The importance of university facilities for student satisfaction at a Norwegian University

Abstract

NO 8049 Bodø Norway AbstractPurpose -This article has a twofold aim: first, to explore the influence of higher education institution (HEI) facilities on overall student satisfaction; and second, to identify the distinct facilities that most strongly influence student overall satisfaction with HEI facilities.Design/methodology/approach -A tailor-made questionnaire is developed to measure student perception about student life, including their perceptions about the facilities at the HEI they attend. Two econometric models are estimated using OLS regression analysis.Findings -The factor that most strongly influences student satisfaction with university facilities is the quality of its social areas, auditoriums and libraries. Conversely, it is determined that computer access on campus does not influence student satisfaction.Research limitations -The sample includes data only from a single university. Moreover, only Norwegian students at the university participated in the survey.Practical implications -Based on our findings, the most effective strategy to improve student overall satisfaction with the facilities at an HEI is to improve the quality of social areas, auditoriums and libraries. Such a strategy will result in students who are more satisfied with the HEI they are attending and thereby increase the HEI's chances of long-term success.Originality/value -To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify the facilities that most strongly influence the overall satisfaction of students with the facilities at HEIs.

Coming Back for More Quality Learning Experience

“…University facilities were found most influential in determining satisfaction which is similar to the 34% variance found by Hanssen and Solvoll (2015). Also included in the list of facilities are course fees.…”

“…It has also resulted in scholars refocusing their research towards measuring students' learning experiences in universities. Recent studies by Hanssen and Solvoll (2015); Butt and Rehman (2010);and Hussain et al (2014) highlight the importance of facilities, technology, lecturers' expertise, management and interpersonal support to ensure greater students' satisfaction.…”

“…Higher learning institutions focus on these two variables and adopt them as part of their market-oriented strategies that differentiate them from their competitors (Gruber, 2010). Hanssen and Solvoll (2015) investigated satisfaction towards facilities among small universities in Norway. Their survey of 5232 (28% response rate) reveals that reputation, cost, job prospects, the host city, study hall, group work, auditorium, social areas, and computer access greatly affected students' satisfaction.…”

Students’ Quality Learning Experience: Key to further studies in the same university

“…It has also resulted in scholars measuring learning experiences in a higher learning institution. Recent studies by Hanssen and Solvoll (2015); Butt and Rehman (2010);and Hussain et al (2014) highlight the importance of facility and technology, lecturers' expertise, and management and interpersonal support towards students' satisfaction.…”

“…According to Gruber (2010), institutions of higher learning have been focusing on these two variables and have adopted them as part of their market-oriented strategies that differentiate them from their competitors. Hanssen and Solvoll (2015) investigated satisfaction towards facility among several small universities of Norway. A survey of 5232 with a response rate of 28% brought about only positive outcomes.…”