Dynamics of Management of Cross Border University Education in East Africa

Abstract

The success of any organization is intricately tied to its ability to positively respond to environmental dynamics. Universities are no exception to environmental changes; due to global politics, economic and technological changes, fragmentation of consumer and business markets due to changing tastes and craving by consumers for specialized services. This has increased the velocity of change, critical issue of time, and shaping of the organization as universities need to compete and yet innovate simultaneously. Worldwide various universities have responded to the changing trends by the organization of education across borders but the East African Universities have not fully embraced organizing of education across borders. Whereas the integration of East Africa was viewed as a catalyst but this has not been the case. Universities in E. Africa needs to quickly adapt to environmental changes, match global trends, become competitive and enhance effectiveness. This paper historical trend of cross border education in East Africa, arguments for and against cross border education, strategies for organizing cross border education, approaches for organizing cross border education and recommendations for the most effective means of organizing across borders. The proposed recommendations are mindful of the current and future environmental dynamics in the provision of education in East Africa.