DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL TO ENHANCE EFFECTIVE CHANGE MANAGEMENT IN EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION, CAN THO UNIVERSITY, VIETNAM

Abstract

Abstract

Given the context of Change Management (Management of Change/Managing Change) ineducation for sustainable development (ESD), especially in educational administration sphere, we all knowthat it has been introduced worldwide through models based on theories and practices from famouseducational experts, educators, professors, school administrators and even scientists. Like other highereducation institutions (HEIs) in Vietnam, Can Tho University (CTU) has been on the way to it as well. Yet, itsdecentralization of educational management from the Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training is justallowed step by step and its management over change implementation is not effective yet. And it is likelythat CTU organizational change with participation of change agents really do need new ingredients for itsbetter effectiveness.

In this research, the author would like to propose a model to enhance the effective changemanagement in a HEI, particularly in CTU- a comprehensive institute, Can Tho City, South Vietnam, wherethe change process has been implemented for about 10 years, despite over 30 years since the PostVietnam War 1975. Thus, the paper aimed (1) to construct a hypothetical model for enhancing effectivechange management in HEIs, (2) to verify the model for enhancing effective change management in HEIs,and (3) to propose the model towards effective change management in CTU, Vietnam.

The methods of this study were counted on the mixed one: qualitative and quantitative, throughdocuments, email discussions, self-made questionnaires, structured interviews and observations from the19 international experts, 86 email respondents worldwide, 51 CTU administrators, and about 120 teachers,office staff and students in this venue as well. And the evaluations of the validity, reliability, feasibility andapplicability of the model would be analysed with frequency (f) percentage (%), Mean, StandardDeviation through SPSS for windows and LISREL 8.30 for windows, too.

The two-thirds of results of the ongoing study revealed that the tentative changemanagement model in HEIs globally with its four main factors: Change Process Management,Organizational Change Managements, Change Agents Management and Change Management inESD, and its 23 sub-factors, posed high reliability. And about 50% responses from 51 administratorsat CTU put a strong need for this venue to have its new change management model along with theglobal one.

Indeed, the concepts, reliability, feasibility and practicality of this study would surely prove tobe a needy model for change management in HEIs, especially in CTU, Vietnam on the drive to theglobal learning organization in a changing world.

Key words : Change Management, Change Management Models, Educational Administration,Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Higher Education Institution (HEI)