Public Private Partnership in the Higher Education Sector in Bangladesh: A Study on Model Building for Efficient Management System and Implementation Mechanism

Abstract

Given the recent surge in secondary (including higher secondary) graduates, there is an escalating need for higher education. Consequently, the government is facing challenges in managing the necessary investments for expanding educational infrastructure, while also striving to enhance the quality and relevance of education. Currently, private providers of higher education have the capacity to absorb approximately 12 percent of tertiary enrolment. Nevertheless, the responsibility of ensuring access to higher education for the majority of students, who constitute a significant share, still lies with the government. The Government of Bangladesh is confronted with significant issues within the realm of higher education. Despite achieving middle-income status, Bangladesh still faces a significant demand for a substantial number of highly skilled tertiary graduates, particularly in fields such as engineering, science, medicine, and agriculture. These professionals are crucial for driving the country’s ongoing national development efforts. Higher education plays a crucial role in the production of such graduates. However, it is evident that the state of higher education, particularly in terms of research, presents a bleak outlook. There has been a decline in enrollment, and students with exceptional abilities are sometimes dissuaded from pursuing scientific studies due to limited career prospects. Additionally, the absence of competent academic personnel and research infrastructure further exacerbates the situation. The availability of research facilities and possibilities within higher education institutions (HEIs) is diminishing, and numerous challenges are impeding the advancement of science and technology education at the tertiary level. The current circumstances necessitate a shift in direction, which entails the allocation of resources and efforts from both public and private entities through the implementation of a public-private partnership (PPP). The main objective of this study is to build a model for an effective management system and implementation mechanism within the specific context of Bangladesh. The study presents a theoretical framework that encompasses five key elements: operating environment, capacity development, project financing, project development, and commitment of government. The study also employs the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) Framework to examine and facilitate policy transformation in higher education for public-private partnership arrangements. The IAD Framework facilitates comprehension of essential variables and the evaluation process for assessing the efficacy of employing Public-Private Partnerships as a method for advancing higher education in Bangladesh. The study was conducted by conducting a comprehensive analysis of existing literature and gathering primary data through interviews with professionals from both the public and private sectors, as well as experts engaged in public-private partnership initiatives in Bangladesh. The current study used a contemporaneous triangular method. A comprehensive review of literature and gathering of perspectives from academic experts and professionals in the field of higher education were conducted concurrently to identify an appropriate Public-Private Partnership model that can be implemented in the higher education sector. The development of a survey questionnaire was informed by the findings of the literature review. The intended recipients of the questionnaire included top-level administrators from a sample of public universities, managerial personnel from government ministries, chairpersons/members/vice chancellors of Trustee Boards of private universities, and leaders from various industries. Prior to the finalization of the questionnaire, expert opinion was sought. The questionnaire was thereafter administered to the sample universities/respondents. A sample size of 180 participants were selected using purposive sampling approaches, encompassing individuals from various public and private universities, organizations, departments, enterprises, and agencies. Among the 180 participants, a purposive sampling approach was employed to choose 90 individuals for the interviews. These individuals were chosen based on their roles within the public and private sectors, including 10 Vice Chancellors, 10 Pro-Vice Chancellors, and 10 Treasurers from public universities, as well as 15 Vice Chancellors from private universities. Additionally, 20 industry leaders from the private sector and 25 individuals from 6 public organizations/departments were included. The selection criteria ensured that all chosen participants possessed knowledge of public-private partnerships or had involvement in the administration of the relevant institutions. The participants chosen for the interviews were purposively picked based on their expertise in PPP or their involvement in the administration of relevant institutions. The internal consistency of the rate point scale and Likert scale utilized in the survey questionnaire was assessed for reliability by the application of Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient. The quantitative data collected from respondents was examined using the mean score approach. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed to perform several statistical analyses, including Chi square test, analysis of variance (One-Factor ANOVA test), and the Independent t-test, in order to analyze the collected data. The content analysis method was employed to assess the literature review and case studies. In addition, the qualitative data analysis was conducted using NVivo software. The results were verified using statistical techniques. The final conclusion and proposals have been generated and narrated based on the statistical analysis of empirical data and the conceptualization of PPP models in the education sector. The study presents additional empirical support for the various limitations that impede the efficacy of public-private partnerships in the context of higher education in Bangladesh. These constraints encompass a lack of regulatory assurance, deficient financial forecasting, inadequate feasibility evaluations, ineffective communication, insufficient financial capital, project termination, and contract renegotiation, among others. In order to address the aforementioned constraints, it is imperative for the PPP to formulate a concise and well-defined set of objectives pertaining to higher education. Moreover, the research endeavors to establish a comprehensive model for higher education known as the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This model not only serves as a foundation for the enhancement of higher education policies, but also offers valuable insights for its efficient implementation. The aforementioned findings have the potential to contribute to the development of effective methodologies aimed at improving the process, establishing suitable institutions, and implementing a fair and transparent legal framework. These measures would ultimately promote the participation of the private sector in higher education within the context of Bangladesh. This paper presents a theoretical framework that aims to elucidate the mechanisms via which public-private partnerships affect universities, thereby influencing the establishment and development of university-industry collaborations. This work presents three distinct theoretical contributions based on the obtained findings. The findings underscore the significance of successful private involvement in the academic endeavors of universities, particularly in research activities, as it contributes to the augmentation of research initiatives and the enhancement of educational quality. This study contributes to the existing body of literature on public-private partnership activity by examining its implementation within the higher education sector. The findings are deemed valuable for practitioners who are either contemplating or now engaged in Public-Private Partnership projects. Practitioners engaged in ongoing projects can enhance their comprehension of project execution methodologies, hence enabling them to optimize operational efficiency. From the findings and observations, relevant recommendations are made for effective implementation of the PPP in higher education. It also discusses theoretical and practical contributions of the study. Finally, the study highlights a number of areas for future research.