Faculty Members’ Point of View about the Criteria for Selecting Pioneers and the Strategies to Revere them, Kerman University of Medical Sciences

Background & Objective : Improving social and cultural status of faculty members is among the main universities’ duties, aimed to encourage them to improve society knowledge and culture. All faculties in a university are not active and effective in the same way. This study was done to determine the selection criteria and the ways to appreciate the pioneer faculty members in order to initiate a reverence strategy for them. Methods : In this cross-sectional study, a researcher-made questionnaire was distributed among all the official faculty members in Kerman University of Medical Sciences after its validity and reliability were confirmed. This questionnaire consisted of demographic features and fifteen 4-Likert-scale statements to select pioneers and 11 statements to determine the reverence strategies. Results : The response rate was 66%. Thirty six percent of faculty members were instructors, 48% assistant, 10% associate and 6% were full professors. Among the pioneer selection criteria, the highest mean score belonged to “good-reputation and standard morality” and “having international publications”. In contrast, the lowest score belonged to “age” and “executive experiences”. “Consulting pioneers about the current affairs and engaging them” and “inviting them to participate in meetings” were suggested as the best reverence ways “providing facilities” and “fixing photographs and biographies on walls” were of the lowest importance. Conclusion : In spite of the general concept of pioneer in which establishment and organizing are significant, the faculty members preferred ethical and research criteria. Financial facilities and earning reputation found the lowest importance among the reverence ways while respecting and consulting them about the university affairs were suggested as the best ways. This shows the self confidence and high socio-cultural status of teachers which necessitates more attempts in symbolizing and improving their status. Keywords: Pioneer, Faculty member, Reverence

Analysis of Medical Education Output in Web of Science Database

Background & Objective: Knowledge maps graphically draw a branch of science and help to describe it more precisely. This research was conducted to study the scientific productivity and collaborative coefficient of medical education authors during 2002-2011. Methods: This descriptive study was done using scientometric techniques. The papers indexed in Web of Science were searched using medical education keywords. The retrieved records were entered into Excel and HistCite. Citation analysis techniques were used and the map was drawn. Results: The rate of productivity was 28%. 10123 retrieved records were published in 1506 journals and most were published in Medical Education Journal. 5791 educational institutes contributed to publishing papers. Van der Vleuten published more papers than other authors. The collaborative coefficient was moderate. 122 countries contributed to publishing these papers and USA was the most active country. Finally, 5 clusters were identified including learning methods in medical education, job depression, the effect of working hour reduction on health services, evaluation of professional competency in medical education, and the relationship between medical sciences and industry. Conclusion: Medical education follows an ascending trend in scientific productivity. The results of the current study can be used in future planning and help this field to improve. Keywords Web of Science database Medical education Citation analysis Scientific output Knowledge ma

The Scientific Output of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in Web of Science

Background & Objective: Publishing in journals indexed in well-known indexes is the best way to present an article internationally. It also illustrates the contribution of scholars to the advancement of knowledge in the world. This study aimed to investigate the scientific output of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in Web of Science (WOS) during 2004 to 2013. Methods: This applied research uses scientometrics and citation methods to investigate the scientific publications of Kerman University of Medical Sciences during 2004-2013. The data were gathered from Web of Science. Results: During this time period, researchers at Kerman University of Medical Sciences had published 1053 documents in WOS. Most of the documents were in article format. The growth rate of scientific contribution was 70% and the university’s H-index was 30. The papers’ distribution followed the Lotka’s law. In total, the papers had received 4619 citations. Only 2.47% of papers were written by one author. The studied researchers had the most collaboration with Tehran University of Medical Sciences among Iranian universities and the University of Amsterdam among foreign universities. The fields pharmacy and pharmacology had produced the most papers. Conclusion: The results indicated a growing trend in publications and high rates of scientific collaboration by Kerman University of Medical Sciences. It is suggested that different departments follow the experience of departments with the most productivity in order to increase their output. In this way all departments will contribute to the university’s scientific output. Moroever, new policies should be considered to increase the citation rate. Key Words: Science production, Web of Science (WOS), Citation, Document, Scientometrics, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, H-inde

The Effect of Technology in Information Searching Skills via Wiki to the Medical Students

Background & Objective: Recently, a new technology, i.e. Web 2.0, has emerged and it is increasingly used in education. Wiki is one of the web 2.0 application which is used in E-learning. Wiki is a simple, easy editable, interactive application that enhances learning, so this study was conducted to investigate the effect of using wiki on learning information searching skills on medical students in Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Methods: The study population included the medical students who have chosen the information technology (IT) course in the second semester in 2013. The course was held in four groups, two groups were selected randomly. One group was considered as test group, teaching through wiki (wikispaces). The second one was the control group, traditional teaching (lecture). We asked about students’ attitudes toward learning through a researcher-made questionnaire. Result: The most of the students (71.9%) have used at least one of the web 2.0 technologies and 21.9% used Wikis. The mean scores of two groups increased and the difference between the mean scores was significant. The mean and standard deviation of the students’ scores before and after training through Wiki enhanced from 2.80 ± 1.85 to 12.85 ± 4.26, whereas it was 3.83 ± 4.30 to 13.75 ± 3.25 in the traditional group (P < 0.001). There was no significant association between two teaching methods (wiki and traditional) (P = 0.560) and the improvement of both groups was almost equivalent but most of students (55%) preferred training by wiki. Conclusion: Teaching through Wiki had a positive effect on learning. Regarding Wiki capabilities, it can be used as a supplement method for teaching. Keywords Web 2.0 Wiki Education Information searching skills Learning Kerman University of Medical Sciences Iran Medical student

The Effect of Team-Based Learning in Medical Information Systems Course on Academic Achievement in Postgraduate Students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Background & Objective: Team-based learning (TBL) is an effective method of interpersonal skills training, which results in the higher satisfaction of students with learning. Moreover, cooperative learning results in attainment of problem solving skills, resolving of learning issues, and critical thinking. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of TBL of medical information systems course on academic achievement in postgraduate students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Methods: This quasi-experimental interventional study was conducted using pre-test and post-test method during two semesters. The study population consisted of graduate students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. The participants (30 subjects in the intervention group and 30 in the control group) were selected through census and purposive sampling. The subjects were randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: All subjects were admitted to the postgraduate program in 2014. The mean age of participants was 29 ± 4.1 years in the range of 23-46. Moreover, 55.0% of the participants were women, and 61.7% were single and living in the dormitory. The mean critical thinking score before and after the intervention was 262 ± 28.76 and 271 ± 24.9; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.013). A statistical significant difference was observed between the mean total score of students in the intervention and control groups (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The results illustrate that TBL is more effective in the increasing of training skills, communication techniques, critical thinking, and satisfaction among students in comparison to the lecture method. These results illustrate the students’ tendency toward active and cooperative learning in comparison to traditional unilateral and passive teaching methods. TBL is effective in promoting critical thinking and academic achievement among students in comparison with conventional methods. Key Words: Team-based learning (TBL), Critical thinking, Postgraduate students, Medical information system

Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of the Scientific Production of Kerman University of Medical Sciences Academic Members in Scopus Database

Background: The rapid growth of scientific production and the number of researchers has made decision makers think about scientific approaches for evaluation of the researchers’ performance. Scientometric indicators have been introduced to analyze science by quantitative methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the scientific production of academic members at Kerman University of Medical Sciences (KMU) based on Scientometric indicators. Methods: This was a analytical survey research. The study population was scientific productions of all academic members of KMU until 22nd of August, 2014. Direct search of Scopus Database and checklist were used for data collection. Results: The highest mean (median) of published articles belonged to the Pharmacy School, while the lowest belonged to the Nursing and Midwifery School [17.66(20.50) and 3.08 (0) respectively, (P<0.0001)]. The highest H-Index was 17 and approximately half of the academic members had zero H-indices. A strong positive and significant correlation was found between academic members’ work experience and H-index (r=0.8, P<0.0001).There was also a positive and significant relationship between H-index and academic rank (P<0.0001). Conclusion: The results shows that scientific production of KMU academic members is not significantly different from that of other medical universities of Iran, but it is still far away from global standards. Therefore, policy makers should provide the scientific development requirements through wise planning

Investigating Knowledge Management Status among Faculty Members of Kerman University of Medical Sciences based on the Nonaka Model in 2015

systematic exploitation of available knowledge and information. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the knowledge management status in an education system by considering the function of faculty members in creation and dissemination of knowledge. This study was conducted to investigate the knowledge management status among faculty members of the Kerman University of Medical Sciences based on the Nonaka and Takeuchi models in 2015. Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study. It was conducted on 165 faculty members at the Kerman University of Medical Sciences, who were selected from seven faculties as weighted using a random stratified sampling method. The Nonaka and Takeuchi knowledge management questionnaire consists of 26 questions in four dimensions of socialization, externalization, internalization, and combination. Scoring of questions was conducted using the five-point Likert scale. To analyze data, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and the Kruskal-Wallis test were employed. Results: The four dimensions in the Nonaka and Takeuchi model are based on optimal indicators (3.5), dimensions of combination, and externalization with an average of 3.3 were found in higher ranks and internalization and socialization had averages of 3.1 and 3. According to the findings of this study, the average knowledge management among faculty members of the Kerman University of Medical Sciences was estimated to be 3.1, with a bit difference compared to the average. According to the results of t-tests, there was no significant relationship between gender and various dimensions of knowledge management (p>0.05). The findings of Kruskal-Wallis showed that there is no significant relationship between variables of age, academic rank, and type of faculty with regard to dimensions of knowledge management (p>0.05). In addition, according to the results of Pearson tests, there is no significant relation between employment history and dimensions of knowledge management (p>0.05). Conclusion: Considering the function and importance of knowledge management in education and research organizations including universities, it is recommended to pay comprehensive attention to establishment of knowledge management and knowledge sharing in universities and provide the required background to from research teams and communication networks inside and outside universities

Evaluating the Program of Bachelor Degree in Health Services Management at Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Using the CIPP Model (Context, Input, Process, Product)

Background & Objective: Evaluation is necessary to ensure the quality of education in any educational system. Any educational program needs to be evaluated critically before any modification and revision. This study was conducted to evaluate the program of Bachelor Degree in Health Services Management at Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, by applying the CIPP model of evaluation (Context, Input, Process, Product). Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 10 faculty members, 64 students and 90 alumni participated. Three valid and reliable questionnaires were completed regarding four dimensions and nine domains of CIPP model. In order to analyze the data, Man-Whitney, Pearson correlation and descriptive statistic tests were applied. Results: The whole scores for the context, input, process and product were 2.34, 2.97, 3.68 and 2.55, respectively. Faculty members significantly gave a higher total score for context in comparison to alumni (P < 0.05); nevertheless, there was not any significant difference between these both groups regarding the product total score. In addition, there was not any significant difference between faculty members and students in input and process scores. A significant correlation was observed for different dimensions of the CIIP model (P < 0.05). Totally, health care management program was evaluated as a partially accepted program. Conclusion: CIPP evaluation model can show the advantages and disadvantages of an educational program; therefore, decision and policy makers can come to a point whether to stop, review or continue a program. Keywords Evaluation CIPP model (Context Input Process Product) Health services management Kerman Ira

Multilevel Modeling of Longitudinal Data on Academic Evaluation of the Academic Staff of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Background & Objective: In order to promote quality of education, teaching performances of all academic staff are evaluated by students every semester. This study aims to address the changing trend of staff scores in different semesters, and factors affecting it, in Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, using multilevel modeling. Moreover, the results were compared to that of simple linear regression modeling. Methods: In the present analytical study, the scores of 336 academic staff of Kerman University of Medical Sciences during 2008 to 2012 were extracted from the students’ monitoring website. The tutor’s code was used for the identification of their scores in different semesters and was entered into the multilevel models. In order to investigate the effects of gender, work experience (in years), school (seven schools), and academic rank (master, assistant professor, associate professor, professor), the simple regression and multilevel models were compared. To study the significance of the random intercepts, the likelihood ratio test was used. In addition, to study the goodness of fit of the models, the Akaike information criteria (AIC), Bayesian information criteria (BIC), and the mean squared error (MSE) were used. Results: The results showed that time had a significant positive impact on the improvement of staff scores. However, the scores of male and female staff were not significantly different. The scores of professors were significantly higher than assistant professors. In addition, the score of dental school staff was significantly higher than that of medical school staff. The comparison of the goodness of fit of models showed that the multilevel modeling provided a better fit to the longitudinal data. In the linear regression model, variables such as work experience and academic rank (professors in comparison to assistant professors and nursing school staff in comparison to pharmacology school staff) were falsely considered significant, due to the lack of consideration of the dependence of longitudinal observations of the evaluation and correction of standard errors. Conclusion: The multilevel model, due to the consideration of the dependence of longitudinal observations of the evaluation, provides a better fit to data. Moreover, the incorrect use of the linear regression model, considering longitudinal observations to be independent, led to erroneous conclusions. The results of the present study, in terms of the goodness of fit of the models, showed a positive trend in scores of academic staff of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. In other words, the scores have improved over time. Keywords: Teacher evaluation; Student; Added value Evaluation; Longitudinal data; Multilevel modelin

Bibliometric and Content Analysis of Scientific Outputs Relevant to Health Education and Promotion in Iran during 1998-2011

Background: Since the aim of health research is to improve the quality of community life, the results obtained from these research could be used in health policies and practices. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the bibliometric and content analysis of research relevant to health education and promotion performed in Iran during 1998-2011. Methods: This is a descriptive content analysis study. Data were collected from online databases (IranMedex, Medlib, SID, ISI, and PubMed), and all published articles relevant to health education and promotion in Iran up to the end of March 2011 were included in this study. In order to do content analysis a researcher-made checklist approved by experts was used for identifying the variables. Data was entered into SPSS 21 and descriptive statistics and percents were calculated. Results: From 1227 documents retrieved, 817 were published in Persian and 410 in English. A great share of retrieved documents belonged to the articles published in the scientific journals (87.4%). Mental health (10.7%), family planning and reproductive health (10.2 %), and chronic non-communicable diseases (10.2%) were the most frequent subject areas in research relevant to health promotion, respectively. Most of the studies were cross-sectional (52.1%), the most widely used method was simple random sampling (27.7%), and most of the studies were performed locally in provinces (83.7%). Conclusion: Doing more studies by outlining the exact perspective of health promotion research in Iran and comparison of the current status of Iran with that of other countries are recommended