Impacto das práticas de inovação na performance das universidades sob o efeito moderador da restrição de recursos: um survey exploratório da experiência brasileira

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the impact of innovation practices on the performance of Higher Education Institutions under restrictive resource conditions. In order to do so, the present study was based on Brazilian experience and had a conceptual model composed of independent variables (innovation practices in education), moderators (resource constraints) and dependent variables (metrics to measure HEIs performance). To verify the conceptual model, the research was divided into two stages. In the first one, the study tried to identify, in the light of the specialized literature, the innovation practices used in the HEIs, the main reasons that impede the implementation of the new practices and ways of measuring their performance. In the second part of the study, it was necessary to group the practices found (193) by means of clustering, obtaining a set of 11 groups of practices. Next, a consultation with specialists was carried out to confirm the variables of the conceptual model, as well as to present the main effects (impacts) of the innovation practices on the performance of the HEIs, conditioned to the restriction of resources. 81 specialists with knowledge and experience on the subject researched were selected through technical and scientific criteria. The research instrument used was based on a questionnaire composed of scalar questions (Likert) from 1 (least impact) to 5 (greater impact) and with some open questions. With a focus on reducing subjectivity in the results, statistical techniques were applied to assess the internal reliability of the questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha), comparison of means (Kruskall-wallis and Duncan) and Spearman's correlation for impact analysis investigated. It was identified, when disregarded resource constraints, that the most influential practices in the performance of HEIs are associated with the use of the Internet and mobile devices in the teaching-learning process. However, when under the influence of resource constraints, there was a greater and lesser impact on results, and it was possible to highlight the practice associated with the problem and project approach, with a smaller reduction in performance. It is concluded that this study presented relevant scores and presents significant implications for educators and managers, since it can subsidize decision-making processes linked to the implementation of new practices with the purpose of improving educational performance, especially when considering the lack of resources in HEIs.