Abstract
PurposeThe macroeconomic changes as well as the challenges facing universities nowadays result in the transfer and adaptation of various concepts and organizational methods from enterprises to universities. One of such solutions is mergers. Even though there are a very large number of practical examples of university mergers in the world, at the same time there is a shortage of frameworks that would help manage mergers. The purpose of this paper is to present key areas of focus in HEIs’ consolidation processes and the creation of the conceptual model of the universities’ mergers.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper synthesis, the inductive approach for model development and case study description were used. The analysis and findings were based on the systematic literature review taken out from management and public policy areas. The new public management and public value governance approaches as well as strategic and process theories of mergers were applied. The descriptive approach to management was used as well.FindingsFormulation of a Conceptual Model of Universities’ Mergers and ten principles of effective management of universities’ mergers that cover the entire process, from planning, through implementation, to integration.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need to verify the proposed inductive model of universities’ mergers through further qualitative and mixed-methods research studies.Practical implicationsThe paper offers a significant opportunity for practical application of the presented content, because it indicates how the know-how from one (business) sector can be valuable for the future of another sector (the over-fragmented sector of higher education).Originality/valueThis study presents the key areas of focus in HEIs’ consolidation processes and proposes a novel Conceptual Model of Universities’ Mergers. It concludes with the principles of effective management of universities’ mergers.
Highlights
In today’s reality, characterized by increased cross-border competition in both educational services and research outputs, universities are under strong pressure to both compete and collaborate
Through merger and consolidation processes, develop economies of scale and improve organizational methods, which lead to more effective market operation and fulfillment of their mission (Rudden, 2010)
All the stakeholders of consolidating universities could benefit from their successful merger as it means a stronger institution that is in a position to compete better in today’s global economy and become more effective and efficient
Summary
In today’s reality, characterized by increased cross-border competition in both educational services and research outputs, universities are under strong pressure to both compete and collaborate. Mergers may be treated as a manifestation of the development of entrepreneurial university formation and academic entrepreneurship, both in relation to public and private HEIs. Private universities, through merger and consolidation processes, develop economies of scale and improve organizational methods, which lead to more effective market operation and fulfillment of their mission (Rudden, 2010). All the stakeholders of consolidating universities could benefit from their successful merger as it means a stronger institution that is in a position to compete better in today’s global economy and become more effective and efficient. Decisions on mergers belong to the strategic ones They are complex management processes that require a long-term implementation plan, consistent with the strategic plan for the development of the entire organization.
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