Research Project: Advancing Models of Best Practice in Academic Governance and Management in Higher Education Institutions in Kazakhstan

Abstract

In the course of implementation of the research project entitled “Advancing Models of Best Practice in Academic Governance and Management in Higher Education Institutions in Kazakhstan” in 2014-2016 (carried by Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Education and the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education), the research team developed two teaching cases that illustrate the challenges of implementing governance reform and promoting innovation in Kazakhstan. The cases can be used as exemplary practice. They can facilitate the discussion at a conference or in a workshop for senior managers or prospective managers in higher education. They can also be used by policy makers to understand higher education’s challenges. Furthermore, they can serve as an effective classroom tool for university students in social sciences to brainstorm solutions to a certain situation and to polish their decision-making skills. Each case includes a briefing document which offers the discussion leader some analysis and questions to explore.