ASPIRATIONS TO BECOME A WORLD CLASS UNIVERSITY

Abstract

A World Class University (WCU) is a central institution of the 21st Century providing access to global knowledge and developing education leaders of global competency for academe, society and producing basic & applied research for world community. Worldwide, they are expensive to develop and support, hence requires challenging strategic plans based on the key performance indicators in areas of priority. For country like Pakistan, such a university is a dream which is very important as key ingredients for prestige and respect in the world of nations and economic & social progress of the country. This research study undertakes the task of defining the World Class University through literature survey and highlighting the need of having the World Class Universities in Pakistan and discussing approaches to establish World Class Universities. It further identifies the characteristics, indicators and priority areas which are essentials and act as benchmark for the World Class University. In this study, University Ranking Systems have been taken as a benchmark to avoid self-declaration or only a inspirational behavior, rather than externally validated and accredited elite status of a World Class University at the global map. In this research study, NUST was taken as a ‘Case Study’ based on it tremendous progress since it inception in 1991, just over a period less than two decade. The scope of study has been limited to the collection of NUST data of last 10 years in the key performance areas assessing the present status and evaluating and critically examining so as to compare these parameters with the World Class University and University Ranking Systems indicators/characteristics. The study identifies the gap of World Class University versus NUST in the Top 100 World Universities Ranking. Carrying iii further analysis as to how can NUST aspire to become a World Class University. This may requires revised university teaching and learning plan and identifies major objectives and priority areas to enable the university to continue to develop its educational & research environment to realize this Vision. The growth objectives in the Framework shall emphasize the priorities, requirements and initiatives to achieve the status of World Class University. The plan provides the university with strategy & approach to meet most of the challenges ahead. The new framework shall align development and quality improvement of the key strategic priorities. The Vision, Mission, Strategic Framework and Goals/Objectives highlighted in this study shall enable the university to become more dynamic and forward looking. The outcome of transformational process will be to move the entire fabric of the university, thus making it the pioneer as a Pakistani World Class University in the international arena. The Vision and the Strategic Plan shall fosters impacts such that each indicator and priority area is positioned to push the university towards academic and research excellence. As a result, every doings at the NUST is mobilized for such transformation to take place on the way of World Class University. The new Framework is to be undertaken as a project with dedicated team for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the progress. The transformational element to remains at the hub to mobilize the whole project. It is expected that such a mechanism offered to NUST for its way toward to realize its aspirations of World Class University stature. A recognition that every Pakistani university should wish and put efforts to achieve it.