Search Results (149)

The UI GreenMetric World University Ranking has become a widely adopted instrument for benchmarking institutional sustainability performance; nevertheless, empirically grounded evidence from universities in diverse regional contexts remains scarce. This study undertakes a rigorous appraisal of the extent to which Mahasarakham University (MSU) has institutionalized the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within its pedagogical offerings, research portfolio, community outreach, and governance arrangements during the 2021–2024 strategic cycle. Employing a mixed-methods design and guided by the 2024 UI GreenMetric Education and Research indicators, this investigation analyzed institutional datasets pertaining to curriculum provision, ring-fenced research funding, 574 peer-reviewed sustainability publications, student-led community initiatives, and supporting governance mechanisms; the analysis was interpreted through a Plan–Do–Check–Act management lens. The number of sustainability-oriented academic programs expanded from 49 to 58. Student participation in community service activities strongly recovered following the COVID-19 pandemic, and MSU’s GreenMetric score increased from 7575 to 8475, thereby elevating the institution to the 100th position globally. These gains were facilitated by strategic SDG-aligned investment, cross-sector collaboration, and the consolidation of international partnerships anchored in Thailand’s Isaan region. The MSU case provides a transferable model for universities—particularly those operating in resource-constrained contexts—endeavoring to align institutional development with the SDGs and internationally recognized quality benchmarks. The findings substantiate the capacity of transformative education and applied research to engender enduring societal and environmental benefits. Full article

Background/Objectives: Academic stress is a major factor affecting university students’ psychological well-being and overall functioning. This study examined whether three active coping strategies—positive reappraisal, social support seeking, and strategic planning—mediate the relationship between academic stressors and self-reported stress responses. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, non-experimental design was employed. The sample comprised 1014 students from the University of Extremadura (M_age = 20.56, SD = 3.50). Three subscales of the Academic Stress Questionnaire (CEA) were administered: Academic Stressors (E-CEA), Stress Responses (R-CEA), and Coping Strategies (A-CEA). Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and a multiple mediation model using structural equation modeling (SEM) tested direct and indirect effects, controlling for gender, study year, and academic field. Results: (1) Academic stressors were inversely related to positive reappraisal (β = −0.34, p < 0.001), planning (β = −0.12, p < 0.001), and social support seeking (β = −0.09, p < 0.01). (2) All three coping strategies were significantly associated with fewer stress symptoms, with positive reappraisal showing the strongest effect (β = −0.13, p < 0.001), followed by social support seeking (β = −0.06, p < 0.05) and planning (β = −0.03, p < 0.05). (3) Stressors had a strong positive direct effect on stress responses (β = 0.54, p < 0.001). (4) Coping strategies partially mediated the stressor–symptom link (total indirect effect: β = 0.12, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.08, 0.16]). Conclusions: Active coping partially buffers the negative effects of academic stressors on perceived distress. Findings underscore the importance of enhancing students’ coping skills and implementing institutional policies that reduce structural stress and support psychological well-being. Full article

Introduction: The escalating scarcity of skilled healthcare professionals is particularly pronounced within surgical specialties, where the prospect of attracting prospective medical practitioners poses formidable challenges. Throughout their academic journey, students exhibit diminishing enthusiasm and motivation to pursue careers in surgery, including trauma surgery. It is postulated that the caliber of teaching plays a pivotal role in influencing students’ subsequent specialization choices. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted among a cohort of third-year medical students at the German University Medicine Greifswald. The methodology encompassed the utilization of a self-administered questionnaire to procure data. Results: The study encompassed 177 participants, of whom 34.7% expressed an inclination toward a career in surgery (22.7% in trauma surgery). Participants who reported a favorable impact from the examination course displayed a significantly heightened interest in clinical clerkships within trauma surgery (p < 0.001), and even expressed a contemplation of specializing in orthopedics and trauma surgery (p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis highlighted that the convergence of practical training and positive role modeling emerged as the most influential factors augmenting the allure of trauma surgery. Conclusions: Evidently, students who gleaned substantial benefits from high-quality practical instruction in trauma surgery exhibited a significantly heightened likelihood of pursuing this domain in their future endeavors. Surgical academic institutions stand to leverage this insight in their strategic planning for attracting and retaining potential residents. Cultivating a positive affinity for trauma surgery should be instilled early in the curriculum, subsequently sustained through ongoing immersive engagement that encompasses professional as well as interpersonal dimensions. Full article

Against the backdrop of the energy crisis and a rapidly advancing digital economy, electricity–computing synergy has become a strategic pathway to resolve energy constraints in computing power center and overcome renewable energy consumption challenges. This study breaks through the existing single-factor fragmented analysis method and systematically constructs a vertically progressive and horizontally coupled electricity–computing synergy planning model to deconstruct the core elements of computing power center construction and reconstruct the path of electricity–computing value co-creation. It proposes a multi-objective site selection decision-making method for computing power center based on linear weighting and the principle of reusability and universality, effectively avoiding the problem of overall system efficiency loss caused by single-objective optimization. Based on the empirical results from data from 31 provinces in China, this study classifies the endowments for computing power center construction, conducts targeted analyses of each province’s situation, and finds three major contradictions facing China’s computing power center: a spatial mismatch between green energy resources and service demand, a dynamic imbalance between electricity price advantages and comprehensive costs, and structural contradictions between talent reserves and sustainable development. Finally, a multi-dimensional integrated strategy was systematically constructed, encompassing demand-driven initiatives, electricity price adjustments, talent innovation, natural cold-source activation, and network upgrades, to provide guidance and policy toolkits for the government planning of computing power infrastructure development. Full article

In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, the need to cultivate innovation-ready, globally competent talent has become a strategic imperative. This study critically investigates how sustainable open innovation strategies—particularly within non-profit organizations and university alliances—can serve as a catalyst for global talent development. Responding to the growing demand for interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral collaboration, the research employs a robust mixed-methods approach, integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to evaluate and prioritize key strategic factors. The findings reveal that initiatives such as international internship programs, operational funding mechanisms, joint research ventures, and technology transfer are essential drivers in creating environments that nurture and scale global talent. Building on these insights, this study introduces a structured, sustainable innovation model that categorizes strategies into three tiers—collaborative, interactive, and foundational service-oriented actions—providing a practical roadmap for resource optimization and strategic planning. More than a theoretical exercise, this research offers actionable guidance for non-profit leaders, academic administrators, and corporate partners. It highlights the reciprocal value of multi-sector collaboration and contributes to a broader understanding of how mission-driven innovation ecosystems can foster resilient, future-ready workforces. By positioning non-profit–academic partnerships at the center of global talent strategies, the study sets a foundation for rethinking how institutions can co-create value in addressing pressing global challenges. Full article

Universities have become an integral part of society, contributing in no small measure to its sustenance, but they face the challenges of balancing academic nuances with social responsibilities. This study explores the partnership between an international student association, the Congress of Nigerian Students at the University of Johannesburg (CONSUJ), and the University of Johannesburg’s Community Engagement (UJCE) in advancing educational outreach and fostering inclusivity and societal impact. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, field notes, and participant observation. The findings reveal that such partnerships significantly enhance cultural diversity, expand educational opportunities, and foster global awareness within higher education institutions and the local community. These collaborations have created a more inclusive and culturally competent community, providing international students with practical teaching and leadership experience, while the local community have received much-needed academic support. The study underscores the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) commitment to community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity, aligning with the University’s Strategic Plan 2035 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 17 (Partnership for the Goal). Full article

This study investigates how service quality, emotional experience, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices jointly influence students’ behavioral intentions in higher education. Drawing from the SERVQUAL model, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and ESG-related frameworks, this research develops and empirically tests a comprehensive conceptual model using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The study employed a stratified sampling strategy and collected 462 valid responses from university students across various disciplines, regions, and academic levels in Taiwan. The results reveal that both service quality and ESG practices significantly and positively impact students’ behavioral intentions, with emotional experience serving as a critical mediating variable. Service quality—characterized by responsiveness, reliability, assurance, empathy, and tangible resources—was found to shape students’ affective responses and loyalty behaviors, such as recommending the university and engaging in alumni activities. Likewise, ESG initiatives, such as green campus practices, community involvement, and transparent governance, enhanced students’ emotional attachment and behavioral support. Hierarchical regression analysis, conducted alongside SEM, confirmed the robustness of the model and further highlighted demographic variations. This study contributes to the literature by integrating ESG principles into the higher education service quality framework and validating the mediating role of emotional experience. It provides both theoretical advancement and actionable insights for university administrators. Practical recommendations include enhancing frontline service delivery, embedding ESG practices into institutional culture, and designing emotionally engaging student experiences. The findings underscore the strategic value of adopting a holistic, value-based approach to educational quality management in fostering long-term student loyalty and institutional sustainability. Full article

Bikeshare has emerged as a sustainable mobility solution not only for addressing the first- and last-kilometer problem but facilitating short- and medium-distance travel. While existing research predominantly focuses on city-level Bikeshare Programs (BSPs), there is a paucity of studies examining university campus BSPs, particularly in terms of quantitative analysis of trip frequency and system operation sustainability. This paper presents a systematical framework to investigate university campus BSPs from two complementary perspectives: users’ travel characteristics and operational sustainability. To achieve this, two successive self-reported questionnaire surveys were conducted on the campus of South China University of Technology in 2017 and 2020, respectively. Subsequently, a multinomial logistic regression model was developed to identify the key factors influencing users’ travel frequency. Finally, a cost–benefit analysis was developed to assess the operational sustainability of the system. The findings reveal two significant insights: (1) the system was profitable under the 2017 fare policy, with the potential to maximize profits by strategically increasing fares while enhancing service quality; and (2) in 2020, when the fare is adjusted closer to the predicted optimal value, there is an increase in the proportion of high-frequency users, accompanied by improved user experience, reduced difficulty in bike access/return, and slightly lower pricing satisfaction. This study provides a valuable method that can be extended to the restricted service communities for effective planning and evaluation of bikeshare systems. Full article

Background: A business plan (BP) is an essential tool for companies, supporting strategic planning, financial acquisition, and stakeholder communication. Despite its importance, BP drafting lacks a standardized approach in both academic research and business practice. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework for BP drafting by integrating theoretical perspectives with empirical insights from practitioners. Methods: A qualitative research design was employed, involving 15 semi-structured interviews with experts from banks, companies, consultancy and audit firms, and investment firms. Data were analyzed using the Gioia methodology to identify recurring themes and patterns in BP drafting practices. Results: Findings reveal the absence of a universal BP standard, but highlight common principles regarding structure, authorship, and time horizons. Most BPs adopt a structured yet flexible approach, combining strategic top-down guidance with operational bottom-up input. The predominant time horizon is 3–5 years, with longer periods in capital-intensive industries. External BP auditing is uncommon, except in M&A and investment contexts. ESG considerations are increasingly relevant but inconsistently applied. Conclusion: This study contributes to the literature by proposing a structured BP drafting framework that bridges the gap between theory and practice. Practical recommendations are provided to enhance BP quality and methodological rigor. Full article

The pursuit of high-quality higher education in ethnic minority regions is of paramount importance in the contemporary era. As China advances towards its distinctive model of higher education modernization, the imperative for a robust evaluation framework for higher education modernization becomes increasingly evident. Achieving synchronized educational modernization across all ethnic groups is not only a persistent and evolving facet of the historical national strategy of “Four Modernizations in Synchronization” but also a critical milestone and salient indicator of concurrent progress in higher education modernization across ethnic minority regions in the present context. From 2012 to 2020, the nation executed a nine-year strategic plan aimed at revitalizing higher education in the central and western regions. This study, employing literature analysis and grounded in the five core functions of universities, utilizes a comprehensive dataset spanning a decade (2012 to 2021) to construct a bespoke evaluation index system for the modernization of higher education in ethnic minority regions. Through quantitative assessments, this study evaluates the trajectory of modernization in higher education development in these regions over the past decade, thereby offering indirect insights into the efficacy of the national initiative to rejuvenate higher education in the central and western regions. The findings indicate a fluctuating yet upward trend in the overall level of higher education development across the eight ethnic minority regions. Nevertheless, substantial disparities persist when compared with other provinces. Notably, Tibet and Guizhou have demonstrated significant growth, with respective growth rates of 5.533 and 4.341. Moreover, an in-depth analysis leveraging the grey GM(1,1) prediction model projects the future developmental trajectories of higher education in ethnic minority regions. To ensure the sustainable advancement of higher education in ethnic minority regions, supplementary policy interventions are indispensable. This entails fostering a conducive environment of resonance and coordinated development between ethnic economies and higher education, thereby nurturing a harmonious relationship that propels progress. Full article

This study explores a methodology for assessing territorial innovation potential using OpenStreetMap (OSM) data and geoinformation technologies. Traditional assessment methods often rely on aggregated statistical data, which provide a generalized view but overlook the spatial heterogeneity within regions. To address this limitation, the proposed methodology utilizes open, up-to-date OSM data to identify key infrastructure elements, such as universities, research institutions, and data centers, which drive regional innovation. The methodology includes data extraction, harmonization, and spatial analysis using tools like QGIS and kernel density estimation. Results from the PoliRuralPlus project pilot regions highlight significant differences in innovation potential between urban centers and rural areas, emphasizing the importance of detailed spatial data in policy making and regional development planning. The study concludes that OSM-based assessments provide spatially detailed targeted, flexible, and replicable insights into regional innovation potential compared to traditional methods. However, the limitations of crowdsourced data, such as variability in quality and completeness, are acknowledged. Future developments aim to integrate OSM with official statistical data and other data resources to support more efficient and fair resource allocation and strategic investments in regional innovation ecosystems. Full article

Despite the fact that university campuses have great potential to contribute significantly to urban sustainability, to date, no strategic sustainability plans in this context have been part of any urban agenda, even though these can constitute an adequate framework for such plans. The aim of this paper is to define a procedure for adapting the strategic framework of a national urban agenda, in this case, the Spanish one, to the context of a university, and to discuss the possible limitations and opportunities of this approach. For this purpose, both the strategic framework of the Spanish Urban Agenda (i.e., the strategic and specific objectives and their lines of action) and its sets of indicators (i.e., indicators for the evaluation and monitoring of the objectives and descriptive data) are transferred to the academic context. This procedure makes it possible to obtain a “university urban agenda” with a simplified strategic framework and indicators that are appropriate to the context of universities and that facilitate the collaboration and participation of different agents of the university community to achieve campus management in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. Full article

Using educational data-mining (EDM) approaches, this study examines the evolution and efficacy of entrepreneurship education at Durban University of Technology (DUT) from 2010 to 2020. The student enrollment and performance data were analyzed using random forests (RFs) and support vector machines (SVMs). According to the findings, which are in line with DUT’s “Envision 2030” strategic plan, there has been noticeable growth in student enrollment and the addition of new entrepreneurship modules since 2017. According to the study, the RF fared better in terms of predictive accuracy than the SVM did, indicating the value of EDM approaches in predicting trends in education. The findings validate DUT’s strategic objectives and indicate areas for further investigation that might include more variables and examine the effects of outside influences. Full article

This study examines the role and contribution of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a transformative framework in higher education (HE), focusing on the University of Split (UOS), Croatia. By applying a qualitative longitudinal methodology, it examines how UOS has engaged with the SDG agenda while overcoming the challenges of institutional disintegration, resource scarcity, and cultural change. Data from strategy documents, action plans, and interviews with university leaders reveal a significant evolution in UOS’s strategic alignment with the SDGs, from initial compliance to a more integrated and systemic approach. This study applies Steele and Rickards’ framework of institutional engagement and innovation culture and positions the UOS journey as a pathway to a transformative scenario. The findings highlight key drivers such as strategic planning and policymaking, as well as barriers such as fragmented governance and cultural resistance that shape the UOS journey. This research contributes to the understanding of SDG implementation at universities in former transition countries and provides insights into the use of the SDG framework to drive systemic change in higher education. Full article

The paper describes our project to develop, verify, and deploy an All-Hazards Return of Investment (ROI) model for the U. S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to provide army installations with a decision support tool for evaluating strategies to make existing installation facilities more resilient. The need for increased resilience to extreme weather caused by climate change was required by U.S. code and DoD guidance, as well as an army strategic plan that stipulated an ROI model to evaluate relevant resilient strategies. During the project, the ERDC integrated the University of Arkansas designed model into a new army installation planning tool and expanded the scope to evaluate resilient options from climate to all hazards. Our methodology included research on policy, data sources, resilient options, and analytical techniques, along with stakeholder interviews and weekly meetings with installation planning tool developers. The ROI model uses standard risk analysis and engineering economics terms and analyzes potential installation hazards and resilient strategies using data in the installation planning tool. The ROI model calculates the expected net present cost without the resilient strategy, the expected net present cost with the resilient strategy, and ROI for each resilient strategy. The minimum viable product ROI model was formulated mathematically, coded in Python, verified using hazard scenarios, and provided to the ERDC for implementation. Full article