Date
12-16-2025
Department
Graduate School of Business
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Chair
John T Farlik
Keywords
Project Prioritization, Higher Education Institutions, Challenges in Resource Allocation, Project Managers, Project Portfolio Management, Competitive Business Environment, Organizational Management
Disciplines
Business
Recommended Citation
Vidal, Maura, "Structured Project Prioritization Process in Higher Education Institutions" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7861.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7861
Abstract
This qualitative study explored structured project prioritization processes within higher education institutions in California to address challenges in resource allocation and alignment with strategic objectives. Guided by general systems theory and a pragmatic research paradigm, the study used a flexible research design with case studies and semi-structured interviews involving project managers, portfolio project managers, and administrators. Thematic analysis revealed three key findings: institutions faced significant challenges in prioritizing projects due to competing stakeholder interests, limited resources, and unstructured decision-making; those using structured prioritization methods, such as multi-criteria decision tools and portfolio reviews, achieved better alignment with strategic goals and reduced resource dispersion; and the absence of structured processes led to inefficiencies, duplication of efforts, and missed opportunities. This study contributes to the literature by identifying best practices and offering recommendations for developing structured project prioritization frameworks tailored to higher education. The findings underscore the importance of transparent criteria, collaborative decision-making, and continuous improvement strategies to enhance institutional effectiveness and resource utilization.
