Proposed mapping and evaluation model of sustainable development goals in graduate programs in environmental sciences in Brazil
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
ISSN: 1467-6370
Article publication date: 14 March 2023
Issue publication date: 13 November 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aim to propose a methodological mapping approach for the evaluation of dissertations and theses of graduate programs in the area of environmental sciences in Brazil in relation to the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Design/methodology/approach
The research is characterized as exploratory with qualitative/quantitative approach. The proposed model was developed as a computational algorithm with a pilot being adopted as a professional master in national network for teaching in environmental sciences (ProfCiAmb) comprising associated courses from nine Brazilian public universities. 230 dissertations completed between 2018 and 2020 were analyzed.
Findings
A total of 266 correlations were identified between the texts and descriptors of each SDG. Correlation values between 0.100 (minimum value – Vmin) and 0.464 (maximum value – Vmax) were observed. SDG 4 – Quality Education (Vmax = 0.399) and SDG 6 – Drinking Water and Sanitation (Vmax = 0.464) were those with the highest correlation values, followed by SDG 3 – Health and Well-Being (Vmax = 0.299) and SDG 17 – Partnerships and Means of Implementation (Vmax = 0.249).
Practical implications
The construction of the computational algorithm provided consistent quantitative analyses with potential to contribute to the improvement of the multidimensional evaluation of graduate studies, as well as to support public policies related to teaching and research and strategic planning of the programs.
Originality/value
The relevance of this study lies in the creation of a model that involves the creation of metrics and tools regarding the impact of graduate studies on society.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was conducted by the Centre for Sustainable Development (GREENS), from the University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNISUL) and Ânima Institute – AI, in the context of the project BRIDGE – Building Resilience in a Dynamic Global Economy: Complexity across scales in the Brazilian Food-Water-Energy Nexus; funded by the Newton Fund; Institute of Advanced Studies/Synthesis Center on Global Cities at University of São Paulo (IEA/USP); National Foundation for the Development of Private Higher Education (FUNADESP); Foundation for Support to Research and Innovation of the State of Santa Catarina (FAPESC); Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and the Research Councils United Kingdom (RCUK).
Citation
Gomes Junior, J.C., Dalila Corbari, S., Kniess, C.T., Nogueira da Silva, G.M., Piontkewicz, S.C., de Souza Melo, M., Silveira Carbone, A., Mantovaneli Jr, O., Martins Sobral, M.d.C., Philippi Junior, A., Fernandez, F., de Aguiar Dutra, A.R., Birch, R.S., Guerra, J.B.S.O.d.A. and Sampaio, C.A.C. (2023), "Proposed mapping and evaluation model of sustainable development goals in graduate programs in environmental sciences in Brazil", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 24 No. 7, pp. 1452-1473. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-07-2022-0230
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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