The readiness of open access policy implementation : a case study within a Kuwaiti higher education institute

Allamki, Z

Abstract

Open access (OA) policy is becoming an increasingly important element of information management initiatives in academic institutions. The aim of this research is to explore the perception towards OA and identify the factors that influence the readiness of OA implementation in Kuwaiti higher education institutions. A single exploratory case study approach is adopted within one institution, the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET). This study analyses data collected through a questionnaire from 154 stakeholders and 16 semi-structured interviews undertaken in PAAET, using the Theory of Organisational Readiness for Change (TORC).

This research makes contributions to knowledge in: a) understanding of organisational factors for potential IT adoption in Kuwaiti higher education institutions; b) potential for adoption of OA policies in developing countries; c) TORC use in OA policy applicability within the context of a developing country, a culture that has never been explored before; and d) generating rich insight into understanding OA policy readings of a Kuwaiti Academic Institution.

Practical contributions suggest that awareness of OA is still low in one Kuwaiti higher education (HE) institution (PAAET); however, the study participants were found to be supportive of the OA concept. These practical contributions are relying on long-term strategic steps such as: a) need for promotion of OA awareness; b) ownership of OA by senior management; c) government support at national level; d) management processes and OA policy; e) technical infrastructure needs; f) organisational restructuring; and g) interdepartmental collaboration. Some short-term proposals for action by the authorities in Kuwaiti higher education institutes are suggested, such as linking their websites to “The Create Change Organisation” and engaging in more international collaboration partnerships such as “Tempus”, which could help PAAET coordinate with other academic institutions through Open Innovation projects.

Keywords: Open access (OA), Open Access Policy (OA policy), Kuwait, Higher Education, technology adoption in developing countries, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), Theory of Organisational Readiness for Change (TORC)

Citation

Allamki, Z. The readiness of open access policy implementation : a case study within a Kuwaiti higher education institute. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Aug 23, 2013
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 23, 2013
• Additional Information: Funders : The Public Authority for Appleid Education (Kuwait)