Implementation of Strategic Plans for Transformational Sustainability in State Universities in Cameroon
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58425/jlg.v4i2.429Keywords:
Implementation, strategic plans, transformational sustainability, challenges, state universitiesAbstract
Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which the implementation of strategic plans promotes transformational sustainability in state universities in Cameroon. Specifically, the study examined university priority areas; the extent to which strategic actions are implemented; and the challenges facing the implementation of strategic plans.
Methods: The convergent research design was used. Data collected from 384 lecturers had a reliability coefficient of 0.866. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS 27, while qualitative data were analysed thematically.
Results: Findings showed that provision of students’ support, infrastructural development, application of research findings, improve community engagement, ICT integration, improve communication, creating global partnership, effective human resource management, creating an inclusive learning environment, fighting corruption, and improving academic excellence were universities priority areas, but, majority of respondents 75.3% (289) revealed that their university is not adequately implementing strategic plans to attain its priorities. The implementation of strategic actions was affected by a lack of finance, bad governance, poor planning, ineffective communication, inadequate teachers’ quality, bad leadership, inadequate infrastructures, change resistance, inadequate community engagement, partisan politics in the academic milieu, and a lack of monitoring and evaluation. The findings further predicted a significant and strong impact of strategic plans on university transformational sustainability if adequately implemented (Coefficient = 0.808, F-test 427.621, p-value < 0.001).
Conclusion: The study concludes that the effective implementation of a strategic plan significantly enhances transformational sustainability in State universities. Strengthening leadership, resource allocation, and participatory governance were pivotal for achieving sustainable institutional transformation.
Recommendation: It was recommended that the government and university management implement strategic plans that strengthen institutional governance, ensure adequate funding for development purposes, and promote inclusive participation in strategic plan formulation and execution.
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