The Role of Academic Leaders in Leading and Managing Curriculum Change and Innovation in Two Foreign Branch Campus Universities in Sarawak

Peranan Pemimpin Akademik dalam Memimpin dan Mengurus Perubahan dan Inovasi Kurikulum di Dua Universiti Kampus Cawangan Luar Negara di Sarawak

Abstract

This is a comparative study to investigate the role of academic leaders in leading and managing curriculum change and innovation in two foreign branch campus universities (FBCUs) in Sarawak. To facilitate the investigation of this study, two research objectives act as the guideline: (1) To identify the approach used by academic leaders in managing curriculum change and innovation in two FBCUs during the Covid-19 pandemic and post-pandemic, and (2) To compare the role of academic leaders in managing curriculum change and innovation between two FBCUs during Covid-19 pandemic and post-pandemic. The qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with two academic leaders from two higher education providers (HEPs) were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study were consistent between the two HEPs and with past studies noting that curriculum change and innovation should be in a structured and proper manner. The conclusion was drawn and recommendations were provided for future practices and adoption by HEPs, as well as for future research.