Open Access
American Research Journal of Business and Management
ISSN (Online): 2379-1047
DOI: 10.46568/arjbm
Evaluating the Effects of Strategic Planning on IT Higher Education in Saudi Arabia by the Perspective of Students
Ibrahim Alswidan, Denis Hyams-Ssekasi, “Evaluating the Effects of Strategic Planning on IT Higher Education
in Saudi Arabia by the Perspective of Students”, American Research Journal of Business and Management, Vol 8, no. 1,
2022, pp. 98-107.
Abstract
According to the main strategic document in Saudi Arabia, Strategic Vision 2030, one of commitments is to continue
investing in education so that young people are equipped for the jobs of the future. Currently, in Saudi Arabia there is
no clear picture about the influence of that proclaimed strategical focus to the reality in public education, specifically
in IT studies. Based on an empirical investigation in IT universities in Saudi’s capital city Riyadh, this paper reveals
characteristics of the IT studies and its alignment to the job market needs, from the perspective of students. The research is
conducted among students at the final years in public universities with IT department in Riyadh. Primary data is obtained
by on-line survey, individual interviews and focus group discussions. Research findings showed that strategic planning
decisions made by public authorities during previous years strongly influenced the part of the higher public education of
information technology in Universities in Riyadh. It confirmed that large investments in education have yielded results in
a high students’ satisfaction with: a) faculty equipment (education tools, libraries and computing facilities); b) computer
based labs where research and hands-on activities are performed and c) the high level of applicability of the knowledge
and skills gained during the study. Graduated students are flexible and ready to accept the job either in private or public
organisation, with flexible working options or as lifetime employments. However, there are still low interests of students
to build own business through entrepreneurial activities and they are relatively low interested to study, build career and
live outside of Riyadh and other big cities in the country. According to student’s opinions, there is space for modernization
and innovation of the study curriculum through the use of interactive software applications and e-learning.
