Substantive Modeling for Stratagems of Higher Education Competitiveness

Abstract

Strategic Management is a tool to develop a sustainable roadmap for any organization in competitive environment. Currently Pakistan’s Higher Education standards are declining and the sector is unable to compete even at Asia level. This study aims to substantiate a model for strategic management in higher education system of Pakistan, provide an insight to the external and internal forces affecting the industry and develop the strategies that can counter those forces opposing the long term sustenance and competitive edge. To understand the problems Higher Education industry is facing, Grounded theory methodology is used; data is collected through adopted interview protocol from the educationists, serving for 10 years in Higher Education and either PhD or at managerial position at any public or private institution. The analysis and synthesis of the data shows that HEC policies, governance, political will, service culture, faculty hiring system and job market affects the standards of education followed by the faculty and students slack performance. Improvement is possible at any stage by deploying nonlinear, resource based, process based or adaptive strategies with the consolidation of meritocracy in leadership positions of the university.