Transformation in the Management Models of Higher Education Institutions in Bulgaria – Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Age

Author(s):  
Desislava Serafimova ◽  
Andriyana Andreeva

The article explores the trends and challenges facing higher education institutions in Bulgaria arising from digitalization, internationalization, dynamic regulatory framework and students' attitudes towards the educational process. The possibilities for modification in their governance models are characterized by taking into accounts the policies and strategies for the development of higher education at the European and national levels. The study aims to outline the possibilities for transformation in the management models of the Bulgarian higher schools, focusing on the development of digital competencies and the use of modern technologies in research and teaching processes, as well as funding opportunities through EC programs promoting the role of universities in creating regional innovation ecosystems.

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (Number 1) ◽  
pp. 183-218
Author(s):  
Rasheed Mohammad Nassr ◽  
Alia Ahmed Aldossary ◽  
Haidawati Mohamad Nasir

Purpose – This study explored students’ perspective of using emotion-aware Vertual Learning Environment (VLE) in Malaysia’s higher education institutions. The purpose is to investigate the relationships among dimensions of Technology Readiness Index (TRI), attitude, intention to use VLE, and lecturer interaction. The outcomes concerned the emotions involved in the educational process of Malaysia’s higher education institutions. Methodology – Quantitative data were collected via an online survey from 260 students. An empirical analysis was then conducted using structural equation modelling (Smart PLS) in two phases: (1) examining the direct effect of students’ attitude on VLE adoption intention and (2) examining the indirect effect of constructs using lecturer interaction as a mediator. Findings – The findings revealed a significant mediating role of lecturer interaction on the relationship between attitude and intention to use VLE across the student cohort. Inhibitors, such as insecurity and discomfort, were less significant in affecting students’ attitude towards emotion-aware VLE. The results indicate that students are motivated to use VLE when lecturers understand their emotions and react accordingly. Significance – This is one of the studies pertaining to emotions in VLE and lecturer interaction in higher education institutions. The results facilitate an understanding of the pedagogical role of lecturer interaction as a practical learning motivation. It is of particular interest to curriculum and e-learning stakeholders looking to improve students’ interactions with the VLE systems. Apart from extending the current literature, this study has significant practical implications for education management in higher learning institutions. Keywords: Emotion-Aware VLE, Technology Readiness Index (TRI), Attitude, Intention to Use, Lecturer Interaction, online learning, Smart PLS, Higher Education.


Author(s):  
Alla Durdas

The article deals with the complex and multistage system of higher education of the French Republic. The structural features of higher education in France, its complex and multi-stage system has been considered. Attention is drawn to the role of the state in the field of higher education in France. The importance of the development of education for the national development of the country and civilization as a whole has been stressed. A strong centralized presence and role of the state in the field of education in France has been noted, in particular in the organization of the educational process and in financing the education sector, as well as in determining the fundamental principles of the educational process, the details of the curriculum at all levels of education, the organization of the procedure for receiving teachers, determining the content, recruitment teachers who become public officers, ensuring their continuing education; recruiting and training inspectors responsible for quality control of the education system; funding public education and subsidizing “private schools under contract”. The article focuses on the constant attention of the state to the problems of education. It highlights the openness of the French system of higher education and its accessibility for most of the population. The features of France’s higher education management system and the specifics of its legislative framework have been disclosed. Four Legislative Acts of the Ministry of Education are characterized, played an important role in its functioning. A more democratic and collegial management of universities for today has been noted. The relevance of the study of the structure and legislative framework of university education in France has been grounded. The types of higher education institutions in France and their features in the context of development trends have been investigated. The current stage of development of the system of French university education and the features of structural transformations have been considered. The features of the functioning of universities, “grand schools” and private higher education institutions have been disclosed. The article draws attention to the achievement of the French system of higher education and its uniqueness. The role and place of large schools in the system of higher education in France have been highlighted. Leading elite schools and universities have been mentioned, as well as the conditions for entering them. Attention was paid to the almost equal quality of education in the capital and in the province.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (18) ◽  
pp. 10424
Author(s):  
Valentin Kuleto ◽  
Milena Ilić ◽  
Mihail Dumangiu ◽  
Marko Ranković ◽  
Oliva M. D. Martins ◽  
...  

The way people travel, organise their time, and acquire information has changed due to information technologies. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are mechanisms that evolved from data management and developing processes. Incorporating these mechanisms into business is a trend many different industries, including education, have identified as game-changers. As a result, education platforms and applications are more closely aligned with learners’ needs and knowledge, making the educational process more efficient. Therefore, AI and ML have great potential in e-learning and higher education institutions (HEI). Thus, the article aims to determine its potential and use areas in higher education based on secondary research and document analysis (literature review), content analysis, and primary research (survey). As referent points for this research, multiple academic, scientific, and commercial sources were used to obtain a broader picture of the research subject. Furthermore, the survey was implemented among students in the Republic of Serbia, with 103 respondents to generate data and information on how much knowledge of AI and ML is held by the student population, mainly to understand both opportunities and challenges involved in AI and ML in HEI. The study addresses critical issues, like common knowledge and stance of research bases regarding AI and ML in HEI; best practices regarding usage of AI and ML in HEI; students’ knowledge of AI and ML; and students’ attitudes regarding AI and ML opportunities and challenges in HEI. In statistical considerations, aiming to evaluate if the indicators were considered reflexive and, in this case, belong to the same theoretical dimension, the Correlation Matrix was presented, followed by the Composite Reliability. Finally, the results were evaluated by regression analysis. The results indicated that AI and ML are essential technologies that enhance learning, primarily through students’ skills, collaborative learning in HEI, and an accessible research environment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (Spring) ◽  
pp. 15-26
Author(s):  
Ielyzaveta Shchepetylnykova ◽  
Samantha Alvis

Globalization creates increasing interdependence between countries’ economic, political, and social processes leading to rise of global challenges and opportunities. Developed countries became important players in tackling the world's biggest issues. Governments traditionally turn to higher education institutions for their teaching, discovery, and outreach expertise to address global challanges. U.S. universities engage in a variety of international activities. However, role of international development activities of U.S. colleges and universities in their comprehensive internationalization has been lacking sufficient attention of scholars. This article investigated contribution of international development activities to comprehensive internationalization of U.S. public higher education institutions through analysis of qualitative data. The findings of the study demonstrate the contribution of international development activities to comprehensive internationalization efforts of public universities through advancement of their education, research, and service missions. 


Author(s):  
Ridhab Sami Abd-Ali ◽  
Sarah Abbas Radhi ◽  
Zaid Ibrahim Rasool

There is a demand to change the contents and activities, and adapt the methods for higher education institutions, especially, universities to let researchers and educational to act more efficiently in a digital context. A well-designed campus, finally combining technology, is basic for developing digital university by facilities for learning, teaching, and research, enhancing the student trials, and supplying the convenient settings. Within digital universities, technology can improve security, reduce costs, and offer devices for faculty, scholars, academics, and students. These advantages give more attention to university processes and evolutions, the experience of researchers, and students. In this research, we have done a study on the Internet of things and what its role in the development of education through the review for a group of previous research. In addition, we have studied the smart class and its components and the difference from the traditional class, and then we have displayed the smart laboratories and its applications. At the end of the research, the great importance of Internet things in universities and its importance to the teacher and the student was concluded by learning faster and developing and improving the educational process.


Economica ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 104-113
Author(s):  
Nadejda Botnari ◽  

Insufficient financial resources, necessary to carry out the educational process with maximum efficiency, are among the numerous problems faced by higher education at the present stage. In this context, especially in the last decade, universities are concerned with identifying alternative sources of funding to those in budgetary funds, which have a temporary character and endanger the predictability and sustainability of training in the institution. The main aspects to be considered in the present article are: a) argumentation of the defining role of higher education institutions in the development of human intellectual potential and the creation of an intelligent society; b) analysis of the higher education evolution and identification of trends c) reflection of the financing mechanism of higher education in the Republic of Moldova. As a result of the study, some considerations are proposed regarding the improvement of the system of indicators for evaluating the performance of higher education institutions included in the new methodology of their financing.


2021 ◽  
pp. 095042222198919
Author(s):  
Laura Márquez-Ramos

There are three different types of activities performed in higher education institutions that, taken together, form the components of a trilemma in higher education. These include traditional academic activities (research and teaching) and those that aim to transfer knowledge beyond academia (industry-oriented activities). The increased use of digital technology that has resulted from the replacement of face-to-face encounters with digital interactions, or digitalization, is leading to transformations in higher education and is affecting the trilemma; universities face new challenges, and opportunities are emerging. Drawing on lessons learnt from COVID-19, the author explores whether digitalization is helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry.


Author(s):  
B. Zhalezka ◽  
V. Siniauskaya

This paper is devoted to the consideration of one of the innovative direction in higher education – dual education, which is especially acceptable in the sphere of automotive industry higher education. Role of the automotive industry enterprises in the educational process of technical higher education institutions is revealed. Examples of the dual education best practices in Germany and Ukraine are shown. Perspectives of dual education development in the Republic of Belarus are investigated, the experience of its elements using in different Belarusian higher educational establishments is shown. Possibility of dual education implementation in Belarusian National Technical University is substantiated, including their realization within international educational projects.


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 364-383
Author(s):  
L.I. Kulikova ◽  
I.I. Yakhin

Subject. This article examines the practice of first-time applying the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) by Russian higher education institutions. Objectives. The article aims to identify and address the problems associated with such application, and conduct a critical analysis of Russian universities' compliance with the requirements of the International Standards on their first-time adoption. Methods. For the study, we used observation, systematization, and a comparative analysis. Results. The article examines and describes the practical experience of the first-time use of IPSAS in the preparation of reporting by Russian educational institutions participating in the Russian Academic Excellence Project (5Top100 Project). It presents the results of the most typical reclassification adjustments of reporting items made by the universities when preparing their inductive statements of financial position as of the date of transition to IPSAS. Conclusions and Relevance. Most of the universities studied complied with the requirements of the IPSAS first-time adoption and provided comparative information in their first IPSAS financial reporting. The importance of the study is to justify the provision that financial reporting in accordance with IPSAS is appropriate to improve the international competitiveness of universities, which makes it possible to better reflect financial information on the activities of universities. The results of the study can be used in the practical activities of the Russian economy public sector organizations, and in the educational process of higher education institutions.


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