Strategic Objectives of Universities in Light of Educational Foundations: A Comparative Analytical Study Between Qassim University and the University of Oxford

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the strategic objectives of universities in light of educational foundations through a comparative analytical study between Qassim University and the University of Oxford. It sought to identify the nature and domains of these objectives, the educational foundations underlying them, the similarities and differences between the two universities, and the extent to which these objectives reflect contemporary trends in university functions. The study adopted the descriptive analytical approach using document analysis. The strategic plan documents of the two universities were analyzed through a content analysis card developed for this purpose. The results indicated that the strategic objectives of both universities serve as a guiding framework for their institutional activities. Qassim University’s objectives focus on improving education quality, strengthening research and innovation, promoting digital transformation, enhancing institutional performance, and expanding academic partnerships. In contrast, the University of Oxford emphasizes research excellence, high-quality education, and expanding its societal and global impact. The findings also showed that the strategic objectives of both universities are grounded in several educational foundations, including cognitive, social, economic, cultural, and institutional dimensions. The comparative analysis revealed similarities in emphasizing the core university functions of education, research, and community service, while differences appeared in the degree of emphasis on certain domains according to each university’s institutional context. Overall, the results suggest that the strategic objectives of both universities largely reflect contemporary trends in higher education and align university outcomes with the requirements of development and the knowledge society.