Practices in timetabling in higher education institutions: a systematic review

Modern Ukrainian society is in a complex process of transformation in various spheres at the present stage of its historical development, including, in the field of education. The humanitarian development of the country and the world sets new tasks for the national education system, the solution of which is inefficient within the framework of the existing methodology. Currently, the issue of analysing the efficiency of the higher education system and its adaptability in the field of training specialists of various profiles to constant and changing processes in various spheres of the society is of particular relevance. The inconsistency of the scientific-theoretical and scientific-practical level of the quality control model of higher education has determined the problem of the necessity to analyse the existing models in order to improve their individual aspects. The purpose of the academic paper is to study the existing models of quality control of the educational process in higher education and to clarify the practical features of the development of such models from the perspective of participants in the learning process in higher educational institutions. Methodology. In the course of the research, the analytical-bibliographic method was used to study the scientific literature on the issues of quality control of the educational process in higher educational institutions, as well as a questionnaire survey in order to clarify in practice the certain aspects of developing the models for the quality management of education in higher educational institutions. Results. Based on the results of the research, the features of implementing the individual models of quality control of the educational process in higher educational institutions were studied, and the main principles and characteristics that should be taken into account when developing such a model for each individual institution of higher education were clarified.

Electronic environment has its great effect on university libraries that serve higher education. These libraries are considered the backbone of higher education and scientific institutes as they play an important role in higher education process as a whole with a special reference to scientific research. The importance of these libraries lies in that they provide information resources and services which improve scientific researches. Meanwhile, electronic environment has greatly affected their roles; an act which led to the appearance of so many kinds such as digital libraries, electronic libraries, etc…. This environment imposes new roles on libraries so that they can keep playing their part to serve scientific research. Moreover, due to the continuous progress witnessed in developed countries in the form of newly issued researches, libraries have to offer new services that can cope with the new technological era. For this reason, the topic of this study is selected which is: the role of university libraries in the light of e-learning environment to improve higher education and scientific research. The goal of this study is to shed light on the role of university libraries based on the e-learning environment to identify the benefit they can get to help with enhancing scientific research. Identifying the role of digital libraries and data resources with an aim to develop higher education lies in that these libraries support learning and teaching processes generally and e-learning process specifically. They are also considered an essential factor for scientific research requirements in addition to enhancing the skills and capabilities of the pillars of the educational process. They have an effective role and high efficiency to improve information resources, economize expenditures, minimize costs and save time as well as effort. E-learning technologies have the world confronted with a new revolution in education and opened new horizons for recent norms of education as well as training at all educational institutes especially higher education ones. E-learning requires dependency on recent technologies so as to offer students a quality educational content in an effective way through its distinguished positive characteristics like minimizing time, effort and costs in addition to its high capacities to improve the students’ learning levels and skills effectively. Besides, it aims to provide a quality teaching and leanring environment that is interesting and exciting enough for both students and teachers to get rid of time and space limitations allowing students to learn according to their abilities, appeals, and levels of knowledge and skills. E-leaning and its different varied technologies have recently become a necessity for higher education. The great concern to benefit from its high capacities forms a basic effective feature to improve and enhance the educational process at higher education institutes.

The list of tasks of modern higher education includes a disclosure of the potential of all participants in the pedagogical process, giving them opportunities to express their creative abilities. This change in the role of education in society has led to a significant part of innovation processes. To implement measures to manage the innovation activities of higher education institutions, it is necessary to define the list of tasks clearly, the solution of which will contribute not only to the development of innovation activities, but also to profit. The purpose of the article is a general description of the problem of ensuring the effectiveness of the innovation process in higher education institutions through the implementation of appropriate management actions. The study of the effectiveness of the management of innovative pedagogical processes in higher education institutions (HEI) involved the use of several methods of scientific and empirical knowledge. The use of the method of analysis of the current state of management and functioning of the innovation process in the free economic zone made it possible to decompose the research material into units, to study the separate parts of the elements. In turn, the application of the synthesis method allowed the connection of the individual parts of knowledge as a whole, which was reflected in some conditions that affect the effectiveness of innovation in the free economic zone. The organization and management of the innovation process in higher education require qualified managers and teacher-implementers. Problems of innovation management in HEI are studied in various fields of science, where the basic concepts are defined: «innovation environment of HEI», «innovation activity in HEI». The university management system must be able to manage not only the phase of conceptual solution based on the results of basic and exploratory research, patents but also the full innovation cycle: from idea to creation of the finished product, its replication and marketing. The conditions influencing the efficiency of innovation activity in the free economic zone are determined: creation and regulation of the state of the organization’s innovation environment; innovation management policy; structure of interpersonal relations, etc.

The article is aimed at analyzing various approaches to understanding the phenomenon of "internationalization of higher education institutions," and identifying tools for effective international activities of innovatively active higher education institutions (hereinafter referred to as IA HEIs) in the context of globalization, transformation and digitalization of society. Having studied substantive aspects and development of the "internationalization of higher education" concept, the authors found out that currently internationalization at the national, sectoral and institutional levels is defined as the process of implementing international, intercultural or global dimension in the purpose and/or function of and support for higher education. At the same time, the development of internalization processes in higher education takes place in the context of large-scale globalization challenges, thus requiring support for enhancing the competitiveness of national education systems in the global market of educational services. It is determined that higher education institutions are the main driving force in developing structures and strategies of international cooperation and play a systemic and strategic role in ensuring and developing internationalization processes. This role requires active development of modern forms, methods, technologies and innovations in higher education, for example, by increasing the effectiveness of the international activity of HEIs. Having analyzed numerous scientific information sources and modern approaches to understanding the content of the "international activity of a higher education institution" concept, as well as to considering its intrinsic features and key approaches to its implementation, the authors define international activity of higher education institutions as a process of organizing international cooperation of a university with foreign institutional, national and international entities, which has a systemic character and is aimed at effectively implementing its mission, improving its image and competitiveness in the national and international markets of educational services, ensuring institutional development and implementation of foreign policy objectives. The key components of the international activity of HEIs are proved to be interrelated. The authors consider the intrinsic features of the international activity of an innovatively active university, and define its purpose and the main tasks of its realization. A set of international activity types characteristic for an innovatively active university is developed. The authors suggest that these activity types be considered in terms of their educational, scientific and organizational components. The formation of a system of indicators for evaluating and monitoring the effectiveness of international activities of a university in the world educational and scientific space can become a prospect for further research.

The paper summarizes the experience in higher education institutions financing, substantiates the trends in their financial support models diversification. The study systematizes approaches to the organization of higher education institutions financing under market conditions and reveals their advantages and disadvantages in terms of the effects at the level of an individual and society as a whole. It defines tools and models of the financing under orientation on demand, supply and strategic purposes of the national development. The study proves the need to substantiate the rational balance of individual and social effects in higher education institutions financing, which can be achieved through a combination of market self-regulation and state regulation of the higher education services market. The system of methods was used in the study, namely: monographic – to define the research aim and conclusions, the method of theoretical generalization of foreign and domestic scientists was used to critically analyze the existing approaches to the organization of financing the work of agricultural education higher institutions. General scientific methods of cognition, such as analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, systemic integrated approach, were used to systematize the models of financial support for higher agricultural education institutions and to generalize the conclusions. The paper substantiated that the state should take leading positions in higher education institutions financing. The role of state funding in ensuring sustainable development of agricultural education higher institutions has been identified considering the specificity of educational services and their role in ensuring sustainable development of the agricultural sector of the economy and rural areas. It is argued that the current conditions of free economic development and challenges the institutions face requires focusing on consumer demand and adjusting their educational services through prompt updating the changing educational programs based on modern research, attracting a larger number of stakeholders in the financing model formation. The modern tendencies typical of the market of educational services determining the expansion of the participants of the organization of financing the higher education institutions activity, are considered. The importance of financing elements focused on the innovations development, the role of which will grow in the future, especially in the form of competitive and targeted financing is revealed. It is proved that the results-based approach to the organization of financing also reduces the risks of macroeconomic inefficiency and contributes to reducing the information asymmetry. The obligatory presence of the state in the organization of research funding in higher education institutions is justified due to the positive impact of research on educational services quality and increases their value for an individual and society. The paper considers options for market-oriented higher education financing and the state's demands in terms of the concept of management, public and private funding methods, the education fee. It is established that the changing conditions of the market of educational services require a revision of targets for state funding due to the following factors: increased number of foreign students, use of information and communication technologies, increase in the integration of higher education institutions nationally and internationally. Key words: higher education institution, higher agricultural education, concepts of higher education institution management, methods of free economic education financing, sources of higher education institutions financing.

The complexity of the introductory campaign as a process and the significant consequences of its results cause the need for implementation and constant improvements of information technologies in the process of informational support.Actual scientific researches and issues analysis about informatization of introductory campaign processes in higher education institutions showed that the problem of analysis and optimization of information flows of the introductory campaign in higher education institutions remains unsolved and requires further research. The purpose of the article is to analyze the informatization of the admissions campaign in higher education institution and to optimize existing information flows.The article highlights the essence of informatization of introductory campaign processes in higher education institutions.As part of the research, the structural organization of information systems is considered, in which the support of each information flow or group of flows of the higher education institution relies on a separate information system with the transfer of necessary data to other systems. The AS-IS model of the existing information flows of the introductory campaign is based on the example of the State University of Trade and Economics. The TO-BE model of the possible optimization of information flows was built and the advantages were determined. The method of developing the TO-BE model of informational flows of the introductory campaign is given. A part of the software code for sending an entrant’s request from the information system of theadmissions committee to the Inforesurs Unified State Electronic Database on Education is demonstrated.The presented materials can be used by higher education institutions to improve conditions for informatization of introductory campaign processes.

Higher education is the critical economic sector that is eventually followed by all other major service sectors in an economy such as financial services, healthcare, telecommunication, aviation, transportation etc. Today, higher educational institutions all over the world operate in a fast-dynamic environment with high competition for reputation, talent acquisition, and student attraction. Following the basis of that high competition that is leading to a significant focus on quality. It is not easy to define the quality in terms of higher education since due to the complexity in relationships of higher education to students and the different roles played by a student in the higher education process. Addressing the issue, International Organization for Standards (ISO) has recently published a new quality framework for higher educational institutions; ISO 21001:2018 EOMS and most of the institutions adopted ISO 9001 standard series until the publication of the new ISO standard for higher education. This study employs an evidence-based approach and systematically evaluates the existing literature on ISO QMS implementation in higher education institutions in different countries with the intention of elaborating on the necessity of adopting it in the Sri Lankan context. Further, it attempts to summarize the key benefits, challenges, and critical success factors of ISO implementation considering Sri Lanka. According to the findings, the key benefits of ISO adoption by higher education institutions are cost reduction, consistent customer satisfaction, risk management, international recognition, adopting rapid changes, attracting grants/ funds, and strengthening international linkages and relationships. In addition, the challenges and critical success factors which were extracted from the literature are also stated for easy implication. Thus, the study highly recommends implementing ISO-standardized quality management systems in all higher education institutions in Sri Lanka to mitigate the serious limitations while achieving international recognition for all educational programmes to finally generate a quality workforce for the economy.

Implementation of digital tools and processes in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as an emergent activity depends on the sociomaterial relationships between institutional factors that dynamically interact with each other. This article systematically explores through a literature review some of the most relevant and up‐to‐date published studies to identify the ‘important factors’ to consider for the implementation of digital tools and processes in HEI. The goal of the paper is to turn these factors, conceived initially as previous conditions or characteristics of the institutions or people, into a list of strategic elements to be fostered by HEI leadership teams to promote better implementation of digital tools and processes in their institutions. In the final part of this work, we propose a framework that reflects these elements in a visual approach that highlights the activity‐centred character of the framework as well as the emergent character of the implementation process itself.

Purpose: development of recommendations for the study of security-oriented disciplines by students of higher educational institutions. Methodology: Analysis and generalisation of research results regarding the need of higher education students to study security-oriented disciplines. Results: In the conditions of modern warfare, knowledge and understanding of security issues are of critical importance for students of technical specialties. It helps them to be aware of the threats and risks associated with armed conflict and make the right decisions to ensure personal and collective security, and provides the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively respond to emergencies and save lives. Therefore, in the article: information on the state of higher education in Ukraine until February 2022 has been studied and summarised; the need of students of higher technical education to study security-oriented disciplines during the war was investigated; an expert survey was conducted among students who are studying for the Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees of two higher technical educational institutions – the State Higher Educational Institution “Donetsk National Technical University” and Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture. It was established that about eighty percent of the respondents are in favour of mandatory study of security-oriented disciplines during martial law, as an opportunity to ensure their own safety and the safety of others, help others and be useful in war conditions. A new concept of civil security education in higher technical institutions under martial law from the point of view of studying individual disciplines is proposed, which consists of the following: improvement of training plans for higher education applicants. recommendations for students of technical higher education institutions to study the following disciplines (in order of priority): “Life safety”, “Occupational safety”, “Fire safety”, “Civil protection”, “Environmental safety”, “Psychology of hazards”. Mandatory courses for students on pre-medical care, psychological help for themselves and others, military training should be introduced. Scientific innovation: a scientific approach has been developed to clarify the new concept of civil security education in higher technical institutions under martial law. Practical significance: the results of the work can be used in the preparation of educational plans for applicants of higher technical educational institutions.

Introduction. In light of the increasing significance of training highly qualified specialists, enhancing the information and educational environment of Russian universities has emerged as a key trend in improving the effectiveness of teaching practices.Aim. The present research aims to analyse students’ assessments of the characteristics of the information and educational environment in higher education within the context of digitalisation, identifying priorities and deficiencies in its development. Methodology and research methods. The study employs systemic, situational, axiological, and socio-engineering approaches. This article presents the findings of an empirical investigation into the priorities and deficiencies in the development of the information and educational environment within higher education. A total of 1,107 students, aged 17 to 29 years, participated in the study. The primary method utilised was a questionnaire survey, which effectively captured the nuances of the information and educational environment in the context of digitalisation. It also reflected the students’ perceptions of the semantic meanings associated with digital transformations, as well as their opinions on the priorities and shortcomings in the evolution of the contemporary information and educational environment in higher education. Results and scientific novelty. The data obtained allow us to discuss the positive expectations of young people regarding the digital transformation of the educational process in higher education. This analysis examines the influence of teachers’ digital skills on the meaningful enhancement of the information and educational environment, as well as the formation of new psychological and pedagogical opportunities for fostering cooperation during the educational process. Several barriers to the development of the information and educational environment have been identified, including insufficient material and technical resources in universities, a low level of digital competence among teachers, and a limited range of interactive technologies being utilised. Furthermore, it has been established that the psychological and pedagogical risks associated with the development of the information and educational environment are linked to a decline in students’ knowledge and communication skills. Practical significance. The results obtained can be utilised by administrators and educators in higher education institutions when evaluating deficiencies in the development of the information and educational environment.

One of the most important challenges of the higher education sector in Kosovo, in Europe and elsewhere, is the development and updating of the curricula (study programs), which is consistent with the needs of labour market, comparable with the similar universities abroad, along with Bologna Declaration and with recent trends in European higher education. The aim of this study is to analyse system of higher education in Kosovo: legal framework and managerial accountability of the public and private higher education institutions in the process of curriculum development (study programs), and the case study regarding to the curriculum development is conducted at University “Haxhi Zeka” in Peja. The study is developed based on two main research methods: 1) Survey method, and 2) Roundtable discussion. In addition, a great importance is dedicated to the research, analysis, use of national and international strategic documents that consequently, administrate the process of curriculum development, respectively the higher education in Kosovo. The survey results shows that, decision-making process on curricula development undergo through different levels at public higher education institutions comparing with private ones. Further, curriculum of University “Haxhi Zeka” is developed based on market researches and is consistent with the labour market needs. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n2p197

The number of enrollments of people with specific educational needs in higher education has grown significantly due to public policies that emphasize, encourage, and promote entry into higher education institutions, stimulating a change in such institutions towards educational inclusion. Considering these aspects, this article aims to discuss inclusive education in higher education, highlighting especially the legislative path and the experience of a university in northeastern Brazil. The methodology for construction includes a narrative and qualitative literature review, involving the analysis of academic texts that deal with inclusive education in higher education. As an illustration of the effectiveness of these aspects, the article also aims to present, as an experience report, how the process of implementing the Accessibility and Inclusion Center of the University of Pernambuco, Petrolina Campus (NAI-Petrolina) took place. The initial results of this implementation process point to the solidification of inclusive initiatives, through students' recognition of the existence of the NAI, as well as the increase in partnerships and adherence of teachers to inclusive pedagogical actions and guidelines, in various courses on the Campus . This represents significant progress for the institution towards the ideals of inclusive education, in line with Brazilian legislation, and highlights necessary improvements for an inclusive process in higher education.

Potential Issues and Impacts of ICT Applications through Learning Process in Higher Education

The article substantiates the effectiveness of implementing health‐preserving technologies in higher education institutions based on the principles of pedagogical modeling. The prospects of integrating these technologies into the educational process to design a health‐preserving educational environment in higher education institutions have been studied. It has been demonstrated that modern higher education institutions face the necessity of providing optimal conditions for student learning and development, which include not only academic training but also the support of physical and mental health. It has been established that health‐preserving technologies are an integral component of professional training, contributing to the improvement of higher education quality. The implementation of these technologies based on pedagogical modeling enables the creation of a systematic approach to fostering healthy habits and ensuring a supportive educational environment. Health‐preserving technologies (HPT) are considered a comprehensive set of methods, tools, and approaches aimed at supporting and enhancing individuals' physical, mental, and social health in various environments, including educational institutions. In the context of higher education, HPT encompasses a wide range of tools integrated into the educational process, administrative functions, and the overall institutional environment to create favorable conditions forstudent learning and development. Health‐preserving technologies (HPT) are defined as systematically implemented measures and innovations aimed at preventing negative health impacts, enhancing physical activity, improving psychological well‐being, and promoting the social welfare of students. A classification of HPT is proposed, grouping them into ergonomic, psychological, social, and informational categories. The functions of HPT in higher education have been identified as follows: prevention of occupational diseases and stress, enhancement of academic performance, development of self‐regulation skills, creation of a supportive educational environment, and facilitation of social integration and interaction. It has been demonstrated that the implementation of HPT in higher education institutions should be based on clearly defined principles, including systematicity, individualization and adaptability, comprehensiveness, preventive orientation, innovativeness, ethicality, and confidentiality. Pedagogical modeling has been explored as a methodological foundation for integrating HPT into the educational process of Ukrainian higher education institutions. It has been determined that the use of modeling enables the creation of educational frameworks that consider the physiological, psychological, and social health aspects of higher education learners. This approach not only prevents occupational diseases and stress but also fosters the development of self‐regulation skills and a responsible attitude toward personal health. The integration of health‐preserving technologies into the educational process based on pedagogical modeling is an essential step toward ensuring the sustainable development of higher education institutions. This integration creates favorable conditions for student learning and development, promotes their physical and mental well‐being, and enhances the overall effectiveness of the educational process.

At a time of complex change in the provision of higher education by Institutes of Technology (IOTs) in Ireland, this qualitative study provides significant insights into the factors which have impact on academic creativity and innovation inside higher education institutions (HEIs). Curriculum development processes were examined in four Irish IOTs and one university, employing a constructivist grounded theory case study methodology. Interviews were conducted to gather experiences of 20 Irish academics. Five rounds of data analysis were processed with QSR NVivo software.A creativity paradox was uncovered: contemporary Higher Education (HE) policies promote cultures of creativity and innovation, yet, in practice, academics feel restricted in New Programme Development and Validation (NPDV) by greater regulatory compliance and sector rationalisation. However, despite increasingly complex HE controls, study findings show the significant impact of leadership within the HEI, and that a climate for academic creativity and innovation can exist, if the organisational climate conditions of effective leadership; trust; transparency; managerial and innovation process support are in place. Where present, these conditions have a positive impact on progress in the development of creative new programmes of learning and on the wider climate for creativity and innovation in the IOT. The in-depth interrogation of curriculum development and validation processes in Irish HEIs is the first of two primary contributions to knowledge of this research.Though state level regulatory compliance legacies represent a significant bureaucratic load on the IOTs, the impetus for HEI regulatory policies in Ireland increasingly originates from European Union (EU) HE agendas. Within the literature, there are criticisms of an EU creativity and innovation agenda for HE which is not sufficiently broad based and is heavily focused on servicing industry interests (Duff, 2011; MacLaren, 2012; Moutsios, 2013). Benefits of this creativity agenda are acknowledged, but a counterbalanced, more holistic approach to creativity development in HE, represented by the Humboldtian higher education ideal is advocated.A synthesis of findings led to the development of the three-level model for organisational creativity and innovation in higher education, the second primary contribution to knowledge of this research. The model illustrates the HEI climate factors, experienced by academics to have impact on creativity and innovation in Irish HEIs. Factors emerged at three levels: individual/team; organisational and meta-organisational. The findings of this study were found to align at individual/team and organisational levels, with Amabile’s (1988) componential model for organisational creativity and innovation.The development of this three-level model is timely, given the change impetus in the IOT sector towards the development of technological universities in Ireland, in addition to the financial, technological and global competitiveness challenges currently facing the institutes. The model will serve as a comprehensive tool, informing HEI senior management and policy developers of the factors which must be addressed, to develop an authentic HE climate conducive to creativity and innovation. To this end, HEI policymakers are encouraged to think creativity first when considering implementation of new HE regulatory policies and practices. The findings in this study will contribute to the ongoing policy discourse about the future of the IOTs during a period of significant change in the sector.