Title: Factors affecting the implementation of internationalisation strategies in higher education institutions: evidence from Bahrain

Authors: Huda Alhalwaki; Allam Mohammed Mousa Hamdan

Addresses: Bahrain Polytechnic, Isa Town, Bahrain ' Accounting and Economics Department, Ahlia University, Manama, Bahrain

Abstract: The increasing rate of globalisation is having a marked influence on education. Internationalisation has developed in response to these changes. This study explores the progression of internationalisation strategies in higher educational institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain. A quantitative methodology was adopted whereby data was collected to measure academics' perceptions regarding the strategy factors and implementation processes in their institutions. Qualitative methods were used during interviews with key stakeholders in higher education. The findings identified several factors that were perceived to influence the effective implementation of internationalisation strategies. They also highlighted a gap between strategy and implementation practices which exists in higher education institutions. Academic staff members did not always agree that their institutions were committed to achieving the goals of their internationalisation strategies. It is recommended that a national internationalisation framework be developed underpinned by clear policies and procedures that lead to the effective implementation of internationalisation strategies.

Keywords: internationalisation; globalisation; strategy; higher education; HEC; higher educational council; Bahrain Economic Vision (2030); influencing factors; institutional commitment; national framework.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2019.096474

International Journal of Management in Education, 2019 Vol.13 No.1, pp.1 - 27

Received: 12 May 2017
Accepted: 02 Apr 2018
Published online: 04 Dec 2018 *

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