Higher Education Revolutions in the Gulf

Over the past quarter century, the people of the Arabian Peninsula have witnessed a revolutionary transformation in higher education. In 1990, there were fewer than ten public universities that offered their Arabic-language curricula in sex-segregated settings to national citizens only. In 2015, there are more than one hundred public, semi-public, and private colleges and universities. Most of these institutions are open to expatriates and national citizens; a few offer gender integrated instruction; and the language of instruction is much more likely to be in English than Arabic. Higher Education Revolutions in the Gulf explores the reasons behind this dramatic growth. It examines the causes of the sharp shift in educational practices and analyses how these new systems of higher education are regulated, evaluating the extent to which the new universities and colleges are improving quality. Questioning whether these educational changes can be sustained, the book explores how the new curricula and language policies are aligned with official visions of the future. Written by leading scholars in the field, it draws upon their considerable experiences of teaching and doing research in the Arabian Gulf, as well as their different disciplinary backgrounds (linguistics and economics), to provide a holistic and historically informed account of the emergence and viability of the Arabian Peninsula’s higher education revolutions. Offering a comprehensive, critical assessment of education in the Gulf Arab states, this book represents a significant contribution to the field and will be of interest to students and scholars of Middle East and Gulf Studies, and essential for those focused on higher education

EXAMINING UNIVERSITY STAKEHOLDERS\u27 PERCEPTION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONALIZATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN THE UAE

The globalization of economies and societies worldwide, has brought massive transformations in the field of higher education, creating a context to include an ‘international’ dimension in higher education institutions (HEIs). Global learning is essential in the development of cognitive skills, as well as for increased success among academics, hence institutional stakeholders such as administrators, faculty, and students are key participants in initiatives to internationalize academia. The current study examines the perspectives of institutional stakeholders (top administrators, faculty, and students) concerning the process and implementation of internationalization of higher education in the UAE, revealing its potential benefits and challenges. In a mixed method study, data were collected using online questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with the institutional stakeholders from eight top-ranked institutions in the UAE. To assess the process of internationalization within the ‘internationalization cube’ framework, official documents regarding policies and strategies were sought from these institutions. The overall findings suggest that institutional stakeholders mainly view internationalization as a significant phenomenon which serves as a tool for the creation and dissemination of knowledge, ultimately to improve the quality of education. The study categorized the institutions under study based on their internationalization efforts, offering decision-makers a rich source of information for beneficial use in planning and implementation of internationalization at their institutions

Revitalizing the library for the nation : proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Libraries, Information and Society held on 18-19 April 2019 at Hatten Hotel, Melaka

Organised by: Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Malaya and University of Malaya Library

The Use and Impact of Cognitive Enhancers within Higher Education in the United Arab Emirates

Introduction: Cognitive enhancers (CEs), also known as ‘smart drugs,’ ‘study aids’ or ‘nootropics’ are a cause of concern. Recent research studies investigated the use of CEs being taken as study aids by university students. Despite being illegal in most countries, the diverted non-prescription use of these molecules and the related potential for dependence and/or addiction is being reported. It has been demonstrated that healthy students (i.e. those without any diagnosed mental disorders) are increasingly using drugs such as methylphenidate, mixtures of dextroamphetamine/amphetamine, and modafinil, for the purpose of increasing their alertness, concentration or memory. These products are available on prescriptions and on the illicit market. Due to high academic pressure, university students are at risk of CE misuse. However, data regarding this issue are limited, especially in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Aim: The current PhD thesis aimed to exploring the phenomenon of cognitive enhancers use among UAE University students. Methodology: Study 1. A systematic review was performed, in adherence with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Whilst 1,400 studies were identified within this review through a variety of electronic databases (e.g. 520 through PubMed, 490 through Science Direct and 390 through Scopus), 48 papers were deemed as relevant and were included in the review. Study 2. A cross sectional study based on a validated online survey that was distributed using university-licensed software (Qualtrics) as a direct web link via email and social media to all Medical, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing and Engineering students enrolled in six UAE Universities. Associations between student characteristics and CE use were investigated using the Pearson’s Chi-squared test and Multiple logistic regression (MLR). Reasons for CE use, temporal patterns of use, details regarding purchase and types of CE used were compared by gender. Study 3. The study was a qualitative research design conducted in different academic settings of the UAE. Data were analysed thematically for the identification of themes and subthemes within the data using a coding protocol. Results: Study 1. The most popular molecules identified here included the stimulant CEs, e.g. methylphenidate, modafinil, amphetamine mixtures and caffeine-related compounds; stimulant CEs’ intake was more prevalent among males than females; drugs were largely obtained from friends and family, as well as via the Internet. Study 2. One quarter of students had used CEs. There was a clear difference between users and non-users in terms of gender (p<0.001). CE users were disproportionately represented by students from either UAE or other Arab countries (p<0.001), and by students of Medicine, followed by Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Engineering (p<0.001). CE use increased with year of study, reaching the highest level in the fourth year (p<0.001), which for most programmes is the final year. Modafinil was self-administered, especially in males, for concentration and alertness; B12 was typically taken by female students for academic performance and concentration; and high-dosage caffeine compounds were ingested to improve alertness levels. Use of the internet for both obtaining information and purchasing CEs was frequently reported. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that gender, nationality, and year of study were associated with CE use among UAE university students. Study 3. The semi-structured interview transcripts were analysed. The study identified four main themes and 12 subthemes from students and three main themes and their five sub-themes from university faculty staffs. The qualitative findings revealed that CEs are accessible to enhance performance in terms of concentration, motivation and meeting academic deadlines. Discussion: It is suggested that CEs are increasingly being used among healthy individuals, mainly students without any diagnosed cognitive deficits, to increase their alertness, concentration, or memory, in the belief that these CEs will improve their performance during examinations or when studying. The impact of stimulant CEs may include tolerance, dependence and/or somatic (e.g. cardiovascular; neurological) complications. Conclusions: Universities need to address the prevalence of CE use amongst their students by providing effective support programs. The ethical concerns related to the use of these substances should be considered by universities against the legal restrictions related to their use

What kind of space does Sheffield International College provide for its students and principal stakeholders?

This thesis is concerned with one example of the recent phenomenon of International Pathway Colleges, Sheffield International College. It is a case study designed to answer initial questions and identify areas for future research, which uses the lens of The Third Space (Bhabha, 1994) to investigate the educational, organizational and cultural aspects of the College. Chapter one presents a series of research questions to support the investigation. Chapter two’s literature review uses a framework suggested by Ridley (2008) to establish background, context, theories and concepts, terminology and previous research and its limitations. An ever-evolving HE sector and a for-profit educational and media sector are described. The circumstances which have brought them together in creating more than forty partnerships since 2005 are examined. Globalisation is identified as the driving force and key characteristics are identified. Two different narrative themes are described, one pessimistic and the other optimistic.The Third Space is then explored as a lens through which to consider the College: its educational, organizational and cultural facets are considered.Methodological and ethical issues are then reviewed. The research and its findings are discussed. It is suggested that the evidence depicts a sometimes random and contradictory picture as a consequence of a move from an international to an internationalizing strategy at the University – a move which has not been reflected in the mission or vision for the College.The thesis concludes with recommendations at the local and sector level. At the local level, it is recommended that Third Space analysis is used to determine where the College sits within the University’s internationalization strategy. At the sector level it is recommended that commercial rivals act collaboratively in the interests of the occupants of the sector – students and staff. Finally the prospects of this happening, and those for the College, are considered

FACTORS INFLUENCING EMIRATIS’ CHOICES FOR HEALTHCARE CAREERS

The core aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence Emiratis’ choices for healthcare careers as well as propose viable initiatives through which the number of Emiratis pursuing healthcare careers can be increased. In this regard, the research sought to meet three research objectives: (i) to identify the factors that influence Emiratis’ choices for healthcare careers; (ii) to investigate the key challenges encountered by healthcare workers in the UAE; and (iii) to propose viable initiatives through which the number of Emiratis pursuing healthcare careers can be increased. The above-stated research aim was guided by the worrying low number of health workers, particularly doctors and nurses, of UAE origin (UAE nationals account for less than 10% and 20% of the country’s physicians and nurses workforce (Ibrahim et al., 2016; Informa, 2016). Besides the above identified research problem, there was a major literature gap concerning what generally impacts people’s choices for healthcare careers and more so in the Arab/ Muslims setting. In particular, my interest to investigate what influences Emiratis career decision-making, specifically for healthcare professions, was in this thesis cultivated out of the conviction that the current theories of career choice are too broad and they are based on findings made in studies carried out in non-Islamic/ Arabic religious and cultural settings such as the UAE. As a result, I considered their applicability in the UAE context questionable. For the set research objectives to be met, a qualitative research approach was used based on grounded theory principles. In this case, a sample of 36 respondents was purposefully selected, and it comprised of high school students, college medical and nursing students, nurses and doctors, healthcare administrators, as well as officials from the UAE Ministry of health and that of education. The intended data was primarily collected through in-depth interviews and it was analysed using the constant comparative data analysis method. In this case, the data collection and analysis exercises took place simultaneously. With respect to the aspect of factors that influence Emiratis’ choices for healthcare careers, an emergent theory of healthcare career choice was developed, which identifies and explains the several factors that influence Emiratis’ choices for healthcare careers. From the emergent theory, Emiratis’ choices for healthcare careers are influenced by numerous factors that fall under six substantive categories: parental and family influences, personal interest and passion, role models, gender, cultural, and religious factors. Nevertheless, personal interest and passion, as well as parental and family influences have the greatest impact on the Emiratis’ choices for healthcare careers. Low remuneration, lack of benefits (allowances and bonuses), high workload and long working hours, inadequate specialisation and training opportunities in the country, insufficient access to training, as well as poor organisational climate were also found to be the main challenges encountered by UAE healthcare workers. As a result, based on the findings and conclusions derived in this study concerning the challenges encountered by healthcare workers in the UAE, the emergent theory of factors influencing Emiratis’ choices for healthcare careers, as well as the recommendations made by the respondents, the current crisis of low number of healthcare workers of UAE origin may be solved through two main techniques. The techniques include: one, sensitising Emiratis about healthcare careers through outreach programs and any other initiative that can be effective in reaching out to the locals. The second technique may involve addressing the challenges facing the UAE healthcare sector, mainly the issues of poor remuneration, overworking, lack of training facilities, and poor working conditions. This thesis has three core contributions to the previously existing empirical and theoretical literature. The first and the main contribution of this study is that it has enriched the available literature concerning the factors influencing people's choices for careers, specifically in the healthcare context. The second core contribution of this study can be attributed to the research method or approach used in this study. As discussed later in this thesis, employing a grounded theory approach gave room for the introduction of new insights about the research topic since the researcher was open to new ideas based on the primary data collected from the field. The third contribution of this study is the development of a model or framework that clearly explains what influences Emiratis’ choices for healthcare careers and how. The model can be applied in other Arab-dominated countries such as in the Middle East, though there is a need for testing the theory developed in this study using a quantitative or a hybrid of quantitative and qualitative research approach as explained later in this study.UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Researc

Socialization and the Construction of a Professional Identity among Public Relations Students in the United Arab Emirates

In the United Arab Emirates, economic and cultural forces are affecting the development of public relations. A high imbalance of expatriates to locals (Emiratis) in the population has left the field of public relations lacking in local representation. Without adequate representation across the major sectors of the society, Emirati can lose influence and control over their own homeland where they are a significant minority. A contributing factor to success in any field is the development of professional socialization and construction of a professional identity in the post-secondary environment. This is an exploratory study examining Emirati public relations students and their professional development. It is a qualitative study of semi-structured interviews of 10 Emirati public relations students, utilizing a grounded theory approach. Findings reveal that Emirati public relations students are developing in their professional identities at institutional and relational levels, but there is more that can be done by the students, themselves, to support the construction of their professional identities in their post-secondary environment. This would likely increase their chances for career placement and success in the area of public relations, and further greater representation of locals in the society.Library OA Fun

Trends and practices in the use of non-prescription drugs among university students in the United Arab Emirates

Background: A wide variety of medication, from vitamins to analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, can be purchased by users without a medical prescription. These are referred to as Oral Non-Prescription Drugs (ONPD). While this may empower patients to treat themselves, when used irrationally these medications can have a negative health impact. Previous research on higher education students, particularly healthcare students, has demonstrated that they might be a high-risk population for irrationally use of ONPD. In 2004, the World Health Organisation issued specific guidelines to address research in this area. However, recent investigations still indicate that irrational use of medication occurs among this population. Therefore, the current thesis will be guided by the WHO framework in an attempt to develop a strategy to address this problem. Aim: The aim of this thesis is to determine the prevalence of irrational use of medication sold without a prescription in UAE to university students and to identify the reasons for this behaviour. A secondary aim of this investigation is to develop, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention to improve knowledge and awareness of, as well as attitudes and practice towards, rational use of ONPD medication by university students in UAE. To reach the aims of the study, a health behavioural model was used together with qualitative and quantitative methods. Methodology Study One: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of four types of irrational use (incautious use, inappropriate use, use of antibiotics without prescription and polypharmacy) of ONPD among undergraduate students in UAE. This study used a cross-sectional design employing a randomised sampling technique (n=2875). Statistical analysis was used to analyse this data. Results obtained from this study indicated that 85.9% of students used ONPD, with 38.6% using antibiotics without a prescription. Based on WHO risk assessment criteria, this behaviour was found to the most severe form of irrational use. Additional findings indicated that female participants were 34% less likely to be incautious users (OR =0.344, 95% CI: 0. 244-0.486, p≤0.001), which set males at a higher risk of engaging in this behaviour. Not verifying the expiration date also increased the likelihood of being an incautious user by as much as 51%. Seeking drug information from health care professionals was found to be a protective factor against incautious ONPD use (OR =0. 798, 95% CI: 0.540-0.967, p967, p≤0.05). At the same time, not seeking information on cautious use of ONPD either from medical books or the internet was associated with a higher risk of incautious use (OR = 1.914, 95% CI: 1.353-2.708, p≤0.001). Being a healthcare student significantly increased the odds of being an incautious user of ONPD (OR = 1.561, 95% CI: 1.103-2.208, p≤0.05). Using antibiotics without a prescription was reported among 35.9% of the sample, with no statistically significant difference being observed between healthcare and non-healthcare students. Study Two: Based on the WHO Severity Rating Matrix, the use of antibiotics without prescription was found to be the most significant risk for personal and population health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to further explore the reasons for use of antibiotics without prescription among healthcare university students. This study used a qualitative design employing an interview method and a purposive sample selection technique (n=15) which included only the population of students who used antibiotics without a prescription. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Five main themes emerged from this study: knowledge, awareness, attitude, views, and perceptions, as well as possible strategies to decrease their misuse of antibiotics. Study Three: The aim of this study was to develop and test an intervention for reducing the use of antibiotics without prescription based on the findings of study 1 and 2. The intervention was carried out for 14 weeks. Each session was delivered on a weekly basis and comprised of a 15 minutes PowerPoint presentation followed by 10 minutes of discussion. A quasi-experimental design with purposive sampling was used in which participants (n=140) were assessed at baseline for knowledge, awareness, attitude, and practice of using antibiotics without prescription. Results obtained through comparing baseline measures with post-intervention measures demonstrated a statistically significant (p<0.05) improvement in reducing the use of antibiotic without prescription among the sample. Moderate improvements were also noted in knowledge, attitude, and awareness of antibiotic use. Conclusion: This thesis has demonstrated that the prevalence of ONPD is high among university students in the UAE. This is particularly significant as this increased prevalence occurs concomitantly with irrational use. The most significant risk was related to using antibiotics without prescription. Although the intervention to change this behaviour was successful, other issues such as access to health care and lack of time to see medical practitioners may still promote the use of antibiotics without prescription. Recommendations underlined in this investigation include educating pharmacists to provide information to ONPD buyers

Australian University Transnational Education Programs: An Empirical Investigation of the Business Models

This in-depth qualitative case study explores the criteria two Australian public universities use in the selection between the Direct (DM) and Outsourced Models (OM) of TNE business delivery, and the role of the theories of the firm viz., transaction cost economics (TCE), property rights theory (PRT) and agency theory (AT) in driving these criteria and the longevity of the models. It identified significant tipping points along the TNE journeys of each university, and four new models of TNE delivery

AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF E-LEARNING STAKEHOLDERS’ EXPERIENCES OF DEVELOPING, IMPLEMENTING, AND ENHANCING E-COURSES IN ONE SAUDI UNIVERSITY

The use of e-learning technologies is gaining momentum in all educational institutions of the world, including Saudi universities. In the e-learning context, there is a growing need and concern among Saudi universities to improve and enhance quality assurance for e-learning systems. Practicing quality assurance activities and applying quality standards in e-learning in Saudi universities is thought to reduce the negative viewpoints of some stakeholders and ensure stakeholders’ satisfaction and needs. As a contribution to improving the quality of e-learning method in Saudi universities, the main purpose of this study is to explore and investigate strategies for the development of quality assurance in e-learning in King Khalid University (KKU) in Saudi Arabia, which is considered a good reference university using best and ongoing practices in e-learning systems among Saudi universities. In order to ensure the quality of its e-learning methods, KKU has adopted Quality Matters Standards as a controlling guide for the quality of its blended and full e-course electronic courses. Furthermore, quality assurance can be further improved, if a variety of perspectives are taken into consideration from comprehensive viewpoints of faculty members, administrative staff, and students. This qualitative research involved the use of different types of interviews, as well as documents that contain data related to e-learning methods in the KKU environment. This exploratory case study was undertaken, from the perspectives of various participants, to understand the phenomenon of quality assurance using an inductive technique. The purposive sample comprises a total of 30 female and male participants to answer the research questions and provide robust information in terms of how the quality of e-learning development has been met in the KKU environment. The thematic analysis method developed by (Braun & Clarke, 2006) was carried out to analyse the data from the interviews and documents. The results revealed six main supportive factors that assist in ensuring the quality of e-learning in the KKU environment. Essentially, these factors are: institutional support, faculty member support, evaluation of faculty, quality of e-course design, technology support, and student support, which together have a remarkable positive effect on quality, forming intrinsic columns, connected by bricks leading to quality e-learning. In addition, in the course of improving e-learning quality, KKU encountered various challenges, some of which were overcome while others were not. Generally, Quality Matters standards are considered to have a strong impact on improving faculty members' skills and on the development of high-quality blended and full e-courses. It is, therefore, the recommendations and implications of the present study that quality assurance practices in e-learning methods can be enhanced and that future researches might shed more light on these recommendations