Analysis of the progress of lifelong learning strategies of Portuguese Economics and Management Schools

A Work Project, presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Masters Degree in Management from the NOVA – School of Business and Economics

Lifelong learning (LLL) is becoming increasingly relevant to today’s society, not only to individuals, but also to higher education institutions (HEIs). This is due to the fact that external forces such as globalization and technological change are pressuring individuals to constantly update their knowledge, and HEIs, to respond to societal and market demands. To engage in LLL strategizing HEIs have to overcome some barriers while at the same time assure the response to labor market and students’ needs. Therefore, more and more HEIs have to engage in strategy making in a way more similar to the one of business world. Portuguese HEIs are facing even greater external forces’ pressure due to the economic crisis the country is going through, which has implied state funding cuts but also low available income to families. The main aim of this master thesis was to study empirically the LLL strategy content and process of Portuguese economics and business schools and departments. This was assessed through semi-structured interviews performed to the schools. Further, there was the aim to understand the perspective over LLL of potential students as it affects the LLL strategy making, and, so, would be valuable in the provision of recommendations to the schools. This was assessed through a survey. The study allowed the conclusion that there is an increasing market-orientation from the schools, and a stakeholder-orientation, with increasing relevance given to corporate partners, Alumni and students’ opinion.