International Journal of Higher Education and Sustainability (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Characteristics of Academic Reputation, and Internationalization of Higher Education Institutions in a Changing and Challenging World  
  by Mustafa Kayyali 
  Abstract: While most HEIs strive to establish educational modules based on the development of quality and education standards, and the continuous improvement of overall performance, certain institutions deviate from these conventional indicators for various reasons. Amidst a rapidly changing and challenging world, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era, some universities think that prioritising QA, internationalisation, may not be immediate imperatives for HEIs. The unconventional practices adopted by these HEIs can result in a detriment to their operational efficiency, a decline in student enrolment, and a tendency for faculty members to neglect professional development. This, in turn, contributes to an overall reduction in the quality of the educational process, leading to the erosion of academic reputation and the squandering of valuable time. This paper takes a novel approach by guiding these institutions to develop an internationalisation policy that strategically enhances their performance and resilience in the face of evolving global dynamics.
  Keywords: higher education; internationalisation; academic reputation; quality assurance; post-COVID-19; global challenges; educational resilience; theoretical framework.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHES.2024.10064767
   
  
• Paradigm shift in Hospitality Education during the pandemic period: The Hospitality Industry Stakeholder’s perspective before & after the pandemic period  
  by Rahul Chowdhury, Mahuya Adhikary 
  Abstract: The Indian hospitality and tourism sector has grown tremendously in recent years. The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has not only disturbed the lifestyles of every individual but has also disrupted the pattern of education across the globe (Wood, 2002). For ages, the significance of hospitality & tourism education has been recognized around the world as one of the fastest-growing industries as it generates billions of money & it has become a trendsetter when it comes to business practices. Hospitality education, as an applied discipline, incorporates a strong link with its industry in order to teach hospitality students by staying current with industry trends. However, the sudden outbreak of Covid-19 not only has raised doubts in the industry but has also deranged hospitality education (Kaushal & Srivastava, 2021). The unexpected closure of academic institutions across the globe has forced the concerned authorities to shift from traditional learning to online education or E-Learning Shapoval et al., 2020).
  Keywords: Paradigm shift; Hospitality Education; E-learning; Covid-19 pandemic; Perceptions of industry experts.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHES.2024.10064768
   
  
• Revealing Everyday Sustainability: Insights from Students' Daily Habits  
  by Md. Mehedi Hasan  
  Abstract: Sustainability has become a crucial imperative in today’s world. Understanding and embracing sustainability has become the most sought-after phenomenon. This qualitative study delves into the sustainable behaviours of international students residing in Balassa Dormitory, Pecs, Hungary. Through four focus group discussions, it uncovers students’ motivations, barriers, and daily practices related to sustainability. Findings reveal that students’ consumption patterns, such as food, showering, and waste disposal, are influenced by routine habits, religion, family practices, and social culture. Significant themes include energy savings, water management, waste reduction, transportation options, and cultural impacts. The research emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions and educational programs considering students’ diverse perspectives and experiences. It contributes to understanding the reasons, challenges, and cultural influences shaping students’ sustainable conduct, paving the way for a more environmentally friendly future. This study is pioneering in its exploration of international students’ sustainable lifestyles, filling a notable research gap.
  Keywords: sustainability; students; everyday; habits; behaviours.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHES.2024.10064769
   
  
• Motivation of teachers in higher education: a private technical university in India  
  by Virupaxi Bagodi, Varsha Bagodi 
  Abstract: Higher education plays an essential role in the creation of a system of inquiry and new knowledge. The purpose of the research is to scrutinise the effect of motivation on the performance of teaching faculty in higher education. It is also intended to explore the relevance of motivational factors with the demographic profiles. A private university was selected for study in which 248 teaching faculty were working. A research instrument was administered to them in which 180 persons responded. Simple statistical tools such as paired t-test, coefficient of concordance, and path analysis were used to analyse the data. Unlike corporate employment, rewards, compensation, and performance appraisal are the least important dimensions in the teaching profession. Teachers expect private institutes to provide better work ambience and welfare measures. However, the motivational factors vary based on the demographic characteristics, in particular the designation. Irrespective of the designation, career growth, and rewards and compensation are the most important motivational factors. This study is more relevant as the number of private universities has grown swiftly during the last decade in India. The study provides vital inputs to the administrators of the university in designing various human resource policies.
  Keywords: India; higher education; private university; motivation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHES.2024.10064770
   
  
• Changing technology and reimagining the future of higher education: The role of African governments in the fourth industrial revolution era  
  by Ulingeta O.L. Mbamba  
  Abstract: The world has reached the fourth industrial revolution. A revolution that is challenging and changing almost all the wisdoms in all sectors of the economy, including higher education. The revolution brings challenges to higher education that may need to be mitigated by governments to keep higher education institutions relevant. The main objective of this study was to track developments in the fourth industrial revolution and map those developments in the higher education context. The paper broadly defines the fourth industrial revolution as a fusion of technologies in the physical, digital and biological domains. Twelve technologies are discussed of the fourth industrial revolutions. The challenges for African higher education are highlighted and what governments can do to mitigate the risk of African higher education institutions becoming irrelevant. It is clear that governments need to adopt appropriate policies in controversial areas; give higher education institutions some autonomy based on policy and allocate
  Keywords: Higher education institutions; fourth industrial revolution; African governments.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJHES.2024.10064771