The management of higher education institutions

Recent changes in the management of Polish higher education institutions have been initiated by educational system reform by the Government; these introduce innovation in all aspects of practical education: from financing principles to creating new directions of management, as well as employment and reward systems for academic teachers. The reform aims to modify the existing system of managing higher education institutions forced by changing economic conditions. The management of higher education institutions comprises various undertakings, operations and related activities that target the proper functioning of these institutions. Four basic functions of management should be distinguished: planning, organising, motivating and controlling. Proper management in educational institutions is an extremely important element of their development strategy. Entities offering such educational services must respond to the market just like production, commercial or business enterprises, or any other financially oriented institution. Higher education institutions are statutory organisations of a non-profit character. A university needs to select activities that enable the proper functioning of the institution and its further development. Executing such aims requires adequate management methods.