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Strategic Sensitivity and Institutional Resilience in Higher Education Institutions in Uganda: Comparative Evidence from Muni University and Uganda Christian University

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DOI: 10.21522/TIJMG.2015.12.02.Art018

Authors : Ronald Hiirya, Willis Yuko Oso

Abstract:

This study investigated the influence of strategic sensitivity on institutional resilience in Higher Education Institutions in Uganda, using a comparative case of Muni University and Uganda Christian University. Guided by the Dynamic Capabilities Theory, and based on cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from a purposive sample of 120 senior administrative and academic officers of the universities and analyzed using descriptive statistics (Mean and Standard Deviation), LSD, and t-test. The study found that the mean of Uganda Christian University was higher than the mean of Muni University on all indicators of strategic sensitivity and all indicators of institutional resilience, but there was no significant difference between the mean of strategic sensitivity and the mean of institutional resilience of both Universities, LSD < 2.00, p > .05. The study found a significant difference in the overall institutional resilience of the universities against overall strategic sensitivity, t (N=120) = 2.491. Therefore, strategic sensitivity has a significant influence on the institutional resilience of universities in Uganda, and the higher the strategic sensitivity, the higher the institutional resilience. The study concludes that while strategic sensitivity is important for building resilient universities in Uganda, it must be supplemented by deliberate investment in strategic awareness and regulatory frameworks that will ensure business continuity even in uncertain environments. The study recommends that national regulators should promote regulatory environments that safeguard academic standards, and universities should invest in environmental scanning systems that integrate data from policy developments, labour markets, technological trends, and student feedback.

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