Designing the University Competitiveness Management System: Functions, Levels, Objects

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the problem of systemic university competitiveness management in order to propose a vision of the structure of the university competitiveness management system (UCMS), its levels, functions, and management objects based on the implementation of the constructive competition theory. The basic research methods included the following: content analysis, analysis of the modern concepts of university competitiveness management. The constructive theory of competition was used as the basic methodology of the research. Based on certain factors affecting competitiveness, the competitiveness of university (Cu) coefficient was calculated. At the intersection of four management functions (planning, organization, motivation, and control) at three levels of competitive behavior (strategic, tactical, situational) and three spheres of system influence (resource usage, optimizing actions, achieving results), 36 special functions of competitiveness management have been identified. At the same time, it was unveiled that the implementation of the UCMS in the overall university management structure is accompanied by organizational changes. In view of this, the success of the operating activities of the university as a higher education institution should be ensured by monitoring competition in the market and implementation of the competitiveness management program developed precisely for this institution. The study revealed that the competitiveness of the university increased after the introduction of the UCMS, the coefficient of competitiveness (Cu> 1). Implementation of the proposed competitiveness management system can significantly increase planning flexibility, adaptability and contribute to an increase in the world ranking of universities in developing countries.