Rethinking higher education planning paradigms in the face of the challenges of modernization

Abstract

This study analyzes the changes in the international and national environment of higher education institutions, in parallel with the evolution of planning paradigms, over the last three decades. It considers both the impact of the social environment on higher education institutions (HEIs) and some of the major challenges arising from the proposals of the Program for the Modernization of Education (1989-1994), which HEI planning units will need to face over the next two decades.
In analyzing the evolution of planning paradigms, it is worth noting that evaluation, due to its unique nature, constitutes the strategic link between all phases of the planning process.
The authors conduct this analysis based on their personal experiences and observations, also drawing on the results of several research projects on the future development of higher education, in light of prospective studies.

Among other measures, the study proposes: the formulation of long-term institutional development projects; the introduction of profound changes in the organization and structure of institutional planning units; the promotion of a comprehensive culture of planning and evaluation; and the need to create an integrated National Council of Higher Education based on regional representation and representation of the different types and modalities of higher education, both university and technological.