Allocating Resources in Higher Education: Evidence from Private Jordanian Universities

Abstract

This research studies how universities allocate resources to academic subjects by focusing on the methods used in these universities. This research aims to explore the methods used to allocate resources; it focuses on the features of the budget and the MoHE format used in these universities. The study employs the questionnaire to gather information. Questionnaires were distributed to 131 academic and administrative managers, of whom 77, in five private universities, replied fully. The results assert that planning and resource allocation tends to be incremental rather than dynamic. Moreover, there is a need for more flexibility in the budget centers with an awareness of activities and costs. University objectives and goals are defined only in very broad and ambiguous terms. So far, information sharing and department participation within the universities' budgets is limited and not always adequate for efficiency. The budget committee does not include academics in most of these universities, even though it negotiates budgets for academic issues. More accountability of academic departments should be formalized by the monitoring of financial performance against the budget. A move is recommended towards a structured approach to university budgets based on departmental responsibility, with clear accountability for the usage of resource allocation, even at the lowest levels of the hierarchy. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]