SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT FOR ONLINE PLATFORMS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the practices and challenges in sustainable strategic management in higher education on online platforms. Theoretical framework: Higher education through online platforms has become one of the crucial challenges of the twenty-first century with digital transformation in a digital era and the Covid-19 pandemic. For better implementation of online platforms for online higher education, universities created Sustainable Strategic Management (SSM) practices and adopted strategic planning accordingly. Design: The qualitative research is designed per the research objectives and questions. Thematic analysis is used to analyse collected data through interviews. Findings: The study finds that SSM practices are blended with SDGs to offer the best higher education for students. Furthermore, strategic management of these platforms is challenging even though they are collaborative and assertive tools for higher education. Understanding the needs and expectations of the stakeholders and implementing strategies for the effective operation of the online platform is the need of the hour. Research, Practical and Social implications: After analysing practices and challenges, the researcher recommends strategies and compilation with sustainability concepts for effective SSMs for online platforms in higher education. Originality/value: This study highlights that to derive SSM, higher education institutes must blend SDGs with strategic planning. Further, it reiterates that all steps for quality higher education through online platforms will contribute to sustainable economic growth in the country.