Knowledge assets of higher education institutions in Uganda: proposing a framework for assessing human, structural and relational knowledge assets

Authors

  • Walter Omona
  • Theo van der Wiede

Keywords:

higher education, institutions, universities, knowledge assets, framework, Uganda

Abstract

In the current knowledge economy, it is becoming crucial that higher education institutions (HEI) are able to identify and measure their knowledge assets bases as a way to achieve a competitive edge in the market. The purpose of this paper is to assess the knowledge assets of HEI in Uganda by identifying and testing of the relative importance and ranking of the relevant knowledge assets indicators based on the categorization of human assets, structural assets and relational assets. The paper identifies the key indicators to constitute the dimensions of the adapted framework which is then applied with the help of a questionnaire using descriptive analysis to test the relative importance and ranking of the knowledge asset indicators identified in achieving higher education goals. The main dimensions of knowledge assets indicators in higher education in Uganda are also determined using an exploratory factor analysis. The results from the case study highlight key knowledge assets indicators; provide insights into the relative importance and ranking of the proposed indicators; and identify the main dimensions of knowledge assets of HEI in Uganda. By proposing and empirically testing a framework for analyzing the knowledge assets strength and weaknesses of HEI, the paper confirms the usefulness of the adapted framework and provides all the stakeholders with a direction for building a strong knowledge assets base so that prioritization of critical resources and performance measurements can be made to advance higher education goals.

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Published

2015-02-26

Issue

Section

Papers