The University System and the Issue of Performance: What Perceptions of Stakeholders? Case of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this article is to understand the perception of stakeholders of university performance, its determinants, actors and influencing factors.   Theoretical Framework: The literature review shed light on the current state of the Moroccan university, namely its issues and challenges, while emphasizing the concept of performance in the complex university environment.   Design/Methodology/Approach: In the course of this research, we mobilized a qualitative approach based on a single case study, namely the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University in the city of Fez.   Findings: The analysis of stakeholders' perceptions and expectations revealed the existence of several factors influencing the university's performance: the quality of the internal environment and its ability to guarantee the quality of training, the integration of graduates into the job market, scientific production, the search for funding through contracts, research projects, motivation of researchers through the reimbursement of publication costs for their scientific research in indexed journals, and good governance. Taken together, these factors are the main determinants of Moroccan university performance.   Research, Practical & Social Implications: The results of our research will be used by neighboring universities to improve their performance. It's not just a question of looking at financial indicators such as the commitment rate to judge whether the university is efficient. We need to go beyond this dimension to touch on others, because as long as its missions and stakeholders are plural, achieving performance remains utopian in terms of its dimensions.   Originality/Value: The article's originality lies in its treatment of the notion of performance in a rather complicated environment characterized by the proliferation of its stakeholders, making it difficult to assess in comparison with other establishments. This paper will be of great added value to universities that want to make performance one of their elementary objectives by referring first and foremost to the various factors that help generate university performance.