International Journal of Management in Education (19 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• The impact of misalignment amongst recruitment test, training and higher education on the marginalisation of graduates majoring in public administration in the public service of Bangladesh  
  by Romana Kader, Gazi Mahabubul Alam, Nor Azni Abdul Aziz, Md. Mahfuzur Rahman, Karima Bashir 
  Abstract: The lack of a regulated or legislative mechanism makes possible a market-driven approach as proposed by signalling theory. It encourages the recruitment of the best graduates among either matched or unmatched groups. This study aimed to explore the impact of misalignment among Civil Service Commission recruitment test, training and public administration majors in Bangladesh. The paper employs a quantitative method, using both descriptive and multinomial logistic regression to make its argument. The selected sample includes 2919 participants from the Bangladesh Public Service Commission. Findings revealed that public administration major graduates are employed in fewer administrative roles (4%) in public service administrative jobs compared to their counterparts who graduated from non-public administration majors (96%). Furthermore, the results revealed that public administration major graduates did worse in job recruitment tests and training. These findings strongly suggest that there is an important relationship between education, recruitment test and training misalignment on one hand, and the performance of public administration major graduates on the other. It is concluded that there is a need for policy reform to align public administration majors/degrees, recruitment tests and training in civil service administrative jobs. The goal should be to maximise the efficacy of public service and education budgets and reduce the mismatch between education and the job market.
  Keywords: misalignment; recruitment test; skills mapping; public administration majors; civil service commission; training.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10065513
   
  
• The impact and challenges of e-governance in educational institutions: a systematic literature review  
  by Amal J. Al-Busmait, Osama A. Mah'd, Ghassan H. Mardini 
  Abstract: The current study explores the impact of e-governance on the effectiveness of the quality of educational institutions and the challenges facing its implementation, using a systematic review of literature studies with a descriptive-analytical approach to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The initial sample includes one hundred-four studies, while due to some exclusion criteria, the final sample includes 36 studies conducted between 2006 and 2023. This study suggests that there is a significant impact of employing e-governance on improving the performance of educational institutions. The results also highlight the most important challenges that face e-governance in these institutions, as well as the need to find solutions to address these challenges. Moreover, this research develops a knowledge base that helps the reader understand the reality of e-governance for educational institutions in developing countries. The study’s insights are invaluable to policymakers in general, and it provides a model for electronic educational management to improve the quality of educational services in the future.
  Keywords: e-governance; educational management; educational institutions; systematic literature review; quality education measures.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10065711
   
  
• Exploring the nexus of business school and its transformation: a longitudinal review from 19932023  
  by Donald Crestofel Lantu, Aghnia Nadhira Aliya Putri, Jovanska Arfianda Imran, Fadrian Dwiki Maulanda 
  Abstract: This paper aims to comprehensively understand the ongoing transformation of business schools in response to the dynamic forces of technological advancements, shifting societal expectations, and evolving global business practices. This paper conducts a systematic literature review spanning 1993 to 2023, analyzing 150 articles from the Scopus database. The review identifies five core themes: Business School Transformation, Governance, Business Model, Autonomy of Business School, and The Rise of Education Technology (EdTech). The use of secondary data may limit understanding research methodologies, assumptions, and frameworks, impacting a comprehensive grasp of individual article contributions. However, this paper contributes by offering a comprehensive overview of key themes in business school transformation over three decades, suggesting future research avenues like methodological advancements, contributions from diverse nations, and exploring underdeveloped themes in business school studies.
  Keywords: business school; transformation; governance; business model; education technology; systematic literature review.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10066587
   
  
• Navigating tradition and modernity in the strategic management and transformation of Madrasah Aliyah in multicultural Indonesia  
  by Romlah Romlah, Andi Warisno, Ahmad Bukhari Muslim, Abdurrahman Harun 
  Abstract: This study explores the transformation of Madrasah Aliyah in Indonesia's multicultural landscape, focusing on the interplay between traditional Islamic education and contemporary academic demands. Using a Mixed Method Case Study design, it integrates quantitative and qualitative analyses to provide a comprehensive view of strategic management practices. The research investigates historical influences, modern curriculum development challenges, technological integration, and stakeholder roles, including educators, administrators, parents, and the community. Quantitative findings reveal variability in adapting to reforms and technological advancements, reflecting diverse strategic responses. Qualitative data highlight stakeholders' pivotal role in balancing religious values with global standards. The study concludes that while Madrasah Aliyah has advanced in integrating modern practices, challenges remain in aligning these with Islamic principles. This synthesis of tradition and modernity underscores Madrasah Aliyah's unique position in Indonesia's educational system, offering insights for similar institutions globally.
  Keywords: Madrasah Aliyah; educational transformation; strategic management; multicultural education.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10066946
   
  
• Using latent class analysis (LCA) in academic achievement among Moroccans students: a study based on TIMSS 2019  
  by Azhari Mourad, Benjilali Mohamed, El Chikhi El Mokhtar, Abarda Abdellah 
  Abstract: Academic achievement is frequently associated with adherence to educational standards, as reflected in grades, test results, promotions and graduation. Factors contributing to academic success include students’ sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics, as well as their educational backgrounds. Moreover, both teaching and non-teaching staff play a crucial role, influenced by their personality, professional skills, motivation, availability and student expectations. The school’s value system, goals, size, culture and information and communication systems also significantly impact academic achievement. This article aims to enhance our understanding of the factors influencing student achievement in Morocco. Using data from the 2019 Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) for 4th-grade students. This study examines a representative sample of 4330 students using Latent Class Analysis (LCA) approach. For this purpose, we analyse academic achievement, taking into account individual student characteristics, family factors and school related aspects. The results show that the studied sample can be classified into four distinct profile clusters. These groups are characterised by a combination of individual, family and school variables, providing better insight into the complex dynamics underlying educational success.
  Keywords: academic achievement; student characteristics; family factors; school factors; TIMSS 2019; LCA; latent class analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10067053
   
  
• Role of ICT and Education 5.0 in improving student engagement in distance and online education programs  
  by Shantanu Trivedi, Saurav Negi 
  Abstract: Distance education courses and programs in higher education continue to rise significantly, with increasing demand for online-access learning. Universities and colleges are striving to meet these demands, but concerns about student engagement and the legitimacy of distance learning persist. This study aims to explore the role of information technology and Education 5.0 in enhancing student engagement and learners perceptions of online education. Surveys of students who completed distance learning programs identified key engagement factors and challenges based on their experiences. Results show that ICT tools improve engagement and satisfaction. The study also revealed that successful online learning is influenced by course design, learner motivation, contact classes, and comfort with online technologies. An advanced student engagement model for management-related distance programs was developed that will help institutions in creating activities that foster deeper engagement, helping students and faculty become more actively involved in the learning ecosystem, rather than simply completing courses.
  Keywords: distance education; online learning; online teaching; training and development; ICT in education; student engagement; Education 5.0; sustainability in education.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10067133
   
  
• Exploring corporate identity management in the Malaysian higher education sector  
  by Bahtiar Mohamad, Ahmed Rageh Ismail, Muslim Diekola Akanmu, Talhat Almohamed Alhaiou 
  Abstract: Research in corporate identity management (CIM) within the higher education sector has yielded inconsistent findings. This paper aims to expand and deepen the understanding of CIM and its dimensions from the perspective of practitioners, focusing specifically on Malaysian higher education. Additionally, it seeks to investigate the factors influencing CIM and the outcomes resulting from CIM constructs, areas that existing literature has not thoroughly explored. Using qualitative methods, this research conducts a thematic analysis with NVivo, based on ten in-depth interviews. The findings identify internal brand, transformational leadership, and corporate culture as key influencers of CIM. They also highlight the importance of employee brand support and affective commitment as essential outcomes of CIM. By clarifying CIM concepts, this study contributes to a better understanding of the issue and elucidates the role of CIM dimensions.
  Keywords: corporate identity management; internal brand; organisational culture; leadership; brand support.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10067531
   
  
• Management model for enhancing artificial intelligence education of primary schools in Fujian Province  
  by Ming Li, Wipada Prasansaph, Suttipong Boonphadung 
  Abstract: In the current era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), all citizens need to have a certain degree of AI literacy. In China, AI education in primary schools is in the stage of rapid development. The ‘Compulsory Education Information Technology Curriculum Standard (2022 edition)’ in China takes AI as one of the logical main lines to organise the curriculum content, which puts forward higher requirements for the cultivating of AI literacy in primary schools. This paper first analyses the concept and related models of AI literacy, and then constructed a structural model of AI literacy. The model is divided into 4 important dimensions of AI knowledge, AI consciousness, AI ability and AI ethics. Finally, the paper explores the AI education management model in primary schools in Fujian Province in China.
  Keywords: AIL; artificial intelligence literacy; primary schools; AI knowledge; AI consciousness; AI ability; AI ethics.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10067816
   
  
• Promoting self-employment intentions among business and technology students: does social support matter?  
  by Divya Sharma, Chandan Kumar Sahoo 
  Abstract: This study is based on two objectives. First, to examine the association of organisational (institution) support with students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy and self-employment intentions. Second, to examine how social support influences this nexus. The responses were collected from the senior students of business and technology programs at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the eastern region of India. The PROCESS Macro was used for testing the hypothesised relationships. Results confirmed the mediating effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy in the relationship between organisational (institution) support and students’ self-employment intentions. Also, the direct relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and self-employment intentions was positively influenced by social support. The moderated mediation results confirmed that the students who perceived favourable social support for business related career were more likely to acknowledge the entrepreneurial support offered by the institute in realising their capabilities. Findings provide insights for policymakers, researchers, managers of the HEI in strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
  Keywords: university support; organisational (institution) support; social support; self-employment intentions; higher education institutions; entrepreneurial intentions; student entrepreneurship.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10067851
   
  
• Exploring the views of Malaysian principals and novice teachers on the school-based support programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic  
  by Lokman Mohd Tahir, Mohammed Borhandden Musah, Roslizam Bin Hassan 
  Abstract: Despite many studies examining the initial challenges faced by novice teachers, few studies address the challenges of school-based support programmes implemented within Malaysian schools. Therefore, this study examines novice teachers' challenges concerning the school-based support programmes. The study interviewed 20 novice primary school teachers as well as ten primary school leaders. Principals were selected based on the purposive sampling approach. Age limit of the selected principals ranged from 44 to 54 years old. All teachers and principals interviewed were serving in public schools. The results reveal that low confidence, lack of skills and knowledge, issues in using online teaching and administrative positions were the main constraints. Issues that halted the school-based support programmes are restricted activities due to COVID-19 when most programmes are postponed and cancelled or conducted online. Significantly, school-based support programmes and COVID-19 have hardly been studied in reference to novice teachers' challenges within their inception years in Malaysia.
  Keywords: novice teachers; school-based support programmes; principals; COVID-19; CPD; Malaysia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10064525
   
  
• Efficiency in higher education institutions: an analysis of data envelopment analysis applications  
  by Rodrigo Soares Lelis Gori, Daniel Pacheco Lacerda, Fabio Sartori Piran, Nubia Adriane Silva 
  Abstract: Estimating efficiency in higher education has been a challenge due to the complexity and heterogeneity of institutions. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) has emerged as the main technique used to evaluate efficiency in the educational field. This study aims to analyse the applications of DEA in evaluating efficiency in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This article contributes to the literature by discussing efficiency in higher education and by providing methodological and practical advances. Firstly, we carried out a Content Analysis considering 113 relevant studies in the fields of efficiency evaluation using DEA in HEIs. We identified motivators, results and main methodological approaches. In addition, we identified the need to expand studies focussing on the process of evaluating efficiency in resource allocation using DEA.
  Keywords: higher education institutions; DEA; efficiency evaluation; content analysis; motivators; results; resource allocation; methodological approaches; methodological advances; practical advances.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10064343
   
  
• Antecedent of teacher agency: the role of teacher leadership  
  by Mei Kin Tai, Abdull Kareem Omar 
  Abstract: The practice of Teacher Leadership (TL) has gained momentum in the past two decades and is one pathway to produce favourable outcomes which can leverage sustainable school improvement and effectiveness. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between TL and Teacher Agency (TA) in Malaysian National Secondary Schools. A total of 898 schoolteachers from 60 schools completed the survey. Structural equation modelling was employed for data analysis. The findings found that (i) TL was significantly related to TA; (ii) all the six dimensions of TL were significantly related to the five dimensions of TA, respectively and (iii) 85% of the practice of TL by teacher leaders contributed to the enactment of TA. The study offers relevant parties a lens through which TL can steer systemic change in examining TA as a critical component towards effective school improvement specifically in developing countries with the similar background as Malaysia.
  Keywords: teacher leadership; teacher agency; professional learning; professional identity; structural equation modelling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10065623
   
  
• Risk analysis of technology adoption in higher educational institutions via best-worst method  
  by Alma C. Valendez, Juliet O. Mandado, Honorio C. Añora, Ann Frances P. Cabigon, Aileen De Leon Albios, Celbert M. Himang, Melanie M. Himang, Miriam F. Bongo 
  Abstract: In any new technology in the traditional education system, risks are always associated with it. When left unattended, these risks may pose misuse of technology, if not cause overall inefficiency. Therefore, stakeholders of higher education institutions strive to ensure that risks are well addressed across the entire process of technology adoption from pre-setting to its operational stage. To aid in the analysis, this paper presents a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach through the Best-Worst Method (BWM) in analysing the risks involved in technology adoption among higher educational institutions. A case study is performed to attain this objective. Results showed that risks under the pre-setting stage are prioritised over other risks involved in technology adoption. Such results reflect the real-life situation in technology adoption, which puts the most emphasis on preparing the send-off of a technology prior to its actual implementation.
  Keywords: best-worst method; higher educational institutions; multi-criteria decision-making; risks; technology adoption.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10065657
   
  
• Analysis of the relationship between educational effectiveness and organisational performance using PLS-SEM: a study in higher education institutions  
  by Jerfenzon Salazar-Tabima, Alexander Zuñiga-Collazos, Dulfay Astrid González-Jiménez 
  Abstract: Educational effectiveness, as a strategic management perspective, allows institutions of Higher Education (HEIs) to focus on achieving educational goals and consequently impact their performance. This study aims to establish causal relationships between decision-making for educational effectiveness and its influence on the performance of Colombian HEIs. The underlying hypothesis is that educational effectiveness has a direct and positive influence on organisational performance in HEIs. 309 administrative staff members from 44 Colombian HEIs were surveyed. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), the study estimated the loadings and significances of the relationships between items and constructs. The main finding of the study confirms the direct and positive influence of decision-making for educational effectiveness on organisational performance in HEIs, which confirms the starting hypothesis. This indicates that making effective decisions in education has a significant impact on the overall performance of higher education institutions in Colombia.
  Keywords: organisational performance; educational effectiveness; higher education; PLS-SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10065807
   
  
• Critical factors of CRM implementation in a higher education institution  
  by Samuel Lakkala, Paulus Lakkala, Pekka Tervonen, Harri Haapasalo 
  Abstract: In an era marked by intense competition for students, partnerships and funding, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are increasingly turning to Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and customer-oriented strategies traditionally employed by the business sector. This shift underscores the critical need to understand the factors that underpin successful CRM implementation within the academic context. Focusing on a Finnish university as a case study, this research explores the essential elements that contribute to the effective adoption and utilisation of CRM systems in HEIs. Through a comprehensive theoretical review and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, the study unveils that the cornerstone of successful CRM implementation lies in management support and commitment, personnel and organisational culture, the introduction of new processes and practices tailored to educational settings and measurement and usage monitoring. These findings not only shed light on the specific dynamics of CRM in higher education but also offer a foundation for HEIs to refine their CRM strategies in alignment with their unique goals and challenges. By delineating these critical success factors, the study contributes to the broader discourse on enhancing institutional competitiveness and stakeholder engagement in the academic sector.
  Keywords: customer relationship management; CRM implementation; CRM systems; critical success factors; higher education.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10066514
   
  
• Prescriptive data analytics to foster student employability in engineering education  
  by Suja Jayachandran, Bharti Joshi 
  Abstract: Higher education is vital to a country's economy because it creates a trained and steady labour force. Consequently, there is pressure on academic institutions to come up with innovative strategies to make their students more employable. To generate commercial value, business analytics empowers organisations to make better decisions more quickly, and intelligently. As of now, descriptive, and predictive analytics are the main areas of interest for both academia and business. In this research, we analysed 2694 engineering graduates who graduated between 2018 and 2022 from a cosmopolitan city located in India and performed descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive data analytics. We have used a hybrid feature selection algorithm to find an optimal set of features that has the maximum influence on employability and evaluated it using the classifier. We used these results and with the help of the 5W1H methodology, prescribed strategies to foster employability among engineering graduates.
  Keywords: prescriptive analytics; student employability; engineering institute; machine learning model; 5W1H model.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10064399
   
  
• Practices for inserting sustainability in the engineering curriculum: evaluation of the literature and an international consortium of universities  
  by Jeffson Veríssimo De Oliveira, Lucila Maria De Souza Campos, Daniel Pacheco Lacerda 
  Abstract: This study evaluates the primary practices for inserting sustainability into the engineering curriculum. The research is based on a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and the results of an international consortium of universities. Seven practices were listed in the SLR. Six were incorporated into the QUALENV consortium. The most applied practice is the 'insertion of new curricular materials on sustainability in syllabi and disciplines', emphasising transversality. 'Sustainable transdisciplinary actions in the curriculum' was not identified in the consortium and neglected by the literature, although it was considered a fundamental practice. This study serves as a resource for universities to offer guidelines to align engineering courses with sustainability demands. The research results can support the main stakeholders in the discussion about the need for curricular changes to include sustainability in curricula, coordinators seeking to propose course improvements and professors who aim to incorporate the SDGs into their teaching practices.
  Keywords: sustainability; practices; curriculum; engineering education.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10066583
   
  
• Exploring barriers affecting e-learning usage intentions among Moroccan university students  
  by Ayoub Oulamine, Anas Hattabou, Arghya Ray, Fatima El Gareh, Hajar Alourhzal 
  Abstract: This study aims to explore the barriers impacting the intention to use e-learning services among university students in developing countries. To achieve this, this study had adopted the innovation resistance theory stance by including two more barriers, namely individual and technological obstacles, to illuminate the personal and technological aspects of students' online learning adoption. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire from students at different university establishments present in Morocco, and 302 responses were collected. Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis conducted using SmartPLS4 software helped identify relationships between the latent variables of this study. Findings reveal a significantly negative influence of usage, value and individual barriers on the intention to use e-learning services. Results also indicate a positive influence of barriers related to image obstacles on this intention. Additionally, we found a significant moderating effect of age on the relationship between image barrier and intention to use e-learning services.
  Keywords: barriers; developing countries; e-learning; innovation resistance; PLS-SEM method.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10065973
   
  
• Training and performance appraisal: twin catalysts for competitive advantage in Nigerian private schools  
  by Fevzullah Bilgin, Nereida Hadziahmetovic, Natasa Tandir 
  Abstract: This study investigates the impact of training and development, and performance appraisal on competitive advantage within the unique context of private schools in Nigeria. Addressing the significance of the variables, the research sheds light on their role within the education sector, specifically exploring the mediating effect of ethical climate. In this context, where private education institutions face distinct challenges and opportunities, this research employs Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and AMOS software to analyse collected quantitative data. The data, drawn from a sample of 465 staff members across various private schools in Nigeria, offers insights into the dynamic relationship between training, development, ethical climate and competitive advantage. The study's results bring forth notable insights, indicating that both training and development and performance appraisals hold substantial impact in influencing competitive advantage. Additionally, the findings suggest that while ethical climate is an important factor, its mediating role may not play a significant part in achieving a competitive advantage for private schools in Nigeria.
  Keywords: competitive advantage; training and development; performance appraisals; ethical climate.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2025.10065515