Skip to main content

Positioning the University of Botswana Towards Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Sustainability in Developing Countries

Abstract

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are recognised as important stakeholders in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Public HEIs require adequate funding to produce world-class graduates and carry out quality research and innovation activities. This chapter discusses the role the University of Botswana in achieving SDGs, specifically SDG4 and SDG17 in Botswana. Further, it examines the interventions that are needed to ensure that the University of Botswana succeeds in its developmental mission. It recognises that the University of Botswana as the only fully developed HIE in the country has a competitive advantage over any other tertiary institution in Botswana. The chapter concludes that the University of Botswana should leverage the competitive edge it has to effectively contribute towards meeting SDGs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bartram, J., Brocklehurst, C., Bradley, D., Muller, M., & Evans, B. (2018). Policy review of the means of implementation targets and indicators for the sustainable development goal for water and sanitation. npj Clean Water, 1, 3. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41545-018-0003-0.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bass, B., Avolio, B., Jung, D., & Berson, Y. (2003). Predicting unit performance by assessing transformational and transistional leaders. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88(2), 207–218.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boseman, G., & Phatak, A. (1989). Strategic management: Text and cases. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Botlhale, E. (2015). Financing tertiary education under fiscal stress in Botswana. Africa Education Review, 12(1), 647–663.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Botshelo, I. (2008). ‘Commodification’ of knowledge: Challenges and opportunities of a state funded university – A University of Botswana case study. Bath: University of Bath.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buong, A. (2020). Achieving SDGs through higher educational institutions: A case study of the University of Bahrain. In Proceedings of the 2nd American University in the Emirates International Research Conference (Vol. 2, pp. 19–23). Cham: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cran, C. (2015). The art of change leadership: Driving transformation in a fast-paced world. New York: Wiley.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Dachyar, M., & Dewi, F. (2015). Improving university ranking to achieve university competitiveness by management information system. In IOP conference series: Materials science and engineering (pp. 1–9). Bristol: IOP Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Jardali, F., Ataya, N., & Fadlallah, R. (2018). Changing roles of universities in the era of SDGs: Rising up to the global challenge through institutionalising partnerships with governments and communities. Health Research Policy and Systems, 16, 38. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-018-0318-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fairholm, M. R. (2009a). Leadership and organizational strategy. The Innovation Journal: The Public Sector Innovation Journal, 14(1), 1–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fairholm, M. R. (2009b). Leadership and organizational strategy. The Innovation Journal: The Public Sector Innovation Journal, 14(9), 1–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Finnveden, G., Newman, J., & Verhoe, L. (2019). Sustainable development and higher education: Acting with a purpose. Sustainability, 11, 3831. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11143831.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fragueiro, F., & Thomas, H. (2011). Strategic leadership in the business school: Keeping one step ahead. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • García-Feijoo, M., Eizaguirre, A., & Rica-Aspiunza, A. (2020). Systematic review of sustainable-development-goal deployment in business schools. Sustainability, 12(1), 440. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010440.

  • Kitchenham, B., Brereton, O., Budgen, D., Turner, M., Bailey, J., & Linkman, S. (2009). Systemati literature reviews in software engineering—A systematic literature review. Information and software technology. Empirical Software Engineering, 51(1), 7–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, M., Yun, J. J., Pyka, A., Won, D., Kodama, F., & Schiuma, G. (2018). How to respond to the fourth industrial revolution, or the second information technology revolution? Dynamic new combinations between technology, market, and society through open innovation. Journal of Open Innovation, 4(3), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc4030021.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mahdia, O. R., & Almsafir, M. K. (2014). The role of strategic leadership in building sustainable competitive advantage in the academic environment. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 129, 289–296.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Masisi, M. E. K. (2018). Inauguration address by Mokgweetsi Masisi, the fifth president of Botswana on Sunday April 1, 2018. Gaborone: Office of the President, Republic of Botswana.

    Google Scholar 

  • Masokola, A. (2015, February 23). UB, BIUST rivalry revealed. Weekend Post.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mazzarol, T., & Soutar, G. (1999). Sustainable competitive advantage for educational institutions: A suggested model. International Journal of Educational Management, 13(6), 287–300.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mensah, J. (2019). Sustainable development: Meaning, history, principles, pillars, and implications for human action: Literature review. Cogent Social Sciences, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2019.1653531.

  • Mogomotsi, P. K., Hambira, W. L., & Mogomotsi, G. E. J. (2018). Paris agreement on climate change and Botswana’s vision 2036: An examination of linkages. Chinese Journal of Population Resources and Environment, 16(1), 59–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mokgwathi, G. M. (1992). Financing higher education in Botswana. Higher Education, 23(4), 425–431.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morton, S., Pencheon, D., & Squire, N. (2017). Sustainable development goals (SDGs), and their implementation: A national global framework for health, development and equity needs a systems approach at every level. British Medical Bulletin, 124(1), 81–90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mouwen, K. (2000). Strategy, structure and culture of the hybrid university: Towards the university of the 21st century. Tertiary Education and Management, 6, 47–56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mouwen, K. (2002). Strategy, structure and culture of the hybrid university: Towards the university of the 21st century. Tertiary Education and Management, 6(1), 47–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, J., Elliott, S. N., Goldring, E., & Porter, A. C. (2006). Learning-centered leadership: A conceptual foundation. Nashville: Learning Sciences Institute, Vanderbilt University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Obasi, I. N. (2015). New private universities in Nigeria. International Higher Education, 45, 14–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oyetunji, C. O. (2006). The relationship between leadership style and school climate in Botswana secondary schools. Pretoria: University of South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Panda, S., Pandey, S., Bennett, A., & Tian, X. (2019). University brand image as competitive advantage: A two-country study. International Journal of Educational Management, 33(2), 234–251.

    Google Scholar 

  • Penpase, B. (2018). The fourth industrial revolution and higher education. In N. Gleason (Ed.), Higher education in the era of the fourth industrial revolution (pp. 207–229). Singapore: Palgrave Macillian.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Presidential Task Team. (2016). Vision 2036: Achieving prosperity for all. Gaborone: Lentswe La Lesedi Pty (Ltd).

    Google Scholar 

  • Purcell, W., Henriksen, H., & Spengler, J. (2019). Universities as the engine of transformational sustainability toward delivering the sustainable development goals: “Living labs” for sustainability. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 20, 1343–1357.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rutkauskas, A. (2008). On the sustainability of regional competitiveness development considering risk. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 14(1), 89–99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sataøen, H. L. (2015). Higher education as object for corporate and nation branding: Between equality and flagships. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 37(6), 702–717.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schäfer, M. (2018). The fourth industrial revolution: How the EU can lead it. European View, 17(1), 5–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Serdyukov, P. (2017). Innovation in education: What works, what doesn’t, and what to do about it? Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, 10(1), 4–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sigalas, C., & Economou, V. (2013). Revisiting the cocept of competitive advantage: Problems and fallacies arising from its conceptualization. Journal of Strategy and Management, 1, 61–80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, B., Montagno, R., & Kuzmenko, T. (2004). Transformational and servant leadership: Content and contextual comparisons. Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies, 10(4), 80–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stamm, I. P., Hirvilammi, T., Matthies, A., & Närhi, K. (2017). Eco-social innovations as part of social and solidarity economy: Local models for a sustainable development. RISUS – Journal on Innovation and Sustainability, 8(4), 200–218.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stensake, B. (2007). The relationship between branding and organisational change. Higher Education Management and Policy, 19(1), 1–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Teferra, D. (2015). Funding higher education in Africa: State trends and perspectives. Journal of Higher Education in Africa, 11(1 & 2), 19–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • The Telegraph Editorial. (2016, November 2). A coherent plan needed to save the University of Botswana from predatory pretenders. The Telegraph, p. 8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thobega, M. (2010). Enhancing quality of tertiary education through programme accreditation: A case of Botswana. Procedia- Social and Behavorial Sciences, 2(2), 2637–2641.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tosi, H. L.-M. (2000). How much does performance matter? A meta-analysis of CEO pay studies. Journal of Management, 26(1), 301–339.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tucker, B. A., & Russell, R. F. (2004). The influence of the transformational leader. Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies, 10(4), 103–111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 agenda for sustainable development, United Nations General Assembly Session 70. New York: United Nations.

    Google Scholar 

  • University of Botswana. (2017). University of Botswana annual 2016/17. Gaborone: University of Botswana.

    Google Scholar 

  • University of Botswana. (2019). Decisions of council at its 221st meeting held on the 18th October 2018. Gaborone: University of Botswana.

    Google Scholar 

  • University of Botswana. (2020, January 10). About UB: University of Botswana. Retrieved January 2020, 10, from Universisity of Botswana: https://www.ub.bw/about-ub

  • Utama, Y. J., Ambariyanto, A., Zainuri, M., Darsono, D., Setyono, B., Widowati, & Putro, S. P. (2018). Sustainable development goals as the basis of university management towards global competitiveness. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1035, 1035. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1025/1/012094.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Viljoen, J. P., & Rothmann, S. (2002). Transformation in a tertiary education institution: A case study. Management Dynamics, 11(2), 2–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yukl, G. (2010). Leadership in organizations (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Mogomotsi, G.E.J., Mogomotsi, P.K., Norris, D. (2020). Positioning the University of Botswana Towards Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In: Keitumetse, S.O., Hens, L., Norris, D. (eds) Sustainability in Developing Countries. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48351-7_14

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48351-7_14

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-48350-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-48351-7

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics