Exploring the Role of a Strategic Management Framework in Enhancing Quality and Governance of Public Universities in Pakistan

Abstract

This study explores the impact of a strategic management framework on governance and quality in the context of Pakistani public sector universities. The major objective of the study was to explore the relevance, application, and impact of strategic planning and management framework in enhancing the quality and governance of Pakistani universities. The research questions covered three broader areas strategic management, governance, and quality assurance. A qualitative approach and the instrumental case study method were used for data collection. Twenty-four semi-structured elite interviews were conducted with the Vice-Chancellors (VC), Registrars, and the Directors of the Quality Enhancement Cells (QECs) from six universities, Senior Management, and Policymakers of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). In addition, a Focus Group Discussion was conducted, comprising a new set of VCs, Registrars, Directors of QECs, Senior Academics, and Corporate Consultants who reviewed the proposed strategic management framework. Major findings regarding governance and quality issues comprised, constant political interference, devolution of higher education to provinces, discontinuation of policies, and interim leadership, a lack of financial autonomy, instability due to a lack of self-reliant strategies, ad-hoc arrangements, lack of university-industry linkage, and laxity in the implementation of HEC’s policies by the university administration. The study findings advocate having a mandatory strategic planning department to implement the postulated strategic management framework processes for effective governance and quality. Respondents urged the QECs to be upgraded as a statutory entity to enhance the quality of higher education. Lastly, findings also recommend universities to adopt the Triple Helix approach, for innovation, self-reliance, resource generation, discovering indigenous solutions, and socio-economic development of Pakistan.

Date of Award	26 Mar 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bath
Supervisor	John Brennan (Supervisor) & Prof Robert Cuthbert (Supervisor)