Enhancing Arab University Governance through Multi-Criteria Decision-Making
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55578/jdso.2607.008Keywords:
Arab higher education, multi-criteria Decision-Making, educational quality, Governance, Symbolic achievementsAbstract
Arab higher education institutions increasingly prioritize surface-level achievements such as rankings, accreditation documentation, and publicized accomplishments, while often neglecting substantive improvements in teaching, learning, and academic integrity. This study examines how such “illusory achievements” are reinforced by weak governance structures and limited use of structured decision-making tools. It argues that many institutional decisions are driven by bureaucratic pressures and external ranking expectations rather than evidence-based evaluation of educational quality. As a result, curriculum design, assessment practices, and quality assurance systems frequently emphasize compliance and appearance over genuine educational outcomes. The study proposes Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) as a structured framework to improve transparency, accountability, and rigor in higher education decision-making. MCDM enables the integration of qualitative and quantitative criteria, supports trade-off analysis, and helps distinguish authentic indicators of educational quality from symbolic performance measures. By applying MCDM principles, universities can shift toward more systematic, participatory, and evidence-based governance practices. A qualitative research design was adopted, drawing on secondary literature, policy documents, and the author’s professional experience in higher education governance and quality assurance. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns related to symbolic achievement, decision-making weaknesses, and opportunities for structured reform. Findings indicate that hierarchical governance structures, limited stakeholder participation, and documentation-driven quality assurance systems contribute significantly to the persistence of superficial performance indicators. At the same time, evidence from global applications demonstrates that MCDM can enhance decision quality in areas such as curriculum design, faculty evaluation, and resource allocation. The study concludes that MCDM offers a viable pathway for transforming higher education governance in Arab contexts by promoting evidence-based decision-making and reducing reliance on symbolic indicators. Its adoption can strengthen institutional accountability, improve educational quality, and support sustainable academic development.
References
[1] Bernal Arellano, W. M., Galarza Parra, J. N., & Villavicencio Reinoso, J. M. (2024). A study on academic dishonesty among English as a foreign language students. Heliyon, 10(13), e33876. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33876
[2] Kairanbayev, N., & David, S. A. (2025). General trends on the impacts of evidence-based university accreditation on quality assurance enhancement. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE), 14(3), 1939–1948. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v14i3.31271
[3] Alhammadi, H., Alghailani, M., Alkhzaimi, N., Alsuwaidi, D., & Mayyas, A. (2025). Multi-criteria decision-making methods for selecting the best energy storage systems in arid regions. Energy Reports, 13, 3575–3592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2025.03.026
[4] Alshamsi, A. M., El-Kassabi, H., Serhani, M. A., & Bouhaddioui, C. (2023). A multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach for data-driven distance learning recommendations. Education and Information Technologies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11589-9
[5] Awashreh, R., Al-Naqbi, S., & Gharib, M. (2024). Ethical decision making by Arab universities' advisory and shadow committees: Forms of corruption, implications, and solutions. Kurdish Studies, 12(1), 4197–4209. https://doi.org/10.58262/ks.v12i1.301
[6] Awashreh, R. (2026). Reassessing university education effectiveness and student motivation: Pathways, employability, and the evolving role of higher education. SN Social Sciences, 6, 31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-026-01314-x
[7] Awashreh, R. (2024). Omani private universities: Debates between progress in human development but weak education quality. The International Journal of Educational Organization and Leadership, 32(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.18848/2329-1656/CGP/v32i01/1-15
[8] Avramova, T., Peneva, T., & Ivanov, A. (2025). Overview of existing multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods used in industrial environments. Technologies, 13(10), 444. https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13100444
[9] Sozon, M., Alkharabsheh, O. H. M., Pok, W. F., & Chuan, S. B. (2024). Cheating and plagiarism in higher education institutions (HEIs): A literature review. F1000Research, 13, 788. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.147140.1
[10] Blanco, G. L., & Metcalfe, A. S. (2020). Visualizing quality: University online identities as organizational performativity in higher education. The Review of Higher Education, 43(3), 781–809. https://doi.org/10.1353/rhe.2020.0007
[11] Awashreh, R., & Hassiba, A. (2026). Democratizing personalized learning through mentorship reform in private higher education. In Democratizing education with AI and the future of personalized learning (pp. 207–236). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-2302-2.ch007
[12] Sbaffi, L., & Zhao, X. (2022). Evaluating a pedagogical approach to promoting academic integrity in higher education: An online induction program. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1009305. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1009305
[13] Saleh, M. F., & Gamar, S. A. (2024). Applying a democratic evidence-based decision-making model: A case illustration of policy development at an Arab university. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 46(6), 618–634. https://doi.org/10.1080/1360080X.2024.2345321
[14] Russo, G., Nappo, F., Manzari, A., Cicchini, D., & Santis, S. (2025). Intellectual capital under institutional pressures: The role of digital transformation in shaping university processes. Business Process Management Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-04-2025-0455
[15] Compagnucci, L., & Spigarelli, F. (2020). The third mission of the university: A systematic literature review on potentials and constraints. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 161, 120284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120284
[16] Veličković, M., Stojanović, Đ., Ilin, V., & Mirčetić, D. (2025). A combined multi-criteria decision-making and social cost–benefit analysis approach for evaluating sustainable city logistics initiatives. Sustainability, 17(3), 884. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030884
[17] Aburizaizah, S. J. (2022). The role of quality assurance in Saudi higher education institutions. International Journal of Educational Research Open, 3(4), 100127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedro.2022.100127
[18] Bull, D. A. (2025). Impact of curriculum misalignment and assessment practices on student learning outcomes in higher education: A PRISMA-guided qualitative content synthesis. International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations, 13(3), 65–87. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16262451
[19] Katawazai, R. (2021). Implementing outcome-based education and student-centered learning in Afghan public universities: The current practices and challenges. Heliyon, 7(5), e07076. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07076
[20] Yüksel, F. Ş., Kayadelen, N., & Antmen, Z. F. (2023). A systematic literature review on multi-criteria decision making in higher education. International Journal of Assessment Tools in Education, 10(1), 12–28. https://doi.org/10.21449/ijate.1104005
[21] Nagy, G. (2025). Performance measurement and quality assurance in higher education: Application of DEA, AHP, and Bayesian models. Trends in Higher Education, 4(3), Article 54. https://doi.org/10.3390/higheredu4030054
[22] Rana, M. M., Siddiqee, M., Sakib, M. N., & Ahamed, M. R. (2024). Assessing AI adoption in developing country academia: A trust and privacy-augmented UTAUT framework. Heliyon, 10(42), e37569. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37569
[23] Wei, Y.-M. (2025). A hybrid multi-criteria decision-making framework for the strategic evaluation of business development models. Information, 16(6), 454. https://doi.org/10.3390/info16060454
[24] Taherdoost, H., & Madanchian, M. (2023). Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods and concepts. Encyclopedia, 3(1), 77–87. https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia3010006
[25] Ehule, G. E., & Ehule, F. G. (2020). Decision making in higher education: A theoretical perspective. International Journal of Scientific Research in Education, 13(5), 978–993.
[26] Alali, E. (2025). Modernization in the Gulf region as a means of legitimacy? An examination from normative perspectives of state studies. Journal of Gulf Studies, 1(2), 129–144. https://doi.org/10.1386/jgs_00009_1
[27] Almuhaideb, A. M., & Saeed, S. (2020). Fostering sustainable quality assurance practices in outcome-based education: Lessons learned from ABET accreditation process of computing programs. Sustainability, 12(20), 8380. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208380
[28] Zhou, Y., & Asano, A. (2025). A two-layer model for complex multi-criteria decision-making and its application in institutional research. Applied System Innovation, 8(5), 148. https://doi.org/10.3390/asi8050148
[29] Bercht, A. L. (2021). How qualitative approaches matter in climate and ocean change research: Uncovering contradictions about climate concern. Global Environmental Change, 70, 102326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2021.102326
[30] Sellami, A. L., Santhosh, M. E., Lari, N., & Michaleczek, I. J. D. (2025). Choices and constraints: Factors impeding Qatari students' choice of a university major. A Middle Eastern case study. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 49(8), 1095–1114. https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877X.2025.2534585
[31] Alshammari, A. A. (2025). The governance of higher education and its role in achieving sustainable development in the Arab world. In Education and Human Development. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.1011105
[32] Alsharari, N. M. (2018). Internationalization of the higher education system: An interpretive analysis. International Journal of Educational Management, 32(3), 00–00. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-04-2017-0082
[33] Di Tullio, P., & Rea, M. (2025). Institutionalisation of sustainability in universities: Insights from strategic planning and sustainability reporting practices in Italian universities. Meditari Accountancy Research, 33(3). https://doi.org/10.1108/MEDAR-05-2024-2467
[34] Mgaiwa, S. J., & Milinga, J. R. (2024). Teacher preparation and continuous professional development: A review of 'missing links'. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 10, 100990. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.100990
[35] Prastiwi, I. B., Sudibjo, N., & Tan, J. D. (2025). Leading and managing international and national accreditations in higher education institutions: Urgency, challenges and strategies. International Journal of Educational Management, 39(4), 973–988. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-01-2025-0015
[36] Awashreh, R. (2026). Advancing innovative entrepreneurship in higher education: Suggested framework. In Sustainable innovation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region (pp. 121–154). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-0908-8.ch005
[37] DelaTorre-Diaz, L., Ramírez-Pérez, H. X., & Escobar-Castillejos, D. (2025). The effectiveness of curriculum standardization in data analysis and tools proficiency for undergraduate education: A case study. Frontiers in Education, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1537174
[38] Sahoo, S. K., & Goswami, S. S. (2023). A comprehensive review of multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods: Advancements, applications, and future directions. Decision Making Advances, 1(1), 25–48. https://doi.org/10.31181/dma1120237
[39] Alshakhatreh, I., Thiombiano, D., & Al-Majali, S. (2024). Literature review on multi-criteria analysis and application in education environment. Journal of Operations Intelligence, 2(1), 236–267. https://doi.org/10.31181/jopi21202428
[40] Shawyun, T., Al-Khatnai, M., & Wattanasap, S. (2025). King Saud University's integrated quality assurance: A longitudinal mixed-methods study of framework evolution, outcomes, and sustainability in higher education management. Journal of Institutional Research South East Asia, 23(3), 261.
[41] Basheer, N., Ahmed, V., Bahroun, Z., et al. (2025). Sustainability assessment in higher education institutions: Exploring indicators, stakeholder perceptions, and implementation challenges. Discover Sustainability, 6, 252. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01116-w
[42] Awashreh, R., & Ghunaimi, H. A. (2025). Rethinking the PhD: Aligning higher education with market needs and practical skills. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(2), 254–264. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i2.7942
[43] Awashreh, R. (2025). Leadership strategies for managing change and fostering innovation over private higher education: Academic institutions in Oman. In Evolving strategies for organizational management and performance evaluation (pp. 399–422). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-0149-5.ch018
[44] Sun, X., Yu, B., & Li, R. (2025). Designing an innovative multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) framework for optimized teaching and delivery of physical education curriculum. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 29598. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-14283-7
[45] Awashreh, R. (2025). Empowering Arab researchers: Overcoming barriers to effective knowledge dissemination. An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities), 40(2). https://doi.org/10.35552/0247.40.2.2535
[46] Abadi, E. D. G., Raftari, N., & Shahabi, V. (2026). Smart city dimension prioritization in developing countries: An institutional theory-grounded hybrid MCDM approach. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-06-2025-0308
Downloads
Published
Data Availability Statement
Data availability is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study. All supporting information is drawn from published sources cited in the reference list.
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Raed Atef (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.