Effectiveness of strategic planning in achieving the goals of public higher learning institutions in Tanzania: the case study of Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy

This study aimed at examining the effectiveness of strategic planning in achieving the goals of public higher learning institutions in Tanzania, precisely at Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy (MNMA) as case study. The onjectives of the study were to examine how strategic plans are designed at MNMA in relation with higher learning goals, success of strategic planning in achieving institutional goals as well as challenges which face the institution during implementation of strategic plans and establishing what needs to be done to ensure effective use of strategic planning in achieving the goals of public higher learning institutions. This qualitative study was a single case study that was conducted within the institution environment by using 30 participants who were obtained through purposive and convenience sampling. The participants are categorized in four groups: First were the MNMA Rector (1), Deputy Rectors (2) (Academic, Planning Finance and Administration) and Dean of Students (1), seconds were heads of departments or units (10), thirds were lecturers (13) and lastly were students leaders (3) who are president, vice president and one minister. Data were collected using interviews and documents review then analyzed using thematic analysis. The study found out that strategic plans at MNMA were designed in such a way that they appropriately related to the institutional goals; all higher learning goals were accommodated in the strategic plan except internationalizing higher education which was not clearly articulated in their past SP. However few areas in the design needed adjustment included research and consultancy, admitting students with special needs and increasing the number of academic staff. It was also found out that SP enables the institution to attain success in the goals for increased students enrollment, capacity building, increased academic programmes and infrastructural development. The challenges which faced the institution during preparation and implementation of their strategic plan include insufficiency of fiscal and human resources, lack of commitment among staff, little participation of all stakeholders during the preparation, business as usual in daily routine practices and ad hoc meetings that did not policy constraints. The following measures were recommended by participants; involving soliciting enough funds by developing different projects to be alternative sources of income, ensuring effectiveness and efficiency in the use of available funds and increase of personnel especially in the planning office. The study recommendation for action includes the timely availability of required funds, inclusion of students with disabilities in their planning and provision of enough and skilled human resources. It is also recommended that further studies should focus on the same topic to involve all non-universities in Tanzania, and to include examination of government roles in effecting higher education institution’s strategic planning.