International Journal of Management in Education (13 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• 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
   
  
• 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 organizations 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 have analysed 2694 engineering graduates passed out in the year 2018-2022 year 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
   
  
• 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 between 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 constrains. Issues 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
   
  
• Do school leaders lead? The perception of educational actors concerning the school transformation  
  by Lídia Serra, José Alves, Diana Soares 
  Abstract: In an era that values school autonomy, we know little about how school actors interact to improve teaching practices and organisational performance. This paper presents the perceptions of Portuguese school leaders, teachers and members of the self-evaluation teams regarding collective engagement in producing classroom transformation. The transformational capital initiative is a construct that measures the openness and will for mobilising changes. Multiple linear regression analysis used data from a survey to determine relationships between transformational capital initiative, school vision, decisional capital, mobilising and learning-supportive leadership, teachers' collaboration, innovative behaviour and involvement and innovation climate. The findings include (i) differences in the perceptions regarding leadership among school actors and (ii) weak to moderate effects of leadership, teachers' collaboration and innovative behaviour in promoting classroom transformation. The results suggest that schools are loose coupling systems where classroom transformation is a product more of teachers' individual will than of collective organisational planning.
  Keywords: transformational capital; leadership; innovation; collaborative practices; spontaneous order; loosely coupled system.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2024.10063555
   
  
• Financial behaviour of tertiary students and influencing factors  
  by Botond Géza Kálmán, Brigitta Szőke 
  Abstract: The purpose of the research is to examine the factors determining the financial behaviour of university students. The actuality of the investigation is given by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the resulting crisis. Our goal was to collect new knowledge for the development of more modern financial higher education. We analysed the results of our own offline questionnaire survey conducted in 2019 and 2020. The responses were statistically processed with factor analysis and linear ANCOVA model. We have shown that the financial behaviour of economic and law students is more active than others. Financial knowledge is important for financial activity, but a high degree of awareness has the same effect. Among university students, the pandemics did not cause any significant changes in financial behaviour. The benefit of our results is their possible applicability in economic and financial education.
  Keywords: financial behaviour; tertiary students; influencing factors; questionnaire survey; factor analysis; linear ANCOVA; management in education; pandemic crisis; financial education; economic students.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2024.10064041
   
  
• The examination of studies regarding quality in higher education: a bibliometric analysis  
  by Merve Acer, Gökhan Kılıçoğlu 
  Abstract: This study aims to examine 2094 Scopus-indexed articles on 'quality in higher education' using bibliometric analysis and science mapping. It sheds light on the current state and trends in this field and offers solutions based on identified needs through science mapping. VOSviewer, a bibliometric analysis and mapping software, served as the foundation, while analytical tools in Scopus and Microsoft Excel were used as supplements. The study identified authors and studies with the highest Scopus citations, highlighted the most successful journal ('Quality Assurance in Education') and identified the top countries (UK, USA, Australia). Social sciences and educational sciences departments were found to publish the most in this field. Key sub-topics include measurement scales for quality, Total Quality Management (TQM), student satisfaction as 'customers', distance education and sustainability issues. The study concludes with discussions on the results and suggestions for future research on quality in higher education.
  Keywords: quality studies; the quality in higher education; higher education; universities; bibliometric analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2024.10063758
   
  
• ChatGPT's challenges and opportunities in higher education: a technology-user(s)-environment lens  
  by Gamal S.A. Khalifa, Abdallah M. Elshaer, Safaa A.M. El-Aidie, Angelina Seow Voon Yee, Ayda Farhan, Elhachemi Abdelkader Hacine Gherbi 
  Abstract: This qualitative study investigates the adoption of ChatGPT technology in higher education within the tourism and hospitality sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Using purposive sampling and constructivist research theory, 27 participants (students, instructors, and administrators) actively using ChatGPT were interviewed. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo software, employing a theme analysis technique. Contrary to expectations, environmental factors like culture and ethical considerations significantly influence ChatGPT usage, despite institutional readiness. Some participants express concerns about potential negative effects on human interaction and critical thinking skills. The study underscores the importance of adequate training and support for responsible technology use in higher education, alongside the impact of social and cultural contexts on attitudes toward technology adoption.
  Keywords: ChatGPT; higher education; technology adoption; TUE.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2024.10063603
   
  
• Determinants of students' intention of choice to study at higher education institutions of Malaysia in the COVID-19 era  
  by Joshua Teck Khun Loo, Christine Li Ping Leong, Mei Ling Siew, Sima Ahmadpour 
  Abstract: A market-sensitive educational system is evolving in Malaysia due to the fact that the country is experiencing an increase in competition from both local and international universities. Competitive pressure has forced higher educational institutions to look for more competitive marketing strategies in order to compete for students in their respective markets. Recently, higher education institution marketers in the northern region of Malaysia have been confronted lately with the decrease in the number of students due to the COVID-19 Pandemic the and Movement Control Order implemented by the government, and thus studying and knowing the factors that influence the students' decision-making process represents a useful source of information for institutions' management. The objective of this study is to investigate the determinants influencing students' intention when choosing a university during the selection process. The data was obtained via a questionnaire and applied to sample of participants comprising the 350 prospective students who are planning to pursue higher education in the northern region of Malaysia. The Partial Least Squares of Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) approach was deployed to validate and examine the research theoretical framework and conduct the hypothesis testing. The key findings from the study reveal that institutional characteristics, institutional communication, institutional fit and family influence are positively impacted students' intention of choice to study in higher education institutions in the northern region of Malaysia, accepting the peer influence.
  Keywords: intention of student's choice; college choice decision; institutional characteristics; institutional communication; institutional fit; family influence; peer influence.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2024.10063760
   
  
• Education inequalities in Ethiopia: a macro-level analysis and its policy implications  
  by Misganu Legesse Bareke, Birhanu Haile Agezew, Negash Haile Dedho, Adane Hailu Herut, Mesfin Molla Demissie, Berhanu Mekonnen Yimer, Mulugeta Fufa Lebeta 
  Abstract: Globally, inequalities in educational provision prevail among genders, various geographical regions and different socioeconomic backgrounds. Consequently, this study aimed to assess the level of disparity among the Federal Regional States of Ethiopia using the Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve based on statistical data obtained from the MoE. Additionally, data were collected from 656 respondents in the sampled regions. The results of the Gini coefficient indicated that disparity in educational provision has decreased over the past couple of decades, both at primary (0.145-0.032) and secondary levels (0.277-0.126). However, emerging regions significantly lag behind the central and established regions. The sources of variation were primarily demand-side variables, particularly economic and contextual factors such as drought and conflicts. Therefore, educational policies designed at the central (macro) level are advised to adopt a multi-model approach and develop tailored strategies to address the existing inequalities through an equitable provision of the education system.
  Keywords: inequality; Lorenz curve; education; equity; demand and supply; Ethiopia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2024.10064380
   
  
• The relationship between learning-centred leadership and professional learning community: evidence from Malaysia  
  by Mei Kin Tai, Abdull Kareem Omar 
  Abstract: The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between Learning-Centred Leadership (LCL) and Professional Learning Community (PLC) in Malaysian secondary schools. By employing disproportionate stratified sampling, a total of 811 schoolteachers completed the survey. The results revealed that: i) the relationship between LCL and PLC is significant and positive; ii) the correlation between LCL and PLC is strong whereby LCL contributed 54.8% the total variation of PLC; iii) Builds a Learning Vision, Provides Learning Support, Manages the Learning Programme and Modelling are predictors of LCL and iv) Manages the Learning Programme contributed the most to PLC, followed by Modelling, Builds a Learning Vision and Provides Learning Support. The study uncovers the fact that LCL is a good predictor of PLC. It offers local and international practitioners another dimension about educational leadership that LCL is an effective leadership style that can gauge improvement in enhancing teacher and student learning.
  Keywords: learning-centred leadership; professional learning community; builds a learning vision; provides learning support; manages the learning program; modelling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2024.10063739
   
  
• Internet penetration and effectiveness of ICT usage in online flipped classrooms: a value addition to business education  
  by R. Sujatha, J. Sekkizhar 
  Abstract: A flipped classroom is an educational style in which students complete direct instruction prior to the class and spend in-class time engaging in discussions, projects or in-depth investigations. This study determined how internet penetration affects the flipped classroom style, as well as students' learning abilities. Under a flipped classroom setting, a structured questionnaire was employed to assess students' perceptions. To validate the research framework, a structural equation model was developed. The findings of the study indicated that flipped classrooms improved the students' engagement, learning capabilities, resource and communication capabilities and pedagogical capabilities. Furthermore, resource and communication capabilities were found to enhance authentic learning, engagement and professionalism of students. This study offers implications for educators and top management of educational institutes, insisting on providing the autonomy to teachers to build their own curriculum and customise course delivery techniques to meet students' needs.
  Keywords: internet; information and communication technology; flipped classroom; authentic learning; student engagement; professionalism.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2024.10064924
   
  
• The effect of the principal's transformational leadership and school organisational culture on the performance of junior high school teachers with work ethic as a moderating variable  
  by Singgih Bektiarso 
  Abstract: The aim of this research is to examine the influence of the principal's transformational leadership, school organisational culture and work ethic on teacher performance. This research population that has been determined is junior high school science teachers in the city of Jember, Indonesia. The number of respondents who were involved was 160 teachers. Data collection techniques have been applied using a questionnaire. The data analysis used was structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis with the PLS technique. The research results show that first, the principal's transformational leadership has a significant positive effect on the performance of junior high school science teachers; second, school organisational culture has a significant positive effect on junior high school science teacher performance; third, work ethic moderates the influence of the principal's transformational leadership on junior high school science teacher performance; fourth, work ethics moderates the influence of school culture on junior high school science teacher performance.
  Keywords: principal's transformational leadership; school organisational culture; work ethic; teacher performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2024.10064542
   
  
• How teachers' performance is impacted by transformational and instructional leadership model  
  by Nazyktere Hasani, Nazmi Xhomara 
  Abstract: The study aimed to investigate the impact of transformational and instructional leadership models on teachers' performance. The quantitative approach was the method used in the empirical study. A structured questionnaire and a random cluster sample of respondents were taken in the population of teachers and principals of high schools in the main municipalities in the country. The primary data of transformational and instructional leadership models, as well as of teachers' performance were gathered. The study demonstrated a positive correlation between transformational leadership and teachers' performance variables according to teachers, as well as principals. At the same time, the study indicated that the significant variance in teachers' performance is explained by transformational as well as by instructional leadership. The study concluded that transformational leadership in addition to the instructional leadership model impacts teachers' performance. Educational institutions should promote transformational and instructional leadership models as important variables that influence teachers' performance.
  Keywords: teaching; performance; leadership; transformational; instructional.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2024.10064400