Strategic Implementation for Higher Education Institutions in Saudi Arabia: Supporting SDG4

Introduction: The objective of this study is to identify the internal variables which impact the success of strategic implementation (SI) at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) from the perspective of faculty staff and compare the results with previous studies and literature in SI at some universities and colleges. Design/methodology/ approach: An online questionnaire was designed and sent out to academic members in PSAU. The questionnaire contained four major factors related to the university SI aspects, each one of these factors contains a number of related variables measured by using the Likert scale. Content analysis was done and researcher’s observations had been considered. Fifteen similar studies have been reviewed and compared their findings with this study. Findings: The university structure, leadership & management and resources have significant positive impact on the success of SI’s KPIs. These influencing factors have been compared with the reviewed studies. Recommendations have been added. Research limitations/implications: The study sample was drawn from one university (PSAU), which represents all colleges and universities of HEIs in Saudi Arabia. Although the sample size is small, the study focusses on critical internal success factors that influence SI anticipating to have an impact on all Saudi universities and the region as a whole. Originality/value: All of the subjects covered in the reviewed studies and literature are similar and relevant to the topic of this research. The research’s conclusions highlight the relevant challenges of SI for universities and colleges of HEIs, which will be extremely useful to decision makers and policymakers in these institutions. Furthermore, identifying these factors, comprehending their nature within the SI context and their interrelationships will enrich the strategic management disciplines.