Strategic Challenges in the Development of Teaching and Learning in Research-Intensive Universities

The chapter provides an introduction to the current challenges facing many research-intensive universities throughout the world. It is argued that issues related to teaching and learning are becoming more important as a way to improve competitiveness and an institution’s profile in a more globalised higher education sector. However, fostering change in research-intensive universities is often dependent on careful design addressing the normative, practical and organisational factors that may prevent institutional transformation. In the conclusion, it is emphasized that initiatives that aim at cultural transformation may be a fruitful way forward for institutions trying to enhance their teaching and learning in a more systematic way.