The strategy of internationalization in universities: A quantitative evaluation of the intent and implementation in UK universities

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the extent to which UK universities' achal international achievements match their strategic intent on internationalization.

Design/methodology/approach

Both factor analysis and cluster analysis were applied on data collected from HESA (2001), and on the data collected from the mission statements of 117 universities by the use of the content analysis technique.

Findings

The study shows that 74 per cent of UK universities' mission statements include international dimensions. In addition, 48 per cent of these universities are internationally active. Four groups of (international action – international mission) matrixes have been reached. These groups are “international winners group, international actors group, international speakers group, and international losers group”.

Research limitations/implications

This analysis is limited to only four variables taken in a single year 2001. Therefore, future research in this area is encouraged to employ more variables related to internationalization and to apply the analysis on longitudinal bases in order to get results that cover larger range of international aspects and allow observing the matrix development overtime.

Practical implications

The study finishes with a location model which can be used as an important tool by university managers in conducting their international business. This model can also be employed in various sectors other than the higher education sector.

Originality/value

The paper is the first classification carried out amongst UK universities in terms of internationalization. It is also the first of its kind in the higher education management literature in terms of both; the comprehensiveness in dealing with all the three phases of the strategy of internationalization and the nature of data it uses for this purpose.

Citation

Ayoubi, R.M. and Massoud, H.K. (2007), "The strategy of internationalization in universities: A quantitative evaluation of the intent and implementation in UK universities", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 21 No. 4, pp. 329-349. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513540710749546