Cultural factors influencing Taiwanese and Norwegian engineering students’ choice of university
Journal article, Peer reviewed
Postprint version. original article can be found at u r l: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03043790903497310
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Date
2010-05Metadata
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Original version
Jian, H., Sandnes, F.E., Huang, Y. & Huang, Y. (2010). Cultural factors influencing Taiwanese and Norwegian engineering students’ choice of university. European Journal of Engineering Education, 35 (2), 147-160 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03043790903497310Abstract
Insight into factors that affect students’ choice of university is useful when designing study programmes,
especially in global competition for students. This study focuses on Taiwanese and Norwegian students’
preferences for university, study programme, course qualities and future career qualities. Hofstede’s model
was used to predict culture-related differences. A pair-wise decision questionnaire was used to conduct
measurements. Cultural differences were observed in relation to choice of university, course qualities and
future careers. Discipline of study had only minor impact on students’ preferences. The results suggest
that a career-relevant curriculum is culture-neutral. Moreover, personal advice is the most preferred factor
among Taiwanese students when choosing university.