Higher Education: The Role of Universities Research Structure

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2011

Many universities and colleges are shifting their mission from teaching-oriented to research oriented. This research project aims to describe the structure of these universities along with emphasizing on nature and implications of them to present a model in Iran. On the basis of the factor analysis models philosophy, sample of study consists of 500 university presidents, vice presidents, the head of departments and instructors in North of Iran. They were chosen between 1836 individuals by random and categorical method. Through present research university meta analysis, review of literature and identifying their overlapping 11 dimensions of research university were identified. A questionnaire with 66 questions was done. Then for finding a meaningful structure of combination of components and answers, factor analysis from analyzing the principle components and correlation coefficient of components matrix were used. The finding showed that modelling process of Research University consists of 7 principle factors. After naming these factors, the estimates showed that international and cross-cultural competencies and communications, freedom and socio-scientific responsibility, wealth creation, focusing on national and international buzz, renewing science and research infrastructures, selectivity and interdisciplinary teaching and research, in general explain %50 of shared variance of developing a model for research university. The degree of appropriateness and concordance of the model was confirmed by 40 higher education experts. Kendal correlation coefficient was %74 and modelling was done.

University research capacity building has now become an increasingly important task in both developed and less developed countries. In this capacity building endeavour, research late-developer universities in particular need to develop a sound research organizational structure. However, what elements are needed in organizing and structuring university research has rarely been discussed systematically. Applying Mintzberg’s (1979) theory on the structuring of organizations, this study sheds light on the generic parameters of organizing and structuring research. Five of the more visible parameters consist of: (1) create research positions; (2) create research management positions; (3) decide primary organizational units for research delivery; (4) create a research office; and (5) create research oversight committees. The five less visible parameters are: (1) develop rules for research integrity; (2) develop rules and procedures for managing the lifecycle of a research project; (3) develop a mechanism for evaluating the quality of research outcomes; (4) prepare researchers and research managers for the necessary skills and knowledge; and (5) decide vertical and horizontal decentralization. We argue that institutions that pay close attention to these ten management and organisational tasks for creating an environment in which research can flourish are more likely to be successful in building and/or enhancing their overall research capacity than other institutions.

International Journal of Engineering Business Management (IJEBM), Vol. 4, No. 1, ISSN 1847-9790, 2012

This exploratory study addresses the education management and research management as the major constituents of the educational management for the tertiary academic institutions. The study revealed four main activities; includes education development, education assessment, research development, and research assessment; in the educational management for the Universities. Four aspects of each main activity, namely Programs Establishment, University Culture, Faculty Capabilities, and Facilities were investigated at three decision levels. The proposed model was developed based on the secondary data, i.e. analysis of literature, and primary data, i.e. interviews with stakeholders of tertiary academic institutions. Model structures were defined and confirmed by 493 respondents, representing University administrators of leading tertiary educational institutions around the world, faculty and staffs, employers, and graduates. The resulting model was subsequently evaluated for accuracy and validity by multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis and the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. The conceptual model and research equations provides a novel approach for prospective investors or current administrators of the tertiary academic institutions to review and appraise their performance toward fulfillment of ultimate goals, i.e. producing high‐competent graduates and significant

Texila International Journal of Academic Research, 2021

The purpose of the research is to evaluate the quality of academic research in public universities in the Republic of South Sudan with the objectives of establishing the relationship between research structure and quality of academic research. Descriptive and cross-sectional designs using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The study was carried out in the five Universities. Both random and purposive sampling methods were used to identify 23 heads of departments, 65 teaching staff, and 205 dissertations reviewed with an average response rate of 91%. Three tools were deployed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. These include interview guide, observation checklist, and questionnaire. Participants consented before they participated in the study, and approvals were sought at the different levels. Utilized computation of research aggregates using the SPSS V 2. Descriptive statistical analysis was used for demographic information, and correlation analysis was used to determine relationships between variables and factors that may predict the quality of academic research. There is a positive correlation between independents variables (research procedure r = 0.672, structure r = 0.698, format r = 0.8311 with p < 0.01). This implies that academic research structure contributes to good academic research. In conclusion, the structure of the academic research is not consistent between the five public universities in South Sudan, between the faculties and departments of the same public university. Academic research structure is positively correlated with the quality of the academic research in public universities of the Republic of South Sudan. There is consistency in the general structure of the academic research.

Teaching and research are two main functions of universities. While teaching is supposed to be a regular activity in universities, research becomes a rising value which is taken into account as a factor defining the quality of the institutions. Research capabilities add value to the reputation of a university as well as provide an important source to enhance availabilities. Research needs sufficient manpower, sources, dedicated time and a well-established organization to provide optimum use of available resources. This optimum use of resources requires effectively organized systematic procedures to follow. Therefore, effectiveness of research procedures applied in universities is needed to be measured from time to time. This study aims to develop a method on measurement of research effectiveness by use of Brainstorming and Delphi methods applied in a group study. Brainstorming which is supported by a literature review to inform the participants of the brain storming group about new approaches in this field is to define an innovative organizational approach to facilitate research studies in universities. Then, the Delphi method is applied to ensure the findings of Brainstorming. The results of this study will help to realize the problem areas met in research studies in universities and develop proposals to be used to establish an effective organization to facilitate research studies by providing a suitable platform to strengthen the quality of researches.

Educational Research in Medical Sciences, 2022

Background: The office of institutional research (IR) is an efficient part of universities and is responsible for guiding academic research. IR plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of higher education and universities through targeted research. Objectives: The present study aimed to propose a conceptual model of IR for the medical universities of Iran. Methods: This qualitative case study was performed on experts and managers at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran. 10 subjects were selected via purposive sampling, and data were collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews, text mining, and observation until reaching theoretical saturation. The validity of the research was confirmed based on Lincoln and Guba&#39;s evaluative criteria. The retest and inter-coder reliability of the interview texts and documents were confirmed at 0.85%, and 0.81 and 0.79, respectively. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis. Results: We developed a model consisting...

Yükseköðretim ve bilim dergisi, 2017

Recently, the increasing competition in higher education has attracted attention by many researchers. They have emphasized that the aim of the growing competition between universities is to increase the number of students, the research performance and get research support, find qualified faculty members, and receive financial contributions. This paper aims to draw attention to "research performance" which is a significant part of the competition among the universities. In connection with this goal, the study tries to outline the results of an extensive literature review in the field of higher education research performance. Firstly, literature regarding research performance, its definition as a concept, and its indicators are discussed. Then, the factors influencing research performance are presented in a comprehensive manner. At the end of the study, a conceptual framework that will be useful for all university staff is provided. Understanding the concept of research performance and the factors affecting research performance can help relevant authorities improve their current positions.

International Journal of Learning and Development, 2013

The purpose of this paper is to give an insight of quality of research done particularly at MPhil and PhD level and factors related to system, structure and culture that can be used by leaders to enhance quality of research. Study is based on extensive and thorough interviews conducted from researchers in different universities of Islamabad, Pakistan. Research showed some flaws in existing systems, structures and culture of education in Pakistan, leaders (HEC and other concerned institutes) could take some actions to modify current research systems, structure and culture to enhance quality of research in Pakistan. Research is designed to focus research quality enhancement. Certain recommendations were made to improve that quality particularly academic research. Intention of research is to improve quality of research in educational institutes particularly which are dealing in MPhil and PhD programs in different specializations. Qualitative research to find out factors for improvement of research quality is limited. Moreover, this study recommends improvement in quality of research by improving current systems, structure and culture.

2010

Academic research remains a prime source of knowledge and innovation for higher education institutions (HEIs) that strive to grow, expand and develop their academic reputations and standards. Yet, research informs teaching practices, shapes social changes and it has financial outcomes for HEIs. Therefore, it is imperative to develop institutional policies and strategies for promoting and sustaining quality research in HEIs in Oman. There are a number of international frameworks and models which have been developed to measure research quality in HEIs around the world. For example, bibliometrics were used to assess research quality in HEIs in the UK because bibliometric data can provide a number of component variables. An appropriate bibliometric model may include components such as output volume, diversity of outputs, citation volume, journal impact factor and average citations per publication, etc. Moreover, other popular examples of models for assessing research quality are Multidimensional Research Assessment Matrix (MRAM) used in Europe and the UK’s Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). However, neither of the above mentioned models is adopted by HEIs in Oman. Thus, the current study is an attempt to explore some institutional, international, logistic and pragmatic factors that impact academic research and publication quality, review popular international research quality assessment models and explore the possibility of applying them in the Omani context. To achieve the study objectives, 20 teacher researchers were surveyed and the findings and recommendations were presented. Keywords: Quality Research, HEIs in Oman, International Models, Factors, Teacher Researchers' Views