A primary investigation of strategic management in further education (FE) in the small island state of Malta : quo vadis?

Abstract

This paper investigates the presence of a strategic management regime in the further education (FE) sector in Malta using data gathered in 2012. In this way the type of strategic systems followed (if present) and their implementation is delineated. A qualitative approach was used to gain a deeper understanding of strategic management issues in Maltese FE organizations. Data were collected from seven FE organizations via interviews with senior management team (SMT) officials. The use of strategic management is limited, since only one FE organization has a fully-fledged strategic planning system. Important aspects of strategic planning, like mission statement formulation and performance measurement regimes, are also lacking. An interpretative approach makes it possible to uncover particular nuances in specific sectors in small states. The findings indicate that FE organizations in the Maltese FE sector have a low locus of control, meaning that SMTs may have to shift from strategic planning to strategic thinking.