Thong Minh Trinh, Thi Thu Ha Nguyen, Oanh Pham and Hiep-Hung Pham
Over several decades, the Vietnamese government has gradually reduced funding for public higher education and has implemented a cost-sharing system. As a result, Vietnamese…
Abstract
Purpose
Over several decades, the Vietnamese government has gradually reduced funding for public higher education and has implemented a cost-sharing system. As a result, Vietnamese universities have had to look for alternative sources of income. While there is a significant emphasis on the importance of revenue diversification in higher education in Vietnam, there is limited empirical data on financing for Vietnamese higher education. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to estimate the degree of financial sustainability in Vietnamese universities.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used the Hirschman–Herfindahl Index and multiple regression analysis to assess 134 Vietnamese universities’ financial sustainability between 2013 and 2020.
Findings
The results revealed that almost all universities in this study were unsustainable due to their weak financial diversity. The age, type of ownership, location, the ratio of lecturers with PhD degrees and land size can affect the financial diversification level of higher education institutions. Our study highlighted that public universities have better financial health than private universities; institutions in rural areas have higher financial diversification than in big cities.
Originality/value
Suggestions for policymakers and university leaders that may enhance financial sustainability include the adoption of tailored strategies based on the university’s characteristics and missions.
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Thien-Vu Tran, Thao Phuong Pham, Mai-Huong Nguyen, Long-Thanh Do and Hiep-Hung Pham
This paper aims to examine the economic efficiency of Vietnamese 172 higher education (HE) institutions within the 2012–2016 inclusive period through the Data Envelopment Analysis…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the economic efficiency of Vietnamese 172 higher education (HE) institutions within the 2012–2016 inclusive period through the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach. The authors also compare public and private, multidisciplinary and mono-disciplinary, non-autonomy and autonomy, non-international and international HE Institutions’ efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
This study derived from an unique dataset from the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) of Vietnam. The data set comprises financial and academic annual reports of higher education institutions (HEIs). The authors achieved totally 204 Vietnamese HEIs, and the sample for analysis is 172 after the elimination of missing units, accounting for 84.3% entire of Vietnamese HEIs. The authors estimate the efficiency scores relying on these selected inputs and outputs by using the DEA method.
Findings
Overall, HEIs in Vietnam decreased their operational efficiency during the 2012–2016. It also seems that public universities operate in the absence of market mechanism so that they tend to be less efficient than their counterparts in private sector. Based on our analysis, the authors observe that the HEIs including the international programmes have higher efficiency scores rather than these without international programmes.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the theoretical aspects as follows. First, it enriches the existent efficiency literature on HE using the DEA approach. This stands out among similar studies in Vietnam in terms of duration (from 2012–2016) and data size (172 entities). Second, the research is the first to examine HEIs in terms of disciplinary (mono or multi-disciplinary) and autonomy (autonomous and non-autonomous), internalization (international programmes). These aspects have been silent in previous studies of HEIs in Vietnam.
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Hiep-Hung Pham, Thanh-Thao Thi Phan, Oanh Pham, Trung Tien Nguyen, Van-An Le Nguyen, Minh-Trang Do and Anh Tuan Nguyen
This study aims to investigate the trend of research on universities and accountability (UAA) in Southeast Asian (SEA) countries.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the trend of research on universities and accountability (UAA) in Southeast Asian (SEA) countries.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 115 journal articles, conference papers, books and book chapters were obtained from the Scopus database spanning the years 1996–2023. These documents were subsequently analyzed using bibliometric methods.
Findings
The majority of UAA in SEA documents were published between 2007 and 2023 (106 documents, 92.19%). Scholars from both SEA countries and outside the region, particularly Australia, co-authored UAA in SEA documents. While scholars from Vietnam contributed the highest number of UAA in SEA publications (30 documents), scholars from Australia received the highest number of citations (878 citations). Collaboration between Vietnam and Australia emerged as the most productive partnership in conducting studies on UAA in SEA. Additionally, UAA in SEA documents were published not only in education-related outlets but also in other sectors, particularly in public policy. Furthermore, studies on UAA in different countries exhibited both similar and dissimilar interest keywords.
Originality/value
This study represents the first bibliometric analysis focusing on UAA in SEA literature. The insights and implications derived from this study are valuable for future researchers, university leaders and policymakers.
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Nguyen Thi Thao Ho, Subarna Sivapalan, Hiep Hung Pham, Lan Thi Mai Nguyen, Anh Thi Van Pham and Hung Viet Dinh
By using a technology acceptance model (TAM) on survey results collected from two member schools of a Vietnamese educational institution, this study aims to uncover the key…
Abstract
Purpose
By using a technology acceptance model (TAM) on survey results collected from two member schools of a Vietnamese educational institution, this study aims to uncover the key factors that affect students’ acceptance of e-learning during the Covid-19 period.
Design/methodology/approach
A bilingual questionnaire in English and Vietnamese was delivered. It was pre-tested on 30 participants before it was finalized. The authors first reviewed the measurement model and made adjustments to the theoretical TAM model. Then the adjusted TAM was used to investigate the relationships of the constructs in the model.
Findings
The results of the structural model show that computer self-efficacy (CSE) has a positive impact on perceived ease of use (PEOU). There is also a positive relationship between system interactivity (SI) and PEOU. Surprisingly, the authors documented that PEOU has no significant impact on students’ attitudes (ATT). The results show that SI can moderately affect ATT. Finally, it is noted that the social factor (SF) directly affects the student’s attitudes (ATT).
Research/limitations/implications
This study contains three limitations. First, as this study only focuses on undergraduate programs, readers should be careful in applying the findings and/or implications of this study to other education levels such as K-12, vocational training and postgraduate programs. Second, the findings are generated within the context of one type of e-learning, conducted via Google Meet. Therefore, future research is needed to provide further validation and comparison across other forms of e-learning. Finally, to further prevent the common bias problem, future research should use both five-point and seven-point Likert scales for the response options in the survey, as well as use negatively worded items. This will help prevent respondents from providing similar answers to all questions.
Originality/value
This study has both theoretical and practical implications. From a theoretical perspective, the study can provide a solid framework for similar studies. From a practical perspective, this study offers implications for governments and universities in the process of adopting e-learning, given that the Covid-19 pandemic is currently in its second and more dangerous wave.
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Ngoan Thi Dinh, Luong Dinh Hai and Hiep-Hung Pham
Employability has long been a concern of scholars because of its complicated nature and changes in the requirements in labor markets to meet the new requirements of the Industrial…
Abstract
Purpose
Employability has long been a concern of scholars because of its complicated nature and changes in the requirements in labor markets to meet the new requirements of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and globalization. However, there has not yet been much systematic investigation of the existing literature tracing the trends, changes and developments in employability research. This paper aims to fill this void by analyzing data obtained from the Scopus dataset from 1972 to 2019.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 1,703 Scopus-indexed articles were filtered from 7,885 documents. The results reflect a rapidly emerging literature on employability, given the worldwide interest in this topic. Using descriptive statistics and bibliometric analyses, the review identified trends in employability research, whose impact has been sustained for several decades.
Findings
With science mapping, the conceptual structure of scientific disciplines was visualized, highlighting three main schools of thought including employers’ requirements and higher education institutions’ preparation; the antecedents of employability; and the role of work-integrated learning in enhancing employability.
Originality/value
The paper calls for more integrative research focusing on personal agency with the development of career paths inside organizations as well as for a more focus on a multilevel perspective exploring both individuals' and organizations’ perceptions.
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Hiep-Hung Pham, Ngoc-Thi Nhu Nguyen, Luong Dinh Hai, Tien-Trung Nguyen and Van An Le Nguyen
With the advancement of technology, microlearning has emerged as a promising method to improve the efficacy of teaching and learning. This study aims to investigate the document…
Abstract
Purpose
With the advancement of technology, microlearning has emerged as a promising method to improve the efficacy of teaching and learning. This study aims to investigate the document types, volume, growth trajectory, geographic contribution, coauthor relationships, prominent authors, research groups, influential documents and publication outlets in the microlearning literature.
Design/methodology/approach
We adapt the PRISMA guidelines to assess the eligibility of 297 Scopus-indexed documents from 2002 to 2021. Each was manually labeled by educational level. Descriptive statistics and science mapping were conducted to highlight relevant objects and their patterns in the knowledge base.
Findings
This study confirms the increasing trend of microlearning publications over the last two decades, with conference papers dominating the microlearning literature (178 documents, 59.86%). Despite global contributions, a concentrated effort from scholars in 15 countries (22.39%) yielded 68.8% of all documents, while the remaining papers were dispersed across 52 other nations (77.61%). Another significant finding is that most documents pertain to three educational level categories: lifelong learning, higher education and all educational levels. In addition, this research highlights six key themes in the microlearning domain, encompassing (1) Design and evaluation of mobile learning, (2) Microlearning adaptation in MOOCs, (3) Language teaching and learning, (4) Workflow of a microlearning system, (5) Microlearning content design, (6) Health competence and health behaviors. Other aspects analyzed in this study include the most prominent authors, research groups, documents and references.
Originality/value
The finding represents all topics at various educational levels to offer a comprehensive view of the knowledge base.
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Cam-Tu Tran, Isabelle Collin-Lachaud and Hiep Hung Pham
This study aims to provide an extensive review of the employer brand literature by capturing research trends and proposing a research agenda.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to provide an extensive review of the employer brand literature by capturing research trends and proposing a research agenda.
Design/methodology/approach
A bibliometric analysis was conducted to study 232 peer-reviewed articles indexed on Scopus from 2004 to 2021. Content analysis is added where appropriate to further explore empirical studies and influential papers.
Findings
Based on bibliometric analysis, this study provides data about the volume, growth trajectory, geographic distribution, main authors, three main themes and future research avenues for each of these themes. Content analysis sheds light on research subjects, types of data, methods and most influential papers.
Originality/value
This paper is among the first to conduct a bibliometric analysis along with content analysis focusing on employer brand. An extensive research agenda derived from the studied literature is also provided for interested scholars.
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Trang Hoang, John Bell, Pham Hung Hiep and Chad W. Autry
This paper explores how firms develop and mature sustainable supply chains (SSCs) in developing nations (DNs). The primitive resources, infrastructures and understanding of SSCs…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores how firms develop and mature sustainable supply chains (SSCs) in developing nations (DNs). The primitive resources, infrastructures and understanding of SSCs in DNs often hinder both the ability of SSCs to mature and their effectiveness in delivering environmental, social and economic goals. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
Through the supply chain life cycle (SCLC) lens, the authors analyzed an embedded case study of a Vietnamese end-to-end food supply chain (using 32 semi-structured interviews and archival data) and interviewed senior leadership of three other food companies in early 2019. A post hoc study including five reinterviews in the same Vietnamese case company's supply chain also further validated the study in 2021.
Findings
The authors’ analyses reveal that changes in DN stakeholders' behaviors can quickly move firms' SSCs along the SCLC closer toward a mature stage, in which firms and their network stakeholders can create more sustainable value. They also identify strategies for firms to consider when developing their SSCs to activate these behavioral changes.
Originality/value
While many authors discuss SSCs' benefits for the environment and society, few assess how firms can design and operate SSCs effectively given the limited resources, infrastructures and SSC knowledge in DNs. This paper offers a compelling framework focusing on engaging various DNs' stakeholders to understand the life cycle of SSCs in less developed countries, in order to accelerate DNs' firms through early development toward a more SSC.
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This study aims to fill this research gap by providing a comprehensive exploration of the transnationalization of higher education in China and Asia, with a particular focus on…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to fill this research gap by providing a comprehensive exploration of the transnationalization of higher education in China and Asia, with a particular focus on how institutions maintain quality assurance and how student learning experiences are reported.
Design/methodology/approach
The transnationalization of higher education involves educational programs and services provided by institutions or universities in a country other than their home country where students from diverse countries are trained. The goal of transnational education is to offer higher education to students who face obstacles in physically entering the host country of a transnational program, encourage globalization, enhance cross-cultural communication and improve the quality of education by expanding students' learning opportunities, providing diverse educational experiences and elevating academic standards. The transnationalization of higher education has become a crucial endeavor in Asia, especially in countries such as China, Malaysia and Singapore, where rapid economic development and globalization have prompted the need to evolve into knowledge-driven economies to meet the increasing demand for higher education. The factors driving the expansion of transnational higher education in China and Asia include the desire for top-quality education, the allure of international students, the establishment of worldwide collaborations and aspirations to be recognized as centers of academic distinction. The rapid expansion and increasing importance of transnational higher education has underscored the vital role of quality assurance. To guarantee educational quality, maintain institutional reputation and improve overall student outcomes, several agencies and frameworks have been established to uphold international standards.
Findings
Based upon extensive literature reveiw and case analysis, our findings indicated the quality assurance assessment varies and is primarily influenced by host countries and provider polices. However, students in transnational higher education programs report satisfaction with their experienes and the quality of their programs, which tends to meet their expecations.
Originality/value
This study presents the first comprehsensive literatrue rewiew and case analysis of how transnational higher education in China, Sinapore, Malaysia and Vietnam uphold quality assurance and report students learning experiences. Additionally, the findings highlight why future researceh on this topic is crucial and why forestering colloboration among countries in Asian regions is imporant in term of growing geo-politics.
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Hung Nguyen, George Onofrei, Ying Yang, Kevin Nguyen, Mohammadreza Akbari and Hiep Pham
The manufacturing investment shift from developed countries to emerging and developing regions creates further needs for identifying appropriate green certification strategies…
Abstract
Purpose
The manufacturing investment shift from developed countries to emerging and developing regions creates further needs for identifying appropriate green certification strategies. This study proposes that alignments between green certification practices (GCRs) and process innovation (PIN) could help identify appropriate strategies that national economic development can influence.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on the diffusion of innovation theories, this study proposed a taxonomy to examine whether sustainable performance differs depending on the levels of alignment and the role of national economic development. The study uses an empirical survey approach to highlight alignments between GCRs and PIN among developed, developing and emerging economic nations, addressing resource allocation for the world's sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Findings
Manufacturers need to align PIN practices with the level of green certification to achieve sustainable performance. Manufacturers experiencing higher payoffs from various improvements successfully align in GCR and PIN. The alignment between these two concepts can derive different taxonomies, which highlight performance and managerial implications for manufacturers. The manufacturers followed three distinct typologies: minimalist, process active and proactive. Besides, building on the theory of performance frontiers, the findings indicated that manufacturers in developing and emerging economies placed the most substantial GCR effort compared to their counterparts in developed nations. Manufacturers in developed countries are increasingly reaching the “diminishing points” and investing limited resources in GCR just enough to keep their competitive positioning as order qualifiers rather than order winners. Developing economies are catching up very quickly in attaining GCRs and business performance.
Research limitations/implications
This insight is essential for managers to adapt to nations' economic development conditions and appropriately and effectively align resources.
Practical implications
The findings offer a decision-making process and provide straightforward guidelines for supply chain managers' green certification adoption.
Originality/value
In including both PIN and green certification, this paper adds greater comprehensiveness and richness to the supply chain literature.