Blue Ocean Strategy, Strategic Planning, Palestinian Universities, Administrative Innovation, Higher Education Quality

Abstract

This study aimed to reveal the reality of implementing the Blue Ocean Strategy as an approach to developing strategic planning in Palestinian universities. This was achieved by analyzing the level of activation of the strategy's dimensions, identifying the most prominent obstacles, and proposing development mechanisms. The researchers adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, and data were collected using a questionnaire, which was constructed based on previous literature and studies. The questionnaire consisted of (33) items distributed over three main axes (the reality of implementing the dimensions of the Blue Ocean Strategy - obstacles to implementation - development proposals). The validity of the tool was verified through arbitration by (10) academic experts from Palestinian and Egyptian universities, and an internal correlation analysis was conducted between the items and their axes, all of which were statistically significant at the (0.01) level. The reliability of the tool was calculated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, with the total value reaching (0.09) and the axes' coefficients ranging between (0.89) and (0.91), reflecting the strength of its psychometric properties. The research sample consisted of (470) faculty members from Al-Aqsa and Al-Azhar Universities in Gaza, who were randomly selected. The independent variables included (gender, academic qualification, and years of experience). The results indicated that the degree of strategy implementation was moderate (3.26), with the dimensions of increase and exclusion coming first, followed by innovation, and reduction coming in last. It was also found that there were significant obstacles (4.17), most notably the lack of resources and resistance to change, while the proposals received a very high score .(4.22)

Results of the null hypotheses: Using one-way and two-way ANOVA tests, statistically significant differences were found at the level (α ≤ 0.05) in some dimensions depending on gender, academic qualification, and years of experience. The differences favored males, PhD holders, and those with more experience. The study recommends adopting the Blue Ocean Strategy within university institutional plans, promoting a culture of innovation, providing a stimulating regulatory environment, and updating programs and plans to align with the changing Palestinian educational environment.