Presentation of a Green University Model Based on an Innovative Approach (Mixed-Methods)
Keywords:
Green University, Higher Education, Sustainable DevelopmentAbstract
This study was conducted with the aim of presenting a green university model based on an innovative approach in higher education in Iraq. The research method was an exploratory mixed design using a two-stage qualitative and quantitative typology. The sample size for the first stage was 13 participants, selected through purposive sampling with the snowball technique, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts. In the quantitative section, convenience sampling was used, and according to Morgan’s table, 165 samples out of a population of 290 individuals were considered. To calculate reliability in the first stage, the Kappa index was applied, yielding a value of 0.561, which indicates acceptable reliability. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed through composite validity and convergent validity, and its reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha with a value of 0.793. Data analysis methods included grounded theory for the first stage and structural equation modeling with the help of Smart PLS software for the second stage. For the tested model, the absolute goodness-of-fit index (GOF) was obtained at 0.601, which indicates a good fit of the tested model. The positive values of Q² for all variables show that these variables have a significant effect on the green university model. The t-value for the significance coefficients indicates that the relationships are statistically significant at values greater than 1.96. Overall, this research introduces a new and unique model for the promotion of green universities based on an innovative approach in Iraq.
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