Strategic Planning for Metropolitan and Regionally Focused Accounting Programs

• In Event: Accounting Leadership/Accounting History/Auditing

Abstract

All academic institutions and programs face challenges in a higher-education environment that is confronted by overcapacity and increased competition, rising costs, a declining population of prospective traditional students, and a difficult job market for graduates. Educational institutions and individual academic units must respond to the new “higher education reality” to remain competitive, relevant, and viable. This article identifies some unique strategic advantages for metropolitan and regionally-focused (MRF) accounting programs. Programs can use these strategic advantages to improve, for example, student recruiting, the education provided to students, placement of program graduates, fundraising, and faculty development. Input from participants at American Accounting Association meetings is presented and discussed. This feedback provides some specific suggestions for what MRF accounting programs can do to capitalize on their distinct strategic advantages.

Authors

• Alan Reinstein, Wayne State University

• James E Rebele, Robert Morris University, Pittsburg

• Mark Higgins, University of Rhode Island