The dynamics of university transformation: a case study in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Pinheiro, Rómulo; Ouma, Gerald Wangenge; Pillay, Pundy

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Title:	The dynamics of university transformation: a case study in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
Authors:	Pinheiro, Rómulo Ouma, Gerald Wangenge Pillay, Pundy
Year:	2012
Periodical:	Journal of Higher Education in Africa (ISSN 0851-7762)
Volume:	10
Issue:	1
Pages:	95-120
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	universities educational policy regional development
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/jhigheducafri.10.1.95
Abstract:	This article sheds light on the dynamics of the recently created Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) as a result of a merger in 2005 between three separate institutions - the Port Elizabeth Technikon (PET), the University of Port Elizabeth (UPE), and the Port Elizabeth campus of the Vista University (Vista PE). Particular attention is paid to NMMU's role in the further development of the Eastern Cape Province, one of South Africa's poorest regions. The article discusses the impact of the amalgamation process on the university's institutional profile, strategic platform, structural features, and scope and nature of activities. The article draws upon key insights from the institutional theory of organizations and the concepts of academic core, extended periphery and structural coupling. Taking institutionalization as a conceptual frame of reference, it points to a number of tensions and critical success factors with respect to the university's ability to respond to external demands for a stronger engagement with surrounding society. Path-dependencies, local champions, and support by leadership structures were found to be major enablers. The lack of a strong and balanced academic core and the absence of structural linkages or tight coupling were identified as major challenges. Bibliogr., notes, sum. in English and French. [Journal abstract]

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