Challenges and opportunities of regional management approach to higher education governance and curriculum policy making

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 phd candidate for educational administration, Educational sciences and psychology college, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Associate professor of Educational sciences and psychology college, Shahid Chamran University Of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Professor of Educational sciences and psychology college, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

4 Associate professor of Educational sciences and psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify the significant opportunities and challenges of the regional management approach in higher education governance and curriculum policymaking. Adopting a qualitative approach, a purposive sample of senior managers and specialists with lived managerial experience at high levels of university administration and the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology was selected. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Through qualitative content analysis, sub-codes were extracted and categorized into components and main themes, reported as 13 components and 7 main categories. The main categories identified include managerial opportunities, operational opportunities, social opportunities, as well as structural challenges, operational challenges, cultural challenges, and social challenges.
The obtained results emphasize concepts such as university autonomy, the social responsibility of the university, the non-ideological nature of knowledge, a global perspective on knowledge coupled with local action for regional development aligned with socio-cultural diversity, reducing the centralization of the Ministry of Science, belief in expertise and meritocracy, and possessing knowledge of and commitment to curriculum matters. Based on the findings, the first three concepts can be considered pivotal and determinant in higher education governance and curriculum policymaking.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

Ahmadi, M.; Norouzi, K. (2014). A study of strategies for financing educational activities of selected universities. Science and Technology Policy. 4-3 (9): 47-64. In Persian.
Behesht Asl, A. (2020). Reflection on the parameters affecting the improvement and development of the Iranian higher education system. Higher Education Organization Conference: Future Scenarios. https://civilica.com/doc/970423 pp.22- 31
Berka, W. (2000). The legal and philosophical meaning of autonomy in education. In W. Berka, J. De Groof, & H. Penneman (Eds.), Autonomy in education: Yearbook of the European Association for Educational Law and Policy (pp. 3–10). The Hague: Kluwer Law International.
Block, Betty Ann. (2010). The professoriate and the future of higher education kinesiology. Quest, 68(3), 229-239. doi: 10.1080/00336297.2016.1180307
Börzel, T. A., & Risse, T. (2016). Introduction. In T. A. Börzel & T. Risse (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of comparative regionalism (pp. 3–15). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Byun, K., Kim, M. (2011). Shifting patterns of the government’s policies for the internationalization of Korean higher education. Journal of Studies in International Education, 15(5), 467–479. doi:10.1177/1028315310375307.
Byun, K., Um, S. (2014) The Regionalization of Higher Education. DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-8822-9_7
Byun, K a., Bawool, H. (2023). Regionalization of higher education and geopolitics in Northeast Asia. International Encyclopedia of Education (Fourth Edition) 2023, Pages 447-455. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-818630-5.01051-4
Chan, S. J. & Yang, C. Y. (2017). “Governance styles in Taiwanese universities: Features and effects”. International Journal of Educational Development.63, 29-35.
Chapman, D. W., Cummings, W. K., & Postiglione, G. A. (2010). Transformations in higher education: Crossing borders and bridging minds. In D. W. Chapman, W. K. Cummings, & G. A. Postiglione (Eds.), Crossing borders in East Asian higher education (CERC Studies in Comparative Education 27, pp. (1–24). Comparative Education Research Center: The University.
Cheong, I. (2005). East Asian economic integration: Korea’s perspective. Retrieved August 7, 2011, from http://www.rieb.kobe-u.ac.jp/academic/ra/seminar/2004/seminar-details/cheong.pdf
Chou, M.-H., & Ravinet, P. (2015). The rise of ‘Higher Education Regionalism’: An agenda for higher education research. In J. Huisman, H. de Boer, D. D. Dill, & M. Souto-Otero (Eds.), Handbook of higher education policy and governance (pp. 361–378). Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan.
Dadash Karimi, Y., Mirsepasi, N., Najafbeigi, R. (2019). Designing a Governance Model in Higher Education in the Country. Journal of Management of Public Organizations, 7 (3) Summer, pp. 10-27
Delanty, G. (2007) Knowledge in Challenge. Ali Bakhtiarizadeh. Tehran: Research Institute for Cultural and Social Studies. In Persian.
Diba Vajari, T., Yamanidouzi Sorkhabi, M., Arefi, M., Fardanesh, H. (2011). Conceptualization of Higher Education Curriculum Planning Algorithms (Experiences and Achievements). Research in Curriculum Planning, 8 (2) No. 30, pp. 48-62. In Persian.
Fallah, M. (2019). Providing a framework for reproducing social capital using a meta-synthesis approach. Quarterly Journal of Management Studies (Improvement and Transformation), No. 93. Pages: 161-203. In Persian.
Fawcett, L. (2013). The history and concept of regionalism (UNU-CRIS working paper W-2013/5). Retrieved from https://cris.unu.edu/history-and-concept-regionalism
Fielden J. (2008) Global trends in university governance. [citd 2017 Dec 18]. available from:http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EDUCATION/Resources/278200-1099079877269/ 5476641099079956815/Global_Trends_University_Governance_webversion.pdf
Farastkhah, M. (2009). Comparing three epistemic passages on "indigenous knowledge" in Iran, with emphasis on conceptual, structural, and functional transformations of science. Iranian Journal of Social Studies, 3(1), 97-110. SID. https://sid.ir/paper/135830/fa
Farasatkhah, M (2017). University  and higher education: global perspectives and Iranian issues. Tehran: Nashr-e Nay.
Ghorouneh, D., Heidari Tashekabood, A., & Sanaeipour, F. (2019). Pathology of spatial planning of higher education in Iran; The first step in regional governance. Rahyft, 29(3), 43-54. https://doi.org/10.22034/rahyaft.2019.13789
Haririan Tookli, E., Farastkhah, M., Shirzad Kobria, B., & Hamidi Far, F. (2022). An analytical study of models and frameworks of higher education governance in the world: A meta-narrative or semi-systematic review. Management and Planning in Educational Systems, 15(29), 84–114. In Persian.
Hatami, D., Kamali, H., Roshan, A. R. (2023). A Study of Good Governance Experiences in Higher Education in European and North American Countries: Lessons for Iranian Higher Education. Quarterly Journal of Research and Planning in Higher Education, 29 (1) pp. 161-186. In Persian.
Johnstone, B., & Teferra, D. (2004). Introduction. Journal of Higher Education in Africa. Vol 2(2), 1-5.
Ju, R., Buldakova, N. V., Sorokoumova, S. N., Sergeeva, M. G., Galushkin, A. A., Soloviev, A. A., Kryukova, N. I. (2017). Foresight methods in pedagogical design of university learning environment. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 13(8), 5281-5293. doi:10.12973/eurasia.2017.01003a.
Kant, I. (1979). The conflict of the faculties =. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press. Edited by Mary J. Gregor.
Karimi, M. S., Hoveyda, R., Seyadat, S. A. (2023). The paradigmatic model of decentralization of the Iranian education system. Management and Planning in Educational Systems, 16(1), 125–150.
Khorsandi Taskouh, A., Tehranchi, M. M., Ghiasi Nadoushan, S., Elyasi, M., Rabbanikhah, F. (2024). Key Drivers of Academic Governance in Iran's Higher Education System with a Mutual Impact Analysis Approach. Rahboard Farhang, 17 (68) pp. 9-38. In Persian.
Kikha, A. (2022). Identifying the components of the smart specialization strategy of universities. Research and Planning in Higher Education, 28 (1) pp. 93-130. In Persian.
Knight, J. (2012). A conceptual framework for the regionalization of higher education: Application to Asia. In J. Hawkins, K. H. Mok, & D. Neubauer (Eds.), Higher education regionalization in Asia Pacific: Implications for governance, citizenship & university transformation (pp. 17–36). New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
kuhon, R. (2020). Decentralization and education for all in Indonesia. polyglot Journal Ilmiah. 16 (1) 14-33.
Machado, L., Taylor, J. (2010). The struggle for strategic planning in European higher education: the case of Portugal. Research in Higher Education Journal. 10(1): 1 -20.
Malekinia, A., Bazargan, A., Vaezi, M. and Ahmadian, M. (2014). Identifying and prioritizing the components of a sustainable university. Quarterly Journal of Research and Planning in Higher Education. in persian.
Manta, S., Sarlea, M., Viorela, L. V. (2015). Comparative analysis of University Education Systems from the Central and Eastern European Countries. Procedia Economics and Finance 32 (2015) 1276 – 1288.
Mohammadi Chaboki, R. (2019). Philosophy of Higher Education: Nature and Domain. Rahbord-e Farhang, *12*(47), 7–31. SID. https://sid.ir/paper/516416/fa In Persian
Mohsenpour Kebria, H., Fathi Vajargah, k., Arefi, M., Khorasani, A. (2018). Identifying Strategies for Promoting Curriculum Planning Culture in Iranian Universities and Higher Education Institutions. Journal of Higher Education Curriculum Studies, 8 (16) Autumn & Winter, pp. 35-58 In Persian.
Mohsenpour Kebria, H., Fathi Vajargah, K., Arefi, M., Khorasani, A. (2017). Presenting a Model for Promoting the Curriculum Planning Culture of Iranian Higher Education with a Data-Based Approach. Research and Planning in Higher Education, 23 (3) pp. 71-98. In Persian.
Moradi Doliskani, M., Mirshah Jafari, S.A., Neyestani, M. R. (2020). New Analysis and Impact of Curriculum Players in the Curriculum Planning Committee of Iranian Universities: A Pathological Look at the Current Situation. Journal of Theory and Practice in Curriculum, 8 (16) Autumn & Winter, pp. 119-154. In Persian.
Maggio, Z. (2011). Exploring Burton Clark’s triangle of coordination in the context of contemporary relationships between states and higher education systems. In Unpublished manuscript. New York, USA: Department of Administration, Leadership, and Technology, New York University.
Naghizadeh, R. Boroumand Kakhki, A. Heydari. A, Bagheri Moghadam, N. Nazemi, A. (2022). Modeling the implementation of regional higher education management plan in Iran with an iterpretive - structural approch. Science and Technology Policy. 15(2): 75-92. In Persian
Naghizadeh, R. (2020). Investigation of Solutions for Implementing Regional Management Based on the Document of Spatial Planning of Higher Education in I.R. Iran. Approach, 29 (75), doi:19-27. 10.22034/RAHYAFT. 2019.13787. In Persian
Nestorenko, T., & Sterniuk, O. (2022). Modern management models of higher education institutions. In Modern technologies for solving actual society's problems (pp. 212-218). Wydawnictwo Wyższej Szkoły Technicznej w Katowicach. https://doi.org/10.54264/M016
Newman, F. (2001). The new competitive arena: Market forces invade the academy. The futures project: Policy for higher education in a changing world. Retrieved September 23, 2002, from www.futuresproject.org.
Oanda, O. (2009) Internationalization vs Regionalization of Higher Education in East Africa and the Challenges of Quality Assurance and Knowledge Production. Higher Education Policy, 2009, 22, (331–347) r 2009 International Association of Universities 0952-8733/09 www.palgrave-journals.com/hep/ of Hong Kong. Dordrecht/New York: Springer.
Paradise, C., Willners, C. & Jones, S. (2009). “Good and bad antonyms: using textual and experimental
methods to measure canonicity”. The Mental Lexicon 4.3: 380-429.
Pulkkinen, K., Etal. (2018). Does It Really Matter? Assessing the Performance Effects of Changes in Leadership and Management Structures in Nordic Higher Education. REFORMS, ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE and PERFORMANCE in HIGHER EDUCATION A Comparative Account from the Nordic Countries. ISBN 978-3-030-11737-5 ISBN 978-3-030-11738-2 (eBook) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-11738-2.
Rashidi, Z. (2019). An analysis of the policy of decentralization of curriculum planning in Iranian higher education. Institute for Higher Education Research and Planning. In Persian.
Rowhani, S., Rahimian, H., Abbaspour, A., Garainejad, G., Borzoyan, S. (2018). A Strategic Approach to Financial Autonomy in Tehran Public Universities: A Combination of Techniques SWOT- TOPSIS. Economic Strategy Quarterly, Vol. 7, No. 26, Autumn, pp. 199-237
Rowshan, A., Saeedi, A., Ebrahimi, Y. (2021). Representation of the Concept of Good Governance in Higher Education: Analyzing the Dimensions and Examining the Factor Structure of Indicators. Quarterly Journal of Research and Planning in Higher Education. 27 (2) 1-24. In Persian.
Samari, E., & Garaei-Nejad, G. (2014). A conceptual look at the position of higher education spatial planning in land-use planning: A guide for “university development”. Iranian Higher Education, 5(3), 117–142. In Persian.
Sepehri, Y., Liaghatdar, M. J., Esfijani, A. (2021). Identifying the Indicators of the Curriculum Goals of the Fourth Generation University in Iranian Higher Education. Curriculum Research, 11 (2) 22, Autumn and Winter, pp. 101-125. In Persian.
Sohrabi, A., Bordbar, H., & Nouri, H. (2012). Investigation of the alignment status of Iranian public universities with sustainable development based on the FLA model (Case study: University of Qom and Qom Campus of University of Tehran). Management in Islamic University, 1(1), 171-195. In Persian.
Strauss, A. L., & Corbin, J. M. (1998). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory (2nd ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.
Taylor, F. (1984). In the United States congressional testimony [M]. Beijing: China social sciences press, 1984
Taghizadeh, R. (2019). A study of operationalization strategies for regional management in the country's higher education planning document. Rahyaft. 29(3): 19-27. doi: 10.22034/rahyaft. 2019.13787. In Persian
Tayebnia, A., Souri, A., Mirzababaei, M., (2019) The Effect of Education on Social Capital, Quarterly Journal of Economic Research and Policies, Volume: 27, Issue: 91. In Persian.
Verger, A., & Hermo, J. P. (2010). The governance of higher education regionalisation: Comparative analysis of the Bologna Process and MERCOSUR‐Educativo. Higher Education Policy, 23(1), 105–120. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767720903574116
Zarrin, A., Yadegarzadeh, G., Khosravi, M., Ghaderi, M., Khorsandi Taskoh, A. (2022). Explaining the Characteristics of the Higher Education Curriculum in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Curriculum Research. 12 (2) 24, Autumn and Winter, pp. 52-74. In Persian
 
Journal of Curriculum Research
Volume 15, Issue 2
March 2026
Pages 120-97

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 02 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 08 February 2026

Share

How to cite

Statistics