FACTORS RELATED TO PROMOTING FUTURE STUDIES AT A SELECTED SAUDI UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This study explores the factors that might influence the promotion of future studies at a selected Saudi university, addressing a local gap where the field remains underdeveloped. Globally, future studies are increasingly recognised for their potential role in shaping societal and educational futures, which might be essential for the advancement of academic institutions. The research adopts a quantitative methodology within a positivist paradigm, employing a descriptive design and collecting data from 343 academics through an online questionnaire. Participants, representing diverse disciplines and professional levels, provided insights into institutional and programme-related factors that might influence the promotion of future studies. Grounded in Lewin’s Change Theory (1947), the findings suggest that certain institutional and programme-level factors may support future studies. Institutional factors might include integrating future studies into educational policies, fostering cooperation with specialised institutions, and creating employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors. At the programme level, there was support for specialised courses and practical training in techniques such as scenario planning. A demographic analysis indicates that younger individuals, women, and lecturers might be more open to innovation, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. The study recommends revising educational policies, expanding curricula, and fostering collaboration with specialised institutions to promote future studies. These recommendations aim to equip students and academics with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and shape the future, thereby supporting the objectives of Vision 2030.