Leveling-Up Philippine Higher Education Institutions in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Resources (LevelUPHEI AFAR)

The program aims to raise the standard of Philippine HEIs and drive them towards enhanced relevance and competitiveness in the 21st century. It intends to engage participants in building their leadership and management capacities within the context of global challenges for needed better outcomes with respect to stronger academe-industry-government connectivity and curricular innovations that are in step with current needs and challenges of HEIs. The overarching theme would be "Designing Your University's Future" by envisioning the Desired Future, exploring the delivery of education to achieve Applicable Educational Outcomes, supported by Required Enablers in form of People (Self – Leadership and External Stakeholders).

This event will be co-organized and implemented with The HEAD Foundation (THF) in Singapore.

Selection Criteria:

• Administrators, middle and senior managers, and academic leaders of SUC-ACAP member institutions who are at least master's degree holders, are newly appointed leaders, or are poised for leadership positions in the near future, and spend half of their time in administrative/managerial work;
• With regular full-time appointment on active status (not on leave), as certified by the Director of Human Resource and Development of the sending institution and likely to continue serving in the institution for two more years or longer;
• Clearly expressed willingness to participate actively in the full training program, including commitment support from direct superior;
• Proficiency in spoken and written English (all sessions will be conducted in English);
• Endorsed by the University President; and
• Has a prepared draft Re-entry Action Plan (REAP).

This training-workshop will cover quantitative and qualitative research designs including the appropriate tools and procedures to analyze data generated from them. At the end of the training-workshop, the participants are expected to develop a framework for their research with a focus on their objectives/hypotheses with a keen knowledge of the situations/conditions under which they are to conduct their research.

Selection Criteria:

• Junior faculty members or researchers of SUC-ACAP member institutions with demonstrated ability to conduct independent research (with complete data to work with) and has general understanding of statistical methods and experienced in using statistical computer packages;
• With regular full-time appointment on active status (not on leave), as certified by the Director of Human Resource and Development of the sending institution and likely to continue serving in the institution for two more years or longer;
• Clearly expressed willingness to participate actively in the full training program, including commitment support from direct superior;
• Proficiency in spoken and written English (all sessions will be conducted in English);
• Endorsed by the University President;
• Has a prepared draft Re-entry Action Plan (REAP); and
• Has a research draft or concept note that will be used as a material to be improved by the grantee-participant during the training-workshop.

This learning event aims to improve the knowledge and skills of the participants in planning, designing, and packaging fundable project proposals. Using adaptive cycle management, it will focus on three major phases of project development and management, namely: (1) development; (2) planning, designing, and proposal packaging; and (3) results-based project management of fundable research projects.

Selection Criteria:

• Junior faculty members or researchers of SUC-ACAP member institutions with sufficient relevant experience and knowledge to understand training content and benefit from the training as much as possible;
• With regular full-time appointment on active status (not on leave), as certified by the Director of Human Resource and Development of the sending institution and likely to continue serving in the institution for two more years or longer;
• Clearly expressed willingness to participate actively in the full training program, including commitment support from direct superior;
• Proficiency in spoken and written English (all sessions will be conducted in English);
• Endorsed by the University President;
• Has a prepared draft Re-entry Action Plan (REAP); and
• Has a draft research proposal that will be used as a material to be improved by the grantee-participant during the training-workshop.

This training-workshop primarily aims to enable academic leaders and researchers in higher education institutions in the Philippines to formulate a strategic communication plan for a particular project they are engaged in. In addition, this training aims to enhance the communication skills of participants, most especially in the design and development of appropriate communication materials.

Selection Criteria:

• Junior faculty members or researchers of SUC-ACAP member institutions with demonstrated ability to conduct independent research (with complete data set to work for publishable paper);
• With regular full-time appointment on active status (not on leave), as certified by the Director of Human Resource and Development of the sending institution and likely to continue serving in the institution for two more years or longer;
• Clearly expressed willingness to participate actively in the full training program, including commitment support from direct superior;
• Proficiency in spoken and written English (all sessions will be conducted in English);
• Endorsed by the University President; and
• Has a prepared draft Re-entry Action Plan (REAP).

This training aims to develop participants' skills in disseminating their research through publications and oral presentations. It is designed for participants who have previous experience with academic research.

Selection Criteria:

• Junior faculty members or researchers of SUC-ACAP member institutions with demonstrated ability to conduct independent research (with complete data set to work for publishable paper);
• With regular full-time appointment on active status (not on leave), as certified by the Director of Human Resource and Development of the sending institution and likely to continue serving in the institution for two more years or longer;
• Clearly expressed willingness to participate actively in the full training program, including commitment support from direct superior;
• Proficiency in spoken and written English (all sessions will be conducted in English);
• Endorsed by the University President;
• Has a prepared draft Re-entry Action Plan (REAP); and
• Has a research article draft that will be used as a material to be improved by the grantee-participant during the training-workshop.

Visits to leading higher education institutions (HEIs) in SEAMEO member countries to equip participants with enhanced knowledge, skills, and attitudes on R&D and leadership and management, within the context of global challenges to HEIs (e.g., lack of funding for research and development activities). Specifically, these visits aim to: (1) provide participants with first-hand experiences in improving their pedagogical skills; (2) equip them to think laterally to develop innovative and entrepreneurial strategies; and (3) learn from 'model universities' best practices in terms of governance structure and quality assurance systems.

Selection Criteria:

• Administrators, middle and senior managers, academic leaders, and junior faculty members of SUC-ACAP member institutions who are at least master's degree holders;
• With regular full-time appointment on active status (not on leave), as certified by the Director of Human Resource and Development of the sending institution and likely to continue serving in the institution for two more years or longer;
• Clearly expressed willingness to participate actively in the full training program, including commitment support from direct superior;
• Proficiency in spoken and written English (all sessions will be conducted in English);
• Endorsed by the University President; and
• Has a prepared draft Re-entry Action Plan (REAP).

Background

Data analytics, rooted in the scientific method, is a crucial tool for extracting insights from data. It provides valuable guidance for decision-making particularly in the realms of explaining phenomena, predicting future scenarios, and prescribing solutions to problems.

Fundamentally, data analytics aims to clarify complex phenomena by examining data. Whether it is understanding consumer behavior, dissecting health trends, or analyzing market dynamics, it sheds light on the "why's" and "how's" behind observed phenomena.

Data analytics is also proficient at prediction, using historical data and advanced modeling techniques to anticipate outcomes and trends. This predictive capability aids in strategic planning, risk management, and resource allocation, enhancing decision-making.

Moreover, it supports the process of prescribing solutions. By emphasizing evidence-based decision-making, it ensures that proposed remedies are grounded in empirical data. This approach improves the effectiveness of problem-solving, from streamlining business processes to addressing complex societal issues.

Data analytics serves as an essential tool for individuals, organizations, and society. It empowers decision-makers to make informed choices, gain deeper insights, foresee future developments, and devise practical solutions. In the data-driven era, it remains a cornerstone of informed decision-making and problem-solving.

Rationale

Data analytics has transcended its technical roots and evolved into an indispensable skill set for individuals across all fields and expertise levels. The ability to harness data for decision-making is not limited to technical experts alone; it has become a vital competency for everyone. Informed decision-making is empowered by evidence-backed insights derived from data.

To democratize this essential skill, this training program focuses on fundamental yet practical data analytics tools accessible to all. Whether for personal choices, business strategies, academic research, or streamlined data reporting, the aim is to equip the participants with the proficiency to leverage data effectively in various contexts. This training is tailored to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to leverage data analytics for informed decision-making in their respective spheres.

Scope of the Training

The training course will cover the following topics:

• Introduction to data analytics: concepts and principles
• Dataset preparation using R using real-world dataset
• Data visualization: dashboarding using Google LookerStudio
• Visualizing (almost) real-time surveys: connecting Google LookerStudio and Google Forms
• Data storytelling and tips on creating infographics
• Basic data mining, including simple machine learning algorithms, using Orange
• Other tools: using JASP and Social Network Visualizer

Participants

This training is under the CHED-sponsored Leveling-up Higher Education Institutions in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Resources (LevelUPHEI AFAR) being implemented by SEARCA through its Education and Collective Learning Department-Training for Development Unit (ECLD-T4DU). Thus, participants must be faculty and staff members of member universities under the State Universities and Colleges-Association of Colleges of Agriculture in the Philippines, Inc. (SUC-ACAP, Inc.).

Selection criteria:

• Faculty members, researchers, and staff members of SUC-ACAP member institutions with zero to beginner data analytics skills;
• With regular/permanent full-time appointment on active status (not on leave), as certified by the Director of Human Resource and Development of the sending institution and likely to continue serving in the institution for two more years or longer;
• Clearly expressed willingness to participate actively in the full training program, including commitment support from direct superior;
• Proficiency in spoken and written English (all sessions will be conducted in English);
• Endorsed by the University President; and
• Has a prepared draft Re-entry Action Plan (REAP)

Expected Outputs

At the end of the training, participants are expected to produce the following:

1. Sample dashboard (individual work)
2. Google Form + Dashboard (group work)
3. Infographics (group work)
4. Sample Orange (individual work)
5. Sample JASP and SocNetV (group work)
6. Re-entry Action Plan (CHED format)

Deadline for Submission of Documents

The deadline of submission of documents is on 28 November 2023.

Please email all documents to ,

Click here for the list of required documents to be submitted.