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Higher education reform in Egypt: preparing graduates for Egypt's changing political economy

Higher education reform in Egypt: preparing graduates for Egypt's changing political economy Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges facing the higher education system in Egypt particularly in the area of education quality. It builds upon several existing studies conducted in Egypt to make the case for improving education outcomes while analyzing the social, political, and economic ramifications of the current higher education system. Design/methodology/approach – Samples were drawn from existing studies conducted in Egypt by experts in the education field. Findings – Results suggest that the higher education admissions process should become more competitive thereby limiting the number of enrollments. More resources should be devoted towards higher education with a particular emphasis on workforce development and Egypt should seek the help of donor agencies and experts to advise and reform the system. Research limitations/implications – The findings were based on existing literature and were not conducted in Egypt which somewhat limited qualitative analysis. Originality/value – A contribution is made to the literature as the research reinforces the view that the lack of quality in the higher education system fails to prepare graduates to the workforce and impacts on the social stability of Egypt. By questioning aspects of the current higher education system and calling for more freedom of research and expression, the research raises interesting questions about the impact of closed societies on education systems. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues Emerald Publishing

Higher education reform in Egypt: preparing graduates for Egypt's changing political economy

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2008 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
1753-7983
DOI
10.1108/17537980810909797
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges facing the higher education system in Egypt particularly in the area of education quality. It builds upon several existing studies conducted in Egypt to make the case for improving education outcomes while analyzing the social, political, and economic ramifications of the current higher education system. Design/methodology/approach – Samples were drawn from existing studies conducted in Egypt by experts in the education field. Findings – Results suggest that the higher education admissions process should become more competitive thereby limiting the number of enrollments. More resources should be devoted towards higher education with a particular emphasis on workforce development and Egypt should seek the help of donor agencies and experts to advise and reform the system. Research limitations/implications – The findings were based on existing literature and were not conducted in Egypt which somewhat limited qualitative analysis. Originality/value – A contribution is made to the literature as the research reinforces the view that the lack of quality in the higher education system fails to prepare graduates to the workforce and impacts on the social stability of Egypt. By questioning aspects of the current higher education system and calling for more freedom of research and expression, the research raises interesting questions about the impact of closed societies on education systems.

Journal

Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues – Emerald Publishing

Published: Aug 8, 2008

Keywords: Egypt; Higher education; Youth; Employee development; Quality improvement

References

  • Education in the Arab World
    AMIDEAST
  • Young in the Arab World: Egypt
    BBC News
  • Putting Education to Work in Egypt
    Birdsall, N.
  • Enrollment boom, rise of fundamentalism put Egypt's universities under pressure
    Bollag, B.
  • Islam and Egyptian higher education: student attitudes
    Cook, B.J.
  • Editor Morocco/Egypt: educational selective reform benefits
    Dunne, M. (Ed.)