Factors affecting effective management of limited resources in South African comprehensive universities

Abstract

The recent #FeesMustFall campaign coupled with the declining funding of universities calls for effective management of limited resources. Since procurement is the largest expense accrual function in any organisation, these institutions have more obligation of being responsive to the management of limited resources. The purpose of this article is to determine the factors affecting the effective management of the limited resources in South African comprehensive universities. A qualitative approach using multiple cases was adopted. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using open-ended questions. The findings revealed that the effective management of limited resources in the South African comprehensive universities is affected by the policies, non-compliance, thresholds, supplier rotation and centralisation. Consequently, these institutions do not contribute sufficiently to the university's overall objectives for competitive advantage and sustainability. It is recommended that South African comprehensive universities streamline operations, remove internal barriers, impose strict compliance measures and communicate the vision across the university.

Big Data Analytics Artefact for Outcome-Based Funding Prediction in South African Public Universities

“…Attainment of a good OBF score is mainly dependent on good performance of an academic institution, which accrues from various factors among them is the attraction and retainment of highly experienced and skilled academic staff (Galli, 2020). Because of the poor economic stand of many citizens whose children seek a higher education, the South African government decided to significantly increase its contribution to higher education (Dlamini, 2016). The increment of the government's financial contribution, on the positive side, led to the establishment of more universities in the country.…”

“…This funding covers approximately 70% of the government funding, which implies that failing to raise sufficient OBF is a challenge that may lead universities to experience financial shortfalls (Dlamini, 2016).…”