Managerial tools in the management of universities: a integrated literature review

Abstract

Introduction: The foundational precepts that govern the management process, namely efficiency and effectiveness, are inexorably intertwined with the attainment of institutional objectives. The use of managerial tools proves to be a vital support in the intricacies of management, fostering critical reflection and enabling continuous improvements in procedures. However, delving into managerial processes in academic environments proves to be a challenging endeavor, stemming from the pressing need to adapt concepts originated from the business sphere and the lack of specific terminologies that can guide research in the pertinent literature. Objective: The present research undertakes a scientific investigation with the scope of meticulously analyzing the empirical evidence concerning the applicability of managerial tools in the context of university administration. Methodology: The Integrated Literature Review (ILR) technique was employed as a methodological instrument to address the primary question guiding this research: what is the impact of managerial tools on the efficiency and effectiveness of university management? For this purpose, a systematic approach was adopted in the search for pertinent information, using specific keywords, through searches conducted in two renowned bibliographic databases, the Virtual Health Library (VHL) and the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). Inclusion criteria were meticulously delineated, encompassing original or complete review articles, published between 2018 and 2023, available free and accessible online. The theme of the selected studies should focus on the managerial process in higher education institutions, providing subsidies on the managerial tools employed. In addition, the works should be written in one of the languages relevant to the research - Portuguese, English, or Spanish - and contain the specific keywords previously stipulated. On the other hand, articles that were duplicates, as well as correspondences, editorials, incomplete documents, book chapters, and studies focusing on the student population or dedicated exclusively to the teaching-learning process and library management were excluded from the analysis. These criteria proved essential for the precise delimitation of the research scope and for obtaining relevant and congruent results with the proposed objectives. Results: After a thorough analysis of a bibliographic corpus composed of 774 articles, only 14 were subjected to rigorous scrutiny to integrate the Integrated Literature Review (ILR). The results obtained highlight the pressing importance of a holistic understanding and effective integration of managerial processes as ineluctable premises for the achievement of effective university management. The critical role played by managerial tools, exemplified by Value Stream Mapping and process matrices, in the relentless pursuit of continuous improvement in educational processes, stands out prominently. Furthermore, unequivocal evidence emerges from the analyses conducted regarding the increasing pressure exerted on contemporary higher education institutions, compelling them to continuously adapt to emerging demands. Such a context underscores the indispensability of proactive and strategic leadership, capable of facing inherent challenges such as work overload, bureaucratic sluggishness, and exogenous influences. In this vein, the preponderance of collaborative values, democratic participation, and the flourishing of leadership skills become indubitable, emerging as fundamental pillars for the success of university management in the face of present and future vicissitudes. Conclusion: The efficiency and effectiveness of university management are influenced by the adoption and application of managerial tools, but it needs to be closely associated with the skills and competencies of the manager in guiding processes and the involved team to deliver effective and efficient results.