Digital Commons Network^™

Employability Under The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Alexandrina Maria Pauceanu, Nada Rabie, Ayman Moustafa

All Works

It is expected that the fourth industrial revolution will have a massive impact on individual career future experience by changing the basis of work, employment, and business in the upcoming future. Moreover, one-third of today's jobs will disappear by 2025 due to technology's intelligence development. Thus, students' employability skills are considered an effective tool to sustain employment at the future labour market. However, there are discrepancies in employability skills vision between higher education students' perspectives and those of employers. This study aims to recognize higher education students' perspectives about employability skills and to compare them with the labour market employability …

Transforming Higher Education: Responding To The Coronavirus And Other Looming Crises, Michael Mascolo

Pedagogy and the Human Sciences

Higher education is being deeply challenged by the coronavirus. The immediate threats of the coronavirus come at the heels of an existing panoply of problems that already threaten higher education as we know it. These include, of course, the looming enrollment crisis, the high cost of higher education, intractable student debt, the corporatization of education, limited learning on campus, and a general loss of faith in higher education among many sectors of the nation. How are colleges and universities to respond to these challenges? This paper calls upon colleges and universities to consider the need for structural transformation in order …

The History Of The Doctoral Program In Organizational Leadership At Brandman University From An Innovation Theory Perspective: Alpha Cohort 2012, Jennifer Dinielli

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this historical research study was to document the development of the Doctoral Program in Organizational Leadership at Brandman University from concept and design to implementation with the Alpha cohort of 2012. In addition, it was the purpose of this study to chronicle the decisions that guided program development and the factors that influenced key leaders and decisions from an innovation perspective of Bolman and Deal’s four-frame model of structural, human resource, political, and symbolic frames. Methodology: In this historical study, artifact and relic review and interviews were utilized to secure data from key leaders involved in …

Literature Review For A Certificate Program In 21st Century Skills, Mary L. Alexander

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

Artificial intelligence, automation, rising tuition costs, increase need for reskilling, and now the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown are just a few of the influences on the shifting landscape for higher education. In this project, I review the compounded pressures on institutions while examining the possible solution of modularized credentials and a focus on 21^st century skill content to inform discourse on the subject at a private, faith-based university in Texas. The literature review yielded studies to inform a conversation about the growing problems and possible solutions for the future of higher education and training for the workforce. Additionally, as part …

Emotional Intelligence And Decision-Making In Higher Education Administrators In Post-Secondary Institutions In Eastern Tennessee, Rachel Ellis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the impact of emotional intelligence on decision-making in higher education administrators. A qualitative research design was used for this study. Data was collected in three phases from the following sources; survey, case study submissions, and open-ended face-to-face interviews. The research data, about emotional intelligence and decision-making, were collected form ten higher education administrators. Constant comparative method was an important part of the data collection process for this study. Range of participant leadership experience was 3-8+ years and participant roles were either, Department Chair, Program Director, Dean, Provost, and President. The findings …

What's The Problem Now?, Randall Bass

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Revisiting an essay from 1999, this article explores the current conditions in higher education, and society more broadly, that help shape the roles for the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) and educational development. By seeing the current “crises” of higher education not only as “problems” to be investigated but as a “wicked problem,” we might be able to elevate and complicate the role that inquiry into teaching and learning might play in institutional change and the expansion of higher education. The article argues for the necessity, even urgency, of seeing educational development as a lever for change, fully engaged …

Self-Talk: Mentoring And Empowering Faculty To Contribute To Organizational Change, Brian Culp

Faculty Articles

We can effectively mentor if in possession of qualities to empower mentees, which include: effective communication skills, knowledge of the professional realm, enthusiasm, passion and the ability to create an equitable and supportive organizational environment with the mentee. The authors of this article propose that self-talk (ST) or inner speech is a helpful means of inspiring mentors, colleagues, teachers, and friends in navigating communication challenges with themselves and others. A three-step approach to implementing ST for the purpose of mentoring involves: (1) awareness of the ST they are currently using; (2) follow-up with the mentee’s active reflection of and recording …

2020 Nsu Fact Book, Nova Southeastern University

NSU Fact Book

The 28th edition of the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Fact Book provides perspective on the university’s character, growth, and accomplishments. The 2020 Fact Book includes narrative, numeric, and graphic representation of the university, including history, characteristics, and development of the institution. Data are presented in both tabular and graphic formats to provide pertinent detail, and general trends are highlighted.

Managing The Affective Responses Of Employees During Organizational Change In Higher Education, Brad Kennington

Theses and Dissertations

Higher education is facing a period of continual change driven by numerous external and internal forces. Consequently, higher education leaders are faced with the frequent and daunting task of planning and managing organizational change in higher education institutions, which are both complex and dynamic in nature. Adding difficulty to this task is the fact that employees often react to change with emotional responses that are both challenging to understand and complicated and to manage. Managing affective dimensions of change can be overwhelming to leaders, which can lead to failed organizational change efforts. This study explored and answered (a) how a …

Examining Barriers Impacting Women’S Promotion Into C-Suite Positions In Higher Education, Lynette Johnson Nelson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The United States Department of Labor indicated that women represent 46.8% and men represent 53.2% of the United States’ 16 years and older civilian labor force. An estimated 52% of adult women compared to 48% of men participating in the civilian labor force held a bachelor’s degree or higher, and women represented 47% of the management and professional sector’s positions. Women occupy 25% of C-suite positions in the Standard & Poor 500 companies. In higher education, 30% of college presidents are women. Women continue to face several barriers as they try to move into senior executive leadership positions. The specific …

Faculty Members’ Perceptions Of Organizational Culture And Implementation Of Interprofessional Education, Cynthia Voyce

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A disparity exists between what is known about the benefits of interprofessional education (IPE) and implementation of IPE at the university under study. The World Health Organization called on institutes of higher education to provide IPE in the education of health professionals to improve the healthcare workforce’s capacity to provide quality care. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the perceptions of health professions faculty members (HPFMs) about IPE and how those perceptions might be influenced by the organizational culture at the site. Informed by Hofstede’s dimensions of culture theory, the research questions addressed HPFMs’ understanding of and …

A Look At Vision: Perspectives Throughout The Organizational Hierarchy Of The Christian University Context, William Kyle Brantley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research supports vision as a central tenet to leadership. Just as important as the content of vision is how it is communicated. However, once a vision is cast, far less is known about how it is communicated throughout the organization and how it influences members throughout the organizational hierarchy. For faith-based organizations like Christian colleges and universities, vision is particularly important as it serves to steer the institution toward a greater realization of its faith-based identity. This study contributes to the empirical research on vision, its communication, and its effect, as both the nature and impact of vision communication within …

Institutionalizing Community Engagement: The College Within A University As A Missing Organizational Link, John Saltmarsh, Michael Middleton, Melissa Quan

eJournal of Public Affairs

This article examines the kinds of organizational change that can be implemented at level of a college in a university to institutionalize community engagement as a core value of the college.

Students' Perceptions On Alternative Break Experiences And Selecting An Academic Major In A Four-Year College, Bianny Fernández Collado

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Research shows that 50-80% of college students are exploratory/undecided or appear as declared and will change their major at least once. Although higher education institutions have developed and implemented several initiatives to assist students with selecting an academic major, students are struggling to reach this milestone. According to Gebhard (2015), real-world and experiential opportunities successfully prepare students to select an academic major. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative exploratory study is to describe in-depth a phenomenon: how a service-based experience, offered through an Alternative Breaks (aB) program may prepare student participants for the selection of an academic major. The study …

A Delphi Study: Retention Of Women In Leadership Positions In Stem Disciplines, Kimberly T. Luthi

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

This Delphi study explores barriers and support systems that impact women’s professional advancement in STEM disciplines. There were 20 expert panelists who committed to participate in the study and 15 panelists completed the four rounds of the study after attrition. The panelists were selected based on specific criteria including educational background, diversity within STEM disciplines, experience as a former or current female administrator who served at two-year degree offering institutions, leadership and membership within women’s advocacy organizations in STEM and related workforce education fields, and depth of knowledge and understanding of the research questions. Through the four rounds of the …

Intercampus Tension At Multi-Campus Institituions: A Phenomenological Study Of Higher Education Administrators, Steven Erickson

CUP Ed.D. Dissertations

While institutions spend more resources addressing affordability, access, and accountability measures, they face the added pressures of retirements in upcoming years. Consolidating administrative structures by forming multi-campus institutions is one potential solution that purports to save money and preserves access for students. Unfortunately, multi-campus institutions face intercampus tension that may reduce the expected gains in efficiency. In this phenomenological study, 11 experienced multi-campus administrators were interviewed regarding intercampus tension and leadership at multi-campus institutions. Analysis of the interview transcripts utilized Moustakas’ modification of van Kaam’s method and resulted in identifying competition for resources, differences in campus culture, local demands on …

Artist As Academic Leader, George H. Brown

Dissertations

The American College President Study (ACE, 2017) revealed that 78% of university presidents are planning to retire within the next nine years. With the increasing complexity of higher education, the demand for innovative leadership will grow as a result of the departure of these leaders. This demand will create opportunities for artist practitioners interested in higher education leadership. However, if artist practitioners doubt an administrative role will give voice to their imagination, will they accept the challenge and opportunity of leadership?

Currently, only 0.33% of university presidents serving four-year degree-granting institutions of higher education in the U.S. come from the …

A Scoping Review Of Challenges And The Adaptation Process In Academia: Implications For Occupational Therapy Educators, Maria Concepcion C. Cabatan, Lenin C. Grajo, Erlyn A. Sana

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The fulfillment of role expectations and responsibilities as one builds an academic career can be challenging. Increased demand for occupational therapy faculty merits examination of academic experiences from the literature. This study describes the experiences of educators using adaptation models (Savickas & Porfeli, 2012; Schkade & Schultz, 2003) as a theoretical lens. Arksey and O’Malley’s Scoping Study Framework (2005) was used in the study. Researchers reviewed literature from 2005-2017 from four databases. Researchers analyzed 28 articles from higher education and the health professions using quantitative and qualitative methods. Twenty-two of the 28 articles were published from 2010-2017. The studies analyzed …

The Impact Of Socioeconomic Status On College Students’ Experiences, Shaafi A. Farooqi

Pitzer Senior Theses

This qualitative research project examines the role of socioeconomic status in shaping the experiences of students attending Pearson College, an elite liberal arts college in Southern California. One hour-long, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) students in order to better understand APIDA student experiences and their views on the college’s efforts to support class-based diversity and inclusion. Findings include insights into challenges faced by college students, how they understand privilege and identity, and where college students find support. These results have implications for Pearson College, and similar liberal arts colleges, to implement changes to …

Strategies To Foster Employee Engagement Before, During, And After Organizational Mergers, Michelle R. Lang

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Engaged employees contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization’s service to their community. Many organizational leaders struggle to engage their employees before, during, and after organizational mergers. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies 9 leaders from 3 merged higher education organizations in the state of Georgia used to encourage employee engagement when their organizations were merging. The conceptual framework for this study was a combination of the transformational leadership theory, the self-efficacy theory, and the acquisition integration approach. After collecting data through semistructured interviews, organizational documentation, and member checking, data analysis through thematic …

West Virginia University’S Changing Mission In The 21st Century, Katlin Swisher

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In the midst of the ongoing shifts of the perception of higher education and the public’s question of the role and value of public universities, West Virginia University has simultaneously experienced institutional change through five different presidential administrations in a decade. As seen through WVU’s historical context as the state of West Virginia’s land-grant, flagship, research university, the institution has and continues to face many administrative, policy, and contextual changes as it strives to meet its strategic goals and operationalize its mission. Through document analysis and interviews with key officials, this qualitative, multi-case study seeks to understand how WVU’s mission …

Assembling A Hispanic-Serving Institution: A Campus Landscape Analysis Of A Hispanic-Serving Institution, Brenda Lee Jimenez Sifuentez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Post-secondary educational spaces are often thought of as a backdrop to where education takes place. Architectural designs are seen as neutral sites; however, higher education institutions are sites of ideological production and therefore, fundamental exercises of power (Ford, 2017). The study of campus landscapes is relevant to uncovering and illuminating larger social issues of (in)equality in higher education. Literature regarding campus landscapes is scarce and this study seeks to demonstrate how the study of campus landscapes is both materially "real" and socially constructed. This study takes place at a four-year institution of higher education that has received the Hispanic Serving …

Courage And Co-Creation: Cultural Transformation In An Academic Library, Catherine Clark, Carolyn Hofmeester, Jane Pritchard

Proceedings of the IATUL Conferences

University libraries are transforming to be vibrant and distinctive online and physical spaces that, at their heart, continue to foster the connection of people to ideas. Rapid and continuously changing expectations of clients in the range of services that are delivered by libraries, combined with increasingly demanding resourcing environments are challenges for all library leaders. A library staff culture that is energised, focused and resilient is essential to ensure that service expectations are met or exceeded and that the library retains its valued position in the university. The University Librarian at Curtin University in Australia has initiated and led a …

The Organizational Structures Of Instructional Design Teams In Higher Education: A Multiple Case Study, Jason Drysdale

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated how organizational structures influence leadership over online learning initiatives for dedicated instructional designers in higher education. A qualitative research method was used for within-case analyses for 3 individual universities and a comparative case analysis of all 3 studied institutions. Purposive sampling was used to identify each university that participated and operated within 1 of 3 organizational structure profiles. Data were collected through document analysis and semistructured interviews with participants in 3 key roles at each institution: dedicated instructional designer, online faculty member, and online learning administrator. The organizational structure that most positively influenced the ability for dedicated …

Utilization Of Information Technology As Instructional Support In Higher Education – A Case Study, Linda C. Gordon, Erin Gratz, David Kung, Leeshawn Moore, Shelley G. Urbizagastegui

Communications of the IIMA

Despite significant increases in the growth of online education, a review of research reveals few studies of faculty perceptions of the use of technology in classrooms in higher education. Research can explore and illuminate how to bridge the gap between faculty perceptions and institutional goals and objectives for online programs. The study at hand presents the views of full-time and adjunct faculty across the colleges, both on- and off-campus, and the online community, at the University of La Verne, a private Tier II doctoral degree-granting institution located in Southern California.

Capturing The Value Of International Staff Mobility In Higher Education: A Customer-Dominant Logic Approach, Katarzyna Dziewanowska, Rose Quan, Alison Pearce

European Management Studies

This paper aims at analysing and achieving better understanding of the experience of international mobility of academic staff from the perspective of value creation process. Qualitative research methods are used: a combination of individual in-depth interviews and focus group interviews. We apply a customerdominant logic perspective in order to identify the drivers of value co-creation and emerging value types. The study identifies multiple types of value emerging from a mobility experience (e.g. individual and shared value, one-off and longitudinal value). Also, the value co-creation context is investigated and an influence of factors such as personality, previous experiences, situation at home …

Examining Messenger And Mode: Strategic Communication In Higher Education Recruitment, Valerie Breashears

Theses and Dissertations

The marketing mantra “know your audience” can be applied when examining higher education student recruitment. With endless avenues for communication and a rise in national data on this topic, exploring what works best for individual institutions is crucial. Disparaging data exists concerning how admissions administrators believe students prefer to hear from institutions and the realities of student preferences. When new recruitment communication strategies were implemented at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in fall 2015 it required an assessment of effectiveness. The posttest-only two-group randomized experimental design will be employed for this proposed quantitative study analyzing recruitment cycle progression …

Examining Generational Differences In The Workplace: Employee Engagement Practices And Their Impact On Retention Of Different Generations Of Human Resources Employees In Higher Education, Lamija Basic

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this quantitative study was to identify the employee engagement practices that Baby Boomer, Generation X, and Millennial human resources (HR) employees in four-year private institutions of higher education (IHEs) in southern California perceive as most important to their retention. The secondary purpose of the study was to determine the similarities and differences between the engagement practices considered most important for retention by Millennial HR employees compared to Baby Boomer and Generation X employees in IHEs.

Methodology: A quantitative descriptive, nonexperimental research design was selected for this study. The population included three generations of HR professionals working …

Understanding Students' Perceptions Of Cultural Diversity, Catherine Moss

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Diversity is a positive aspect of a student's educational experience. Current literature supports the value of diversity, confirming that skills are developed within a diverse learning environment that prepares students to thrive in a competitive global economy. The leadership at University X (UX) had implemented various initiatives to improve diversity, yet the problem addressed in this study was that students perceived differently, citing that diversity growth lacked progress. The goal of this single case study was to bring forth change with a specific intervention created to elevate diversity and a positive campus climate. Maslow's hierarchy of needs was used to …

The Confidence To Engage: Conflict Engagement Styles Of Academic And Student Affairs Deans In A Large, Midwestern State College And University System, Aaron Peterson

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Conflict engagement is an integral part of higher education. Academic and student affairs deans are certainly no exception to this concept. This study examines reported conflict approaches of academic and student affairs deans in a large Midwestern state college and university system using the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory-II (ROCI-II). There are four hypotheses of the study. The first was that academic and student affairs deans at four-year universities would report a compromising style. The second was that academic and student affairs deans at two-year community and technical colleges would report an integrating style. The third was that male deans would …