Medical education governance based on strategic planning: An example of Kazakhstan medical universities

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the medical education strategic planning to align with international best practices in university governance.

Design/methodology/approach

Research methods used: content analysis, analysis of modern concepts of strategic planning in universities. The study used two main methodological approaches: analysis of medical education governance and analysis of strategic planning in universities.

Findings

Applied models of educational governance at most universities are not always effective in achieving their goals. A strategy is a complex and potentially powerful tool, with the help of which a modern university can withstand the constantly changing environment. By using such a tool, the university can gain prestige, leading positions and recognition in international scientific and educational spheres. Therefore, strategy and strategic planning deserve close attention as a higher education governance tool, suitable not only for a medical college but also for a wide range of other types of social organizations.

Originality/value

Education is a policy priority of any state determining the state’s level of modern socio-economic development and building a productive workforce. The quality of human resources primarily depends on the system of higher education, which is carried out by universities. Foreign countries’ experience shows that prosperity of the state and society is impossible without a healthy nation. Improving the quality of people’s lives depends, in particular, on health education, so “medical education governance” is how we prepare personnel, which must be properly trained and qualified to provide high-quality health care services. Kazakhstan medical universities are increasingly becoming players in the medical education market, but the governance systems of universities are lagging behind. The success of universities largely depends on the results of their strategic planning, which is why special attention should be given to strategic planning analysis. Despite the importance of analyzing medical education governance, there has been insufficient research in this area in Kazakhstan.

Citation

Nurakynova, S. (2018), "Medical education governance based on strategic planning: An example of Kazakhstan medical universities", International Journal of Health Governance, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 216-225. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHG-06-2018-0022