Managing delivery of tertiary education - a case study of partnership management in Australia

This study examines the education partnership between a regional public university and a private education provider using a case study approach. This study uses a theoretical and qualitative approach to identify challenges such as setting goals and objectives, aligning priorities, communication strategies, trust and transparency, cultural issues and leadership style in managing public–private partnerships, focusing on a regional university and a private education provider. It analyses these challenges, then suggests measures to overcome them to better oversee education partnership management through the proposed frameworks. It also highlights the limitations of the study and future research directions of public–private partnerships in an educational setting. With over 20 years of experience in educational partnership management, my motivation to conduct research lies in my passion for student learning and success and to improve tertiary education in Australia, aiming for innovation and accessibility.
A qualitative instrumental case study approach was used in this research that examined the management of a regional public university partnering with a private higher education provider. It employed the case study method using 12 participants from different functional areas of a regional public university and a private education provider to collect information about setting goals and objectives, aligning priorities, communication strategies, trust and transparency, cultural issues and leadership style. Data was collected through interviews which were analysed using axial coding and interpretive thematic processes to develop propositions integrating literature review.
Findings and case analysis highlighted the differences in management practices due to different goals and objectives, priorities, communication strategies, lack of trust and transparency, leadership and cultural issues between a regional public university and a private education provider. It was also found that regional public universities are less transformational and more authoritative than private education providers. The results and analysis suggest that the management of partnerships should have an aligned functionality for the smooth delivery of the universities’ products to improve management practices. The result of this study adds to business knowledge about the effects of goals and objectives, priorities, communication strategies, lack of trust and transparency, leadership and cultural issues that exist in a regional public university and private education provider partnership.
The study was based on a case study (interview method) using two organisations; thus, findings are limited within these settings. However, the study has developed partnership management frameworks that future researchers can further explore by using more than one case study to compare. No clear relationship was found between setting goals and objectives, priorities and how these impact the management of partnerships. Furthermore, the comparison and relationship between leadership and management was outside the scope of the study and hence could serve as an area of exploration for future researchers.
This study identified the need for open and transparent communication with all stakeholders within the partnership to overcome the concerns of employees and build trust. This study further highlighted that effective communication and addressing employee concerns build trust in the education partnership. In addition, this study recommends using clear and realistic objectives, effective leadership, better structure, and effective monitoring and evaluation.
The study also emphasises that success relies on a shared vision, flexibility and understanding between the university and the private provider, benefiting students, employees and the community. This study is one of the few studies only focusing on a regional public university partnering with a private education provider. The current research adds to the limited literature on education partnerships. Furthermore, this study contributes to the education partnership management framework based on interviews with participants at the organisational level. It is anticipated that the research informs the advance management practices in education partnerships between regional public university partnering and a private education provider.