NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
PDF on ERIC Download full text
ERIC Number: EJ1446993
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1369-9997
EISSN: EISSN-2304-070X
Towards Digital Transformation of Selected Ghanaian Public Universities: Leadership Enablers, Challenges, and Opportunities
Frank Senyo Loglo
Open Praxis, v16 n3 p374-395 2024
Digital transformation (DT) has become essential for higher education institutions (HEIs), with its value becoming increasingly evident since the COVID-19 pandemic. This holds true for HEIs in developing countries as well, where DT is a strategic priority despite the challenges posed by the digital divide. Leadership is recognized as both a critical factor and a prerequisite for successful implementation of DT in HEI within such contexts. This study explored challenges and leadership responses that facilitate successful DT implementation in the context of Ghanaian HEIs. The study aims to offer insights for policymakers, administrators, and stakeholders within African HEIs, to facilitate the development of contextually relevant and effective DT strategies. Employing a qualitative multiple case study approach, data was collected through semistructured interviews with senior administrators leading Open, Distance, and Digital Education (ODDE) implementation at three Ghanaian public universities. Thematic and content analysis were then used to analyze the interview data. The findings revealed that the universities were driven to pursue DT initiatives by both internal demands (e.g., to improve existing service delivery through technology) and external pressures to use the affordances of technology to increase access and participation through non-traditional learning modes. Despite facing structural, technological, and human resource challenges, the study observed positive signs of leadership-enabled DT initiatives to support post-COVID-19 efforts. However, these efforts have unfolded within a less coordinated policy climate and have been predominantly driven topdown, with Vice-Chancellors initiating and spearheading digital leadership responses. Meanwhile, there was little evidence of cross-cutting leadership across the universities to support DT efforts. The study concludes by arguing for the contextualisation of DT in higher education and offers suggestions for university leaders in Ghana and other relevant developing contexts to enhance their DT efforts.
International Council for Open and Distance Education. Lilleakerveien 23, 0283 Oslo, Norway. Tel: +47-22-06-26-30; Fax: +47-22-06-26-31; e-mail: icde@icde.org; Web site: https://openpraxis.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ghana
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A