What Makes a University Successful?

The idea is trying to figure out what makes for a successful university/education institute in India, Is there a pattern in what they did-are doing? I think there is value in trying to match the patterns. This applies to all education institutions including Universities, colleges, coaching and edtech.

1. They are fascinated by changing the dimension of Education: Everything is planned to perfection-each detail-to the core. This includes identifying the right courses, a realistic budget, faculty-staff recruitment, and infra and student acquisition. The founding team works almost like a start-up.
2. Obsessed with talent: Education Institution is the outcome of the kind of people who run it. No compromise is made on hiring the right talent who shares the vision of the setup. It’s a slow process but the most important one. Retaining the right talent is dependent on the culture of the place.
3. The vision is simple and easy to understand: It is about clarity of why the institution was created and how it will really transform the education system. The external communications have been clear and concise.
4. Financial Independence: They work on getting this as early as possible from their inception. Actions are directed towards securing funds via admissions, grants from philanthropy or companies. The idea is also to develop Formidableness. They manage the finance well keeping every stakeholder in mind.
5. Student Satisfaction: The most significant stakeholders are kept in mind while taking any decision. What has to be made in terms of infra-quality of the classroom, quality of faculty, training admin in dealing with student’s issues. The word-of-mouth publicity starts from here. It’s the formula to become huge without spending too much on advertising. It’s about organic growth.
6. Focus on Growth: This is for all stakeholders and for the institution. The launch of new programs, faculty hiring, revenue generation and expenditure is calculated very precisely. There are targets and timelines to hit the same. The future plans work because these institutions believe in execution.
7. Gonna do it attitude: Leadership is important-small decisions have big impacts. The timing for the launch of new schools, and programs and even closing some is important. The team is relentless and ready to travel distance if need be. Relentless passion creates successful institutions.
8. Right Leadership: People in these roles have to be tough, competitive, and ruthless, but they are fundamentally nice people with a passion for education. Small actions are taken just like any big act such as having the right design of the classroom, wifi speed, website and mess food quality. The team is usually a set of doers. Decision makers and execution machines.

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha

About the author

 

Prof. Harsh Vardhan Tiwari is Assistant Dean, Assistant Professor & Chair- Admissions & Outreach at IFIM Law School.