In order to assess the effects of e-learning integration on university performance and competitiveness, this study uses Oman as a model for the Gulf. Analyzing how e-learning impacts technology integration, diversity, community engagement, infrastructure, financial strength, institutional reputation, student outcomes, research and innovation, and academic quality can reveal whether universities are effectively incorporating digital tools to enhance teaching and learning. By offering a framework for comparable institutions in the Gulf area, this study provides insights into optimizing e-learning techniques to improve university performance and competitiveness. This study uses the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with a dataset comprising 424 participants and 55 indicators, analyzed using both measurement and structural models. The results of the hypothesis testing, which indicate that e-learning has a positive effect on factors like student outcomes (B = 0.080, t = 2.859, P = 0.004) and institutional reputation (B = 0.058, t = 2.770, P = 0.005), lend credence to these beliefs. Omani universities need culturally sensitive e-learning, stronger institutional support, and training to enhance diversity (B = 0.002, t = 0.456, P = 0.647) and technology integration (B = −0.009, t = 0.864, P = 0.387). These improvements increase the visibility of Gulf institutions abroad, attracting the best students from all around the world and fostering an inclusive learning atmosphere. Financially speaking, e-learning offers reasonably priced solutions such as digital libraries and virtual laboratories, which are especially beneficial in a region where education plays a major role in socioeconomic development.
The high unemployment rate among university graduates is prompting universities to enhance the business skills of their students. This research aims to holistically explain the role of university support and entrepreneurial resilience in increasing students’ business innovation capabilities. To analyze phenomena and relationships between variables, a quantitative approach using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used. This research sample involved 165 student entrepreneurs who are members of the student entrepreneur community in Indonesia. Knowledge management does not significantly impact increasing business innovation capabilities. However, perceived university support and entrepreneurial resilience have been shown to significantly impact business innovation capabilities and strengthen the influence of knowledge management activities on increasing business innovation capabilities. Universities must create policies supporting extracurricular entrepreneurship programs, focusing on building entrepreneurial resilience. This can be achieved through workshops and business incubator initiatives involving partnerships with industry and the entrepreneurial community. This research provides a new perspective in analyzing higher education entrepreneurship education through a more in-depth explanation of the extracurricular activities of the student business community to build business innovation capabilities based on knowledge, institutional, and trait theory perspectives.
Introduction: Chatbots are increasingly utilized in education, offering real-time, personalized communication. While research has explored technical aspects of chatbots, user experience remains under-investigated. This study examines a model for evaluating user experience and satisfaction with chatbots in higher education. Methodology: A four-factor model (information quality, system quality, chatbot experience, user satisfaction) was proposed based on prior research. An alternative two-factor model emerged through exploratory factor analysis, focusing on “Chatbot Response Quality” and “User Experience and Satisfaction with the Chatbot.” Surveys were distributed to students and faculty at a university in Ecuador to collect data. Confirmatory factor analysis validated both models. Results: The two-factor model explained a significantly greater proportion of the data’s variance (55.2%) compared to the four-factor model (46.4%). Conclusion: This study suggests that a simpler model focusing on chatbot response quality and user experience is more effective for evaluating chatbots in education. Future research can explore methods to optimize these factors and improve the learning experience for students.
This study, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), aims to explore the entrepreneurial intentions of university students in Shandong Province, China, and analyze the major factors influencing these intentions. Structural Equation Modeling was applied to data collected from 680 students across five universities in Shandong Province. The findings reveal that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly influence the students’ entrepreneurial intentions. Specifically, a positive attitude towards the outcomes of entrepreneurship emerged as the strongest factor influencing their intentions, indicating that positive perceptions and expectations of entrepreneurship significantly enhance students’ entrepreneurial inclinations. Perceived behavioral control also showed a strong influence, suggesting that enhancing students’ self-efficacy and awareness of accessible resources is crucial for fostering entrepreneurial intentions. However, the influence of subjective norms was weaker, which may relate to specific cultural and social environmental factors. This study not only provides an empirical basis for entrepreneurship education and policy-making in Shandong Province and beyond but also offers new insights into the application of TPB in the field of entrepreneurship research.
Regardless of the importance of accreditation and the role faculty play in a such process, not much attention was given to those in dental colleges This study aimed to explore faculty perceptions of accreditation in the College of Dental Medicine and its impact, the challenges that hinder their involvement in accreditation, and countermeasures to mitigate these barriers using a convergent mixed methods approach. The interviewees were faculty who hold administrative positions (purposeful sample). The remaining faculty were invited for the survey using convenience sampling. Quantitative data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests at 0.05 significance. A consensus was achieved on the positive impact of accreditation with an emphasis on the collective responsibility of faculty for the entire process. Yet their involvement was not duly recognized in teaching load, promotion, and incentives. Quality Improvement and Sustainability Tools and Benchmarking were identified as common themes for the value of accreditation to institutions and faculty. Global ranking and credibility as well as seamless service were key themes for institutional accreditation, while education tools and guidance or unifying tools were central themes for faculty. Regarding the challenges, five themes were recognized: Lack of Resources, Rigorous Process, Communication Lapse, Overwhelming Workload, and Leadership Style and Working Environment. To mitigate these challenges, Providing Enough Resources and Leadership Style and Working Environment were the identified themes. This research endeavors to achieve a better understanding of faculty perceptions to ease a process that requires commitment, resources, and readiness to change.
Climate change is a pressing global challenge that requires immediate action. To address this issue effectively, it is essential to engage and empower the younger generation who will shape the future. This abstract presents the experience of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH) in UAE in promoting climate action through youth empowerment and environmental education.MBZUH has recognized the significance of incorporating environmental education into its curriculum to foster a generation of environmentally conscious individuals. Through a multidimensional approach, the university has developed innovative strategies to empower students, enabling them to become active participants in addressing climate change. These strategies encompass both formal and informal education, leveraging various platforms and partnerships to create a comprehensive learning environment.This study delves into the initiatives undertaken by MBZUH to empower youth in climate action. It explores the incorporation of environmental education across disciplines, integrating sustainability principles into existing courses, and offering specialized programs focused on environmental science and climate studies. Additionally, it highlights the university's efforts in promoting hands-on learning experiences, such as field trips, research projects, and community engagement, to deepen students' understanding of climate issues and inspire practical action.Furthermore, the study examines the role of MBZUH's collaboration with local and international organizations, governmental bodies, and the wider community in fostering youth empowerment and climate action. It showcases successful partnerships that have resulted in impactful initiatives, including awareness campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and youth-led environmental projects.By sharing the experience of MBZUH, this study aims to provide valuable insights and best practices for promoting climate action through youth empowerment and environmental education. It underscores the importance of empowering the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to become effective agents of change in addressing climate challenges.
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