Main determinants of the grand score : the case of the higher education sector in Lebanon

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address recent evolution of the higher education sector in Lebanon. In line with that, the research aims to identify the main determinants of Grand strategies in this sector by investigating the linear association between identified variables - such as age, reputation and affiliation - and the grand score. Design/methodology/approach – Data was collected through a content analysis of web pages info and reports, to test four hypotheses related to the relation between the grand score and the identified variables for the whole population of higher education institutions in Lebanon. On the basis of this sample/population of 42 private universities, a principal component factor analysis was conducted to address the grand score. Linear regression models were then carried out to check the weight of each of the main determinants. Findings – It was found that classification, pattern, affiliations, ranking, and duration of establishment are all linearly related to the Grand score. However, the main determinants are only the duration of establishment, the affiliation of a university and its ranking or reputation which explain about 54% of the tested model. Research limitations/implications – The research provides several fundamental steps upon which researchers can build in the future. Firstly, efforts should be directed to cover more countries in the Middle East thus testing the findings in different geographical places that share some of the characteristics of the Lebanese higher education sector. Secondly, while the research attempts to report only data for one year, a longer longitudinal study would be better for causality. Finally, incorporating financial data as a proxy of size would have indeed increased the external validity of the research. Practical implications This research attempts to provide additional tools and means to policy makers in the higher education sector in Lebanon to formulate sound strategic plans based on validated data. Originality/value – As for the academic aspect, the originality of this research lies in assessing the several theories of grand strategic planning as applied to higher education sectors in foreign countries (mostly western) to the case of Lebanese private universities, thus addressing a new environment in which only few studies, if any, have used similar methods.