DECISION-MAKING IN HIGHER EDUCATION: STRATEGIC PLANNING AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION AT ELITE PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN THE UNITED STATES

[摘要] There are a multitude of challenges facing American higher education in the 21st century and no shortage of pressing topics that administrators must address at their respective institutions on a daily basis. This dissertation utilizes qualitative interview research methodology to connect with some of the leaders of American higher education to understand how institutions define priorities, allocate scarce resources and develop strategic plans that move their institutions forward. Five institutions were selected as part of the sample based on their inclusion among the top 30 private universities in the annual U.S. News and World Report rankings. A semi-structured telephonic interview approach was employed with 22 senior administrators from Duke University, Emory University, Georgetown University, Stanford University and Yale University, including all five presidents. The subjects discussed the major challenges facing elite private universities in the United States, including access and affordability, influence of government on research and financial constraints. The dissertation provides context for the alignment between strategic plans and annual operating plans, as well as the alignment between institutional mission and resource allocation decisions. Despite the similarities shared by the five elite universities, there are also differences that emerged through the research with regard to institutional approach to strategic planning, investment in intercollegiate athletics and overall alignment in decentralized financial environments. This dissertation shares the perspectives of American higher education leaders regarding the myriad of challenges and opportunities facing this sector of academe.

[发布机构] the University of Pittsburgh