A Strategic Approach To Resilient And Sustainable Higher Education Institutions In India

Abstract

This Paper aims to identify and discuss selected basic principles of strategic management for Indian higher education institutions (HEIs). The focus is on the crucial role of situational (internal and external) analysis as a starting point of strategic management process for the HEIs; how internal and external environment drives HEIs’ academic and administrative adjustments, which in turn determines the agility and resilience of these institutions. It is noted that the ever-diverse expectations of the society from higher education institutions are channelled formally or informally through government pressure, increasingly frequent interlinkage between higher education institutions and specific demand expressed by the students and their parents. HEIs need resilience, reliability, and efficiency to meet these expectations. Furthermore, the paper attempts to explore how internal and external factors drive academic and administrative adjustments within HEIs, ultimately influencing their agility and resilience. The study investigates into the significance of adapting to technological challenges, meeting societal and student expectations, and navigating the presence of overseas universities in the Indian academic landscape. Employing a comprehensive framework, the paper elucidates how strategic management serves as a fundamental tool for long-term planning and decision-making in HEIs.

The research emphasises the cruciality of situational analysis, considering both internal and external environments, in initiating the strategic management process for HEIs in India. By scrutinising these factors, institutions can make informed academic and administrative adjustments, fostering resilience and adaptability. Additionally, the study underscores the transformative impact of technological challenges and the dynamic expectations of students and society on the strategic direction of HEIs. Moreover, it analyses the implications of overseas universities’ growing involvement in the Indian academic sphere and how this external influence shapes strategic decisions within indigenous HEIs.  In addition, the paper advocates for the incorporation of strategic management as a conceptual framework guiding the long-term planning and decision-making processes in Indian Higher Education Institutions. It demonstrates that an adept understanding of internal and external forces is crucial for fostering resilience and sustainability in these institutions amidst a rapidly evolving educational landscape.