A Strategy for Globalization at the School of Political Science and Economics, Meiji University (Through the Integration of Existing Programs)

Abstract

Nowadays, no institution can possibly survive without effectively responding to the radical environmental changes brought by globalization. Universities and colleges are no exceptions. Over the last decade or so higher educational institutions across the globe were thrown into a worldwide competition: universally recognized quality education, including study abroad experience, and regular production of cutting edge research by faculty became the sine qua non baseline features for survival. However, practical limitations linked to financial resources and human capitals exacerbate the competition further, creating gaps of performance between and within the public and private institutions. This is especially true for smaller universities and colleges, but in recent years similar trend is observed as well with larger colleges and universities. The current paper demonstrates how by systematically combining existing programs into one overarching program with a clear objective, colleges and universities can make a difference. In this paper the author argues that four conditions―strong Commitment (C) of faculty and staff; Continuity (C) of programs; Institutionalization (I) of programs; and strong Leadership (L)―offer possible keys to survival and success.