The Status of Strategic Planning in Portuguese Higher Education Institutions: Trappings or Substance?

Abstract

Economic, regulatory and social pressures are challenging higher education institutions (HEIs) in the 21st century. Strategic planning is a frequently used method for implementing appropriate institutional responses to changing internal and external conditions. The degree to which strategic planning is being utilized is an important predictor of institutional vitality and prosperity. This article draws on a national study recently conducted on strategic planning throughout Portuguese HEIs. Participants came from public and private universities, polytechnic institutes and other establishments. Data included interviews, an extensive survey and documentary evidence. Research indicates many institutions are engaged in a process of planning to various degrees, and many of those that are not, wish to integrate it into their policy development arsenal. However, claims of strategic planning implementation are tempered by data from the study, which analyzed how far key factors in strategic planning had been addressed by the institutions examined. Accordingly, the number of institutions that can legitimately be classified as strategic planners is incongruent with the self-reported findings of the data. A critical discussion from both institutional and system perspectives are brought to bear on the findings.

Reality of Strategic Planning Practice from the Perspective of Education Faculty Members

“…Several studies addressed strategic planning in higher education. For example, Machado, Taylor, Farhangmehr, and Wilkinson (2005) conducted a national analytical study on strategic planning in the Portuguese higher education. The study covered the leaders of (61) private and public higher education institutions in terms of knowledge and practice of strategic planning.…”

Leadership and Strategic Management: keys to institutional priorities and planning*

“…It is clearly a time when scarce resources need to be placed under institutional planning and strong leadership. A national study was recently conducted in Portugal to assess the extent to which HEIs were engaged in planning, and especially strategic planning efforts (Machado, Taylor, Farhangmehr & Wilkinson, 2005;Taylor & Machado, 2006). A national survey was carried out with rectors and presidents of public and private higher education institutions.…”

Universities as Corporate Entities: The Role of Social Responsibility in Their Strategic Management

“…In addition, the literature does not identify a standardized methodology that determines the effectiveness of strategic planning or institutional learning strategies [40], and unfortunately when the strategic plan is already established, many HEIs fail to execute it [41]. Hence, the degree to which strategic planning is used is important for institutional success [42]. However, to achieve this success, the support of academic departments is necessary [43].…”