STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF START-UP UNIVERSITIES: A CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITAS PROF. DR. DR. DR. M HAFIZURRACHMAN, SH, MPH (UHAFIZ) IN TRANSFORMING HIGHER EDUCATION IN CIANJUR, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

This paper examines the strategic management of Universitas Prof. Dr. Dr. dr. M Hafizurrachman, SH, MPH (UHAFIZ), a start-up university in Cianjur, West Java. The study explores how UHAFIZ uses strategic planning to overcome challenges and foster regional development through higher education. A qualitative case study approach is used, including document analysis, semi-structured interviews with university leaders and stakeholders, and on-site observations. Data were collected from university reports, strategic plans, and stakeholder interviews. Findings reveal that UHAFIZ has aligned its academic programs with local and global needs, focusing on innovation, leadership, and community engagement. Strategic partnerships have addressed resource and infrastructure challenges. The case study concludes that strategic management, leadership, and stakeholder involvement are critical to UHAFIZs success, demonstrating that start-up universities can positively impact regional education and development.