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Open AccessArticle

The Impact of ICT Support and the EFQM Criteria on Sustainable Business Excellence in Higher Education Institutions

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Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7523; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147523 - 06 Jul 2021

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Abstract

The problem of sustainable business excellence has been investigated according to different aspects in different fields. For a more detailed analysis, it is necessary to develop an integrative sustainable business excellence model, respecting the baseline model of business excellence according to the European [...] Read more.

The problem of sustainable business excellence has been investigated according to different aspects in different fields. For a more detailed analysis, it is necessary to develop an integrative sustainable business excellence model, respecting the baseline model of business excellence according to the European Foundation of Quality Management, with the possibility of defining the relationships and levels of significance of different variables. The primary goal of this paper is to present a developed integrative model to simulate the effects of information and communication technologies, and quality and effects of leadership improvement, as independent variables, on sustainable business excellence in higher education institutions, as a dependent variable. The model was developed by applying dynamic system techniques and evaluated by using statistical methods. In the sample of 17 Serbian and 21 Russian universities, the authors analyzed the information and communication support, leadership and quality, and their impact on sustainable business excellence. According to the simulation analysis, it was concluded that the EFQM model of self-assessment could help produce a more customer-oriented culture in HEIs, through ICT support, leadership and quality criteria enhancements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Digitalization on the Quality of Life)

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Open AccessArticle

Comparative Assessment of Sustainable Consumption Based on the Digital Information Environment Content-Thematic Component Differentiation

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Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7215; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137215 - 28 Jun 2021

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Abstract

The modern culture of consumption often does not correspond to the principles of sustainable development, which leads to environmental pollution. As a possible solution to this problem, the authors propose to analyze the concept of sustainable consumption, following which can reduce the negative [...] Read more.

The modern culture of consumption often does not correspond to the principles of sustainable development, which leads to environmental pollution. As a possible solution to this problem, the authors propose to analyze the concept of sustainable consumption, following which can reduce the negative impact of mankind on the environment, which is an urgent issue at the global level. The aim of the study is to build a tool for comparative analysis of the level of sustainable consumption. The analysis is carried out in the digital environment, since this space provides a relative freedom of expression of the opinion of individuals, and the obtained data reflect the real level of “sustainability” of the behavior of participants in thematic social communities. The result of the research is an analytical tool tested on thematic social communities of the VK.com social network. In the process of building an analytical tool, primary and secondary tokenization were carried out using computer linguistics tools, an analytical dataframe was formed for a source reflecting the studied content-thematic component. To automate the process of forming a set of tokens, Python 3 programming language was used. The proposed tool can be used to determine the level of sustainable consumption in different social communities relative to each other. This approach can be used by companies to find target audiences and to promote environmentally friendly products. Moreover, this tool can be applied to attract consumers by increasing the level of sustainability in the corporate culture based on the research results. A separate problematic of realizing the developed methodology is the ethical component of analyzing natural digital information and the use of the results obtained on the basis of its analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Digitalization on the Quality of Life)

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Open AccessArticle

Digital Innovation in Times of Crisis: How Mashups Improve Quality of Education

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Yossi Maaravi

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Ben Heller

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7082; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137082 - 24 Jun 2021

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Abstract

Innovation is a crucial force underlying the organizational and societal ability to survive and thrive in crisis times, especially in education. However, not all challenges require creating novel solutions; occasionally, combining pre-existing solutions—an approach known as the mashup methodology—can provide equal benefit. Nevertheless, [...] Read more.

Innovation is a crucial force underlying the organizational and societal ability to survive and thrive in crisis times, especially in education. However, not all challenges require creating novel solutions; occasionally, combining pre-existing solutions—an approach known as the mashup methodology—can provide equal benefit. Nevertheless, this approach appears to be relatively unknown. In the current case study, we provide an example of using a mashup of technologies to solve the challenge of running a remote virtual hackathon under COVID-19 social distancing regulations. Additionally, we argue that utilizing the mashup is a form of modeling, in which students learn by witnessing its use. Utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model, we show that by modeling the use of the mashup methodology in this hackathon (Study 1—case), we managed to improve students’ attitudes towards the method and increase its perceived usefulness and ease of use in their eyes. This, in turn, raised their intention to use it as an innovation tool in the future. Study 2 revealed that this effect on participants’ intentions is more significant than what would be achieved by merely teaching people about the methodology. The results of these studies add to the growing literature emphasizing the importance of using digital innovations as means of improving the quality of education, thus increasing the satisfaction and well-being of students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Digitalization on the Quality of Life)

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Open AccessArticle

Digitalisation of Teaching and Learning as a Tool for Increasing Students’ Satisfaction and Educational Efficiency: Using Smart Platforms in EFL

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Sandra Stefanovic

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Elena Klochkova

Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 4892; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094892 - 27 Apr 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 447

Abstract

This manuscript aims to present possibilities for developing mobile and smart platforms and systems in teaching and learning the English language for engineering professionals in different engineering study programs. Foreign language teaching and learning processes are based on traditional methods, while in engineering [...] Read more.

This manuscript aims to present possibilities for developing mobile and smart platforms and systems in teaching and learning the English language for engineering professionals in different engineering study programs. Foreign language teaching and learning processes are based on traditional methods, while in engineering and technical sciences, teaching and learning processes include different digital platforms. Therefore, the following hypotheses were stated. (H₁) It is possible to develop a software solution for mobile platforms that can have a higher level of interactivity, and it may lead to better learning outcomes, especially in the field of adopting engineering vocabulary. (H₂) Implementation of the developed solution increases motivation for learning and leads to a higher level of satisfaction with the learning process as a part of the quality of life. (H₃) Students who have digital and mobile platforms in the learning process could have higher achievement values. This manuscript presents software application development and its implementation in teaching English as a foreign language for engineering and technical study programs on the bachelor level. Initial results in implementation and satisfaction of end users point to the justification of implementing such solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Digitalization on the Quality of Life)

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Open AccessArticle

Improvement of Quality of Higher Education Institutions as a Basis for Improvement of Quality of Life

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Zorica Lazić

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Aleksandar Đorđević

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Albina Gazizulina

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4149; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084149 - 08 Apr 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 588

Abstract

This paper aims to propose a quality assessment model for higher education institutions in the technical–technological field and a system for decision support and optimal management strategies for quality improvement. Obtaining research results is based on surveying stakeholders in higher education and obtaining [...] Read more.

This paper aims to propose a quality assessment model for higher education institutions in the technical–technological field and a system for decision support and optimal management strategies for quality improvement. Obtaining research results is based on surveying stakeholders in higher education and obtaining quantitative data regarding key performance indices. Quantitative data and the genetic algorithm method are applied to determine optimal management strategies for quality improvement. Quality in the higher education sector is among the current issues in the academic community. By monitoring and researching the higher education field and analysing the literature and the current situation in the system of higher education in developing countries, it can be concluded that there is no single way to assess the quality of higher education institutions. This knowledge was a good starting point for the research presented in this paper. Accordingly, the findings include developing a system for quality assessment and the ranking of higher education institutions. Additionally, evaluating the relevance of key performance indicators of higher education institutions differs from different stakeholder perspectives. However, it is possible to develop a system for decision support and the selection of the optimal strategy for improving the performance of study programs and higher education institutions with regard to quality. The practical implications include defining a decision support system that enables the adoption of optimal decisions by the management teams of higher education institutions to improve study programs and the performance of the higher education institutions. The presented system may enable the benchmarking, simulation, and verification of different scenarios for improving the quality and performance of higher education institutions. In this paper, the authors analysed the characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks of different ranking systems to develop and introduce a novel ranking system that suggests weights for the ranking criteria and different perspectives regarding new digital age requirements. The model was tested, and the results are presented to demonstrate the advantages of the developed model. The originality of the research lies in the presented novel model that can be made available to government institutions and serve as a basis for the overall ranking and evaluation of higher education institutions, with the possibility of developing a performance-based funding system. Additionally, other stakeholders can gain an insight into the performance of an institution in relation to their needs and goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Digitalization on the Quality of Life)

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Open AccessArticle

How to Make Digitalization Better Serve an Increasing Quality of Life?

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Oleg A. Kryzhanovskij

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Natalia A. Baburina

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Anastasia O. Ljovkina

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020611 - 11 Jan 2021

Viewed by 781

Abstract

Modern people live in the era of knowledge and digitalization supposed to increase their quality of life. Nevertheless, digital technologies are only the instruments in the development and transformation of social-economic processes and their usage per se does not ensure only positive effects, [...] Read more.

Modern people live in the era of knowledge and digitalization supposed to increase their quality of life. Nevertheless, digital technologies are only the instruments in the development and transformation of social-economic processes and their usage per se does not ensure only positive effects, which much depends on goals, conditions, institutes, etc. Thus, digitalization has an unambiguous influence on many social-economic processes and needs a wise policy to provide smooth progress and well-being for everybody. This study aims to design and test appropriate tools for managing digitalization to direct this process on increasing the quality of life. For this purpose we analyzed: (1) correlation to identify interrelations between digitalization and quality of life; (2) the potential of using the visualization matrix method to identify and monitor national trends of digitalization in the context of quality of life. We found: (1) close correlation between subjective and objective indicators of quality of life and between the quality of life and digitalization; (2) the two-dimensional matrix turned out to be a relevant visual tool that embraces specific two-way relationships between human development and digitalization. In combination with statistical and qualitative methods, this tool has wide prospects for managing digitalization in the context of social progress and increasing quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Digitalization on the Quality of Life)

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Open AccessArticle

Can Digital Transformation Solve the Problem of Arctic Youth Migration Outflow?

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Anastasia O. Ljovkina

Sustainability 2020, 12(24), 10685; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122410685 - 21 Dec 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 860

Abstract

Youth educational migration is an urgent problem for most Arctic cities. In particular, this problem is extremely important for Russia in the context of changing the paradigm of the planned development of the Arctic oil and gas economy into indefinite long-term prospects and [...] Read more.

Youth educational migration is an urgent problem for most Arctic cities. In particular, this problem is extremely important for Russia in the context of changing the paradigm of the planned development of the Arctic oil and gas economy into indefinite long-term prospects and scenarios of Arctic development. This situation led to reducing social-economic northern benefits and compensations and strengthens the trends of Arctic youth educational migration. However, the experience of digital transformation and forced distance learning due to the pandemic of 2020 could bring young people a new understanding of the opportunities of digitalization, influencing their migration decisions. To clarify the potential of digital technologies in solving the problem of youth migration outflow in the Russian Arctic, we surveyed the students at technical schools and colleges of the Yamal-Nenets autonomous area, Russia; sample size 1532 students in total. The analysis of the survey’s results proved the intention of most respondents to move to larger cities in non-Arctic territories. Together with that, we revealed a high potential of digital technologies in addressing the problem of youth migration which was previously considered unsolvable. In particular, the accessibility of quality distance education can sufficiently increase the attractiveness of Arctic territories for youth life, study, and development. Basing on the research results, we suppose that Arctic youth migration outflow can be sufficiently decreased if the measures proposed in the research are implemented with the help of digitalization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Digitalization on the Quality of Life)

Review

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Open AccessReview

Self-Healing Construction Materials: The Geomimetic Approach

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Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9033; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169033 - 12 Aug 2021

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Abstract

A person spends most of his life in rooms built from various building materials; therefore, the optimization of the human environment is an important and complex task that requires interdisciplinary approaches. Within the framework of the new theory of geomimetics in the building [...] Read more.

A person spends most of his life in rooms built from various building materials; therefore, the optimization of the human environment is an important and complex task that requires interdisciplinary approaches. Within the framework of the new theory of geomimetics in the building science of materials, the concepts of technogenic metasomatism, the affinity of microstructures, and the possibilities of creating composites that respond to operational loads and can self-heal defects have been created. The article aims to introduce the basic principles of the science of geomimetics in terms of the design and synthesis of building materials. The study’s novelty lies in the concept of technogenic metasomatism and the affinity of microstructures developed by the authors. Novel technologies have been proposed to produce a wide range of composite binders (including waterproof and frost-resistant gypsum binders) using novel forms of source materials with high free internal energy. The affinity microstructures for anisotropic materials have been formulated, which involves the design of multilayered composites and the repair of compounds at three levels (nano-, micro-, macro-). The proposed theory of technogenic metasomatism in the building science of materials represents an evolutionary stage for composites that are categorized by their adaptation to evolving circumstances in the operation of buildings and structures. Materials for three-dimensional additive technologies in construction are proposed, and examples of these can be found in nature. Different ways of applying our concept for the design of building materials in future works are proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Digitalization on the Quality of Life)

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