good fit. Direct and indirect effects of exogenous variables on endogenous variables estimated and resultant percent of variance accounted into organizational commitment reported.


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