Sustainability of International Branch Campuses: A Case Study of Management Practices in the Arabian Gulf

Abstract

The purpose of this case study was to gain a thorough understanding of how an international branch campus (IBC) in the Arabian Gulf plans to achieve sustainability. My rationale for examining this topic was to help educational administrators in the region gain a better understanding of the factors contributing to the sustainability of IBCs. Drawing on current practices and international higher education literature, this research revealed important considerations for educational administrators currently managing or interested in establishing IBCs. The study used qualitative case-study methodology involving in-depth semi-structured interviews with eight senior administrators from an international branch campus in the Arabian Gulf. The study generated twelve findings, four for each of the research questions. The first four findings identified practices implemented to achieve the IBC sustainability: (1) maintaining the brand and integrity of academic programs; (2) uniqueness of local context and implications for the branch campus’ operations; (3) relevance of product delivery to stakeholders through teaching, research, and service; and (4) a funding model centered on the educational mission of the branch campus. The interface between management practices and research informed concepts and processes of sustainability also revealed a second set of findings: (5) alignment of branch campus’ goals and practices with national priorities; (6) adaptation of practices to fit with local laws and cultural context; (7) multifaceted governance process; and (8) resources efficiency. This inquiry also disclosed how the interdependence between the international branch campus and the home institution shapes these management practices unveiling a third set of findings: (9) Responding to anticipated challenges; (10) strong ties with the main campus; (11) balancing autonomous and interdependent decision making; and (12) recognizing the specificity of roles, benefits, and functions. From these findings, conclusions and recommendations for policy, practice, and operational changes were developed.