ALI GUNES

  The Essential Ingredients of Academic Success: Exploring the Anatomy of a Successful University ali gunes The University of New York Tirana aligunes@unyt.edu.al   A few days ago, I found myself in a lively debate with a colleague about the factors that drive academic success in universities. Our viewpoints, shaped by our diverse experiences as managers and faculty members, were notably distinct. While I respect the various interpretations and definitions of a successful university, I am convinced that there are universal criteria that form the bedrock of academic success. As the conversation meandered, I decided to halt it. Yet, the topic continued to occupy my thoughts. As Freud would suggest, I find solace in penning down my thoughts in such instances. This internal struggle forms the unique perspective that underpins this article, offering a fresh take on the matter. Universities, at their core, are the custodians of knowledge, innovation, and intellectual gro...

  Universities and Local Development Ali Gunes The University of New York Tirana aligunes@unyt.edu.al   As a representative of the University of New York Tirana, a unique academic institution with its distinct perspective, I had the privilege of participating in “The 9th European Congress of Local Governments: The Future of the Idea of Decentralisation in a Changing World”  organised by Foundation Institute for Eastern Studies and  held on 4-5 March 2024 in the rural city of Mikolajki, Poland. The Congress, attended by nearly 2,500 guests from various sectors, was a “platform for exchanging views and a meeting place” for developing local governments and communities. In my paper titled “Education and Development: How do Universities Contribute to the Improvement of Local Governments and Communities?” I presented the unique perspective of the University of New York Tirana on the role of universities in local development . Universities are not passive entit...

  What makes a university a 21st-century university ? Ali Gunes University of New York Tirana, Albania aligunes@unyt.edu.al   In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, the concept of a "21st-century university" is not merely a catchphrase but a pivotal framework that steers institutions towards adapting to the demands of contemporary society, embracing innovation, and prioritising the holistic development of students in an increasingly interconnected world. Thus, it is better to delve into the key characteristics that distinguish a 21st-century university, reflecting pedagogy, research, technology, and societal needs shifts. First, a 21st-century university should apply an interdisciplinary approach to its teaching and research and administrative methods because complex developments and problems cannot be solved with a single approach or worldview. For instance, a sociologist can “borrow” the methods of “ethnography from anthropologists in order to devel...