Future Directions of Saudi Universities in Light of their Vision and the Challenges of Achieving them
Keywords:
Directions, universities, vision, challengesAbstract
The study aims to identify the future directions of Saudi universities in light of their vision. The study also attempted to explore the potential main challenges Saudi universities may face in achieving these directions.
The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Content analysis was utilized to synthesize the visions of the future directions of the 29 public universities in Saudi Arabia. Reliability and validity of data collected through content analysis were found acceptable. In addition, eight officials in charge of development and quality in Saudi universities were interviewed.
The study concluded that the future directions of Saudi universities in light of their vision focus on excellence (83%), university functions: education, scientific research, and community service (54%), building knowledge society (52%), globalization (41%), and leadership (31%). The study also found that the most prominent challenges facing Saudi universities in achieving their future directions are human challenges, financial challenges, and technical challenges.
In light of the findings of the present study, it is concluded that Saudi universities need to adopt specific formulas in their future directions, emphasizing the uniqueness of each university in specific fields of study, developing appropriate budget management systems, and establishing infrastructure of universities in a manner that is commensurate with their future directions.
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