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Abstract: Higher education institutions are often required to design and deliver a range of strategic academic programmes in order to remain competitive, support growth and ensure operations are financially sustainable. Such programmes may include the creation of new research centres and institutes as well as the installation of major new research facilities. These programmes offer significant academic benefits but can often carry commercial risk associated with the major levels of financial investment that may be needed. There is also the need to develop a compelling case to secure the necessary funding. Consequently, this paper provides details of a management framework based on a business planning methodology, which can be applied to support the development of strategic academic programmes. Adapted from the recognised MSP (Managing Successful Programmes) management process, the framework has been explored as part of a case study investigation of a medical research facility. The case study highlights a number of managerial insights across the people, process, technology and knowledge dimensions that are pertinent to the management of strategic academic programmes. The management framework can be adapted to the needs of other organisations involved in the business planning for such complex initiatives.
Keywords: Strategic Academic Programmes, Business Planning, Medical Imaging Facility
Introduction
Universities and independent research institutions can often be large and complex organisations that need to be flexible and adaptable to continuous change (Navarro & Gallardo, 2003). Indeed universities are required to meet the needs of various stakeholders through providing academic services involving the delivery of education and in the case of research intensive universities, this also includes undertaking research. Furthermore, knowledge exchange activities result in the translation of knowledge and research outcomes into commercial benefits for partners or societal benefits for wider stakeholders (Philbin, 2015). In this context universities have increasingly been viewed as occupying a strategic role through stimulating innovation and economic growth through technology transfer and the resulting commercial exploitation of intellectual property (Hughes & Kitson, 2012).
Universities also face a number of challenges. There is increasing pressure on academic budgets, especially on the funding secured from governmental sources. There is an increasing level of competition in terms of universities competing on multiple levels, e.g. competing for the best students and staff as well as for research funding. There...