Transformation of university colleges to full-pledged universities: A proposed conceptual framework for Malaysian higher learning institutions

Abstract

Transformation of higher education is inevitable and is persistently occurring around the globe. One of the prominent outcomes is the changes of higher education institutions. In Malaysia, among the major changes observed is the conversion of college universities to full-pledged universities. Therefore, this study reviews the requirements involved in transforming university colleges to universities, the key strategies implemented and the impacts it has on the academics. Three impacts of the transformation on the academics are identified namely the impacts on their identity, career and academic activities. Finally, this paper proposes a conceptual framework in investigating the issues and challenges related to transforming Malaysian's university colleges to full-pledged universities.

Higher education teachers’ experiences of becoming research active: striving for university status in the Global South

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“…In 2015, 37 per cent of academics in public universities had a doctorate-level degree, with an equivalent rate of 13 per cent in private universities, university colleges and colleges (Ministry of Education Malaysia, 2015). These average figures do not reflect the diversity of institutions in the latter group; but nevertheless, university status requires a minimum of 20 per cent of academics to hold a PhD (and a maximum of 80% a Masters) (Shariffuddin & Razali, 2017). So, for many, the ambitious project of 'turning teachers into academics' (Macfarlane & Hughes, 2009, p. 7) has to start with a PhD.…”

Towards an Integrated Model of Data Governance and Integration for the Implementation of Digital Transformation Processes in the Saudi Universities

“…In this regard, different digital transformation initiatives have been adopted by organizations and institutions in both public and private sectors in different countries around the world. It is almost agreed that digital transformation is imperative for optimizing processes and making workflows faster, easier, and more efficient [4][5][6].…”