Generating Value in Higher Education: A Quantitative Analysis in a Public Hei

The objective of this article is to evaluate the perceived value generation in higher education. The theoretical outline of this work was essentially guided by the definitions of value generation, academic activities and organizational support in higher education, as well as outputs of acquired knowledge and skills. Quantitative survey research was carried out using a questionnaire. The target population of this study are alumni and stu dents in the final stages of an undergraduate course at a public HEI based in the state of RS, southern Brazil. A sample of 1220 respondents was obtained. Data were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistics. Among the main results of this research, it can be highlighted that the formation of six factors for analyzing academic activities and organizational support and four factors that address knowledge outputs and acquired skills. Regarding these factors, the results indicate that there were significant differences in perception between the groups of men and women, enrolled and graduated students, income range and whether or not the individual works in their area of study in the course they are taking. The conclusion of this work is that the generation of value is a pressing need in HEIs and some specific activities and actions contribute more effectively to the conception of value, in this case from the student's point of view.