Selecting Graduate Supervisors in Islamic Higher Education: Bridging Educational Theory, Ethics, and Multicultural Practice
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61455/sujiem.v3i03.510Keywords:
graduate supervision, academic quality assurance, postgraduate programs, supervisor-student relationship, higher education standardAbstract
Objective: This study aims to investigate the process of selecting supervisors for master's and doctoral theses as a cornerstone of graduate program success. It specifically seeks to identify the gap between theoretical academic regulations and actual field practices in Arab universities compared to international standards. Theoretical framework: The research is grounded in the "Academic Quality Assurance" framework and "Institutional Theory," focusing on how formal selection criteria influence the quality of research outputs and the professional development of graduate students. Literature review: Previous studies emphasize that while selection criteria are theoretically established, their practical application remains inconsistent across different global academic systems, particularly highlighting the disparity between Arab and European institutional norms regarding supervisor accountability and student support. Methods: The study employs a comparative analytical approach, juxtaposing the supervisory selection mechanisms of Arab universities with those of European and international systems to highlight strengths, weaknesses, and procedural variances. Results: The findings reveal a significant "implementation gap" where formal methodologies are often bypassed by informal practices. The results also indicate that current selection processes in many Arab contexts lack rigorous monitoring and periodic evaluation of supervisor performance compared to international benchmarks. Implications: This research recommends the establishment of specialized "Supervisory Selection Committees" and the implementation of digital tracking systems to monitor supervisory loads and student progress, ensuring alignment with international quality standards. Novelty: The study provides an original comparative framework that bridges the gap between theoretical regulations and practical field realities in the Arab world, offering a roadmap for transitioning from administrative selection to a merit-based, quality-driven supervisory model.
References
W. Yue and X. Ma, “Network analysis of personality-capital-competence interrelationships among nursing master’s and doctoral supervisors: Implications for postgraduate education,” Nurse Educ. Today, vol. 162, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2026.107080.
Q. Zhou and Z. C. Moeggenberg, “What Can Technical and Professional Communication Do for UX Education: A Case Study of a User-Experience Graduate Certificate,” IEEE Trans. Prof. Commun., vol. 66, no. 4, pp. 366–381, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1109/TPC.2023.3319884.
S. P. Irwin, S. J. Durning, and T. Dong, “Examining self-efficacy among recent graduates of postgraduate dental education programs,” J. Dent. Educ., vol. 89, no. 4, pp. 437–448, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1002/jdd.13742.
T. Beretu and W. P. Charles, “An assessment strategy for the employability of HRM graduates in South Africa,” SA J. Hum. Resour. Manag., vol. 23, 2025, https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v23i0.2808.
Y. Seko, A. Malik, P. Lau, D. Neri, and A. Courtnage, “Towards solution-focused graduate supervision: Developing a research-based live simulation for graduate supervisors,” Innov. Educ. Teach. Int., vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 570–582, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2023.2197872.
F. P. Ruane and R. S. J. Tol, “A Hirsch measure for the quality of research supervision, and an illustration with trade economists,” Scientometrics, vol. 80, no. 3, pp. 613–624, 2009, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-008-2092-x.
D. Allison, L. Cooley, J. Lewkowicz, and D. Nunan, “Dissertation writing in action: The development of a dissertation writing support program for ESL graduate research students,” English Specif. Purp., vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 199–217, 1998, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0889-4906(97)00011-2.
S. E. Eaton, “Ethical considerations for research conducted with human participants in languages other than English,” Br. Educ. Res. J., vol. 46, no. 4, pp. 848–858, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1002/berj.3623.
D. Pillay, “Recreating a Graduate Supervisor through Art Making: An Autoethnographic Study,” J. Autoethnography, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 99–104, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1525/joae.2020.1.1.99.
H. Peng, “Supervisors’ views of the generic difficulties in thesis/dissertation writing of Chinese EFL research students,” Asian J. Appl. Linguist, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 93–104, 2018, [Online]. Available: https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85047364613?origin=resultslist
F. Wu, Q. Yu, K. Wang, and H. Gao, “Analysis on the driving factors and realization path of the value of tutor-student relationship of postgraduates-with medical and pharmaceutical universities as an example,” Int. J. Ment. Health Promot., vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 545–564, 2021, https://doi.org/10.32604/IJMHP.2021.017877.
K. D. Haggerty, “Tough love: Professional lessons for graduate students,” Am. Sociol., vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 82–96, 2010, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12108-010-9088-8.
H. Peng, “Assessing the quality of research supervision in mainland Chinese higher education,” Qual. High. Educ., vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 89–100, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1080/13538322.2015.1049441.
G. Jonker, E. Booij, W. Rhodé Otte, C. M. E. Vlijm, O. Ten Cate, and R. G. Hoff, “An elective entrustable professional activity-based thematic final medical school year: An appreciative inquiry study among students, graduates, and supervisors,” Adv. Med. Educ. Pract., vol. 9, pp. 837–845, 2018, https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S176649.
Agus Hermanto, Gesit Yudha, Siti Nurjanah, and Agustiyara, “The Role of Maslahah Mursalah in Strengthening Religious Moderation: A Contemporary Approach to Mitigating Radicalism in State Islamic Universities in Indonesia,” MILRev Metro Islam. Law Rev., vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 101–149, 2026, https://doi.org/10.32332/milrev.v5i1.10191.
J. Sahrodi and A. Karim, “Leader power of Islamic higher education institutions in improving the performance of human resources management,” Cogent Arts Humanit., vol. 12, no. 1, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1080/23311983.2024.2442818.
Maryono, D. Puspitasari, and Purwanto, “Factors Influencing the Active Engagement of Undergraduate Students in Blended Learning,” Suranaree J. Soc. Sci., vol. 20, no. 1, 2026, https://doi.org/10.55766/sjss282320.
A. Warisno, M. A. Anshori, and N. Hidayah, “Islamic Education Management, Sufism, and Digital Literacy: An Interdisciplinary Approach,” Qubahan Acad. J., vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 257–271, 2026, https://doi.org/10.48161/qaj.v6n1a2127.
S. Firdaus, S. Suwendi, I. Nafi’a, S. Gumiandari, H. Huriyah, and A. Juanda, “Transforming Islamic Higher Education: Integrating Islamic Values & Digital Technology At Uin Siber Cirebon,” J. Ilm. Peuradeun, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 2337–2362, 2025, https://doi.org/10.26811/peuradeun.v13i3.2330.
A. Juhaidi, “Social media marketing of Islamic higher education institution in Indonesia: a marketing mix perspective,” Cogent Bus. Manag., vol. 11, no. 1, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2024.2374864.
K. Niam, A. Hamid, A. T. R. C. Yudha, and M. Sulaeman, “Ma’had ’Aly And Islamic Higher Education In Contemporary Indonesia: Contributions, Dynamics of Intellectualization, and Scientific Independence of Islamic Boarding Schools,” J. Indones. Islam, vol. 19, no. 2, pp. 329–362, 2025, https://doi.org/10.15642/JIIS.2025.19.2.329-362.
Tanti, K. Anwar, Jamaluddin, A. S. Saleh, D. K. Yusup, and M. Jahanifar, “Faith Meets Technology: Navigating Student Satisfaction in Indonesia’s Islamic Higher Education Online Learning,” J. Ilm. Ilmu Terap. Univ. Jambi, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 695–708, 2025, https://doi.org/10.22437/jiituj.v9i2.41513.
H. Saputra, Z. Sakhiyya, P. Astuti, F. Rozi, A. Masyhar, and D. Paudel, “Teaching Tolerance through Law and Language: English for Sharia Purposes and Interfaith Legal Education in Indonesia,” Contemp. Issues Interfaith Law Soc., vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 289–328, 2025, https://doi.org/10.15294/ciils.v4i2.33170.
A. Ardiansyah, I. N. S. Degeng, D. Kuswandi, and H. Praherdhiono, “A New Model for Blended Learning in Islamic Higher Education: Integrating Peer Instruction With Just-in-Time Teaching,” Turkish Online J. Distance Educ., vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 192–216, 2025, https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.1533067.
S. Zubaidi, N. A. Delahara, Y. Rahman, and D. A. Purwaningtyas, “Qur’ānic Persuasive Logic as a Structural Framework: Exploring Syllogism and Presupposition in Divine Argumentation,” J. Islam. Thought Civiliz., vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 365–380, 2025, https://doi.org/10.32350/jitc.152.20.
M. Mulyadi, “Penelitian Kuantitatif Dan Kualitatif Serta Pemikiran Dasar Menggabungkannya,” J. Stud. Komun. dan Media, vol. 15, no. 1, p. 128, 2013, https://doi.org/10.31445/jskm.2011.150106.
M. Z. Yasin and R. N. F. Amijaya, “Peningkatan Kemapuan Pengolahan Data Kuantitatif Menggunakan Aplikasi Stata,” J. Pengabdi. Masy. Appl., vol. 2, no. 1, p. 57, 2023, https://doi.org/10.19184/jpma.v2i1.39468.
D. Indrawan and S. R. Jalilah, “Metode Kombinasi/Campuran Bentuk Integrasi Dalam Penelitian,” J. Stud. Guru dan Pembelajaran, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 735–739, 2021, https://doi.org/10.30605/jsgp.4.3.2021.1452.
L. Huriyah and T. Hsucheng Chiang, “Management of Remuneration System Based on Performance for Lecturers and Employees at Islamic Higher Education as Public Service Agency,” Munaddhomah, vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 555–574, 2025, https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v6i4.1894.
S. N. Hidayah, M. Abdalla, N. Faris, and S. Kutieleh, “Redefining Leadership Frames: Understanding the Frames of Female Leaders in Indonesian Islamic Higher Education Institutions,” Ulumuna, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 1039–1070, 2025, https://doi.org/10.20414/ujis.v29i2.1518.
A. Muthohar, Raharjo, A. M. Thoha, and Nasikhin, “Academic and Family Balance: A Comparative Study of Married Postgraduate Students in Islamic Higher Education in Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam,” Nazhruna J. Pendidik. Islam, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 31–51, 2025, https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v8i1.14.
K. I. H. Alhassan, S. Lubis, A. Jehan, A. B. Jalhani, and A. F. Ardiansyah, “Reproducing Legal Culture Thru Cultural Capital: A Socio-Legal Analysis of Islamic Higher Education in Indonesia,” Nurani, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 716–731, 2025, https://doi.org/10.19109/nurani.v25i2.31306.
M. Erihadiana and U. Syaripudin, “Advancing Faith-Based Higher Education: Strategic Analysis of Outcome-Based Education Implementation in Indonesian Islamic Postgraduate Programs,” Asian J. Hum. Serv., vol. 30, no. 1, 2026, https://doi.org/10.14391/ajhs.e3001.1.006.
L. R. Naufalin, C. D. S. Indrawati, M. Indriayu, and L. Noviani, “Bridging Religiosity and Digital Competence: The Mediating Role of Digital Ethics in Higher Education,” Munaddhomah, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 92–108, 2026, https://doi.org/10.31538/munaddhomah.v7i1.2455.
Nasrulloh, W. Mahendra, H. S. Rijal, and Muhammad, “Effective Management to Support Tahfidz Al-Qur’ān Course in Indonesian Islamic Higher Education,” J. Stud. Ilmu-ilmu al-Qur’an dan Hadis, vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 325–346, 2022, https://doi.org/10.14421/qh.v23i2.3046.
S. Megawati, M. Alfarizi, and J. Wahyuni, “Artificial Intelligence Revolution in Indonesian Islamic Higher Education: How It Affects Students’ Self-Efficacy, Creativity, and Learning Performance,” J. Educ. Online, vol. 22, no. 4, 2025, https://doi.org/10.9743/JEO.2025.22.4.11.
S. Munir, R. Anita, and S. Sajidin, “Measuring EFL teacher-student rapport using confirmatory factor analysis: Insights from Indonesia,” Int. J. Educ. Pract., vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 240–257, 2026, https://doi.org/10.18488/61.v14i1.4691.
Khoiruddin Nasution, Z. Z. Ali, Mufrod Teguh Mulyo, Syamruddin Nasution, and Syaefullah, “The Childfree Discourse in Contemporary Islamic Family Law and Human Rights: Insights from Young Muslim Academics in Indonesia,” MILRev Metro Islam. Law Rev., vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 1–32, 2026, https://doi.org/10.32332/milrev.v5i1.11080.
A. Rosyid, A. T. D. Aryani, and S. Arifin, “Academic citizenship behavior in Islamic higher education: the interplay of ethical leadership and prosocial motivation,” Discov. Educ., vol. 5, no. 1, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-01054-9.
F. Syukur, A. Maghfurin, U. Marhamah, and P. Jehwae, “Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Islamic Higher Education: Comparative Responses between Indonesia and Thailand,” Nazhruna J. Pendidik. Islam, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 531–553, 2024, https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v7i3.13.
Ridwansyah, Sumin, Suhrawardi, M. S. Kamaruddin, and Khamim, “Tech-Enabled Flexible Work and Employee Productivity: The Role of Work–Life Balance and Islamic Work Ethic,” Ascarya J. Islam. Sci. Cult. Soc. Stud., vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 211–224, 2025, https://doi.org/10.53754/1wp7zs95.
S. Aflahah et al., “Ai, Ethics, and Islamic Higher Education: Navigating the Tensions Between Practical Risk Mitigation and Religious Normativity,” J. Ilm. Islam Futur., vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 1–24, 2026, https://doi.org/10.22373/jiifv26.i1.32978.
