IUM Repository :: Browsing by Author "Waheeda, Aishath"

Browsing by Author "Waheeda, Aishath"

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Academic leaders’ leadership styles in higher education institutions in the Republic of Maldives
(Global Academic Excellence, 2018) Waheeda, Aishath; Shaheeda, Fathmath
Being a dean in Maldives : academic leadership challenges
(2019-12-30) Waheeda, Aishath
The current study explored the challenges of effective academic leadership faced by deans in Maldivian Higher Education Institutes (HEI). A qualitative approach informed with grounded theory techniques was used in this study. Semi structured interviews were used for purposively selected deans (N=5) and academics (N=16) from seven different HEI in Maldives. The interview transcripts were thematically analysed and coded. The challenges of deans in practicing effective academic leadership in Maldivian HEI were found to be issues related to governance, academic leadership and personal capabilities. Suggestions for making the role more effective include, encouraging the distribution of leadership, providing leadership training, and, being more vigilant in dean recruitment based on professional and personal competencies.
Benefits of online assessments in higher education institutions : lessons from covid-19 pandemic
(INTI International University, 2023) Waheeda, Aishath; Muna, Fathimath; Shina, Aishath; Shaheeda, Fathimath
The unprecedented wake of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to move teaching and learning processes to online platforms. Although several studies have investigated aspects of online assessments, the benefits of online assessments have been a scarce area. Thus, the purpose of the current study is to explore the benefits of online assessment in HEIs in the Maldives from the lecturers’ and students’ perspective. This study used mixed methods with triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data. Purposive sampling was used to collect qualitative interview data from full time lecturers (N=30) and students (N=30) from 10 different HEIs and from 11 different disciplines. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Simple random sampling was used to collect survey data from 85 lecturers and 312 students. SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the survey data using descriptive statistics. The findings of the study revealed that both lecturers and students found online assessments as an opportunity for self-growth. The data revealed that the lecturers learnt the very basics of technology and pedagogy, a variety of assessment methods and efficient ways of marking test papers and providing feedback to students. Students reported they got more acquainted with ICT basics and research skills. The study showed that online assessments were flexible, convenient and economical. In addition, the psychological issues faced in online assessments were less compared to physical examinations. However, some lecturers highlighted that physical exam answer scripts were easier to mark than online exam answer scripts. In light of the findings, it is recommended to incorporate technology driven pedagogy and assessments in the continuing professional development programs in HEIs so that lecturers are competent and well versed with the contemporary online assessments. In addition, the study implies the room for future programs on online modalities in a more structured manner for the access to higher education across the nation.
Challenges in implementing online assessments at Maldivian higher education institutions : lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic
(Asia Pacific Academy of Science, 2024-01-05) Muna, Fathimath; Waheeda, Aishath; Shaheeda, Fathimath; Shina, Aishath
The COVID-19 pandemic forced Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to abruptly adopt online assessments in place of traditional assessments, posing several challenges especially in the developing countries. The purpose of this study was to explore the challenges experienced by lecturers in implementing online assessments at HEIs in the Maldives, during the time of COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected using qualitative, semi-structured interviews from a purposefully selected sample of 30 lecturers representing eleven different disciplines and ten HEIs in the country. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis method. Findings revealed seven major themes which include difficulties in keeping up with the fast-changing assessment policies; students lack of awareness on institutional assessment policies and procedures; inadequate infrastructure and work-space to deliver online assessment; lack of technological competency of lecturers and students; issues related to work-load and time management; lecturers’ competency in designing online assessments; addressing student diversity; and ensuring academic integrity. In the light of these findings, it is recommended that both students and lecturers need to be made aware of institutional assessment policies, better training needs to be offered for lecturers to enhance their skills in designing and implementing online assessments so that they can offer more authentic online assessments that would enhance academic integrity.
Challenges of women leaders in higher education institutions in the Republic of Maldives
(2018-06) Waheeda, Aishath; Nishan, Fathmath
The underrepresentation of women in senior administrative positions in higher education institutions is found in many research studies across the world. Similarly, in the Maldives, the higher education sector is gender imbalanced with more males in higher positions than females. This study explored the challenges faced by women leaders in higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Republic of Maldives. The instrument used in this mixed methods research was a survey questionnaire of three sections, followed by interviews. Section One comprised of items for demographic information of the participants. Section Two comprised of 13 items on a five-point Likert scale of which item four required participants to denote whether being a woman in HEIs was challenging. Section Three of the survey questionnaire comprised an open-ended question which required participants to list their challenges in HEIs. The questionnaire was administered to randomly selected women leaders (N=12), from five HEIs in the Maldives. The data from item four of section two of the survey questionnaire were analysed for frequencies and percentages, while the data from the open-ended question in from section three of the survey questionnaire and the interviews were analysed thematically. The challenges experienced by women leaders in HEIs in the Maldives were found to be the heavy workload, lack of career development opportunities, voice not being heard, and lack of support. To empower women in HEIs in the Maldives, it is recommended for employers to offer flexible work schedules, focus on productivity, offer diverse professional development and training opportunities, provide mentorship and support networks, tackle persistent sex-discrimination, and strengthen pay equity.
Comparison of lecturers’ competency in Maldives higher education institutes
(2023) Zuha, Aishath; Waheeda, Aishath; Wong, Chee Hoo
Researchers in the past have found that instructors’ levels of competence have an important effect on their ability to teach. This research aims to determine if there is a quality gap in Maldives’ higher education institutions between public and private institutions and between full-time and part-time lecturers. An online structured questionnaire was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey as part of the quantitative research strategy. Lecturers from both public and private universities took part in this investigation. The Mann-Whitney U test found a statistically significant difference between public (M= 67.52) and private (M= 48.07) institution lecturers in terms of competency; U= 829.50, p= 0.021. However, lecturers’ competency mean rank scores of full-time lecturers (M= 64.82) and part-time lecturers (M= 59.34) indicate the difference of mean scores of lecturers’ competency was not statistically significant, U= 937.50, p= 0.55. It is likely better recruitment and in-service professional development policies at public institutes are established at the institutional level, thereby improving lecturers’ competency compared to private institutes.
Correlation between lecturers’ professional development activities and their competencies in Maldives higher education institutes
(2021-09-30) Zuha, Aishath; Intan, Marfarrina Omar; Waheeda, Aishath
The quality of higher education (HE) is one of the key areas the higher education system of the Maldives focuses on to develop and expand the sector. Two of the factors that contribute to and influence the quality of HE are professional development (PD) and lecturers’ competency. However, in the context of Maldives, although efforts are made in the area of PD, little to no research has been conducted in this area. Hence, the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between lecturer PD activities and their competencies in Maldives’ higher education institutes. A quantitative research design was adopted, which conducted a cross-sectional survey by administering a structured online questionnaire. A total of 171 lecturers participated, which included both full-time and part-time lecturers from two public and two private institutions. Data analysis revealed that there is a weak positive correlation between PD activities and lecturers’ competency; r s (129)= 0.232, p= 0.008. It is also possible that PD activities conducted do not cater for the needs of lecturers, and a culture where structured and individual PD activities are supported and encouraged is not efficiently established. In light of these findings, it is important to strengthen and expand the existing PD policies and focus on providing effective PD sessions on topics and areas that are most needed for lecturers, rather than on generic topics. This study contributes to the empirical literature on PD in the context of Maldives and to the overall development of the HE sector.
Factors influencing the passenger satisfaction at public transport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
(2023-06-28) Hoo, Wong; Waheeda, Aishath; Reesha, Aishath
The aim of this study is to identify and analyse the factors influencing passenger satisfaction on public transport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Despite efforts to improve the quality and accessibility of public transportation systems in the city, passenger satisfaction levels remain a concern. Understanding the key factors that contribute to passenger satisfaction is crucial for policymakers and transportation authorities to enhance the overall quality of public transport services. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the various factors that significantly influence passenger satisfaction in Kuala Lumpur's public transport system. By addressing such factors as service quality, timeliness, value for money, and environmental attitude and their impact on the level of satisfaction, the study intends to provide valuable insights and recommendations to improve the passenger experience and promote the usage of public transportation. This will ultimately contribute to sustainable urban mobility and enhanced transportation infrastructure in the city. The research draws support from a developed service quality model. Data was collected from the Greater Kuala Lumpur area using non-probability sampling methods, utilising a Google Form questionnaire for respondents to complete independently. The respondents themselves administered the questionnaire, with 400 samples collected. Through linear regressions conducted within the SPSS programme, the hypotheses were evaluated a nd tested. The findings indicate a strong correlation between passenger satisfaction and key factors such as service quality, timeliness, value for money, and environmental attitude. By investigating these factors, the research seeks to provide insights and recommendations for improving the public transportation system in Kuala Lumpur to enhance passenger satisfaction and meet the evolving needs of the population.
Human resource management practices and employee retention : job satisfaction as a mediator in Malaysia’s information technology (IT) industry
(2024-08-14) Vasudevan, Asokan; Yong, E Swee; Krishnan, Anbalagan; Balakrishnan, Rajani; Nagaraj, Sriganeshvarun; Kengatharan, Navaneethakrishnan; Waheeda, Aishath
This study investigates the impact of human resource management (HRM) practices on employee retention and job satisfaction within Malaysia’s IT industry. The research centered on middle-management executives from the top 10 IT companies in the Greater Klang Valley and Penang. Using a self-administered questionnaire, the study gathered data on demographic characteristics, HRM practices, and employee retention, with the questionnaire design drawing from established literature and validated measuring scales. The study employed the PLS 4.0 method for analyzing structural relationships and tested various hypotheses regarding HRM practices and employee retention. Key findings revealed that work-life balance did not significantly impact employee retention. Conversely, job security positively influenced employee retention. Notably, rewards, recognition, and training and development were found to be insignificant in predicting employee retention. Additionally, the study explored the mediating role of job satisfaction but found it did not mediate the relationship between work-life balance and employee retention nor between job security and employee retention. The research highlighted that HRM practices have diverse effects on employee retention in Malaysia’s IT sector. Acknowledging limitations like sample size and research design, the study suggests the need for further research to deepen understanding in this area.
Nurturing academic leadership : a quest for the ideal academic leadership style for Maldives higher education
(Conscientia Beam, 2023) Waheeda, Aishath; Vasudevan, Asokan; Hai, Sam Toong; Balakrishnan, Rajani
Higher education leadership is an understudied area, especially at the departmental or faculty level. The current study explored preferred academic leadership styles as perceived by academic deans and their lecturers in Maldivian Higher Education Institutes (HEIs). A sequential explanatory mixed method design informed by postpositivist techniques was used in this study. In the first phase, the survey method was used to directly reach many respondents, administer the instruments and to collect the required data. from deans (N=20) and lecturers (N=170) from nine different HEIs. SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 23 was used to analyze the data using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as means, percentages, standard deviations, independent sample t-test and Pearson correlation coefficients. In the second phase, a qualitative approach was used to explain, validate and to triangulate the quantitative findings. This phase used semi-structured interviews for purposively selected deans (N=5) and lecturers (N=16) from seven different HEIs. The interview transcripts were thematically analyzed and coded using the template analysis method. The most preferred academic leadership styles in Maldivian HEIs were found to be transformational, distributed, and transactional leadership styles, respectively. To enhance academic leadership in HEIs in the Maldives, this study recommends academic leaders to use transformative and distributive leadership behaviors, which would also help HEIs in the skill development of academic deans.
Online assessments in Maldivian higher education institutions : challenges faced by students
(Institutes for Educational Research in NSW, SA and WA, 2023-10) Waheeda, Aishath; Shaheeda, Fathimath; Muna, Fathimath; Shina, Aishath
The spread of Covid-19 forced many higher education institutions to switch to e-learning using a diverse range of educational platforms. The purpose of this qualitative research is to explore the challenges encountered by Maldivian higher education institutions conducting online assessment during the Covid-19 pandemic, from both lecturer and student perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from a purposively selected sample of full-time lecturers (n=30) and students (n=30) at 10 different higher education institutions in Maldives. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis. Findings revealed that issues related to technical difficulties, Internet connections, and students' lack of basic technological skills as major difficulties faced by students. Inadequate exam space during online assessment was a root cause of other obstacles. In addition issues related to feedback mechanisms, exam stress and anxiety were also revealed. The study concludes with key implications for effective online assessment.
Perception gap : academic leadership styles in Maldivian higher education institutes
(Asia Pacific Academy of Science, 2024-01-03) Waheeda, Aishath; Nishan, Fathmath
Leadership stems from recognition and acceptance, surpassing the mere reliance on their title. Research indicates varying perceptions of relationship values between leaders and followers. A leader’s crucial awareness of these differences prevents harm to the institution through disagreements that expose poor style and self-knowledge. This study examines the perception difference of deans’ leadership styles in Maldives higher education institutes using self-rating and their lecturers’ perceptions using followers rating. In this study, a sequential explanatory mixed-method design was used. The first phase collected data via surveys from deans and lecturers (N= 190) from nine different HEI, with SPSS used for analysis. The second phase included qualitative interviews with deans and lecturers (N= 21), which were evaluated using template analysis. The independent sample t-test was used to assess the difference in averages between two independent groups, leaders and lecturers. According to the data, there was a slight statistically significant difference between deans’ self-assessments of their own current leadership styles and lecturers’ ratings of their leaders’ existing leadership styles. On the other side, it was discovered that both leaders and lecturers like the same leadership approaches. The findings of this research study suggest institutes to focus on developing academic deans’ leadership styles based on followers’ perception. Leadership measurement should consider both leaders’ and subordinates’ perceptions to avoid flawed conclusions. Also, this study calls for academic deans to reflect on their leadership, acknowledge limitations, and engage in developmental activities for growth.
Quality assurance in Maldives Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
(INTI International University, 2024) Reesha, Aishath; Shina, Aishath; Waheeda, Aishath; Moosa, Dheeba; Muna, Fathimath
Relationship between the existing and ideal academic leadership styles in Maldivian higher education institutes
(2022-12-28) Waheeda, Aishath
This current study identified whether there is significant relationship between academic leaders existing leadership styles and ideal leadership style as perceived by academic leaders and lecturers in Maldivian Higher Education Institutes (HEIs). A total population sampling was used to collect survey data from deans (N=20) and lecturers (N=170) from nine different HEIs. SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The relationship between practiced leadership styles and idealised leadership style was investigated using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. It was found that there is a strong, positive correlation between the existing and ideal leadership styles, with high scores of existing leadership styles associated with high scores of ideal leadership styles. Hence, this study calls for academic deans to maintain the humanistic and collaborative leadership with their subordinates. Likewise, this study recommends autocratic and laissez- faire leaders to adjust their leadership approach to a more transformative and distributed approach, so that the subordinates can strive for something better, enabling them to translate vision and moral values into action, through strategic capability development and setting direction for subordinates.

Browsing by Author "Waheeda, Aishath"

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